It began after a 6-5 season ended with a first-round state playoff loss to Miami Killian.
A 6-5 record for the Miami Carol City football team on top of a number of less than average years, which did not sit well with this longtime successful fanbase.
Years of losing to rivals and early exits in the state playoffs was not something that this program had been used to over the years.
The supporters were quickly growing old of watching programs around them – like Miami Norland, Miami Central and Miami Northwestern reach the state finals, so something had to be done.
Enter head coach Toro Wallace, who had enjoyed state championship success at Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, and the dominoes would start to fall. Longtime supporters and graduates were no longer willing to sit around season-after-season and watch this program underachieve and fail to keep up with programs in the area. It left a bad taste in everyone’s mouth.
Piece by piece, the Chiefs started to put things back together – and by the end of spring, elite prospects were added along with coaches – many with ties to the program.
By the end of summer when they lost a four overtime 7-on-7 event to two-time defending state champion West Boca Raton, the word had spread.
While many of the experts had not watched this team play – in full uniform – they were buying in to the names on the roster and the hype that had been generated.
When Max Preps came out with their pre-season national rankings a few weeks back, the school that had struggled to win games over the past six seasons had been elevated to No. 11 in the nation.
While there are those who are still skeptical that this program could be that good, are playing the waiting game.
No matter what anyone feels, Carol City still has to get it done on the field, and with a challenging schedule, they will get their opportunity.
If you look at the roster on paper, there is no getting around that this is as talented a roster as you will find, and playing in Class 2A, those on this team believe in miracles.
Starting with the senior class (2027), there are some elite names that everyone knows – like Miami Norland transfer Alan Blackshere (CB), two-year Chiefs starter and University of West Georgia commit Santana Blount (Slot), Chaminade-Madonna transfers University of Georgia commit Temorris Campbell Jr. (LB), Appalachian State commit Arwin Jackson (RB), West Virginia commit Lee Prince Jr. (RB) and West Virginia commit Trevoris “T.J.” Finley (DE); UCF commit Debonaire Johnson (LB), elite FSU-bound Zakari Johnson (DB/Athlete), Fort Lauderdale Dillard transfer and Tulane commit Joshua Sylvain (WR), FIU commitment Jaylen Thanis (DL), FAU commitment Danard Frazier (DT), rising standout Andrew Davis Jr. (S), and the center piece five-star University of Miami commit Nicholas Lennear (WR) from Miami Northwestern.
In addition, the Chiefs’ rosters also includes Jakell Brown (OL), Jashon Chaneton (DB), C.J. Dauphin (RB), Tramaine Holland (DE), D’Aniko Hunt (LB), Jerryson Jean-Baptiste (DB), U’Darius Jenkins (DB), Tha’kari Smith (DB), Willie Walker III (OL), former Miami Northwestern kicker/punter Alex Lima and legacy Robert Sanford (LB), who’s father was a star running back for this program.
LOADED FOR THE FUTURE AS WELL
While those who follow this game continue to talk about the seniors, there are also some elite underclassmen who will also impact this team in 2026 and beyond.
Prospects in 2028 such as California defensive secondary transfer Jaîlen Hiłł, Gainesville Buchholz transfer Marquel Brooks Jr. (WR) as well as nationally-rated Aden Johnson (Edge) and one-time Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace prospect Zakhari Johnson (LB).
The junior class will also include Kevin Alexander (OL/DL), Achilles Black (DB) Jimmy Gonzalez (DB), Yakes Jones Jr. (DT), Samir Mobley (DE), Cartier Morrell (DB), Semaj Robinson (OL) and Rashard Vangates (WR).
As good as the 2028 class will be, keep an eye on the 2029 sophomores like elite prospects Ben McFadden Jr. (DE/TE), Michael Williams Jr. (DL), Jamar Brinson (DB), newcomer Jerry Joseph (OL) and quarterback Malik Leonard, who helped lead Chaminade-Madonna to the 1A state title game last year.
The sophomore class will also have Victor Aguilar (OL), Jaelin Coach (DT), Kobe Hinton (OL/DL), Jamell Johnson (WR), Darrell McDonald (WR), Marvin McDonald III (WR), Roshard Williams (OL) and Maurice Wright Jr. (DB).
