The 2025 Broward County High School National Football Showcase assembled leading high school football programs from across the United States to compete against prominent teams in Broward County, Florida. The event demonstrated the depth of talent in South Florida, which is frequently cited as a region capable of producing players who could form a collegiate national championship team.
The 2025 Broward County High School National Football Showcase showcase featured a notable lineup, culminating in matchups between St. Thomas Aquinas and Mater Dei, as well as St. Frances Academy and Chaminade-Madonna.
Mater Dei (CA) vs. St. Thomas Aquinas (FL)
South Florida high school football teams are known for producing talented players with impressive athleticism. I spoke with a longtime Broward County football fan and former player who agreed with this reputation.
When Mater Dei took the field for Saturday’s first game, someone nearby joked, “Is this their college team?”
Mater Dei’s linemen were big and quick, and their skill players, led by wide receiver Chris Henry Jr., stood out as well.
Mater Dei is a private Catholic school in Santa Ana, California, and can enroll students from across the greater Los Angeles area. Their strong reputation draws players from other regions too.
I’ve visited Mater Dei several times and have seen firsthand how they run their program, focusing on faith and strong leadership under head coach Raul Lara. Having great players isn’t enough; it takes real leadership and commitment from both coaches and players.
Mater Dei has a long history of success and is the only high school with three Heisman Trophy winners: John Huarte (1964), Matt Leinart (2004), and Bryce Young (2021).
St. Thomas Aquinas has an equally impressive record, with five straight state championships.
Like Mater Dei, St. Thomas Aquinas is a private Catholic school and can enroll students from outside its immediate area. In South Florida, players often move between schools since they can choose where to attend.
I’ve also visited St. Thomas Aquinas several times and interviewed athletic director Twan Russell and head coach Roger Harriott. Both are dedicated leaders who give back to the program. As alumni, they understand the legacy they are upholding. The school’s motto is, “Faith, Family, Tradition, and Excellence.”
Many former St. Thomas Aquinas players have gone on to play in the NFL, and the school is always near the top of that list.
Both teams have a strong tradition of winning, which comes from having leaders who set the right example.
St. Thomas Aquinas didn’t have the same size as Mater Dei, but had tough, fast skill players. St. Thomas scored first with a field goal to lead 3-0, but Mater Dei dominated the first half, going into halftime up 23-3.
Many people thought Mater Dei would run away with the game in the second half, but St. Thomas Aquinas came out energized and made it close. They held Mater Dei scoreless in the second half, but fell short 26-23. It really was a game of two halves.
Both teams are set for strong seasons. I wouldn’t be surprised if Mater Dei goes undefeated and wins both state and national championships or if St. Thomas Aquinas wins their sixth straight state title.
St. Frances (MD) vs. Chaminade-Madonna (FL)
The second game matched Chaminade-Madonna from Hollywood, Florida, against St. Frances Academy from Baltimore, Maryland. Chaminade-Madonna has won eight state championships, most recently in 2023, and claimed a national title in 2018. St. Frances has won four straight Maryland state championships and is known nationwide, even being featured on “60 Minutes.”
St. Frances controlled the game from the start, showing off talented players at every position under their energetic head coach, Messay Hailemariam. After almost every play, the announcer would mention a St. Frances player and the college they’re headed to.
Interestingly, St. Frances doesn’t have its own football stadium or practice field; they practice at Patterson Park and rent fields for their games in Maryland.
I expect Chaminade-Madonna to bounce back given their strong history.
St. Frances Academy faces a tough schedule ahead, traveling to California to play St. John Bosco and finishing the year against IMG Academy. If they keep playing at this level, they could win every game.
