We will see it each and every week here in south Florida (Miami-Dade & Broward).

Because of the competition that is on display weekly, and the teams are playing each other – being the top program in this loaded region of the country will not be defined until the state championships are played in December.

The great thing about these two counties is that all the top teams will square off against one another, leaving no doubt which team is better than the other.

With the second week of the season now in the books, we are getting a better idea of which programs are moving toward the top, and that makes for great season ahead.

As we race toward the third week of the regular season, here are some of the team to continue watching and keep an eye on:

1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (5A, 1-1). The Raiders jumped into the win column with a convincing 72-6 win against Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson. THIS WEEK: 9/5 - @ No. 7 Miami Christopher Columbus. NEXT WEEK: 9/12 – Davie Western.

2. Plantation American Heritage (4A, 1-0). The defending 4A state champion Patriots were off during Week 2. THIS WEEK: 9/5 – No. 5 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna. NEXT WEEK: 9/12 - @New Orleans Edna Karr, Louisiana.

3. Miami Northwestern (3A, 0-1). The Bulls’ game with Venice was postponed due to lightning and bad weather. THIS WEEK: 9/4 – Miami Carol City. NEXT WEEK: 9/12 – No. 8 Miami Norland.

4. Miami Central (3A, 1-0). The Rockets finally played a game – beating Miami Edison, 50-12, and showing that the rumors of them being down were seriously overblown. THIS WEEK: 9/5 - @Miami Booker T. Washington. NEXT WEEK: 9/12 – Pompano Beach.

5. Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (1A, 1-1). The Lions registered their first win of the season – on the road against No. 18 Hollywood McArthur, 28-14. THIS WEEK: 9/5 - @No. 2 Plantation American Heritage. NEXT WEEK: @Miami Edison.

6. Miami Southridge (6A, 1-0). After several lightning delays against Miami Christopher Columbus to open the season, the Spartans had no problem with Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman, 63-22. THIS WEEK: 9/4 - @No. 10 Miami Palmetto. NEXT WEEK: 9/13 - @Hialeah.

7. Miami Christopher Columbus (7A, 0-1). After having their game with Miami Southridge stopped several times because of the weather, the Explorers traveled to Maryland to play Olney Our Lady of Good Counsel, losing a tough 14-7 decision. THIS WEEK: 9/5 – No. 1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. NEXT WEEK: 9/12 – No. 10 Miami Palmetto.

8. Miami Norland (4A, 1-1). The Vikings rebounded from an opening night loss with a dominating 42-13 win against Miami Carol City. THIS WEEK: 9/5 - @ Homestead South Dade. NEXT GAME: 9/12 - @ No. 3 Miami Northwestern.

9. Fort Lauderdale Dillard (4A, 2-0). The Panthers registered their second win of the young season, beating Fort Lauderdale Stranahan, 44-6. THIS WEEK: Fort Lauderdale Northeast. NEXT GAME: @Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson.

10. Miami Palmetto (7A, 1-0). The Panthers opened the season with a convincing 35-0 win against Miami Booker T. Washington. THIS WEEK: 9/4 – No. 6 Miami Southridge. NEXT WEEK: 9/12 - @No. 7 Miami Christopher Columbus.

11. Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (4A, 2-0). The Mavericks continued to impress with a hard-fought win against the Community School of Naples, 14-10. THIS WEEK: 9/4 - @Miami St. Brendan. NEXT WEEK: 9/12 – Miami True North Classical Academy.

12. Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy (5A, 2-0). The Lions continued to show why they will be one of the top teams in south Florida with a 36-6 win against Doral Academy. THIS WEEK: 9/5 – Hialeah Gardens. NEXT WEEK: 9/12 – No. 19 Miramar.

13. Coconut Creek Monarch (6A, 1-1). The Knights jumped into the win column with a 48-10 win against Deerfield Beach. THIS WEEK: 9/5 - @Ramsey John Bosco, New Jersey. NEXT WEEK: 9/12 - @Sanford Seminole.

