No. 2 Miami Central (4-1, 3A) vs. No. 6. Miami Northwestern (3-2, 3A), 7:30 p.m.

One of the biggest yearly high school football rivalries will unfold this evening at Traz Powell Stadium when Miami Central and head coach Jube Joseph and Miami Northwestern with first year head coach Teddy Bridgewater get together.

Separated by just 24 blocks, this is a game that divides households, has bragging rights and gives the winner something to feel good about.

This year, because both schools are Class 3A, this could very well be the first of two meetings – and while nobody is looking toward a second game, the focus is on tonight where there will be packed house.

This has long been a game where you can throw out the records. It has proven over the years that the “best” team doesn’t always prevail.

MIAMI NORTHWESTERN BULLS

2024 SCHEDULE

@Coconut Creek, W 45-0

@Venice, L 48-42 (OT)

@Miami Carol City, W 42-7

@Miami Norland, L 21-17

Miami Jackson, W 48-6

10/4 – Miami Central

10/11 - @Key West

10/18 – GMAC WEEK

10/25 – Miami St. Brendan

MIAMI CENTRAL ROCKETS

2024 SCHEDULE

Lakeland, L 16-8

Miami Edison, W 54-7

Miami Booker T. Washington, W 55-25

@Pompano Beach, W 67-0

Plantation American Heritage, W 35-32

10/4 - @Miami Northwestern

10/10 – Fort Lauderdale Stranahan

10/18 – GMAC WEEK

10/25 - @Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy

No. 4 Miami Norland at Cocoa (3-2, 3A), 7. When the game was finalized last spring, there was a sense that this would be a marquee matchup between two schools who advanced to the state championship game last December in Tallahassee.

Head Coach Ryan Schneider, a one-time Plantation High standout and successful coach in south Florida, has made the Tigers one of the best teams in the state – winning the past two state titles and advancing to the finals in five of the past six years.

His team is loaded with an explosive offense and a solid defense.

For head coach Daryle Heidelberg and the Vikings, this is a season where plenty of new faces on both sides of the ball has taken a while to come together.

After their first loss of the season to Chaminade-Madonna, they bounced back with a district victory against Archbishop McCarthy. 

MIAMI NORLAND VIKINGS

2024 SCHEDULE

Miramar, W 27-0

Miami Carol City, W 36-10

Miami Northwestern, W 21-17

@Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, L 45-20

@Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy, W 49-16
10/4 - @Cocoa

10/12 – Plantation American Heritage

10/18 – GMAC Week

10/24 – Plantation

COCOA TIGERS

2024 SCHEDULE

Titusville, W 42-10

@Daytona Beach Mainland, W 51-0

@Bradenton IMG Academy, L 34-13

Palm Bay Heritage, W 39-13

@Venice, L 54-51

10/4 – Miami Norland

10/10 - @Apopka

10/18 - @The Villages

10/25 – Titusville Astronaut

11/1 - Rockledge

Here are some other Friday games to check out:

Community School of Naples at Miami St. Brendan, 7

Coral Springs at Key West, 7

Coral Springs Coral Glades at Parkland Stoneman Douglas, 7

Davie Nova at Pembroke Pines Charter, 7

Deerfield Beach at Hollywood McArthur, 7

Doral Reagan at Miami Varela, 3:30

No. 17 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons at Hallandale, 7

Fort Lauderdale Stranahan at South Plantation, 7

Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy at Belle Glade Glades Day, 7

Hialeah vs. Hialeah Miami Lakes (Milander), 7

Hialeah American vs. Miami Dr. Krop (Ives), 7:30

Hollywood Avant Garde at Jupiter Christian, 7

Hollywood Hills at No. 1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, 7

Hollywood South Broward at Coconut Creek, 7

Marathon at Tavernier Coral Shores, 7

LaBelle at Goulds Palm Glades Prep, 7

No. 16 Miami Booker T. Washington at Vero Beach, 7

Miami Carol City vs. South Miami (Tropical), 7:30

Miami Ferguson vs. Miami Beach (Memorial), 7

Miami Florida Christian at Naples Aubrey Rogers, 7

Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace at No. 19 Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian, 7

Miami Killian at Key West, 7

Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman at West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman, 7

