As the 2025 football season continues to unfold in south Florida, the Fourth Annual Broward County National Showcase will continue as well.

Two locations (Fort Lauderdale Dillard and Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas) and three games will add to this impressive event with out of area programs competing with some quality local programs who have earned their way into this year’s event.

AT FORT LAUDERDALE DILLARD

Pembroke Pines West Broward (0-0) vs. Draper Corner Canyon, Utah (1-0), 4

WEST BROWARD BOBCATS

HEAD COACH: Brian McCartney

DISTRICT: 15-6A

2024 RECORD: 9-4

2025 SCHEDULE

 Aug. 22 Corner Canyon, Utah

 Aug. 29 @ Camden County, Georgia

 Sept. 5 Plantation

 Sept. 11 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons

 Sept. 19 @ Pembroke Pines Flanagan

 Sept. 26 Miramar Everglades

 Oct. 10 Miami Beach

 Oct. 17 Miramar

 Oct. 23 Miami Dr. Krop

 Oct. 31 @ Davie Western

ABOUT THE BOBCATS: West Broward’s junior running back Amos Bradford (Toledo commit) led the Bobcats running game behind standout lineman Alejandro Schmitt (Florida Atlantic commit) with 1227 yards on 127 carries and five touchdowns. West Broward advanced to the Class 6A Regional Finals before losing to Southridge. This is the team’s first appearance in the National Showcase. Coach Brian McCartney has led the Bobcats to back-to-back District Championships. Bryan Granger (OL) and Shmar Akande (DB) are also players to watch.

CORNER CANYON CHARGERS

HEAD COACH: Eric Kjar

REGION: 3-6A

2024 RECORD: 13-1

2025 SCHEDULE

Bingham, W 45-0

 Aug. 22 @ West Broward (FL)

 Aug. 29 @ Plain City Fremont, Utah

 Sept. 5 Peoria Liberty, Arizona

 Sept. 12 Salt Lake City Brighton, Utah

 Sept. 19 @ Highland Lone Peak, Utah

 Sepr. 26 Lehi Skyridge, Utah

 Oct. 3 Eagle Mountain Cedar Valley, Utah

 Oct. 9 American Fork, Utah

 Oct. 15 Lehi Utah

ABOUT THE CHARGERS: Corner Canyon is the two-time defending Class 6A state champion in Utah and has won six state titles over the last eight years. Senior running back Weston Briggs returns as the team’s leading rusher with 1324 yards on 177 carries and 13 touchdowns. Esun Tafa (USC commit), 6-4, 325-pound offensive lineman opens the lanes for the Charger offense. Senior quarterback Helaman Casuga (Texas A&M commit) passed for 1617 total yards and 18 touchdowns in just six games last season. They opened the season with a 45-0 win against Bingham, Utah.

Orlando Dr. Phillips (0-0) at Fort Lauderdale Dillard (0-0), 8 p.m.

DR. PHILLIPS PANTHERS

HEAD COACH: Rodney Wells

DISTRICT: 9-7A

2024 RECORD: 12-2

2025 SCHEDULE

Aug. 29 Dillard

 Aug. 29 Orlando University

 Sept. 5 Apopka

 Sept. 12 @ Ocoee

 Sept. 19 @ Apopka Wekiva

 Sept. 26 Orlando Olympia

 Oct. 10 @ Clermont East Ridge

 Oct. 17 @ Orlando Edgewater

 Oct. 24 Celebration

 Oct. 30 @ Winter Garden West Orange

ABOUT THE PANTHERS: Dr. Phillips was a senior heavy team in 2024. The Panthers first appearance in a FHSAA state championship game was against in the 8A title game against Miami Southridge in 2016. Their only state title came in 2018 when they defeated Delray Atlantic. Dr. Phillips is 2-0 against Broward teams dated back to 2004. As a team, the offense passed for 2181 yards and rushed for 1501 yards. They averaged 31.4 points per game last season. R.J. Stamm (OL) and Maurice Jones (LB) are top players.

DILLARD PANTHERS

HEAD COACH: Demetris Mincey Sr.

