Moments before last Saturday night’s district championship game against North Miami at Milander Stadium in Hialeah, Mater Academy first year head coach Tim “Ice” Harris was in no mood for small talk.
One of the best coaches the state of Florida has produced through the years, his departure from Miami Booker T. Washington during the off-season made news throughout the state and in many areas of the country.
Harris is indeed all football. Anything his name is on or associated with you can guarantee that it will be first class and all about hard work.
When many questioned his move from the longtime powerhouse in Overtown to head to a charter school in Hialeah Gardens, they had no idea what this man is all about.
The father of two highly successful college football coaches simply brought his loyal staff with him and grabbed a few players that had long bought into his winning system and headed to the suburbs.
You could tell during the spring that he meant business and those who have been around him understood that he expected to win right away – and he has.
Heading into an off week, the Lions are 6-0 and have captured the district title. But they are far from finished – and if you have been around Coach Harris and his coaches for any length of time – they are not just looking to win locally, but embrace the big picture – even if it’s six-time defending state champion Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, Lakeland, Delray Beach Atlantic, Tampa Gaither or an Orlando Edgewater team that has outscored their opponents, 284-38.
Like he has at any high school or college that he has been at during his career, Coach Harris has gotten everyone involved, and with an administration and student body that is all in, the sky is definitely the limit!
Year one has indeed produced some quality talent – and here are just a few of them:
CLASS OF 2026
Jaylen Blackwell, OL, 6’0, 260.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18056107/Jaylen-Blackwell
Fred Francois, DB, 5-11, 145.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19300576/Fred-Francois
Guicyn Noel, OL/DL, 6’1, 275.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17626232/Guicyn-Noel
Damone Peeples, DB, 5’9, 155.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19300558/Damone-Peeples-Jr
Taishawn Williams, LB, 5’8, 230.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18252246/Taishawn-Williams
CLASS OF 2027
Trezavant Boyd, DB, 5’11, 160.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20189717/Trezavant-Boyd
Ja’Kaurri Carter, WR, 5’11, 160.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17801715/Jakaurri-Carter
Rahdel Jean-Baptiste, RB, 5’8, 165.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19648650/Rahdel-Jeanbaptiste
Jarmarr Marshall Jr., DB, 5’9, 165.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23459927/Jarmarr-Marshall-Jr
Kimbriq Minnis, RB, 5’11, 195.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20020951/Kimbriq-Minnis
Gerrod Modest, WR, 5’9, 165.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19874572/Gerrod-Modest
Jamal Robinson Jr., WR, 6’2, 170.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19947897/Jamal-Robinson-jr
Ja’Corey Stephens, OL, 6’0, 260.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/27646948/Jacorey-Stephens
Edwardo Thompson, DE, 6’1, 245.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19747559/Edwardo-Thompson
CLASS OF 2028
Kayne Garbutt, QB, 5’8, 140.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22896623/Kayne-Garbutt
Sy’mar Jean-Baptiste, LB, 5’9, 182.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26823040/Symar-JeanBaptiste?\.
Dontavious Kinchens, QB, 5’10, 160.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23167037/Dontavious-Kinchens
King Leite, WR, 5’9, 145.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22510938/King-Leite
CLASS OF 2029
Victor Latimore, LB, 6’1, 185.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26644678/Victor-Latimore
HIALEAH GARDENS MATER ACADEMY LIONS (5-0)
Pembroke Pines Somerset, W 34-12
Doral Academy, W 34-6
Hialeah Gardens, W 62-0
Miramar, W 20-0
Miramar Everglades, W 42-0
North Miami, W 35-14
10/11 – Pembroke Pines Charter
10/17 - @Lakeland Lake Gibson
10/24 - @Miami Immaculata LaSalle
10/31 - @Miami Jackson
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
For the past 55 years, we have spent more time on football fields than anyone in the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we get to as many events as possible to see the athletes LIVE. Follow us on Facebook (Larry Blustein), Instagram (OurBoyBlu) and Twitter (@PrepRedzoneFL). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..