As veteran head football coach Eddie Delgado, his players and assistant coaches look back at the 2024 season, all will agree that the Doral Academy Firebirds underachieved.

Finishing 5-5 overall and 1-2 in District 16-6A did land this team in the playoffs, but despite a win against Southwest Miami, it turned out to be the two district setbacks to Miami Southridge and Homestead that ended up being the downfall.

As they headed into the off-season and look toward spring, there is a sense that this program can start to turn the corner – with returning players and some newcomers that are expected to join in the coming months.

There are several players coming back that not only have the experience, but  talent and leadership.

The rising senior (2026) class has plenty of playmakers. He are a few of them:

Jahel Alexis, DB/WR, 6’0, 165 – 3.3 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20870153/Jahel-Alexis/highlights

Allen Delnodal, RB/LB, 5’10, 185 – 2.7 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18475002/64f3ae7a2ab1560a80e00298

Yaseen Elmissiry, OL, 6’2, 325.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18159220/674d2f6ce429f45766253a9c

Gianni Fornaris, DE/LB, 5’11, 190 – 3.2 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16036242/673bea9fed4eebc1c9b0b7fe

Darreon Green, RB/LB, 6’1, 230.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18225641/673a188bb978c2e407e17f64

Jordan Lleo, QB, 5’10, 165.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16945641/6756488fb043429784c8464e

Joshua Lleo, WR/RB, 5’9, 155.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16929577/Joshua-Lleo/highlights

Matthew Londoño, DL, 6’2, 230.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19415620/Mathew-Londono/highlights

Karmelo McCrea, DB, 5’9, 155.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18196806/Karmelo-McCrea/highlights

Joel Miller, RB, 5’11, 175.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19808791/Joel-Miller/highlights

Dominic Musella, DB, 5’10, 165. Varela transfer.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18432158/Dominic-Musella

Kevin Peña, OL, 5’11, 285 – 3.0 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18449191/67390c2c9240fde6be8f4684

Caleb Rivera, DE/LB, 6’0, 195.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19808876/Caleb-Rivera/highlights

Sean Sierra, DL/OL, 5’9, 240 – 4.2 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19300324/Sean-Sierra/highlights

AWAITING SPRING VIDEO

Sebastian Bayon,TE/DE, 6’4 205

Jonathan Trujillo, WR, 5’10, 165

PLENTY OF YOUNG PROSPECTS WAITING FOR THEIR CHANCE

As the rising senior class will certainly carry this team into the season, there are several underclassmen who could make an impact as well.

CLASS OF 2027

Mathew Lopez, RB/LB, 5’10, 185.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18513898/6728d555947b63ba2a5d1ab9

Max Selma, DB, 5’11, 175.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19808865/Max-Selma/highlights

Mathew Vargas, DE/OL, 5’10, 190.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18255970/Mathew-Vargas/highlights

AWAITING SPRING VIDEO

Manny Espinoza, WR, 5’10, 165

Sebastian Ibarra, LB, 6’0, 205

Alonzo Peralta, RB, 5’7, 150

Jeancarlos Rodriguez, DL/OL, 6’2, 220

Ryan Towne, DL/OL, 6’0, 205

Rylen Zamora, TE/DL, 5’11 220

CLASS OF 2028

AWAITING SPRING VIDEO

Tre Cisneros, RB, 5’9, 165

Jose Flores, DL/OL, 5’9, 195

Daniel Hora, DL/OL, 6’1, 225

Jaden Yaques, OL, 5’11, 185

MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/

MIAMI-DADE, BROWARD TRANSFERS? WE HAVE THEM FOR YOU. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-off-to-a-huge-start-in-miami-dade-broward

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..

In his third decade as a head football coach, North Miami Beach graduate Jeff Bertani continues to do something that he started while a student in college.

What Bertani has represented over the years is exactly what his father and grandfather did before him. While teaching and developing talent, he continues to build programs and players with an opportunity to learn and play the best schedule possible.

As the Chargers once again competed against some of the elite local programs, they also took on the challenge of playing teams such as Auburn, Alabama, Lake City Columbia, 7A state finalist Lake Mary and the always talented Delray Beach Atlantic.

Finishing 1-2 in District 14-2A was good enough to make the state playoffs, and while they lost, this team learned enough and brought back plenty of talent to get over that hurdle and compete for a title.

