While the media are not calling for a record number of credentials or rankings are at stake, the 2026 post season for high school football teams is not just about who will end up at Pitbull Stadium (FIU) for the much-publicized state championships.

Several programs from the two counties will be in action on this Thursday, hoping to extend their season and give their players another game to get film and put themselves on the recruiting radar.

At a time when many are looking at the inaugural “Open Division” as well as the state titles in 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A and 6A, independent programs along with others who didn’t make the field for the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) state playoffs were interested enough in extending their season and competing against others for a title – even if the stakes are not as high.

Several programs will have the chance to continue playing this sport, and at a time when attaining a college scholarship or financial assistant is at a premium, this is a chance to be proactive in the competitive world of recruiting.

When the Independent League Pool A starts play today, there will be six teams that are hoping to move on and compete for another week.

Two of the top seeds will be in action this evening:

No. 8 Cape Coral Oasis (8-1) at No. 1 Fort Lauderdale (9-1), 5:30. Lockhart Stadium. The Flying Ls were looking to finish unbeaten, but a close loss to South Plantation gave them their only setback. Head Coach Richard Dunbar and his team have been one of the best this season.

CAPE CORAL OASIS  SHARKS

Fort Myers Southwest Florida Christian Football, W 18-14

Naples Palmetto Ridge, W 28-27

Fort Myers Gateway Charter, W 75-0

Bonita Springs, W 49-7

Cape Coral Island Coast, W 21-13 (OT)

Cape Coral Mariner, L 28-17

Cape Coral Ida Baker, W 28-16

Fort Myers Gateway, W 24-21

Fort Myers Cypress Lake, W 13-3

11/12 - @Fort Lauderdale

FORT LAUDERDALE FLYING LS

Coral Springs Taravella, W 32-12

Hollywood South Broward, W 32-20

Hollywood Hills, W 34-8

West Palm Beach Forest Hill, W 35-0

Cooper City, W 27-10

Pembroke Pines Charter, W 49-6

Parkland Douglas, W 27-7

Coral Springs, W 42-0

South Plantation, L 9-7

Fort Lauderdale Stranahan, W 38-34

11/12 – Cape Coral Oasis

No. 7 Cape Coral Ida Baker (6-4) at No. 2 Cooper City (8-2). When it comes to developing talent, very few coaches have done what veteran Art Taylor has been able to accomplish for several decades.

When he returned to coach the Cowboys, he understood that it was going to be a tough assignment, but opting to get traction in this program by becoming independent has really worked out in a positive way – and as they head into this evening’s matchup, this is a team that is hungry for success.

CAPE CORAL IDA BAKER BULLDOGS

Bonita Springs, W 33-6

Naples Aubrey Rogers, L 34-10

Bradenton IMG Academy State, W 35-17

Fort Myers Gateway, W 28-18

Naples Golden Gate, L 35-33

Naples First Baptist, L 44-7

Cape Coral Mariner, W 42-21

Cape Coral Oasis, L 28-16

Naples Palmetto Ridge, W 44-41

Cape Coral Island Coast, W 35-8

11/12 - @Cooper City

COOPER CITY COWBOYS

Coconut Creek North Broward Prep, W 48-21

Parkland Douglas, W 42-6

Coral Springs Taravella, W 41-0

Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson, W 41-27

Pembroke Pines Charter, W 42-28

Fort Lauderdale, L 27-10

Coral Springs, W 49-0

Hollywood South Broward, L 28-21

Oakland Park Northeast, W 48-6

South Plantation, W 36-22

11/12 – Cape Coral Ida Baker

In addition to those two games tonight, the Independent League Pool A has two other contests that we will be watching:

No. 5 Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy (2-8) at No. 4 Miami Belen Jesuit (5-5), Nov. 12, 7 p.m.

No. 6 Pembroke Pines Charter (5-5) at No. 3 Hollywood South Broward (7-3), Nov. 12, 7 p.m.

4A-6A FIT GAMES

For the second season, teams who played a mainstream schedule and failed to make the playoffs, also wanted to extend their season and will also be in action tonight.

Here is a look at the three Miami-Dade schools that will all be in action on the road:

SOUTH

No. 8 Miami Lakes Goleman (4-6) at No. 1 Lake Worth Park Vista (5-4), Nov. 12, 6 p.m.

No. 5 Doral Academy (4-6) at Kissimmee Gateway (8-2), Nov. 12, 7 p.m.

No. 6 North Miami (4-6) at No. 3 Port St. Lucie Treasure Coast (6-4), Nov. 12, 7 p.m.

SUNSHINE STATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

For the third week, several quality football programs from Miami-Dade and Broward Counties will be in action as the field narrows for the SSAA.

Tonight’s key games will determine which teams will move on:

Jupiter Christian (9-3) at Miami Florida Christian (10-2), Thursday, Nov. 12. 7 p.m.

Tavernier Coral Shores (9-3) at Coconut Creek North Broward Prep (6-6), Nov. 12, 6 p.m.

Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian (9-3) at West Palm Beach The King’s Academy (10-0), Nov. 13, 7 p.m.

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

For the past 56 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..