By Dave Brousseau
FORT LAUDERDALE – Prior to the 2026 high school softball season, Coral Springs Charter owned a tight grip on Cardinal Gibbons having won 16 consecutive games dating back to 2008.
Then behind the strong pitching performances by senior Lydia Berent, Gibbons defeated Charter in the BCAA Big title game and for the district title.
The Panthers, winners of five consecutive state championships from 2015-19 finally had an answer for Berent’s dominance with a pair of home runs by junior Cameron Theile and freshman Jazzy Chung to earn a 3-1 victory over the Chiefs in the Class 3A regional final on Thursday.
Charter (21-4) advances to a state semifinal game on May 21 at Boombah-Soldiers Creek Park in Longwood. The championship is scheduled for May 22 at 5 p.m.
“This particular group has never been there,” said Coral Springs Charter coach Mark Montimurro. “We tried to paint the picture how wonderful it is. We knew we had the group to do it. We brought our A-game against one of the pitchers in the state.”
The loss snapped Cardinal Gibbons 21-game winning streak and bid for the school’s first state championship. They ended the season with the best record (26-2) in school history.
“I don’t think disappointment is what comes to my mind,” said Cardinal Gibbons coach Emily Estroff. “This hurts and it stings. We’ll feel good about it heading into next year.
We’re in a tough district and region. I think if you stick us and Charter away from each other anywhere else, we’d both win a state title.”
While junior pitcher Courtney Wahlbrink was shutting down the Chiefs hitters, Theile over the left-centerfield fence on the top of the third inning for a 1-0 lead.
“Going into this game I had high hopes,” said Theile. “I never had any doubt and we trusted each other. I never really was a home run hitter. I was just out there swinging for my team. When I hit that pitch, I knew it was gone.”
Chung hit her second round-tripper of the season in the top of the sixth inning, and the Panthers would lead 3-0.
“I knew from my first at bat what she was going to throw me,” said Chung. “I saw that pitch and I just went for it. It looked good and I swung and I knew off the bat it was gone.”
It would be more than enough runs for Wahlbrink as she held Gibbons without a hit through six innings.
The Chiefs finally produced a run following a Skylar Flack single and an RBI double from Morgan Beavers. Sloane Schaefer ground out to end the threat.
Walhbrink (20-4) finished the afternoon, allowing two hits, two walks and a hit batter on 69 pitches.
“We all had that momentum after beating Somerset Academy on Tuesday,” said Wahlbrink. “We took that momentum and brought in here today. I knew the third time was the charm and I knew we could do it.”
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.
With recruiting websites trying to get an edge on player rankings throughout the state of Florida, many are starting to publish their Class of 2028 (rising junior) rankings.
While these rankings are subjective and come from seeing many of the prospects last season and during the combines so far in 2026, many of these lists will change a number of times over the next two years when the class will graduate.
As usual, Miami-Dade and Broward Counties lead the way with some elite prospects who follow in the footsteps of the rising senior (2027) class, which had a number of south Florida players listed.
As the 2028 class boasts top-flight talent such as A’mir Sears (Athlete, 6’1, 170 , Miami Christopher Columbus), Neimann Lawrence (QB, 6’1, 175, Plantation American Heritage), Za’Kari Johnson (WR/DB/Athlete, 6’1, 175, Weston Cypress Bay), Tromon Isaac (WR, 5’10, 170, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna) and Aden Johnson (Athlete, 6’5, 200, Miami Carol City) to start with.
The class also boasts elite talent such as Alexander Beltran (Edge, 6’3, 215, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Quinton Rolle Jr. (DB, 6’0, 170, Miami Central), Peter Pierre (TE, 6’4, 220, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Armani Strong (WR, 6’1, 175, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Meshi Dobson (Edge, 6’3, 235, Weston Cypress Bay), Brady Quinn (QB, 6’1, 180, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Desmond Christian, WR, 6’0, 168, Weston Cypress Bay), fast-rising defensive tackles Micah Price (6’2, 275, Plantation American Heritage), Miami Central transfer Damien Harvey (DL, 6’1, 255, Miami Christopher Columbus) and standout defensive tackles Antonio Wilcher (6’1, 250, Miami Southridge).
This deep local rising junior class has also showcased Nijal Thigpen (OL, 6’6, 270, Miramar), the younger brother of 2027 receiver Julius Jones - Andre Jones (DB, 5’10, 175, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Edwin Augustin (DB, 6’4, 180, Davie Western), fast-rising defensive back Justin Antenor (6’2, 185, Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy), Steven Moore (LB, 5’11, 205, Miami Central), Jaidyn Holston (Edge, 6’1, 215, Miami Edison), Kai Starks (Athlete, 6’2, 170, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Antron Branch (WR, 5’10, 170, Hollywood McArthur), Khavon Gipson (LB, 6’1, 205, Miami Northwestern) and Marlin Johnson Jr. (DB, 5’10, 170, Plantation).
