Last year the Miami Palmetto Lady Panthers flag football team did something no other program from Miami-Dade County had done. They won a state title!

If head coach Kevin Mujica and his 16-3 team are to defend their title, the path will be just as tough as this team will begin defense of that title on Friday night at 8:30 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers facility (AdventHealth Training Center) when the No. 3 seed team takes on No. 2 Tampa Alonso (18-2).

The winner of this game will play either the No. 1 seed Wellington or No. 4 seed Port Orange Spruce Creek for the title.

The road to state had its twists and turns for this program had to beat state bound Miami Edison and knock off Homestead multiple times.

Among the players that sparked this team during the year included seniors Ashley Alvarado (LB/WR/Athlete),

Camai Moore (Athlete) and Serenity Simon (Athlete) – along with fellow senior defensive players Daniela Canals and Cooper Ricklick.

EDISON AND HOMESTEAD LOOKING TO REPERSENT THE 305

While Palmetto is looking to bring back another state championship, Miami Edison and Homestead are out to win their first – both playing on Thursday.

For head coach Vincent Hall and his No. 2 seeded Lady Red Raiders, the job on winning that 1A crown will start with Tallahassee Florida High and hope to finish off with either No. 1 Wildwood or No. 4 Boynton Beach Somerset Canyons.

If this team is to win, players such as seniors Poetry Aguste (Athlete/WR/DB), Camille Candidate (B/LB/Athlete) and Armardi Danquah (WR/R).

Juniors Talayah Akhdar (R/WR) and Malayisa David (WR/DB), and gifted freshmen Jennifer Burton (LB/R/WR), Tori Cotman (WR/S) and Briana Bogan (WR/R) will also look to carry this team.

For Homestead head coach Alan Perez and his Lady Broncos, the path to a state 3A semifinal was also filled with some impressive wins and competitive games.

This team knocked off Miami Edison along the way and took care of business as they will square off with No. 3 Tallahassee Chiles to start things off.

If No. 2 Homestead should prevail, it will be either No. 4 Gibsonton East Bay or No. 1 power Loxahatchee Seminole Ridge in the finals.

This team arrived at this game with players such as seniors Caitylyn Gibson (WR/DB), Kelis Durham (WR/LB), Jerniyah Fowles (QB) and Tekiyah Gray (R/LB/Athlete) leading the way.

Junior Zakieria Cobb (RB), and sophomores Kiani Graham (S), Cambria Smith (R) and Gernaia Davis (C/DB) have also been impressive.

1A

Miami Edison Lady Red Raiders (17-1) vs. Tallahassee Florida High (15-3), May 8 (5:30 p.m.)

Head Coach: Vincent Hall

2025 RESULTS

Hialeah Gardens Mater Lakes, W 49-6

Miami Palmetto, W 20-19

Hialeah Gardens, W 18-13

Miami Central, W 59-0

Academy For Innovative Education, W 47-0

Miami High, W Forfeit

Hollywood McArthur, W 35-0

Miami Carol City, W 28-0

Miami Jackson, W 42-0

Miami Northwestern, W 12-6

Miami Braddock, W 38-0

Homestead, L 26-6

Hialeah American, W 45-0

Doral Downtown, W 46-0

Sports Leadership & Management, W 24-18

Florida City Keys Gate Academy, W 33-0

Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace, W 34-0

Sports Leadership & Management, W 33-0
ROSTER

CLASS OF 2025

Poetry Auguste, Athlete/DB/WR

Camille Candidate, B/LB/Athlete

Armardi Danquah, WR/R

Imani Rogers, C/WR

CLASS OF 2026

Talayah Akdhar, R/WR

Malayisa David, WR/DB

Rakyia Louis

CLASS OF 2028

Briana Bogan, WR/LB/R

Jennifer Burton, LB/WR

Torri Cotman, WR/S

London Harris, C/LB

Jayla McGuire, C

Tykwondra Ponder, WR/LB

3A

Homestead Lady Broncos (16-4) vs. Tallahassee Chiles (14-4), May 8 (8:30 p.m.)

