When the Greater Miami Athletic Conference (GMAC) announced last year that there would be a week dedicated to the promotion of the teams who participate in this governing body, it was met with skepticism.

After year one, some schools liked it and some frankly talked about not taking part if it was going to move forward.

Because the GMAC wanted to showcase their many teams and athletes, the decision to do it again this year, but instead of many teams playing each other as many as two teams in one season, the format was changed, and it certainly made a difference.

Highlighted by Friday night’s thrilling 35-28 win by nationally-rated Miami Central over unbeaten Miami Christopher Columbus, the objective was met.

Along with several other Thursday, Friday and Saturday matchups, this was not just a local and state thing, but some of the game – including the Rockets and Explorers – drew national attention.

With the playoffs coming up, this infusion of publicity was truly needed and while the No. 1 Rockets and the No. 4 Explorers got much of the attention, it was not the only game.

The thrilling Traz Powell Stadium contest attracted an impressive crowd that saw Central bust out to a 35-7 lead, only to hang on in the final minutes of the game to come away with a great win for the program and the GMAC.

For head coach Jube Joseph and his team, it was a final tune-up for the playoffs that start in three weeks. His team is looking for a fourth consecutive state title, moving to Class 2M this season.

Head Coach Dave Dunn and his team, picked early in the season to represent the south in 4M, certainly proved something to those who didn’t believe this team was at that elite level – even though they knocked off defending state champion Tampa Jesuit and Miami Northwestern.

Speaking of Northwestern, there was a thought that after beating Booker T. Washington they were ready for a stretch run, but No. 18 Homestead had different plans.

The Broncos and head coach Philip Simpson pulled the ultimate surprising, knocking off the No. 12 Bulls, sending head coach Max Edwards and his team 4-4 on the year with a 44-28 decision.

Other GMAC Week games included:

Hialeah 30, Miami Coral Park 13

Hialeah American 36, Miami Ferguson 7

Hialeah Barbara Goleman 35, Miami Beach 8

Hialeah Miami-Lakes 20, Miami Varela 0

No. 14 Miami Booker T. Washington 35, Miami Southridge 14

Miami Carol City 25, South Miami 18

Miami Coral Reef 30, Westland Hialeah 8

Miami Dr. Krop 32, Miami Braddock 14

Miami Edison 21, Homestead South Dade 14

Miami Jackson 27, Coral Gables 7

No. 17 Miami Norland 35, Miami Palmetto 14

Miami Springs 14, Doral Reagan 13

Miami Sunset 40, Hialeah Gardens 10

North Miami 30, Miami High 0

North Miami Mourning 17, Southwest Miami 16

North Miami Beach 32, Miami Killian 8

Here is how the rest of Miami-Dade and Broward County teams did in Week 9:

Coconut Creek 41, Hollywood McArthur 13

Coconut Creek North Broward Prep 54, Coral Springs Charter 32

Cypress Bay 39, Cooper City 0

Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons 31, Bradenton Manatee 20

Fort Lauderdale Dillard 35, Fort Lauderdale 0

Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest 55, Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy 14

Fort Lauderdale Stranahan 21, Coral Springs Coral Glades 0

Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas 37, Coconut Creek Monarch 6

Hallandale 28, Taravella 7

Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna 63, Hollywood Avant Garde Academy 0

Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson 8, Coral Springs 0

Marathon 67, Palm Glades Prep 28

Miami Archbishop Carroll 50, Miami Westminster Christian 15

Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace 25, Miami Immaculata LaSalle 0

Miami Gulliver Prep 17, Miami Belen Jesuit 7

Miami Palmer Trinity 51, Homestead Everglades Prep 0

Miami St. Brendan 42, Somerset Academy South Homestead 14

Miramar 21, Davie Western 0

North Palm Beach Benjamin 28, Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian 21

Parkland Douglas 54, Hollywood South Broward 28

Pembroke Pines Charter 32, Davie Nova 14

Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy 46, Boynton Beach Somerset Canyons 14

Pembroke Pines West Broward 33, Pembroke Pines Flanagan 0

Plantation 14, Deerfield Beach 7

Plantation American Heritage 35, Naples 17

Pompano Beach 35, West Palm Beach Berean Christian 0

Pompano Beach Blanche Ely 38, Sunrise Piper 14

Riviera Beach Inlet Grove 26, Hollywood Hills 14

South Plantation 33, Miramar Everglades 32 (OT)

Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy 21, Belle Glade Glades Day 14

West Boca Raton 35, Oakland Park Northeast 0

West Palm Beach The King’s Academy 28, Miami True North Classical Academy 23

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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..

