When it comes to watching, evaluating and seeing prospects and teams throughout the course of a year, there are very few sources who put in the time to come up with accurate information like we do.
Player and team rankings are often subjective, and everyone has their opinion – which is fine – but it’s usually those who see very little that have the loudest voice on who should be higher or lower.
If you follow what we do over the course of a season is each week we adjust the rankings, and while many focus on pre-season and each week during the season, the only ranking that truly counts is the one that comes out in late December.
Our Pre Summer Top 20 is based on a number of things – and with so many transfers taking place – our opinion varies and changes. This is only a starting point and will change several times.
This is in no way a definitive ranking. Just an opinion based on seeing teams throughout the state and having a valid ground to compare.
Here is a look at 20 Miami-Dade Broward teams:
1. Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (14-1, 5A). Five-time defending state champions reload with high level talent. They are still among the best in the country and will have a tougher schedule to contend with this coming season.
2. Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (14-0, 1A). The loss of seven Power 4 prospects would shake most teams to the core, but this program, second nationally, is prepared for an amazing ninth consecutive state title appearance.
3. Miami Central (8-3, 3A). Missing out on the state finals for the first time in five years only motivated the Rockets to rebuild in the off-season. They have some elite prospects and coaching.
4. Plantation American Heritage (10-2, 4A). Missing out on another state title appearance in 2023 only motivated this talented program to add more pieces. Do not sleep on the Patriots because they are ready for a state championship run.
5. Miami Christopher Columbus (13-2, 7A). The loss of several key pieces from two straight state championship teams would shake most programs, but counting out the Explorers would be a huge mistake. When the bell rings they will be right there.
6. Homestead (12-2, 6A). Having two consecutive state runner-up teams usually takes a toll on many schools, but the Broncos are much more talented than anyone realizes. They have plenty in the tank and a line that can dominate.
7. Miami Norland (14-1, 4A). A disappointing loss in the 2M state title game has haunted the Vikings all off-season, but they have a solid offense and a stingy defense that could end up in a repeat of ’23.
8. Davie Western (9-4, 7A). Here is a team that has come close in the past few seasons, but if the Wildcats put it all together, they will have as much talent as anyone in the state and are more than motivated.
9. Miami Booker T. Washington (9-3, 2A). Never, ever doubt a Tim “Ice” Harris coached team, and despite several key players moving on to the next level, the Tornadoes continue to develop players and will be a major obstacle.
10. Coconut Creek Monarch (11-3, 6A). A fourth quarter breakdown in the 4M state semifinals stood in the way of getting to a first ever state football finals. But nobody reloaded more than the Knights and they will not go down without a fight.
11. Miami Palmetto (9-2, 7A). The Panthers continue to come close, and while they come up short the past few seasons, there is a strong feeling that this could be the year that things fall into place.
12. Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (9-4, 2A). While it’s a rebuild season for the Chiefs, with a number of gifted players moving on, there is also a feeling that there is enough talent on hand to cause some problems.
13. Miami Northwestern (5-6, 3A). Teddy Bridgewater returns to his alma mater and has made a huge impact – with several elite players. The only question is do the Bulls have enough depth to make a serious run?
14. Homestead South Dade (6-4, 7A). There is no getting around the fact that the Bucs are on their way back, advancing to the state playoffs and winning a first-round game. They are loading up with quality talent.
15. Coconut Creek (10-3, 5A). After an amazing run last year, the Cougars are back and ready to show that what happened in 2023 was certainly no fluke. Can they take things one step further? Players and coaches believe so.
16. Miami Southridge (7-5, 6A). Many continue to preach that everyone is sleeping on the Spartans – as they have been building and adding the right pieces. Homestead remains a major obstacle to getting out of south Florida.
17. Miramar (8-5, 5A). You can’t argue with the success that the Patriots have had the past two years – advancing three rounds in the state playoffs before losing to Homestead. They have talent, but will it be enough?
18. Hialeah (9-2, 4A). Posting one of the best records the T-Breds have had in many years, this is a team that had a very successful spring and has added some key prospects to an already talented team.
19. Hollywood South Broward (8-3, 6A). The Bulldogs have proven that you can lose a ton of elite talent and remain in contention. This is a team that can certainly have the last laugh.
20. Plantation (6-4, 4A). New head coach – same objective for the Colonels who have enjoyed a productive off-season with several young prospects who are buying into a bright future. Definitely a team to watch.
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When Miami Palmetto lost a second-round state playoff game to Davie Western last November, it ended what had been a productive season.
