As the countdown continues for the 2026 football season, we take a look at some of the Class 6A schools that have a chance to be special.
Getting to Miami in December is something that every team in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties are looking to achieve.
Last season, Miami Southridge came the closest – losing a heartbreaker to eventual state champion West Boca Raton. This year, the Spartans go in as one of the favorites to reach Pitbull Stadium on the campus of Florida International University.
Here is a breakdown of the teams to keep an eye on:
Coconut Creek Monarch. Even though spring is never a true indicator of what lies ahead, the Knights looked mighty impressive on both sides of the ball and need to be taken seriously. They have a tough schedule, but that will prepare them for the playoffs. Veteran Head Coach Calvin Davis has built a contender that will be an under-the-radar force – with plenty of senior leadership. They are the defending district champions.
2025 SCHEDULE
8/21 – Jacksonville Bolles
8/29 - @Deerfield Beach
9/5 - @Ramsey Don Bosco Prep, New Jersey
9/12 - @Sanford Seminole
9/18 – Fort Lauderdale
10/3 - @Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna
10/9 – Coral Springs
10/17 – Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas
10/24 - @Sunrise Piper
10/30 – Pompano Beach Blanche Ely
Doral Academy. Veteran Head Coach Eddie Delgado and his Firebirds have worked hard to build this team into a contender, and as the season gets ready to unfold, here is a program that has a chance to make some noise – with several new faces.
2025 SCHEDULE
8/22 - @Miami Gulliver Prep
8/28 – Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy
9/5 - @Hialeah
9/12 – Hollywood South Broward
9/18 - @Miami Southridge
9/26 - @Miami Dr. Krop
10/3 - @Homestead
10/16 -Boca Raton Spanish River
10/24 – Southwest Miami
10/30 – Miami Edison
Miami Beach. First year head coach Wilkie Perez and the Hi Tides had a very productive off-season – with several newcomers leading the way. This is a much-improved team that has a long road to travel to a post season appearance.
2025 SCHEDULE
8/22 – Miami Springs
8/28 - @Miami St. Brendan
9/5 – Coral Gables
9/12 - @Miami Dr. Krop
9/26 – Pembroke Pines Flanagan
10/3 - @Miami Ferguson
10/10 – Pembroke Pines West Broward
10/17 – GMAC Week
10/23 – Miami Florida Christian
10/30 - @Miami High
Miami Southridge. 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 can score and have a solid defense. Head Coach Pierre Senatus and his staff have done a tremendous job.
2025 SCHEDULE
8/21 – @Miami Christopher Columbus
8/28 - @Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman
9/4 - @Miami Palmetto
9/13 - @Hialeah
9/18 – Doral Academy
9/26 – Homestead
10/3 – Miami Edison
10/10 – Southwest Miami
10/17 – GMAC WEEK
10/31 – Homestead South Dade
Pembroke Pines Flanagan (6A). Busy off-season has the Falcons making a move toward the state playoffs, but the classification is certainly no joke – with many quality teams. Head Coach Benjamin Rolle and his team enjoyed a very productive off-season and believe they can make a huge splash with a few key wins.
2025 SCHEDULE
8/28 – Weston Cypress Bay
9/5 - @Miramar Everglades
9/12 – Fort Lauderdale
9/19 – Pembroke Pines West Broward
9/26 - @Miami Beach
10/3 – Plantation American Heritage
10/9 - @Miami Dr. Krop
10/17 - @Hallandale
10/23 – Hollywood South Broward
Pembroke Pines West Broward. Here is a team that may be new to the state powerhouses, but the Bobcats have loaded up and could have some the most impressive athletes you will find – with an offensive line that is big and physical. Head Coach Brian McCartney and his team have won the past two district titles, but believe they have the talent to play with anyone!
2025 SCHEDULE
8/22 – Corner Canyon, Utah
8/29 - @Camdcen County, Georgia
9/11 - @Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons
9/19 - @Pembroke Pines Flanagan
10/10 – Miami Beach
10/31 - @Davie Western
Sunrise Piper. One of the major surprises in the state a year ago, finishing second in district play, coming up with a first-round state playoff victory, head coach Quentin Short and the Bengals will not be a surprise this season – as some new faces will mix with key returners. They had a tremendous off-season.
2025 SCHEDULE
8/21 – Peachtree Ridge, Georgia
8/29 - @ Coconut Creek
9/5 - @South Plantation
9/12 - @Plantation
9/19 – Pompano Beach Blanche Ely
9/26 – Coral Springs
10/3 – Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson
10/10 - @Fort Lauderdale
10/24 – Coconut Creek Monarch
11/1 – Hollywood South Broward
@ At the writing of this story, not all schedules were complete.
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..
For much of the past two decades when you talked the largest high school football classification in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, the name Miami Christopher Columbus was front and center.
State titles and plenty of statewide success put the Explorers in a position where they dominated 8A, 4M and now 7A.
As they enter the 2025 season, this is a team that has talent, superior coaching and a bright past, but this is a different year and that gap is closing.
