South Florida high school football fans will be treated to quite an opening Friday night.
As the 2021 season is now under way, the first Friday will shine the spotlight on several different areas in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.
Perhaps the premier game tonight (7:00) will see 3A powerhouse Chaminade-Madonna travel to Davie and a matchup with 8A power Western.
This is a game that certainly highlights a Friday where many top-rated teams will be in action.
Head Coach Dameon Jones and his Lions have made five straight trips to the 3A finals – and have talent to make another solid run. In fact, this team is an overwhelming favorite to not only compete for a state title, but win a fourth in five years.
10 LIONS TO WATCH
2024 - Cedric Bailey (QB, 6-4, 190)
2022 - Brian Dilworth (DB, 6-0, 185 – 2.7 GPA)
2023 - Deandre Duffus (6-5, 300 – 3.4 GPA)
2024 - Davion Gause (RB, 5-11, 210 – 2.7 GPA
2022 - Jordan Graham (OL, 6-3, 280)
2023 - Elvin Harris (6-6, 290)
2022 - Kenyatta Jackson Jr. (6-4, 240 – 2.8 GPA)
2022 - Jamaal Johnson (DE, 6-2, 250 – 2.7 GPA)
2024 - Zaquan Patterson (DB, 6-1, 200 – 2.8 GPA)
2022 - Ryan Turner (DB, 6-0, 180 – 2.8 GPA)
As for head coach Adam Ratkevich and his Wildcats are for real – and over the past few seasons, this a program that has been setting the table for the future.
Very much in the 8A playoff picture, a win over a nationally-rated opponent like Chaminade-Madonna would be huge.
10 WILDCATS TO WATCH
2024 – Justin Bodford (DL, 6-1, 300)
2022 – Websley Etienne (S, 6-0, 180)
2022 – Simeon Hines (CB, 5-11, 175)
2024 – Kristian Hobb (PK, 6-0, 190)
2023 – Collin Hurst (QB, 5-11, 165)
2022 – A.J. Johnson (WR, 6-3, 190)
2022 – Jullian Lewis (WR, 6-2, 195)
2022 - Kalun-J Matthew (DL, 6-1, 280)
2022 – Derrick Walker (OL, 6-3, 295)
2022 – Nicholas Watson (DE/TE, 6-4, 220)
MARQUEE GAMES HIGHLIGHT OPENING FRIDAY’
In addition to the huge game in Davie, there are three other games, pitting Top 20 south Florida teams.
No. 10 Palmetto at No. 14 Homestead. This is a true test for both programs – both have playoff aspirations and plenty of talent that every college is watching. A big opener for the Panthers and head coach Mike Manasco and head coach Phillip Simpson and the Broncos.
No. 12 Champagnat Catholic at No. 8 Miami Northwestern (Traz Powell Stadium), 7:30. While this 2A vs. 6A matchup would normally not be a game that many would be watching, these are two extremely well coached and talented football teams. The two-time defending state champion Lions, coached by Hector Clavijo, and head coach Max Edwards and the Bulls should provide plenty of excitement.
No. 15 Edison at No. 7 Deerfield Beach. Another game that will bring together a pair of state-rated programs. Head Coach Luther Campbell and the Red Raiders are one of the top 3A schools – while the Bucks are a favorite in 8A – with head coach Jevon Glenn leading a team that will be tested in the first two weeks of the season.
OTHER GAMES TONIGHT
Calvary Christian at Pine Crest
No. 6 Christopher Columbus at Benedictine, Georgia
Coconut Creek at Piper
Cooper City at Douglas
No. 13 Dillard at Boyd Anderson
Everglades at Flanagan
Everglades Prep at Westminster Christian
Gulliver Prep at Bradenton Manatee
Jackson at Dr. Krop
No. 16 Killian at Miramar
LaSalle at Coral Springs Charter
Miami Springs at Hialeah
North Broward Prep at Somerset Academy Pembroke Pines
South Dade at Doral Academy
South Plantation at Cypress Bay
Taravella at Stranahan
Westminster Academy at Glades Day
OPENING NIGHT FLORIDA SCOREBOARD
TRACKING POSITIONS: Keeping An Eye On The Football Talent In Miami-Dade & Broward Counties Year Round. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects
For the past 51 years, we have spent plenty of time on football fields than anyone in the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we get to as many events as possible to see the athletes LIVE. Follow us on Facebook (Larry Blustein) Instagram (@OurBoyBlu) and Twitter (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
When the 2021 season kicks it off tonight (7:00) at Traz Powell Stadium in Miami, questions will be answered.
Miami Booker T. Washington, a longtime 4A power will take on 6A Miami Norland – loaded with talent, but falling short in the past.
With dozens and dozens of camps, combines and 7-on-7 events – as well as practices and scrimmages, we have the pleasure of watching just about every prospect in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties over the course of a year.
Because we are NOT consumed with the high star rated players, it gives us the opportunity to see schools and prospects that many just do not have the time for – or the desire to see.
As we bring you the first south Florida Top 20 football teams, keep in mind that every week, things will change.
Because you don’t start the season in the top 20 – do not get crazy – everything plays out – as you will see in the first few weeks.
We have all waited for the football season to arrive – and with so many covid and pandemic restrictions over the past year, it was great to see the football programs in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties finally get on that playing field.
What this past week revealed was there were many things we got right – and of course several things that went wrong.