When it comes to rankings – local, regional or state, obviously they are subjective, and while they are made by people who never watch all the teams they are listing, we as fans look at them and relish when our teams are mentioned.
It has become a popularity contest, much like player rankings, if you mention a player or team that people root for your, the list that you compile is popular. If you fail to mention a program or prospect, the ranking that you come out with is terrible, and the author does not know what they are talking about.
We have the opportunity to see all the programs in the state of Florida and use our 54 years of experience as a barometer and never guess at any player or team that we list.
Rankings are NOT an exact science, and while the teams that are mentioned before the season may be perceived – by the author as being among the best, as we have found, the only listing that truly matters is the one that comes at the end of the season.
No matter what you feel about the prospects or teams that are rated, you must respect that the source has taken all steps to make the decision that they arrive at.
As tough a decision as it is to rank local, regional and statewide – today we look at the Miami-Dade and Broward County programs who are being mentioned as some of the elite in the country.
While last year saw Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna continue to dominate, the Lions ended up at No. 2 nationally, and while this program lost several key prospects, veteran head coach Dameon Jones and his program looks for a ninth straight appearance in the state championship game.
For head coach Roger Harriott and his Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders, this is a position this program is in basically every year. Looking for a record sixth straight state title, this team could surprise plenty of people – especially with a Broward County Football Showcase game against defending national champions Las Vegas Bishop Gorman.
After missing out on the state title game last season, head coach Jube Joseph and his Miami Central Rockets are anxious for the season to start as they have loaded up and have that opening-night showdown with two-time defending state champion Lakeland.
After dropping a close state semifinal game last year, head coach Mike Smith and his Plantation American Heritage Patriots will head into the season loaded with talent and experience as the stakes will once again be very high.
When head coach Daryl Heidelberg and his Miami Norland left Tallahassee after losing to Tampa Berkeley Prep in the state title game, there was a feeling that the Vikings had missed a major opportunity to finish off a perfect season. That setback has driven this team in the off-season.
After taking Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas down to the wire in the state title game and losing for the second time in two years, head coach Ronnie Thornton and his Homestead Broncos went into the off-season with a feeling that 2024 was going to be an important season. Keep an eye on this talented team once again.
Winning the state title two straight years, Miami Christopher Columbus and head coach Dave Dunn will look to rebuild after several key losses from last year. Even though they had a rough spring, this is a program that will find a way to get things back on track.
When you look back at last season, Miami Booker T. Washington and veteran head coach Tim “Ice” Harris had their chances to do some serious damage, but key injuries brought the season to an end. Fast forward to this season – do not sleep on the Tornadoes!
Teddy Bridgewater returns to his alma mater, and while last season was a disappointment with the Miami Northwestern Bulls missing the state playoffs, they have reloaded and will be a player in the state playoff race. Too much pride and history to stay down for long.
The good news for veteran head coach Matt Dubuc and his Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons Chiefs is Plantation American Heritage will not be an obstacle. The tough news is this team has numerous holes to fill with graduation and transfers taking an experience bite out of the program. But this team has learned to deal with adversity.
Say what you want about every large school in the state of Florida, but no team has the talent and depth as head coach Adam Ratkevich and his Davie Western Wildcats. Truth be told, if this team doesn’t win it all this year, it would be a total surprise. They are loaded – everywhere!
For head coach Calvin Davis and his Coconut Creek Monarch Knights, the off-season was as active as any football program in the state. This is the deepest and most talented program that this school has ever had. Play them and you had better bring his all – every week.
There is no getting around the amazing job that head coach Johnnie Sloane and his staff have done with the Coconut Creek Cougars. The program has indeed “Restored The Roar” with a stingy defense and a maturing offensive attack. They impressed last season and have a chance to do the same in 2024.
For the past five years, head coach Mike Manasco and his Miami Palmetto Panthers have remained in the mix. With some key players moving in with a solid group of returnees, this will be a very interesting year as they battle their way into the state playoff mix.
Three rounds deep in the state playoffs for the past two years have put the Miramar Patriots and head coach A.J. Scott in a position to show that they do have a program that can get it done. Strong defense and an improving offense will keep this team relevant again.
For Chris Reid and his Homestead South Dade football program, a state playoff win signaled that the Buccaneers are indeed getting back to what they once were. While very few are paying attention this is a team that is more than capable of making some loud noise this season.
There are those who believe that head coach Pierre Senatus and his Miami Southridge Spartans are being slept on this coming season. This team has plenty of talent coming back – along with transfers that have infused this program. They have the chance to prove a lot of people wrong.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MIAMI HERALD
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
Miami-Dade/Broward Summer Top 20. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-summer-top-20
Are You Keeping Up With Miami-Dade & Broward High School Football Transfers? https://larryblustein.com/news/keeping-up-with-miami-dade-broward-high-school-football-transfers
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..