No. 12 Miami Palmetto vs. Homestead South Dade (Harris), 7:30

Miami True North at Jacksonville University Christian, 7

North Miami at Miramar, 7

Miami Westminster Christian at Miami Archbishop Carroll, 3:30

North Miami Beach at Lake Mary, 7

Pembroke Pines Flanagan at Weston Cypress Bay, 7

Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy at Miami Immaculata La Salle, 7

Somerset South Homestead at Miami Palmer Trinity, 4

Southwest Miami at Miami Belen Jesuit, 7

No. 10 Sunrise Piper at Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson, 7

West Boca Raton at Davie Western, 7

Westland Hialeah at Hialeah Gardens, 3:30

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5

No. 3 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna at No. 8 Coconut Creek Monarch (Coconut Creek), 7

No. 18 Homestead at Doral Academy, 6

No. 7 Miami Southridge vs. Miami Edison (Traz Powell Stadium), 7

Marco Island Academy at Miami Country Day, 6

No. 11 Plantation at No. 15 Pompano Beach Blanche Ely, 7

THURSDAY GAMES

Coral Gables 39, Miami Braddock 0

Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy 27, Belle Glade Glades Day 14

Miami Christopher Columbus 52, Miami High 6

Miami Sunset 14, Miami Coral Park 0

Somerset Silver Palms 29, Homestead Everglades Prep 0

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

For the past 54 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 will be the calm before the storm as it’s tough to believe that Week 7 of the 2024 season is upon us.

With many key games scheduled for Friday and Saturday – featuring locally ranked teams – today will see only four games in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.

Only one ranked team will be in action as No. 9 Miami Christopher Columbus looks to continue to shake off a rough start with a home game (4:00) against (3-2) Miami High.

The Explorers (3-2) lost two of the first three games to Maryland’s Our Lady of Good Counsel (14-10) and to No. 1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (48-6).

Head Coach Dave Dunn and his team will look to close out the regular season with Miami High, Coral Gables, a GMAC Week contest and Miami Archbishop Carroll.

In addition to that contest, today will also see Homestead Everglades Prep at Somerset Silver Palms, 7, Miami Braddock at Coral Gables, 4, and Miami Sunset at Miami Coral Park, 3:30.

SETTING THE TABLE FOR FRIDAY AND SATURDAY

In one of the most competitive weeks of the season, there will be some impressive matchups over the weekend – with 15 ranked teams in action.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4

Community School of Naples at Miami St. Brendan, 7

Coral Springs at Key West, 7

Coral Springs Coral Glades at Parkland Stoneman Douglas, 7

Davie Nova at Pembroke Pines Charter, 7

Deerfield Beach at Hollywood McArthur, 7

Doral Reagan at Miami Varela, 3:30

No. 17 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons at Hallandale, 7

Fort Lauderdale Stranahan at South Plantation, 7

Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy at Belle Glade Glades Day, 7

Hialeah vs. Hialeah Miami Lakes (Milander), 7

Hialeah American vs. Miami Dr. Krop (Ives), 7:30

Hollywood Avant Garde at Jupiter Christian, 7

Hollywood Hills at No. 1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, 7

Hollywood South Broward at Coconut Creek, 7

Marathon at Tavernier Coral Shores, 7

LaBelle at Goulds Palm Glades Prep, 7

No. 16 Miami Booker T. Washington at Vero Beach, 7

Miami Carol City vs. South Miami (Tropical), 7:30

No. 2 Miami Central vs. No. 6 Miami Northwestern (Traz), 7:30

Miami Ferguson vs. Miami Beach (Memorial), 7

Miami Florida Christian at Naples Aubrey Rogers, 7

Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace at No. 19 Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian, 7

Miami Killian at Key West, 7

Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman at West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman, 7

No. 4 Miami Norland at Cocoa, 7 

No. 12 Miami Palmetto vs. Homestead South Dade (Harris), 7:30

Miami True North at Jacksonville University Christian, 7

North Miami at Miramar, 7

Miami Westminster Christian at Miami Archbishop Carroll, 3:30

North Miami Beach at Lake Mary, 7

Pembroke Pines Flanagan at Weston Cypress Bay, 7

Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy at Miami Immaculata La Salle, 7