If they are to get past Miami Booker T. Washington, Miami Carol City, Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace and Westland Hialeah, it will be the rising senior (2026) class that makes a difference.

Here are some of those players to keep an eye on:

Kenny Charlotin, LB/OL, 6'0, 200.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22474663/Kenny-Charlotin

Marvin Cyrille, LB/TE, 6'1, 200.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19408651/Marvin-Cyrille

Rodrigo Franco, P/K, 5’10, 200.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/21082307/Rodrigo-Franco?

Brian Louis-Jeune, DB/WR, 6’0, 170.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19973469/Brian-Louisjeune

Justin Petit-Homme, LB/WR, 5’11, 195.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17711788/Justin-PetitHomme

Chris Polanco, DB/WR, 6’1, 175.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17685823/Chris-Polanco

GIFTED UNDERCLASSMEN AWAIT THEIR CHANCE

As the rising seniors will provide experience, talent and leadership, there are several younger players that this team will once again roll out:

CLASS OF 2027

John Gray, DB/RB, 5'9, 160, DB/RB.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19428595/John-Gray

Andre Hyppolyte, DB/WR, 6'1, 165.

TAPE:  https://www.hudl.com/profile/19428607/Andre-Hyppolite

Byron Turner, DB/WR, 5'11, 165.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19408549/Byron-Turner/about

AWAITING SPRING VIDEO

Gardi Jean-Baptiste, DE/OL, 6'1, 200 

Stevenson Telfort, DL/OL, 5’11, 230

CLASS OF 2028

Jeremiah Rawlings, DB/WR, 5'8, 150.

TAPE:  https://www.hudl.com/profile/22473417/Jeremiah-Rawlings

AWAITING SPRING VIDEO

Tyler Pierre-Louis, OL/DL, 6'4, 290

Aiden Spivey, DB/WR, 5'10, 160

INTO THE FUTURE

When the current school year comes to an end, and the summer begins, the Chargers will add a pair of quality Class of 2029 prospects, who are among the best in their class.

Keep an eye on Bo Bertani (QB/DB, 6'0, 155) and Jimmy Jean-Baptiste (OL/DL, 6'1, 270).

MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/

MIAMI-DADE, BROWARD TRANSFERS? WE HAVE THEM FOR YOU. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-off-to-a-huge-start-in-miami-dade-broward

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.. 

Once again on Monday night the South Florida High School Sports Radio Show took center stage with three impressive guests.

Each and every week, the AM 560 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 show, which has run for nearly two decades, has become a popular listen for recruiting fans as well as high school sports purists, focusing on coaches and players in all sports.

Here is a look at the way Monday went:

Baseball guru Joe Frisaro filled us in on Miami-Dade and Broward high school teams and prospects to watch. JOE FRISARO ON MONDAY NIGHT:

https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/joe-frisaro-si-florida-3c0cd

For the third straight year, and fifth overall, Sagemont boys’ basketball team won the 1A state title. Head Coach David Roe joined the show.

COACH DAVID ROE ON MONDAY NIGHT:

https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/coach-david-roe-sagemont-basketball-6246a

The University of Miami football program is right in the middle of spring and Adam Lichtenstein from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel looked at everything from practice to pro day. 

ADAM LICHTENSTEIN ON MONDAY NIGHT:

https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/adam-lichtenstein-south-florida-sun-sentinel-53228

No matter where you put head coach Joe Blasucci and his Somerset wrestling team, they find a way to win. The Panthers rallied to win the 2A title. He talked about it all.

COACH JOE BLASUCCI ON MONDAY NIGHT:

https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/wrestling-coach-joe-blasucci-somerset-pembroke-pines-03-24-25-43bc9

Last year it was success with the girls, and this season, Coach J.R. McNabb guided Blanche Ely boys to a 5A title. We talked Tigers. 

COACH J.R. MCNABB ON MONDAY NIGHT:

https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/coach-jr-mcnabb-blanche-ely-basketball-3-24-25-11d43

She is the first ever 4-time Florida girls’ wrestling state champion, and the North Miami undefeated senior student/athlete Mya Bethel stopped by.

