As three-time defending state champion Cocoa, state runner up Havana Gadsden County (who are under investigation at press time) and Sarasota Cardinal Mooney are heavy favorites to reach the 2A state title game at Pitbull Stadium in Miami, there are other teams that you may want to keep an eye on.

In northern Florida, programs such as longtime power Jacksonville Bolles, Starke Bradford County and Newberry have a chance to be special this coming season.

It’s south Florida where these is not a clear-cut favorite that all eyes will be on all season.

With Coach Tim “Ice” Harris leaving longtime power Miami Booker T. Washington, the Tornadoes are in the rebuilding process. Miami Carol City is still looking to come back after a strong off-season. But there is one program that many could be overlooking.

For veteran head coach Matt Dubuc and his Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons Chiefs, it wasn’t that long ago that this program was a state power – winning three titles and producing elite talent.

With some key losses before the 2024 season, this team did make the playoffs only to lose to Booker T. Washington and ended the year.

As the season is set to begin, Cardinal Gibbons is back on track with some quality talent that returns along with new faces that has given this team a new look.

One of the better coached programs in south Florida, you must figure that this is a program that could have a breakthrough season and return to the elite teams in the state.

2025 SCHEDULE

8/21 - Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy

8/29 - @Hollywood South Broward

9/5 - @Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons

9/11 - @Pembroke Pines West Broward

9/20 - @Coconut Creek

10/3 – Hallandale

10/10 – Deerfield Beach

10/16 –@Boca Raton

10/24 – Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna

10/31 - Miramar

Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian. Coming off a 7-4 season, veteran head coach Kirk Hoza and the Eagles will be young, setting the table for the future. This is a program that is always in the state playoff mix.

2025 SCHEDULE

8/22 – Miami Belen Jesuit

8/28 - @Fort Lauderdale University School

9/5 – Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons

9/12 – North Lauderdale Somerset Prep
9/18 - @North Miami

10/3 – Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace

10/9 - @Coconut Creek North Broward Prep

10/17 - @Boca Raton St. Andrew’s Academy

10/24 – Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy

Miami Booker T. Washington. One of the programs that continues to be in the mix every year may have a bit of a drop off this season – with new head coach Dorean James taking over for legendary “Ice” Harris. The numbers are good, but the team is young and the schedule is quite challenging.

2025 SCHEDULE

8/22 – Homestead South Dade

8/29 - @Miami Palmetto

9/5 – Miami Central

9/11 - @Miami Immaculata LaSalle

9/19 – Lakeland

9/25 - @Miami Springs

10/3 - @Vero Beach

10/9 – Homestead

10/17 – GMAC Week

10/23 – Miami Ransom Everglades

Miami Carol City. The Chiefs continue to turn the corner after advancing to the state playoffs last season under head coach George Stubbs Sr. While they are coming off a quality off season, there are still some young prospects who will be needed.

2025 SCHEDULE

8/21 – Hialeah

8/28 – Miami Norland

9/4 - @Miami Northwestern

9/11 – Westland Hialeah

9/26 - @Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace

10/2 – South Miami

10/10 - @North Miami Beach

10/17 – GMAC WEEK

10/30 - @Miami Central

Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace. If there is a team flying under the radar it could be head coach Anthony Walker Sr. and the Spartans, who are coming off a state playoff year and enjoyed a productive off season.

2025 SCHEDULE

8/29 – Miami Gulliver Prep

9/6 - @Miami True North Classical Academy

9/12 – Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy

9/18 - @Miami Edison

9/26 – Miami Carol City

10/3 - @Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian

10/10 – Westland Hialeah

10/17 - @Sarasota Cardinal Mooney

10/24 – North Miami Beach

10/31 – Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman

Miami Immaculata LaSalle. Coming off an impressive 11-2 record, head coach Helder Valle and the Royal Lions will need to replace some key players if they are to repeat last year’s outstanding season. They have the talent for another run and appear to be the favorite in district play.

2025 SCHEDULE

8/22 – Miami High

8/29 - @Miami Jackson

9/5 - @Miami Belen Jesuit

9/11 – Miami Booker T. Washington

9/26 - @Miami Ransom Everglades

10/3 - @Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy

10/10 – Miami Springs

10/17 – Miami St. Brendan

10/24 – Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy

10/31 - @Miami Dr. Krop

North Miami Beach. Finishing 4-8 a year ago, playing a challenging schedule, veteran head coach Jeff Bertani and the Chargers will once again look to make the playoffs this coming season with a mix of youth and veteran players.