Head Coach: Jahmar Carter

2025 RESULTS

Wellington, L 6-0

Somerset Academy (Silver Palms), W 49-0

Downtown Doral, W Forfeit

Miami True North Classical Academy, W 26-0

Loxahatchee Seminole Ridge, L 18-7

Florida City Keys Gate Academy, W 41-0

Miami Palmetto, W 19-13

Homestead South Dade, W 34-0

Miami Ferguson, L 12-7

Miami High, W Forfeit

Miami Northwestern, W 14-6

Miami Edison, W 26-6

Miami Palmetto, L 12-6

Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace, W 47-0

Coral Gables, W 19-6

Miami Varela, W 27-0

Miami Southridge, W 26-0

Davie Nova, W 26-6

Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson, W 26-6

Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, W 25-19

ROSTER

CLASS OF 2025

Kelis Durham, WR/LB

Jerniyah Fowles, QB

Caitlyn Gibson, WR/DB

Tekiyah Gray, R/LB/Athlete

Airelys Perez, RB/QB/Athlete

Chanel Smith, WR/DB/Athlete

CLASS OF 2026

Zakieria Cobb, RB

Ardajah Fletcher, DB

Deashia Smith, Athlete,

Bryanna Valdes, LB/Athlete

CLASS OF 2027

Jai’lene Bosch, QB

Gernaia Davis, C/DB

Kiani Graham, S

Cambria Smith, R

4A

Miami Palmetto Panthers (16-3) vs. Tampa Alonso (18-2), May 9 (8:30 p.m.)

Head Coach: Kevin Mujica

2025 RESULTS

Miami High, W 34-0

Miami Edison, L 20-19

Miami Ferguson, W 27-0

Coral Gables, W 31-0

Davie Western, W 25-7

Homestead South Dade, W 32-0

Homestead L 19-13

Miami Mater Lakes Academy, W 12-6

Miami Southridge, W 25-6

Miami Southridge, W 20-0

Miami Ferguson, W 32-6

Homestead, W 12-6

Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, L 26-20

Miami Sports Leadership & Management, W 13-7

Miami Coral Reef, W 14-0

Miami Ferguson, W 19-7

Doral Academy, W 18-6

Parkland Douglas, W 14-0

Davie Western, W 12-7

ROSTER

CLASS OF 2025

Ashley Alvarado, LB/WR/Athlete

Daniela Canals, R/C/Athlete

Ale Falcon, C/B/Athlete

Marlena Friedman, R/LB

Francesca Lara, DB/WR/Athlete

Sienna Lawrence, S/Athlete

Camai Moore, Athlete

Bianca Pacheco, S/DB/Athlete

Cooper Ricklick, Athlete

Serenity Simon, Athlete

CLASS OF 2026

Kylie Dixon, WR

Kayla Luzzo-Uberto, WR/Athlete

Penelope Rodriguez, R/LB/DB

Sophie Rosado, QB

CLASS OF 2027

Eysis Estes-Brinson, LB/Athlete

Giselle Felix, DB/WR

Samantha Hernandez, DB

Raya Kempler, S/WR/Athlete

Mia Luzzo Uberto, Athlete

Danielle Ortega, QB/Athlete

CLASS OF 2028

Emma Llorente, QB/C/Athlete

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 AM 560 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 Miami Edison girls’ flag football team is one of the best in the state. The Lady Red Raiders will be playing for the 1A state title. Head Coach Vincent Hall joined the show.

VINCENT HALL ON MONDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/vince-hall-miami-edison-flag-football-head-coach-1b28c

The Davie Western Wildcats football program has come close the past few years. Can this team advance to the 7A state finals? Veteran head coach Adam Ratkevich talked about it.

COACH ADAM RATKEVICH ON MONDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/coach-adam-ratkevich-western-high-football-c32f2

The Miami Beach Hi Tides continue to build the football program as they look to improve over last season. Head Coach Wilkie Perez talked about it.

COACH WILKIE PEREZ ON MONDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/coach-wilkie-perez-miami-beach-06022

The Keiser University football program has advanced to an amazing three consecutive NAIA national title games. Head Coach Myles Russ took a look at the chances of a fourth.

COACH MYLES RUSS ON MONDAY NIGHT:  https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/coach-myles-russ-keister-university-football-97af3

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.. 

By Dave Brousseau BCAA Writer

PARKLAND – The drive for a fifth consecutive state championship inched another step closer for the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High baseball team.

By earning what seemed like a simple 10-0 victory in five innings over Coral Springs Taravella in the second game of the Class 7A regional semifinal on Thursday, the Eagles advanced to host West Broward in the best 2 of 3 series beginning Wednesday.

The Bobcats advanced following a 14-4 victory over Miami Columbus.

Nick Diaz had yet another big game gathering a double, home run, two RBI and two runs. His homer was his second in as many games.

Senior left-hand pitcher Daniel Tartaglia (7-0) had a strong outing in just four innings of work, allowing five hits while striking out five for the shutout, which was the sixth for the Eagles (27-2) during the team’s 10-game winning streak.

“I just attacked the zone,” said Tartaglia. “My hitters backed me up Everything we worked for me tonight. I had a lot of first pitch strikes and then mixed it up.”

During the Eagles 10 consecutive wins, they outscored their opponents 74-7.

“Offensively we were really good,” said Douglas coach Todd Fitz-Gerald. “Hopefully, I think we’re getting hot again. This is the perfect time to do it. It’s about preparation and the kids believe in what we do. We’re all locked in together.”