Somerset South Homestead at Miami Palmer Trinity, 4

Southwest Miami at Miami Belen Jesuit, 7

No. 10 Sunrise Piper at Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson, 7

West Boca Raton at Davie Western, 7

Westland Hialeah at Hialeah Gardens, 3:30

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5

No. 3 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna at No. 8 Coconut Creek Monarch (Coconut Creek), 7

No. 18 Homestead at Doral Academy, 6

No. 7 Miami Southridge vs. Miami Edison (Traz Powell Stadium), 7

Marco Island Academy at Miami Country Day, 6

No. 11 Plantation at No. 15 Pompano Beach Blanche Ely, 7

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

For the past 54 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..

While much of the focus in football crazy Florida is on many of the major college programs, it may be wise to understand which programs have been nationally recognized in the past five years.

Away from FSU, Miami, Florida, UCF, USF, Florida A&M, FAU, FIU and Bethune Cookman are the state’s smaller programs, and that’s where the titles have been won.

Five years ago, the University of West Florida captured the Division 2 national title, and last year – competing in their sixth season of football, Keiser University of West Palm Beach captured the NAIA national crown.

The National Championship victory capped off the most-successful season in Keiser history as the Seahawks finished the year with a 12-2 record (12-0 in NAIA play). In just the sixth year of the program, the Seahawks improved to 55-15 all-time as Keiser made its second straight NAIA National Championship appearance.

While Keiser and head coach Doug Socha were climbing the ladder, 60 miles to the south, St. Thomas University and head coach Bill Rychel were doing the same thing, playing winning football since the first year and gaining national recognition as well as being a destination for some impressive athletes.

A QUALITY MATCHUP INDEED

This Saturday afternoon, these two programs get together in one of the biggest NAIA games in the country when first year head coach Myles Russ, who took over when Socha went to Lenoir Rhyne University, will head south as the No. 1 team in the nation.

On the other side of the are the Bobcats, who are fresh off a No. 6 ranking.

This is a contest that features many of the south Florida standouts that we have watched since youth football – and are still making an impact.

Keiser University (3-0) at St. Thomas University (3-0)

Saturday, October 5, 12 noon

AutoNation Field

16401 NW 37th Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL 33054 

KEISER SEAHAWKS

HEAD COACH: Myles Russ

10 PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Bam Brima, DL, 6-5, 270, Grad Student (Worcester, Mass/Loyalsock Township, Pennsylvania

Andrew Burnette, RB, 6-2, 225, Jr. (Jensen Beach)

D’Andre Golden, TE, 6-3, 206, Sr. (Norcross, Georgia)

Jude Guerrier, OL, 6-2, 339, Sr. (Boca Raton)

Hunter Hargrave, LB, 5-11, 210, Sr. (Bethalto, Illinois)

Kensly Johnson, DB, 5-11, 184, Jr. (Jacksonville Trinity Christian)

Byron May, DL, 6-3, 250, Fr. (Morehead Rowan County, Kentucky)

Jaden Meizinger, RB, 5-8, 200, Grad Student (Vero Beach)

Shea Spencer, QB, 6-0, 185, Grad Student (Sebastian River)

Refeno Vangates, WR, 6-0, 189, Fr. (Hialeah American)

2024 SCHEDULE

North Greenville, South Carolina, W 23-20 (OT)

Newberry, South Carolina W 42-33

University of Fort Lauderdale, W 45-0

10/5 - @Miami Gardens St. Thomas University

10/12 – Warner University

10/19 - @Lakeland Southeastern University

11/2 - @Webber International

11/9 – Miami Gardens Florida Memorial University

11/16 – Ave Maria

ST. THOMAS UNIVERSITY

HEAD COACH BILL RYCHEL

10 PLAYERS TO WATCH

Duece Dunbar, DE, 6-3, Sr. (Port St. Lucie West Centennial)

Nick Engler, DE, 6-4, 260, Grad Student (Port St. Lucie Treasure Coast)

Rontavious Farmer, RB, Sr. (Cocoa)

David Hayes, WR, 6-4, Sr. (Tampa King)

Geno Lubin, WR, 5-10, 175, So. (Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman)

