Last year, it came on the final play of the game when Pembroke Pines West Broward upset Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons tp pave the way for yet another district title and 9-4 finish.

This evening (7:00) the two programs get together one more time as the scene shifts to Bayview Drive on the east side of Broward County as the No. 16 Bobcats (1-2), who have started the season with two major opponents, will play the 1-1 No. 15 Chiefs.

While West Broward and head coach Brian McCartney is Class 6A and has a long road to climb – with programs such as Miami Southridge, Coconut Creek Monarch and defending state champion West Boca Raton looming large, veteran head coach Matt Dubuc and his Cardinal Gibbons football program was picked as one of the top 2A teams in south Florida.

This is a game that will certainly set the tone for the fourth week of the season.

WEST BROWARD BOBCATS

Corner Canyon, Utah, L 38-13

Camden County, Georgia, L 32-13

Plantation, W 31-6

9/11 - @Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons

9/19 - @Pembroke Pines Flanagan

9/26 – Miramar Everglades

10/10 - @Miami Beach

10/16 – Miramar

10/23 – Miami Dr. Krop

10/30 - @Davie Western

CARDINAL GIBBONS CHIEFS

Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy, L 42-35

Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, W 33-6

9/11 – Pembroke Pines West Broward

9/20 - @Coconut Creek

9/25 - @Hollywood South Broward

10/3 – Hallandale

10/10 - @Deerfield Beach

10/16 - @Boca Raton

10/24 – Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna

10/31 – Miramar

OTHER GAMES ON THIS THURSDAY

In addition to West Broward and Cardinal Gibbons, there are some other matchups to keep an eye on today:
No. 4 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna vs. Miami Edison (Traz), 3:30

Miami Booker T. Washington at Miami Immaculata LaSalle, 7

Miami Coral Park at Hialeah-Miami Lakes, 3:30

Miami Gulliver Prep at North Palm Beach Benjamin, 6

Miami High vs. Coral Gables (Tropical), 7

Miami Jackson at Hialeah American, 3:30

Pompano Beach vs. No. 3 Miami Central (Traz), 7

South Miami at Miami Springs, 3:30

Southwest Miami vs. Homestead (Harris), 7

Westland Hialeah vs. Miami Carol City (Betty Ferguson), 7

West Palm Beach Oxbridge Academy at Miami Archbishop Carroll, 3:30

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
Belle Glade Glades Day at Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy, 7

No. 14 Coconut Creek Monarch at Sanford Seminole, 7

Coral Springs Taravella at Miramar Everglades, 7

Davie Nova at South Plantation, 7

Davie Western at No. 1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, 7

Deerfield Beach at No. 13 Coconut Creek, 7

Delray American Heritage at Coconut Creek North Broward Prep, 6

Fort Lauderdale at Pembroke Pines Flanagan, 7

Fort Lauderdale NSU University School at Boca Raton St. Andrews, 7

Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest at Westminster Christian, 4

Fort Lauderdale Stranahan at Coral Springs Coral Glades, 7

Fort Myers Canterbury at Miami Country Day, 7

Hollywood Hills at Cooper City, 7

Hollywood McArthur at Weston Cypress Bay, 7

Hollywood South Broward at Doral Academy, 7

Homestead South Dade vs. Miami Killian (Southridge), 7:30

Miami Beach vs. Miami Dr. Krop (Ives), 7

Miami Belen Jesuit at Key West, 7

Miami BridgePrep Village Green at Miami Florida Christian, 7

Miami Coral Reef at Miami Braddock, 3:30

No. 7 Miami Norland vs. No. 2 Miami Northwestern (Traz), 7:30

Miami Palmer Trinity at Miami Ransom Everglades, 7

No. 17 Miami Palmetto vs. No. 9 Miami Christopher Columbus (Tropical), 7:30

Miami True North Classical Academy at No. 10 Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy, 7

Miami Varela at Miami Sunset, 3:30

Miramar at Hialeah No. 11 Gardens Mater Academy, 7

North Lauderdale Somerset Prep at Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian, 7

No. 12 North Miami at Pembroke Pines Charter, 6

North Miami Beach at Punta Gorda Charlotte, 7:30

Oakland Park Northeast at Hallandale, 7

Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy at Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace, 7:30

No. 6 Plantation American Heritage at New Orleans Edna Karr, Louisiana 7

No. 19 Pompano Beach Blanche Ely at Delray Beach Atlantic, 6:30

Somerset Silver Palms at Deerfield Beach Somerset Key, 7

Sunrise Piper vs. Plantation (PAL), 7

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

No. 8 Fort Lauderdale Dillard at Boyd Anderson, 7

No. 5 Miami Southridge vs. Hialeah, 7

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..