14. North Miami (5A, 2-0). The Pioneers captured the Inter-City trophy with a 20-13 win against North Miami Beach before nearly 4,000 fans. THIS WEEK: 9/5 - @Dr. Krop. NEXT WEEK: 9/12 - @Pembroke Pines Charter.

15. Coconut Creek (5A, 1-0). The Cougars won for the second straight week, beating Sunrise Piper, 33-6. THIS WEEK: 9/5 - @Davie Western. NEXT WEEK: 9/12 – Deerfield Beach.

16. Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (2A, 0-1). The Chiefs had their contest against Hollywood South Broward called off and pushed back because of poor weather. THIS WEEK: 9/5 - @Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian. NEXT WEEK: 9/11 – No. 17 Pembroke Pines West Broward.

17. Pembroke Pines West Broward (6A, 0-2). The Bobcats traveled to Georgia to play in against power Camden County and came up short, 32-13. THIS WEEK: 8/29 - @Camden County, Georgia. NEXT WEEK: 9/4 – No. 20 Plantation. NEXT WEEK: 9/11 - @No. 16 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons.

18. Hollywood McArthur (5A, 0-1). The Mustangs made their 2025 debut at home against No. 5 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna and dropped a tough 28-14 decision. THIS WEEK: 9/5 - @No. 19 Miramar. NEXT WEEK: 9/12 - @Weston Cypress Bay.

19. Miramar (5A, 1-1). The Patriots broke through with a 13-12 win against No. 20 Plantation. THIS WEEK: 9/5 – No. 18 Hollywood McArthur. NEXT WEEK: 9/12 - @ No. 12 Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy.

20. Plantation (4A, 1-1). The Colonels lost for the first time this season to No. 19 Miramar, 13-12. THIS WEEK: 9/4 - @ No. 17 Pembroke Pines West Broward. NEXT WEEK: 9/12 – Sunrise Piper.

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

Independent

Fort Lauderdale University School (1-2)

Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy (1-1)

Miami Coral Reef Football (2-0)

1A

Miami Archbishop Carroll (0-0-1)

Miami Edison (1-1)

Miami True North Classical Academy (0-2)

Miami Westminster Christian (2-0)

2A

Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian (2-0)

Miami Booker T. Washington (0-2)

Miami Carol City (1-1)

Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace (1-0)

Miami Gulliver Prep (0-1)

Miami Immaculata LaSalle (2-0)

Miami Killian (1-0)

North Miami Beach (0-2)

3A

Miami St. Brendan (1-0)

4A

Hialeah (1-1)

Miami Belen Jesuit (0-2)

5A

Pompano Beach Blanche Ely (0-0)

6A

Davie Nova (1-1)

Doral Academy (0-1)

Miami Dr. Krop (0-1)

Pembroke Pines Flanagan (1-0)

Sunrise Piper (0-2)

7A

Davie Western (0-1)

Homestead South Dade (2-0)

Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman (1-1).

Weston Cypress Bay (1-1)

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

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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 it comes to high school football in south Florida, it has come to a point where the interest is fading and the crowds are less than spectacular.

While everyone realizes that the interest – outside of the powerhouses and their matchups every year – is not what it used to be, it is a given where 500 fans at any regular season game is the norm.

Last Saturday night, while rain and lightning dictated the first two weeks of the season, Mother Nature threw many a positive curve on Saturday night at Traz Powell Stadium.

Instead of dodging hours of delays, North Miami and North Miami Beach got together at the same site where the two schools started their rivalry 54 years ago, and while the programs have always had that intense feeling no matter what the sport is, on this Saturday evening, the fight for the Inter-City Trophy actually meant something.

With nearly 4,000 fans on hand, it was a throwback to when this rivalry was heated and often meant a post-season playoff spot.