DISTRICT: 14-4A

2024 RECORD: 9-3

2025 SCHEDULE

Aug. 22 Orlando Dr. Phillips

 Aug. 29 Fort Lauderdale Stranahan

 Sept. 5 Fort Lauderdale Northeast

 Sept. 13 @ Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson

 Sept. 19 Miramar

 Sept. 26 Riviera Beach Suncoast

 Oct. 4 @ Pompano Beach Blanche Ely

 Oct. 10 @ Lake Worth Joaquin Garcia

 Oct. 24 Boynton Beach

 Oct. 31 @ Deerfield Beach

ABOUT THE PANTHERS: Dillard is the first and only public school in Broward County to win multiple state championships (1986, 89). Both titles came under coaching great Otis Gray. Senior outside linebacker Demitris Mincey, Jr. (FIU commit) returns after recording 64 tackles --16 for a loss and two interceptions last year. The offense will be led by four-star Anthony Jennings who hold several P4 offers.

AT FORT LAUDERDALE ST. THOMAS AQUINAS

Plantation American Heritage (0-0) vs. Philadelphia St. Joseph’s Prep (0-0), 6

AMERICAN HERITAGE PATRIOTS

HEAD COACH: Mike Smith

DISTRICT: 15-4A

2024 RECORD: 12-2 (State Champions)

2025 SCHEDULE

Aug. 22 Philadelphia St. Joseph’s Prep (PA)

 Sept. 5 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna

 Sept. 12 @ New Orleans Edna Karr, Louisiana

 Sept. 19 Miami Central

 Sept. 26 @ Plantation

 Oct. 3 @ Pembroke Pines Flanagan

 Oct. 10 Miami Norland

 Oct. 17 @ Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy

 Oct. 25 @ Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas

ABOUT THE PATRIOTS: American Heritage, five-star senior QB Dia Bell (Texas commit) led Heritage to a state championship last year throwing for 4879 career yards and 51 TDs. Senior wide receiver Brandon Bennett (FSU commit) enters his senior season with 47 receptions for 1058 yards and 13 TDs. The Patriots enter the 2025 season as the defending FHSAA Class 4A state champion and an 11-game winning streak. They are ranked No. 7 in the USA Today preseason poll. Jaffar Jean-Noel, WR, Aldarius Johnson, Jr., DB, Kymani Morales, LB, Dylan Bennett, LB, Jamar Denson, WR, Derrick Nichols, CB, and Rodarion Tellez, Edge are players to watch.

ST. JOSEPH’S PREP HAWKS

HEAD COACH: Tim Roken

DISTRICT: Philadelphia Catholic

2024 RECORD: 11-2

2025 SCHEDULE

Aug. 22 @ Plantation American Heritage

 Aug. 30 @ Hyatsville DeMatha, Maryland

 Sept. 13 Baltimore St. Francis Academy, Maryland

 Sept. 20 Olney Our Lady of Good Counsel, Maryland

 Sept. 26 @ Philadelphia Father Judge

 Oct. 4 Wyndmoor LaSalle College, Pennsylvania

 Oct. 10 Philadelphia Roman Catholic

 Oct. 18 Drexel Hill Monsignor Bonner, Pennsylvania

Oct. 26 Springfield Cardinal O’Hara, Pennsylvania

ABOUT THE HAWKS: St. Joseph Prep enters their 2025 campaign as the PIAA defending state champion. They defeated Central Catholic (Pittsburgh) home of NFL great Dan Marino, 35-6. Quarterback Charlie Foulke has nine offers that include Georgia, Pittsburgh, Virginia Tech and Miami. Team has won 164 games with 24 losses since the 2011 season. Twelve players from St. Joe’s have played in the NFL including Rich Gannon and Marvin Harrison, Jr., to name a few.