2026 MIAMI CAROL CITY CHIEFS SCHEDULE
8/21 - @Daytona Beach Mainland
8/28 - @Lee County, Georgia
9/4 – Miami Norland
9/17 – Miami Edison
9/24 – Miami Booker T. Washington
10/2 - @Grayson, Georgia
10/9 – Miami Northwestern
10/16 – GMAC WEEK
10/23 - @Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy
10/30 – Miami Central
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..
As we traveled the state of Florida this spring and summer and saw hundreds of teams and thousands of prospects, there was no getting around that south Florida isn’t the only place where top-flight football is being played.
From Pensacola to Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa/Sr. Petersburg and everywhere in between, there are some impressive players who will make a statement this coming season.
But as gifted as many are throughout the Sunshine State, it is always tough to equal what Miami-Dade and Broward Counties produce every year. That talent is not only recognized locally, regionally and statewide, but those who follow high school football across the country are aware of the game-changers in these two counties.
As the 2027 seniors are already firmly in place and many have their college plans, it’s the junior class (2028) that is starting to turn heads and being recognized statewide.
Among those juniors who have already found their way on to lists include University of Texas quarterback commit Neimann Lawrence (Plantation American Heritage), Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna standout receiver Tromon Isaac, Aden Johnson (Edge, Miami Carol City), Miami Norland transfer receiver Armani Strong, emerging Chaminade-Madonna tight end Peter Pierre, Alexander Beltran (Edge, Chaminade-Madonna) and Naples Lely highly-regarded transfer quarterback Brady Quinn.
The 2028 class also boasts Justin Antenor (DB, Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy), Quinton Rolle Jr. (CB, Miami Central), Desmond Christian (WR, Weston Cypress Bay), Notre Dame-bound Andre Jones (DB, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), way under-the-radar American Heritage defensive tackle Micah Price, one of the best offensive linemen in the country Nijal Thigpen (Miramar) and Miami Southridge dominating defensive tackle Antonio Wilcher.
This deep south Florida class also features Hollywood McArthur standout athlete Antron Branch, Steven Moore (LB, Miami Central), Edwin Augustin (DB, Davie Western), Miami Edison Edge Jaidyn Holston, Khavon Gipson (LB, Miami Northwestern), Demetrius Ingram (DB, Miami Central), Silas Allen (DB, Western), Marlin Johnson Jr. (DB, Plantation) and Miami Carol City defensive back Cartier Morrell.
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..
With the season starting over the next two weeks, we have been fortunate to bring you more prospects – in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties than any other source.
This off-season, we have traced athletes all over the two counties as they put their best foot forward to put themselves on the radar so colleges and universities would take notice.
While the star-rated athletes have enjoyed their time in the spotlight, with several recruiting services and fan websites covering their every move, we have been busy watching these young men live.
We pride ourselves on going and watching the talent live and not relying on what our home computer furnishes us.
Today, we bring you 10 more Class of 2028 juniors that you will want to keep an eye on as they progress this coming season.
We always provide a video link and social media contact, so the colleges – and you the fan – can follow these prospects and help promote them.
Santuan Dixon, DB/WR/RB, 5’10, 154, Coral Springs Charter – 3.5 GPA. Track & Field.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23184120/santuan-dixon
Jeremy Douglas Jr., RB, 5’10, 170, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna – 4.0 GPA. Track & Field.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22920702/Jeremy-Douglas
Ricky Martin, LB, 5’10, 210, Cooper City – 3.2 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26866411/Ricky-Martin
Ratavion McCreed, WR, 5’11, 165, Hollywood McArthur.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26716917/Ratavion-Mcreed
Gabriele Scarsini, LB/DE, 6’3, 215, Coconut Creek Monarch – 3.3 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/23332867/6a0b4dad14206deee214b5d9
Deshawn Thompson, Athlete/WR/DB, 6’1, 180, Davie Nova – 3.9 GPA. @Dameon8 @stlighting @CSCSFootball @Coach_Haire10
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/28097537/Deshawn-Thompson
Tyler Tindal, LB, 5’10, 180, Miami Christopher Columbus.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22653141/Tyler-Tindal
Jeremiah Valcourt, OL, 6’0, 256, Davie Nova – 4.0 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/24087049/Jeremiah-Valcourt
Mykei Wade, WR, 5’9, 170, Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20690607/Mykei-Wade
Kendrick Williams, DB, 6’1, 165, Coconut Creek – 3.8 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26997914/Kendrick-Williams
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 was back on Monday night this week as football is definitely in the air with practice opening at colleges across south Florida and we talked about it all from 6-8 p.m. on 104.3 FM – WQAM.
