Well, we have waited since last December for football to once again come back at the high school level, and today, it starts over what could be the most competitive season in recent memory.
With the third edition of the Broward County National Football Showcase taking center stage – this is certainly going to be a weekend that will shine the spotlight on south Florida – with nationally rated teams taking part in an event that has taken off – in a major way.
There are two game that will kick this elite event off today – when Coconut Creek Monarch takes on Peachtree Ridge out of Georgia and Miami Northwestern will travel to play host Coconut Creek in the second game of the doubleheader.
Peachtree Ridge (0-1) vs. No. 10 Coconut Creek Monarch (0-0), Coconut Creek High, 4 p.m.
SUWANNEE PEACHTREE RIDGE LIONS (Georgia)
HEAD COACH Matt Helmerich
2023 RECORD: 10-2
2024 SCHEDULE
Roswell, Georgia L 21-6
8/22 – Monarch
9/6 - @Mountain View
9/13 – Meadowcreek
9/20 – Norcross
9/26 – Duluth
10/4 - @North Gwinnett
10/18 – Brookwood
10/25 - @Parkview
11/1 – Berkmar
COCONUT CREEK MONARCH KNIGHTS
HEAD COACH Calvin Davis
2023 RECORD: 11-3
2024 SCHEDULE
8/22 – Peachtree Ridge, Georgia
8/29 – Deerfield Beach
9/13 - @Sanford Seminole
9/20 - @Fort Lauderdale
9/26 - @Coral Springs
10/5 – Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna
10/18 - @Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas
10/24 – Sunrise Piper
11/1 - @Pompano Beach Blanche Ely
No. 9 Miami Northwestern (0-0) vs. No. 18 Coconut Creek
Coconut Creek High, 8 p.m.
MIAMI NORTHWESTERN BULLS
HEAD COACH Teddy Bridgewater
2023 RECORD: 4-6
2024 SCHEDULE
8/22 - @Coconut Creek
8/30 - @Venice
9/6 - @Miami Carol City
9/13 - @Miami Norland
9/19 – Miami Christopher Columbus
9/27 – Miami Jackson
10/4 – Miami Central
10/11 - @Key West
10/25 – Miami St. Brendan
COCONUT CREEK COUGARS
HEAD COACH Johnny Sloan
2023 RECORD: 10-3
2024 SCHEDULE
8/22 – Miami Northwestern
9/6 - @Baylor, Tennessee
9/13 - @Deerfield Beach
9/20 - @Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons
9/27 – Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson
10/4 – Hollywood South Broward
10/10 - @Delray Beach Atlantic
10/18 – Miramar
10/25 – Pompano Beach Blanche Ely
11/1 - @Parkland Douglas
MORE GAMES TO WATCH OPENING WEEK
While the national showcase is getting much of the attention on opening of the regular season, there are other contests to keep an eye on as well:
THURSDAY, AUGUST 22
Coral Springs Charter at NSU University School, 7
Doral Ronald Reagan vs. Miami Sunset (Milander), 7:30
Hialeah American vs. No. 20 Miami Edison (Traz), 3:30
Homestead South Dade vs. No. 13 Miami Booker T. (Traz), 7
No. 7 Miami Christopher Columbus at No. 15 Miami Southridge, 7
Miami Coral Park vs. Southwest Miami (Tropical), 7
Miami Ferguson at Coral Gables, 4
Miami LaSalle at Miami High (Curtis), 7
Miami Springs vs. Miami Beach (Memorial), 3:30
Miami St. Brendan at Miami Dr. Krop (Ives), 7
Oakland Park Northeast at Pembroke Pines Charter, 5:45
Westland Hialeah at HML, 3:30
FRIDAY, AUGUST 23
Broward Showcase: Milton (Ga.) vs. No. 4 American Heritage, 7
Broward Showcase: Lake Mary at No. 11 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, 7
Clewiston at Key West, 7
Coral Springs Coral Glades at Cooper City, 7
Delray American Heritage at Miami Westminster Christian, 4
Fort Lauderdale at Miramar Everglades, 7
Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian at Miami Belen Jesuit, 7
No. 12 Fort Lauderdale Dillard vs. No. 20 Plantation (PAL), 7
Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest at West Palm Beach Oxbridge Academy, 7
Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy at Port St. Lucie Tradition Prep, 7
Hialeah ABF Academy at Goulds Palm Glades Prep, 4
Hialeah Gardens at Miami Varela, 3:30
Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy at Somerset Silver Palms, 7
Hollywood Avant Garde at Riviera Beach Inlet Grove, 6:30
Hollywood Hills at Coral Springs Taravella, 7
Hollywood McArthur at Hallandale, 7
Hollywood South Broward vs. Pembroke Pines West Broward (Ansin), 7
Homestead No. 5 vs. No. 14 Miami Palmetto (Tropical), 7:30
Lakeland vs. No. 3 Miami Central (Traz), 7:30
Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson at Pompano Beach Blanche Ely, 7
Miami Archbishop Carroll at Miami Florida Christian, 7
Miami Braddock vs. Mourning (N. Miami), 3:30
Miami Gardens TRU Prep vs. Miami True North Classical Academy (Tropical), 3:30
Miami Gulliver Prep at Doral Academy, 7
No. 8 Miami Norland at No. 19 Miramar, 7
Miami SmartEn Sports Academy at Miami Palmer Trinity, 4
Moore Haven at Davie Nova, 7
North Lauderdale Somerset Prep at Deerfield Beach Somerset Key, 4
North Miami vs. Jackson (Curtis), 7:30
North Miami Beach at Auburn, Alabama, 7
Palm Beach Lakes at Coral Springs, 7
Parkland Douglas at Weston Cypress Bay, 7
Pembroke Pines Flanagan vs. Miami Lakes Goleman (Milander), 7:30
Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy at Coconut Creek North Broward Prep, 6
Pompano Beach at Marathon, 7:30
