As the 2024 high school football season is less than a week away, things have been busy in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties.
As many 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.
As we head to Friday, there are some impressive matchups that fans will certainly one to be a part of – seeing talent that they may not have the opportunity to in 2024.
Here is a look at some of the games today:
Miami Edison vs. Miramar (Traz Powell, 5:30). The first game in the Miami Super Showdown Classic that will match two teams that have high hopes this season as they each have plenty of talent that should provide a tremendous game.
Central vs. Ocala Vanguard (Traz Powell, 8:30). Last year in Ocala these two teams played a defensive battle. Both the Rockets and Knights have a number of new players they are anxious to see.
Dillard vs. Booker T. Washington (Dillard, 7). Another game that has a pair of tradition-rich programs who have a chip on their collective shoulders as both have not been mentioned with some of the other powers. Well coached and loaded with quality football talent.
Coconut Creek vs. Monarch (Coconut Creek, 7). Okay. Here we go. Even though this is a kickoff classic, do not tell the players and coaches who are playing for the City of Coconut Creek. Huge bragging rights are at stake as neither team has an advantage – both using this field for their homes.
Here are some other games to keep an eye on:
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY
Friday, August 16th
Hialeah Gardens vs. South Miami (Hialeah Gardens, 3:30)
Ferguson vs. HML (Ferguson, 3:30)
Varela vs. Coral Shores (Varela, 3:30)
Coral Reef vs. Ransom Everglades (Ransom Everglades, 7)
Hialeah vs. Flanagan (Milander, 7:30)
Southridge vs. Killian (Southridge, 7:30)
Southwest vs. Florida Christian (Florida Christian, 7)
Sunset vs. St Brendan (St. Brendan, 7)
Monsignor Pace vs. Lehigh (Pace, 7:30)
Miami Gulliver Prep vs Miami Immaculata LaSalle (LaSalle, 7)
Leesburg vs. Miami Dr. Krop (Ives Park, 7:30)
Saturday, August 17th
Homestead vs. West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman (Traz Powell, 10 a.m.)
Norland vs. Armwood (Traz Powell, 1 p.m.)
Jackson vs. Carol City (Traz Powell, 5:30)
Miami Palmetto vs. Northwestern (Traz Powell, 8:30)
Goleman vs. South Broward (Milander Park, 7)
BROWARD COUNTY
Friday, August 16
Miramar Everglades at Naples Golden Gate (7:30)
West Broward vs. South Plantation (West Broward, 5)
Chaminade vs. Archbishop Coleman (Chaminade, 6)
Cypress Bay vs. Doral Academy (Cypress Bay, 7)
Coral Springs vs. Somerset Academy (Coral Springs, 7)
Avante Garde vs. Archbishop McCarthy (Archbishop McCarthy High School, 7)
Somerset Academy vs. Miami High (Ansin Sports Complex, Miramar – 7)
Coral Springs Charter vs. American Heritage Delray (Coral Glades High School, 7)
PALM BEACH
Friday, August 16
West Palm Beach The King’s Academy at Park Vista, 6:30
North Palm Beach Benjamin at Dwyer, 6:30
University School at Jupiter Christian, 7
Martin County at Seminole Ridge, 6:30
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..
While many view kickoff classic week as no more than the final tune-up for the start of the 2024 season. Others are taking it very seriously.
After competing against each other for the past two plus weeks, these classics are indeed more than a dress rehearsal for next week – when the season officially begins.
Years ago, the week before the season brought together a few teams for a pre-season jamboree, but as we saw on Tuesday night when Miami True North Classical Academy and Miami Belen Jesuit got together, the game turned out to be beneficial to work on situations and facets of the game that will be needed when things start for real.
As we head toward Thursday, there are some interesting Miami-Dade and Broward matchups to keep an eye on:
Miami Beach vs. Palmer Trinity (Miami Beach, 3:30). As Wilkie Perez takes over the Hi Tides, this is a contest that will certainly be the first look at his team in game conditions. Palmer is coming off another successful season and want to show that they will be in the mix again this season.
North Miami vs. North Miami Beach (Traz Powell, 3:30). Since 1971, this had been one of the most competitive rivalries in south Florida, but the size of the schools has changed this matchup and the Chargers and Pioneers very rarely play. Both teams have plenty of hopes for the season, and this will be a chance to players to make a statement. Pride is always on the line when these schools get together in anything.
