Ever since Miami Christopher Columbus put the final touches on an overtime 4A state championship win against Apopka last December, we have been thirsting for the 2023 football season.
Eight months have passed since the season had ended and that opened the door for 7-on-7 events, camps, combines and spring football.
Players and coaches have traveled to schools across the nation – while trying to sell themselves to colleges an universities to attract a scholarship.
Hours of weightlifting and conditioning and working on their craft is coming to an end as the season starts this week with kickoff classic tune-ups and the official openers next week.
Here is a look at how this week’s schedule shapes up:
WENESDAY, August 16
Miramar at Miami Edison (Traz Powell), 7
Southwest Miami at Florida Christian, 7
THURSDAY, August 17
Clearwater Academy International, at Homestead (Harris), 7
Coral Springs Taravella at Cooper City, 6
Davie Western at Parkland Douglas, 6
Deerfield Beach at Dillard, 6:30
Greenacres John I. Leonard at Palm Glades, 3:30
Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna at Miami Northwestern (Traz Powell), 7
Hollywood McArthur at Davie Nova, 7
Miami Ferguson at Miami High (Curtis), 7
Miami Killian at Weston Cypress Bay, 7
Miami Palmetto at Doral Academy, 7
Miramar Everglades at Miami Belen Jesuit, 7
Plantation at Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, 7
South Plantation at Pembroke Pines West Broward (Everglades), 7
FRIDAY, August 18
Coconut Creek Monarch at Coconut Creek, 7
Coconut Creek North Broward Prep at Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy, 7
Fort Lauderdale NSU University School at SW Ranches Archbishop McCarthy, 7
Fort Lauderdale Stranahan at Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace, 7:30
Hialeah American at Harmony, 7
Hialeah Miami-Lakes at Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman (Milander), 7:30
Fort Lauderdale at Coral Springs Coral Glades, 7
Marathon at Miami Varela, 3:30
Miami Archbishop Carroll at Miami Gulliver Prep, 3:30
Plantation American Heritage at Miami Booker T. Washington (Traz Powell), 7
Miami Braddock at Hollywood Hills, 4
Miami Carol City at Miami Southridge, 7:30
Miami Central at Ocala Vanguard, 7
Miami Dr. Krop at Pembroke Pines Flanagan, 7
Miami Norland at Pompano Beach Blanche Ely, 7
Miami Springs at Hollywood South Broward, 6
Miami Sunset at Lasalle 3:30
Miami True North Academy at South Miami (Tropical), 7
North Miami at Immokalee, 7
North Miami Mourning at Miami Beach, 3:30
Oakland Park Northeast at Hialeah Gardens, 3:30
Somerset vs. Hollywood Avant Garde (Ansin Park), 7
Somerset Pembroke Pines at Coral Shores, 7
Somerset Silver Palms at Homestead South Dade (Harris Field), 7:30
INTRASQUAD SCRIMMAGE GAMES
Coral Gables
Hallandale
Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas
Hialeah
Miami Christopher Columbus
Miami Coral Park
Miami Coral Reef
Miami Gardens Tru Prep
Miami Jackson
TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2024-2027. LAST UPDATED: August 14, 2023. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects COLLEGE COACHES ARE WATCHING ALL THE TIME, SO LET’S KEEP UPDATING – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Transfer Season Heats Up In Miami-Dade & Broward. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-heats-up-in-miami-dade-broward
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..
Back in April of 2021, during the final day of the NFL Draft, history was made for one position.
While kickers and punters had their share of the spotlight through the years with high profile names selected, the long snapping position had never been one that any team had ever thought about as a draft selection.
With so many gifted position players and linemen who fill out rosters, the very thought of using one of those coveted picks to take a long snapper was laughable at best.
For decades if teams needed a long snapper, they would sign one as a free agent, so it never came up during draft meetings.
When Alabama long snapper Thomas Fletcher came off the board at 222nd overall to the Carolina Panthers, and three picks later, Michigan snapping specialist Camaron Cheeseman went to Washington at 225, the entire landscape of the position had changed forever.
The perception of long snappers doing about as much as kickers played in the heads of general managers and coaches league wide. But when teams started to lose games because of bad snaps, the focus started to change, and more high school athletes, who were once linemen, started to rethink their future.
Today, any college in America that is successful has a long snapper on scholarship – and for a position that was overlooked in the past is now taking center stage.
Potential long snappers are starting out early, attending everything possible to improve and get noticed.
With many kicking specialty showcases and camps now changing to a special teams theme, the opportunity to snap at the next level and beyond.
At the recent Brandon Kornblue Summer Specialty event held in Fort Lauderdale at Calvary Christian Academy, there were elite kickers and punters on display, but the showcase also attracted some of the elite long snappers from throughout the country and across the Sunshine State.
The focus on Miami-Dade and Broward prospects came into play when Miami Christopher Columbus senior Jonathan Zarut took home the title among 2024 prospects, the nationally rated standout once again put himself in a spotlight that college coaches often check out.