When No. 10 Archbishop McCarthy’s football program hosts Miami True North Classical Academy on Friday night in Southwest Ranches, the Mavericks will be out to win their fourth game of the season.

While being 4-0 may not sound like a lot to some programs, for first year head coach Jake Pew (who took over for his mentor Dino Mangiero) and his assistant coaches, what is happening so far this season is the direct result of what was started four years ago when this program was an independent team.

It was only last year when they played in a district for the first time. That district happened to be home to the 4A state champion Plantation American Heritage Patriots as well as the Miami Norland Vikings and the Plantation Colonels. All four teams made the state playoffs, and the Mavericks even won a state playoff game, beating Plantation, 7-0.

While many programs can say they put in the work during the off-season, Archbishop McCarthy and their coaches take it to a different level, attending several camps and 7-on-7 events as well as hosting line camps and competing against the best in south Florida and beyond.

In wins over Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, Community School of Naples and Miami St. Brendan, the results have come from both sides of the ball – showcasing a strong offense along with a stingy defense.

With a state-of-the-art indoor facility which was built this year – along with their teal playing field – this has become a program that is now attracting stellar talent much like they did when they first opened their doors.

A LOADED ROSTER

This is a team that has its share of senior leaders along with some of the top young talent in south Florida. Here is a look at some of the difference makers:

2026

Kendall Brown, WR, 6’2, 180 – 3.5 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19402855/Kendall-Brown

Kevin Campbell Jr., DL, 6’1, 275 – 3.1 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18499164/Kevin-Campbell-Jr

Julian Garcia, TE/DE, 6’3, 215 – 3.86 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18365101/Julian-Garcia

Alex Gokhale, OL/DL, 6’3, 255.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20079172/Alex-Gokhale

David Howard, DB, 5’9, 180.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18100106/David-Howard

Cole Ivey, LB, 6’0, 201.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18100130/Cole-Ivey

Robert Kerns, QB/Athlete, 6’1, 202 – 4.0 GPA. Baseball.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18100152/Robert-Kerns

2027

Samuel Boatwright, DL, 6’1, 250 – 3.6 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20815497/Samuel-Boatwright

Malik Denson, WR/Athlete, 5’10, 175.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20032119/66f835bee927c91e3379276c

Lorenzo Fernandez, P/DB, 5’11, 173.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20080641/Lorenzo-Fernandez

Damien Grant, RB, 5’7, 175 – 3.3 GP.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20312279/Damien-Grant

Ji’Koi Highsmith, DE/OLB, 6’1, 215 – 4.8 GPA. SAT 1040. PSAT 1200. PACT 23.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20357665/JiKoi-Highsmith

Maikel Suarez, Athlete, 6’2, 210.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19957971/Maikel-Suarez

Jacarri Watson, WR, 5’9, 173.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20696517/Jacarri-Watson

Ja’Kobi Williams, WR, 6’2, 182.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/21478987/Jakobi-Williams

2028

Justin Antenor, DB, 6’2, 171.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22901628/Justin-Antenor/highlights

Luke DeFaria, OL, 6’2, 255 – 3.92 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26442541/Luke-DeFaria

2029

Marcus Boynton, DL, 6'3, 295.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/25278595/Marcus-Boynton

Ethan Jones, WR, 6'3, 220.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26830003/ethan-jones

Jayllen Morgan, RB/DB, 5'9, 162.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22902062/jayllen-morgan

Kenneth Rowell, WR/DB, 5'9, 155.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26831067/Kenneth-Rowell

ARCHBISHOP MCCARTHY MAVERICKS

HEAD COACH: Jake Pew

DISTRICT: 15-4A

2024 RECORD: 7-5

2025 SCHEDULE

Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, W 42-35

Community School of Naples, W 14-10

Miami St. Brendan, W 56-0

9/12 – Miami True North Classical Academy

9/19 – Boynton Beach Somerset Canyons

9/25 - @Miami Norland

10/10 – Plantation

10/17 – Plantation American Heritage

10/24 - @Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian Academy

10/31 – West Palm Beach The King’s Academy

PHOTO COURTESY OF ARCHBISHOP MCCARTHY

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..

As we have watched over the first three weeks of the high school football season in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, this year will indeed be competitive.

No longer are teams not matching up with the best in the two counties, and while early on, many feel they should be rated higher, by the end of the season everything will play out.

