When Hollywood McArthur lost a third-round state playoff game to eventual 5A state champion Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, 34-7, it broke an impressive eight-game winning streak.

While the 10-3 season may have not been earth shattering to many football fans, it was something special for first year head coach Robert Ortega and his Mustangs.

You see, while this program has had plenty of success through the years, turning out quality players, things have not gone well since 2020. Posting a 15-27 record during that period, a change was needed, and when Ortega, a former standout at the school was chosen, things began to turn around quickly.

With several impressive assistant coaches hired along with numerous new faces, things started to take on that championship look.

Even with the St. Thomas Aquinas in the same district, this program still managed to change the culture back to when Ortega was a defensive lineman and this team was always in the mix.

The job that the Mustangs did this past season earned Ortega the honor of South Florida Miami Dolphins Coach of the Year that gives him an opportunity to be named as National Coach of the Year, which will be awarded at this year’s Super Bowl in California.

WHAT DOES 2026 LOOK LIKE?

While the 2026 season is a long way off and understanding that we are here in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, a lot can take place in eight months.

With the way prospects change schools, the roster as it is today can change – in a minute!

As we are headed to third week of January, here is a look at the players that are expected to be back. You know that many prospects will be added before spring begins, so this is NOT the complete list that will open in late August.

PLENTY OF RISING SENIORS ARE BACK

With several prospects graduating from last year along with a few players making a move over the past month, the rising senior class (2027) will still be loaded.

Among those expected to be back in green and orange include Amari Cherenfant (OL, 6’2, 293), Jordany Clervil (OLB), elite talent Sherrod Gourdine (CB/WR, 5’11, 177), Jayden Jackson (OL, 6’1, 290), and nationally rated linebacker Debonaire Johnson (6’0, 220) and University of Miami commitment safety Jaylyn Jones (6’0, 182).

Also, keep an eye on Kayden Julmiste (WR, 5’10, 165), Nathaniel Miller (OT, 6’6, 280), Elian Casasola-Paredes (OL/TE/P/K, 6’1, 245), Guershawn Pierre (DT, 5’11, 238), Jayden Powell (DT, 6’1, 270), Victor Reyhan (DE), Caleb Saint Fleur (OLB/DE, 6’2, 230), Ramses Samson (DE), Isaiah Smith (OL), Keith Walker Jr. (CB, 5’11, 150), D’Marcus Williams (DB), Markese Wright (RB/WR) and heavily recruited Khamarian Young (WR, 6’0, 175).

With several rising seniors expected to step up, there are also underclassmen who are also going to be special – like rising juniors (2028) Kyle Aller (PK, 5’10, 165), Semaj Flowers (RB/WR, 5’7, 165), Braylon Mayo (DL), Elijah Saintil (WR), Josiah Tifa (WR, 6’0, 155) and Devor Williams (CB).

Class of 2029 rising sophomores Brenton Grant (CB, 5’7, 145), Jaylen Richardson (LB/Athlete, 6’1, 190) and offensive lineman Jahmire Simms will also be impressive.

MCARTHUR MUSTANGS

Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, L 28-14

Miramar, W 24-14

Weston Cypress Bay, W 40-6

Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, L 31-7

Hollywood Hills, W 70-0

Deerfield Beach, W 35-0

Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson, W 44-0

Fort Lauderdale, W 39-6

South Plantation, W 55-0

Miramar Everglades, W 69-0

Stuart Martin County, W 41-13

Delray Beach Atlantic, W 17-16

Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, L 34-7

PHOTO COURTESY OF JIM RASSOL/FORT LAUDERDALE SUN-SENTINEL

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..

It’s our second show of the new year and the South Florida High School Sports Radio Show took center stage with three impressive guests on a Monday night.

Each week, the FM 104.3 WQAM radio program attracts the newsmakers in high school sports, recruiting college sports – not only locally, but throughout the country.

The show gives listeners an opportunity to hear about college football programs statewide from the media that cover them. It also focuses on the coaches who use the state of Florida – Miami-Dade and Broward Counties in particular.

The program, which has run for nearly two decades and has been recognized nationally as one of the best of its kind, has become a popular listen for recruiting fans as well as high school sports purists, focusing on high sports and the newsmakers.