Somerset South Homestead at Tavernier Coral Shores, 7
South Miami vs. Miami Coral Reef (Southridge), 7:30
Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy at Naples Community School, 7
Deerfield Beach at Sunrise Piper, 7
West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman at Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace, 7:30
SATURDAY, AUGUST 24
Broward Showcase: Las Vegas Bishop Gorman at No. 1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, 4
Broward Showcase: Hoover, Alabama at No. 6 Davie Western, 7
Broward Showcase at St. Thomas: No. 2 Hollywood Chaminade vs. Bellflower St. John Bosco (California), 8
Hialeah at Miami Carol City (Milander), 7
Homestead Everglades Prep vs. Miami Killian (Southridge), 7
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
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..
Twelve teams, six Most Valuable Players, had the chance to share the spotlight at the first ever Miami Super Showdown Classic at Traz Powell Stadium last Friday and Saturday.
From Miramar (Miami Edison) to Miami Central (Ocala Vanguard), Homestead (West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman), Seffner Armwood (Miami Norland), Miami Carol City (Miami Jackson) and Miami Northwestern (Miami Palmetto, there was plenty of talent all over the field as local and national media of all types had the chance to see some emerging prospects as the last games were played before this coming week – the start of the 2024 season.
With so much attention for “exhibition” games, the teams and athletes were the big winners – with some new faces getting much of the attention.
Here is a look at the six most valuable players for each game:
2026 – Duane Johnson, LB, 6-2, 190, Homestead. Before his outstanding performance in the kickoff classic game against West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman, very few people had ever heard much about this impressive talent. The former Miami Killian prospect began to showcase his amazing skills during the spring, and by the time he left the field last Saturday, many understood why he is among the best prospects in Florida for the junior class.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18235670/Duane-Johnson
2025 - Bekkem Kritza, QB, 6-5, 198, Miami Central. This Penn State commitment returns to south Florida and has immediately shown why his Rockets will be one of the best teams in the country this season. Started off his junior season at Central before transferring back to Boulder (Colo.) Fairview. He ended up completing 129 of 197 passes (65.5%) for 1,747 yards with 20 TD and 3 INT. Also ran for 2 scores.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16078708/Bekkem-Kritza
2027 – Nicholas Lennear, WR, 5-9, 165, Miami Northwestern. Even before he stepped foot in high school, here was someone who was talked about as being one of the best youth football prospects to come out of south Florida in years. Last season as a freshman, he did some impressive things for the Bulls. But last Saturday evening, the speedster showed exactly why this team will be dangerous this coming season – as he scored twice – once on a kick return and gave fans and the media a look at one of the best sophomores in the country.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19539314/Nicholas-Lennear
2025 – Girard Pringle Jr., RB, 5-10, 182, Seffner Armwood. Ever since this quality football player committed to attend the University of Miami, fans have asked about how good he was and what he will bring to Coral Gables. Last Saturday afternoon – while his team was putting to last year’s state runner up Miami Norland Vikings, media, fan websites and this watching found out the answer to that question. His speed, vision and ability to run the ball was indeed something that the Hawks used. Had a breakout junior campaign as his team went on to post a 10-2 record and advanced to the state playoffs. Carried the ball 237 times for 1,732 yards and 24 TD.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16136226/Girard-Pringle
2026 – Jayvin Smart, QB, 5-11, 185. After watching his team fall behind by over two scores in the fourth quarter against Miami Edison, he came up with play after play and brought the Patriots back and ended up winning in overtime. Taking over the starting position this season for a program that advanced three rounds deep in the state playoffs for the past two years. Will be counted on this season to keep this team at a high level.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18447778/Jayvin-Smart
2025 – Santiago Villaman, WR, 6-2, 180, Miami Carol City. Like so many prospects that the Chiefs have on this roster, this is certainly someone who has a chance to be very special for a program that is on the way back. His impressive performance on Saturday evening thrusted himself into a spotlight and gave those who had not watched him play an idea of what he will bring to this program in 2024.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16350287/Santiago-Villaman?