With Top 20 programs squaring off against each other all season, when the year comes to an end, like always, we will have a true No. 1 team.

Remember, strength of schedule means everything, so if you are 1-2 and still rated high, it only signals that you are facing elite competition and should never, ever be penalized for stepping up to the plate.

As we move quickly along in this season, here is a look at the way Miami-Dade and Broward schools look after Week 3:

1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (5A, 2-1). The Raiders beat Miam Christopher Columbus for the second straight year, 42-7. THIS WEEK: 9/12 – Davie Western. NEXT WEEK: 9/19 - @ No. 18 Hollywood McArthur.

2. Miami Northwestern (3A, 1-1). The Bulls came up with an impressive 37-6 win against Miami Carol City. THIS WEEK: 9/12 – No. 7 Miami Norland. NEXT WEEK: 9/19 - @ No. 9 Miami Christopher Columbus.

3. Miami Central (3A, 2-0). The Rockets rolled to a 58-14 win against Miami Booker T. Washington. THIS WEEK: 9/12 – Pompano Beach. NEXT WEEK: 9/19 - @ No. 6 Plantation American Heritage.

4. Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (1A, 2-1). The Lions came from behind late in the game to beat No. 6 Plantation American Heritage, 28-24. THIS WEEK: 9/12 - @Miami Edison. NEXT WEEK: Bye.

5. Miami Southridge (6A, 2-0). The Spartans raced out to a big lead and held on for a 34-24 win against No. 17 Miami Palmetto. THIS WEEK: 9/13 - @Hialeah. NEXT WEEK: 9/18 – Doral Academy.

6. Plantation American Heritage (4A, 1-1). The defending 4A state champion Patriots dropped a heart breaker against No. 4 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, 28-24. THIS WEEK: 9/12 - @New Orleans Edna Karr, Louisiana. NEXT WEEK: 9/19 – No. 3 Miami Central.

7. Miami Norland (4A, 2-1). The Vikings rolled to a 49-3 win against previously unbeaten Homestead South Dade. THIS WEEK: 9/12 - @ No. 2 Miami Northwestern. NEXT WEEK: 9/18 - @Delray Beach Atlantic.

8. Fort Lauderdale Dillard (4A, 3-0). The Panthers continued to impress with a 66-0 win against Oakland Park Northeast. THIS WEEK: 9/13 - @Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson. NEXT GAME: 9/20 -Miramar.

9. Miami Christopher Columbus (7A, 0-2). The Explorers dropped a home game to No. 1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, 42-7. THIS WEEK: 9/12 – No. 17 Miami Palmetto. NEXT WEEK: 9/19 – No. 2 Miami Northwestern.

10. Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (4A, 3-0). The Mavericks rolled along with a convincing 56-0 win against Miami St. Brendan. THIS WEEK: 9/12 – Miami True North Classical Academy. NEXT WEEK: 9/19 - @Boynton Beach Somerset Canyons.

11. Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy (5A, 3-0). The Lions rolled along with an impressive 62-0 win against Hialeah Gardens. THIS WEEK: 9/12 – Miramar. NEXT WEEK: 9/19 - @Miramar Everglades.

12. North Miami (5A, 3-0). The Pioneers remained unbeaten with an 18-9 win against Miami Dr. Krop. THIS WEEK: 9/12 - @Pembroke Pines Charter. NEXT WEEK: 9/18 – Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian Academy.

13. Coconut Creek (5A, 3-0). The Cougars stayed hot to begin the year with a 28-16 win against Davie Western. THIS WEEK: 9/12 – Deerfield Beach. NEXT WEEK: 9/20 – No. 15 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons.

14. Coconut Creek Monarch (6A, 1-2). The Knights went on the road to national power Ramsey John Bosco, New Jersey and came up short, 38-21. THIS WEEK: 9/12 - @Sanford Seminole.

15. Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (2A, 1-1). The Chiefs won their first game of the season, 33-6, against Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian Academy. THIS WEEK: 9/11 – No. 16 Pembroke Pines West Broward. NEXT WEEK: 9/20 - @ No. 13 Coconut Creek. NEXT WEEK: 9/18 – Fort Lauderdale.

16. Pembroke Pines West Broward (6A, 1-2). The Bobcats registered their first win of the season, 31-6, against Plantation. THIS WEEK: 9/11 - @No. 15 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons. NEXT WEEK: 9/19 - @ No. 20 Pembroke Pines Flanagan.

17. Miami Palmetto (7A, 1-1). The Panthers got behind early and never caught up in a 34-24 setback to No. 5 Miami Southridge. THIS WEEK: 9/12 - @No. 9 Miami Christopher Columbus. NEXT WEEK: 9/18 – Miami Killian.

