After dropping a 17-14 decision to Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons in the opening round of the 2024 2A state playoffs, head coach George Stubbs, his coaches and players looked at the off-season as a place to continue to grow.

As the team met with the media last Saturday at the Fourth Annual Football Hotbed Media Day in Deerfield Beach, the message by the coaches and players was a simple one: FINISH THE JOB!

With 2A up for grabs in the southern part of the state with North Miami Beach, Miami Immaculata LaSalle, Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace, Miami Booker T. Washington and Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, there is a feeling that with a strong spring and summer that the Chiefs are ready to make a statement.

Plenty of young prospects aboard with several veterans have given this program an opportunity to grow, and as each player and coach met with the media, it was indeed evident that the 2025 season will be one that this historic program can continue to turn things around.

Miami Gardens Carol City Chiefs

HEAD COACH: George Stubbs

DISTRICT: 14-2A

2024 RECORD: 7-4

2025 SCHEDULE

8/21 – Hialeah

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

CHIEFS TAKE IN MEDIA DAY:

With head coach George Stubbs bringing players to the Football Hotbed Media Day last Saturday, the Chiefs had the chance to showcase some quality talent. Here is a look at those players that spoke:

2027 – Santana Blount, Slot, 5’9, 155 – 2.9 GPA. One of the top prospects for the class.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22468691/Santana-Blount

2028 - Russell Britton, QB, 6’1, 175 – 3.6 GPA. The future of this program, who had an outstanding off-season.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/21706742/Russell-Britton

2026 - Justin Compere, RB, 5’11, 190. This Immokalee transfer is going to be one of the elite backs in south Florida. FIU football commit.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17815552/Justin-Compere

2026 - Daishaun Dorsett, MLB/DE, 6’2, 195. One of the senior leaders that this program will be looking for this season – on and off the field for leadership.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22461357/Daishaun-Dorsett

2027 - Danard Frazier Jr., DT, 6’2, 295. If you are looking for one of the elite underclassmen in south Florida, here is a very talented young man to keep an eye on this season.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23191640/Danard-Frazier

2028 - Nijal Thigpen, OT, 6’6, 280 – 3.5 GPA. Here is one of the emerging stars. Someone who makes his way to south Florida from Bradenton IMG Academy as one of the rising stars for this class.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23724791/Nijal-Thigpen

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 first year head coach Robert Ortega took his team to the Football Hotbed Media Day in Deerfield Beach last Saturday, he knew the questions would come from the reporters and recruiting services on hand.

After years as an assistant at Davie Western, Ortega decided to leave and head back to where it all began as a student/athlete at Hollywood’s McArthur High.

What he has done since leaving high school – where he was a standout defensive lineman - Ortega has indeed blazed a trail that has watched him coach, teach and develop young talent at the youth level and in high school – as well as being a force on the off-season national 7-on-7 circuit.

His return to hi alma mater has watched him surround himself with elite talent that he has been around for several years – including his son, Robert Jr., who has not only made dad proud as a tremendous football talent, who has played at the varsity level since the 8^th grade, but also has gotten it done in the classroom, where Ivy League programs have been looking to get him on campus.

While questions surrounded his players, Saturday was also about how his team stacks up with a challenging schedule and more than competitive Class 5A, which includes six-time defending state champion Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas.

Hollywood McArthur Mustangs

HEAD COACH: Robert Ortega

DISTRICT: 15-5A

2024 RECORD: 2-8

2025 SCHEDULE

8/29 – Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna

9/5 - @Miramar

9/12 - @Weston Cypress Bay

9/19 – Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas

9/26 – Hollywood Hills

10/3 - @Deerfield Beach

10/11 - @Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson

10/17 – Fort Lauderdale

10/24 – South Plantation

10/31 - @Miramar Everglades

MUSTANGS SHINE AT MEDIA DAY:

With head coach Robert Ortega bringing players to the Football Hotbed Media Day, the Mustangs had the chance to showcase some quality talent. Here is a look at those players that spoke:

2027 – Jaylyn Jones, DB, 6’0, 182 – Top Prospect In The State. University of Miami Commitment. Davie Western Transfer.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19945180/Jaylyn-Jones

2026 - Brandon Lattimore Jr., LB, 6’0, 218 – 4.0 GPA. Miami Jackson Transsfer.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17633760/Brandon-Latimore-Jr

Marek Marcellus, DB, 6’0,185 – 3.5 GPA. Western Transfer.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/13059825/Marek-Marcellus

2026 – Robert Ortega Jr., RB/Slot, 5’7, 175 – 4.1 GPA. Will Be A Five-Year Varsity Performer.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18274649/677f01b3002acf25bc553d15

2026 - Troy Smith, OL, 6’4, 270.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22511192/Troy-Smith

2026 - J.T. Turner, DT, 6’2, 297 – 3.0 GPA. Fort Lauderdale Dillard Transfer.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18707262/JT-Turner

2027 - Khamarian Young, WR, 6’0 175. Several major offers. Top junior prospect.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20363038/Khamarian-Young

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 was no secret that the 7-5 season that veteran head coach Matt Dubuc and his Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons Chiefs put together was indeed a disappointment.

