When the announcement of the new classifications came down from the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) for the 2026 high school football season, there were many teams that greeted the news in different ways.

For head coach Greg Laferre and his Miami True North Classical Academy Titans, hearing that traditional 1A south powers Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna and West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman would be making the move up to 2A was truly great to hear.

While this program, which finished 10-3 this past season understands that they still have to win games, the path to a first ever state title is much easier than it has been for a school that is just seven years old.

Even though many traditional powers have moved up a class, northern programs such as Tallahassee Maclay, Tallahassee North Florida Christian, Jacksonville Impact Christian as well as Jacksonville Trinity Christian and a Jacksonville University Christian team that the Titans beat this past season will be competitive.

Other powers outside the area will include Fort Pierce John Carroll, Melbourne Central Catholic, Lakeland Christian, Tampa Carrollwood, which advanced to the state semifinals, surprising St. Petersburg Catholic, Community School of Naples and Naples St. John Neumann also were playoff teams.

If the Titans are to make a run against south competition, Miami Palmer Trinity could be the only true obstacle.

THE TALENT WAS THERE IN 2025

While we fully understand that this is south Florida and transferring schools is like second nature – with many programs already bringing in players during the holidays – True North, even after losing to Chaminade-Madonna in the state semifinals – were supposed to return a number of top prospects.

Even with graduation taking a toll – like it does at every school – this is a team that was expected to have some elite returnees. Remember, this is a program that has one of the top coaching staffs in south Florida with plenty of ties to southern youth football programs.

The Class of 2027 rising senior class is expected to be loaded up with Florida International University (FIU) quarterback commit Zac Katz, one of Florida’s premier running backs Cecil Smith (2,134 total yards) and versatile George Harris Jr. are expected to keep this program atop 1A teams.

Katz, Harris and Smith put up some elite numbers, and according to Prep Redzone Florida, both are among the top prospects in the state for the upcoming season.

In addition, the 2027 class is expected to bring back Matthew Cili (WR), Dante De La Fe (OL), Zion Fairchild (CB), Damian Font (TE/WR), Gabriel Garcia (DT), Roosevelt Getter (OL), Patrick Laine (LB), Luis Quevedo (OT), Derek Rhodd (OLB) and hard-working offensive lineman Ronald Riley.

The Titans also have Alejandro Vades (OL), Z’aire “Ziggy” Watson (WR) and Nathan Wilson (OL).

While the 2027 class is ready to step up and add experience and leadership, the rising junior (2028) will also be stacked with talent. Among those players are expected to contribute includes Nicholas Adler (RB), Dominic Caiaffa (DB), Ricky Carter (OLB), Mason Hernandez (QB), Damian Lago (DE), Jack Partagas (DT) and receiver Kensy Vernet.

One of the deepest classes that this program has will be with the 2029 rising sophomores. Prospects such as Bradley Alvarez (DT), Damian Agudelo (OL), Deacon De La Fe (DL), Mason Gilmore (OLB), Michael Gilmore (DE), Zane Hunter (OL) and Luke McCloud (Athlete) will be counted on. So will Jamari Morrison (WR), Max Oyarzun (P/K), Jayden Perez (WR), Khalil Thomas (OLB/DE) and defensive lineman and Derrius Thompkins.

One of the major surprises this past season at the running back position was Class of 2030 rising freshman Gregory Florence, who added some quality depth.

TRUE NORTH CLASSICAL ACADEMY

Sarasota Cardinal Mooney, L 41-14

Fort Myers Bishop Verot, L 44-34

Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace, W 49-18

Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy, W 31-6

Jacksonville University Christian, W 28-8

Miami Jackson, W 42-0

Boynton Beach Somerset Canyon, W 42-0

Miami Christopher Columbus, W 34-15

Miami Westminster Christian, W 35-6

Miami Archbishop Carroll, W 49-20

Miami Palmer Trinity, W 42-17

Boca Raton Saint Andrew’s Academy, W 62-28

Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, L 35-14

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..