OTHER GREAT GAMES ON THIS FRIDAY

In addition to the Broward Showcase games, south Florida is loaded with some impressive games on this Friday. Check these contests out:

Coconut Creek at Miramar, 7

Coconut Creek North Broward Prep at Miami Ransom Everglades, 7

Cooper City vs. Coral Springs Coral Glades (CS Sportsplex), 7

Coral Gables at Miami Ferguson, 3:30

Coral Springs Taravella at Hollywood Hills, 4

Deerfield Beach at Hollywood South Broward, 7

Doral Academy at Miami Gulliver Prep, 4

Doral Ronald Reagan at Miami Sunset, 3:30

Fort Lauderdale NSU University School at Lakeland Christian, 7

Hialeah ABF Academy at BridgePrep Village Green, 7

Homestead South Dade at Miami Booker T. Washington (Traz), 7:30

Marathon at Pompano Beach, 7

Miami Belen Jesuit at Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian, 7

Miami Dr. Krop at Miami St. Brendan, 7

Miami Florida Christian at Miami Archbishop Carroll, 3:30

Miami High at Miami Immaculata La Salle, 7

Miami Lakes Goleman at Key West, 7:30

Miami Norland at Lake Mary, 7

Miami Palmetto vs. Homestead (Harris), 7:30

Miami SmartEn Academy at Miami Palmer Trinity, 4

Miami Springs vs. Miami Beach (Memorial), 7

Miami True North Classical Academy at Sarasota Cardinal Mooney, 7

Miami Varela at Hialeah Gardens, 3:30

Miami Westminster Christian at Coral Springs, 7

North Miami vs. Miami Jackson (Milander), 7:30

North Miami Beach at Tampa Carrollwood Day, 7

Pembroke Pines Charter at Oakland Park Northeast, 6:30

Plantation at Davie Western, 7

Pompano Beach Blanche Ely at Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson, 7

Riviera Beach Inlet Grove vs. Miami Killian (Burley), 7

Somerset Silver Palms at Miami Braddock, 3:30

Southwest Miami vs. Miami Coral Park (Tropical), 7:30

Wellington Palm Beach Central at Davie Nova, 7

Saturday August 23

HS Football Showcase: Mater Dei at St. Thomas Aquinas, 3:30

HS Football Showcase at St. Thomas Aquinas: St. Frances Academy vs. Chaminade, 8

Miami Southridge at Miami Christopher Columbus, 10 a.m.

Orange (Ca.) Lutheran vs. Miami Northwestern (Traz), 7 p.m.

THURSDAY RESULTS

Boca Raton Christian 35, Deerfield Beach Somerset Key 17

Coral Springs Charter 20, Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest 13 (OT)

Delray American Heritage 54, North Lauderdale Somerset Prep 0

Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy, Port St. Lucie Tradition Prep 6

Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy 34, Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy 12

Miami Carol City 35, Hialeah 25

Jacksonville Bolles 34, Coconut Creek Monarch 15

Miami Coral Reef 54, South Miami 0

Miami Edison 46, Hialeah American 0

Miramar Everglades 20, Fort Lauderdale Northeast 19

Peachtree Ridge, Georgia 31, Sunrise Piper 6

Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy 42, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons 35

Tavernier Coral Shores 20, Somerset South Homestead 12

Westland Hialeah 35, Hialeah-Miami Lakes 0

Weston Cypress Bay 40, Parkland Douglas 7

DAVID BROUSSEAU OF THE BROWARD COUNTY ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION CONTRIBUTED TO THIS BLOG!

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..

It has turned into one of the premier high school football weekends in the nation, and it all gets under way today.

The Fourth Annual Broward National Football Showcase will bring it 16 teams in three locations, and it all starts with a doubleheader at Fort Lauderdale Dillard High’s new field today – as well as at Cardinal Gibbons High School in Fort Lauderdale.

Over the past three years, this event has not only brought in several south Florida area teams, but some of the best in the country – and this year will be no exception.

AT DILLARD HIGH SCHOOL

Sunrise Piper (0-0) vs. Peachtree Ridge, Georgia (0-1), 4 p.m.

