FORT LAUDERDALE – After a 9-3 season and a heart-breaking state playoff loss to eventual 4A state champion Plantation American Heritage, the Dillard Panthers kicked off the spring in style this past weekend.
Head Coach Demitris Mincey and his football team headed to the third annual Battle 4 Broward 7-on-7 event with plenty at stake.
Even though they went 3-0 in the opening round of the tournament on Saturday at Hollywood McArthur, there were many who doubted whether this team could come back Sunday and in their third straight “954” title.
With powers such as Delray Beach Atlantic, West Boca Raton, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, Miami Norland, West Broward and over 30 other Miami-Dade, Palm Beach and Broward County programs, the Panthers came to work, and by the time the final game rolled around against Atlantic, this team was primed to come from behind and take home a third straight title.
Among those players who made an impact for this team included rising senior quarterback Jayden Chico, who comes in for his final year from Plantation.
Chico was MVP of the tournament with 20 touchdowns and one interception as Dillard came from behind in all four victories.
In addition, there were impressive 8th grade defensive back Jamar Brinson, two-way standout Dorian Wildgoose, and defensive back Zamari “Pop” Marquez.
THE PANTHERS ARE A DEEP TEAM
In addition to those players who led the way, there were others who grabbed the spotlight over the two days:
The rising seniors (2026) included Andrew Stickney (QB), Anthony Carey Jr. (RB), Devin Simmons (DB), Kenny Dalvirmar (LB), Tyophi Clay (WR), Amari Brutus (DB), Pierce Kinch-Young (WR/TE), Timothy Russley (CB), Demitris Mincey Jr. (Athlete), Sidney “Sid” Newkirt Jr. (LB), Tyler Coney (WR), Cordell Coffey (WR), Latavius Taylor (RB), and Quyis Daley (LB/FB).
Rising juniors (2027) also had some impressive players with Kyle Brown (WR), Tederic Oatman (Safety), Ja’Corey Rhoden (DB), Ja’Rodd Rhoden (DB), Alexander Pinder (RB), O’Tavian Tucker (DB), and Jovensky Lully (WR).
Two rising sophomores (2028) also made an impact – with Sacari Jordan (DB) and Marcus Powell (DB), and Class of 2029 rising freshman Lamech Rucker (QB).
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