When Miami Central failed to get to the state championship game last season – after four consecutive state titles under Roland Smith and Jube Joseph – things just were not right on 95^th Street.

An 8-4 record which had two losses to eventual 2M state runner up Miami Norland, No. 1 nationally rated Las Vegas Bishop Gorman and No. 2 nationally rated Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna stood in the way of this team getting back to win a fifth straight title.

When the dust settled on an “off” year, the Rockets lost all four of those games by a total of 13 points!

For a program that has dominated the state over the past decade – with a mind-boggling 110-17 record – the void in Tallahassee was noticed.

As the off-season began, Joseph and his coaching staff were out to make sure that what happened in 2023 will not happen again this coming season.

With several returnees and some big-time newcomers, this is a team that could easily reclaim that top spot in the state – when they host two-time defending 4S state champion Lakeland at Traz Powell Stadium on Aug. 23.

The core of this program lies with the Class of 2025 (rising seniors) where there is an amazing amount of high-level prospects.

This is the class that will provide experience, talent and leadership.

 Here is a look at some of those quality players:

Randy Adirika, DT, 6-4, 265.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17667842/Randy-Adirika

Tyrese Bryant, OL, 6-3, 290 – 3.0 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19380999/Tyrese-Bryant

Anjuan “Ace” Coleman, WR, 5-11, 170.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17633609/Anjuan-Coleman-Jr

Floyd Dawens- Boucard, DT, 6-4, 300.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17840691/FloydDawens-Boucard

Dewey Davis III, DB, 6-0, 165 – 3.0 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16794886/Dewey-Davis

Steven Dawkins, OL.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19538889/Steven-Dawkins?

Luca Guerra, P/K, 6-1, 180 – 4.29 GPA. 1269 SAT.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16331542/Luca-Guerra

Handy Joseph, WR, 6-2, 170.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19538893/Handy-Joseph?

Bekkem Kritza, QB, 6-5, 200.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17164684/Bekkem-Kritza?

Jalen Labranche, DB, 5-9, 170.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17643897/Jalen-Labranche

Derrick Manker, DT, 6-1, 260.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18054802/Derrick-Manker?

 Ezekiel Marcelin, LB, 6-1, 202 – 3.4 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17070413/Ezekiel-Marcelin?

Nicholas McCall, RB, 6-0, 190 – 3.2 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18610103/Nicholas-McCall

Tavares Mobley, DE, 5-10, 170.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20381098/Tavares-Mobley

Nae’shaun Montgomery, WR, 6-2, 170.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17882921/Naeshaun-Montgomery

Zion Peret, DB, 6-0, 180 – 3.3 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/14897225/Zion-Paret

Herlin Perry Jr., CB, 6-1, 170.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16690138/Herlin-Perry-Jr

Donavan Randle, DE/OLB, 6-2, 220 – 3.5 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16409796/donavan-randle

Jeremy Smith, OT, 6-5, 265.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16737128/Jeremy-Smith

Sekou Smith Jr., FS, 6-1, 170.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15428244/Sekou-Smith

Khaleal Sterling, WR, 5-9, 165.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17945587/Khaleal-Sterling

Amari Wallace, S, 5-10, 175.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17129710/Amari-Wallace

BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE

While the rising senior class is loaded with talent, the cupboard will not be bare after the 2024 season. There are several gifted underclassmen who are ready to step up this season.

Here is a look at some of the 2026 and 2027 athletes to keep an eye on:

Kamari Bailey, WR, 5-9, 150.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16121590/Kamari-Bailey

Terrence Campbell, LB/RB, 6-1, 215.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17654853/6553bd919a90f2077800e020

Adrian Ellis, LB, 5-10, 200.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19698133/Adrian-Eliis

Otis Guyton, DE, 6-0, 180 – 3.8 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19391934/Otis-Guyton

Karon Maycock, Athlete, 6-2, 210 – 3.0 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18939858/Karon-Maycock

Cameron McCrea, DE, 6-1, 193.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16025610/Cameron-McCrea

King Walker, WR, 6-4, 200.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/13241630/King-Walker

2027

Kareem Brown, 6-0, 170, WR.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16930405/Kareem-Brown

Sean Thompson, WR, 6-2, 182.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19530845/Sean-Thompson

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Moments after the Pembroke Pines West Broward football team dropped a first-round state playoff game in 2023 to Homestead South Dade, head coach Brian McCartney and his football program looked toward the next season.

Coming off a district championship, the Bobcats realized that if they were to make it to that next level, this would have to become a year-round commitment that every player would need to buy into.