MYA BETHEL ON MONDAY NIGHT:

https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/mya-bethel-north-miami-wrestling-3-24-25-0d682

FAU is learning a lot this spring on the football field with a new coaching staff and new players. Cameron Priester from @Owls247 talked about it.

CAMERON PRIESTER ON MONDAY NIGHT:

https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/cameron-priester-owls-247-9ff78

THIS OFF SEASON GET THE JUMP ON EVERYONE. Check Out The South Florida High School Sports Radio Show Every Week. @UHealthSports @560WQAM https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98

MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/

MIAMI-DADE, BROWARD TRANSFERS? WE HAVE THEM FOR YOU. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-off-to-a-huge-start-in-miami-dade-broward

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..

There was a time when making your college decision was something that took time – and by February of your senior year – you let the world know.

Unfortunately, we are in different times and those decisions are no longer something that most athletes wait too long to make.

Remember, with the transfer portal and these NIL deals be struck, the decision where to head off and attend school – at least for the first year – are being made earlier.

In this day of collegiate recruiting, the only thing that is for sure is where you will spend Year 1. After that, it’s anyone’s guess where student/athletes are headed.

With no transfer rules in place by the NCAA, which slept on this entire process, the wild, wild west has become wilder, and for that reason, this recruiting period is a never-ending process.

With that said, Miami-Dade and Broward Counties will continue to remain in the spotlight every year, and the Class of 2026 is certainly no different.

With prospects such as Dia Bell (QB, 6-3, 190, Plantation American Heritage – TEXAS), Jordan Campbell (LB, 6-3, 235, Miami Carol City – MIAMI), Denairius Gray (WR, 6-1, 170, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna – AUBURN), Darryl Bell III (Athlete, 5-11, 175, Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman – FSU), Karon Maycock (S, 6-0, 180, Miami Central – FSU), Tedarius Hughes (DB, 6-3, 175, Miami Northwestern – FSU), Jeffar Jean-Noel (WR, 5-10, 170, Plantation American Heritage – WEST VIRGINIA), and Shmar Akande (CB, 6-2, 180, Pembroke Pines West Broward – Toledo) all making their decision, there are other impressive players just waiting for that opportunity before the start of the 2025 season.

Among those elite players still weighing their options - including No. 1 Derrek Cooper (RB, 6-1, 210, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, who has Florida, Miami and Georgia hot on his heels), are Calvin Russell III (WR, 6-4, 180, Miami Northwestern – with Miami, Florida and others in the mix), Jabari Brady (WR, 6-2, 190, Coconut Creek Monarch – with Miami and Nebraska among others), speedy Brandon Bennett (WR, 6-0, 170, Plantation American Heritage – with Miami and FSU), athletic Jasen Lopez (WR, 6-0, 175, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna – with dozens keeping a close watch) and speedy Kaj Baker (Athlete, 5-7, 160, Pembroke Pines Somerset – with FSU, UCF and others waiting on a decision).

While the colleges listed are NOT 100%, they have been listed with each prospect waiting to make a commitment.

Other area players still waiting on the right fit includes Aldarius Johnson (S, 6-2, 175, Plantation American Heritage – FIU, Miami), Kamron Wilson (Edge, 6-5, 220, Miami Southridge – FSU, North Carolina State), Bryant Junius (Athlete, 6-1, 190, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna – Miami, FSU), Ryan Miret (DL, 6-4, 290, Miami Southridge – Miami, Nebraska), Dominic Turnbull (CB, 6-2, 175, Miami True North Classical Academy – Nebraska, Michigan), Jaborree Riggins (WR, 6-4, 185, Coconut Creek Monarch – Florida, FAMU), Ben Gula (OL, 6-5, 275, Weston Cypress Bay – FAU, FIU), Tedrick Lee (S, 6-0, 180, Miami Christopher Columbus – UCF, Mississippi State), James Johnson (DT, 6-2, 285, Miami Northwestern – Florida, Miami), Jamar Denson (WR, 5-10, 175, Plantation American Heritage – West Virginia, Oklahoma), Calerbe Hermane (TE, 6-4, 205, Hollywood McArthur – Virginia Tech, Louisville), Jayden Ford (RB, 5-6, 150, Miami Central – Liberty University, West Virginia), Phillip Goodrich (LB, 5-11, 205, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas – Michigan, USF), Camaul King (S, 6-0, 170, Miami True North Classical Academy – FAU, FIU), and Daveon Black (CB, 6-1, 175, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna – USF, Western Kentucky, Bowling Green, FIU, Mississippi State, North Dakota and Pittsburgh),

The local talent continues with some more rising seniors:

R.J. Alphonse, DL, 6-3, 220, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna

Jaylon Ammons, CB/WR, 6-1, 165, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons.

