As we have watched over the first three weeks of the high school football season in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, this year will indeed be competitive.

No longer are teams not matching up with the best in the two counties, and while early on, many feel they should be rated higher, by the end of the season everything will play out.

With Top 20 programs squaring off against each other all season, when the year comes to an end, like always, we will have a true No. 1 team.

Remember, strength of schedule means everything, so if you are 1-2 and still rated high, it only signals that you are facing elite competition and should never, ever be penalized for stepping up to the plate.

As we move quickly along in this season, here is a look at the way Miami-Dade and Broward schools look after Week 3:

1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (5A, 2-1). The Raiders beat Miam Christopher Columbus for the second straight year, 42-7. THIS WEEK: 9/12 – Davie Western. NEXT WEEK: 9/19 - @ No. 18 Hollywood McArthur.

2. Miami Northwestern (3A, 1-1). The Bulls came up with an impressive 37-6 win against Miami Carol City. THIS WEEK: 9/12 – No. 7 Miami Norland. NEXT WEEK: 9/19 - @ No. 9 Miami Christopher Columbus.

3. Miami Central (3A, 2-0). The Rockets rolled to a 58-14 win against Miami Booker T. Washington. THIS WEEK: 9/12 – Pompano Beach. NEXT WEEK: 9/19 - @ No. 6 Plantation American Heritage.

4. Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (1A, 2-1). The Lions came from behind late in the game to beat No. 6 Plantation American Heritage, 28-24. THIS WEEK: 9/12 - @Miami Edison. NEXT WEEK: Bye.

5. Miami Southridge (6A, 2-0). The Spartans raced out to a big lead and held on for a 34-24 win against No. 17 Miami Palmetto. THIS WEEK: 9/13 - @Hialeah. NEXT WEEK: 9/18 – Doral Academy.

6. Plantation American Heritage (4A, 1-1). The defending 4A state champion Patriots dropped a heart breaker against No. 4 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, 28-24. THIS WEEK: 9/12 - @New Orleans Edna Karr, Louisiana. NEXT WEEK: 9/19 – No. 3 Miami Central.

7. Miami Norland (4A, 2-1). The Vikings rolled to a 49-3 win against previously unbeaten Homestead South Dade. THIS WEEK: 9/12 - @ No. 2 Miami Northwestern. NEXT WEEK: 9/18 - @Delray Beach Atlantic.

8. Fort Lauderdale Dillard (4A, 3-0). The Panthers continued to impress with a 66-0 win against Oakland Park Northeast. THIS WEEK: 9/13 - @Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson. NEXT GAME: 9/20 -Miramar.

9. Miami Christopher Columbus (7A, 0-2). The Explorers dropped a home game to No. 1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, 42-7. THIS WEEK: 9/12 – No. 17 Miami Palmetto. NEXT WEEK: 9/19 – No. 2 Miami Northwestern.

10. Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (4A, 3-0). The Mavericks rolled along with a convincing 56-0 win against Miami St. Brendan. THIS WEEK: 9/12 – Miami True North Classical Academy. NEXT WEEK: 9/19 - @Boynton Beach Somerset Canyons.

11. Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy (5A, 3-0). The Lions rolled along with an impressive 62-0 win against Hialeah Gardens. THIS WEEK: 9/12 – Miramar. NEXT WEEK: 9/19 - @Miramar Everglades.

12. North Miami (5A, 3-0). The Pioneers remained unbeaten with an 18-9 win against Miami Dr. Krop. THIS WEEK: 9/12 - @Pembroke Pines Charter. NEXT WEEK: 9/18 – Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian Academy.

13. Coconut Creek (5A, 3-0). The Cougars stayed hot to begin the year with a 28-16 win against Davie Western. THIS WEEK: 9/12 – Deerfield Beach. NEXT WEEK: 9/20 – No. 15 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons.

14. Coconut Creek Monarch (6A, 1-2). The Knights went on the road to national power Ramsey John Bosco, New Jersey and came up short, 38-21. THIS WEEK: 9/12 - @Sanford Seminole.

15. Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (2A, 1-1). The Chiefs won their first game of the season, 33-6, against Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian Academy. THIS WEEK: 9/11 – No. 16 Pembroke Pines West Broward. NEXT WEEK: 9/20 - @ No. 13 Coconut Creek. NEXT WEEK: 9/18 – Fort Lauderdale.

16. Pembroke Pines West Broward (6A, 1-2). The Bobcats registered their first win of the season, 31-6, against Plantation. THIS WEEK: 9/11 - @No. 15 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons. NEXT WEEK: 9/19 - @ No. 20 Pembroke Pines Flanagan.

17. Miami Palmetto (7A, 1-1). The Panthers got behind early and never caught up in a 34-24 setback to No. 5 Miami Southridge. THIS WEEK: 9/12 - @No. 9 Miami Christopher Columbus. NEXT WEEK: 9/18 – Miami Killian.

18. Hollywood McArthur (5A, 1-1). The Mustangs won their first game of the year, 24-14, against Miramar. THIS WEEK: 9/12 - @Weston Cypress Bay. NEXT WEEK: 9/19 – No. 1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas.

19. Pompano Beach Blanche Ely (2-0). The Tigers remained unbeaten with a 40-33 decision over Fort Lauderdale Stranahan. THIS WEEK: 9/12 - @Delray Beach Atlantic. NEXT WEEK: 9/20 – Sunrise Piper.

20. Pembroke Pines Flanagan (2-0). The Falcons rolled to their second straight win to start the season, 52-0, over Miramar Everglades. THIS WEEK: 9/12 – Fort Lauderdale. NEXT WEEK: 9/19 – No. 16 Pembroke Pines West Broward.

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

Independent

Fort Lauderdale University School (2-2)

Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy (2-1)

Miami Coral Reef Football (2-0)

1A

Miami Archbishop Carroll (1-0-1)

Miami Edison (1-2)

Miami True North Classical Academy (1-2)

Miami Westminster Christian (3-0)

2A

Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian (2-1)

Miami Booker T. Washington (0-3)

Miami Carol City (1-2)

Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace (1-1)

Miami Gulliver Prep (1-1)

Miami Immaculata LaSalle (3-0)

Miami Killian (2-0)

North Miami Beach (0-2)

3A

Miami St. Brendan (1-1)

4A

Hialeah (2-1)

Miami Belen Jesuit (0-3)

Plantation (1-2)

5A

Miramar (1-2)

6A

Davie Nova (1-2)

Doral Academy (0-2)

Miami Dr. Krop (0-2)

Sunrise Piper (1-2)

7A

Davie Western (0-1)

Homestead South Dade (2-0)

Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman (2-1)

Weston Cypress Bay (1-1)

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 FM 104.3 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 University of South Florida, coming off a huge upset win against the University of Florida in Gainesville, heads to Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday as the 18^th ranked team in the country and hopes to do the same against No. 5 Miami. Joey Knight from the Tampa Bay Times took a look at the Bulls and the game against the Hurricanes

JOEY KNIGHT ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/joey-knight-usf-football-reporter-for-tampa-bay-times-82226

After two wins to start the 2025 season, the University of Central Florida will take this week off to prepare for the Big-12 season that will test first year head coach Scott Frost and the Knights. Matt Murschel from the Orlando Sentinel dropped by to look at this team, moving forward.

MATT MURSCHEL ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/matt-murschel-ucf-reporter-for-the-orlando-sentinel-9e6f0

Coming off three consecutive NAIA national title appearances, the Keiser University Seahawks started the season off with a win and head coach Myles Russ talked about what this team is capable of doing this coming season – with the home opener on Saturday afternoon.

COACH MYLES RUSS ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/head-coach-myles-russ-of-keiser-university-260dd

After a win over Notre Dame two weeks ago, and last Saturday against Bethune Cookman University, the University of Miami will get ready for No. 18 University of South Florida on Saturday at Hard Rock Stadium. Gio Millian talked about this team after two games and the expectations this program has in 2025.

