By Dave Brousseau
FORT LAUDERDALE – Just over a year ago, the Dillard girls and Flanagan boys track and field teams were the winners of the 2025 BCAA County Championships.
The two defending champions proved how good they’ve become as both teams dominated the 2026 competition at Dillard High on Friday.
The championships were delayed two weeks ago by inclement weather.
Flanagan was led by junior distance runner Malcomb Spence IV with victories as the lead off runner in the 4x800 meter relay, 800 meter and 3200-meter races. Overall, the Falcons finished in the top three places in 13 of the 18 events.
“I was really happy with my time in the 800 after a personal best 1:51.91,” said Spence IV. “I’m really with that performance because of all my training.” I had doubts about the 3200, but I won that as well. I wasn’t shooting for a PR but was aiming to win because I’m aiming to stay undefeated this season.”
Antonio Smith of Dillard was the only other double winning in the boys competition with victories in the 100 (10.43) and 200 (20.97).
The Falcons 149 points earned them a third consecutive title, this time by outdistancing second place Dillard by 35 points.
Among the highlights of the Falcons title was the performance of junior high jumper Allen Harris. He set a meet record with a jump of 6-feet-7.5 inches.
“I feel great after coming out here to execute,” said Harris. “I couldn’t compete two weeks ago because of weather, and I came back here and broke a record.”
The Dillard girls won their fifth consecutive team championship led by senior Desiree Frazier’s three victories. She won the 200 and 400-meter races and was the third leg in the 4x400 meter relay.
The Panthers dominated their competition by winning the team title 170 points, 84.5 points better than second place St. Thomas Aquinas. Dillard won seven events and scored in the top three places in 13 events.
“Last year we had a few hiccups as a team and we’ve become much better with our incoming freshman,” said Frazier, who has signed with the University of Central Florida. “I felt great about my performance today winning back-to-back races in the 400 and 200.”
Idorenyin Essiet of Pompano Beach, who was awarded the top female performer of the 2025 meet successfully defended her title in the triple jump (36-2).
Boys team scores (Top 5)
1. Flanagan 149; 2. Dillard 114; 3. Northeast 51; 4. Nova 42; 5. Coral Springs 36.
Individual results
4x800 relay: 1. Flanagan (Spence IV, Hall, Prewitt, Mitchell) 7:50.47; 2. Dillard 7:58.25; 3. Northeast 8:02.36; 110 hurdles: 1. Goldsby (DILL) 14.52; 2. Tommie (NE) 14.76; 3. Nelson (FLAN) 14.84; 100: 1. Smith (DILL) 10.43; 2. Thomas (FLAN) 10.65; 3. Compare (DILL) 10.69; 1600: 1. Stewart (PPC) 4:26.34; 2. Fils (TARA) 4:27.50; 3. Castillo (CGL) 4:33.77; 4x100 relay: 1. Flanagan (Hawkins, Harris, Mckenzie, Thomas) 40.30; 2. Nova 40.87; 3. St. Thomas Aquinas 41.69; 400: 1. Thomas (PLAN) 47.45; 2. Boucard (MIR) 48.10; 3. Daniels (FLAN) 48.68; 400 hurdles: 1. Carroll (NOVA) 53.01; 2. Goldsby (DILL) 54.01; 3. McKenzie (FLAN) 54.15; 800: 1. Spence IV (FLAN) 1:51.91; 2. Jeoboham (DILL) 1:54.83; 3. Valbrun (NE) 1:56.58; 200: 1. Smith (DILL) 20.97; 2. Thomas (FLAN) 21.43; 3. Compare (DILL) 21.59; 3200: 1. Spence IV (FLAN) 9:58.66; 2. Stewart (PPC) 10:03.83; 3. Lazo (SP) 10:05.83; 4x400 relay: 1. Plantation (Jason Thomas, Danile Thomas, Khan, Petit Monsieur) 3:14.89; 2. Flanagan 3:15.16; 3. Dillard 3:17.80; Shot put: 1. Steszewski (PPC) 44-10.2; 2. Charite (CS) 44-1.25; 3. Ducena (STRAN) 42-9.75; Discus: 1. Strowbridge (BE) 133-0; 2. Charite (CS) 129-3; 3. Coleman (HALL) 129-1; Long jump: 1. Hawkins (FLAN) 24-1.75; 2. Petit Monsieur (PLAN) 23-11; 3. Liddie (STA) 22-2.25; Triple jump: 1. Tommie (NE) 47-11.25; 2. Joeseph (CS) 45-8.50; 3. Chamberlain (FLAN) 44-4.75; High jump: 1. Harris (FLAN) 6-7.5; 2. Saintilus (DILL) 6-1.5; 3. Joeseph (CS) 6-1.5; Javelin: 1. Ruskin (WEST) 160-2; 2. Harrison (BE) 144-10; 3. Tyler (FTL) 139-0; Pole vault: 1. Maro (FTL) 10-10; 2. Ross (STA) 10-4; 3. Francis (DILL) 10-4.
