It has quickly become one of the most competitive national high school football events in the country.
When the 2023 Broward County National High School Football Showcase took center stage from August 24 to 26, there were fourteen of the top-tier high school football teams in the country that gathered to spotlight the exceptional talents of young athletes.
This second annual event, presented by the Broward Educational Foundation, featured Georgia’s Milton High vs. Western High and Georgia’s Cedar Grove High vs. Monarch High. Also included were North Carolina’s Cardinal Gibbons High vs. Fort Lauderdale’s Gibbons High, Virginia’s Highland Springs High, Miramar, Maryland’s St. Frances Academy, Chaminade-Madonna High, California’s St. John Bosco, St. Thomas Aquinas, and DC’s St. John’s High and Plantation American Heritage.
On Wednesday night in Georgia, Milton, which played Western back in August, captured a state title in Atlanta and capped off a successful year for those who took part in this 14-team showcase.
Here is a look at how all the teams fared in 2023:
Chaminade-Madonna (14-0), 1M state champs, No. 2 nationally.
St. Frances Academy (5-6).
Cardinal Gibbons, Florida (9-4). Lost in the Region Finals.
Cardinal Gibbons, North Carolina (12-3). Lost in the Finals
Miramar (8-5). Lost in the Region Finals to eventual 3M state runner up.
Highlands, Virginia (13-2). Lost in the state finals.
St. Thomas Aquinas (14-1). Won 3M state championship. Top 15 nationally.
St. John Bosco (11-2). Finished in the top 10 nationally.
Monarch (11-3). Lost in the state semifinals.
Cedar Grove, Georgia (10-5). State champion
Western (9-4). Lost in the Region Final.
Milton, Georgia (13-2). State Champion
Plantation American Heritage (10-2). Lost in state semifinals.
St. John’s Washington DC (5-5)
“The Football Showcase is the only one of its kind and cements Broward County’s reputation as a hub of football excellence,” shared Dr. Kevin Perry, National Football Showcase Co-Founder. “That weekend offered a glimpse of the game’s future stars as young athletes who showcased their skills, determination, and team spirit to the ultimate test. Our 2024 games are already taking shape.”
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
For the past 53 years, we have spent plenty of time on football fields throughout the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we remain steadfast to promote all south Florida’s high school football prospects. Follow us on Facebook (Larry Blustein) Instagram (@OurBoyBlu) and Twitter (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
As the 2023 season came to an end, there were a number of impressive athletes on the offensive and defensive side of the ball.
No matter what position you looked at, it was a given that a Miami-Dade or Broward football player would be among the best in the state of Florida.
With the Edge Rusher, Defensive End and Linebacker positions very much in the spotlight, putting pressure on the quarterback has been paramount, and for that reason, the number of sacks that an individual comes up with is news and a stat that many pay attention to.
In south Florida this season, there were several prospects who grabbed the spotlight for what they accomplished as pass rushers.
Check these impressive defensive performers out:
2024 - Caleb Turner-Allen, DE, 6-2, 235, Miami Dr. Krop. 26.5 Sacks.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16168953/Caleb-Turner-Allen
2024 - Gabriel Birnbaum, DL, 6-3, 265, Coconut Creek Monarch. 21.5 Sacks. FAU Commitment.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16031798/Gabriel-Birnbaum
2024 - Kedrick Burley, DE, 6-3, 230, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. 25 Sacks.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15354165/Kedrick-Burley
2024 - Trevon Chisholm, DT, 6-2, 224, Coconut Creek Monarch. 17 Sacks.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16035609/Trevon-Chisholm
2024 - Kenley Israel, DE, 6-3, 225, Miramar Everglades. 15.5 Sacks.