The sheer depth of top prospects in the class is evident with Silas Allen (DB, 6’1, 180, Davie Western), Demetrius Ingram (DB, 6’1, 190, Miami Central), Semaj Robinson (OL, 6’3, 290, Fort Lauderdale Dillard), Tremaine Mullen (RB/Athlete, 5’9, 172, Plantation American Heritage), Zion Davis (Athlete, 6’1, 160, Hollywood McArthur), Keshawn Paschall (RB, 5’8, 175, Coconut Creek Monarch) and versatile quarterback Nathaniel “Nate” Merrell Jr. (6’4, 170, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas).
As this region of the state will continue to add prospects to this listing, the 2028 rising juniors have been performing this spring for college coaches. Talent like transfer Ryan McPhun Jr. (LB, 6'1, 217, Plantation American Heritage), offensive lineman Deuce Sualevai (6’5, 295, Miami Christopher Columbus), running back transfer Adrian Cox (5’8, 170, Miami Northwestern), fast-rising linebacker Ricky Carter (6’2, 200, Miami True North Classical Academy), Tylon Davis (DB, 6’2, 165, Pembroke Pines West Broward), Darren Jeudy (DB/WR, 6’1, 180, Coconut Creek Monarch) and Miami Ransom Everglades athlete Noah Alce (5’11, 180).
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..
If you have followed high school football in south Florida for any length of time, you already know that Coconut Creek is one of the programs that continues to improve each year.
With Chris Yeargin and one of the top coaching staff in Miami-Dade and Broward County, the secret to the success of what the Cougars are doing had been year-round work and staying together as a team.
In a landscape that lacks loyalty these days – with athletes transferring daily, what this program is doing is keeping the players together year-round, and that is why they have been able to compete and stay in the hunt for a district title and post-season play.
Coming off a 9-3 season, this team has been rewarded for making an impact in the region. They will be playing in their second Broward National Football Showcase in three years when they take on Miami-Dade 1A power Miami True North. But before that, they will finish off spring and travel together, as a team, this summer to 7-on-7 and linemen camps throughout the state.
When they end spring on Thursday at Palm Beach Gardens High School against state power Daytona Beach Mainland, it will set the tone for the next two months, and of course, the 2026 season.
Among the top returnees include rising seniors (2027) Everett Butler (WR) and Isaiah Calixte (DB/WR). There are also rising juniors (2028) Cayden Delions (RB), Josiah Sanchious (QB) and Malik Lane (DE), and rising sophomore (2029) Demario Johnson (DE).
Here is a look at some of the gifted prospects who will be expected to step up this season:
CLASS OF 2027
Braylon Alexis, CB, 5'10, 148.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/profile/26331121
Isaiah Calixte, DB, 6’0, 173 -m 2.87 GPA.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/profile/20766036
Javarous Carson, OL, 5’11, 350 - 3.5 GPA.
TAPE: 9547564635 http://www.hudl.com/profile/20173045
Christopher Elliott, OL, 6’2, 270 - 3.2 GPA.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/profile/22445211
Jaden Francis, WR, 6’0, 162 - 2.5 GPA.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/profile/22368992
Javian Francios, WR, 6'0, 172 - 3.5.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16930383/Javian-Francois
Jonathan Hernandez, K, 5'7, 175 - 3.5 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22349297/Jonathan-Hernandez
Keshawn Huggins, DB/LB, 5’10, 185 – 3.5 GPA.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/v/2QdWYU
Jason Jones, CB, 6'0, 185.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26960145/Jason-Jones
Quinton Jones, LB, 6'0, 205 - 2.777 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/30343657/Quinton-Jones-Jr/about
Jones Ty'Rek Jones, DB, 5'8, 195 - 2.71 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22683517/Tyrek-Jones
Keyondre McClover, WR, 6’1, 180 – 3.0 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20053006/66ef4adb794ab2e3880f46c5
LaQuadri McCray, DB, 5'10, 170 - 2.7 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16931599/LaQuadri-McCray
Nolex St. Victor, LB, 5’9, 185 - 2.5 GPA.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/profile/22323720
AWAITING SPRING/SUMMER VIDEO
Everett Butler, WR, 5’8, 148 - 2.6 GPA
Job Cambronne, OL, 6'0, 220
CLASS OF 2028
Cayden Delions, RB, 5'11, 179 - 3.5 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22368841/Cayden-Delions