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 been 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 night went:
Willie Simmons will begin his second season as head coach at Florida International University when camps opens on Friday and the expectations are high for the Panthers who will have some impressive talent. Brandyn Pokrass broke down the season and schedule.
BRENDYN POKRASS ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/fiu-football-reporter-brandyn-pokrass-4c14c
Is University of Central Florida head football coach Scott Frost on the hot seat? The Knights will need to win at least six games this season and get to a post season bowl game for the temperature to cool off in Orlando. Matt Murschel from the Orlando Sentinel talked about the players and schedules in the competitive Big 12 Conference.
MATT MURSCHEL ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/ucf-football-reporter-from-orlando-sentinel-matt-murschel-89879
On Tuesday, the University of Miami opens camp as the defending national runner up after losing to Indiana this past January. The ‘Canes will most likely be a favorite in every game but Notre Dame on the road – as they will have a very talented team. Adam Lichtenstein from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel talked about the season and schedule.
ADAM LICHTENSTEIN ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/south-florida-sun-sentinel-miami-hurricanes-football-reporter-adam-lichtenstein-4d163
This past Saturday, Football Hotbed hosted a south Florida high school media day and Andre Fernandez from the Miami Herald was right in the middle of all the action as top teams from Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach – as well as southwest Florida were on hand. Is St. Thomas Aquinas going to be the team to beat again as the Raiders look for an eighth straight state title?
ANDRE FERNANDEZ ON MONDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/andre-fernandez-of-the-miami-herald-fae8f
After a four-win season a year ago, Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace is back and reloaded this season with a challenging, but competitive. This will be a season where the Spartans and head coach Anthony Walker Sr. are loaded with quality playmakers and aiming for a winning season.
COACH ANTHONY WALKER ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/miami-monsignor-pace-head-football-coach-anthony-walker-e80b2
When the 2025 high school football season and Coral Glades lost a first-round state playoff game to Miami Palmetto, there was a sense that Coral Glades would be back stronger in 2026. As this year is only a week away from starting, head coach Rocco Casullo and his staff are ready to head back to the state playoffs with a district title.
COACH ROCCO CASULLO ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/coral-glades-head-football-coach-rocco-casullo-4702a
@1043wqam @UHealthSports @FIUFootball @BPok24 @osmattmurschel @orlandosentinel @ABLichtenstein @FernandezAndreC @MiamiHerald @Coach_Walker20 @PaceSpartansFB @Coralgladesfb @CasulloRocco @coralgladesjags
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..
FORT LAUDERDALE – With over 30 high school football programs on hand – from Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and even southwest Florida, the media on hand at the Fifth Annual Football Hotbed Media Day wanted to see the seven-time defending state champion Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders.
Right in the middle of a Saturday practice day as this national powerhouse continued to prepare for the 2026 season, a number of players flocked to the XPE Sports Performance Center to greet the media and fan websites who set up cameras and were waiting to ask the important questions that every football fan wanted answers to.
As head coach Roger Harriott had prior plans, his more than capable assistant coaches escorted dozens of players to get their time in the spotlight.
As individual players were asked several questions about the upcoming season, there was the main interview room where only four players took center stage and had thousands watching live on Facebook.
As seniors walked around the facility to enjoy their time in the spotlight, it was Notre Dame commits Julius Jones Jr. (receiver) and Zayden Gamble (defensive back), Texas A&M-bound offensive lineman Mark Matthews and Edge Rusher Wyatt Smith, who will be headed to Ohio State next year, that had an opportunity to sit down and answer some questions about this season and the future.
Jones Jr., who has played since his freshman season, and is considered one of the best in the country, had the opportunity – along with Gamble and Matthews – to play in the Under Armour National All-Star Game last January as juniors.
