SATURDAY SPOTLIGHT: Florida Boasts 13 Top 100 Teams
When it comes to producing talent and churning out elite teams, those two things do not always go together, and that is why the debate will long go on who has the best high school football in America.
On this Saturday, instead of putting out your chest in July, the rewards continue to come in on NFL Drafty weekend – when the state of Florida steals the spotlight every year, and it will happen again next April.
The reason we are here together is to celebrate the 13 teams who will begin in the national spotlight – according to Max Preps.
Schools who have been at the top in the Sunshine State, and will once again follow in 2021.
Here is a look at the 13 teams who are already being watched nationally:
Bradenton IMG Academy. (2) Not a lot to say here. The Ascenders are stacked with Power 5 talent and will be at or near the top all season. With Pepper Johnson as the new head coach and talent everywhere, this is a team that will be fun to watch.
Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. (6) Coach Roger Harriott has the Raiders poised for a third straight 7A state title and national recognition. Loaded on both sides of the ball. The schedule is going to be challenging, allowing this team to stay in the national hunt.
Plantation American Heritage. (9) Coach Pat Surtain gets to take his defending state champions back home (Edna Karr, La.) and has the talent to get it done. A legitimate national contender. This school, which had six players drafted in the NFL this past April, is stacked again.
Miami Central: (16) To be honest, with the recent addition of some quality talent, there may not be a roster anywhere in the country like this. Major talent in every class. They play No. 3 and No. 13 and are two-time defending state champs.
Miami Northwestern. (38) By many standards, the Bulls are down – after failing to get to state last year. But they are 6A and the path to the state championship game is much easier, so stand by because head coach Max Edwards and his team will prove you wrong.
Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons. (53) It took a few years for head coach Matt Dubuc and the Chiefs to join the elite, but they have arrived and will be tough to beat in 4A. They have won two of the past titles.
Tampa Jesuit. (58) Came within a field goal in the closing seconds of having the chance to play for a state title. This is a very talented program that is looking to replace key players.
Orlando Jones. (68) Here is a school that is getting used to being in the mix each year – and even during a pandemic – they found a way to battle to the end. Plenty of talent returns in 2021.
Sanford Seminole. (86) In many minds, when 2020 ended, this was the third overall best team in Florida – behind Miami Central and St. Thomas Aquinas. They are young at some spots, but a favorite to get back to the 8A title game.
Miami Christopher Columbus. (88) All the Explorers have done over the past three years is put themselves in a title game at the end. Last year, the Tri-County Championships – and the previous two in the 8A title game. DO NOT SLEEP on this team!
Jacksonville Trinity Christian. (90) This team proved last year that being down against a 3-time state champion is no big deal. Now, it’s 2A, and while the road in the north may not be bumpy, Hialeah Champagnat Catholic has been there five straight years, winning three.
Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna. (93) There is no hiding the fact that the loss to Trinity Christian was deeply disappointing to one of the most dominating programs the past five years, but it’s time to rebound – and there is plenty of talent to do it with.
Miami Gulliver Prep. (96) From a skill player perspective, the Raiders are loaded, but to win that big game and get over the hurdle (Cardinal Gibbons), getting it done up front is essential.
You Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at: Floridakids1@aol.com. We are also on Social Media on @PrepRedzonefl.