Recruiting News

Record-Setting Chaminade-Madonna is Ready

After a perfect season, the Marauders are back for another contest against the Lions.

This is indeed a different team that heads north this year. One that is loaded with talent and high hopes of knocking off the No. 2 team in the country.

When things kick off early this morning, this team will set a Florida record for the 8th consecutive state championship appearance.

This team has not lost to a Florida program in two years after completing another successful season. To beat them you have to bring more than your “A” Game – as several national rated opponents found out early.

1M

Thursday, December 7, 10 a.m.

No. 2 Clearwater Central Catholic (14-0) vs. No. 1 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (13-0).

CLEARWATER CENTRAL CATHOLIC MARAUDERS

HEAD COACH: Chris Harvey

POINTS: 461-209

PROSPECT WATCH

2024 - Caleb Goodloe , WR.

2024 - Andy Jaffe , S. Mississippi commit.

2024 - Shamar Rigby.

2024 - Justin Stephens, RB.

2025 - Andrew Burton, OL/DL.

2025 – Keo Jenkins, LB.

2025 - Matt Mills, LB.

2025 - Jershaun Newton, QB.

2025 - Johnny Richardson, OLB.

2026 - Jsai Smith, DB.

ROAD TO TALLAHASSEE

Tampa Berkeley Prep, W 21-14

Ocala Trinity Catholic, W 35-10

Tampa Catholic, W 37-10

Clearwater, W 42-20

Sebring, W 38-20

Tampa Carrollwood Day, W 28-27

St. Petersburg Northside Christian, W 45-0

Tampa Cambridge Christian, W (forfeit)

Seffner Christian, W 54-7

Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, W 34-14

# Largo Indian Rocks Christian, W 42-14

# Tampa Carrollwood Day, W 45-41

# Jacksonville Trinity Christian, W 39-32

HOLLYWOOD CHAMINADE-MADONNA LIONS

HEAD COACH: Dameon Jones

POINTS: 631-137

PROSPECT WATCH

2024 – Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State commit.

2024 – Joshisa Trader, Athlete, Miami commit.

2024 – Zaquan Patterson, S, Miami commit

2024 – Davion Gause, RB, North Carolina commit.

2024 - Cedrick Bailey, QB, North Carolina State commit.

2024 – Zachary Crothers, DE, Pittsburgh commit.

2024 – Kaleb Stewart, LB, UConn commit.

2024 – Curtis Janvier, S, FAU commit.

2025 – Chris Ewald, CB, Michigan commit.

2026 – Bryant Junius, OLB

ROAD TO TALLAHASSEE

Baltimore St. Frances Academy, W 35-14

Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, W 41-4

Bergen Catholic, New Jersey, W 61-21

Plantation American Heritage, W 28-16

Miami Central, W 31-28

Coconut Creek, W 35-27

Fort Lauderdale Dillard, W 55-20

Hollywood Avant Garde, W 64-0

Boca Raton Saint John Paul II. W 70-0

St. Petersburg Lakewood, W 57-0

# Hollywood Avant Garde, W 67-0

# West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman, W 40-0

# Miami Archbishop Carroll, W 42-7

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..

BCAA All-Stars Set For Thursday at Nova

It has turned into one of the best post season all-star events in the state of Florida.

The Broward County Athletic Association (BCAA) all-star game and banquet, honoring senior football players and cheerleaders will take center stage once again on Thursday night (7:00) at Nova High School.

With nearly two weeks of practice, some of the top football prospects from every member school will square off in a North vs. South exposure event.

With college coaches having an opportunity to watch these talented young men perform in practice the past two weeks, college scholarship and financial assistance have taken center stage.

The BCAA is known for doing more for their student/athletes than any other county, and with a Wednesday night banquet and the game on Thursday, the spotlight falls on the students.

 

NORTH BIOS

 

BLANCHE ELY TIGERS

HEAD COACH: Mike Bailey.