PIPER BENGALS

HEAD COACH: Quentin Short

DISTRICT: 13-6A

2024 RECORD: 10-2

2025 SCHEDULE

Aug. 21 Peachtree Ridge

 Aug. 29 @ Coconut Creek

 Sept. 5 @ South Plantation

 Sept. 12 @ Plantation

 Sept. 20 @ Pompano Beach Blanche Ely

 Sept. 26 Coral Springs

 Oct. 3 Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson

 Oct. 10 @ Fort Lauderdale

 Oct. 24 Coconut Creek Monarch

 Oct. 31 @ Hollywood South Broward

ABOUT THE BENGALS: Piper is coming off its first 10-win season since 2015 under coach Quinten Short and is making its inaugural appearance in the National Showcase. The Bengals opened the 2024 season with seven consecutive victories with the first four wins by shutout. This will be the first time Piper has played an out of state opponent dating back to the 2010 season. Senior Alex Gammage (FIU commit), who had 24 tackles and three interceptions last season, returns for his third season. Piper added transfer Jahnard Young to the backfield this year to boost their high-power offense

PEACHTREE RIDGE, GEORGIA LIONS

HEAD COACH: Matt Helmerich

REGION: 7-6A

2024 RECORD: 6-6

2025 SCHEDULE

@ Roswell, Georgia L 45-17

 Aug. 21 Piper

 Sept. 5 Lawrenceville Mountain View, Georgia

 Sept. 12 @ Norcross Meadowcreek, Georgia

 Sept. 19 @ Norcross, Georgia

 Sept. 26 Duluth, Georgia

 Oct. 3 North Gwinnett, Georgia

 Oct. 17 @ Snellville Brookwood, Georgia

 Oct. 24 Lilburn Parkview, Georgia

 Oct. 31 @ Lilburn Berkmar, Georgia  

ABOUT THE LIONS: While Peachtree Ridge dropped their opener last week against Roswell (GA), they head to south for the second year in a row to compete in the Broward County National Showcase. They are led by seniors Tyson Sanford (Duke commit), Tristen Hill (N.C. State commit), Kobe Hokes (Wake Forest commit) and Sedric Addison (Boston College commit) are key returning starters.

Coconut Creek Monarch (0-0) vs. Jacksonville Bolles (0-0), 8

COCONUT CREEK MONARCH KNIGHTS

HEAD COACH: Calvin Davis

REGION: 13-6A

2024 RECORD: 7-4

2025 SCHEDULE

 Aug. 21 Jacksonville Bolles

 Aug. 29 @ Deerfield Beach

 Sept. 5 @ Ramsey Don Bosco Prep, New Jersey

 Sept. 12 @ Sanford Seminole

 Sept. 14 Fort Lauderdale

 Oct. 3 @ Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna

 Oct. 10 Coral Springs

 Oct. 17 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas

 Oct. 24 Sunrise Piper

 Oct. 30 Pompano Beach Blanche Ely

ABOUT THE KNIGHTS: Monarch is seeking a second straight win in National Showcase after defeating Peachtree Ridge last year. Jabari Brady (Missouri commit) and a four-star athlete had 23 receptions for 485 yards with 7 touchdowns in only seven games for the Knights last season. Offensive tackle Lorvens Barthelemy (FAMU commit) is the anchor on the offensive line. Jaborree Riggins is a four-star senior wide receiver with 25-plus offers. In seven years as head coach, Davis hasn’t had a losing season.

JACKSONVILLE BOLLES BULLDOGS

HEAD COACH: Matt Toblin

REGION: 4-2A

2024 RECORD: 10-2

2025 SCHEDULE

Aug. 21 @ Monarch

 Aug. 29 Jacksonville Trinity Christian

 Sept. 5 St. Augustine

 Sept. 12 @ Jacksonville Bishop Kenny

 Sept. 19 @ Orange Park Oakleaf

 Sept. 26 Baldwin

 Oct. 10 Jacksonville Andrew Jackson

 Oct. 16 Jacksonville Riverside

ABOUT THE BULLDOGS: Bolles has won the second most state football championships in state history with 11, nine under former coach Corky Rogers. Bolles is lead by a very talented senior class starting with Corbyn Fordham (Ohio State commit), J.J. Sparks (Miami commit), Simeon Caldwell (Ohio State commit), and Naeem Burroughs (Clemson commit) returns as the team’s leading receiver with 2,507 career yards on 116 receptions and 34 touchdowns. Xander Edwards returns as the team’s leading rusher. He gained 558 yards on 78 carries and eight touchdowns.