Here is a look at the way Monday went:

Next Monday, over two decades of being out of the national championship mix will come to an end when the University of Miami will take on No. 1 unbeaten Indiana University in the national championship game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. Alex Donno from Locked On Canes and the University of Miami post-game show on WQAM talked about the thrill of being in this showcase game in just the fourth season under head coach Mario Cristobal.

ALEX DONNO ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/alex-donno-locked-on-canes-cb345

The Miami Norland football team has a new head coach – and he is a familiar face. Former Viking standout Keith “Bam” Brown takes over a program that has long had plenty of talent and he will be bringing some other teammates with him. Listen to what he had to say about the future of this team and what is expected in Miami Gardens.

COACH KEITH “BAM” BROWN ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/miami-norland-head-coach-keith-bam-brown-23f04

This Sunday at Showalter Field in Winter Park (Orlando), Prep Redzone Florida will host its Stock Up Exposure Combine for football prospects 2026-2029. This event is the only one of its kind that promotes and puts out every student/athlete that attends. Unlike other companies who show up once a year and give ONE exposure opportunity to sell their product, this event will also follow EVERY player throughout their career, giving college coaches across the country a chance to track them at camps, combines and during the season. Recruiting Analyst Drew Johnson talked about this unique experience.

DREW JOHNSON ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/drew-johnson-prep-redzone-florida-cf57b

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..

Following their 25-20 Region Final loss to eventual 4A state champion Plantation American Heritage, Archbishop McCarthy head football coach Jake Pew, his assistant coaches and players were hurt.

This is no longer a program that is happy to just be in games with powers, the Mavericks have to be considered as one of Florida’s top programs.

The growth of this team didn’t come overnight. While they finished 10-3 and won the most competitive Class 4A district in the state – where all the teams advanced to the post season – they still believed that they had as good a chance to play for a state title as any other team in Florida.

What they accomplished over the past two years is show that they are ready to make an impact every year – no matter what class or who they have to beat to win a district, region or get to state.

While they lose some quality talent, you can guarantee that the returning players plus other prospects that could make their way to the school in the off-season will keep the Mavericks in the spotlight.

KEY RETURNERS WILL LEAD THE WAY

While there are some top players that will need to be replaced, this team is really in good shape with prospects who are ready to make a statement.

The Class of 2027 seniors will be led by standout running back Damien Grant, defensive lineman Samuel Boatwright, receiver Malik Denson, Ji’Koi Highsmith (DE/OLB), Jacarri Watson (CB) and receiver Ja’kobi Williams.

The class will also look to Elijah Blanc (WR), Noah Corton (OL), Lorenzo Fernandez (SS/P), Emmanuel Gomez (OT), Michael Johnson (K), Nathan Molien (OLB), Joshua Seymour OL/DL), Oscar Sola Jr. (OLB/FB) and linebacker Maikel Suarez.

STRONG UNDERCLASS GROUP GIVES THIS PROGRAM PLENTY OF OPTIMISM

The Class of 2027 will certainly be a great starting place in the 2026 season, but underclassmen have been getting ready for their chance as well.

Among those in the Class of 2028 (rising juniors) will be talented defensive back Justin Antenor, Guru Bustillos (WR), Isaiah Cunningham (DE), Luke DeFaria (OL), Noel Estrella (OL), Shane Harrilal (OL), Lucas Inestroza (RB), Michael Llanos (OL) and versatile Jayllen Morgan (RB/SS).

The Mavericks may have one of the top 2029 group of athletes in south Florida – with elite prospects Chadwic Small (OL) and Ethan Jones (WR/TE) leading the way, but there are more.

Players such as A.J. Berman (S), Derrick Bloodshaw (WR), Marcus Boynton (DT), Rocco Fantigrassi (OL), Amari Jenkins (FS), Isaiah Nathan-Marsh (WR), Derwin McLeod (RB/LB), Dawson Monroe (OT), Kenneth Rowell (CB), Marc-Antoine Sinclair (TE) and rising quarterback Dalis Stuart.

