It was a game that certainly caught the attention of the entire state. Two-time defending state runners up Venice at home against a Miami Northwestern program that was coached by Teddy Bridgewater and looking to jump back into the elite teams in the state.

It was a game that produced over 1,000 yards, 90 points and overtime before the Indians pulled out a thrilling 48-42 win and set the table for a run at a 7A state title.

For the Bulls, it was a game that would get them ready for a season that would end up at Pitbull Stadium on the campus of Florida International University and a 3A title.

Tonight, following a 3:30 afternoon matinee between Miami Central and Miami Edison, fabled Traz Powell Stadium will host Venice and Northwestern in a rematch of last year’s thriller.

While both teams lost on opening night, these two state champions are primed for what looks like the Game of the Week in the Sunshine State.

Senior quarterback Leon Strawder used this game last year as a springboard to a banner junior season with a 365-yard, 4 touchdown contest. It was also a game that receivers Nic Lennear (6 catches for 87 yards) and Syracuse commit Calvin Russell Jr. (6 catches for 151 yards and 3 touchdowns) showcased their many skills.

Two powerful offenses who combined for only 22 points on opening night. Something has to give.

Venice Indians

HEAD COACH: John Peacock

DISTRICT: 8-7A

2024 RECORD: 14-1 (7A State Champions)

2025 SCHEDULE:

Tampa Bay Tech, L 29-7

8/29 - @Miami Northwestern

9/5 – Fort Myers Bishop Verot

9/12 – Port Charlotte

9/19 – Orlando The First Academy

9/26 – Lehigh

10/3 – Bradenton IMG Academy

10/10 – Sarasota Riverview

10/17 – Clearwater Central Catholic

10/24 - @Sarasota

Miami Northwestern Bulls

HEAD COACH: Jaquatin Victrum

DISTRICT: 16-3A

2024 RECORD: 12-2 (3A State Champions)

2025 SCHEDULE:

Orange Lutheran, California, L 17-15

8/29 – Venice

9/4 – Miami Carol City

9/12 – Miami Norland

9/19 - @Miami Christopher Columbus

9/26 - @Miami Jackson

10/3 - @Miami Central

10/11 – Key West

10/17 – GMAC Week

10/24 - @Miami St. Brendan

In addition to the clash of state champions, here are some other games to watch this Friday:

Boynton Beach Somerset Canyons at Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy, 7

No. 14 Coconut Creek Monarch at Deerfield Beach, 7

Community School at No. 11 Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy, 7

Coral Springs Charter at Pembroke Pines Charter, 6

Fort Lauderdale at Hallandale, 7

No. 16 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons at Hollywood South Broward, 7

Fort Lauderdale Stranahan at No. 9 Fort Lauderdale Dillard, 7

Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy at Coconut Creek North Broward Prep, 7

Hialeah Miami Lakes vs. Doral Reagan (Milander), 7

No. 4 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna at No. 19 Hollywood McArthur, 7

Homestead South Dade vs. Homestead (Harris), 7:30

Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson at No. 1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, 7

Miami Booker T. Washington vs. No. 10 Miami Palmetto (Tropical), 7:30

Miami BridgePrep Village Green at Miami Country Day, 7

No. 5 Miami Central at No. 17 Miami Edison (Traz), 3:30

No. 6 Miami Christopher Columbus at Olney Our Lady of Good Counsel, Maryland 7

Miami Immaculata LaSalle vs. Miami Jackson (Curtis), 7:30

Miami Ferguson at Miami Varela, 3:30

Miami Gulliver Prep at Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace, 7:30

Miami Krop vs. Miami Killian (Southridge), 7:30

Miami True North Classical Academy at Fort Myers Bishop Verot, 7

Miramar Everglades at Richmond Hill (Ga.), 7

North Lauderdale Somerset Prep at Deerfield Beach Somerset Key, 7

Parkland Douglas at Cooper City, 7

No. 15 Pembroke Pines West Broward at Camden County (Ga.), 7:30

No. 12 Plantation at Miramar, 7

Somerset South Homestead at Miami Westminster Christian, 4

South Plantation at Coral Springs Coral Glades (CS Sportsplex), 7

No. 18 Sunrise Piper at Coconut Creek, 7

Tavernier Coral Shores at Miami Palmer Trinity, 4

Westland Hialeah at Lakeland Victory Christian, 7

THURSDAY’S GAMES

Coral Gables 20 Hialeah ABF 0

Davie Nova 14, Coral Springs 12

Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian 21, Fort Lauderdale NSU University School 18

Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest 45, Pompano Beach 6

Hialeah 46, Miami Belen Jesuit 7

Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy 36, Doral Academy 6

Miami Coral Reef 23, Miami Sunset 0

Miami Norland 42, Miami Carol City 13

Miami Southridge 63, Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman 22

Miami Springs 52, Southwest Miami 14

Miami St. Brendan 28, Miami Beach 17

Oakland Park Northeast 40, Coral Springs Taravella 28

Pembroke Pines Flanagan 40, Weston Cypress Bay 24

Saturday, August 30

MIAMI-DADE

North Miami Beach vs. North Miami (Traz), 7

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 the season began, there were those who felt that the Miami Norland Vikings would pick right up where they left off in 2024 – making a playoff push.

With some key player losses and a new head coach in Tyronn Johnson, this program still has hope of challenging defending 4A state champion Plantation American Heritage, Plantation and Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy in district play and eventually making a push toward a state championship.

The season started off strange with a 30-30 tie in the kickoff classic against 7A power Vero Beach and then last week, after jumping out to a big lead on the road against defending 7A state runner up Lake Mary, the No. 7 Vikings lost, setting up tonight’s Battle of Miami Gardens at Traz Powell Stadium at 7.

For Miami Carol City, an opening night win against Hialeah gave the Chiefs confidence as they have a legitimate chance in Class 2A.

With head coach George Stubbs and an outstanding coaching staff, this program has worked overtime this summer at camps and 7-on-7 events – and as they host, they are optimistic that they can matchup against their longtime rival.

Do the Vikings get back on track and focus on Pitbull Stadium in December – or do the Chiefs show that they have improved greatly and are ready for this impressive challenge?

Miami Norland Vikings

HEAD COACH: Tyronn Johnson

DISTRICT: 15-4A

2024 RECORD: 9-3

2025 SCHEDULE:

Lake Mary, L 30-29

9/5 - @Homestead South Dade

9/12 - @Miami Northwestern

9/18 - @Delray Atlantic

9/25 – Southwest Archbishop McCarthy

10/3 – Cocoa

10/10 - @Plantation American Heritage

10/17 – GMAC Week

10/24 - @Plantation

Miami Carol City Chiefs

HEAD COACH: George Stubbs Sr.

DISTRICT: 14-2A

2024 RECORD: 7-4

2025 SCHEDULE:

Hialeah, W 35-25

8/28 – Miami Norland

9/4 - @Miami Northwestern

9/11 – Westland Hialeah

9/26 - @Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace

10/2 – South Miami

10/10 - @North Miami Beach

10/16 – GMAC Week

10/30 - @Miami Central

In addition to the Battle of Miami Gardens, here are some other games to watch this Thursday:

Davie Nova at Coral Springs, 7

Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian at Fort Lauderdale NSU University School, 6

Fort Lauderdale Northeast at Coral Springs Taravella, 7

Hialeah at Miami Belen Jesuit, 7

Hialeah ABF Academy at Coral Gables, 3:30

Hialeah Gardens at Miami Coral Park, 3:30

No. 13 Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy at Doral, 7

Miami Ransom Everglades at Somerset Silver Palms, 7

No. 7 Miami Southridge vs. Miami Lakes Goleman (Milander), 7

Miami Springs vs. Southwest Miami (Tropical), 7

Miami St. Brendan vs. Miami Beach (Memorial), 7

Miami Sunset at Miami Coral Reef (Southridge), 7

Pompano Beach at Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest, 7

South Miami vs. Miami High (Curtis), 7

Weston Cypress Bay at Pembroke Pines Flanagan, 7

Friday, August 29

Boynton Beach Somerset Canyons at Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy, 7

No. 14 Coconut Creek Monarch at Deerfield Beach, 7

Community School at No. 11 Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy, 7