The Panthers and head coach Mike Manasco felt they had the team to perhaps make it all the way to Tallahassee, but that setback to Western and an earlier season loss to eventual state champion Miami Christopher Columbus stood in the way of getting to state title game for the first time in school history.
While several key players moved on to the next level, this program knew that what they had coming back and coming in would vault them into the spotlight once again in 2024.
After a successful spring, this team headed toward the summer with plenty of optimism.
With several 7-on-7 and camps available all over the state and throughout south Florida, the Panthers too full advantage.
PANTHERS BEAT NORLAND IN FIU 7-ON-7
On Wednesday, Palmetto took part in the Florida International University 7-on-7 event, and when they beat defending state 2M runner-up Miami Norland, 12-7, they took home the title.
Among the talent that propelled the Panthers included offensive prospects Lucas Goenaga (QB, 2025) and Andre Bailey (QB, 2026). Receivers Cameron Sapp (2025), Marquis Robinson (2025), Corey Swint (2026), Ezekiel Herring (2027), Ahmir Barnes (2028), Kadir Battle (2025), Stanley Ledger (2025) and Jules St. Fleur (2027). Running backs Ethan Lopez (2025) and Varian Terry (2026).
On defense, Palmetto had secondary standouts James Orange (2025), Braylen Green (2026), Kevin White Jr. (2026), Wynton Jones (2026), Bryan Joseph Jr. (2025) and Nikolai Moise (2026).
Linebackers Patrick Lawrence (2025) and Jahprece Joseph (2025).
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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 (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
As many south Florida high school football programs are traveling across the country this summer, many are understanding that these trips are indeed something that they long remember.
With several destinations across the nation, student/athletes are not only getting to see college campuses but are forming a stronger bond with their coaches and teammates.
One of the programs expected to make a huge push toward the school’s first ever state title are head coach Adam Ratkevich and his Davie Western Wildcats.
Over the past five years, this is a program that has come close, but many believe that this team has a big-time chance to finally get to that title game.
In order to achieve that goal, this summer will be vital, and with assistant coach Robert Ortega and other coaches taking prospects to schools, competing in 7-on-7 and line camps, this was indeed something that could put them over the top.
Some of the colleges they went to includes Georgia State, Morehouse, Kennesaw State, Clark, Georgia Tech, FSU, Florida A&M, UCF and the University of Georgia where they beat Miami Booker T. Washington for the 7-on-7 title.
Here is a look at the prospects who were on the summer tour:
CLASS OF 2025
Montrel Canion (DE/OLB, 6-2, 245 – 3.5 GPA)
Sebastian Circo (QB, 6-2, 185 – 4.0 GPA)
Daniel Davis (OL, 6-4, 335 – 3.2 GPA)
Niame Geffard (DE, 6-2, 210)
Jacob Joseph (DE/OLB, 6-2, 230 – 2.6 GPA)
Julian Mendez (OLB, 6-1, 195 – 3.0 GPA)
Samuel Mitchell (OLB/Edge, 6-4, 215 – 3.5 GPA)
Sinorice Moss Jr. (RB, 5-9, 195 – 4.2 GPA)
Si’Mor Price (WR, 6-2, 182)
Martin Rhyne (LB, 6-2, 215 – 2.5 GPA)
CLASS OF 2026
Johnathan Bueno Jr. (RB/Slot, 5-9, 165)
Jordan Davis (OL, 6-4, 340 – 3.0 GPA)
Calerbe Hermaine (WR, 6-4, 195 – 3.1 GPA)
Kallen Martinez (DB, 6-3, 165)
Robert Ortega Jr. (RB/Slot, 5-7, 165 – 4.0 GPA)
Hunter Ratkevich (TE/H-Back, 6-5, 205 – 4.5 GPA)
Caleb Williams (DB, 5-9, 160 – 3.4 GPA)
CLASS OF 2027
Sherrod Gourdine (Athlete, 5-9, 170)
Jaylyn Jones (FS, 5-11, 150 – 3.5 GPA)
Tavares Ward (DB, 6-0, 160)
Bryce Williams (CB, 6-2, 170 – 3.4 GPA)
CLASS OF 2028
Justin Barrera (WR, 5-9, 150)
Tromone Issac Jr. (WR, 5-9, 168)
EDITOR’S NOTE: We will continue to spotlight Miami-Dade and Broward programs who are traveling to colleges this June.