ARCHBISHOP MCCARTHY

Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, W 42-35

Community School of Naples, W 14-10

Miami St. Brendan, W 56-0

Miami True North Classical Academy, L 31-6

Boynton Beach Somerset Canyon, W 41-0

Miami Norland, W 21-14

Plantation, L 28-27

Plantation American Heritage, 13-10

Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian, W 38-7

West Palm Beach The King’s Academy, W 48-7

Hialeah, W 49-6

Miami Norland, W 24-14

Plantation American Heritage, L 25-20

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..

From the moment Pat Burrows took over the South Dade football program early last year, he was up against some stiff odds.

Known as a football coach who is built to turn programs around with his no-nonsense approach and knowledge of the game, inherited a team that had lost numerous players to transfer before he arrived in Homestead.

Burrows, who won at Southwest Miami and Miami Southridge as well as impact numerous athletes with the highly-successful South Florida Express (SFE) 7-on-7 team through the years, this is someone who knows the game, the athletes who play it and is someone who is geared to take programs and completely turn things around – and that is starting to happen with the Buccaneers.

While they finished 5-6 this past season, it wasn’t the first half of the year that he and his coaches worried about. It was the way they closed – with a state playoff game to finish his first year.

THIS IS A TEAM TO KEEP AN EYE ON

With several prestigious coaching hires and several young prospects learning the ropes, there is no doubt that this is a team that you may want to keep an eye on this coming off-season as they prepare for 2026.

With more student/athletes expected to join in the coming months, here is a look at some of the players that colleges will need to keep an eye on:

CLASS OF 2027

Tylin Brown, LB, 6’0, 215.

TAPE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJD_N1noypU

Malachi Cruz, DB, 5’11, 180.

TAPE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iO3nsfSfuK8

Damian Fisher, LB, 6’0, 225.

TAPE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8fpcztrRF0

Elijah Francois, DB, 5’11, 190.

TAPE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IUF3bczYVg

George Laster Jr., DL/H-Back, 5’10, 220.

TAPE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xeGRe51tBTI

Jerome Pendergrass, CB/WR, 5’11, 180.

TAPE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nilYxW6lP8

Mykel Sam, K, 5’10, 190.

TAPE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vq5w6_LfUqc

Jayden Shropshire, RB/WR, 5’8, 180.

TAPE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGxnYgBn6Mc

Laki Smith, WR, 5’9, 170.

TAPE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PyPf_C6fWg

CLASS OF 2028

Ashton Adair, QB, 5’11, 180.

TAPE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAcGYUNtBrY

Sheven Marshall, DE, 6’3, 225.

TAPE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hv9YHzPSOo

Darryl Ward, DB, 5’11, 190.

TAPE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHA5xdaeApY

CLASS OF 2029

Xavier Baker, DB, 6’2, 190.

TAPE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wt8FpPZxg4E

Uriah Gomez, DE, 6’1, 220.

TAPE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9fcRVmInOQ

Weston Moehling, DB, 6’1, 190.

TAPE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhEs3nlfCYs

Justin Shropshire, DB, 5’8, 170.

TAPE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nz3p_eAnNwA

SENIORS STILL HAVE NOWHERE TO GO

While the Classes of 2027, 2028 and 2029 are starting to jump onto the radar screen, several Class of 2026 seniors are still looking to play football at the next level.’

If you are college coach and are in need of some quality talent, check these young men out:

Walter Esters, DL, 6’0, 260.

TAPE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWMHSV6GH-U

Michael “Tree” Harris, DE, 6’6, 220.

TAPE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYOu9t3gClI

James Hope, WR/KR, 5’9, 170.

TAPE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYA6x8JywwU

Martavious Jean-Baptiste, DB, 5’11, 180.

TAPE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3k-r45usXI

Andrae Sierra, QB, 5’11, 180.

TAPE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0-31qhRZQ4&t=8s

Ronnie Thornton III, S, 6’0, 190.

TAPE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uxgKuYVuXE

SOUTH DADE BUCCANEERS

Miami Booker T. Washington, W 43-20

Homestead, W 31-0

Miami Norland, L 49-3

Miami Killian, L 43-10

Miami Christopher Columbus, L 42-34

Miami Palmetto, L 45-7

Miami High, W 45-0

North Miami Beach, W 25-22

Coral Gables, W 23-0

Miami Southridge, L 48-3

Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman, L 30-28

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..