Coral Springs Charter at Pembroke Pines Charter, 6

Fort Lauderdale at Hallandale, 7

No. 16 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons at Hollywood South Broward, 7

Fort Lauderdale Stranahan at No. 9 Fort Lauderdale Dillard, 7

Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy at Coconut Creek North Broward Prep, 7

Hialeah Miami Lakes vs. Doral Reagan (Milander), 7

No. 4 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna at No. 19 Hollywood McArthur, 7

Homestead South Dade vs. Homestead (Harris), 7:30

Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson at No. 1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, 7

Miami Booker T. Washington vs. No. 10 Miami Palmetto (Tropical), 7:30

Miami BridgePrep Village Green at Miami Country Day, 7

No. 5 Miami Central at No. 17 Miami Edison (Traz), 3:30

No. 6 Miami Christopher Columbus at Olney Our Lady of Good Counsel, Maryland 7

Miami Immaculata LaSalle vs. Miami Jackson (Curtis), 7:30

Miami Ferguson at Miami Varela, 3:30

Miami Gulliver Prep at Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace, 7:30

Miami Krop vs. Miami Killian (Southridge), 7:30

Miami True North Classical Academy at Fort Myers Bishop Verot, 7

Miramar Everglades at Richmond Hill (Ga.), 7

North Lauderdale Somerset Prep at Deerfield Beach Somerset Key, 7

Parkland Douglas at Cooper City, 7

No. 15 Pembroke Pines West Broward at Camden County (Ga.), 7:30

No. 12 Plantation at Miramar, 7

Somerset South Homestead at Miami Westminster Christian, 4

South Plantation at Coral Springs Coral Glades (CS Sportsplex), 7

No. 18 Sunrise Piper at Coconut Creek, 7

Tavernier Coral Shores at Miami Palmer Trinity, 4

Venice vs. No. 3 Miami Northwestern (Traz), 7:30

Westland Hialeah at Lakeland Victory Christian, 7

Saturday, August 30

MIAMI-DADE

North Miami Beach vs. North Miami (Traz), 7

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHUCK BETHEL

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..

The opening weekend of the 2025 college football season will certainly shine a spotlight on south Florida.

While Miami and Notre Dame will take center stage on Sunday night, there are two other games locally that will showcase local talent as HBCU schools Bethune Cookman University will head south to play Florida International University on Friday night.

On Saturday at 4 p.m., it will be the annual Orange Blossom Classic at Hard Rock Stadium, featuring Howard University and Florida A&M University in what promises to be a quality matchup.

Howard University head coach Larry Scott (Sebring), a former University of Miami interim head coach and Co-offensive coordinator Brett Kean (NSU University School) lead the way for the Bison with Jason Seraphin (DL, North Miami Beach).

Florida A&M is stacked with local prospects – with head coach James Colzie III and assistant coach Kevin Maurice leading the way.

Among the locals who play for the Rattlers are former Miami Hurricane Thad Franklin Jr. (RB, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Jalen Rogers (WR, Miami Northwestern), Simeon Hines (S, Fort Lauderdale Dillard), Caleb McKenzie (DB, Miami Central), Justice Cross (LB, Deerfield Beach), Corey Collier Jr. (DB, Miami Palmetto), JayQuan Reid (WR, Miami Southridge), Ah’Mare Lee (DB, North Miami Beach), T.J. Huggins (DB, Miami Killian), and Jordan Cumberbatch (DB, Miramar).

There are also prospects such as Gabriel Perez (PK, Miami Southridge), Kareem Maycock (LB, Miami Northwestern), Vershod Quinn (RB, Miami Christopher Columbus), Kyjuan Taylor (RB, Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman), Malcolm Major (LB, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Samuel Mitchell IV (DL, Davie Western), Caleb Riley (OL, Miami Norland), Michael Marshall (OL, Miami Northwestern), Ricky Taylor (OL, Miami Northwestern), Jeremy Fishkin (OL, Parkland Douglas), and Vinh Quain (LS, Miramar Everglades).

