When play begins on Thursday across the state of Florida, there will be several programs who have high hopes of ending up at Pitbull Stadium in the second week of December.

While there are certainly the favorites that many fans already know about, there are also several that are not so well known across the Sunshine State.

Because many will tell you that every team is 0-0 at this point, that is basically something that coaches and media will use to keep the interest going. But if you know football, there are teams who are long shots to even with a game – let alone make it to FIU for championship weekend.

As we know, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (8-2) is searching for a state record ninth consecutive state title appearance, there are other local programs in Class 1A who can only dream of knocking off the national powerhouse Lions.

Among the other programs from Miami-Dade and Broward Counties who will have the opportunity to compete this week include No. 2 Miami True North (8-2), No. 4 Miami Edison (5-4), No. 5 Miami Westminster Christian (8-2), No. 6 Miami Archbishop Carroll (7-2-1) and No. 7 Miami Palmer Trinity (7-2).

Class 2A is certainly up for grabs in Region 3 – with No. 4 Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian (7-2) and No. 8 Coconut Creek North Broward Prep (5-5) headed to first round game.

In Region 4, No. 1 Miami Immaculata La Salle (10-0), No. 2 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (7-3), No. 3 Miami Killian (7-3), No. 4 Miami Gulliver Prep (6-4), No. 5 Miami Ransom Everglades (6-4), No. 6 Miami Carol City (6-4) and No. 7 Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace (4-6) all coming into the first round searching for a win.

With defending state champion Miami Northwestern (9-0) coming into the opening round as a huge favorite, it will be up to the other programs in Class 3A to make some noise. No. 2 Miami Central (8-1) is a program that figures to have a shot of the two teams rematch in a few weeks.

Other programs from Miami-Dade and Broward Counties included at No. 7 Miami St. Brendan (4-6) and No. 8 Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy (4-6).

Perhaps the most competitive local region will be in 4A – where defending state champion Plantation American Heritage is a No. 2 seed at 4-5.

Keep an eye on No. 1 seed Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (8-2), No. 3 Fort Lauderdale Dillard (10-0), No. 4 Miami Norland (5-5), No. 6 Plantation (6-4) and No. 8 Hialeah (7-3).

As six-time defending state champion Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (9-1) is an overwhelming favorite to win 5A as the top seed, there are other talented programs in the region as well.

Keep an eye on No. 4 Coconut Creek (8-2), No. 5 Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy (8-2), No. 6 Hollywood McArthur (8-2) and No. 7 North Miami (7-3).

Another of the very competitive regions will be in 6A where Miami Southridge (9-1) goes in as the No. 1 seed, but the Spartans will have some company.

Keep an eye on No. 2 Pembroke Pines West Broward (8-2), No. 3 Pembroke Pines Flanagan (8-2), No. 4 Coconut Creek Monarch (6-4), No. 5 Doral Academy (5-4), No. 6 Sunrise Piper (6-4), No. 7 South Plantation (6-4) and No. 8 Davie Nova (5-5).

If you asked any football “expert” what classification that would be the hardest to predict the answer would easily be 7A.

With powerhouse Miami Christopher Columbus falling to 3-7 and being a No. 5 seed, the race appears to be wide open, but counting out the Explorers could be a mistake.

Miami Palmetto (8-2) comes in as the No. 1 seed after the Panthers won the district. Other programs to keep an eye on include No. 3 Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman (6-4), No. 6. Homestead South Dade (5-5), No. 7 Davie Western (4-6) and No. 8 Coral Springs Coral Glades (6-4).

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

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..