While North Miami is in Class 5A and NMB is 2A, the three hours was intense and competitive. It was refreshing to see the Pioneers and head coach Gerald Cox and the Chargers and veteran head coach Jeff Bertani settle things on the field.

PIONEERS REMAIN UNBEATEN

After an opening night win against Miami Jackson, the Pioneers moved to 2-0 with a 20-13 win with Miami Dr. Krop, Pembroke Pines Charter and Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian coming up before a huge matchup with Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy on Sept. 7.

On Saturday night, North Miami had a number of prospects step up in the win:

2026 – Jordan Bernard, DE/OLB

2026 – Jayce Brennen, DB, 6’0, 180

2027 - Michael “Mikey” Cabre, 5’7, 160

2026 – Cameron Canon, WR, 5’10, 180

2026 - Isaiah Charlier, CB, 5’9, 160

2026 – Angelo Cope, LB

2026 – Bryan Lombardy, DB, 5’11, 165

2027 – Hector Paul, RB, 5’7, 155

2028 – Legend Powell, RB, 5’8, 160

2027 – Austin Shroyer, LB

2026 - Carlos Wilson Jr., QB, 6’0, 190

2027 - Austin Shoyer, LB, 5’9, 175 

WEEK 2 RESULTS

Camden County, Georgia 32, Pembroke Pines West Broward 13

Coconut Creek 33, Sunrise Piper 6

Coconut Creek Monarch 48, Deerfield Beach 10

Coconut Creek North Broward Prep 31, Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy 14

Coral Gables 20 Hialeah ABF 0

Davie Nova 14, Coral Springs 12

Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian 21, Fort Lauderdale NSU University School 18

Fort Lauderdale Dillard 44, Fort Lauderdale Stranahan 6

Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest 45, Pompano Beach 6

Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas 72, Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson 6

Fort Myers Bishop Verot 44, Miami True North Classical Academy 34

Hallandale 24, Fort Lauderdale 19

Hialeah 46, Miami Belen Jesuit 7

Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy 36, Doral Academy 6

Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna 28, Hollywood McArthur 14

Homestead South Dade 31, Homestead 0

Miami Central 50, Miami Edison 12

Miami Coral Reef 23, Miami Sunset 0

Miami Immaculata LaSalle 50, Miami Jackson 0

Miami Norland 42, Miami Carol City 13

Miami Southridge 63, Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman 22

Miami Springs 52, Southwest Miami 14

Miami St. Brendan 28, Miami Beach 17

Miami Westminster Christian 42, Somerset South Homestead 0

Oakland Park Northeast 40, Coral Springs Taravella 28

Pembroke Pines Flanagan 40, Weston Cypress Bay 24

South Plantation 31, Coral Springs Coral Glades 14

Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy 14, Community School of Naples 10

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

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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..

Fifty-four years ago they laced up the cleats for their first meeting at the then Miami Dade North Community College Stadium. Tonight (7:00), North Miami and North Miami Beach return to where it all began – Traz Powell Stadium.

While they are not in the same district or play every year, the Pioneers (1-0) and Chargers (0-1) are still rivals with many graduating classes throughout the years coming away with bragging rights.

For the Chargers and their head coach Jeff Bertani, a graduate of the school, this is a game that he has played in as a student and many, many times in his 29 years as head coach.

While North Miami head coach Gerald Cox may not have as many of these games under his belt, he still understands the culture of two teams separated by 30 blocks.

These two programs are no longer in the same district, this evening’s meeting at “The Mecca” still means so much to all those graduating classes who remember all the talent that has taken part in this game.