AT CARDINAL GIBBONS HIGH SCHOOL

Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (0-0) at Cardinal Gibbons (0-0), 7

ARCHBISHOP MCCARTHY MAVERICKS

HEAD COACH: Jake Pew

REGION: 15-4A

2024 RECORD: 7-5

2025 SCHEDULE

 Aug. 21 @ Cardinal Gibbons

 Aug. 29 Community Sch. of Naples

 Sept. 4 at Miami St. Brendan

 Sept. 12 Miami True North Classical Academy

 Sept. 19 @ Boynton Beach Somerset Canyons

 Sept. 25 @ Miami Norland

 Oct. 10 Plantation

 Oct. 17 Plantation American Heritage

 Oct. 24 @ Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian

 Oct. 31 West Palm Beach King’s Academy

ABOUT THE MAVERICKS: Archbishop McCarthy is making their f irst appearance in the National Showcase. The Mavericks finished last season at 7-5, defeating Plantation 7-0 in the Class 4A regional quarterfinals before losing to Miami Norland in a regional semifinal. Senior quarterbacks Kendall Brown and Robert Kerns return combining for 1203 yards and 13 touchdowns last season. Junior Malik Denson returns as the top receiver with 29 catches for 461 yards and four touchdowns. Junior running back Damien Grant rushed for 814 yards last season.

CARDINAL GIBBONS CHIEFS

HEAD COACH: Matt Dubuc

REGION: 13-2A

2024 RECORD: 7-5

2025 SCHEDULE

Aug. 21 Archbishop McCarthy

 Aug. 29 @ Hollywood South Broward

 Sept. 5 @ Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian

 Sept. 11 Pembroke Pines West Broward

 Sept. 19 @ Coconut Creek

 Oct. 3 Hallandale

 Oct. 10 @ Deerfield Beach

 Oct. 17 @ Boca Raton, 6:30

 Oct. 24 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna

 Oct. 31 Miramar

ABOUT THE CHIEFS: Cardinal Gibbons returns Jayden Torres as the Chiefs starting quarterback after passing for 2735 yards and 23 touchdowns last season. He also rushed for 358 yards and three touchdowns. Three of his top receiving targets all graduated. They will benefit from the addition of 6’5 junior DeMarcus DeRoche who holds numerous DI offers. Gibbons put itself on the map with state championships in 2018, 2020 and 2021. This is the first time a pair of Broward County teams will face each other in the Showcase. Gibbons defeated DeMatha 11-6 in the inaugural National Showcase in 2022. They also defeated Cardinal Gibbons (NC) in the second Showcase in 2023.

THE SEASON ALSO STARTS THOUGHOUT THE REST OF SOUTH FLORIDA

In addition to the three showcase contests, today also starts the 2025 season aroubd Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.

Here is a look at this week’s schedule:

Boca Raton Christian at Deerfield Beach Somerset Key, 7

Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest at Coral Springs Charter (Coral Springs Sportsplex), 7

Hialeah vs. Miami Carol City (Betty Ferguson), 7

Homestead South Dade at Miami Booker T. Washington (Traz), 7:30

Miami Coral Reef vs. South Miami (Tropical), 7:30

Miami Edison at Hialeah American, 3:30

Miami Southridge at Miami Christopher Columbus (Tropical), 4

Miramar Everglades vs. Fort Lauderdale Northeast, 7

North Lauderdale Somerset Prep at Delray American Heritage, 6

Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy at Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy, 7

Port St. Lucie Tradition Prep at Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy, 7

Tavernier Coral Shores at Somerset South Homestead, 3:30

Westland Hialeah at Hialeah-Miami Lakes, 3:30

Weston Cypress Bay at Parkland Douglas, 6

Friday, August 22

HS Football Showcase at Dillard: West Broward vs. Corner Canyon (UT), 4

HS Football Showcase at St. Thomas Aquinas: American Heritage vs. St. Joseph’s Prep, 6