2025 SCHEDULE

8/22 - @Tampa Carrollwood Day

8/30 - @North Miami

9/12 - @Punta Gorda Charlotte

9/20 - @Hialeah American

10/3 - @Lake Mary

10/10 – Miami Carol City

10/17 – GMAC Week

10/24 - @Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace

10/30 -Naples St. John Neumann

@ At the writing of this story, not all schedules were complete.

MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/

MIAMI-DADE, BROWARD TRANSFERS? WE HAVE THEM FOR YOU. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-off-to-a-huge-start-in-miami-dade-broward

For the past 55 years, we have spent more 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 (@PrepRedzoneFL). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

You can sugarcoat Class 3A all you want in the state of Florida and try to make a case for all these teams, but at the end of the day, it’s a two-team race.

Jacksonville Raines learned that Duval is NOT Miami-Dade and will never be – as long as defending state champion Miami Northwestern and Miami Central are around and have the chance to bring in the talent that they do every year.

Who else do you want to throw at these two that they would be at least three to four touchdowns better than? Eau Gallie, Orlando Bishop Moore, Dunnellon, Titusville, Jacksonville Bishop Kenny?

Certainly not the four teams that the Bulls made look like youth teams – like Naples Barron Collie (69-0), Naples Lely (64-12), Fort Myers Cypress Lake (48-0) and Eau Gallie (40-0) before shutting out unbeaten Raines, 41-0!

Tough to imagine ANY public school in the country with more major college talent than Northwestern. You have no idea how loaded this program is. Not even up for discussion. Other than Central, the Bulls’ road to state may be the easiest in any classification.

2025 SCHEDULE

8/23 – Orange Lutheran, California

8/29 – Venice

9/4 – Miami Carol City

9/12 – Miami Norland

9/19 - @Miami Christopher Columbus

9/26 - @Miami Jackson

10/4 - @Miami Central

10/11 – Key West

10/17 – GMAC WEEK

10/24 - @Miami St. Brendan

Do not feel sorry for the Miami Central Rockets. They may have been the best team in Florida on the field last year, but having to forfeit the season was something that truly stung a really gifted group. New head coach and several new faces will not cloud the overall objective of knocking off the Bulls like they did last year. Taking them lightly would be a major mistake!

2025 SCHEDULE

8/23 - @Jacksonville Raines

8/28 - @Miami Edison

9/5 - @Miami Booker T. Washington

9/12 – Pompano Beach

9/19 - @Plantation American Heritage

10/4 – Miami Northwestern

10/10 - @Fort Lauderdale Stranahan

10/17 – GMAC Week

10/24 – Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy

10/30 – Miami Carol City

Key West. The Conchs did make the post season, but dropped their opening game in the state playoffs at home to a Fort Myers Cypress Lake team they were heavily favored over. They did finish 8-4 and return several players, but Northwestern looms as major obstacle on the road.

2025 SCHEDULE

8/22 - Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman

8/29 – Bradenton IMG Junior National Team

9/5 – Boynton Beach Somerset Canyons

9/12 – Miami Belen Jesuit

9/19 - @Miami Gulliver Prep

9/26 – Miami St. Brendan

10/11 - @Miami Northwestern

10/17 – Lehigh

10/24 – Miami Jackson

Miami St. Brendan. After a 3-1 start last season, this team watched the year fall apart, finishing 4-6 and out of the state playoffs. There is some talent coming back, but the objective is to play in the post season and that will be a challenge once again.

2025 SCHEDULE

8/22 – Miami Dr. Krop

8/28 – Miami Beach

9/4 – Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy

9/12 - @Community School of Naples

9/19 - @Miami Jackson

9/26 - @Key West

10/10 – Fort Lauderdale University School

10/17 - @Miami Immaculata LaSalle

10/24 – Miami Northwestern

10/31 - @Miami Gulliver Prep

@ At the writing of this story, not all schedules were complete.

MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/

MIAMI-DADE, BROWARD TRANSFERS? WE HAVE THEM FOR YOU. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-off-to-a-huge-start-in-miami-dade-broward

For the past 55 years, we have spent more 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 (@PrepRedzoneFL). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

MIAMI – Just days away from the start of summer practice and preparation for the 2025 high school football season, nearly 100 prospects headed to Ives Park for the final event of the off-season.

Fresh off two 7-on-7 events, an 8^th grade all-star game and the Miami-Dade vs. Broward High School All-Star Game, the inaugural Crib Classic Combine took place, and over four hours, student/athletes (2026-2029) tested, learned and competed with some quality coaches on hand.

With verified times and measurables by SumerSports, the event included the 40-yard dash, Broad Jump, L-Drills, Vertical Jump, Pro Agility and Athletic Profiling that colleges and universities use as a measure of overall athleticism.

With sponsors such as PRIME and Battle Sports, the athletes had the chance to compete in One-On-Ones, which is always the highlight of any combine.

In addition to the testing and competition, the Crib Classic Combine featured some big-name instructors that taught and helped the prospects learn some new things.

Among those making this event special will be former NFL standout Sheldrick Redwine (Defensive Backs), Frankie Telfort (Linebackers), Kemore Gamble (Tight Ends), Tobias Moss (Defensive Backs), Coach P (Linebackers), Cam Harris (Running Backs), Tommy Shuler and Sly Johnson (Receivers), and nationally recognized Tony Ballard (Quarterbacks).

When the day came to an end, automatic Miami-Dade/Broward Game invites were handed out to Darryl "Tre" Bell III (Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman), Brandon Kinsey (Miami Central), Morris Choice III (Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Santana Carlos (Pembroke Pines Flanagan), Jeffar Jean-Noel (Coi), (Plantation American Heritage) and Damani Down (Miami Norland).

Among the MVP Awards handed out for test included Ajavion Willis – Fastest Man (Miami Christopher Columbus), Wynton Jones – L-Drill (Miami Palmetto), Desmond Christian Jr. (Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna) – Vertical & Broad Jump and Miami Gulliver Prep’s Luc Carroll (Shuttle).

MVP AWARDS WERE HANDED OUT

While Kinsey was invited to the all-star game, he was also top offensive player and Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas standout Zayden Gamble took home top defensive prospect.

Miami True North Classical Academy 2027 quarterback Zac Katz was also an MVP.

“This really put a cap on a great month for the Crib Classic with two 7-on-7 events and this combine,” said Michael and Anthony Yero from Media Sponsor 305Sportss. “This event certainly attracted a lot of talent right before the start of summer camp.”

OTHERS SHINED ON SATURDAY

At every event in south Florida there are always going to be some quality talent that steps up. On Saturday, prospects such as Semajay Robinson (CB, 2027, Wellington Palm Beach Central), Jeffrey O’Neal Jr., Plantation (DB/WR, 2029), K.J. Belamour Jr., Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman (Athlete, 2028), Zamari Marquez, Fort Lauderdale Dillard (S, 2026).

MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/

MIAMI-DADE, BROWARD TRANSFERS? WE HAVE THEM FOR YOU. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-off-to-a-huge-start-in-miami-dade-broward

For the past 55 years, we have spent more 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 (@PrepRedzoneFL). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/

MIAMI-DADE, BROWARD TRANSFERS? WE HAVE THEM FOR YOU. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-off-to-a-huge-start-in-miami-dade-broward

For the past 55 years, we have spent more 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 (@PrepRedzoneFL). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

On the heels of the Crib Classic 7-on-7 events where Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna and Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace took home the titles and cash prizes, Saturday will be yet another event that will be held.

The first ever invite-only combine will bring in some of the top underclass talent from south Florida at Ives Park (20901 N.E. 16^th Avenue, Miami 33179) – starting at 9:30.

Over 150 athletes will get verified times and measurables by SumerSports. Testing will include the 40-yard dish, Broad Jump, L-Drills, Vertical Jump, Pro Agility and Athletic Profiling that colleges and universities use as a measure of overall athleticism.

With sponsors such as PRIME and Battle Sports, the athletes will have the chance to compete in One-On-Ones, which is always the highlight of any combine.

TOP-FLIGHT COACHES WILL PROVIDE INSTRUCTION

In addition to the testing and competition, the Crib Classic Combine will have some big-name instructors that will have the chance to teach and help the prospects learn some new things.