52 – Roosevelt Caldwell, DT, 5-10, 260.                                            

33 – Quincey Casseus, OLB/TE, 6-1, 230.

5 – Edward McIntosh, RB, 6-0, 180.

8 – Deon Wiggins, Athlete, 5-9, 180.

BOYD ANDERSON COBRAS

HEAD COACH: Kevin Claxton Jr.

2 – Jason Bell, WR/DB, 5-10, 185.

8 – Johnathan Hawkes, DE/OLB, 6-0, 190.

55 – Ashton Perkins, OL/DL/TE, 6-4, 250.

CARDINAL GIBBONS CHIEFS

HEAD COACH: Matt Dubuc

4 – Pat Anderson, RB, 5-11, 200.

72 – Zack Boehly, OL, 6-4, 290.

5 – Guy Edmond Jr., DB, 5-11, 180.

COCONUT CREEK COUGARS

HEAD COACH: Johnnie Sloan.

1 – Elijah Cannon, DB, 6-2, 180.

8 – Martin Montero, DE, 6-2, 230.

2 – Jamarie Hostclaw, RB, 5-10, 175.

5 – Damaine Wilson, LB, 6-2, 225.

CORAL GLADES JAGUARS

HEAD COACH: Rocco Casullo.

4 – Corey Grant, Athlete, 6-0, 185.

1 – Ulysse Jordan, OLB/TE, 6-1, 220.

85 – Keyshawn Sinfort, DT, 6-3, 230.

CORAL SPRINGS COLTS

HEAD COACH: Eddie Brown.

60 – Stanley Isma, OL/DL, 6-3, 215.

71 – Daryl Myers, OL, 6-1, 260.

50 – Antrell Wright, OL/DL, 6-1, 260.

CORAL SPRINGS CHARTER PANTHERS

HEAD COACH: Christopher Haire.

7 – Jeovhany Cadet, DB/WR, 6-0, 175.

3 – Kevaun Hinckson, RB, 5-7, 160.

6 – Jordan Woods, LB/TE, 6-0, 190.

DEERFIELD BEACH BUCKS

HEAD COACH: Cam Thomas.

11 – Shelton Curtis Jr., WR, 5-8, 165.

2 – Tyrell Fuller, Athlete, 5-7, 170.

10 – Torra Kelly Jr., DB, 5-10, 180.

DILLARD PANTHERS

HEAD COACH: Dimitris Mincey.

73 – Rashard Bell, OL, 6-4, 310.

3 – Brandon Pridgen, WR, 5-7, 175.

54 – Jamarkis Williams, DL, 6-2, 265.

FORT LAUDERDALE

HEAD COACH: Richard Dunbar.

4 – Elijah Bernard-Blue, DB, 6-1, 185.

28 – Jamauri Downing, LB, 5-9, 185.

52 – Kyle Ford, LB/DE, 5-11, 197.

8 – Luke Hamill, TE/WR, 6-2, 205.

65 – Jamin Lennon, OL, 5-9, 270.

J.P. TARAVELLA TROJANS

HEAD COACH: Clenner Goodman.

6 – Justin Giles, WR, 5-9, 155.

3 – Quentin Toussaint, DB, 5-11, 160.

7 – Tariq Qaiyim, LB, 6-0, 195.

MONARCH KNIGHTS

HEAD COACH: Calvin Davis.

44 – Trevon Chisholm, DE/OLB, 6-2, 210.

2 – Kevin Powell, DB, 5-11, 165.

75 – Holden Zeltner, OL, 6-7, 295.

NORTHEAST HURRICANES

HEAD COACH: Danny Urego.

3 – Kamryn Beals, DB/QB, 6-0, 170.

69 – Lubens Francois, OL, 6-2, 230.

1 – Travis Jones, WR, 6-1, 180.

PIPER BENGALS

HEAD COACH: Quintin Short.