HS Football Showcase: Orlando Dr. Phillips at Dillard, 8

Coconut Creek at Miramar, 7

Coconut Creek North Broward Prep at Miami Ransom Everglades, 7

Cooper City vs. Coral Springs Coral Glades (CS Sportsplex), 7

Coral Gables at Miami Ferguson, 3:30

Coral Springs Taravella at Hollywood Hills, 4

Deerfield Beach at Hollywood South Broward, 7

Doral Academy at Miami Gulliver Prep, 4

Doral Ronald Reagan at Miami Sunset, 3:30

Fort Lauderdale NSU University School at Lakeland Christian, 7

Hialeah ABF Academy at BridgePrep Village Green, 7

Marathon at Pompano Beach, 7

Miami Belen Jesuit at Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian, 7

Miami Dr. Krop at Miami St. Brendan, 7

Miami Florida Christian at Miami Archbishop Carroll, 3:30

Miami High at Miami Immaculata La Salle, 7

Miami Lakes Goleman at Key West, 7:30

Miami Norland at Lake Mary, 7

Miami Palmetto vs. Homestead (Harris), 7:30

Miami SmartEn Academy at Miami Palmer Trinity, 4

Miami Springs vs. Miami Beach (Memorial), 7

Miami True North Classical Academy at Sarasota Cardinal Mooney, 7

Miami Varela at Hialeah Gardens, 3:30

Miami Westminster Christian at Coral Springs, 7

North Miami vs. Miami Jackson (Milander), 7:30

North Miami Beach at Tampa Carrollwood Day, 7

Pembroke Pines Charter at Oakland Park Northeast, 6:30

Plantation at Davie Western, 7

Pompano Beach Blanche Ely at Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson, 7

Riviera Beach Inlet Grove vs. Miami Killian (Burley), 7

Somerset Silver Palms at Miami Braddock, 3:30

Southwest Miami vs. Miami Coral Park (Tropical), 7:30

Wellington Palm Beach Central at Davie Nova, 7

Saturday August 23

HS Football Showcase: Mater Dei at St. Thomas Aquinas, 3:30

HS Football Showcase at St. Thomas Aquinas: St. Frances Academy vs. Chaminade, 8

Orange (Ca.) Lutheran vs. Miami Northwestern (Traz), 7

DAVID BROUSSEAU OF THE BROWARD COUNTY ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION CONTRIBUTED TO THIS BLOG!

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..

While national powers Mater Dei (California), St. Frances Academy (Maryland), St. Joseph’s Prep (Pennsylvania), Corner Canyon (Utah) and Peachtree Ridge (Georgia) will have some quality senior football players headed to this weekend’s Fourth Annual Broward County National Football Showcase, the state of Florida will also be well represented.

With Sunrise Piper, Pembroke Pines West Broward, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, Plantation American Heritage, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy, Fort Lauderdale Dillard, Jacksonville Bolles and Orlando Dr. Phillips, the state of Florida has some quality Class of 2026 players who are having the chance to get plenty of state and national recognition.

As many younger players are getting a lot of the attention, this current senior class also boasts some talented prospects that fans across the nation will get the chance to check out.

Among those Sunshine State players expected to make an impact include nationally recruited players such as Derrek Cooper (RB/LB, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Dia Bell (QB, Plantation American Heritage), Naeem Burroughs (WR, Jacksonville Bolles), Justice Fitzpatrick, DB, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Simeon Caldwell, DB, Jacksonville Bolles), Jasen Lopez (WR, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Daniel Norman (Edge, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Denairius Gray (WR, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Jabari Brady (WR, Coconut Creek Monarch) and Brandon Bennett (WR, Plantation American Heritage).

The senior class also will feature Corbyn Fordham (TE, Jacksonville Bolles), J.J. Sparks, OL, Jacksonville Bolles), Jaffar Jean-Noel, WR, Plantation American Heritage), Aldarius Johnson, Jr., DB, Plantation American Heritage), Jaborree Riggins (WR, Coconut Creek Monarch), Bryant Junius (LB, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Dylan Steen, OL, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Alejandro Schmitt (OL, Pembroke Pines West Broward), Bryan Granger (OL, Pembroke Pines West Broward) and Brady Palmer (QB, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas).

Also on display over the three days will be Maurice Jones (LB, Orlando Dr. Phillips), Phillip Goodrich Jr. (LB, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Kymani Morales (LB, Plantation American Heritage), Dylan Bennett (LB, Plantation American Heritage), Ryan Ingram (OL, Jacksonville Bolles), Jamar Denson (WR, Plantation American Heritage), Rodarion Tellez (Edge, Plantation American Heritage), Gary Hadley Jr. (WR, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons), Ashley Walker (OL, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Derrick Nichols (CB, Plantation American Heritage), Shmar Akande (DB, Pembroke Pines West Broward), Jermiyah Douglas (DB, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas) and R.J. Stamm (OL, Orlando Dr. Phillips).