The distance from Miami Palmetto Senior High School to Vero Beach Senior High School is 156 miles. Panthers’ head football coach Mike Manasco and his 2025 team lived every mile of that route on the way back south on Dec. 5^th.

After losing in the 7A state semifinals to the Indians in two overtimes, 45-44, coming within one play of a first ever trip to the state championship game, the sting of that memorable loss will never go away – and as the new year is here and the 2026 season is eight months away, you can guarantee that every month that this program is working, the motivation of how 2025 ended will stick with them in every spring they run, weight they lift and event they attend.

While many gave the Panthers very little chance to get out of south Florida, they made believers – beat longtime rival Miami Christopher Columbus twice on the way to a season that will be remembered by the departing senior class forever.

With several key seniors moving on and a number of prospects returning, the new face of high school sports in this region of the state is never etched in stone. As we speak, several players are making their intentions know for 2026, and you can bet with the success that the Panthers had this past season, players will want to be part of this program that is still loaded with talent and quality coaching.

PLENTY OF UNDERCLASSMEN TO CHOOSE FROM

As a very gifted senior class moves on, the Panthers still believe that with the returning players they have – along with plenty of new faces – that they will definitely be back in the mix.

Among those Class of 2027 rising seniors include Mathias Augustin (LB/DE), Denzley Balthazar (LB), Eythan Bargman (CB), Junior Bontemps (WR), standout Aiden Butler (RB), Ari Cromartie (OT), Bomani Francis (LB), Rashad Fuller (OT/DE), Roberto Gonzalez (DE/OLB), and Victor Guerrero (DE).

There are also standout receiver Kaden Howard, Antonio Jackson (OL/DL), Cory Johnson (LB), Elijah Johnson (OL), Jordin Lubin (LB/RB), Daniel Rosado (QB), Julian Sanchez (OL), Kelsey Veargis (S) and Armond Weston (SS).

As solid is the returning 2027 class will be, keep an eye on those rising juniors in 2028. Prospects such as Ben Ballie (WR/TE), Samuel Casseus (DT), Baudelin Bontemps (RB), Nathan Katz (WR) and running back Santana Rogers.

In this day and age of high school football, getting freshmen in the mix in their first season at the varsity level is something that helps programs build. The Panthers have Travis Godbolt Jr. (MLB), Jaydin Lubin (LB/RB), Robert Nesbit (WR), Landon Polizzano (K/P) and Abriyam Radcliff (CB) who will have a chance to make an impact over the next few years.

While not every player who ended the season with the Panthers will return, but for those who had such a valuable experience in 2025,t those who are back will certainly benefit from the experience of this past season.

2025 PALMETTO PANTHERS

Miami Booker T. Washington, W 35-0

Miami Southridge, L 34-34

Miami Christopher Columbus, W 24-21

Miami Killian, W 42-21

Coral Gables, W 43-0

Homestead South Dade, W 45-7

Miami Northwestern, L 28-0

Miami High, W 43-7

Fort Myers Bishop Verot, W 20-10

*Coral Springs Coral Glades, W 42-0

*Miami Christopher Columbus, W 27-10

*Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman, W 65-41

*Vero Beach, L 45-44 (2OT)

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..

When it comes to football in south Florida it really doesn’t matter what class they represent.

Talent is everywhere – and no longer are we just relying on juniors and seniors to lead the way.

There was a time when underclassmen who have to wait their turn to get serious playing time, but because our area youth programs are so advanced and stacked with talent, by the time they reach high school, many are ready to make an impact at the varsity level.

This past season, we saw impressive Class of 2029 freshmen, who played key roles – even on state playoff teams.

Another class we saw flourish was the Class of 2028 sophomores. They impact teams of every level – and today we look at a few who made a difference this year, but actually started to showcase their talents last year and into the off-season.