That event certainly gave all three a running start on the national exposure needed, heading into their final season, and all three will start the 2026 season among the top 15 in the state of Florida and rated as the best in the country.
Remember, it was Jones Jr., who caught a key touchdown as a freshman in the state title game against Homestead and he has never slowed down.
Gamble and Matthews also used that appearance in the all-star event, competing against seniors, to vault themselves into the national spotlight.
As the focus was on those three, Smith has truly been talked about perhaps more than any other defensive end in the state as well as throughout the country. The 6’6, 245-pouder was easily one of the best in Florida a year ago, despite being hobbled with an injury.
Coming into the season as a huge favorite to win an amazing eighth straight state title, the focus is going beyond Florida.
“This year it’s all about bringing home a national title,” the players agreed. “We know that all of us worked extremely hard – and anything less than winning all the games on our schedule will not be considered a successful year!”
As the Raiders were indeed the team everyone wanted to see, they were not the only elite program that came out on this day.
A pair of two-time defending state champions – West Boca Raton (Coach Dylan Potts) and Plantation American Heritage (Coach Mike Smith) were joined by powers Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (Coach Dameon Jones) and Miami Central (Coach Derrick Gibson) were joined by a very impressive group of teams.
“Our objective was to bring in some elite programs,” said Football Hotbed Founder and CEO Brandon Odoi. “The media and recruiting services that came out were treated to as good an event as you can possibly have. The players, coaches, parents and fans will talk about this day for a long time.”
Also attending on Saturday were Community School of Naples, 4A state runner up Miami Northwestern, Hialeah American, southwest Florida power Fort Myers Dunbar, Coconut Creek Monarch, legendary head coach Tim “Ice” Harris and Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy, powerhouse Miami Christopher Columbus and veteran head coach Dave Dunn, Miramar, Final 4 7A program Miami Palmetto (Coach Mike Manasco), 1A state power Miami True North Classical Academy, Miami Killian, Miami Southridge, Coconut Creek, Davie Western, Fort Lauderdale University School, Royal Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons and rising power Hollywood McArthur.
In addition to those teams, 2A power Miami Carol City, Miami Norland, North Miami, Weston Cypress Bay, Doral Academy, Sunrise Piper, defending 6A state runner up Pembroke Pines West Broward, Delray Beach Atlantic, Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy, Miami Jackson, rising power Fort Lauderdale Dillard and Plantation.
PROSPECTS WERE INDEED IN THE SPOTLIGHT
While the St. Thomas Aquinas standouts were on display, there were others who attended on Saturday.
Among those who found a camera and microphone were recent Christopher Columbus University of Miami commitment A’mir Sears, as well as other Top 100 seniors such as UM commitment Nick Lennear (WR, Miami Carol City), Demarcus Deroche (TE, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, Miami commitment), Jaylyn Jones (DB, Hollywood McArthur, Miami commitment) and Anthony Jennings (WR, Fort Lauderdale Dillard, Florida commitment).
Others who also joined their teams were are expected to be at media say with their teams were Bryce Williams (DB, Davie Western, Nebraska commitment), Amare Nugent (DB, Plantation American Heritage, Florida commitment), Loia Valade (DB, West Boca Raton, Texas A&M commitment)and Trae “Tank” Proctor (TE, Plantation American Heritage).
Many reporters also had the chance to interview James Perrone (QB, Miami Central, Pittsburgh commitment), Jahnard Young (RB, Fort Lauderdale Dillard), Angelo Smith (DB, Hollywood Chaminade Madonna, Ohio State commitment), Davon Dericho (DB, Miami Killian, Colorado commit), Lee Prince (RB, Miami Carol City) and FIU commitment Zac Katz (QB, Miami True North Classical Academy) to name a few.
There were also Top 100 Class of 2028 prospects like Tromon Isaac (WR) and Brady Quinn (QB) from Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Desmond Christian (WR, Weston Cypress Bay), Nijal Thigpen (OL, Miramar), Edwin Augustin, Antron Branch (WR, Hollywood McArthur) and Khavon Gipson (LB, Miami Northwestern).
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..