12 – Camden Franklin, LB, 5-9, 170.

5 – Jaiden Smith, PR/KR/S, 6-0, 175

10 – Kevaughn Stewart, DE/OLB, 6-0, 180.

7 – Jean Telfort, WR/TE/RB, 6-0, 185.

15 – Kendrick Washington, OLB/SS, 5-11, 180.

PLANTATION COLONELS

HEAD COACH: Steve Davis.

8 – Chad Braddy, WR, 5-11, 175.

1 – Brian Lane, WR/PR/KR, 5-10, 170.

50 – Jamari Russell, DT, 6-2, 250.

3 – J.T. Tabora, QB, 5-11, 185.

2 – Jaden Williams, DB/WR, 6-2, 200.

POMPANO BEACH TORNADOES

HEAD COACH: Johnathan Firth.

3 – Tanner Block, PK, 6-1, 180.

62 – Lucas Fields, OL, 5-10, 285.

55 – Jack Hudson, OL, 5-9, 200.

9 – Michael Lewis, DE/LS, 6-0, 190.

STONEMAN DOUGLAS

HEAD COACH: Keith Hindsley.

35 – Jake Arteaga, P, 5-11, 175.

17 – Giorgio Balderama, DL/Edge, 6-2, 225.

75 – Jeremy Fishkin, OL, 6-6, 310.

86 – Will Ross, DL/TE, 6-5, 240.

SOUTH BIOS

 

CHAMINADE-MADONNA LIONS

HEAD COACH: Dameon Jones

74 – Jackson Campbell, OL, 6-2, 290.

61 – Kadarius Frazier, DE, 6-2, 240.

30 – Denzel Johnson, LB, 5-11, 190.

COOPER CITY COWBOYS

HEAD COACH: Art Taylor

5 – Brady Dillon, S, 6-0, 170.

62 – Nathan Dominguez, OL/LS, 6-1, 235.

21 – Cameron McGonigal, Athlete/RB, 5-7, 160.

77 – Mike Savarese, OL, 5-11, 255.

CYPRESS BAY LIGHTNING

HEAD COACH: Bret Hood

38 – Kai Bandy, P/K, 6-0, 155.

81 – Joaquin Edie, WR, 5-11, 175.

34 – Ryan Geary, LB, 5-10, 195.

66 – Sam Miller, OL, 6-4, 295.

EVERGLADES GATORS

HEAD COACH: Rodney Rumph.

48 – Kinta Cox, DL, 6-3, 235.

50 – Khristian Duarte, OL, 5-11, 250.

88 – Kenley Isreal, DL, 6-2, 225.

FLANAGAN FALCONS

HEAD COACH: Benjamin Rolle.

33 – Jahmir Campbell, OLB, 6-2, 175.

7 – Amir Collings, QB, 6-3, 185.

60 – Eric Joseph, OL/DL, 5-11, 220.

17 – Isaiah Maurice, WR/DB, 5-8, 165.

HALLANDALE CHARGERS

HEAD COACH: Joshua Bush
14 – Justin Adam, WR, 5-9, 160.

41 – Amari Bigger, DE, 6-3, 205.

55 – Omarri Lawrence, OL, 5-11, 225,

HOLLYWOOD HILLS SPARTANS

HEAD COACH: Brandon Graham.

3 – Kristian Bailey, WR, 5-11, 165.

13 – Rashad Jones, DB, 6-0, 170.

15 – Dellroy Paul, RB, 5-9, 210.

MCARTHUR MUSTANGS

HEAD COACH: Kevin Burnett.

75 – Jayvon Beliard, OL/DL, 5-11, 280.

54 – Deandre Daniels, OL, 6-1, 265.

99 – Christian Grier, DT, 6-0, 300.

28 – Johnoy Johnston, DB/WR, 6-1, 190.

29 – Reggie Smith, DB, 5-10, 160.

