Bobcat football surges into regional playoffs (National competition prepared West Broward for district dominance)

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Friday Night Lights and Big Plays: Quarterback Brandin Mincy scans the field for an open receiver in the end zone against Utahs top ranked team, Corner Canyon. Photo Courtersy of Broward National Football Showcase

By: Victoria Carmona

Despite tough losses in the beginning of the season to the number eight nationally ranked Corner Canyon of Utah and 26 ranked Camden County of Georgia, the Bobcats have won eight straight wins in a commanding way against Broward County teams. Starting the 2025 season, the West Broward Bobcat football players and coaches knew their first two games against nationally ranked teams would be very difficult. What they might not have known was how those two games would prepare them for the run they would have throughout the rest of the season. With a 8-2 record, the Bobcats are appearing to be one of the teams to beat in regional competition.

“Playing the number eight team in the country is pretty tough. Then we played the top teams in Georgia after that. We then beat a great team in Broward, Plantation High School, 31-6. You have to play the tough teams to get you ready for the playoffs,” said Head Football Coach Bryan McCartney. “We are exciting to watch, we are going to be explosive through everything. You are going to see a lot of points on the board, and you are going to see violent defense,”

West Broward competed in the Broward County High School National Football Showcase, where eight Broward County teams faced top programs nationwide. The Bobcats battled number eight nationally ranked Corner Canyon of Utah, falling 38–13, and a week later lost 32–13 to Georgia’s number 26 Camden County.

“Corner Canyon was a tough team. They have kids committed to Texas A&M, USC, Minnesota, and others. Camden County is scheduled because I love going to Georgia and giving our kids an experience that no one has down in South Florida. But it got us ready, it got us close together,” said Coach McCartney.
Thenceforth, the Bobcats have bounced back with eight straight wins defeating Plantation, Flanagan, Cardinal Gibbons, Everglades, Miami Beach, Miramar, Dr. Krop, and Western. Their 54-0 win over Miami Beach highlighted their dominance with an explosive offense and shutout defense.

“Playing those tough teams really prepared us for what we will face later on. We went against organized programs that helped us get ready for games like Miami Beach and the playoffs ahead,” said senior linebacker and captain Uryah McCartney. Coach McCartney credits the team’s growth to a mix of veterans and rising underclassmen. Sophomore Amir Sears has 10 touchdowns, 656 receiving yards, 30 receptions, and two interceptions. Junior Amos Bradford, a Toledo commit, has seven touchdowns, 646 rushing yards, and 87 carries. On defense, senior middle linebacker Uryah McCartney and senior defensive lineman Jason (Bam) Farfan have combined for 19.5 sacks and 79 total tackles. “This team is more versatile than last year. Offensive line is solid, we have three stud running backs, and our defense is great. We have young kids who are aggressive and hungry,” said Coach McCartney. The regular season behind them, the Bobcats are entering the playoffs with confidence. Their preparation has strengthened their belief that they can finish strong. After closing the fall with an impressive 8–2 record and capturing the 6A District 15 title for the fourth consecutive year, the Bobcats now have their sights set on bringing West Broward its first regional final win and state championship.

“Winning districts for the fourth year in a row really boosted our confidence. All the hard work we put in brought us together as one team, once we started clicking, everything started to fall into place. We believe we can make a deep playoff run and bring a state title home,” said McCartney.