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..

When it comes to producing players and teams, Miami-Dade and Broward Counties are now dominating the landscape of football in the state of Florida.

With defending state champions in 1A (Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), 3A (Miami Northwestern), 4A (Plantation American Heritage) and 5A (Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), this area is certainly one that gets everyone’s attention – quickly.

As the first week of the season is upon us, there are so many tremendous programs with a chance to advance to the state playoffs this year – and that is why the rankings will change just about every week.

With teams within the two counties playing each other throughout the season, the only ranking that will count will be the final one in the last week of December.

Today, we bring you the first of many weekly local rankings. Remember, they will change every Tuesday, and just because your favorite team may not be listed or ranked lower than you expected, the best teams will rise to the top by the end of the year.

1 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (1A). Loaded once again as the Lions look for an amazing ninth state trip to the state finals with talent everywhere. They have a tough schedule but nobody in 1A has been able to beat them. THIS WEEK: 8/23 – Baltimore St. Frances Academy, Maryland. NEXT WEEK: 8/29 - @No. 17 Hollywood McArthur.

are within three touchdowns of them – still!

2. Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (5A). Six-time defending state champions – enough said. May have more talent than anyone not named IMG Academy. Always well coached and loaded with elite talent and will be challenged. THIS WEEK: Santa Ana, California Mater Dei. NEXT WEEK: 8/29 – Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson.

3. Miami Northwestern (3A). Tough to imagine ANYONE in the country with more talent. You have no idea how loaded this program is. NO public school in American has more prospects. Not even up for discussion. They start in the fourth position but will find their way to the top – soon. THIS WEEK: 8/23 – Orange, California Orange Lutheran. NEXT WEEK: 8/29 – Venice.

4. Miami Central (3A). Do not feel sorry for the Rockets. They may have been the best team in Florida on the field last year, but having to forfeit the season tainted some elite prospects. New coach, but very much the same goals. THIS WEEK: Game Postponed. NEXT WEEK: 8/28 – No. 19 Miami Edison.

5. Plantation American Heritage (4A). The defending state champions may have the toughest schedule in the state, but the Patriots like it that way. There is enough talent to make it back, but depth will be a concern. THIS WEEK: 8/22 – Philadelphia St. Joseph’s Prep, Pennsylvania. NEXT WEEK: Bye.

6. Miami Norland (4A). The Vikings have a tough road but still have amazing talent to compete with anyone on their schedule. New head coach but the same objective with several elite prospects. THIS WEEK: 8/22 - @Lake Mary. NEXT WEEK: 8/28 - @Miami Carol City.

7. Miami Southridge (6A). Here is a team that feels they should have been in the finals last year, and with one of the most athletic programs in Florida, do not sleep on the Spartans. They had quite a spring and summer and are ready with a huge chip on their shoulders. THIS WEEK: 8/21 - @No. 8 Miami Christopher Columbus. NEXT WEEK: @Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman.

8. Miami Christopher Columbus (7A). Never count the Explorers out. Even in a down year, they took Venice down to the final quarter in the state semifinals. This season there is more to work with and there is a good feeling around this program. THIS WEEK: 8/21 – No. 7 Miami Southridge. NEXT WEEK: 8/29 - @Our Lady of Good Counsel, Maryland.

9. Coconut Creek Monarch (6A). Even though spring is never a true indicator of what lies ahead, the Knights looked mighty impressive on both sides of the ball and needed to be taken seriously. But the schedule will test this team each week. THIS WEEK: Jacksonville Bolles. NEXT WEEK: 8/29 - @Deerfield Beach.

10. Pembroke Pines West Broward (6A). Here is a team that may be new to the state powerhouses, but the Bobcats have loaded up and could have some of the most impressive athletes you will find – with an offensive line that is big and physical. Schedule is tough early on. THIS WEEK: 8/22 – Corner Canyon, Utah. NEXT WEEK: 8/29 - @Camden County, Georgia.