With a top-flight prospect like receiver Joshua Moore (WR, 6-3, 190) becoming the centerpiece for this team, every prospect would have the chance to showcase their skills with colleges – of all levels – coming by to watch games and practice.

With a productive off-season and a positive spring, the summer begins and like last year, you can expect every player to have the opportunity to compete on a large stage, and have media, recruiting services and college coaches taking notice and promoting those who are improving and reaching their potential.

Beside Moore, the rising seniors (2025) class will have plenty of talent – with Elijah DeWoskin (RB, 5-10, 195 – 4.4 GPA), Nicholas Ion (OT, 6-2, 290), Pembroke Pines Flanagan transfer Franklyn Johnson Jr. (TE, 6-1, 220 – 3.0 GPA), Christian Jones (RB, 5-8, 195), Tristan Lewis (DE, 6-3, 215), Andon Marrero (WR, 6-2, 180), Joel Martin (OL), Matthew Martindale (WR/OLB, 5-10, 180), and Hollywood Hills transfer Dylan Pelliccio (QB, 6-2, 210).

The other Class of 2025 players to keep an eye on include Zaheed Pierre (CB, 5-11, 175 – 3.1 GPA), Alexander Piedra (LB/DE, 5-10, 210), Kelvin Reyes (WR/FS, 6-1, 180), Plantation American Heritage transfer Tyler Shattuck (QB, 6-2, 195), Elijah Testamark (RB, 5-11, 209), and receiver Randy Vazquez (6-2, 178 – 3.4 GPA).

KEEP AN EYE ON THE UNDERCLASSMEN

As potent as the Class of 2025 will be, the rising junior class (2026) will also be impressive with Chase Barrett (DB, 5-8, 135), Nathan Dunhoft (OL, 5-11, 210), Chaminade-Madonna transfer Bryan Granger (OL, 6-3, 260), Uryah McCartney (LB), Walter Odon II (WR, 5-11, 165), state-rated Trace Poncev (K, 5-8, 155 – 4.0 GPA), Alexandro Schmitt (DL, 6-5, 240), Nate Silvestre (QB, 6-0, 170 – 4.5 GPA), Braedon Svaboda (LB, 5-4, 135), and versatile Quincy Walker (OLB/DE, 6-0, 180). Also look out for Class of 2027 (rising sophomore) Marco Lopez (DE/OLB, 5-10, 185).

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For the past 54 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 (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

When the 2023 season had ended at Miami Westminster Christian, head coach Patrick Wennin and his staff looked back on the season and started to plan for 2024.

While the Warriors had one of those up and down seasons, getting to the off-season and developing the returning players was indeed essential.

Having a solid spring and getting the players on the same page was something that had to be done.

Finishing 5-6 was not what this team wanted to accomplish, but it was something positive to build on.

Losing several seniors meant that it was time for the underclassmen to get ready to step up and take charge.

Knowing that this coming summer will be very important – working out and attending camps and combines – it could mean the difference of getting over that hump and getting back to playing winning football.

With much of the talent in the future, the rising senior Class of 2025 does have a few prospects to add experience and leadership.

Players such as John Hendrikse (WR/DB, 5-10, 150) and defensive end Alex Raecke (6-1, 190).

STRONG UNDERCLASS GIVES THE WARRIORS SOME DEPTH

While the senior class is always a place to look for the experience, sometimes the underclassmen can represent a bright future – and this team is no exception.

Here is a look at some of the prospects to keep an eye on this coming season and into the future. Class of 2026 rising juniors Antawn Borden Jr. (OL, 6-1, 295 – 2.9 GPA), Daniel Fernandez (DE, 6-2, 185 – 4.68 GPA), Caleb Jones (DE, 6-0, 180 – 2.9 GPA), Amiel Mackey (WR, 5-9, 179 – 2.8 GPA), and receiver Cornelius Miller Jr. (5-11, 163 – 2.85 GPA).

The rising sophomore (2027) class is also worth keeping an eye on – with Anthony Bender (OC, 5-9, 195), Manny Coya (QB, 5-8, 140), Fausti Diaz (DE, 6-1, 180), Canyon Henry (TE/DE, 6-1, 168 – 3.87 GPA), Cooper Hixon (OL, 6-3, 263), Stephen Mohker (LB, 5-7, 160 – 3.5 GPA), Fabian Pineiro (RB/LB, 5-11, 170), and quarterback Landon Tews (QB, 6-1, 180 – 3.7 GPA).