Other 2024 long snappers who also received recognition Jackson Harper (Deerfield Beach) and St. Thomas Aquinas prospect James McDevitt.
The Raiders displayed depth at the position in the 2025 class when Chase Ortiz took first place and Miami Ransom Everglades’ Chase White finished third. Daniel Gonzalez (Miami Christopher Columbus) and Damani Spencer (Davie Western) also made an impression.
When Charles Becker transferred in the off-season from Miami Coral Reef to Miami St. Brendan, the Sabres knew they were getting something special. In the 2026 class, Becker finished second. Also, Joshua Silverstein who came to Plantation American Heritage from Cardinal Gibbons, is also one of the best in the state.
UPDATED: August 11, 2023. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects COLLEGE COACHES ARE WATCHING ALL THE TIME, SO LET’S KEEP UPDATING – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Transfer Season Heats Up In Miami-Dade & Broward. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-heats-up-in-miami-dade-broward
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..
In two weeks, the second annual Broward County National Football Showcase will kickoff six different sites.
With last year’s success of the event, and the promise of more national attention, the event officially began this week.
With all 14 teams in this year’s field of teams getting the chance to see much of south Florida and the beaches, Dave & Busters Hollywood will once again be a focal point for the teams, coaches and fans who are headed down to the Sunshine State.
With Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna and Miramar coming this past week to eat and play unlimited games, Wednesday was time for the Western Wildcats, who had plenty of food and drink and had the opportunity to bond with one another.
“This is amazing,” said head coach Adam Ratkevich. “We are the only public school invited back for the second straight year – and I can tell you it is truly an honor.”
Western will square off in the first game on Thursday, August 24 at 7:30 on campus in Davie against Georgia powerhouse Milton and coach Ben Reaves.
Wednesday – like earlier in the week – when Chaminade-Madonna and head coach Dameon Jones, and Miramar and head coach A.J. Scott had the chance eat all they want and show their skill on hundreds and hundreds of games, these young men will never forget this event and being chose to play in nationally-televised games.
The Lions will play a huge 12 noon contest on ESPN against fellow national power St. Frances Academy and head coach Messay Hailemariam at Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. Miramar will have a huge home game on Friday, August 25th against Virginia powerhouse Highland Springs and former Patriot standout Loren Johnson, who has been an amazing football coach since graduating from Virginia Tech.
Dave and Busters will show all seven games in their facilities across the nation, giving families in Georgia, Virginia, Washington DC, Maryland and California a chance to watch the action as it happens.
“This is a unique opportunity, and we cannot thank Dave and Busters enough for stepping up and recognizing the importance of this event,” said Co-Organizer Dr. Kevin Perry. “We are looking forward to having the remainder of the teams come out and enjoy like the three teams have so far.”
Next up will be this week will be Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons and head coach Matt Dubuc come out. His Chiefs will clash with Cardinal Gibbons of North Carolina and head coach Steven Wright on Friday, August 25th in Fort Lauderdale.
Plantation American Heritage and head coach Mike Smith, who will play St. John’s of Washington DC and head coach Pat Ward, who return for a second straight year, on Saturday night, August 26th, Coconut Creek Monarch and head coach Calvin Davis, slated to play head coach John Adams and Cedar Grove, Georgia on Thursday, August 24th and St. Thomas Aquinas will all be headed to Dave and Busters as well.
Speaking of the Raiders, head coach Roger Harriott and his team will put their nearly two-year unbeaten streak on the line when they host defending national champion St. John Bosco and head coach Jason Negro from Bellflower, California at 4 p.m. on ESPN.
In addition to enjoying Dave and Busters, visiting teams will also have the option of attending a Marlins game, visiting the world famous Jungle Queen or several other destinations.
TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2024-2027. LAST UPDATED: August 10, 2023. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects COLLEGE COACHES ARE WATCHING ALL THE TIME, SO LET’S KEEP UPDATING – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Transfer Season Heats Up In Miami-Dade & Broward. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-heats-up-in-miami-dade-broward
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..
When quarterback Mekhi Stevenson was tragically killed earlier this year, it sent shock waves throughout North Miami Senior High School.
As head coach Gerald Cox and the Pioneers struggled to come to grips with the loss of the rising senior quarterback, it was time to heal and channel that hurt into honoring a student/athlete that was a leader and beloved by fellow students, teachers and administrators.
With heavy hearts this past spring, the Pioneers turned their attention and focus to the 2023 season and a district title to defend.
When the team came together last Saturday at the Football Hotbed Media Day, the three members who attended along with Coach Cox honored their fallen teammate by bringing his No. 3 jersey and placing it on the table as the players answered questions.
With the focus firmly on this season, the Pioneers are focused and ready to defend that district title.