David Florent Jr., WR, 5’8, 155 -3.0 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26172880/David-Florent-Jr
Tatetreon Isom, DB/WR, 5’8, 158.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/profile/22391675
Demario Johnson, DL, 6’0, 194 - 3.2 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26251220/Demario-Johnson
Sanchious Josiah, QB, 5’11, 160 - 2.6 GPA.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/profile/24452604
Malik Lane, DE, 6’1, 190 - 2.9 GPA.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/profile/22880887
Josiah Pierre-Louis, DT, 5’9, 225 - 2.9 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22876674/Josiah-Pierre-louis
Xavier Marshall, WR, 6’1, 152 – 3.8 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/24530849/Xavier-Marshall
Jaylyn Mehu, LB, 5’9, 187 - 2.86 GPA.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/profile/22880695
Kitray Ross Mullen, DB, 5’9, 156 - 3.2 GPA/
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/25556942/Kitray-Ross-mullen
Kendrick Willams, DB, 6'1, 173 - 3.8 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26997914/Kendrick-Williams
Randy Witchard Jr., LB, 5’9, 215 - 2.8 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/24302061/Randy-Witchard-Jr
AWAITING SPRING/SUMMER VIDEO
Neo Paul, DE, 5’10, 179
Brown Zavious, OL, 6'2, 205 - 2.5 GPA
CLASS OF 2029
Amari Johnson, WR, 5'7, 142 - 3.61 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/27041749/amari-johnson
AWAITING SPRING/SUMMER VIDEO
Barbary Fredreon Barbary, DT, 6'2, 205 - 2.76 GPA
De'Joshua Newkirk, OL, 6'0, 252 – 4.0 GPA
Caleb Power, WR, 6’0, 175
Dorrian Simmons, Slot/WR, 5’7, 135
2025 COCONUT CREEK COUGARS
Miramar, W 22-12
Sunrise Piper, W 33-6
Davie Western, W 28-16
Deerfield Beach, W 34-7
Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, L 11-6
Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson, W 66-0
Hollywood South Broward, W 45-6
Delray Beach Atlantic, L 33-30
Pompano Beach Blanche Ely, W 46-6
Parkland Douglas, W 34-6
STATE PLAYOFFS
Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy, W 49-20
Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, L 45-13
In addition to the Coconut Creek game on Thursday, here are some more area matchups:
Thursday, May 14
Daytona Beach Mainland, Coconut Creek, Hollywood McArthur, Delray Beach Atlantic (Palm Beach Gardens), 6:00
Doral Academy at Lantana Santaluces, 6:00
Palmer Trinity vs. Miami Gulliver Prep, 3:00
Friday, May 15
Miami Southridge vs. Jensen Beach, Stuart Martin County, 6:00
Miami Varela at Miami Belen Jesuit, 3:30
Saturday, May 16
Miami Palmetto vs. Miami True North (Ives Park), 9 a.m.
Miramar, Port St. Lucie Centennial at Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace, 5:00
Tuesday, May 19
Homestead South Dade at Sunrise Piper, 7:00
Miami High at Hollywood South Broward, 5:00
Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy at North Broward Prep, 5:00
Pembroke Pines West Broward Intra Squad
Wednesday, May 20
Miami Carol City Black-Orange Game (Traz Powell Stadium), 6:00
Miami Coral Park, Miami Sunset at Hialeah Gardens, 3:00
Miami Killian Gold vs. Green Game, 3:00
Miami Lakes Goleman at Miami Archbishop Carroll, 3:00
Miami Palmetto at Sarasota Booker, 6:00
Miami Ransom Everglades at Coral Gables, 4:00
Miami Southridge Red vs. Black Game, 5:00
Thursday, May 21
Chaminade-Madonna Intra Squad, 5:30
Davie Nova at Oakland Park Northeast, 6:30
Davie Western Black & Gold Game, 6:30
Fort Lauderdale Dillard Blue & Gray Game, 6:00
Hialeah Mater Academy Inter Squad (Milander), 10:00
Miami Coral Reef at Miami St. Brendan, 7:00
Miami Ferguson at Hialeah American, 5:00
Miami Springs, Coral Gables at Pembroke Pines Flanagan, 6:00
North Miami at Homestead Somerset Silver Palms, 7 p.m.
South Miami at Hialeah Miami Lakes, 3:30
South Plantation Purple & White Game, 6:00
St. Thomas Aquinas Intra Squad Game, 5:00
Friday, May 22
Homestead Intra Squad, TBA
Miami Central Intra Squad (Traz Powell), 5:30
Southwest Miami @ BridgePrep Academy, 4:00
PHOTO COURTESY OF COCONUT CREEK TALK - https://coconutcreektalk.com/
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..
Over this past month there have been plenty of teams throughout Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties who have been working hard to put themselves on the football map.
With college coaches at every level getting the chance to see these prospects in full pads instead of judging on what happens in the 7-on-7 season, it has given many of these players and programs a huge advantage.