Thursday, August 15
St. Thomas Aquinas vs. Bishop Verot (Fort Myers, 7). While this is a meaningless tune-up for the Raiders, who are five-time defending state champions, this game means everything to a Vikings team that is regarded as a program to keep an eye on – with a convincing spring victory against two-time defending state champion Miami Christopher Columbus.
Cardinal Gibbons vs. Piper (Cardinal Gibbons, 7). Make no mistake, these are two programs that get respect in Broward County. When you need a strong pre-season game to help set the tone for the upcoming season, this is what you ask for. The Bengals are defending district champions – while the Chiefs didn’t finish the way they had planned. Solid game to see.
Coral Glades vs. Silver Palms (Coral Glades, 7). Two more programs that are looking to use this evening’s classic as a springboard to the upcoming season. Both teams continue to make major strides, and yes, this will be a much-needed test for these two schools.
Western vs. Plantation (Western, 7). Interesting matchup here as Plantation rolls out a new coaching staff and several new faces that had a tremendous off-season, competing against some of the top programs in and out of south Florida. On the other side of the ball, the expectations have never been higher for the Wildcats. They have had very good teams in the past, but never this much talent. A huge test for both teams.
Here are some other games coming up this week:
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY
Tuesday, August 13th
Miami True North 14, Miami Belen Jesuit 10
Wednesday, August 14th
Coral Gables beat Coral Park
Friday, August 16th
Hialeah Gardens vs. South Miami (Hialeah Gardens, 3:30)
Ferguson vs. HML (Ferguson, 3:30)
Varela vs. Coral Shores (Varela, 3:30)
Coral Reef vs. Ransom Everglades (Ransom Everglades, 7)
Hialeah vs. Flanagan (Milander, 7:30)
Southridge vs. Killian (Southridge, 7:30)
Southwest vs. Florida Christian (Florida Christian, 7)
Sunset vs. St Brendan (St. Brendan, 7)
Monsignor Pace vs. Lehigh (Pace, 7:30)
Miami Edison vs. Miramar (Traz Powell, 5:30)
Central vs. Ocala Vanguard (Traz Powell, 8:30)
Miami Gulliver Prep vs Miami Immaculata LaSalle (LaSalle, 7)
Leesburg vs. Miami Dr. Krop (Ives Park, 7:30)
Saturday, August 17th
Homestead vs. West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman (Traz Powell, 10 a.m.)
Norland vs. Armwood (Traz Powell, 1 p.m.)
Jackson vs. Carol City (Traz Powell, 5:30)
Miami Palmetto vs. Northwestern (Traz Powell, 8:30)
Goleman vs. South Broward (Milander Park, 7)
BROWARD COUNTY
Friday, August 16
Miramar Everglades at Naples Golden Gate (7:30)
West Broward vs. South Plantation (West Broward, 5)
Chaminade vs. Archbishop Coleman (Chaminade, 6)
Cypress Bay vs. Doral Academy (Cypress Bay, 7)
Coral Springs vs. Somerset Academy (Coral Springs, 7)
Dillard vs. Booker T. Washington (Dillard, 7)
Coconut Creek vs. Monarch (Coconut Creek, 7)
Avante Garde vs. Archbishop McCarthy (Archbishop McCarthy High School, 7)
Somerset Academy vs. Miami High (Ansin Sports Complex, Miramar – 7)
Coral Springs Charter vs. American Heritage Delray (Coral Glades High School, 7)
PALM BEACH
Thursday, August 15
Jupiter at West Boca Raton, 6:30
Friday, August 16
West Palm Beach The King’s Academy at Park Vista, 6:30
North Palm Beach Benjamin at Dwyer, 6:30
University School at Jupiter Christian, 7
Martin County at Seminole Ridge, 6:30
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..
South Florida Kickoff Classics Starts 2024 Season. https://larryblustein.com/news/south-florida-kickoff-classics-starts-2024-season
While many view kickoff classic week as no more than the final tune-up for the start of the 2024 season. Others are taking it very seriously.
After competing against each other for the past two plus weeks, these classics are indeed more than a dress rehearsal for next week – when the season officially begins.
Years ago, the week before the season brought together a few teams for a pre-season jamboree, but as we saw on Tuesday night when Miami True North Classical Academy and Miami Belen Jesuit got together, the game turned out to be beneficial to work on situations and facets of the game that will be needed when things start for real.