BETHUNE COOKMAN HEADS SOUTH

While Howard and FAMU will play in the Orange Blossom Classic, Friday night will see Bethune Cookman University open the Willie Simmons era at Florida International University of Friday night.

Head Coach Raymond Woodie, no stranger to the state of Florida and Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, brings his Wildcats in to open the season.

The Bethune Cookman coaching staff also has a south Florida flair with Otis Mounds (Fort Lauderdale Dillard), Brandon Washington (Miami Northwestern), and Robert Wimblerley (Miami).

The Wildcats also have players such as Jaden Williams (S, Plantation), Juan Rodriguez (RB, Miami Norland), Willie Anderson (WR, Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace), Cameron Anderson (S, Miami Northwestern), Gabriel Cash (LB, Miami Norland), Teko Shoats (OL, Miami Central), William Gedeon (OL, Coconut Creek Monarch), Melvin Puckett (OL, Coconut Creek Monarch), Tarrell Short Jr. (WR, Miami Central), and Jahem Guillaume (WR, Miami Carol City).

Other Wildcats from the area include William Roberts III (TE, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Wistanson Mathurin (TE, Coconut Creek Monarch), Lewon Lurry Jr. (DE, Miami Northwestern), and Dairo Melendez Jr. (Miami Immaculata LaSalle).

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 nearly three quarters last Saturday afternoon, it looked like California’s national powerhouse Mater Dei would have its way with Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas.

With an ESPN national audience looking on, the No. 1 team in the country – the defending national champion Monarchs – were in total control, but the Raiders refused to quit and came roaring back, eventually losing 26-23, but in the process turned plenty of heads.

The six-time defending state champions showed why they are one of the top teams in the country, and while they came away with a loss and started 0-1 for the second straight year, this team is indeed talented and deserves to be the No. 1 program in south Florida after the first week.

With losses by Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna and Miami Northwestern, this program slid into the top spot.

Here is a look at Week 2 in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties:

1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (5A, 0-1). Six-time defending state champions dropped a thrilling ESPN contest to the No. 1 team in the country, 26-23. THIS WEEK: 8/29 – Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson. NEXT WEEK: 9/5 - @No. 7 Miami Christopher Columbus.

2. Plantation American Heritage (4A, 1-0). The defending state champion Patriots came from 28-0 down to beat Philadelphia St. Joseph’s Prep, 31-28 on ESPN 2. THIS WEEK: Bye. NEXT WEEK: 9/5 – No. 4 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna.

3. Miami Northwestern (3A, 0-1). The Bulls dropped their opener at home against California Trinity League power Orange Lutheran, 17-15. THIS WEEK: 8/29 – Venice. NEXT WEEK: 9/4 – Miami Carol City.

4. Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (1A, 0-1). The Lions were soundly beaten in the Broward National Showcase by powerhouse Baltimore St. Frances Academy, 42-13. THIS WEEK: 8/29 - @Hollywood McArthur. NEXT WEEK: 9/5 - @No. 2 Plantation American Heritage.

5. Miami Central (3A, 0-0). Game against Jacksonville Raines was cancelled. THIS WEEK: 8/29 – No. 18 Miami Edison. NEXT WEEK: 9/5 - @Miami Booker T. Washington.

6. Miami Christopher Columbus (7A, 0-0). After several tries over three days, their season opener against No. 7 Miami Southridge was called with the Explorers winning 14-7 late in the third quarter. They will finish this game before the season is over – with the points being very valuable when playoff time rolls around. THIS WEEK: 8/29 - @Our Lady of Good Counsel, Maryland. NEXT WEEK: 9/5 – No. 1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas.

7. Miami Southridge (6A, 0-0). After several tries over three days, their season opener against No. 13 Miami Christipher Columbus was called with the Explorers winning 14-7 late in the third quarter. They will finish this game before the season is over – with the points being very valuable when playoff time rolls around. THIS WEEK: 8/28 - @Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman. NEXT WEEK: 9/4 - @ No. 10 Miami Palmetto.

8. Miami Norland (4A, 0-1). The Vikings blew a large lead on the road against 7A power Lake Mary and lost, 30-29. THIS WEEK: 8/28 - @Miami Carol City. NEXT WEEK: 9/5 - @Homestead South Dade.