TAPE: https://access.qwikcut.com/highlights/6548058727335d63dc47a7a3
2024 - James Lewis, DE, 6-3, 235. Fort Lauderdale Stranahan. 18 Sacks.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17883014/James-Lewis
2025 - Lewon Lurry Jr., DE, 6-3, 225, Miami Northwestern. 15 Sacks.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17878723/654c05aeab9c2705ec6e42e7
2024 - Gavench Marcelin, DE, 6-3, 240, Miami Belen Jesuit. 21 Sacks. FAU Commitment.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/14592831/Gavench-Marcelin
2025 - Justice Martin, Edge, 6-1, 200, Fort Lauderdale NSU University School. 14 Sacks.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16524695/Justice-Martin
2024 - Willis McGahee IV, OLB, 6-2, 231, Miami Christopher Columbus. 14 Sacks. Nebraska commitment.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15239091/Willis-McGahee-IV
2024 - Shamar Meilke, DE, 6-5, 220, Miramar. 16.5 Sacks.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15345105/Shamar-Meikle
2025 - Julian Mendez, OLB, 6-1, 195, Davie Western. 16 Sacks.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18127310/Julian-Mendez
2024 - Luis Rojas, DE, 6-3, 215, Pembroke Pines West Broward. 18 Sacks.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17951130/Luis-Rojas
2024 - Brandon Rosenthal, DE, 6-1, 220, Miami Gulliver Prep. 18 Sacks.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/13305113/Brandon-Rosenthal
2025 - Jack Sawyer, OLB, 6-1, 220, Hialeah. 14 Sacks.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16251315/Jack-Sawyer
2024 - Cris Thornton, OLB, 6-6, 220, Fort Lauderdale Stranahan. 19 Sacks.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15257969/Cris-Thornton
2025 - Richardson Toussaint, DE 6-3, 255, Hollywood South Broward. 27 Sacks.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17594402/Richardson-Toussaint
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
For the past 53 years, we have spent plenty of time on football fields throughout the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we remain steadfast to promote all south Florida’s high school football prospects. Follow us on Facebook (Larry Blustein) Instagram (@OurBoyBlu) and Twitter (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
This past weekend in Tallahassee, there were 18 schools – five from Miami-Dade and Broward Counties who played for a state title.
With the off-season starting over the next few weeks, with camps, combines and 7-on-7 events on the horizon, the focus at Bragg Memorial Stadium on the campus of Florida A&M was on some prospects who made a splash for their respective teams.
From state champions St. Thomas Aquinas, Chaminade-Madonna and Christopher Columbus to runner up programs Miami Norland and Homestead, there were so many elite players who showcased their skills for college coaches, media members and recruiters.
Here are five prospects who caught the eye of several on hand:
2024 - Blake Brewer, OL, 6-2, 270, Miami Christopher Columbus. From the end of the 2022 season to last Friday afternoon, here is a talented player who had the chance to make an impression as a quality lineman. Someone who was easily one of the most technical at the position. The two-time defending 4M state champs benefitted from having this young man up front.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/14592413/Blake-Brewer
2025 - Andreus Madison, WR, 6-1, 190, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. Every season there are new faces who emerge, and on a team like the five-time defending 3M state champion Raiders, quality prospects seem to pop up. Here is a talented young man who stepped up in the state title game to give this program a huge boost and showed the even though St. Thomas is losing some gifted players this year, there is indeed a bright future – as usual!
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15162533/Andreus-Madison
2024 - Anthony Mattison, LB, Miami Norland. On a team stacked with elite performers, here is a senior who turned it up in the title game against Tampa Berkeley Prep. His 12 tackles kept this team in the game until the end. With the focus on many other talented defensive players, he had some impressive games down the stretch in the playoffs.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19394070/Anthony-Mattison
2024 - Eduardo Nunez, LB, 6-1, 210, Homestead. Not only did he step up down the stretch in the playoffs for the Broncos, but this is a gifted talent that was one of the best defensive players in south Florida. He was way under-the-radar, and as we said in the past, whatever college brings him will benefit in a major way. Led the team in tackles for two straight seasons.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/14758830/Eduardo-Nunez
2024 - Gavin Shepard, CB, 5-11, 175, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna. When you watched the Lions play this past season, you had difference makers in every direction and on either side of the ball. This is a gifted talent who stepped up all season and was one of the reasons that this team was one of the best in the country. Because he had some of the best receivers and an explosive offense to go against every day in practice it gave him a chance to get better all the time. Has an opportunity to be special at the next level.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15028654/Gavin-Shepar
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
For the past 53 years, we have spent plenty of time on football fields throughout the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we remain steadfast to promote all south Florida’s high school football prospects. Follow us on Facebook (Larry Blustein) Instagram (@OurBoyBlu) and Twitter (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
All season long, Chaminade-Madonna has been making a statement as one of the nation’s best football teams.