Desmond Christian Jr., WR, 6’0, 170, Plantation. One of those future stars that the Colonels have on the roster. Showcased his skills in several games this season as this program adds some pieces to make another run in 2026. Was also instrumental in key games down the stretch.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/28088641/Desmond-Christian-Jr

Khavon Gipson, LB, 6’0, 205, Miami Northwestern. Talk about one of the better young prospects in south Florida, this is certainly someone who figures to be the next stellar linebacker prospect. He just makes plays and that is going to keep him in the spotlight throughout the off-season.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22891327/Khavon-Gipson

Nate Merrell Jr., QB, 6’4, 175, Miami Immaculata LaSalle – 3.4 GPA. Broke onto the scene this year as someone to watch for in the future. Was instrumental in leading the Royal Lions to a district title and also a state playoff win. He is a prospect that this program can continue building with. A physical talent who does more than throw the ball. Threw for 1,779 yards and 24 touchdowns. Added 341 yards on the ground. Baseball prospect as well.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18015085/Nate-Merrell-Jr

Jaden Parker, OL, 6’3, 260, Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace – 3.1 GPA. Ever since watching him after his freshman season during spring, you could tell that this was a talented prospects who had a bright future. You could see his athleticism and knew that when he continued to pick up the little things and learn more technique that this was going to be a player to watch. This will be a player to keep an eye on during the off-season.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22973414/Jaden-Parker

Kenan Powell, QB/Athlete, 6’0, 204, Miami Springs – 3.3 GPA. Before the season began, coaches who had been around this quality football player had warned that if he ever put it all together, watch out. This was a tremendous season for someone who fully put himself on the map with over 1,000 yards and 17 touchdowns. Keep an eye on his progress this off-season and into the future as the Golden Hawks have a new regime in place.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23159090/Kenan-Powell

Micah Price, DT, 6’2, 265, Plantation American Heritage. While this year was special for the Patriots as they won the state title for the second straight year, it came down to the surprise players that ended up making a major impact. Here is one of those quality players that last year at this time was wrapping up a tremendous freshman season as a linebacker with Fort Lauderdale Stranahan. Watching him a number of times in his first season, you could tell that this was going to be a major talent when everything came together, and with some weight added, he moved to the defensive line and dominated – as a leader in sacks and tackles, and in the process thrust himself into a spotlight where colleges and universities nationally will take notice!

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/23984296/694af2c6e371a29ddc9e63dc

McKendrick Thomas, Athlete, 5’7, 155, Coral Springs. On a team that continues to search for an identity, here is a gifted football player that certainly turned plenty of heads and gained a lot of attention. Receiving, running and special teams, when the Colts needed someone to step up, this young man did more than his part. Heads into the off-season as a player that will get plenty of attention. He has a chance to be very special.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26452849/mckendrick-thomas

Quizon Warner, DT, Athlete, 6’3, 260, Pembroke Pines West Broward – 4.0 GPA. After a dominating freshman season at South Broward, this quality talent made his way across the county and everything came up as a winner. From a team perspective the Bobcats went to their first ever state title game. From a personal view, this impressive and versatile prospect also showed that with a solid off-season and more work on his craft, he will continue to develop and improve on what he already has.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23099464/Quzion-Warner

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..

We are less than two weeks removed from the 2025 high school football season and players are already making moves.

With the official start of the 2026 portion of the school year, student/athletes – whether home schooled or attending the facility live in person – have started to let everyone know where they will play football in a season that doesn’t start for another eight to nine months.

Nobody can ever put their finger why south Florida – Miami-Dade and Broward Counties in particular – have so many transfers, but with “school of choice” and being able to learn from home – this region has become the talk of the country.

Many are bowled over how easy it is to just get up and make a move from one school to another, but for whatever reason, we already have a start that is threatening to match or surpass last year’s nearly 300 students who switched schools in just two counties.

With the state finals, and Miami-Dade and Broward Counties coming away with just one (St. Thomas Aquinas) champion, selling a brighter future is easier than ever before.

Programs who appeared down and out are suddenly “back in the game” with new classifications already being announced.

With literally hundreds more transfers taking place in the coming months, here is a sampling of a few prospects who could definitely change the playing field for the 2026 season.

