When the 2022 high school football season began, programs across the state were consumed with the new classifications that would be in place.

Whether it was Metro, Suburban or Rural, there were opinions that were shared – good and bad.

Well, no matter what anyone felt about the newest formats that the majority voted to go with, the race for Tallahassee and Fort Lauderdale’s DRV PNK Stadium are now in the final stages.

After the Region Finals were played, we now head into the state semifinals as seven Miami-Dade and Broward County schools are still alive for 1M, 2M, 3M and 4M state titles.

While two-time defending state champion Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons was eliminated in the 2M Region 3 finals, 31-20, giving first year head coach Mike Smith and his Patriots a home game for the state semifinals, it was just one of many games that put a spotlight right on some elite teams.

On the other side of that bracket is three-time defending state champion Miami Central and first year head coach Jube Joseph who beat Miami Norland, 34-20, to keep the Rockets’ dream alive.

In Region 4M, Miami Christopher Columbus looks to get back to the state finals as head coach Dave Dunn and the Explorers beat Doral Academy, 31-3.

In 3M, head coach Roger Harriott and his three-time defending state champion Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders ended a great season for Pompano Beach Blanche Ely, 35-7, and will be at home this coming week for another chance at the state title game.

On the other side of that 3M bracket is Homestead as the Broncos head coach Philip Simpson and had an impressive win against Miramar, 33-13, which sends the Broncos to the state semifinals.

The 1M classification will see head coach Greg Laferre and Miami True North Classical Academy advance to the state semifinals for the first time in school history after a 58-37 win against Miami Palmer Trinity.

The other side of that bracket will see national power Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna and head coach Dameon Jones get to the state semifinals for a record seventh consecutive season – as the Lions remained unbeaten with a convincing win against previously unbeaten West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman, 49-16.

The scene is set as all four classes will play their semifinal game right here in south Florida – with a huge prize at stake.

For the past 52 years, we have spent plenty of 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 (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

In just a few weeks, several south Florida football teams will have the chance to play for a state title.

When that time arrives, they will all look back to this week – Thanksgiving weekend – when 11 Miami-Dade and Broward County football programs will have the chance to move one step closer to playing for that coveted state title.

After a great Thanksgiving meal and a special practice, 11 area schools will pack it in for the year while others will move on to the next round.

Here is a look at the way things stack up today and this evening:

Class 4-Metro, Region 4

REGION FINALS

No. 3 Doral Academy (8-4) at No. 1 Miami Christopher Columbus (11-1), Tropical Park, 7:00. Another game where these two programs will meet for the second time this season. The Explorers have been playing lights out, losing only to No. 1 Miami Central in a game that they had their chances to win after a great comeback. Even though the Firebirds were soundly beaten in the first meeting with the Explorers, they have really been playing much better since that game. Christopher Columbus is a favorite to not only win tonight but take the 4M state title.

Class 3-Metro, Region 3

REGION FINALS

No. 3 Pompano Beach Blanche Ely (10-0) at No. 1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (11-0), 7:30. The Raiders are in this position just about every year – while the Tigers are returning to this game for the first time in many years. Everyone knows that the three-time defending state champions have a huge edge, but as we have found out, anything can happen.

Class 3-Metro, Region 4

REGION FINALS

No. 2 Miramar (10-1) at No. 1 Homestead (9-2), Harris Field, 7:30. The Broncos were in this situation last year and failed to come through and will be at home for a contest that appears to be the best matchup of all the games. While Homestead has been tested throughout the year, this is easily the Patriots’ biggest test. They did beat district champion Miami Southridge last week, but that was last week and they are on the road with more balance than they have had in a long time.

Class 2-Metro, Region 3

REGION FINALS

No. 2 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (11-1) at Plantation American Heritage (11-1), 7:30. One of three rematches that took place earlier in the season when the Patriots took care of business on the road, 21-2. Both teams are used to being in this round, and while the Chiefs are two-time defending state champions, their work is truly cut out for them on the road.

Class 2-Metro, Region 4

REGION FINALS

No. 3 Miami Norland (9-2) at No. 1 Miami Central (11-0), Traz Powell Stadium, 7:30. This is yet another one of those games that was played earlier this season and the Rockets totally dominated the surprising Vikings. But as confident as this impressive football team is, keep in mind they beat rival Miami Northwestern, 34-30, after beating the Bulls by 28 during the regular season. The Vikings have a better defense here late in the season but understand that while they are looking to win this game, their opponent has their eye on a national title which many feel they will deserve!