Wheelchair events
Shot put: 1. Munoz (CG) 17-9.75.
Girls team scores (Top 5)
1. Dillard 170; 2. St. Thomas Aquinas 85; 3. Taravella 67; 4. Coral Springs 60; 5. Northeast 45.
Individual results
4x800 relay: 1. Dillard (Obas, Sapp, Williams, Simpson) 9:29.59; 2. Cardinal Gibbons 9:43.06; 3. Taravella 9:58.09; 100 hurdles: 1. Costa (TARA) 14.18; 2. Bandres Chourio (CS) 14.29; 3. Sutton (DILL) 14.61; 100: 1. Dickenson (DILL) 12.02; 2. McDonald (BA) 12.04; 3. Woolcock (EVER) 12.23; 1600: 1. Greene (DILL) 5:15.47; 2. Chanon (CG) 5:19.05; 3. Richards (DILL) 5:22.60; 4x100 relay: 1. Dillard (Richardson, Dickenson, Walker, Mckennie) 47:00; 2. Taravella 48.52; 3. Northeast 48.69; 400: 1. Frazier (DILL) 53.45; 2. Barbary (FLAN) 54.20; 3. Jones (DILL) 54.66; 400 hurdles: 1. Bandres Chourio (CS) 1:02.48; 2. Bryant (DILL) 1:03.30; 3. Simpson (DILL) 1:04.11; 800: 1. Higgins (CS) 2:13.57; 2. Greene (DILL) 2:14.61; 3. Serra (CG) 2:15.85; 200: 1. Frazier (DILL) 24.14; 2. Woolcock (EVER) 24.18; 3. Dickenson (DILL) 24.42; 3200: 1. Parrott (STA) 11:24.86; 2. Gill (DILL) 11:44.19; 3. Brown (STA) 11:58.35; 4x400 relay: 1. Dillard (Sapp, Simpson, Frazier, Jones) 3:44.88; 2. Taravella 3:55.97; 3. Coral Springs 4:58.51; Shot put: 1. Powell (FTL) 35-5.75; 2. Kinlocke (FTL) 37-7.75; 3. Watt (STA) 33-0.25; Discus: 1. Morgan (STA) 136-8; 2. Watt (STA) 133-10; 3. Lewis (FTL) 117-8; Long jump: 1. Stephens (NE) 17-2.25; 2. Robinson (NE) 17-1.25; 3. Noel (TARA) 17-0.50; Triple jump: 1. Essiet (PB) 36-2; 2. Belizaire (TARA) 35-4; 3. Robinson (NE) 35-3.75; High jump: 1. Johnson (Mc) 5-3.75; 2. Henry (DILL) 4-11.75; 3. Laurore (STA) 4-11.75; Javelin: 1. Lewis (FTL) 111-1; 2. Camper (TARA) 100-1; 3. Lacaria (CG) 90-1; Pole vault: 1. Evans (CS) 7-10.25; 2. Johnson (DILL) 7-10.50; 3. Galib-Plata (WEST) 7-4.50
Dave Brousseau is a veteran journalist who worked at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and is a longtime BCAA Correspondent. Need to reach out to him? Contact him at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
If you have followed Coach Art Taylor’s career at the high school level through the decades, you already know his objective.
While he has done more than his share of winning at his many stops, the one thing that he is recognized most for is his ability to teach and develop.
This south Florida native has always been about his players and getting the most out of them.
He and his assistants have long been about getting the players exposure by bringing them to camps, combines and other events that will showcase their abilities and give college coaches and recruiting analysts an opportunity to see what they have learned along the way.
In a day and age when loyalty is not what it used to be, student/athletes are running to where they feel the grass is greener – and it rarely works out that way.
With spring right around the corner, this is a time when the prospects on the team are going through conditioning and getting ready for the college coaches to come visit during late April and into May.
They are also looking to improve on last year’s 5-5 finish. A season that set the table for several rising seniors (2027).