North Miami Beach Chargers (0-1)

HEAD COACH: Jeff Bertani

DISTRICT: 14-2A

2024 RECORD: 4-8

2025 SCHEDULE

Tampa Carrollwood Day, L 28-20

8/30 - @North Miami

9/12 - @Punta Gorda Charlotte

9/18 - @Hialeah American

9/26 - @Westland Hialeah

10/3 - @Lake Mary

10/10 – Miami Carol City

10/16 – GMAC WEEK

10/23 – Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace

10/31 – Naples St. John Neumann

North Miami Pioneers

HEAD COACH: Gerald Cox

DISTRICT: 16-5A

2024 RECORD: 6-6

2025 SCHEDULE:

Miami Jackson, W 46-6

8/30 - North Miami Beach

9/5 - @Miami Dr. Krop

9/12 - @Pembroke Pines Charter

9/18 – Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian

9/27 – Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy

10/3 – Miramar

10/10 - @Miramar Everglades

10/16 – GMAC WEEK

10/31 - @Hialeah American

SATURDAY’S GAMES

Coconut Creek Monarch at Deerfield Beach, 9 a.m.

Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy at Coconut Creek North Broward Prep, 9:30 a.m.

Miami Central at Miami Edison, Traz Powell, 10 a.m.

Miami Gulliver Prep at Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace, 11 a.m.

North Lauderdale Somerset Prep at Deerfield Beach Somerset Key, 7

North Miami Beach at North Miami, Traz Powell, 7 p.m.

Somerset South Homestead at Miami Westminster Christian, 10 a.m.

FRIDAY NIGHT RESULTS

Camden County, Georgia 32, Pembroke Pines West Broward 13

Coconut Creek 33, Sunrise Piper 6

Coral Springs Charter 10, Pembroke Pines Charter 8

Fort Lauderdale Dillard 44, Fort Lauderdale Stranahan 6

Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas 72, Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson 6

Fort Myers Bishop Verot 44, Miami True North Classical Academy 34

Hallandale 24, Fort Lauderdale 19

Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna 28, Hollywood McArthur 14

Homestead South Dade 31, Homestead 0

Miami Immaculata LaSalle 50, Miami Jackson 0

South Plantation 31, Coral Springs Coral Glades 14

Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy 14, Community School of Naples 10

THURSDAY’S GAMES

Coral Gables 20 Hialeah ABF 0

Davie Nova 14, Coral Springs 12

Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian 21, Fort Lauderdale NSU University School 18

Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest 45, Pompano Beach 6

Hialeah 46, Miami Belen Jesuit 7

Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy 36, Doral Academy 6

Miami Coral Reef 23, Miami Sunset 0

Miami Norland 42, Miami Carol City 13

Miami Southridge 63, Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman 22

Miami Springs 52, Southwest Miami 14

Miami St. Brendan 28, Miami Beach 17

Oakland Park Northeast 40, Coral Springs Taravella 28

Pembroke Pines Flanagan 40, Weston Cypress Bay 24

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

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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..

It was a game that certainly caught the attention of the entire state. Two-time defending state runners up Venice at home against a Miami Northwestern program that was coached by Teddy Bridgewater and looking to jump back into the elite teams in the state.

It was a game that produced over 1,000 yards, 90 points and overtime before the Indians pulled out a thrilling 48-42 win and set the table for a run at a 7A state title.

For the Bulls, it was a game that would get them ready for a season that would end up at Pitbull Stadium on the campus of Florida International University and a 3A title.

Tonight, following a 3:30 afternoon matinee between Miami Central and Miami Edison, fabled Traz Powell Stadium will host Venice and Northwestern in a rematch of last year’s thriller.

While both teams lost on opening night, these two state champions are primed for what looks like the Game of the Week in the Sunshine State.

Senior quarterback Leon Strawder used this game last year as a springboard to a banner junior season with a 365-yard, 4 touchdown contest. It was also a game that receivers Nic Lennear (6 catches for 87 yards) and Syracuse commit Calvin Russell Jr. (6 catches for 151 yards and 3 touchdowns) showcased their many skills.

Two powerful offenses who combined for only 22 points on opening night. Something has to give.