Among the prospects ready to step up include seniors:
Gerson Alette, RB, 5-7, 160.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15063148/6182f97d8cdee90368b416a9
Kendrick Canon, WR, 6-1, 190.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15425339/Kendrick-Canon
Jadarius Gaines, WR/SS.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18950559/Jadarius-Gaines
Steve Jeannitton, RB/WR, 5-8, 165.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17680360/Steve-Jeannitton
Edmond King, CB.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15312314/Edmond-King
Dontrell Rogers-Rusley, OL/DL, 6-2, 340 – 2.56 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18536597/Dontrell-RogersRusley
Blake Vargas, CB.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18026011/Blake-Vargas
Nijay Vargas, FS, 5-10, 165 – 3.0 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18024706/Nijay-Vargas
Jerin Versanne, WR, 5-9, 160 – 3.2 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16333352/Jerin-Versanne
Michael Zephirin, QB, 6-1, 190.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17650971/636957f4b023a304c804bf97
There are also gifted Class of 2025 juniors to watch as well:
Antwan Moore, WR, 6-2, 155.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16279669/Antwan-Moore
Fordy Rojas, LB, 5-11, 165.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17665494/Fordy-Rojas
Sirlvory Williams, DT, 5-10, 255.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17573333/SirIvory-Williams
Lewenski Ydore, LB, 6-3, 202.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16528628/Lewenski-Ydore
TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2024-2027. LAST UPDATED: August 9, 2023. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects COLLEGE COACHES ARE WATCHING ALL THE TIME, SO LET’S KEEP UPDATING – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Transfer Season Heats Up In Miami-Dade & Broward. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-heats-up-in-miami-dade-broward
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 stakes rise nationally and the need to play the toughest schedule possible to be considered in the race for the coveted, but mythical national title, programs throughout south Florida have upped the ante when it comes to scheduling games.
The days when a few tough games would carry you into the national picture, is no longer a thing – not when powerhouses are banging heads with other national powerhouses weekly.
Miami-Dade and Broward teams have been forced to play tougher schedules, knowing that when the season ends in December the programs with the tougher schedules will be favored over those teams who step up to the plate once or twice.
Programs such as California’s Mater Dei and St. John Bosco lineup against nationally rated teams every week. So does IMG Academy and Maryland’s St. Francis Academy.
Teams in the hunt locally such as Miami Central, St. Thomas Aquinas, Chaminade-Madonna understand that if they are going to be considered as a national championship contender by the season’s end, the schedule will need to reflect it.
The only drawback for many south Florida powers is the need to play conferred and district teams – which in many cases – lowers the strength of schedule, while many of the teams mentioned are able to play national contenders every week.
PLENTY OF MARQUEE MATCHUPS
There is no doubt that the local schedule this coming season illustrates the many upgrades made to enhance their schedule.
Here is a look at some of the games that you may want to check out this regular season:
August 24
Milton, Georgia vs. Davie Western (BROWARD FOOTBALL SHOWCASE).
Cedar Grove, Georgia vs. Coconut Creek Monarch (BROWARD FOOTBALL SHOWCASE).
August 25
Cardinal Gibbons, North Carolina vs. Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (BROWARD FOOTBALL SHOWCASE).
Highland Springs, Virginia vs. Miramar (BROWARD FOOTBALL SHOWCASE).
Miami Norland at Lakeland.
Miami Northwestern at Vero Beach.
Miami Christopher Columbus at Clearwater Academy International.
Miami Palmetto at Homestead.
August 26
St. John Bosco, California vs. St. Thomas Aquinas (BROWARD FOOTBALL SHOWCASE).
St. Frances Academy, Maryland vs. Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (BROWARD FOOTBALL SHOWCASE).
St. John’s (DC) vs. Plantation American Heritage (BROWARD FOOTBALL SHOWCASE).
September 1
Miami Central at Bishop Gorman, Las Vegas, Nevada.
Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna at Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons
September 8
Venice at Miami Northwestern
Miami Christopher Columbus at Tampa Jesuit
Cocoa at Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas
Bergen Catholic, New Jersey at Chaminade-Madonna
Miami Central at Miami Booker T. Washington
September 15
Western at St. Thomas Aquinas
September 16
Christopher Columbus at Miami Palmetto.
September 21
Chaminade-Madonna at Miami Central.
September 29
Cardinal Gibbons at Plantation American Heritage.
Miramar at St. Thomas Aquinas.
October 5
Miami Booker T. Washington at Miami Norland.
October 6
Homestead at Miami Christopher Columbus.
Miami Northwestern at Miami Central.
October 13
Miami Southridge at Homestead.
Miami Central at Miami Norland.
October 20
Naples at Plantation American Heritage.
Western at Miramar.
St. Thomas Aquinas at Coconut Creek Monarch.
November 3
Chaminade-Madonna at St. Petersburg Lakewood.
Western at Plantation.
November 4
Pompano Beach Blanche Ely at Fort Lauderdale Dillard
TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2024-2027. LAST UPDATED: August 8, 2023. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects COLLEGE COACHES ARE WATCHING ALL THE TIME, SO LET’S KEEP UPDATING – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Transfer Season Heats Up In Miami-Dade & Broward. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-heats-up-in-miami-dade-broward
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..