9. Fort Lauderdale Dillard (4A, 1-0). The Panthers showed why they will be one of the best teams in the state this year when they shut out Orlando Dr. Phillips in the Broward National Showcase, 39-0. THIS WEEK: Fort Lauderdale Stranahan. NEXT WEEK: Fort Lauderdale Northeast.

10. Miami Palmetto (7A, 0-0). Game against Homestead was postponed due to bad weather and will be made up on Oct. 6. THIS WEEK: 8/29 – Miami Booker T. Washington. NEXT WEEK: 9/4 – No. 7 Miami Southridge.

11. Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (4A, 1-0). If you wanted to know about the Mavericks, maybe you learned something from last week’s 42-35 Broward National Showcase win against Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons. THIS WEEK: 8/29 – Community School of Naples. NEXT WEEK: 9/4 - @Miami St. Brendan.

12. Plantation (4A, 1-0). The Colonels started the season off with a huge 18-0 win against Davie Western. THIS WEEK: 8/29 - @Miramar. NEXT WEEK: 9/4 - @ No. 15 Pembroke Pines West Broward.

13. Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy (5A, 1-0). The Lions opened the Tim “Ice” Harris era with a 34-12 win against Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy. THIS WEEK: 8/28 - @Doral Academy. NEXT GAME: 9/5 – Hialeah Gardens.

14. Coconut Creek Monarch (6A, 0-1). The Knights started the season in the Broward National Showcase for the second straight year, dropping a 34-15 decision to Jacksonville Bolles, 34-15. THIS WEEK: 8/29 - @Deerfield Beach. NEXT WEEK: 9/5 - @Ramsey John Bosco, New Jersey.

15. Pembroke Pines West Broward (6A, 0-1). Even though they dropped their opener against national power Corner Canyon, Utah in the Broward National Showcase, the Bobcats had some positive moments. THIS WEEK: 8/29 - @Camden County, Georgia. NEXT WEEK: 9/4 – No. 12 Plantation.

16. Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (2A, 0-1). The Chiefs dropped an exciting Broward National Showcase game to Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy, 42-35. THIS WEEK: 8/29 - @Hollywood South Broward. NEXT WEEK: 9/5 - @Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian.

17. Miami Edison (1A, 1-0). The Red Raiders started the season off on a positive note with a 45-0 win against Hialeah American. THIS WEEK: 8/29 – No. 5 Miami Central. NEXT WEEK: 9/5 - @Miami Killian.

18. Sunrise Piper (6A, 0-1). The Bengals began the season with a 31-6 setback in the Broward National Showcase to Peachtree Ridge, Georgia. THIS WEEK: 8/29 - @Coconut Creek. NEXT WEEK: 9/5 - @South Plantation.

19. Hollywood McArthur (5A, 0-0). Head Coach Robert Ortega and his team had the first week of the season off. THIS WEEK: 8/29 – No. 4 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna. NEXT WEEK: 9/5 - @Miramar.

20. Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman (7A, 1-0). The Gators started off the season with a convincing 62-21 win on the road at Key West. THIS WEEK: 8/28 – No. 7 Miami Southridge. NEXT WEEK: 9/4 - @Hialeah American.

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

Independent

Fort Lauderdale University School (1-1)

Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy (1-0)

1A

Miami Archbishop Carroll (0-0)

Miami True North Classical Academy (0-1)

2A

Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian (1-0)

Miami Booker T. Washington (0-1)

Miami Carol City (1-0)

Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace (0-0)

Miami Gulliver Prep (0-0)

Miami Immaculata LaSalle (1-0)

North Miami Beach (0-1)

3A

Miami St. Brendan (0-0)

4A

Hialeah (0-1)

Miami Belen Jesuit (0-1)

5A

Coconut Creek (1-0)

Miramar (0-1)

North Miami (1-0)

Pompano Beach Blanche Ely (0-0)

6A

Doral Academy (0-0)

Miami Dr. Krop (0-0)

Pembroke Pines Flanagan (0-0)

7A

Davie Western (0-1)

Homestead South Dade (1-0)

Weston Cypress Bay (1-0)

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..