GIO MILLIAN ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/geo-millian-miami-hurricanes-football-reporter-2b45b

The North Miami Pioneers started the year with three straight wins as they head toward their district opener this week. Head Coach Gerald Cox talked about the team and some of the players who figure to impact this program this season.

COACH GERALD COX ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/head-coach-gerald-cox-of-north-miami-high-67f12

When it comes to setting standards on the football field, head coach Roger Harriott and his six-time defending state champion Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders are indeed one of the best in the country. With a 2-1 start, this is a team that has chance to bring home an amazing seventh consecutive title this year.

HEAD COACH ROGER HARRIOTT ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/head-coach-roger-harriott-of-st-thomas-aquinas-52923

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

PLANTATION – Never count out what the Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna football team is capable of.

Midway through the fourth quarter and on the verge of falling behind by double digits to rival Plantation American Heritage, the Lions defense stunned the Patriots with a well-executed goal-line stand at the one-yard line.

With momentum on Chaminade’s side, the Lions drove 98 yards for the eventual winning touchdown as freshman quarterback Malik Leonard threw a 12-yard scoring pass to senior Jasen Lopez with 2:42 remaining to earn a hard-fought 28-24 victory on Friday.

It was the Lions fourth consecutive victory over the Patriots after nine consecutive losses to the Plantation school.

“We just had to stay with the guy that was hot,” said Chaminade-Madonna coach Dameon Jones. “Whoever catches hot we stay with. With games like this you go with the guy that is hot.

As for the goal line stand.

“Our defense has been playing all year. I’m just proud of them and they continue to do what they do.”

“We had our opportunity to put the game away at the end and we didn’t,” said  American Heritage coach Mike Smith. “We couldn’t have had a better opportunity at the one and we couldn’t do it.”

The Patriots (1-1) never trailed through out the game until the eventual winning drive by Chaminade.

Heritage senior quarterback and Texas commit Dia Bell passed for 325 yards and three touchdowns for a 24-14 lead entering the fourth quarter. His scoring passes were 20 yards and 10-yards to Coi Jean-Noel and 71 yards to Jamar Denson.

Kade Bailey added a 36-yard field goal that gave the Patriots a 17-6 lead with 8:13 left in the third quarter.

Between Chaminade’s two quarterbacks Leonard and Tyler Chance, they combined only two passes on 15 attempts. Then Leonard got hot completing six consecutive passes for 128 yards, including the game winner.

The Lions (2-1) Derrek Cooper scored on a six-yard run with 4:57 left in the third quarter to close within 17-14 of the Heritage lead. Cooper finished his night with 93 yards on 12 carries, and three touchdowns.

His third score of seven yards closed within 24-21 of the Patriots lead.

Dave Brousseau is a veteran journalist who worked at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Need to reach out to him? Contact him at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

After last Friday night’s 66-0 win against Oakland Park Northeast, the Fort Lauderdale Dillard Panthers ran their record to 3-0 to start the 2025 season off.

With head coach Demetris Mincey Sr. and his Panthers kicking off the season with a convincing win against 7A power Orlando Dr. Phillips, 39-0, in the Broward National Football Showcase, it showed that this is a team to definitely keep an eye on.

In the first three games of the year, this 4A power outscored the opposition, 149-6, and there is simply no end in sight for what the Panthers are capable of doing.

Remember last season when they held a lead against eventual state champions Plantation American Heritage in the second round of the state playoffs, so there is plenty to build on with a quality team.

The reality of what lies ahead is this team will be favored in every game, and finishing off 10-0 is certainly within reach.