Jerome Mitchell Jr., DB/Returner, 5-10, So. (Lantana Santaluces)

Caleb Walker, DB, 5-10, Grad Student (Tampa Jefferson)

Keely Watson, QB, 6-2, Jr. (Neptune Beach Fletcher)

Kendall Wilson II, LB, 5-10, Sr. (Apopka Wekiva)

Khalitri Zow, WR, 6-2, Grad Student (Orlando Oak Ridge)

2024 SCHEDULE

Louisiana Christian University, W 56-10

Saint Xavier University, Illinois, W 33-14

Miami Gardens Florida Memorial University, W 45-17

10/5 – Keiser University

10/12 – University of Fort Lauderdale

10/19 - @Ave Maria

10/26 – Webber International University

11/2 - @Lakeland Southeastern University

11/9 - @Thomas University, Georgia

11/16 – Warner University

PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. THOMAS UNIVERSITY

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

For the past 54 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’s hard to believe that we are now seven weeks into the football season here in south Florida and things are starting to take shape.

If you follow what we do over the course of a season, each week we adjust the rankings, and while many want to see their teams in the spotlight, the only ranking that truly counts is the one that comes out in late December.

This is just an opinion based on seeing teams and having a valid ground to compare.

Here is a look at 20 Miami-Dade Broward Week 7 teams:

1. Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (5-1, 5A). LAST WEEK: The Raiders flexed some muscle in a dominating 50-15 win at previously unbeaten Orlando Bishop Moore. THIS WEEK: 10/4 – Hollywood Hills. NEXT GAME: @No. 3 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (FIU).

2. Miami Central (4-1, 3A). LAST WEEK: The Rockets took the week off. THIS WEEK: 10/4 – A major 3A matchup with rival No. 6 Miami Northwestern. NEXT GAME: 10/10 – Fort Lauderdale Stranahan.

3. Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (4-2, 1A). LAST WEEK: The Lions went on the road and beat Davie Western, 23-9. THIS WEEK:  10/5 - @ No.8 Coconut Creek Monarch. NEXT GAME: 10/11 – A home game at FIU against No. 1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas.

4. Miami Norland (4-1, 4A). LAST WEEK: The Vikings opened district play with a 49-16 win against No. 20 Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy. THIS WEEK: 10/4 - @Cocoa. NEXT GAME: 10/12 – No. 5 Plantation American Heritage.

5. Plantation American Heritage (3-3, 4A). LAST WEEK: The Patriots opened district play with a 35-0 win against previously unbeaten No. 11 Plantation. THIS WEEK: They will be off.  NEXT GAME: 10/12 - @ No. 4 Miami Norland.

6. Miami Northwestern (3-2, 3A). LAST WEEK: The Bulls cruised in the annual Soul Bowl against Miami Jackson, 48-6. THIS WEEK: 10/4 – A huge contest with No. 2 Miami Central. NEXT GAME: 10/11 @Key West.

7. Miami Southridge (5-1, 6A). LAST WEEK: The Spartans won the district title with a 17-14 win against No. 18 Homestead. THIS WEEK: 10/5 - @Miami Edison. NEXT GAME: 10/10 – Miami Southwest.

8. Coconut Creek Monarch (4-1, 6A). LAST WEEK: The Knights rolled to a Monday night win against Coral Springs, 52-0. THIS WEEK: 10/5 – No. 3 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna. NEXT GAME: 10/18 - @ No.1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas.

9. Miami Christopher Columbus (3-2, 7A). LAST WEEK: The Explorers rolled to a district win against Homestead South Dade, 42-15. THIS WEEK: 10/3 - @Miami High. NEXT GAME: 10/10 – Coral Gables.

10. Sunrise Piper (5-0, 6A). LAST WEEK: The Bengals continued their hot starts with a 21-20 win against No. 17 Pompano Beach Blanche Ely. THIS WEEK: 10/4 - @Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson. NEXT GAME: 10/10 – Fort Lauderdale.

11. Plantation (4-1, 4A). LAST WEEK: The Colonels lost for the first time this year to No. 5 Plantation American Heritage, 35-0. THIS WEEK: 10/5 - @ No. 15 Pompano Beach Blanche Ely. NEXT GAME: 10/10 – No. 20 Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy.