MIRAMAR PATRIOTS

HEAD COACH: A.J. Scott.

12 – Kael Alexander, QB, 6-4, 200.

49 – Shamar Mielke, DE, 6-4, 215.

10 – Caleb Solomon, S, 6-0, 200.

16 – Jaheim Williams, DE, 6-4, 215.

NOVA TITANS

HEAD COACH: Tyrus McCloud.

32 – Djuvens Ambroise, LB, 5-10, 195

27 – Eric McCall, DB, 6-0, 195.

19 – Christopher Nance, WR/TE, 6-1, 195.

PEMBROKE PINES CHARTER JAGUARS

HEAD COACH: Keidran Willis.

64 – Michael Harbeck, DL, 6-2, 235

24 – Jayden Josue, DB, 5-9, 180.

31 – Jeremiah Quiroz, LB, 5-10, 200.

SOUTH BROWARD BULLDOGS

HEAD COACH: Charles McCrae.

0 – Aaron Benoit, WR/DB/KR, 5-10, 170.

56 – Javon Doster, DL/DE, 5-11, 260.

42 – Brandon Rabasco, P/K, 6-5, 185.

70 – Deandre Stephens, OL, 6-3, 300.

37 – Jonathan Ward Jr., LB, 6-2, 195.

SOUTH PLANTATION PALADINS

HEAD COACH: Colby Erskin.

80 – Jeremiah Ayden, WR, 5-11, 160.

51 – Willie Pondexter, DT, 6-2, 235.

22 – Jaymar Previl, DB, 6-3, 170.

6 – Ivan Saintmelus, DB, 5-9, 170.

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS RAIDERS

HEAD COACH: Roger Harriott.

85 – Kendrick Burley, DE, 6-3, 240.

71 – James McDevitt, OL, 6-3, 265.

35 – Justin Montgomery, RB, 5-10, 230.

STRANAHAN DRAGONS

HEAD COACH: Travis Harden.

72 – Raheem Hall, OL, 6-3, 215.

4 – Joshua Hoggins, WR/KR/PR, 6-0, 170.

20 – Miles Mathis, DB, 6-1, 175.

40 – Eric Morris Jr., DE/OLB, 6-5, 205.

18 – Nicolas Smith Jr., WR/KR/PR, 6-2, 180.

45 – Chris Thornton, DE/OLB/TE, 6-6, 210.

WEST BROWARD BOBCATS

HEAD COACH: Brian McCartney.

52 – Josh Caso, OL, 6-2, 275.

8 – Jonathan Lawson, WR, 5-8, 170.

26 – Carlos Morales, LB, 5-10, 205.

1 - Johnathan Morillo, QB, 6-2, 190.

23 – Nico Vazquez, DB, 5-9, 175.

WESTERN WILDCATS

HEAD COACH: Adam Ratkevich.

11 – Alonzo Carter, WR/RB, 5-11, 190.

9 – Nathan Jean, DB, 5-10, 165.

44 – Joey Podubynsky, DL, 5-10, 235.

You Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

DID YOU MISS ANYTHING MIAMI-DADE AND BROWARD? Check This Out! 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..

 

State Finals Feature 5 Area Teams

Destination Tallahassee continues this week in south Florida with state finals.

The state title games will showcase programs that more than paid their dues in May, June and July for the fruits that are paying off here in December.

The entire season, we have given you the top teams in Miami-Dade and Broward, and we will continue to bring you rankings right through the state championship games.

Here is a look at how the teams stack up in the final week with the state championships:

1Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (1M, 13-0). LAST WEEK: The Lions beat Miami Archbishop Carroll, 42-7 in the state semifinals. THIS WEEK: Clearwater Central Catholic on Thursday, December 7 at 10 a.m. It is the state record-breaking 8th consecutive trip to the finals.

2. Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (3M, 13-1). LAST WEEK: The Raiders advanced with a 50-14 win against Tampa Gaither. THIS WEEK: A rematch in the state title game against No. 4 Homestead on Saturday afternoon at 3.