Tartaglia was given all the offensive support needed with four runs in each of the two innings.

“We gave a really good team a lot of extra at bats,” said Taravella coach Jorge Miranda. “It took the wind out of our sails a lot. They capitalized and that’s what great teams do.”

With Douglas eliminating the Trojans (17-13), they will host West Broward on Wednesday and Tuesday and play at West Broward on Saturday if necessary.

Douglas, though, has owned West Broward having won 13 straight against them, dating back to Mar. 19, 2015.

Gio Rojas and Diaz jumped started the Douglas steady run production with a pair of RBI doubles in the first inning. Jake Rizzo added an RBI in the second inning.

Contact Dave Brousseau at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

As we head toward the second week of spring football in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, there will be several prospects starting to shine for colleges and universities from all over the country to watch.

As some of the younger players look to jump onto the spotlight for the first time, there are several rising seniors who have made major strides since the end of the 2024 season. Prospects who have stood out at camps, combines, 7-on-7 events and in other sports.

Today we look at five Class of 2026 football players who are rising up the ranks fast:

Shmar Akande, CB, 6’2, 180, Pembroke Pines West Broward. Ever since he stepped onto the field at Hollywood South Broward, you could tell how special this quality defensive player was. His ball skills, ability to cover and make plays was a signal for opponents not to throw in his direction. He is quick, athletic and will make plays all over the field. His addition to head coach Brian McCartney and the Bobcats has been huge as the team looks to accomplish some big things. This Toledo commitment also has a solid work ethic in the classroom – holding down a 3.8 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19697422/Shmar-Akande?

Kaj Baker, RB/Athlete, 5’8, 165, Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy. Playing for your father (Derrick “Nitro” Baker) is never easy for many athletes, but for this impressive talent, it’s the only thing he knows, and he has responded in a major way as a versatile football prospect and as a star who is one of the top track and field performers (10.38 100m 20.89 200m dash) in the state. Once this young man gets his hands on the ball and uses his instincts and vision to find a hole, he is off to the races. His speed is amazing and goes together with his abilities as a football player. His arsenal of talent extends as a receiver out of the backfield or one day as a slot performer. Did we mention that he is one of the best return specialists in Florida as well? In addition to making a major impact on the football field and track over the past four years, he is a superior student in the classroom – with a 3.5 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15144891/Kaj-Nitro-Baker

Camaul King, S, 6’0, 180, Miami True North Classical Academy. The real measure of any athlete when watching them play is to see their performance live – and that was exactly what sealed the deal when evaluating his play. You can watch all the film or listen to what someone says about a prospect, but unless you lay eyes on them, you can never fully break down what they do well. Watching him play, he is indeed a “baller” who has turned out to be a leader on the field with his ability and skill to make plays. He plays so well in space and uses his (4.4 – 40-yard dash speed) to get the job done against any level of competition. As lethal as he is on the football field for head coach Greg Laffere and the Titans, his work in the classroom (4.0 GPA) is opening some doors as well as being eligible to enroll early in January of 2026.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19337278/650affb690ef7306e01f0a5b

Zamari “Pop” Marquez, SS, 5’10, 175, Fort Lauderdale Dillard. The first thing you notice when watching this quality talent perform is his motor. He never stops. Follows up plays from start to finish and puts himself in position to make more plays. While he plays the safety position for head coach Dimitris Mincey’s Panthers, he does approach the game more like a linebacker. He is always ready to hit and come up with the game-changing play. In addition to what he brings to the game as a defensive player, keep an eye on his role as a special team player as well. He uses many of those qualities that stand out in the rest of his game. His work in the classroom (3.0 GPA) is also impressive. Colleges need to lock on to what he does this spring and into the summer.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19371767/Zamari-Marquez

Kamron Wilson, Edge, 6’5, 220, Miami Southridge. Last year it was Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna standout Derrek Cooper who basically came out of nowhere to be an elite, nationally recognized recruit. This year, we introduce you to this quality football talent who emerged at the end of last season as one of the huge surprises. While he was a talented football player in 2024 for head coach Pierre Senatus and his district champion Spartans, it was his performances at several off-season events that also opened eyes – especially at Syracuse University where he committed. The reasons that this young man is so impressive on the field is his athleticism, physical strength and quickness and his length. It is very tough for a quarterback or a runner to escape him because of everything he brings to the table. If his work on the football field wasn’t impressive enough, what he brings to the table as a student (4.0 GPA) is equally as impressive!

PHOTO COURTESY OF MIAMI SOUTHRIDGE

SOUTH FLORIDA HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS RADIO SHOW RECOGNIZED. https://www.millionpodcasts.com/high-school-podcasts/

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