While several programs prefer to play scrimmage games and not lineup against other opponents, there are others who want to compete against other teams.
Spring practice has come a long way since the days of the jamborees that showcase talent for two quarters, but with the long summer coming up that will see many players and programs head out to camps across the state and the country, there is no urgency to promote their players – especially in these times where transfers are taking place daily.
As we attempted to get all the activity going on the next two weeks, here is a schedule of some of the spring games going on in the region:
Thursday, May 14
Daytona Beach Mainland, Coconut Creek, Hollywood McArthur, Delray Beach Atlantic (Palm Beach Gardens), 6:00
Doral Academy at Lantana Santaluces, 6:00
Palmer Trinity vs. Miami Gulliver Prep, 3:00
Friday, May 15
Miami Southridge vs. Jensen Beach, Stuart Martin County, 6:00
Miami Varela at Miami Belen Jesuit, 3:30
Saturday, May 16
Miami Palmetto vs. Miami True North (Ives Park), 9 a.m.
Miramar, Port St. Lucie Centennial at Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace, 5:00
Tuesday, May 19
Homestead South Dade at Sunrise Piper, 7:00
Miami High at Hollywood South Broward, 5:00
Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy at North Broward Prep, 5:00
Pembroke Pines West Broward Intra Squad
Wednesday, May 20
Miami Coral Park, Miami Sunset at Hialeah Gardens, 3:00
Miami Killian Gold vs. Green Game, 3:00
Miami Lakes Goleman at Miami Archbishop Carroll, 3:00
Miami Palmetto at Sarasota Booker, 6:00
Miami Ransom Everglades at Coral Gables, 4:00
Miami Southridge Red vs. Black Game, 5:00
Thursday, May 21
Chaminade-Madonna Intra Squad, 5:30
Davie Nova at Oakland Park Northeast, 6:30
Davie Western Black & Gold Game, 6:30
Fort Lauderdale Dillard Blue & Gray Game, 6:00
Hialeah Mater Academy Inter Squad (Milander), 10:00
Miami Coral Reef at Miami St. Brendan, 7:00
Miami Ferguson at Hialeah American, 5:00
Miami Springs, Coral Gables at Pembroke Pines Flanagan, 6:00
North Miami at Homestead Somerset Silver Palms, 7 p.m.
South Miami at Hialeah Miami Lakes, 3:30
South Plantation Purple & White Game, 6:00
St. Thomas Aquinas Intra Squad Game, 5:00
Friday, May 22
Homestead Intra Squad, TBA
Miami Central Intra Squad (Traz Powell), 5:30
Southwest Miami @ BridgePrep Academy, 4:00
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 for two hours this week with some impressive guests in college and high school football.
Six guests talked spring football in high school, took a look at college football and summer camps as the South Florida High School Sports Show once again presented some interesting information.
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 night went:
When it comes to getting high school football prospects exposure and teaching them about selling themselves in this era of the Name Image & Likeness, it’s refreshing to know that there are people like Curtis Blackwell and the Sound Mind – Sound Body organization. They will be involved in the Willie Simmons Showcase at FIU in the first week of June.
CURTIS BLACKWELL ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/curtis-blackwell-of-sound-mind-sound-body-00707
When it comes to knowing about HBCU colleges and universities, there is a culture that so many want to be part of. On May 23rd, several HBCU schools will be in Doral for a Community Youth Football Clinic and Daris Steen stopped by to talk about it.
DARIS STEEN ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/daris-steen-of-community-youth-football-clinic-f5080
One of the most successful area high school football programs the past few years are the Cougars of Coconut Creek. Great coaching and loyal players who understand what a true family is all about. Head coach Chris Yeargin talked about this team as they get ready to play their spring game this week.
COACH CHRIS YEARGIN ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/head-coach-chris-yeargin-of-coconut-creek-f5942
After a 6-6 season in his second year as the head coach at Bethune Cookman University, Raymond Woodie Jr. and his football team is ready for the 2026 season after a successful spring.
COACH RAYMOND WOODIE JR. ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/head-coach-raymond-woodie-jr-of-bethune-cookman-university-81f44
There are going to be plenty of high school football programs across the state that will have a chance to be special this season. As fans continue to concentrate on south Florida program, Andy Villamarzo of Rivals.com warns that there are elite players and programs all over the state.
ANDY VILLMARZO ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/andy-villamarzo-of-rivalscom-7bd2a
University of Miami and has been a major supporter, Brian Monroe has a unique view on the Hurricanes. Hosting the pre-game show on 104.3 WQAM, he follows this team and is impressed at what he watched.
BRIAN MONROE ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/brian-monroe-former-miami-hurricanes-punter-miami-hurricanes-pregame-host-3521a
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..