For most programs winning a district title is usually enough, but this program is not your ordinary team that counts moral victories as a success. This coaching staff still has championship pedigree – three state titles in a five year period, and after an off year, this team is back.

Loaded with quality players on both sides of the ball, competing in Class 2A, they are one of the favorites to perhaps reach the state finals in December, and while there are many obstacles along the way, you can see why there is plenty of optimism.

At the recent Football Hotbed Media Day, questions were asked about Miami Booker T. Washington, Miami Carol City, Miami Gardens, Miami Immaculata LaSalle, North Miami Beach, Starke Bradford County, Jacksonville Bolles, Sarasota Cardinal Mooney, Havana Gadsden County and three-time defending state champion Cocoa as teams who are among the best in the class, but when all was said and done, there is a belief that this is the year this program returns to the elite.

With a challenging schedule – highlighted by the Broward County National Showcase opener against competitive 4A Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy – and including 6A Pembroke Pines West Broward, 5A Miramar and national 1A powerhouse Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, this will be an exciting 2025 season. 

Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons Chiefs

HEAD COACH: Matt Dubuc

DISTRICT: 13-2A

2024 RECORD: 7-5

2025 SCHEDULE

8/21 – Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy

8/29 - @Hollywood South Broward

9/5 - @Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian

9/11 – Pembroke Pines West Broward

9/20 - @Coconut Creek

10/3 – Hallandale

10/10 - @Deerfield Beach

10/16 - @Boca Raton

10/24 – Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna

10/31 – Miramar

MEDIA DAY BRINGS OUT TALENT

With assistant head coach Dave Montiel bringing players to the Football Hotbed Media Day, the Chiefs had the chance to showcase some quality talent. Here is a look at those players that attended:

2026 - Jaylon Ammons, CB/FS, 5’11, 185 – 3.8 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22593317/Jaylon-Ammons?.

2027 - Joey Cammarata, DT, 6’0, 265 – 3.8 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20538522/Joseph-Cammarata

2026 - Brandon Clarke, S, 5’11, 180 – 4.8 GPA. National Honor Society. Track & Field.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17975176/Brandon-Clarke

2026 - Landon Martin, TE/MLB, 6’0, 215 – 4.1 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18294497/Landon-Martin

2026 - Andrew MacDonald, DE, 6’5, 230 – 4.8 GPA. 31 ACT.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19248070/Andrew-Macdonald

2026 - Preston Stebbins, FS/CB, 5’9, 175.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18568676/Preston-Stebbins

2026 - Jayden Torres, QB, 6’2, 195. 2,800 Offensive Yards. First Team All-County. One of the best in the state.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17698875/Jayden-Torres

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:

Weston Cypress Bay senior offensive lineman Ben Gula made his decision where he will head off to college next year and the University of Colorado was the winner. He talked about his decision.

BEN GULA ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/ben-gula-cypress-bay-ol-university-of-colorado-commit-072f9

The University of Central Florida opened the second Scott Frost era with plenty of questions as they face another challenging Big 12 season. Brandon Helwig from Rivals.com and @On3sports talked Knights.

BRANDON HELWIG ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/brandon-helwig-ucf-football-for-on-3-sports-rivals-network-aa3b8

Coach Chris Yeargin joined the show to talk about Coconut Creek’s chances this season with a competitive schedule and some key returning players. We found out which Cougars would make an impact.

CHRIS YEARGIN ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/coconut-creek-football-head-coach-chris-yeargin-0bc0d

So many questions need to be answered this season as the University of Miami revamped the roster and defensive coaching staff. What players are going to make the biggest impact? Geo Millian filled everyone in.

GEO MILLIAN ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/geo-millian-miami-hurricanes-football-619d5

Tyronn Johnson is the new head football coach at Miami Norland and he talked about the new faces and what departing head coach Darryl Heidelburg meant to the program over the years.

COACH TYRONN JOHNSON ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/miami-norland-head-coach-tyronn-johnson-398c5

 Can Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, Miami Northwestern, Plantation American Heritage and Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas repeat as state champions? Those are some of the things that veteran Miami Herald journalist Andre Fernandez talked about.

ANDRE FERNANDEZ ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/andre-fernandez-miami-herald-1b34c

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..