PRE-SEASON TOP 20 TEAMS: https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-pre-season-top-20-st-thomas-begins-at-no-1
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
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..
When it comes to watching, evaluating and seeing prospects and teams throughout the course of a year, there are very few sources who put in the time to come up with accurate information like we do.
Player and team rankings are often subjective, and everyone has their opinion – which is fine – but it’s usually those who see very little that have the loudest voice on who should be higher or lower.
If you follow what we do over the course of a season, each week we adjust the rankings, and while many focus on pre-season and each week during the season, the only ranking that truly counts is the one that comes out in late December.
Our Pre-Season Top 20 is based on several things – and with so many transfers taking place – our opinion varies and changes. This is only a starting point and will change several times.
This is in no way a definitive ranking. Just an opinion based on seeing teams throughout the state and having a valid ground to compare.
Here is a look at 20 Miami-Dade Broward Pre-Season teams:
1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (14-1, 5A). THIS WEEK: 8/24 – Las Vegas Bishop Gorman. NEXT GAME: 8/30 – Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson.
2. Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (14-0, 1A). THIS WEEK: 8/24 – Bellflower St. John Bosco, California. NEXT GAME: 8/30 - @Pompano Beach Blanche Ely.
3. Miami Central (8-3, 3A). THIS WEEK: 8/23 – Lakeland. NEXT GAME: 8/31 – No. 20 Miami Edison.
4. Plantation American Heritage (10-2, 4A). THIS WEEK: 8/23 – Milton, Georgia. NEXT GAME: 8/30 – No. 6 Davie Western.
5. Homestead (12-2, 6A). THIS WEEK: 8/23 - @ No. 14 Miami Palmetto. NEXT GAME: 8/30 – No. 16 Homestead South Dade.
6. Davie Western (9-4, 7A). THIS WEEK: 8/24 – Hoover, Alabama. NEXT GAME: 8/30 - @ No. 4 Plantation American Heritage.
7. Miami Christopher Columbus (13-2, 7A). THIS WEEK: 8/22 - @ No. 15 Miami Southridge. NEXT GAME: 8/30 – Our Lady of Good Counsel, Maryland
8. Miami Norland (14-1, 4A). THIS WEEK: 8/23 - @ No. 19 Miramar. NEXT GAME: 8/30 – Miami Carol City.
9. Miami Northwestern (5-6, 3A). THIS WEEK: 8/22 - @ No. 18 Coconut Creek, NEXT GAME: 8/30 - @Venice.
10. Coconut Creek Monarch (11-3, 6A). THIS WEEK: Peachtree Ridge, Georgia. NEXT GAME: 8/29 – Deerfield Beach.
11. Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (9-4, 2A). THIS WEEK: 8/23 – Lake Mary. NEXT GAME: 8/30 – Hollywood South Broward.
12. Fort Lauderdale Dillard (5-6, 4A). THIS WEEK: 8/23 - @No. 20 Plantation. NEXT GAME: 8/30 @Fort Lauderdale Stranahan.
13. Miami Booker T. Washington (9-3, 2A). THIS WEEK: 8/23 – No. 16 Homestead South Dade. NEXT GAME: 8/29 – No. 13 Miami Palmetto.
14. Miami Palmetto (9-2, 7A). THIS WEEK: 8/23 - @ No. 12 Miami Booker T. Washington. NEXT GAME:
15. Miami Southridge (7-5, 6A). THIS WEEK: 8/22 – No. 7 Miami Christopher Columbus. NEXT GAME: 8/30 – Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman.
16. Homestead South Dade (8-4, 7A). THIS WEEK: 8/23 - @ No. 13 Miami Booker T. Washington. NEXT GAME:
17. Pembroke Pines West Broward (6-4, 6A). THIS WEEK: 8/23 – Hollywood South Broward. NEXT GAME: 8/30 - @Camden County, Georgia.