On Thursday morning at Bragg Memorial Stadium on the campus of Florida A&M, the Lions finished off a perfect season with a 56-0 win over Clearwater Central Catholic.
In a week that saw three area teams win state titles and two others battle down to the wire, it was certainly a weekend that everyone will remember.
In addition to head coach Dameon Jones and his team were making their record-breaking eighth straight state title appearance, the St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders and head coach Roger Harriott, in beating head coach Ronnie Thornton and Homestead, brought home a state record fifth consecutive win, and Miami Christopher Columbus and head coach Dave Dunn who made it back to back championships.
Here is a look at the Final Miami/Dade and Broward Top 20 for the 2022 season:
The state title games will showcased programs that more than paid their dues in May, June and July for the fruits that paid off here in December.
The entire season, we have given you the top teams in Miami-Dade and Broward.
Here is a look at how the teams stack up after the state championships:
1. Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (1M, 14-0). LAST WEEK: The Lions beat previously unbeaten Clearwater Central Catholic, 56-0.
2. Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (3M, 14-1). LAST WEEK: The Raiders beat Homestead, 31-28, for their fifth consecutive title.
3. Miami Christopher Columbus (4M, 13-2). LAST WEEK: The Explorers captured their second straight state title with a 38-19 victory over Jacksonville Mandarin.
4. Miami Norland (2M, 14-1). LAST WEEK: The Vikings saw their dreams of a state title and unbeaten season fade in a loss to Tampa Berkeley Prep, 28-20.
5. Homestead (3M, 12-2). LAST WEEK: The Broncos grabbed the attention of every football fan in the Sunshine State, falling just short of national powerhouse, St. Thomas Aquinas, 31-28
6. Plantation American Heritage (2M, 10-2).
7. Miami Central (2M, 8-3).
8. Coconut Creek Monarch (11-3).
9. Coconut Creek (3M, 10-3).
10. Davie Western (4M, 9-4).
11. Miami Palmetto (4M, 9-2).
12. Miramar (3M, 8-5).
13. Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (2M, 9-4).
14. Miami Booker T. Washington (2M, 9-3).
15. Pompano Beach Blanche Ely (3M, 9-3).
16. Homestead South Dade (4M, 6-4).
17. Miami Archbishop Carroll (1M, 11-2).
18. Miami Southridge (3M, 7-5).
19. Miami True North Classical Academy (1M, 9-3).
20. Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian (1M, 8-4).
OTHER PLAYOFF TEAMS
1M
REGION 3
Hollywood Avant Garde (5-7).
2M
REGION 3
Coconut Creek North Broward Prep (5-5).
Fort Lauderdale Stranahan (4-6).
REGION 4
Hialeah (9-2).
Miami Edison (6-4).
Miami Monsignor Pace (7-5).
Miami St. Brendan (7-3).
North Miami Beach (4-6).
Pinecrest Gulliver Prep (7-3).
3M
REGION 3
Fort Lauderdale Dillard (5-5).
Plantation (6-4).
Sunrise Piper (6-4).
REGION 4
Hialeah American (6-4).
Hollywood McArthur (5-4).
Miami Belen Jesuit (4-6).
Hollywood South Broward (8-3).
4M
REGION 3
Parkland Stoneman Douglas (4-6).
REGION 4
Doral Academy (5-4).
Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman (5-4).