Among those making this event special will be former NFL standout Sheldrick Redwine (Defensive Backs), Frankie Telfort (Linebackers), Tony Gaiter (Receivers), Kemore Gamble (Tight Ends), Tobias Moss (Defensive Backs), Coach P (Linebackers), Cam Harris (Running Backs), Sly Johnson (Receivers), and Tony Ballard (Quarterbacks).

In addition to 305 Sportss, Battle Sports and SumerSports other key sponsors include Caribbean Market and Old Bull Athletics.

TIME TABLE

• 8:00 – 9:30 AM

Registration, Check-In & Biometrics (Group Assignments)

• 9:30 – 9:45 AM

Opening Remarks & Group Stretch

• 9:45 – 9:50 AM

Event Instructions (Station Overview + Expectations)

• 9:50 – 9:59 AM

Groups Walk to Starting Stations

• 10:00 – 1:00 PM

Combine Testing (5 Events, 5 Groups, 36-Minute Rotations)

• 1:00 – 1:30 PM

Lunch (Food Service + Recovery)

• 1:30 – 2:00 PM

Position-Specific Drills

• 2:00 – 2:30 PM

Timing and Spacing (Routes On Air)

• 2:30 – 3:30 PM

1-on-1s (WR vs DB, RB vs LB, etc.)

• 3:45 – 4:00 PM

Awards Ceremony & Closing Remark

PLENTY OF TALENT WILL BE ON HAND

When this event was born, it was designed to attract some of the best football talent that we have here in south Florida.

Prospects that are being heavily recruited by some of the top colleges and universities in the nation.

Here are a few of the prospects headed to the event:

QUARTERBACKS

CLASS OF 2026

Brandon Mincy, Pembroke Pines West Broward

CLASS OF 2027

Zac Katz, Miami True North Classical Academy

James Perrone, Miami Southridge

CLASS OF 2029

Malik Leonard, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna

RECEIVERS

CLASS OF 2026

Luc Carroll, Miami Gulliver Prep

Mark Hanniford, Delray Beach Atlantic

King Walker, Miami Central

CLASS OF 2027

Kaden Howard, Miami Palmetto

CLASS OF 2028

Justin Barrera Jr., Delray Beach Atlantic

Tromon Isaac Jr., Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna

Aden Johnson, Pembroke Pines West Broward

Tyler Kelly, Plantation

Jason Rolle, Miami True North Classical Academy

Mykel Wade, Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace

RUNNING BACKS

CLASS OF 2026

Andre Bailey, Miami Palmetto

Anthony Carey, Fort Lauderdale Dillard

Morris Choice III, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas

Tarvail Mathis Jr., Miami Northwestern

CLASS OF 2027

Jahnard Young, Sunrise Piper

CLASS OF 2028

K.J. Belamour Jr., Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman

CORNERBACKS

CLASS OF 2026

Kenneth Brown, Deerfield Beach

Jahmani Chin-Suer, Sunrise Piper

Alex Gammage, Sunrise Piper

CLASS OF 2027

Zayden Gamble, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas

Tavares Ward, Miami Central

CLASS OF 2028

A’Mir Sears, Pembroke Pines West Broward

CLASS OF 2029

Jeffrey O’Neal Jr., Plantation

SAFETIES

CLASS OF 2026

Darryl "Tre" Bell III, Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman

Khamari Marceus, Miami Christopher Columbus

Zamari Marquez, Fort Lauderdale Dillard

CLASS OF 2027

Izaiah Lopez, Pembroke Pines West Broward

LINEBACKERS

CLASS OF 2026

Jordan Campbell, Miami Northwestern

Tyrel Snelling, Miami Booker T. Washington

CLASS OF 2027

Jayden Gummer, Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace

Jaytoin Thomas, Sunrise Piper

CLASS OF 2028

Zakhari Johnson, Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace

MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/

MIAMI-DADE, BROWARD TRANSFERS? WE HAVE THEM FOR YOU. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-off-to-a-huge-start-in-miami-dade-broward

For the past 55 years, we have spent more 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 (@PrepRedzoneFL). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/

MIAMI-DADE, BROWARD TRANSFERS? WE HAVE THEM FOR YOU. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-off-to-a-huge-start-in-miami-dade-broward

For the past 55 years, we have spent more 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 (@PrepRedzoneFL). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..