Naijah Arnasalam, Athlete, 6-1, 175, Plantation

Ethan Barosela, LB, 6-1, 215, Miami Christopher Columbus

Dylan Bennett, MLB, 5-11, 210, Plantation American Heritage

Jemel Bonica, DE, 6-4, 225, Miami Northwestern

Anthony Brown, OL, 6-3, 315, Miami Palmetto

Kendall Brown, WR, 6-1, 167, SW Ranches Archbishop McCarthy

Reginald Camille, DL, 6-4, 217, Plantation American Heritage 

Terrence Campbell, Athlete, 6-2, 215, Miami Immaculata LaSalle

Mason Chapman, QB, 5-11, 170, Coconut Creek North Broward Prep

Brandon Clarke, CB, 5-11, 165, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas

Ahzel Damis, WR/RB, 5-11, 170, Pembroke Pines Flanagan. 

Jordan Davis, OL, 6-4, 315, Miramar

Jermiyah Douglas, CB, 5-9, 160, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas

Damani Downs, WR,6-2, 175, Miami Norland

Terrell Evans Jr., DL, 6-5, 220, Hialeah

Cleveland Gary, DL, 6-0, 210, Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace

Bryan Granger, OL, 6-3, 270, Pembroke Pines West Broward

Cooper Green, DB, 5-11, 165, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons

Elijah Hardy, WR, 5-10, 165, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna

Duane Johnson, LB, 6-3, 190, Miami True North Classic Academy

Jakari Johnson, DB/WR, 6-0, 180, Hollywood McArthur

Terrance Johnson, CB, 6-0, 170, Hollywood South Broward

Thomas Jones, CB/WR, 5-11, 163, Miami Carol City

Wynton Jones, DB, 5-11, 160, Miami Palmetto

Benjamin Lamas, Athlete, 6-0, 170, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas

Mason Mallory, Athlete, 5-10, 180, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas

Liam Marley, DL, 6-4, 230, Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian

Keyon Mena, OL, 6-3, 252, Miami Northwestern

Leonzay Merzius, CB, 5-8, 175, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna

Sushanth Mortala, OL/DL, 6-3, 255, Weston Cypress Bay

Daniel Norman, Edge, 6-4, 205, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas

Alexander Nunez, OT/DE, 6-4, 240, Miami True North Classical Academy

Arron Power Jr., QB, 5-9, 165, Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson

J.J. Rochford, OL, 6-3, 300, Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian Academy

Jordan Rusinque, OLB/TE, 6-2, 203, Plantation American Heritage

Alejandro Schmitt, DL, 6-5, 240, Pembroke Pines West Broward

Hudson Schwartz, LB/LS, 5-10, 180, Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest

Cory Simon, DL, 6-2, 250, Plantation American Heritage 

Khyze Smith, OL, 6-4, 301, Miami Norland

Franki Sosa Jr., Athlete, 6-1, 180, Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman

Dylan Steen, OL, 6-3, 295, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas

Leon Strawder, QB, 6-1, 210, Miami Northwestern

Corey Swint, WR, 5-10, 165, Miami Southridge

Isaac Tanis, OL, 6-3, 240, Plantation American Heritage

Clarence Tucker, CB, 5-11, 170, Miami Edison

Mahki Vance, RB/Athlete, 5-10, 170, SW Ranches Archbishop McCarthy

Tyre Vieux, DB, 6-0, 160, Edison

Teddy Welch, OL, 6-1, 285, Plantation American Heritage

Caleb Williams, DB/Athlete, 6-0, 170, Davie Western

Shane Zoberg, DB, 5-11, 165. Parkland Douglas 

If there are players that we listed are receiving college interest, please let us know so we can make the changes. College coaches from all over the country view what we produce every day.

MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/

MIAMI-DADE, BROWARD TRANSFERS? WE HAVE THEM FOR YOU. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-off-to-a-huge-start-in-miami-dade-broward

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..