18. Coconut Creek (10-3, 5A). THIS WEEK: 8/22 - No. 9 Miami Northwestern. NEXT GAME: 9/6 - @Baylor, Tennessee.
19. Miramar (8-5, 5A). THIS WEEK: 8/23 – No. 8 Miami Norland. NEXT GAME: 8/30 - @ No. 20 Plantation.
20. Plantation (6-4, 4A). THIS WEEK: 8/23 – No. 12 Fort Lauderdale Dillard. NEXT GAME: 8/30 – No. 19 Miramar.
(TIE) Miami Edison (6-5, 1A). THIS WEEK: 8/22 – Hialeah American, NEXT GAME: 8/31 - @ No. 3 Miami Central.
KEEP AN EYE ON: Deerfield Beach (2-8, 5A), Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian (8-4, 2A), Fort Lauderdale Stranahan (5-6, 3A), Doral Academy (5-5, 6A), Hialeah (9-2, 4A), Hollywood South Broward (8-3, 6A), Miami Carol City (1-8, 2A), Miami Archbishop Carroll (11-2, 1A), Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace (6-5, 1A), Miami Immaculata LaSalle (5-6, 2A), Miami Jackson (3-7, 3A), Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman (5-6, 7A), Miami Ransom Everglades (8-1, 2A) Miami True North Classical Academy (9-3, 1A), Pembroke Pines Charter (6-4, 5A), Pembroke Pines Flanagan (5-6-1, 6A), Pompano Beach Blanche Ely (9-3, 5A), Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (9-0, 4A), Sunrise Piper (5-4, 6A), Weston Cypress Bay (8-3, 7A).
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
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..
Now that the first ever Miami Super Showdown Pre-Season High School Football Classic is finished, it’s time to look back and ahead at the same time.
With the amazing success that the Broward National Football Showcase has achieved over just three years – with football fans coast-to-coast believing it is indeed the premier event anywhere, maybe it’s time that Friday and Saturdays amazing games this year take the PRE-SEASON out of its title.
With so many football fans hanging on every game and getting so much statewide attention, having the six games over three days in the second or third week of the season is the perfect way to take this event to that next level.
The games played were exciting – and having a few Florida schools from outside the area was truly something that gave this showcase some statewide appeal.
From the very first game between Miramar and Miami Edison – with the game going on in overtime – this was truly something special.
It gave programs such as Miami Central, Seffner Armwood, Homestead, Carol City and Miami Northwestern an opportunity to show what these team have for the upcoming season.
The Dade-Broward matchups will always draw fans and plenty of interest. In this day and age, nobody can “duck” anyone if their want to get some national attention.
In Homestead, Armwood, Central and Northwestern, you have teams who will be in the mix for a state title this coming season, and while the results of Friday and Saturday didn’t count, it planted a seed in the collective heads of organizers moving forward.
While the first year has been completed – and things moved along very well, it is time to think about 2025 and making this a regular season contest – featuring local favorites along with teams that are being recognized across Florida.
Thursday and Friday’s two games should showcase local teams – and Saturday’s doubleheader can attract those out of area schools like West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman and Armwood.
RESULTS
Miramar 36, Miami Edison 28 (OT)
Miami Central 32, Ocala Vanguard 0
Homestead 22, West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman 0
Seffner Armwood 51, Miami Norland 20
Miami Carol City 28, Miami Jackson 20
Miami Northwestern 42, Miami Palmetto 7
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..
The second day of the first Miami Super Showdown Classic at Traz Powell Stadium not only brings the kickoff classic week to a close, but also will feature some impressive football teams.
Four games on one day will showcase highly-recruited prospects and teams that will be in the mix for the state playoffs this year – and it all starts at 10 a.m.
As the 2024 high school football season is less than a week away, things have been busy in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. As many have long view the kickoff classics as a tune-up for the first week, there are others who have taken this “Week 0” as a unique opportunity to showcase players and team that will be on display this coming season.
Here is a look at today’s matchups:
Homestead vs. West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman (Traz Powell, 10 a.m.). What a start to the day as two-time defending state runner-up Homestead and a Crusader program that has put themselves in a position to contend over the past few years.
Miami Norland vs. Seffner Armwood (Traz Powell, 1 p.m.). If there was any game that people wanted to see this kickoff classic season will watch the defending state runner-up Vikings hosting a program that has long been one of Florida’s powers, and fans in this area know the Hawks very well.
Jackson vs. Carol City (Traz Powell, 5:30). Welcome back two traditional powers to center stage as both programs have found their coaching staffs and talent to embark toward the top. This is certainly one of those throwbacks to when the #305 was about the Generals and Chiefs.
Miami Palmetto vs. Northwestern (Traz Powell, 8:30). The official debut of first-year head coach Teddy Bridgewater will put the Bulls in focus as they prepare for next week’s National Broward Showcase. But while paying attention to that longtime iconic program, keep in mind that the Panthers are coming into the final tune up – loaded and one of the favorites in their region.
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..