HOLLYWOOD – As South Broward and Parkland Douglas went through their pre-game warmups; a misty rain began to fall on a Thursday evening.

As the teams prepared for a non-district matchup, a tall figure in blue jeans made his way from the entrance onto the field.

As he got closer to the VIP tent that was set up in north endzone, dozens of former teammates, dignitaries and administrators made their way over to greet he and his son, who had made way down from Martin County.

For the first time in many decades, Bill Hawkins returned to where his amazing football career began. On this night, Bulldogs – new and old – welcomed back their true native son. Someone who along with Tucker Fredrickson, Travis Daniels and Danny McManus kept this school relevant when talking high school football players who had made a splash at the next level and beyond.

As players from his early 1980’s teams embraced the towering Hawkins, it was a night where the past indeed met the future as principal Patricia Brown and athletic director Boomer Bray, who both made this evening possible, were ready with open arms.

With this evening planned to retire his No. 72 jersey, dozens came out to pay their respects and congratulate a former classmate, teammates and someone who everyone was proud to call “their own”.

Now a successful attorney in Martin County, Hawkins was overwhelmed by the invitation and the outpouring.

“I thought they were kidding when they said they wanted to retire my jersey,” he said with a smile. “Much of what I am today started on this football field and in this City.”

While the Bulldogs almost didn’t get Hawkins, who began at nearby Chaminade High School as a ninth grader, it was the opposite sex that was a factor in making the move to South Broward.

“When I was there and saw the school was all boys, I said no way,” he laughed. “I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed my time here at this school and every teacher and classmate that I came in contact with.”

As former teammates came up to congratulate and say hello to this impressive student/athlete who had the highest-grade point average on the high school team and in college, many shared stories and brought up great memories. As stories were exchanged, halftime arrived, and it was the moment that been a long time in the planning.

Speaking of college, the choice to go to Miami was something he nearly regretted when he was a freshman. He recalls that he almost quit because Jimmy Johnson and the staff worked him like he had never been worked before. But it all worked out.

Hawkins was a 3-year starter for the Hurricanes at defensive end. While he redshirted in 1984, he started to make an impact in 1985 - as a backup he recorded 10 tackles and showcased some amazing skills and learned plenty from some iconic players in front of him.

The very next season, Hawkins’ career was defined as a starter when he finished with 62 tackles (10 for a loss) and 7 sacks. His junior season was also one where scouts in the NFL began to take notice.

With his towering 6-6, 265-pound frame, he had 84 tackles with 14 of them going for a loss to go with his 6.5 sacks and it set him up for a banner 1988 season.

It was during his senior year with the Hurricanes that Hawkins earned first and second team All-American honors by various outlets. He finished with 67 tackles (18 for a loss) and 7.5 sacks and earned him a spot as a finalist for the Lombardi Award. 

His work on the football field as well as in the classroom had Coach Johnson singing his praises as one of "the most consistent lineman he ever coached."

In his four years at Miami the Hurricanes had a 44-4 win–loss record and Hawkins played in four "New Years' Day" bowl games. The ‘Canes were National Champions after the 1987 season and the victory over Oklahoma.

For all his work at the University of Miami, Hawkins was selected as a member of the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame.

His collegiate success paved the way for the future – as he was the 21st selection in the 1st round of the 1989 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams.

While injuries got in the way during his professional career, he still impacted his team and teammates and set the table for his career after football.

Today, with a Law Degree from the University of Florida, Hawkins has a “Client First” approach, running his law practice with the client’s best interest in mind. He is indeed a great communicator – on and off the playing field. Hawkins also took advantage of the study abroad program in Montpellier, France studying international financial crimes (with Honors).