11. Miami Palmetto (7A). There is no getting around the fact that the Panthers are loaded and have their best chance to win the district and advance to the post season, but since they haven’t been able to get over the hump, there are doubters. THIS WEEK: 8/22 - @Homestead. NEXT WEEK: 8/29 – Miami Booker T. Washington.

12. Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (2A). After a few years away from the spotlight, the Chiefs return as one of the favorites in this classification with gifted prospects on board. This is a team that will be among the best in the state of Florida with several key returners. THIS WEEK: 8/21 – No. 14 Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy. NEXT WEEK: 8/29 - @Hollywood South Broward.

13. Fort Lauderdale Dillard (4A). The Panthers finished strong last season, and as things open up here in 2025, keep an eye on what they bring to the table with plenty of talent on both sides of the ball and a lot of depth. THIS WEEK: 8/22 – Orlando Dr. Phillips. NEXT WEEK: Bye.

14. Sunrise Piper (6A). Last year the Bengals were certainly a surprise team with a district title. This time around, every opponent will get up for this program – and they come back with some quality prospects and a few players that could continue to elevate this program. Class 6A is loaded and will test this team from start to finish. THIS WEEK: 8/21 – Peachtree Ridge, Georgia. NEXT WEEK: 8/29 - @Coconut Creek.

15. Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (4A). New coach, but the same objective as the Mavericks continue to build on their state playoff appearance and win last season in easily the toughest 4A district in the state of Florida. They are talented and should not be taken lightly. THIS WEEK: 8/21 - @No. 12 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons. NEXT WEEK: 8/29 – Community School of Naples.

16. Plantation (4A). Tough district once again for the Colonels – and even though they made the playoffs – plenty of work will be needed to navigate the many obstacles. The schedule will be challenging, but very few teams worked as hard as they did this past off-season. THIS WEEK: 8/22 – @No. 20 Davie Western. NEXT WEEK: 8/29 - @Miramar.

17. Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy (5A). Very few teams enjoyed the success the Lions did this off-season as a new regime is in place to make an impact this coming season and make the playoffs once again. Make sure you don’t take this team for granted. Far too talented and well coached! THIS WEEK: 8/21 – Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy. NEXT WEEK: 8/28 - @Doral Academy.

18. Hollywood McArthur (5A). New coaching staff and numerous player additions will give the Mustangs a running start in 2025, but the road will be filled with challenges and several impressive teams along the way. The objective is indeed the state playoffs. After a successful off-season, you cannot sleep on this program. THIS WEEK: Bye. NEXT WEEK: 8/29 – No. 1 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna.

19. Miami True North Classical Academy (1A). Talk about having a new look. The Titans went out in the off-season and added some pieces that will keep them in the mix – with a strong spring and summer. Well coached and loaded with elite playmakers. Another team to keep on your radar. THIS WEEK: 8/22 - @Sarasota Cardinal Mooney. NEXT WEEK: 8/29 - @Fort Myers Bishop Verot.

20. Miami Edison (1A). Like True North did in the off-season, the Red Raiders brought in some impressive and elite prospects, but remember, Chaminade-Madonna is still in the region and will be the overwhelming favorites. Still, this is a program that has a chance to make a solid run and post another productive season. THIS WEEK: 8/21 - @Hialeah American. NEXT WEEK: 8/28 – No. 4 Miami Central.

(Tie) -  Davie Western (7A). While there were many losses from last year’s region final squad, do not sell the Wildcats short. They are still loaded with big time playmakers who are out to prove that they are one of the top 7A programs in the region. The road will be tough for this program. THIS WEEK: 8/22 – No. 15 Plantation. NEXT WEEK: Bye.

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

Independent

Fort Lauderdale University School

Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy

1A

Miami Archbishop Carroll

2A

Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian

Miami Booker T. Washington

Miami Carol City

Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace

Miami Gulliver Prep

Miami Immaculata LaSalle

3A

Miami St. Brendan

4A

Hialeah

Miami Belen Jesuit

5A

Coconut Creek

North Miami

Pompano Beach Blanche Ely

6A

Doral Academy

Pembroke Pines Flanagan

7A

Homestead South Dade

Miami High

Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman

Weston Cypress Bay

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