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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 (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
While Cocoa junior quarterback Brady Hart had the big news with his commitment to the University of Michigan, it was Coconut Creek Monarch that made the most noise as head coach Calvin Davis and the Knights beat Pembroke Pines West Broward, 24-18, in an all-Broward County final at the Florida Atlantic University 7-on-7 in Boca Raton.
The competitive 7-on-7 event saw Monarch and West Broward get by Cardinal Gibbons, Santaluces, Somerset Canyons, Rockledge, Delray Atlantic, Plantation, Fort Pierce John Carroll, West Boca Raton, Cooper City, Miramar, Miami Jackson, Ocala Vanguard, and Palm Beach Christian.
In addition to the 7-on-7, some quality linemen had the opportunity to showcase their skills in front of FAU coaches.
Among the players for Monarch, who will start the 2024 season as a top 30 team in the state, were:
Chris Cortinas (WR)
Amari Deer (CB)
Antonio Ward (S)
Antwaun Parham (WR)
Bre’Lan Mareus (RB)
Harrison Gant (LB/RB)
Jaborree Riggins (WR/S)
Jack Spaeder (QB)
Jaleel Walters (S)
Janaris Foster (SS)
Jayden Joselin (S)
Jaylen Liberal (CB)
Jaylin Woods (WR)
Malik Adea (WR)
Samari Reed (WR)
Sanjae Fisher (WR/CB)
Even the linemen and coach Roberto Montanez had a solid day at the “Big Man” competition. Among the players who stepped up were Mekhi Miller (7-1 in competition), Donovan Isnadin (4-0), Jahmeer Beauzil (4-1), Jaymin Blake (4-2), Ayden Guy (1-0), Sebastian White (3-0), and Nicholas Soto (4-1).
WEST BROWARD CAME UP WITH BIG WINS
To get to the final, West Broward and head coach Brian McCartney had some impressive wins.
The Bobcats knocked out two-time defending state champion Cocoa to reach the finals.
Among the players who looked good were:
OFFENSE
Joshua Moore (WR)
Amari Isaac (WR)
A’mir Sears (Athlete)
Christian Jones (RB)
Dylan Pelliccio (QB)
Elijah Dewoskin (RB)
Tyler Shattuck (QB)
Walter Olden (WR)
Izaiah Lopez (WR/RB)
Jacari Jones (WR)
Franklyn Johnson (TE)
DEFENSE
Uryah McCartney (LB)
Shmar Akande (DB)
Kelvin Reyes (WR/FS)
Matthew Martindale (WR/OLB)
Zaheed Pierre (CB)
Quincy Walker (LB)
Alex Piedra (LB)
Miles Minessale (DB)
Ramon Hermida (LB)
Dilaughn Smith (CB/QB)
The Bobcats also brought linemen to the event – with Alejandro Schmitt (DL), Bryan Granger (OL), Nick Ion (OL), Joel Martin (OL) and Johnathon Zamora.
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Several prospects throughout Miami-Dade and Broward Counties have been heading all over the country to put themselves in front of college coaches who can make decisions about their futures.
In south Florida, schools such as Miami, Florida Atlantic, Keiser and Florida International have been opening their doors to student/athletes in classes 2025-2028 that are looking to put themselves on the radar and showcase their skills.
FIU is one of those schools with several exposure events – as head coach Mike MacIntyre and his staff are giving prospects throughout the Sunshine State that opportunity that is needed.
Last Saturday, over 400 prospects attended the Mega Camp event as college coaches – not only from FIU – but other programs attended to watch and evaluate the talent on hand.
The Mega Camps are now a thing that brings several college coaches on campuses around the nation to potentially help fill their rosters.
On Saturday, several schools were on hand watching all classes and here are some of the 2026, 2027 and 2028 prospects on hand.
Among the 2026 players included Charlie Becker (ILB, Miami St. Brendan), Jaiden Arneus (CB, Fort Lauderdale Stranahan), Stafford Bain (RB, Fort Lauderdale Stranahan), Jahlani Brown (OL, Plantation), Zach LeMasters (OLB, Weston Cypress Bay), Christian Espinal (WR, Southwest Miami), Kevin Campbell Jr. (DL, Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy), Jamie Freeney (DL, Homestead South Dade), Dalai Garland (DL, Pembroke Pines Charter), Bryan Granger (OL, Pembroke Pines West Broward), Gonzalo Lacasa (CB, Miami Belen Jesuit), Michael Lam (QB, Miami Christopher Columbus), Miguel Martinez (DL, Miami Coral Reef), and Ke’Varee McCall (DL, Fort Lauderdale Stranahan High School).