He finally got the sport of football out of his system as a two-year defensive line coach at Jupiter High School back in 2010-11.

“Different game than when I played it,” Hawkins said. “But it was fun while it lasted.”

In is served when we have open and frank communication. This allows me to understand their perspective and create a game plan, to make their goals possible”.

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..

Here we are at Week 9 already and each and every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Miami-Dade and Broward Counties have rolled out some impressive games.

With the Greater Miami Athletic Conference (GMAC) games under way, there will be great competition – along with Broward schools who are looking for a state playoff spot.

This week, which began last night, has some quality contests – and we have five of them for you:

No. 9 Coconut Creek Monarch (6-1) at No. 3 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (7-0), 7. On the surface this may get out of hand – as the Raiders are searching for a third straight state title and national ranking with plenty of talent and outstanding coaching under Roger Harriott. But you have to give head coach Calvin Davis and the Knights credit for stringing together six wins in seven games and showcasing some tremendous talent.

No. 6 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (7-1) at Bradenton Manatee (5-1), 7:30. A very interesting road game for head coach Matt Dubuc and his football team as they hot the road once again for a matchup with the Hurricanes. The Chiefs have rebounded from their setback a few weeks ago to Plantation American Heritage as they set the table for the upcoming playoffs in a few weeks.

Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy (6-0) at Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest (6-1), 7. Two programs who have not received any recognition, but this is a key game because of the way these two programs have taken care of business this season. Both teams have plenty of talent and outstanding coaches, who have helped to elevate and give both the exposure that is needed to attract college attention. Should be a tremendous game.

No. 4 Miami Christopher Columbus (8-0) at No. 1 Miami Central (7-0), Traz Powell, 7:30. This is the game that everyone has been pointing to since the GMAC matchups were made. The Explorers come into the contest with quality wins and boast some impressive talent under head coach Dave Dunn. They have answered every challenge put in front of them. For first year head coach Jube Joseph and his nationally-rated Rockets, this season has indeed been a magical one with a major victory over national power IMG Academy. This team is stacked on both sides of the ball and nobody has been able to slow them down – at all. The best game in the state of Florida this week will also receive national attention.

No. 5 Plantation American Heritage (7-1) at Naples (6-1), 7:30. This is a contest that has gotten little attention, and while head coach Mike Smith and his Patriots come into the game as big favorites, the last time they traveled to Naples, the results didn’t come out in their favor. But this is a different year and the objective of reaching the 2M state title game has been the objective all season. Plenty of Southwest Florida fans who went through Hurricane Ian could use a boost and they will receive it with a game like this.

THURSDAY SCORES

Coconut Creek North Broward Prep 54, Coral Springs Charter 32

Hialeah American 36, Miami Ferguson 7

Homestead 44, Miami Northwestern 28

Miami Carol City 25, South Miami 18

Miami Coral Reef 30, Westland Hialeah 8

Miami Dr. Krop 32, Miami Braddock 14

Miami Edison 21, Homestead South Dade 14

Miami Norland 35, Miami Palmetto 14

Miami Springs 14, Doral Reagan 13

Miramar 21, Davie Western 0

Parkland Douglas 54, Hollywood South Broward 28

Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy 46, Boynton Beach Somerset Canyons 14

Pembroke Pines West Broward 33, Pembroke Pines Flanagan 0

Plantation 14, Deerfield Beach 7

Pompano Beach 35, West Palm Beach Berean Christian 0

Pompano Beach Blanche Ely 38, Sunrise Piper 14

West Boca Raton 35, Oakland Park Northeast 0

FRIDAY

GMAC SCHEDULE

Miami Varela (0-7) at Hialeah Miami-Lakes (2-5), HML, 3:30

Miami Sunset (3-4) at Hialeah Gardens (3-4), Hialeah Gardens, 3:30

Hialeah Barbara Goleman (3-4) at Miami Beach (2-5), Memorial, 7

Miami Southridge (4-3) at No. 14 Miami Booker T. Washington (6-2), Traz Powell, 3:30