Here is a look at some of the prospects that the Cowboys have to promote:
CLASS OF 2027 PROSPECTS
Nick Dyer, QB, 5’11, 185 – 4.9 GPA. Talk about a loyal producer. This will be a four-year starter for this program, and he brings everything to the table. College coaches love what he does on and off the field. He is a worker who gets better every year. His grades will open the doors for his football talent.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19962948/6907f41b0815db8cab8cd034
Jaden Torres, CB, 6’0, 175 – 3.6 GPA. Another quality student/athlete that continues to get better as a lockdown corner. He is quick and very talented. This is someone who will lead the way in the secondary. Keep an eye on him this spring and into the season.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20436263/68d83500a02fc28d2aa9e9d7
Bryan Hoover, WR/DB, 6’1, 175. No matter what side of the ball he lines up on, this is a difference maker, who is tough and very athletic. Not easy to bring down once he has the ball in his hands. On defense, he is physical and talented and wants to mix it up. Leads by example!
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22428179/6907dbe40c02cc788e71eaf1
Gavin Blackburn, TE/DE, 6’0, 200. The first thing you notice about this versatile talent is his ability to get open. Quicker than you first believe he is. Runs in the 4.6 (40) range and has solid hands. Also, his ability to get off the ball quickly on defense allows him to get to the ball fast, A very smart football player.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22510856/68c7475ea355a35c8c599de1
CLASS OF 2028 PROSPECTS READY TO STEP UP
This program has several younger players who are ready to make a name for themselves this spring and into the summer.
Here are two that you will want to keep an eye on and watch their progress:
Austin Murray, LB, 5’11, 195 – 4.9 GPA. If you watch this young man long enough, you will see someone who plays this game with plenty of passion and is a sure tackler. Still learning to drop into coverage, but as he matures, you will see a prospect that colleges will love. Another student/athlete that gets it done in the classroom, which will open plenty of doors.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22971729/690fffd8626691989132a538
Ricky Martin, RB/DL, 5’11, 210 – 3.2 GPA. Here is a two-way gem that this program will take advantage of in the coming two years. He is a powerful runner that will not go down on the first or second hit. He has deceptive speed, but he is strong and will get you those tough yards. On defense, he is a wrecking crew by himself, getting to the ball quickly and is a sure tackler. This is someone who will be fun to watch.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/26866411/69290217804979f842c1c01a
2025 Cooper City Cowboys
Coral Springs Coral Glades, W 10-7
Hollywood South Broward, L 39-6
Hollywood Hills, W 42-26
Parkland Douglas, L 20-10
Pembroke Pines Charter, W 28-13
Fort Lauderdale, W 21-6
Davie Nova, L 21-7
South Plantation, W 56-49
Weston Cypress Bay, L 34-27
Pembroke Pines Flanagan, L 46-6
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
For the past 56 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..
One of the most popular radio shows of its kind nationally moved to Thursday night this week for just one hour as a lead in to Florida Panthers hockey.
Three guests were featured as the South Florida High School Sports Show once again presented some interesting topics.
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 Thursday night went:
It was a busy week at the University of Miami and Anthony Yero from 305Sportss was right in the middle. On Monday, Pro Day took center stage with some of the top players ready for the NFL Draft getting the chance to showcase their skills in front of all the NFL teams. On Tuesday and Thursday, it was time for the football team to get spring started with some returnees and new faces in action.
ANTHONY YERO ON THURSDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/anthony-yero-of-305sports-5bc87
When Doral Academy’s girls basketball team beat Winter Haven to win the state title, it was the first in school history. Coached by alumni Daniela Barrios, this team won nine of the final 10 games this season and came out on top at the University of North Florida ion Jacksonville. With several seniors leading the way, the Firebirds finished the job.
COACH DANIELA BARRIOS ON THURSDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/girls-basketball-head-coach-daniela-barrios-of-doral-academy-b49d2
For the second straight year, the 3A boys’ basketball team came home to Fort Lauderdale as the Calvary Christian Academy Eagles, one of the best in the country, finished the season 24-1 and dominated all season long. Veteran head coach Cilk McSweeney prepared his team with a solid schedule.
COACH CILK MCSWEENEY ON THURSDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/calvary-christian-mens-basketball-head-coach-cilk-mcsweeney-joins-larry-blustein-as-they-went-back-to-back-for-state-basketball-championships-they-talk-about-the-adversity-they-had-this-season-roster-wise-and-coaching-wise-3833c
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..
As football fans in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties continue to get spoiled with the amount of talent that we have in this region of the country, other areas of Florida have taken notice of the elite football that is played year after year.