STATE SEMIFINAL

No. 2 West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman (11-0) at No. 1 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (9-0), 7:30. Believe it or not, here is a game that many had predicted would happen before the season started. While the Crusaders are looking to pull the upset with their impressive team, the Lions truly feel that they have the best team in the country and have played an early season schedule that backed up the talent they have. Much like the Miami Central game, the Crusaders are playing for the major upset while Chaminade-Madonna has national title hopes.

Class 1-Metro, Region 4

STATE SEMIFINAL

No. 4 Miami Palmer Trinity (6-5) at No. 3 Miami True North Classical Academy (8-3), Tropical Park, 3:00. When the season began these two teams were looking to have a solid season and build on their growing programs. Fast forward 12 weeks and they are both playing for an improbable Region title. The Titans have played some amazing football down the stretch while the Falcons are hoping to use the upset win over Miami Archbishop Carroll as a springboard today.

TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2023-2026. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects

For the past 52 years, we have spent plenty of 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 (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

As we sit home today and celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday with friends and family, there is indeed so much to be thankful for.

Our health being the most important part of the holiday, we also say thank you for another high school football season – as several team hit the practice field for their annual Thanksgiving morning practice.

While several teams continue to participate in the state playoffs there are other programs who are at home looking toward the off-season and heading to college.

Today, we take time to look at the induvial players who impacted the state of Florida from south Florida. Standouts who stepped up and were among the statistical leaders in the Sunshine State.

As we start with prospects who put up big number, we check in with the quarterbacks. Among some of the top Miami-Dade and Broward players were South Plantation junior Jadyn Glasser, who led the Paladins with 2,624 yards and 25 touchdowns are Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna Class of 2024 standout Cedric Bailey, who led the unbeaten Lions with 2,612 yards and 36 touchdown passes.

Some of the other top quarterbacks this season from a statistical standpoint included Pembroke Pines Somerset junior Camden Hartzell (2,455, 30 touchdowns), Miami Norland sophomore Ennio Yapoor (2,455 – 26 touchdowns), Miami True North Classical Academy 8^th grader Zac Katz (2,358, 30 touchdowns) and Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy junior Anthony Barbar (2,204, 20 touchdowns), who were all within the top 30 in the state.

Running backs also made a major statement this season – with Doral Academy senior Mark Wilder Jr. leading the way with 2,142 yards and 24 touchdowns in leading the Firebirds to the 4M Region finals.

Other south Florida runners making an impact included Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian senior Reggie Heywood (1,897, 22 touchdowns), Miami Coral Reef senior Nicholas Lardizabal (1,771, 22 touchdowns), versatile Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest senior Jordan Faison (1,661, 23 touchdowns), Plantation American Heritage standout Mark Fletcher (1,542, 18 touchdowns) and Parkland Douglas senior Clayton Cannon Jr. (1,480, 14 touchdowns).

Receivers also did their part to jump onto the state radar screen – with Coconut Creek senior Jessie Fields (1,054, 8 touchdowns) and Plantation American Heritage five-year varsity starter Brandon Inniss (1,043 yards and 13 touchdowns) leading the way.

Other pass catchers from Miami-Dade and Broward Counties who turned heads included West Broward sophomore Joshua Moore (1,043, 11 touchdowns), Plantation senior Jamari Haynes (948 yards, 9 touchdowns), Pembroke Pines Charter senior Jason Bourciquot (914 yards, 9 scores) and Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy senior Jahlan Paul (894 yards, 9 touchdowns) leading the way.

THE DEFENSE HAD ITS STARS

Like the offensive side of the ball, there were some quality performers on defense as well.

Among the top sack leaders included Miami Central senior standout Rueben Bain, who finished with 22.

There were also FSU-bound Miami Gulliver senior Lamont Green Jr. (20 sacks), Miramar Everglades standout Kenley Israel (20 sacks), Miami Carol City junior Germaine Carter (19 sacks) and Miami Belen Jesuit junior and school all-time leader Gavench Marcelin (18 sacks).