3. Miami Norland (2M, 14-0). LAST WEEK: The Vikings ran their winning streak to 14 with a 28-7 win against Jacksonville Bolles. THIS WEEK: A Saturday morning (10 a.m.) title game against Tampa Berkeley Prep.

4. Homestead (3M, 12-1). LAST WEEK: The Broncos won a shootout against Orlando Jones, 42-35. THIS WEEK: It’s a state title rematch against No. 2 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas at 3 p.m. on Saturday.

5. Miami Christopher Columbus (4M, 12-2). LAST WEEK: The Explorers captured the state semifinal against Tampa Plant, 27-7. THIS WEEK: A Friday night (8:00) state title matchup with Jacksonville Mandarin.

6. Plantation American Heritage (2M, 10-2). LAST WEEK: The Patriots were upset at home by Tampa Berkeley Prep, 17-14.

7. Miami Central (2M, 8-3). LAST WEEK: SEASON OVER.

8. Coconut Creek Monarch (11-3). LAST WEEK: The Knights saw their dream season come to an end against Jacksonville Mandarin, 51-21.

9. Coconut Creek (3M, 10-3). LAST WEEK: SEASON OVER.

10. Davie Western (4M, 9-4). LAST WEEK: SEASON OVER.

11. Miami Palmetto (4M, 9-2). SEASON OVER.

12. Miramar (3M, 8-5). LAST WEEK: SEASON OVER.

13. Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (2M, 9-4). SEASON OVER.

14. Miami Booker T. Washington (2M, 9-3). SEASON OVER.

15. Pompano Beach Blanche Ely (3M, 9-3). SEASON OVER.

16. Homestead South Dade (4M, 6-4). SEASON OVER.

17. Miami Archbishop Carroll (1M, 11-2). LAST WEEK: The Bulldogs’ impressive season came to an end against No. 1 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, 42-7.

18. Miami Southridge (3M, 7-5). SEASON OVER.

19. Miami True North Classical Academy (1M, 9-3). SEASON OVER.

20. Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian (1M, 8-4). SEASON OVER.

OTHER PLAYOFF TEAMS

 

1M

REGION 3

Hollywood Avant Garde (5-7) SEASON OVER.

 

2M

REGION 3

Coconut Creek North Broward Prep (5-5) SEASON OVER.

Fort Lauderdale Stranahan (4-6) SEASON OVER.

REGION 4

Hialeah (9-2) SEASON OVER.

Miami Edison (6-4) SEASON OVER.

Miami Monsignor Pace (7-5) SEASON OVER.

Miami St. Brendan (7-3) SEASON OVER.

North Miami Beach (4-6) SEASON OVER.

Pinecrest Gulliver Prep (7-3) SEASON OVER.

 

3M

REGION 3

Fort Lauderdale Dillard (5-5) SEASON OVER.

Plantation (6-4) SEASON OVER.

Sunrise Piper (6-4) SEASON OVER.

REGION 4

Hialeah American (6-4) SEASON OVER.

Hollywood McArthur (5-4) SEASON OVER.

Miami Belen Jesuit (4-6). SEASON OVER.

Hollywood South Broward (8-3) SEASON OVER.

4M

REGION 3

Parkland Stoneman Douglas (4-6) SEASON OVER.

REGION 4

Doral Academy (5-4) SEASON OVER.

Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman (5-4) SEASON OVER.

Pembroke Pines West Broward (7-4) SEASON OVER.

Weston Cypress Bay (8-2) SEASON OVER.

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 7. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-7-things-are-starting-to-take-shape-in-miami-dade-broward-counties

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..

 

South Florida Enjoys Banner Friday Night

With the state football championships starting Thursday in Tallahassee, south Florida teams will certainly be represented with five teams.