Pembroke Pines West Broward (7-4).
Weston Cypress Bay (8-2).
TRACKING WEEKLY RANKINGS:
Week 1. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-south-broward-week-1-top-20
Week 2. https://larryblustein.com/news/here-is-a-look-at-week-2-miami-dade-broward-top-20
Week 3. https://larryblustein.com/news/chaminade-madonna-moves-into-the-top-spot-in-south-florida
Week 4. https://larryblustein.com/news/head-to-head-matchups-highlight-week-4
Week 5. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-5-district-games-taking-center-stage
Week 6. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-6-battles-are-starting-to-take-place
Week 8. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-8-plenty-at-stake-once-again-this-week
Week 9. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-9-the-final-three-weeks
Week 10. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-10-exciting-final-two-weeks-in-miami-dade-and-broward
Week 11. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-11-final-week-of-the-regular-season
Week 12 – Playoff Week 1. https://larryblustein.com/news/top-teams-head-to-state-playoffs
Week 13 – Playoff Week 2. https://larryblustein.com/news/important-matchups-in-this-week-s-local-regional-semifinals
Week 14 – Playoff Week 3. https://larryblustein.com/news/region-finals-take-center-stage
Week 15 – Playoff Week 4. https://prepredzone.com/2023/11/state-semifinals-take-center-stage/
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
For the past 53 years, we have spent plenty of time on football fields throughout the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we remain steadfast to promote all south Florida’s high school football prospects. Follow us on Facebook (Larry Blustein) Instagram (@OurBoyBlu) and Twitter (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
TALLAHASSEE – After nine games and three days of championship football at Bragg Memorial Stadium on the campus of Florida A&M, it’s hard to argue that south Florida football is not the best in the country.
While there always will be that fight for dominance with California, Texas, Georgia, Ohio, Louisiana, and Pennsylvania – college coaches and a national TV audience on Bally Sports saw exactly what everyone is always talking about.
From the nation’s best in Chaminade-Madonna and St. Thomas Aquinas to Christopher Columbus, Miami Norland and Homestead, this weekend left no doubt.
Elite players, top-flight coaching and fans who made their way hundreds of miles to be a part of this year’s state championship experience, it was certainly something to see.
While there were some quality games being played, it was also time to recognized head coach Dameon Jones for a record-setting eighth consecutive state championship experience as everyone saw the Lions roar to a 56-0 win against unbeaten Clearwater Central Catholic.
It was also time to salute head coach Roger Harriott and his record-setting Raiders on their fifth consecutive state title.
But let’s give Dave Dunn and Christopher Columbus for one of the best coaching job at the state championships, which should be no surprise to anyone.
We also need to recognize the great job first year head coach Ronnie Thornton and his very talented Homestead team did in battling St. Thomas Aquinas all the way down to the end.
Last but certainly not least, the year that Miami Norland experienced before losing in the 2M state final, Daryle Heidelburg and the Vikings were unbeaten all year, beating 4S state champion Lakeland, national power Miami Central twice and the always tough Miami Booker T. Washington Tornadoes.
Here is a replay of the 2023 state playoffs for Miami-Dade and Broward teams:
1M - Chaminade Wins Sixth In Eight Years. https://prepredzone.com/2023/12/chaminade-wins-6th-in-8-years/
2M - Berkeley Prep Stuns Unbeaten Norland. https://prepredzone.com/2023/12/berkeley-prep-stuns-unbeaten-norland/
3M - Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas Wins 5th Straight. https://prepredzone.com/2023/12/st-thomas-aquinas-wins-5th-straight/
4M - A Repeat For Christopher Columbus. https://prepredzone.com/2023/12/a-repeat-for-christopher-columbus/
@_MNVikings @STA_Football @Exit1Athletics @BCAA_Sports @jentorpedo @MSAASports @BCPSDirector @BrowardEdFound @BrowardsEliteFB @browardschools @Nadeboyz @Dameon8 @ColumbusFtball @cchsballcoach