Southwest Miami (0-7) at North Miami Mourning, North Miami, 3:30

OTHER GAMES

Belle Glade Glades Day (2-5) at SW Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (0-6), 7

Cooper City (2-6) at Weston Cypress Bay (4-3), 7

Coral Springs (3-4) at Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson (0-6), 7

Coral Springs Taravella (1-6) at Hallandale (1-6), 7

Davie Nova (2-5) at Pembroke Pines Charter (4-3), 7

Fort Lauderdale Stranahan (3-4) at Coral Springs Coral Glades (2-5), 7

Miami Dade Christian (0-5) at North Lauderdale Somerset Prep (0-5), 7

No. 15 Hollywood Avant Garde Academy (5-1) at No. 2 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (6-0), 7

Hollywood Hills (3-4) at Riviera Beach Inlet Grove (5-1), 6:30

Hollywood McArthur (4-3) at No. 20 Coconut Creek (4-3), 7

Homestead Everglades Prep (2-3) at Miami Palmer Trinity (4-3), 4

Miami Florida Christian (1-5) at Miami Ransom Everglades (4-2), 7

Miami Gulliver Prep (3-3) at Miami Belen Jesuit (4-3), 7:30

Miami Monsignor Pace (3-4) at Miami Immaculata LaSalle (4-3), 7

Miami True North Classical Academy (5-2) at West Palm Beach The King’s Academy (6-1), 7

Miami Westminster Christian (7-0) at Miami Archbishop Carroll (6-1), 7

Miramar Everglades (4-3) at No. 19 South Plantation (5-1), 7

Palm Glades Prep (1-7) at Marathon (4-3), 7

Somerset Academy South Homestead (3-4) at Miami St. Brendan (5-2), 7

SATURDAY

GMAC SCHEDULE

Miami Killian (2-5) at North Miami Beach (2-5), Traz Powell, 7

OTHER GAME       

Fort Lauderdale (4-3) at No. 13 Fort Lauderdale Dillard (3-3), 7

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..

The idea when it began last year was to shine a spotlight on Miami-Dade County’s Greater Miami Athletic Conference and the teams who play in the 305.

With a few changes for the 2022 GMAC Week, something that was frowned upon last season my many schools is now something that is slowly winning programs over.

With Week 9 set aside by all schools in the conference – North vs. South format was set up, matching several programs who do not play each other.

While the No. 1 Miami Central Rockets and the No. 4 Miami Christopher Columbus Explorers are the main event on Friday night with the two unbeatens colliding at Traz Powell Stadium, things get started today – with 11 games being played throughout the county.

Perhaps the biggest first day game will see head coach Max Edwards and his No. 12 Miami Northwestern Bulls (4-3) hosting head coach Philip Simpson and his No. 18 Homestead Broncos (5-2).

The Bulls are now healthy as they proved last Saturday night in a convincing win over Miami Booker T. Washington – while the Broncos limp into the north vs. south matchup on a two-game losing streak.

HOMESTEAD BRONCOS (5-2)

Miami Palmetto, W 19-7

HOMESTEAD SOUTH DADE, W 47-0

St. Petersburg Lakewood, W 24-14

SOUTHWEST MIAMI, W 44-0

SOUTH MIAMI, W 22-6

MIAMI CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS, L 21-6

Miami Southridge, L 20-8

10/20 - Miami Northwestern (GMAC Week)

10/28 – MIAMI BELEN JESUIT

MIAMI NORTHWESTERN BULLS (4-3)

Venice, W 32-26

MIAMI JACKSON, W 44-0

HOLLYWOOD CHAMINADE MADONNA, L 42-14

MIAMI EDISON, W 42-22

MIAMI CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS, L 23-19

MIAMI CENTRAL, L 42-7

Miami Booker T. Washington, W 26-7

10/20 – HOMESTEAD (GMAC WEEK)

10/29 – MIAMI IMMACULATA LASALLE

This promises to be a quality Traz Powell Stadium (7:30) contest between two impressive programs that are loaded with talent. In addition to the Bulls and Broncos, here is a look at the rest of this week’s Miami-Dade and Broward schedule:

THURSDAY

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..