While it was a special night for unbeaten Miami Norland (2M), Miami Christopher Columbus (4M) and Homestead (3M), it was extra special for national powers Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas and Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna.

The Raiders, who have reeled off 13 straight wins since losing to California power St. John Bosco, set themselves up for five straight state titles when they took down Tampa Gaither, 50-14.

Coach Roger Harriott and his 13-1 Raiders seem to turn it up several notches during the state playoffs, where they have outscored the last four opponents, 181-20.

For the second straight year, they will play the Homestead Broncos (12-1) and first year head coach Ron Thornton, who won a tough game with Orlando Jones.

The Miami-Dade vs. Broward matchup with take place on Saturday, Dec. 9th at 3 p.m. at Bragg Stadium in Tallahassee.

RECORD-BREAKING LIONS

Perhaps no other program in the state – or country – has been as dominating as the nation’s No. 2 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna Lions.

All this program has done is win 38 of the past 40 games – including 13 this season, where they have outscored the opposition, 631-137, including a mind-boggling, 211-7 advantage in the four state playoff games.

But with all those gaudy statistics, the one that carries the most weight is consecutive appearances in the title game.

When the Lions step on the field Thursday morning at 10, they will be facing unbeaten (13-0) Clearwater Central Catholic for the second straight year. But more importantly, it will be a state record 8th consecutive state championship game appearance.

Chaminade beat Miami Archbishop Carroll, 47-7.

CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS RETURNS AND UNBEATEN MIAMI NORLAND ARE HEADED TO TALLAHASSE

For head coach Dave Dunn and his Columbus Explorers (12-2), a 27-7 state semifinal win at home against Tampa Plant, sends this team back to the finals to defend their state championship against a Jacksonville Mandarin (11-3) team that knocked off Coconut Creek Monarch, 51-21, at 3 p.m. on Friday.

The Mustangs beat Columbus five years ago in Orlando with current Georgia QB Carson Beck. It will be a test of a high-powered offense against a stingy defense.

For head coach Daryle Heidelburg and his Norland Vikings, it’s been a perfect season that included two wins against four-time defending state champion Miami Central, Booker T. Washington and 4S finalist and defending champion Lakeland.

With a 28-7 win against Jacksonville Bolles in the region final, the Vikings (14-0) will square off with 12-2 Tampa Berkeley Prep, a 17-14 winner of Plantation American Heritage on Saturday, Dec. 9 at 10 a.m.

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..

Seven Miami-Dade/Broward Schools Remain

When state semifinal play begins today at football fields across Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, there are seven area football programs still in the mix for next week’s Florida state football championships in Tallahassee.

Perhaps the most intriguing matchup will take place at Coconut Creek High School when Monarch appears in its first ever state semifinal game.

Coach Calvin Davis and his 11-2 Knights – a second seed – will clash with No. 3 seed Jacksonville Mandarin (10-3).

Mandarin beat Miami Christopher Columbus five years ago for the then 6A title game. They head south loaded with plenty of talent and a schedule that has been more competitive. They are stacked with elite talent that has athletes committed to Miami, FSU and Alabama to mention a few.

Even though the Mustangs are on the road, they are favorites to advance to their second finals.

But before they load the buses for Florida A&M University next week, they still have to take care of the Knights, a program that very few have ever heard about - and frankly are given little or no chance to advance.

All Monarch has done, from the start of the season, is prove the “experts” wrong, using two freshmen quarterbacks to fill in for a record-breaking senior who has now returned. They have elite playmakers and have held their own with gifted prospects.

Despite being a program that many have never heard about, they arrived at tonight’s game with a great coaching staff and a year-round commitment.

Counting a team with 11 wins may not be sound, so they play with a chip on their shoulder, and that is often a great motivator.

