While much of the focus in football crazy Florida is on many of the major college programs, it may be wise to understand which programs have been nationally recognized in the past five years.
Away from FSU, Miami, Florida, UCF, USF, Florida A&M, FAU, FIU and Bethune Cookman are the state’s smaller programs, and that’s where the titles have been won.
Five years ago, the University of West Florida captured the Division 2 national title, and last year – competing in their sixth season of football, Keiser University of West Palm Beach captured the NAIA national crown.
The National Championship victory capped off the most-successful season in Keiser history as the Seahawks finished the year with a 12-2 record (12-0 in NAIA play). In just the sixth year of the program, the Seahawks improved to 55-15 all-time as Keiser made its second straight NAIA National Championship appearance.
While Keiser and head coach Doug Socha were climbing the ladder, 60 miles to the south, St. Thomas University and head coach Bill Rychel were doing the same thing, playing winning football since the first year and gaining national recognition as well as being a destination for some impressive athletes.
A QUALITY MATCHUP INDEED
This Saturday afternoon, these two programs get together in one of the biggest NAIA games in the country when first year head coach Myles Russ, who took over when Socha went to Lenoir Rhyne University, will head south as the No. 1 team in the nation.
On the other side of the are the Bobcats, who are fresh off a No. 6 ranking.
This is a contest that features many of the south Florida standouts that we have watched since youth football – and are still making an impact.
Keiser University (3-0) at St. Thomas University (3-0)
Saturday, October 5, 12 noon
AutoNation Field
16401 NW 37th Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL 33054
KEISER SEAHAWKS
HEAD COACH: Myles Russ
10 PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Bam Brima, DL, 6-5, 270, Grad Student (Worcester, Mass/Loyalsock Township, Pennsylvania
Andrew Burnette, RB, 6-2, 225, Jr. (Jensen Beach)
D’Andre Golden, TE, 6-3, 206, Sr. (Norcross, Georgia)
Jude Guerrier, OL, 6-2, 339, Sr. (Boca Raton)
Hunter Hargrave, LB, 5-11, 210, Sr. (Bethalto, Illinois)
Kensly Johnson, DB, 5-11, 184, Jr. (Jacksonville Trinity Christian)
Byron May, DL, 6-3, 250, Fr. (Morehead Rowan County, Kentucky)
Jaden Meizinger, RB, 5-8, 200, Grad Student (Vero Beach)
Shea Spencer, QB, 6-0, 185, Grad Student (Sebastian River)
Refeno Vangates, WR, 6-0, 189, Fr. (Hialeah American)
2024 SCHEDULE
North Greenville, South Carolina, W 23-20 (OT)
Newberry, South Carolina W 42-33
University of Fort Lauderdale, W 45-0
10/5 - @Miami Gardens St. Thomas University
10/12 – Warner University
10/19 - @Lakeland Southeastern University
11/2 - @Webber International
11/9 – Miami Gardens Florida Memorial University
11/16 – Ave Maria
ST. THOMAS UNIVERSITY
HEAD COACH BILL RYCHEL
10 PLAYERS TO WATCH
Duece Dunbar, DE, 6-3, Sr. (Port St. Lucie West Centennial)
Nick Engler, DE, 6-4, 260, Grad Student (Port St. Lucie Treasure Coast)
Rontavious Farmer, RB, Sr. (Cocoa)
David Hayes, WR, 6-4, Sr. (Tampa King)
Geno Lubin, WR, 5-10, 175, So. (Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman)
Jerome Mitchell Jr., DB/Returner, 5-10, So. (Lantana Santaluces)
Caleb Walker, DB, 5-10, Grad Student (Tampa Jefferson)
Keely Watson, QB, 6-2, Jr. (Neptune Beach Fletcher)
Kendall Wilson II, LB, 5-10, Sr. (Apopka Wekiva)
Khalitri Zow, WR, 6-2, Grad Student (Orlando Oak Ridge)
2024 SCHEDULE
Louisiana Christian University, W 56-10
Saint Xavier University, Illinois, W 33-14
Miami Gardens Florida Memorial University, W 45-17
10/5 – Keiser University
10/12 – University of Fort Lauderdale
10/19 - @Ave Maria
10/26 – Webber International University
11/2 - @Lakeland Southeastern University
11/9 - @Thomas University, Georgia
11/16 – Warner University
PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. THOMAS UNIVERSITY
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
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 (@PrepRedzoneFL). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..