As we head toward Thursday, there are some interesting Miami-Dade and Broward matchups to keep an eye on:
Miami Beach vs. Palmer Trinity (Miami Beach, 3:30). As Wilkie Perez takes over the Hi Tides, this is a contest that will certainly be the first look at his team in game conditions. Palmer is coming off another successful season and want to show that they will be in the mix again this season.
North Miami vs. North Miami Beach (Traz Powell, 3:30). Since 1971, this had been one of the most competitive rivalries in south Florida, but the size of the schools has changed this matchup and the Chargers and Pioneers very rarely play. Both teams have plenty of hopes for the season, and this will be a chance to players to make a statement. Pride is always on the line when these schools get together in anything.
Thursday, August 15
Cardinal Gibbons vs. Piper (Cardinal Gibbons, 7). Make no mistake, these are two programs that get respect in Broward County. When you need a strong pre-season game to help set the tone for the upcoming season, this is what you ask for. The Bengals are defending district champions – while the Chiefs didn’t finish the way they had planned. Solid game to see.
Coral Glades vs. Silver Palms (Coral Glades, 7). Two more programs that are looking to use this evening’s classic as a springboard to the upcoming season. Both teams continue to make major strides, and yes, this will be a much-needed test for these two schools.
Western vs. Plantation (Western, 7). Interesting matchup here as Plantation rolls out a new coaching staff and several new faces that had a tremendous off-season, competing against some of the top programs in and out of south Florida. On the other side of the ball, the expectations have never been higher for the Wildcats. They have had very good teams in the past, but never this much talent. Huge test for both teams.
Here are some other games coming up this week:
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY
Tuesday, August 13th
Miami True North 14, Miami Belen Jesuit 10
Wednesday, August 14th
Coral Gables beat Coral Park
Friday, August 16th
Hialeah Gardens vs. South Miami (Hialeah Gardens, 3:30)
Ferguson vs. HML (Ferguson, 3:30)
Varela vs. Coral Shores (Varela, 3:30)
Coral Reef vs. Ransom Everglades (Ransom Everglades, 7)
Hialeah vs. Flanagan (Milander, 7:30)
Southridge vs. Killian (Southridge, 7:30)
Southwest vs. Florida Christian (Florida Christian, 7)
Sunset vs. St Brendan (St. Brendan, 7)
Monsignor Pace vs. Lehigh (Pace, 7:30)
Miami Edison vs. Miramar (Traz Powell, 5:30)
Central vs. Ocala Vanguard (Traz Powell, 8:30)
Saturday, August 17th
Homestead vs. West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman (Traz Powell, 10 a.m.)
Norland vs. Armwood (Traz Powell, 1 p.m.)
Jackson vs. Carol City (Traz Powell, 5:30)
Miami Palmetto vs. Northwestern (Traz Powell, 8:30)
Goleman vs. South Broward (Milander Park, 7)
BROWARD COUNTY
Friday, August 16
Miramar Everglades at Naples Golden Gate (7:30)
West Broward vs. South Plantation (West Broward, 5)
Chaminade vs. Archbishop Coleman (Chaminade, 6)
Cypress Bay vs. Doral Academy (Cypress Bay, 7)
Coral Springs vs. Somerset Academy (Coral Springs, 7)
Dillard vs. Booker T. Washington (Dillard, 7)
Coconut Creek vs. Monarch (Coconut Creek, 7)
Avante Garde vs. Archbishop McCarthy (Archbishop McCarthy High School, 7)
Somerset Academy vs. Miami High (Ansin Sports Complex, Miramar – 7)
Coral Springs Charter vs. American Heritage Delray (Coral Glades High School, 7)
PALM BEACH
Thursday, August 15
Jupiter at West Boca Raton, 6:30
Friday, August 16
West Palm Beach The King’s Academy at Park Vista, 6:30
North Palm Beach Benjamin at Dwyer, 6:30
University School at Jupiter Christian, 7
Martin County at Seminole Ridge, 6:30
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..
South Florida Kickoff Classics Starts 2024 Season. https://larryblustein.com/news/south-florida-kickoff-classics-starts-2024-season
Here We Go!
The long-awaited 2024 high school football season has started with a week of kickoff classic games in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties.
In anticipation of next week’s exciting season, we get things started with some intriguing matchups at several places throughout the three counties.
While the attention will fall on south Florida all year for the games with national implications, keep in mind that other teams will be playing to showcase their student/athletes to colleges and universities across the country.