JACKSONVILLE MANDARIN MUSTANGS

Neptune Beach Fletcher, W 43-21

Jacksonville Bolles, W 42-35

Jacksonville Riverside, W 50-20

Jacksonville Atlantic Coast, W 30-0

St. John’s Creekside, L 23-22

Lake Mary, L 34-16

Jacksonville Westside, W 49-6

Fleming Island, W 49-6

Jacksonville Sandalwood, W 43-0

St. John’s Bartram Trail, L 24-14

Winter Park, 29-16

Lake Mary, W 36-10

Sanford Seminole, W 28-24

COCONUT CREEK MONARCH KNIGHTS

Cedar Grove, Georgia, W 50-42

Delray Atlantic, L 33-32

Hallandale, W 52-0

Sunrise Piper, W 32-6

Parkland Douglas, W 26-7

Boca Raton Olympic Heights, W 45-0

Hollywood McArthur, W 28-7

Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, L 35-19

Coral Springs, W 48-0

Deerfield Beach, W 14-0

Parkland Douglas, W 40-7

Lantana Santaluces, W 50-27

Wellington Palm Beach Central, W 35-13

The other 4M contest will be in Miami where the defending state champion Christopher Columbus Explorers (11-2) play host to a Tampa Plant program (11-2) that has rekindled the days when the Panthers were in the mix for over a decade.

Head Coach Dave Dunn and the Explorers have played all season on defense and have done enough on the offensive side of the ball win another region title

Plant and head coach Hank Brown come in as an underdog, but a very dangerous one, capable of pulling off the road upset.

1M

No. 3 Miami Archbishop Carroll (11-1) at No. 2 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (12-0). After pulling an upset to get to this game last week against Miami True North Classical Academy, head coach Jorge Zagales and his Bulldogs have the toughest assignment in the country on this day.

The vaunted Wing-T offense will have to travel to play the No. 2 team in the country with a lot at stake.

A win tonight will send the Lions to a place where no other team in Florida history has been. A victory sends head coach Dameon Jones and his team to the state finals for the 8th straight year!

Very tough assignment for the Bulldogs.

2M

No. 4 Jacksonville Bolles (8-5) at No. 1 Miami Norland (13-0). On the surface this is a contest that will be just another steppingstone for head coach Daryle Heidelburg and his Vikings on the way to a destination that this team would point toward from the start of the year.

Norland is big, fast, skilled, and tested. They are one of the best programs in the state and have backed that up with wins over Lakeland, Miami Booker T. Washington, and power Miami Central twice.

On the other side of the ball is a program that has a history. They have been to more than their share of state semifinal games. While most of their success has been in the past, the Bulldogs are a feisty, well coached team who take advantage of mistakes.

While Norland is at home and is one of the top programs in the country, they have to be at their very best to avoid the upset.

No. 3 Tampa Berkeley Prep (11-2) at No. 2 Plantation American Heritage (10-1). Like Norland, the defending state runner up Patriots are in the same position. Head Coach Mike Smith and his team must avoid making mistakes.

They have been tested several times this season with a very young program after losing some elite talent from last year.

From a talent standpoint, this game is not even close, but Berkeley Prep leads the state in time of possession and that signals that playing four mistake free quarters is a must.

3M

No. 3 Orlando Jones (10-3) at No. 2 Homestead (11-1). This could easily be the best game of the night with head coach Ronnie Thornton and his defending state runner up Broncos at home against a team that has played one of the toughest schedules in the state, has a revenge factor after losing in this game last year.

Even though they have dropped one game this season, the past two contests against Miami Southridge and Miramar came down to the final quarter.

The Tigers are holding the hot hand and do not need help in traveling the five hours with a purpose.

No. 4 Tampa Gaither (7-5) at No. 1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (12-1). This time of year if you are going to compete with head coach Roger Harriott and his Raiders you need to bring something extra to the table.

This is a program that is looking to bring home it’s amazing fifth consecutive state title, and while Gaither has run a gauntlet to get to this game, they just do not have the talent to stay with a complete program who happens to be at home, where they have more than taken care of business.

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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..