Even though they battled 7A state champion Venice down to the wire last season, it took everything possible just to arrive at that game.
This year the schedule is as tough as it has been in decades – with two state champions and three elite programs in the first five games.
Is this the year that there is a changing of the guard? Only time will tell.
Here are some of the 7A programs to keep an eye on:
@ Not all teams have completed their schedules as of this writing.
Coral Gables. After several years trying to build the Cavaliers back to where they were, veteran head coach Frank Welsh stepped down. Enter energetic and knowledgeable Derick Murdock, who comes in and hit the ground running with quality coaches and some surprising talent. This season his objective is to compete and build.
2025 SCHEDULE
8/21 @Miami Ferguson
9/5 – @Miami Beach
9/11 – Miami High
9/25 – Miami Palmetto
10/3 - @Miami Braddock
10/9 - @Miami Christopher Columbus
10/17 – GMAC WEEK
10/23 – Homestead South Dade
10/31 – Southwest Miami
Davie Western. Over the past five years, this was a program – under veteran head coach– that many were picking as the team that could make it to the state title game. Even last year, when the Wildcats had to forfeit several games, they lost a last-minute region final game to Christopher Columbus. Plenty of holes to fill this season!
2025 SCHEULE
8/22 – Plantation
9/5 – Coconut Creek
9/12 - @Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas
9/19 – Coral Springs Taravella
9/26 - @Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna
10/3 - @West Boca Raton
10/10 – Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman
10/17 - @Weston Cypress Bay
10/24 – Deerfield Beach
10/31 – Pembroke Pines West Broward
Miami Christopher Columbus. Never count the Explorers out. Even in a down year, they took Venice down to the final quarter in the state semifinals. This is a team that will never be out of any game. Competitive schedule again, but head coach Dave Dunn and his staff will always have this team ready.
2025 SCHEDULE
8/21 – Miami Southridge
8/29 - @Our Lady of Good Counsel, Maryland
9/5 – Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas
9/12 – Miami Palmetto
9/19 – Miami Northwestern
9/25 – Homestead South Dade
10/3 – Miami High
10/9 – Coral Gables
10/17 – GMAC WEEK
10/24 – Miami True North Classical Academy
Homestead South Dade. After advancing to the state playoffs the past two years, a change was made at the top for the Bucs as veteran Pat Burrows has entered the picture – and with his experience and ability to teach and get the most out of his players, keep an eye on this team.
2025 SCHEDULE
8/22 – Miami Booker T. Washington
8/29 – Homestead
9/5 – Miami Norland
9/12 - @Miami Killian
9/25 - @Miami Christopher Columbus
10/3 - @Miami Palmetto
10/10 – Miami High
10/17 – GMAC WEEK
10/23 - @Coral Gables
10/31 - @Miami Southridge
Miami High. Yet another change at the top for the Stingarees as Pat Colon comes aboard to get this program back on track. There is always talent in the area, but as so many have found out, getting these athletes out of the hallways is never an easy job.
2025 SCHEDULE
8/22 – @Miami Immaculata LaSalle
9/4 - @Miami Coral Reef
9/11 - @Coral Gables
9/19 - @Hialeah
10/3 – Miami Christopher Columbus
10/10 - @Homestead South Dade
10/17 – GMAC WEEK
10/30 – Miami Beach
Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman. Last season, veteran head coach Ariel Cribeiro and his Gators won the district after picking up a forfeit win, only to drop their opening state playoff game. This is a program that put in plenty of work in the off-season.
2025 SCHEDULE
8/22 - @Key West
8/28 – Miami Southridge
9/4 - @Hialeah American
9/17 – Hialeah Gardens
9/26 - @Weston Cypress Bay
10/2 – West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman
10/10 – Davie Western
10/17 – GMAC WEEK
10/23 - @Coral Springs Taravella
10/31 - @Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace
Miami Palmetto. This could be the strongest program the Panthers have ever had. Explosive on offense and fast on the defensive side of the ball. They could be a serious contender this season. Columbus is that major obstacle once again, but veteran head coach Mike Manasco and his program will be ready.
2025 SCHEDULE
8/22 - @Homestead
8/29 – Miami Booker T. Washington
9/4 - Miami Southridge
9/12 - @Miami Christopher Columbus
9/18 – Miami Killian
9/25 - @Coral Gables
10/3 – Homestead South Dade
10/17 – GMAC WEEK
10/30 – Fort Myers Bishop Verot
Weston Cypress Bay. Could this be the year that the Lightning finally strike and break through? After missing the state playoff last season with a winning record, head coach Bret Hood and his team have enjoyed a very productive and successful off-season with plenty of talent and confidence.\
2025 SCHEDULE
8/21 - @Parkland Douglas
8/28 - @Pembroke Pines Flanagan
9/12 – Hollywood McArthur
9/19 – Fort Lauderdale Stranahan
9/26 – Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman
10/3 - @Coral Springs
10/10 - @Coral Springs Taravella
10/17 – Davie Western
10/24 - @Cooper City
10/30 - Hallandale
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 AM 560 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:
Sly Johnson has worked with some of the top young football prospects in the country – starting out in little league, on to high school, college and NFL via his Premier Athletes. He talked about some of the elite receivers who still trains with him.