Among the players who have helped guide this team so far include:

2026 - Dakyri Brown, DL, 5’11, 265 – 3.1 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26438175/Dakyri-Brown

2026 - Kenny Brown Jr., CB, 5’11, 175 – 4.3 GPA. Basketball. Track & Field.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18336457/Kenneth-Brown-jr

2026 - Amari Brutus, DB, 5’11, 175 – 3.7 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19371675/Amari-Brutus

2026 - Anthony Carey Jr., RB, 5’8, 180.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19371682/Anthony-Carey-Jr

2026 - Jayden Chico, QB, 6’1, 190 – 4.98 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/14791400/Jayden-Chico

2026 - Tyophi Clay, WR, 5’11, 170 – 3.5 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19388164/Tyophi-Clay

2026 - Zarta Demery, DE, 6’0, 210 – 4.0 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19976697/Zarta-Demery

2026 - Keiondre Dunbar, OL/DL, 5’10, 276 – 3.4 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26467190/Keiondre-Dunbar

2026 - Anthony Jennings III, WR, 6’1, 170 – 3.5 GPA. Track & Field.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18231676/Anthony-Jennings-III

2026 - Zamari Marquez, S, 5’10, 175 – 3.0 GPA.

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

2026 - Demitris Mincey Jr., LB, 6’1, 205 – 3.6 GPA. FIU Commitment.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17969385/Demitris-Mincey-Jr

2026 - Sidney “Sid” Newkirt Jr., LB, 5’11, 195 – 3.0 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19371482/Sidney-Newkirt-Jr

2027 - Justin Spence, OL/DL, 6’1, 240 – 4.3 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/25642845/Justin-Spence

2026 - Christopher Tillman, Athlete, 5’11, 176 – 3.3 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19529786/Christopher-Tillman

DILLARD SCHEDULE

Orlando Dr. Phillips, W 39-0

Fort Lauderdale Stranahan, W 44-6

Oakland Park Northeast, W 66-0

9/13 - @Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson

9/20 - @Miramar

9/25 – Riviera Beach Suncoast

10/4 - @Pompano Beach Blanche Ely

10/10 - @Lake Worth Dr. Joaquin Garcia

10/24 – Boynton Beach

11/1 - @Deerfield Beach

WHO WON AND LOST IN WEEK 3:

Miami-Dade and Broward Counties have been competitive so far in the three weeks of the season.

This past week, several games were close. Check these contests out from Week 3:

Coconut Creek 28, Davie Western 16

Coral Springs Coral Glades 41, Coral Springs 6

Coral Springs Taravella 23, Pompano Beach 6

Delray American Heritage 62, Miami Florida Christian 6

Doral Reagan 33, Miami Braddock 14

Fort Lauderdale 35, Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson 0

Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons 33, Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian 6

Fort Lauderdale NSU University School 17, Davie Nova 6

Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest 15, Vero Beach St. Edward’s 12

Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas 42, Miami Christopher Columbus 0

Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy 36, North Lauderdale Somerset Prep 8

Fort Pierce Central 76, Hollywood Hills 6

Hialeah 30, Doral Academy 0

Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna 28, Plantation American Heritage 24

Hollywood McArthur 24, Miramar 14

Hollywood South Broward 39, Cooper City 6

Miami Archbishop Carroll 49, Miami SmartEn Academy 14

Miami Central 58, Miami Booker T. Washington 14

Miami Coral Reef 35, Miami High 0

Miami Immaculata La Salle 34, Miami Belen Jesuit 3

Miami Gulliver Prep 14, West Palm Beach The King’s Academy 10

Miami Killian 24, Miami Edison 18

Miami Lakes Goleman 41, Hialeah American 13

Miami Norland 49, Homestead South Dade 9

Miami Northwestern 37, Miami Carol City 6

Miami Southridge 34, Miami Palmetto 24

Miami True North Classical Academy 49, Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace 18

Miami Westminster Christian 56, Marathon 0

New Smyrna Beach 21, Miami Ransom Everglades 3

North Miami 18, Miami Krop 9

Pembroke Pines Flanagan 52, Miramar Everglades 0

Pembroke Pines West Broward 31, Plantation 6

Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy 14, Hallandale 10

Pompano Beach Blanche Ely 40, Fort Lauderdale Stranahan 33

Ramsey Don Bosco, New Jersey 38, Coconut Creek Monarch 21

Riviera Beach Inlet Grove 24, Deerfield Beach Somerset Key 0

Somerset Silver Palms 31, Miami Jackson 0

Southwest Miami 35, South Miami 12

Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy 56, Miami St. Brendan’s 0

Sunrise Piper 31, South Plantation 21

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..