Other 2026 players who are on FIU’s camp radar were Jojo Mendez (QB, Miami Palmetto), Gavin-Dale Miller Jr. (WR, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons), Sushanth Mortala (OL, Weston Cypress Bay), Terry Nixon (DL, Miami Southridge), Zachariah Nozile (ILB, Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace), Xavier Ocasio (WR, Pembroke Pines Charter), Antonio Owens Jr. (S, Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace), Kelcey Parrish (RB, Miami Archbishop Carroll), Tyree Pearson Jr. (RB, Miami Rise Prep Academy), Gerald Thomas Jr. (OLB, Coconut Creek Monarch), Nicolas Varela (OL, Miami Félix Varela), Teddy Welch (OL, Plantation American Heritage), Durrell Williams II (DL, Coconut Creek Monarch), and Allan Young Jr. (ILB, Sunrise Piper).
Other 2026 players who will continue to pop up throughout the upcoming season includes Kymani Ormsby (OL, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna ), Donovan Isnadin (OL, Coconut Creek Monarch), Andy Sosa (OL, Miami Southridge), Rylee Sawchenco (OL, Miami Southridge), Quincy Walker (LB, Pembroke Pines West Broward), Javarius Robinson (QB, Fort Lauderdale Dillard), Kenan Tookes (DB, Pompano Beach Blanche Ely), King Walker (WR, Miami Central), Wynton Jones (S, Miami Palmetto), Kenson Louis (RB/Athlete, Pompano Beach Blanche Ely), Omari McNeal (QB, Pompano Beach Blanche Ely), and Homestead South Dade receiver Jaron Harvey.
CLASS OF 2027 GIVES A GLIMPSE OF THE FUTURE
If you have followed high school football in the state of Florida, you already know that the talent never ends, and the 2027 sophomores have started to put their name in the spotlight.
Among those that are on FIU’s radar are Sharod Addison (WR, Miami Norland), Jamaal Billups (WR, Davie Nova), Tyler Chance (QB, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Sebastian Chirino (OL, Homestead Everglades Prep), Mark Cortes (ILB, Coconut Creek Monarch), Jordan Fernandez (QB, Hialeah Gardens), Julian Hernandez (RB, Miami Christopher Columbus), Aiden Leone (QB, Southwest Miami), Tyre' Lloyd (CB, Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace), Alexander Lopez (WR, Southwest Miami), Jakaris Love-Laidler (WR, Miami Norland), Justyn Mejia (WR, Miami Springs), Livan Morales Jr. (WR, Southwest Miami), Javin Cole (CB, Hollywood McArthur), Brandon Howard (DL, Homestead South Dade), Amare Nugent (WR, Pembroke Pines Somerset), and Fort Lauderdale Stranahan offensive lineman Kyle Pearson.
The class also includes Logan Pelliccio (QB, Pembroke Pines Flanagan), Anthony Rodriguez (DL, Southwest Miami), Nicholas Soto (OL, Coconut Creek Monarch), Jack Spaeder (QB, Coconut Creek Monarch), Justin Spence (DL, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Synsere Stewart (WR, Somerset Academy), Jayden Torres (WR, Hialeah Gardens), Matthew Vergara (QB, Miami St, Brendan), (DL, Miramar), Fagio Miyares (OL, Miami Christopher Columbus), Jaden Jackson (S, Fort Lauderdale St Thomas Aquinas), Leighton Maxwell (OLB, Fort Lauderdale Stranahan), Benson Candy (OLB, Fort Lauderdale Stranahan), and highly regarded Miami Southridge quarterback James Perrone.
INCOMING FRESHMEN ARE SET TO TURN HEADS
Like every year – in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties – in the incoming freshmen will also be a factor.
Already on the radar are Nelson Delgado (WR, Miami Coral Reef), Ethan Fishbein (QB, Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian), Brook Garner (CB, Miami Coral Reef), Clarence Gillis Jr. (OLB, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Jason Hernandez (WR, Miami Christopher Columbus), Aiden Landrian (RB, Miami Florida Christian), Adam Mesa (OL, Miami Florida Christian), Jayden Oneal-Glover (WR, Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy), Nicholas Sanchez (WR, South Miami), Lazaro Walker (CB, Somerset Academy), Lionel Pratt (WR, Fort Lauderdale Stranahan) and Miami Rise Prep cornerback Quartavius Lyons.
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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 (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..