Class of 2028 freshmen Britton Bayag (Athlete, 5-9, 155) and Jeremy Campbell (WR/DB, 5-9, 145), and Class of 2029 (rising 8^th grader Robert Doctor (DE/LT, 6-4, 180) will also be instrumental.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MIAMI WESTMINSTER CHRISTIAN FOOTBALL

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For the past 54 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 (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

They are two-time defending state champions – and over the past decade, they have been one of the best high school football teams in the state.

This evening, Miami’s Christopher Columbus and veteran head coach Dave Dunn will finish spring 2024 with a road trip to Fort Myers where they will play state powers Bishop Verot and Sarasota Riverview.

The Explorers, coming off a 4M state championship win over Jacksonville Mandarin, will once again retool a team that is well coached and always loaded with impressive talent. Under Dunn, who is in his second stint with the program, are 80-14 since the 2018-19 season.

Here are some of the players from this spring:

2025

Agyeman Addae, RB, 5-10, 185

Jason Barket Jr., QB, 5-1, 175

Apollo Benito, DL, 6-0, 240

Preston Brockweg, S, 6-0, 180

Julian Calderon, LB, 5-10, 185

Javier Campanioni, LB, 5-11, 190

Hector Chavez, LB, 5-10, 205

Craig Connell, OL, 6-3, 240

Fernando De Izaguirre, OL, 6-0, 240

Edward Del Toro, DE, 5-10, 165

Hezekiah Downs, DE, 6-0, 220

Bryce Fitzgerald, FS/WR, 6-1, 180

Alexander Fitzgibbons, K/P, 6-1, 195

Gabriel Fraga, QB, 6-2, 180

Lucas Francisco, DL, 5-10, 230

Remy Goins, TE, 6-4, 210

J.J. Gomez, WR, 5-9, 170

Diego Gonzalez, CB, 6-0, 175

Vincente Gonzalez, QB, 6-2, 190

Christopher Griese, OLB, 5-11, 170

Ruben Hernandez, OL, 6-4, 275

Gustavo Jose Matos, WR, 5-8, 155

Cayan Lamothe-Arice, CB, 5-11, 165

Jayden Leon, OL, 5-7, 190

Armando Parday, S, 5-10, 175

Jalani Reems, DB, 6-0, 188

Victor Rodriguez, WR/OLB, 6-1, 190

Davaughn Russell, OL, 6-3, 270

Peter Sevilla, DL, 5-8, 300

Antwuan Simmons, RB, 5-10, 190

Rafael Suarez, OL, 6-2, 255

Justin Weaver, CB, 5-9, 145

2026

Marcos Aguliar, LB, 5-10, 190

Adriano Alos, OT, 6-3, 240

Samuel Barreiro, WR, 5-9, 165

Christopher Beceiro, S, 6-0, 160

Mauricio Borja, DB, 5-8, 155

Gian Marco Cardona, TE, 5-11, 175

Jose Carmichael, CB, 5-6, 125

Giovanni Chavez, DT, 6-0, 240

Jeremiah Cooper, DL, 6-0, 265

Maximus Davidson, WR, 5-11, 160

Thomas De Maria, OL, 6-4, 290

Gabriel Galvez, OLB, 5-9, 175

Alejandro Garcia, WR, 5-9, 155

Eric Garzon, DT, 6-3, 250

Julian Gomez, OL, 6-6, 305

Felix Gonzalez, OL, 5-10, 225

Luke Hatem, TE, 6-1, 190

Jordan Hechler, K/P, 6-0, 170

John Hernandez, CB, 5-7, 160

Julian Hernandez, LB, 5-6, 185

Jacob Jenkins, FS, 6-0, 190

Michael Lam, QB, 6-1, 165

Ethan Macias, OL, 5-11, 255

Khamari Marceus, WR, 5-11, 165

Roderick Matamoros, TE, 5-11, 185

Lazaro Medina, OL, 6-0, 240

Jonathan Nua, LS/DE, 6-0 225

Julian Pina, WR/CB, 5-7, 155

Jadian Rodriguez, DE, 6-2, 200

Damien Stevenson, DL, 6-0, 198

Joseph Triana, RB, 5-8, 185

Andy Turo, WR, 5-9, 150

Andres Vidal, Slot, 5-9, 140

Alexander Vigo, TE, 6-4, 180

D’Andre Ward, DB, 5-10, 165

Caden Wiegandt, OLB, 5-10, 170

2027

Bernard Cannon, WR, 5-8, 145

Angel Orozco, OL, 6-1, 280

Adrian Prellazo, OL

Champ Smith, QB, 6-2, 180

Brody Villa, OL, 5-11, 270

IN ADDITION…

The spring will also end for Miami Springs and North Miami Beach who play at 7 p.m. at Traz Powell Stadium.

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