SLY JOHNSON ON MONDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/sly-johnson-premier-athletes-8bb17
This Saturday at Ives Park in North Miami-Dade, the first ever Crib Classic High School football combine will hold – with some of the top rising invited players in south Florida. Jose Duasso talked about the benefits of this event.
JOSE DUASSO ON MONDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/jose-duasso-of-crib-classic-combo-4804d
Former Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy, University of Miami and University of Central Florida shortstop Antonio Jimenez was the third-round pick of the New York Mets and he talked about the excitement of living out a dream.
ANTONIO JIMINEZ ON MONDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/antonio-jiminez-new-york-mets-2025-3rd-round-draft-pick-e9d01
Alex Donno from Locked On Canes and Locked On The ACC previewed the University of Miami football program for the 2025 season as ACC Media Days are under way from Charlotte.
ALEX DONNO ON MONDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/alex-donno-of-locked-on-canes-b42e8
John Garcia Jr. from Rivals.com has been busy the past six months with so much going on with high school football recruiting. He broke down some of the top players and what’s ahead over the next month.
JOHN GARCIA JR. ON MONDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/john-garica-of-rivals-dot-com-f2f54
Over 100 teams and 500 players at last weekend’s Central Florida Media Days at Seminole State College in Heathrow and Camping World Stadium and Dan LaForest broke it all down.
DAN LAFOREST ON MONDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/dan-la-forest-influence-counsel-60385
While we are still a month away from the start of the 2025 high school football season, several local teams are already popping up on national rankings.
While we know that it’s difficult for someone in California or Texas or fully know all the changes made to rosters on teams from Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.
Nearly 300 players have transferred to football programs in the two counties over the past seven months, so really knowing how a team will come together is nearly impossible.
Going on what teams did in 2024 is really the only barometer that can be used if you are not watching these teams in the spring and throughout the summer, but national outlets continue to give their opinions on what teams in the #305 and #954 are going to be among the best as the season begins.
Remember, when ranking teams, you have to factor in their schedules, and there are some programs who can lose three and four times this year, but as anything, we will let it all play out.
Among the local programs receiving attention are defending 1A state champion Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, 4A state champion Plantation American Heritage, six-time defending state champion (5A) Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, defending 3A state champion Miami Northwestern, and Miami Central (3A).
TEAMS THAT COULD BREAK THROUGH
While many across the country are focusing on the same teams who are coming off big years, Miami-Dade and Broward also have other programs that have chance to turn heads this coming season.
Among those programs who could find their way into the run for a state title include Miami Norland (4A), Miami Southridge (6A), Miami Christopher Columbus (7A), Miami Palmetto (7A), Pembroke Pines West Broward (6A), Coconut Creek Monarch (6A), Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (2A), and Fort Lauderdale Dillard (4A).
LARRY BLUSTEIN PRE-SUMMER TEAM RANKINGS. https://larryblustein.com/news/there-are-elite-teams-in-miami-dade-broward-this-summer
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 we brought you a look back at the Miami-Dade and Broward County players from the 2015 season yesterday, the response was overwhelming.
Having the opportunity to watch the talent that we have produced live for the past six decades, there are so many elite performers, it’s easy to overlook so many who have made an impact through the years.
Today, we bring you back 15 years to the Class of 2010 – with some gifted football players who left a lasting impression on fans and fellow players.
While not all had success past the collegiate level, there were several who did quite well for themselves.
Among those who stood out in that class includes quarterback Stephen Morris (Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace) and running backs Ethan Grant (Coconut Creek North Broward Prep) and Deandre Johnson from Monsignor Pace.
Other players were receivers Quinton Dunbar (Miami Booker T. Washington), Ivan McCartney (Miramar), Ted Meline (North Miami) and Shawn Corker (Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons).
The class featured linemen Brandon Linder (Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Jonathan Feliciano (Davie Western), Justin McCray and Jordan McCray (Miami Southridge), Torian Wilson (Miami Northwestern) and Jonathan Ragoo (Monsignor Pace).
Defensive linemen also made a lasting impression with Corey Lemonier (Hialeah), Todd Chandler (Miami Northwestern), Jose Jose (Miami Central) and Lynden Trail (Miami Booker T. Washington).
Linebacker Gideon Ajagbe (Miami Ransom Everglades) was solid. So were defensive backs Lamarcus Joyner (Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Richard Leonard (Miami Killian), Jabari Price (Pompano Beach Blanche Ely), Cody Riggs (Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas) and Demar Dorsey (Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson).
The class also featured longtime NFL punter Michael Palardy (Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas).
Elite Miami-Dade/Broward Teams To Watch. https://larryblustein.com/news/there-are-elite-teams-in-miami-dade-broward-this-summer
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..