Venice Indians

HEAD COACH: John Peacock

DISTRICT: 8-7A

2024 RECORD: 14-1 (7A State Champions)

2025 SCHEDULE:

Tampa Bay Tech, L 29-7

8/29 - @Miami Northwestern

9/5 – Fort Myers Bishop Verot

9/12 – Port Charlotte

9/19 – Orlando The First Academy

9/26 – Lehigh

10/3 – Bradenton IMG Academy

10/10 – Sarasota Riverview

10/17 – Clearwater Central Catholic

10/24 - @Sarasota

Miami Northwestern Bulls

HEAD COACH: Jaquatin Victrum

DISTRICT: 16-3A

2024 RECORD: 12-2 (3A State Champions)

2025 SCHEDULE:

Orange Lutheran, California, L 17-15

8/29 – Venice

9/4 – Miami Carol City

9/12 – Miami Norland

9/19 - @Miami Christopher Columbus

9/26 - @Miami Jackson

10/3 - @Miami Central

10/11 – Key West

10/17 – GMAC Week

10/24 - @Miami St. Brendan

In addition to the clash of state champions, here are some other games to watch this Friday:

Boynton Beach Somerset Canyons at Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy, 7

No. 14 Coconut Creek Monarch at Deerfield Beach, 7

Community School at No. 11 Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy, 7

Coral Springs Charter at Pembroke Pines Charter, 6

Fort Lauderdale at Hallandale, 7

No. 16 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons at Hollywood South Broward, 7

Fort Lauderdale Stranahan at No. 9 Fort Lauderdale Dillard, 7

Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy at Coconut Creek North Broward Prep, 7

Hialeah Miami Lakes vs. Doral Reagan (Milander), 7

No. 4 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna at No. 19 Hollywood McArthur, 7

Homestead South Dade vs. Homestead (Harris), 7:30

Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson at No. 1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, 7

Miami Booker T. Washington vs. No. 10 Miami Palmetto (Tropical), 7:30

Miami BridgePrep Village Green at Miami Country Day, 7

No. 5 Miami Central at No. 17 Miami Edison (Traz), 3:30

No. 6 Miami Christopher Columbus at Olney Our Lady of Good Counsel, Maryland 7

Miami Immaculata LaSalle vs. Miami Jackson (Curtis), 7:30

Miami Ferguson at Miami Varela, 3:30

Miami Gulliver Prep at Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace, 7:30

Miami Krop vs. Miami Killian (Southridge), 7:30

Miami True North Classical Academy at Fort Myers Bishop Verot, 7

Miramar Everglades at Richmond Hill (Ga.), 7

North Lauderdale Somerset Prep at Deerfield Beach Somerset Key, 7

Parkland Douglas at Cooper City, 7

No. 15 Pembroke Pines West Broward at Camden County (Ga.), 7:30

No. 12 Plantation at Miramar, 7

Somerset South Homestead at Miami Westminster Christian, 4

South Plantation at Coral Springs Coral Glades (CS Sportsplex), 7

No. 18 Sunrise Piper at Coconut Creek, 7

Tavernier Coral Shores at Miami Palmer Trinity, 4

Westland Hialeah at Lakeland Victory Christian, 7

THURSDAY’S GAMES

Coral Gables 20 Hialeah ABF 0

Davie Nova 14, Coral Springs 12

Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian 21, Fort Lauderdale NSU University School 18

Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest 45, Pompano Beach 6

Hialeah 46, Miami Belen Jesuit 7

Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy 36, Doral Academy 6

Miami Coral Reef 23, Miami Sunset 0

Miami Norland 42, Miami Carol City 13

Miami Southridge 63, Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman 22

Miami Springs 52, Southwest Miami 14

Miami St. Brendan 28, Miami Beach 17

Oakland Park Northeast 40, Coral Springs Taravella 28

Pembroke Pines Flanagan 40, Weston Cypress Bay 24

Saturday, August 30

MIAMI-DADE

North Miami Beach vs. North Miami (Traz), 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..