Here is a look at this week’s Kickoff Classic Schedule:
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY
Tuesday, August 13th
Miami True North 14, Miami Belen Jesuit 10
Wednesday, August 14th
Coral Gables vs. Coral Park (Coral Gables, 4)
Thursday, August 15th
Miami Beach vs. Palmer Trinity (Miami Beach, 3:30)
North Miami vs. North Miami Beach (Traz Powell, 3:30)
Friday, August 16th
Hialeah Gardens vs. South Miami (Hialeah Gardens, 3:30)
Ferguson vs. HML (Ferguson, 3:30)
Varela vs. Coral Shores (Varela, 3:30)
Coral Reef vs. Ransom Everglades (Ransom Everglades, 7)
Hialeah vs. Flanagan (Milander, 7:30)
Southridge vs. Killian (Southridge, 7:30)
Southwest vs. Florida Christian (Florida Christian, 7)
Sunset vs. St Brendan (St. Brendan, 7)
Monsignor Pace vs. Lehigh (Pace, 7:30)
Miami Edison vs. Miramar (Traz Powell, 5:30)
Central vs. Ocala Vanguard (Traz Powell, 8:30)
Saturday, August 17th
Homestead vs. West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman (Traz Powell, 10 a.m.)
Norland vs. Armwood (Traz Powell, 1 p.m.)
Jackson vs. Carol City (Traz Powell, 5:30)
Miami Palmetto vs. Northwestern (Traz Powell, 8:30)
Goleman vs. South Broward (Milander Park, 7)
BROWARD COUNTY
Thursday, August 15
Cardinal Gibbons vs. Piper (Cardinal Gibbons, 6)
Coral Glades vs. Silver Palms (Coral Glades, 7)
Western vs. Plantation (Western, 7)
Friday, August 16
Miramar Everglades at Naples Golden Gate (7:30)
West Broward vs. South Plantation (West Broward, 5)
Chaminade vs. Archbishop Coleman (Chaminade, 6)
Cypress Bay vs. Doral Academy (Cypress Bay, 7)
Coral Springs vs. Somerset Academy (Coral Springs, 7)
Dillard vs. Booker T. Washington (Dillard, 7)
Coconut Creek vs. Monarch (Coconut Creek, 7)
Avante Garde vs. Archbishop McCarthy (Archbishop McCarthy High School, 7)
Somerset Academy vs. Miami High (Ansin Sports Complex, Miramar – 7)
Coral Springs Charter vs. American Heritage Delray (Coral Glades High School, 7)
PALM BEACH
Thursday, August 15
Jupiter at West Boca Raton, 6:30
Friday, August 16
West Palm Beach The King’s Academy at Park Vista, 6:30
North Palm Beach Benjamin at Dwyer, 6:30
University School at Jupiter Christian, 7
Martin County at Seminole Ridge, 6:30
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..
Throughout the next few weeks and into the season, we spotlight prospects throughout Miami-Dade and Broward Counties – giving the football fans a chance to know the teams in the two counties.
Today we are back in Miami-Dade to check in on power Miami Central.
When the Rockets missed out on getting to the state title game last season – after four consecutive state titles under – “95th Street” didn’t have that same feeling.
An 8-4 record which had two losses to eventual 2M state runner up Miami Norland, No. 1 nationally rated Las Vegas Bishop Gorman and No. 2 nationally rated Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna stood in the way of this team getting back to win a fifth straight title.
Things could have gone much differently as this program lost all four of those games by a total of 13 points!
As they open this Friday against Ocala Vanguard in a kickoff classic last year is behind them and several new faces look at a year that could send this team back to the state championship game.
THE ROCKETS
Head Coach: Jube Joseph
2023 Record: 8-4
District: 15-3A
2024 Schedule:
8/23 – Lakeland
8/31 – Miami Edison
9/7 – Miami Booker T. Washington
9/13 - @Pompano Beach
9/20 – Plantation American Heritage
10/4 - @Miami Northwestern
10/10 – Fort Lauderdale Stranahan
10/25 - @Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy
PROSPECTS TO WATCH:
2025 - Randy Adirika, DT, 6-4, 265.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17667842/Randy-Adirika
2025 - Anjuan “Ace” Coleman, WR, 5-11, 170.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17633609/Anjuan-Coleman-Jr
2025 - Ezekiel Marcelin, LB, 6-1, 202 – 3.4 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17070413/61b097dc386d9a07dc1faba9
ycock, Athlete, 6-2, 210 – 3.0 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18939858/Karon-Maycock
2025 - Nae’shaun Montgomery, WR, 6-2, 170.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17882921/Naeshaun-Montgomery
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..