A look at the top games in Broward high school football for the 2023 season
Here’s a week-by-week look at the top games to watch in Broward County for the upcoming high school football season.
Note: All games at 7 p.m. unless noted.
WEEK 1 - AUG. 26
Chaminade vs. St. Frances Academy (Md.) at St. Thomas Aquinas, noon, Saturday
The first of a double header on the main event day of the seven-game, second annual Broward Showcase between the county’s best and out-of-state powerhouses from around the country. Chaminade’s last experience against a fellow nationally-ranked team didn’t go well at all last December at Bishop Gorman. The Lions would like to make an early statement against a deep St. Frances Academy squad that will challenge them with its own talent up and down its roster.
St. John Bosco (CA) at St. Thomas Aquinas, 4, Saturday.
For over a decade, Aquinas has been opening its seasons against top competition from around the country. Taking on St. John Bosco, ranked No. 3 nationally by MaxPreps to open the year, could set the tone for the Raiders as they make their push for a state-record fifth consecutive state title and perhaps more.
Others to watch - Aug. 24: Cedar Grove (Ga.) vs. Monarch (Creek), 7:30; Milton (Ga.) at Western, 7:30; Cypress Bay vs. West Broward (Flanagan); Aug. 25: Cardinal Gibbons (NC) at Cardinal Gibbons, 7:30; Highland Springs (Va.) at Miramar, 7:30; Aug. 26: St. John’s (DC) at American Heritage, 7:30.
WEEK 2 - SEPT. 1
Chaminade at Cardinal Gibbons, Friday.
Fresh off the challenging Broward Showcase, there’s no rest for Chaminade or Gibbons, who meet in one of the best clashes this season between the county’s state title contenders. While Chaminade seeks a three-peat, Gibbons is also looking for a return to the top in a loaded Class 2M and this game should provide a gauge as to how far they’ve progressed in those efforts.
Others to watch - Sept. 1: Jacksonville Trinity Christian at American Heritage, 7:30; Fort Myers at St. Thomas Aquinas; Blanche Ely at Cypress Bay; Delray Atlantic vs. Monarch (Creek).
WEEK 3 - SEPT. 8
Coconut Creek at Western, Friday.
A reloaded Western squad is looking to make another run at a state title in Class 4M. This will be one of its first major tests within Broward County as Creek looks to build off last year’s playoff season.
Others to watch - Sept. 8: Bergen Catholic (NJ) at Chaminade; Cocoa at St. Thomas Aquinas; Cardinal Gibbons at Dillard; Stoneman Douglas vs. Plantation (PAL).
WEEK 4 - SEPT. 15
Chaminade at American Heritage, 7:30, Friday.
This clash lived up to the hype last season and could again if Heritage’s young talent develops quickly. The Patriots came up short in their bid to win a state title in Class 2M, but believe they are building a group capable of sustained excellence for the next few seasons. This will be a good gauge of where they are early in the season.
Others to watch - Sept. 14: Western at St. Thomas Aquinas; Plantation at Coconut Creek; McArthur at Cooper City.
WEEK 5 - SEPT. 22 (GAME OF THE YEAR)
Chaminade vs. Central at Traz, 7:30, Friday.
Two top 10 national powerhouses in our own backyard. The teams have combined for 16 state championships in their collective histories. Both rosters are replete with dozens of Power 5 school talent. This could be one for the ages.
Others to watch - Sept. 22: Monarch vs. Stoneman Douglas (Coconut Creek); Coconut Creek at Blanche Ely; Treasure Coast at St. Thomas Aquinas; Krop at South Broward; Sept. 23: Miramar at Dillard.
WEEK 6 - SEPT. 29
Cardinal Gibbons at American Heritage, 7:30, Friday.
Another chapter in one of the best rivalries in Broward County in recent memory is played here with likely the District 12-2M title on the line and potential home field advantage should the teams meet again in the playoffs as they did last season to decide Region 3-2M. Will Heritage’s young stars maintain control in this series or does Gibbons make it back to the top?
Others to watch - Sept. 29: Miramar at St. Thomas Aquinas; Chaminade at Coconut Creek; Plantation at South Plantation.
WEEK 7 - OCT. 6
American Heritage at Western, 7
Fresh off its big rivalry clash, how will Heritage handle taking on a hungry state championship contender in Western. This could be a major momentum-builder for either side as they push into the second half of the regular season.
Others to watch - Oct. 6: Chaminade at Dillard; West Broward at South Broward; Cardinal Gibbons at Belen Jesuit.
WEEK 8 - OCT. 13
Plantation at Dillard, Friday.
An interesting playoff tune-up potentially for both sides here as Plantation projects to be much improved this season. Meanwhile, perennial contender Dillard has a new coach and is trying to keep itself among Broward’s top teams.
Others to watch - Oct. 13: Western at Cypress Bay; Deerfield Beach at Blanche Ely; American at Miramar.
WEEK 9 - OCT. 20
Western at Miramar, Friday.
Although they are in different classifications, this should be a good opportunity late in the season for the winner to pad its power ranking. Western figures to be in solid postseason shape at this point and Miramar hopes to be among Class 3M’s best once again.
Monarch at St. Thomas Aquinas, Friday.
Aquinas should be gearing up for a run at its fifth consecutive state title at this point and could be in striking distance of a national crown if its record is unscathed. Monarch hopes this game is a gauge to see how far they’ve come in its efforts to become a true state title contender.
Others to watch - Oct. 19: South Broward at Stoneman Douglas; Calvary Christian at Monsignor Pace; Oct. 20: Naples at American Heritage, 7:30; Dillard vs. Fort Lauderdale (Lockhart).
WEEK 10 - OCT. 27
Cooper City vs. West Broward (Flanagan), Friday.
A matchup between two teams looking to break through this season should fuel this interesting late-season clash. West Broward has one of its more talented rosters in recent memory and could be in position to clinch District 14-4M at this point. But Cooper City is trying to build back up under coach Art Taylor who returned to the sideline this season.
Others to watch - Oct. 26: Cooper City at West Broward (Flanagan); Oct. 27: Dillard at St. Thomas Aquinas; North Broward Prep vs. Pine Crest (FAU).
WEEK 11 - NOV. 3
Dillard vs. Blanche Ely (Lockhart), 7
Last season, we were treated to two editions of the annual Broward Soul Bowl - albeit with one cut short by an off-field incident that ended the first meeting between the longtime rivals early. Ely got the last laugh during its run to the regional finals in Class 3M. Can the Tigers start a winning streak or is it Dillard’s payback time?
Others to watch - Nov. 2: Stranahan vs. Fort Lauderdale (Lockhart); Nov. 3: Monarch at Deerfield Beach; Western vs. Plantation (PAL); Chaminade at St. Pete Lakewood; Miramar at South Broward; Taravella vs. Coral Springs (Glades).
POSTSEASON
Regional quarterfinals: Nov. 10; Regional semifinals: Nov. 17; Regional finals: Nov. 24; State semifinals: Dec. 1; State championships: TBD (site TBD)