With the rising senior class (2027) already getting plenty of publicity, the next class is starting to get some elite recognition all over the country and players we watch every week are beginning to become household names all over.
As prospects in the Class of 2028 are starting to get noticed, the rest of Florida is now putting several of Miami-Dade and Broward County on their radar and college coaches are watching very closely.
Among those elite football players in this rising junior class that are being coveted nationwide include A’mir Sears (6'1" 170 ATH Miami Christopher Columbus), Neimann Lawrence (6'1" 175 QB Plantation American Heritage), Tromon Isaac (5'10" 170 WR Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Aden Johnson (6'5" 214 ATH Miami Carol City) and Antonio Wilcher 6'2" 275 DL Miami Southridge) who are among the top 10-15 in the state.
THE LOCAL TALENT RUNS DEEP
As several are getting that “elite” treatment, there are others right there ready to emerge. Prospects like Zion Davis (6'1" 160 ATH Miami Central), Brady Quinn (6'1" 180 QB Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Nijal Thigpen (6'6" 270 OL Carol City), Za’Kari Johnson (6'1" 175 WR/DB Weston Cypress Bay), Andre Jones (5'10" 175 DB Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Tremaine Mullen (5'9" 172 RB/ATH Plantation American Heritage), Peter Pierrre (6'4" 210 WR/ATH Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Nathaniel “Nate” Merrell Jr. (6'4" 170 QB Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Keshawn Paschall (5'8" 175 RB Coconut Creek Monarch), Ricky Carter (6'2" 200 LB Miami True North Classical Academy), Ryan McPhun Jr. (5'11" 180 LB Plantation American Heritage), Noah Alce (5'11" 172 RB/DB Miami Ransom Everglades), Deuce Sualevai (6'5" 295 OL Miami Christopher Columbus), Adrian Cox (5'8" 170 RB Miami Central) and Tylon Davis (6'2" 165 DB Pembroke Pines West Broward).
The class has so many more impressive football prospects that we continue to promote, rank and expose every week.
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
For the past 56 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..
When it comes to building football programs, Parkland Douglas head coach Christian Baldwin knows the challenges.
In this day and age of transfers and prospects moving around, even building winning programs is no guarantee that prospects will stay the course and be loyal to where they begin.
For Coach Baldwin, it is has always been about teaching and developing, and the student/athletes who buy into what he and his staff are doing will benefit.
With spring right around the corner, the development for the Eagles will continue after a 4-6 season that had its ups and downs. But there is something that may be different in the northwest Broward County area this spring – and that is the return of several prospects who continued to make some major strides in 2025.
The rising senior class (2027) will see several prospects come back this spring to improve on last season.
Among those prospects will be Johnny Debs (WR/FS), Anthony Diaz (Slot/WR), Gonzalo Garcia (OL/DL), Benjamin Goodman (WR/CB), Noah Guedes (OL/LB), Blake Johnson (SS), Carson Keogh (OLB), Keegan Lake (Athlete), Ian Liston (TE/CB), Matteo Swetsy (QB/OLB) and versatile linebacker Juan Toro.
Debs, Lake and Toro all stepped up this past season and are expected to do the same once again this spring and summer.
GROWTH AND TALENT WILL SEE THE UNDERCLASSMEN IMPROVE
As the rising seniors will lead the way with experience and leadership, look for the Eagles to benefit from a strong underclassmen – starting with the 2028 (rising juniors) class – which includes Jake Bararez (OLB/FS), James Binner (LB/FB), Jovanni Defalco (WR), Isaiah Digg (TE), Brody Gratton (LB), Ari Grinberg (OL/DL), Sampsen Orlinsky (QB), Max Plasencia (CB/WR), James Primiterra (K), Max Troy (Athlete) and Drake Walker (LB/DE).
In 2025, DeFalco, Troy and Walker were among the top sophomores who this program will feature this coming season.
Keep an eye on the rising sophomores (2029) as well – with Colin Devaney (TE/DE), Dmitry Grinberg (RB), Kalo Jal (OL), Max Kendell (DL), Drew Labi (OL/DL), Chase Malone (DE/OG), Tarence Robinson (DE/LB) and defensive back Nick Salerno.
2025 Parkland Douglas Eagles
Weston Cypress Bay, L 40-7
Deerfield Beach, L 30-10
Cooper City, W 20-10
Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson, W 20-9
Boca Raton, L 24-6
Coral Springs Coral Glades, L 20-7
Boca Raton Spanish River, L 42-0
Coral Springs, W 35-12
Coral Springs Charter, W 28-6
Coconut Creek, L 34-6
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
For the past 56 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..