18. Hollywood McArthur (5A, 1-1). The Mustangs won their first game of the year, 24-14, against Miramar. THIS WEEK: 9/12 - @Weston Cypress Bay. NEXT WEEK: 9/19 – No. 1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas.

19. Pompano Beach Blanche Ely (2-0). The Tigers remained unbeaten with a 40-33 decision over Fort Lauderdale Stranahan. THIS WEEK: 9/12 - @Delray Beach Atlantic. NEXT WEEK: 9/20 – Sunrise Piper.

20. Pembroke Pines Flanagan (2-0). The Falcons rolled to their second straight win to start the season, 52-0, over Miramar Everglades. THIS WEEK: 9/12 – Fort Lauderdale. NEXT WEEK: 9/19 – No. 16 Pembroke Pines West Broward.

Here are some other programs that you will be hearing from this coming season:

Independent

Fort Lauderdale University School (2-2)

Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy (2-1)

Miami Coral Reef Football (2-0)

1A

Miami Archbishop Carroll (1-0-1)

Miami Edison (1-2)

Miami True North Classical Academy (1-2)

Miami Westminster Christian (3-0)

2A

Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian (2-1)

Miami Booker T. Washington (0-3)

Miami Carol City (1-2)

Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace (1-1)

Miami Gulliver Prep (1-1)

Miami Immaculata LaSalle (3-0)

Miami Killian (2-0)

North Miami Beach (0-2)

3A

Miami St. Brendan (1-1)

4A

Hialeah (2-1)

Miami Belen Jesuit (0-3)

Plantation (1-2)

5A

Miramar (1-2)

6A

Davie Nova (1-2)

Doral Academy (0-2)

Miami Dr. Krop (0-2)

Sunrise Piper (1-2)

7A

Davie Western (0-1)

Homestead South Dade (2-0)

Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman (2-1)

Weston Cypress Bay (1-1)

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..

Once again on Monday night the South Florida High School Sports Radio Show took center stage with seven impressive guests.

Each and every week, the FM 104.3 WQAM radio program attracts the newsmakers in high school sports, recruiting college sports – not only locally, but throughout the country.

The show gives listeners an opportunity to hear about college football programs statewide from the media that cover them. It also focuses on the coaches who use the state of Florida – Miami-Dade and Broward Counties in particular.

The show, which has run for nearly two decades, has become a popular listen for recruiting fans as well as high school sports purists, focusing on coaches and players in all sports.

Here is a look at the way Monday went:

The University of South Florida, coming off a huge upset win against the University of Florida in Gainesville, heads to Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday as the 18^th ranked team in the country and hopes to do the same against No. 5 Miami. Joey Knight from the Tampa Bay Times took a look at the Bulls and the game against the Hurricanes

JOEY KNIGHT ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/joey-knight-usf-football-reporter-for-tampa-bay-times-82226

After two wins to start the 2025 season, the University of Central Florida will take this week off to prepare for the Big-12 season that will test first year head coach Scott Frost and the Knights. Matt Murschel from the Orlando Sentinel dropped by to look at this team, moving forward.

MATT MURSCHEL ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/matt-murschel-ucf-reporter-for-the-orlando-sentinel-9e6f0

Coming off three consecutive NAIA national title appearances, the Keiser University Seahawks started the season off with a win and head coach Myles Russ talked about what this team is capable of doing this coming season – with the home opener on Saturday afternoon.

COACH MYLES RUSS ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/head-coach-myles-russ-of-keiser-university-260dd

After a win over Notre Dame two weeks ago, and last Saturday against Bethune Cookman University, the University of Miami will get ready for No. 18 University of South Florida on Saturday at Hard Rock Stadium. Gio Millian talked about this team after two games and the expectations this program has in 2025.

GIO MILLIAN ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/geo-millian-miami-hurricanes-football-reporter-2b45b

The North Miami Pioneers started the year with three straight wins as they head toward their district opener this week. Head Coach Gerald Cox talked about the team and some of the players who figure to impact this program this season.

COACH GERALD COX ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/head-coach-gerald-cox-of-north-miami-high-67f12

When it comes to setting standards on the football field, head coach Roger Harriott and his six-time defending state champion Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders are indeed one of the best in the country. With a 2-1 start, this is a team that has chance to bring home an amazing seventh consecutive title this year.

HEAD COACH ROGER HARRIOTT ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/head-coach-roger-harriott-of-st-thomas-aquinas-52923

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..