When it came to making tackles, players like South Miami senior safety/linebacker Artravian Driver (172), standout linebacker Antron Williams (162), senior linebacker David Vadala (137), who was the all-time leader in Plantation American Heritage’s storied history, NSU Nova Southeastern senior linebacker Dylan Daniel (125) and Coconut Creek Monarch defensive lineman Gavin Peacock, who ended the impressive season with 123.

When talking about defensive playmakers, south Florida certainly had its share of defensive secondary standout, who came up with key interceptions.

Among the best included Miami Archbishop Carroll junior Kenneth Pembleton, who was tied for the lead in the Sunshine State with 8.

Other Miami-Dade and Broward defensive secondary catalysts included Pembroke Pines Charter junior Jayden Josue (7), Miami True North Classical Academy senior JonJon Delgado (7)  and senior Jeremiah Jean-Phillips (6), Miami Dr. Krop junior Kai-El Pascal (6), Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy senior Christopher Brown (6), and Fort Lauderdale Stranahan senior Devan Lamar, South Plantation sophomore Kaleb Declaire, Miramar Everglades sophomore Jabori Wilson, Weston Cypress Bay sophomore Mateo De Almeida, Coconut Creek Monarch senior Brayden Slade, Miramar senior Tre Rigby and Miami Belen Jesuit super sophomore Bryce Fitzgerald, who all had 5.

TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2023-2026. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects

For the past 52 years, we have spent plenty of 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 (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

As we do every Wednesday, during the course of the year, we bring you five prospects from Miami-Dade and Broward Counties who are standing out.

While some are below the radar, others have already been discovered, but deserve this spotlight.

Because we are now in the Region Finals of the state football playoffs we will once again bring you prospects who have made an impact since the regular season ended.

Here are five quality players who helped their respective teams ready this round:

2024 – Jeff Bandy, CB, 5-10, 160, Miami Christopher Columbus. The younger brother of one-time Christopher Columbus and University of Miami standout Trajan Bandy, this young man has certainly carved out his own path – and this season as the Explorers head to the 4M Region finals – he is one of the reasons why. Three interceptions last week against Miami Palmetto along with key plays all season long. His ability to come up with a big play has thrust him into a spotlight, and this is just his junior season. He work in the classroom has also been noticed as well.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/14909964/Jeff-Bandy

2023 – Nate Henry, RB, 5-9, 175, Miramar. Ever since coming over from Miami Central, all this quality back has done is lead by example and give the Patriots an opportunity to post a 10-1 record as they head to Homestead for a 3M Region final. He is quick, strong and powerful and is not easy to bring down. Adding balance to this teams’ offense, he is many reasons for the success of an offense that has average over 30 points all season long. For a program long known for it “Dark Side Defense”, the offense has been a spark and Henry has been out front.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17672164/Nathaniel-Nate-Henry

2023 – Harlem Howard, DB, 6-1, 170, Pompano Beach Blanche Ely. The great thing about the recruiting process, especially in south Florida is the competition that teams and athletes play are always going to elevate the play of every athlete. While many have already watched this playmaker perform, they all admit that there are few better, and if you ask anyone who has competed with and against him, they single out his skills and ability to limit any offense he goes up against. Big time prospect, who is ready to lead the Tigers into Friday night’s 3M Region final against national power Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15340493/Harlem-Howard

2023 – Blake Murphy, QB, 5-11, 175, Plantation American Heritage. We all know by now that this quality football talent spent the better part of last season injured and had to watch from the sideline, but he devoted this past off-season to getting better and has put himself in a position where his Patriots have a legitimate shot to win it all in 2M. He showed from the very beginning of the 2022 season against California power Los Alamitos that he was back and better than ever before. As he leads his team into the Region final against Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, he is indeed one of the best in south Florida.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/11724850/Blake-Murph

2024 – Glenn Smith III, WR, 5-10, 165, Miami Southridge. Talk about an under-the-radar talent. Unless you follow this game closely, here is a standout that many had never watched before – but seeing him live twice this season – and many times in the off-season – here is a gifted football prospect who has speed, athletic ability and a skill level that is only getting better. On a team that lost in the 3M Region semifinals last week, here is one of the shining stars the Spartans had on a talented and improving roster.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/14807706/Glenn-Smith-III

TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2023-2026. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects

For the past 52 years, we have spent plenty of 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 (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..