REMEMBER, THIS IS JUST A FEW PROSPECTS. WE WILL CONTINUE TO SPOTLIGHT THE MANY PLAYERS WHO HAVE CHANGED LOCATIONS WITH A LISTING THAT WILL REFLECT EVERY PROSPECT WHO CHANGED SCHOOLS. COLLEGE COACHES DEPEND ON THE INFORMATION!

2027 – Trezavant Boyd, DB, 5’10, 155, Miami Central. From Miami Booker T. Washington to Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy and now to play for the Rockets, this is one of the elite rising seniors in the state – and fast-rising across the country. Watch this quality talent perform and you can see why he is so highly regarded. Catching a pass on him is never easy and he will continue to show it this coming season. He is indeed skilled and has schools such as Auburn, FSU, Miami, Georgia, Illinois and so many others looking in his direction.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20189717/Trezavant-Boyd

2027 – Nick Lennear, WR, 6’0, 165, Miami Carol City. One of so many who are headed to Miami Gardens to play for first year head coach Toro Wallace, this may be one of the top 10 players in the country. Dominated since his youth football days at just about any position he plays. A premier pass catcher who helped to lead the Miami Northwestern Bulls to a pair of state title appearances. Currently the No. 2 rated player in the state by Prep Redzone Florida. He has received offers from everyone, which includes Colorado, Miami, LSU, Indiana, FSU and Georgia being about the best.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19539314/Nicholas-Lennear

2027 – Carlos Avila-Lopez, WR, 5’10, 175, Plantation. As a three-year varsity standout at NSU University School, this was someone who dominated as a pass catcher with his skill, speed and knowledge of the position. He makes the move to play for a program that continues to build, making the state playoffs for the second consecutive year under head coach Darrell Strong and his staff. Finished with over 600 yards for a program that made another strong run in the playoffs. Keep your eye on this outstanding football talent who has the chance to be special for the Colonels in 2026.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19355992/Carlos-AvilaLopez

2027 – Kai Moore, QB, 6’1, 195, Miami Christopher Columbus – 3.7 GPA. After waiting his turn to start at Miami Norland for two years, he had the opportunity to turn heads this past season for the Vikings, and as the landscape has changed, he heads south to play for an Explorer team that didn’t have the season that head coach Dave Dunn, and his staff have come to expect. Burst onto the scene two years ago as the MVP of the Prep Redzone Florida Orlando Combine. Threw for 2,656 yards and 26 touchdowns this past season for a state playoff team.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20299699/Kai-Moore

2027 – James Perrone, QB, 6’2, 186, Miami Central. After making a huge splash the first two years at Miami Southridge, he makes the move north to play for the Rockets after a 3,000 total yard season for the Spartans. Committed to attend the University of South Florida, he is considered one of the top five quarterback prospects in the class – and that should only improve in the off-season. In addition to new head coach Brian Hartline and the Bulls, programs such as Pittsburgh, Maryland, UCF and West Virginia have been in the mix.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19687356/James-Perrone

2028 – Brady Quinn, QB, 6’1, 195, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna. Ever since he could walk, this is someone who had a football in his hands as the son of Football University Managing Partner Steve Quinn. Having watched this young man perform several times, he is a game changer as he comes over from a Naples Lely team that made the playoffs with one of the highest-powered offenses (46 points per game) in the state. One of the state’s leaders as a sophomore, this is a complete prospect that finished with over 2,700 yards and 34 touchdowns passing and well over 250 yards on the ground. Huge asset for the Lions who have made the state finals 10 straight years!

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19487425/Brady-Quinn

2028 – Amir Sears, Athlete, 6’1, 170, Miami Christopher Columbus. When they rank the best sophomores in the country, here is someone who continues to pop up as a top 10 prospect who in the world of star rankings, is a solid 5 on both sides of the ball as well as on special teams. A major catalyst for West Broward’s first ever state championship appearance, he was elite as a freshman and last off-season as a top-flight 7-on-7 performer. He makes the move to play for the Explorers in hopes of getting that program back on track. While his numbers were impressive, his overall production was also something that you could not ignore. Is also being overwhelmed by college offers.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18445689/Amir-Sears

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..