12. Miami Palmetto (3-2, 7A). LAST WEEK: The Panthers beat Coral Gables in a district game, 35-0. THIS WEEK: 10/4 @Homestead South Dade. NEXT GAME: 10/17 – Miami Edison.

13. Fort Lauderdale Dillard (4-1, 4A). LAST WEEK: The Panthers had their game with Riviera Suncoast postponed due to Hurricane Helene. THIS WEEK: The team will take the week off. NEXT GAME: 10/10 - Lake Worth Dr. Joaquin Garcia.

14. Pembroke Pines West Broward (4-2, 6A). LAST WEEK: The Bobcats beat Miramar Everglades, 48-0. THIS WEEK: They will have the week off. NEXT GAME:  10/11 - @Miami Beach.

15. Pompano Beach Blanche Ely (4-2, 5A). LAST WEEK: The Tigers bounced back in a big way, 70-0, against Deerfield Beach. THIS WEEK: 10/5 – No. 11 Plantation. NEXT GAME: 10/19 – The Broward Soul Bowl against No. 13 Fort Lauderdale Dillard.

16. Miami Booker T. Washington (3-2, 2A). LAST WEEK: The Tornadoes rebounded from their loss to Lakeland with a 62-7 win against Miami Springs. THIS WEEK: 10/4 - @Vero Beach. NEXT GAME: 10/10 - @ No. 18 Homestead.

17. Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (3-2, 2A). LAST WEEK: The Chiefs won another nail biter against previously unbeaten and No. 19 Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian, 36-35. THIS WEEK: 10/4 - @Hallandale. NEXT GAME: 10/10 – Deerfield Beach.

18. Homestead (2-3, 6A). LAST WEEK: The two-time defending state runner up Broncos fell below the .500 mark with a 17-14 loss to district foe No. 7 Miami Southridge. THIS WEEK: 10/4 - @Doral Academy. NEXT GAME: 10/10 – No. 16 Miami Booker T. Washington.

19. Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian (5-1, 2A). LAST WEEK: The Eagles lost for the first time this season – to No. 17 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, 36-35. THIS WEEK: 10/4 – Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace. NEXT GAME: 10/10 – Coconut Creek North Broward Prep.

20. Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (4-1, 4A). LAST WEEK: The Mavericks lost for the first time in a year in a half to No. 4 Miami Norland, 49-16. THIS WEEK: The team will take off after a successful start. NEXT GAME: 10/10 @ No. 11 Plantation.

KEEP AN EYE ON: Coconut Creek (1-3, 5A), Coral Gables (2-1, 7A), Davie Western (1-4, 7A), Deerfield Beach (1-3, 5A), Fort Lauderdale Stranahan (1-3, 3A), Doral Academy (2-2, 6A), Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy (3-2, Independent), Hialeah (4-2, 4A), Hollywood South Broward (1-4, 6A), Homestead South Dade (2-3, 7A), Miami Archbishop Carroll (5-1, 1A), Miami Carol City (1-4, 2A), Miami High (3-2, 7A), Miami Edison (2-2, 1A), Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace (3-2, 1A), Miami Immaculata LaSalle (3-1, 2A), Miami Jackson (2-3, 3A), Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman (4-1, 7A), Miami Ransom Everglades (3-0, 2A), Miami Springs (3-1, 2A), Miami True North Classical Academy (2-2, 1A), Miramar (1-3, 5A), North Miami (3-3, 5A), North Miami Beach (2-3, 2A), Pembroke Pines Charter (3-1, 5A), Pembroke Pines Flanagan (1-3, 6A), Weston Cypress Bay (2-2, 7A).

WEEKLY RANKINGS

PRE-SEASON. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-pre-season-top-20-st-thomas-begins-at-no-1

Week 2. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-week-2-top-20-st-thomas-remains-on-top

Week 3. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-week-3-top-20-surprises-shake-things-up

WEEK 4. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-4-things-are-getting-very-interesting

WEEK 5. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-5-local-rankings-change-from-week-to-week

WEEK 6. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-6-district-play-has-started-in-miami-dade-broward

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

For the past 54 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..