Miami Northwestern Bulls Set to Clash with California's Orange Lutheran!

Lakeland, Florida, USA - The Miami Northwestern Bulls are gearing up to defend their Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Class 3A title this coming fall, and anticipation is already building among fans. Scheduled to open their season against California’s Orange Lutheran on August 23 at 7 p.m., the Bulls will face a formidable opponent ranked No. 17 in the Way-Too-Early National High School Football Top 25 Rankings, as reported by On3.

Head coach Teddy Bridgewater, who led the team to its eighth state championship in 2024, has firmly established himself as a significant presence in the realm of high school football. Under his guidance, the Bulls achieved an impressive 12-2 record, outscoring playoff rivals by a staggering 262-12. Their championship game saw a dominant 41-0 victory over Jacksonville Raines, marking a spectacular season for the team.

Key Players and Upcoming Matches

As the Bulls kick off their campaign, fans will be watching key players such as senior quarterback Leon Strawder and 2026 5-star wide receiver Calvin Russell. Both are expected to play vital roles in the team’s performance this season. Beyond the opener against Orange Lutheran, the Bulls have an exciting lineup of games, including:

• August 29 vs. Venice (Fla.) at 7:30 p.m.
• September 4 vs. Miami Carol City (Fla.) at 7 p.m.
• September 12 vs. Miami Norland at 7:30 p.m.
• September 19 at Columbus (Fla.) at 7 p.m.
• October 4 vs. Miami Central at 7 p.m.
• October 11 vs. Key West at 7:30 p.m.
• October 17 GMAC Championship at 7:30 p.m.
• October 24 at St. Brendan Catholic at 7 p.m.

Bridgewater was recently honored with the 2024 Florida Dairy Farmers Coach of the Year award, reflecting his remarkable coaching capabilities. With eight first-place votes, he garnered a total of 132 points, outpacing other notable coaches such as Dylan Potts and John Peacock, as highlighted by Bucs Wire.

This accolade further cements Bridgewater’s place in the hearts of the community; he is now the second coach from Northwestern to receive this recognition, following in the footsteps of Billy Rolle in 2007. His impressive leadership during the previous season has left fans eager for what lies ahead.

With the Treasure Coast Kickoff Classic scheduled against the nine-time state champion Lakeland Dreadnaughts on August 16, this season holds everything for the Bulls. As they transition into the new season, Northwestern’s fans will surely be there, filling the stands and cheering on these rising stars. With a promising roster and a passionate coach at the helm, hopes are high in the Miami community for another thrilling chapter in the Bulls’ storied football legacy.