By Dave Brousseau - BCAA Writer

PEMBROKE PINES – One goal proved to be enough for the Pembroke Pines Charter boys’ soccer team.

Junior defender Diego Medina-Pagan scored his second goal of the season from the shortest distance possible, nudging the loose ball just with inches grom the goal line.

The goal was all the Jaguars needed to in defeating Varela 3-0 in a Class 5A Regional Final at home on Wednesday.

“We were sluggish at the beginning and my goal helped changed the game,” said Medina-Pagan. “Once we scored, we put on more pressure. The last time we lost in the state semifinals, but now we have more chemistry and have more fun on the field.”

The victory extends the season to a state semifinal match on Feb. 19 at the Lake Myrtle Sports Complex in Auburndale against an opponent to be decided.

The result extended the Jaguars (18-0-2) winning streak to 17 games, while recording their 14^th shutout of the season. In the three regional games Pines Charter outscored their opponents 15-0.

“We’re very excited and have a phenomenal season so far,” said Pines Charter coach Marc Lue Young. “The boys have improved game by game. We have the mindset to go forward, and we’ve done very well with that.”

“I’m very excited to get back to the state semis and hopefully we can bring the trophy back home to Pembroke Pines, he added.”

In 20 games played to date the Jaguars have outscored their opponents 78-8. And over the last five seasons, including the 2024-25 campaign, they have a combined record of 71-15-5.

Junior keeper Mateo Valencia was credited for recording his 14^th blank sheet of the season.

Pines Charter reached the 2024 Class 5A state semifinals, losing to Panama City Beach Arnold by penalty kicks 4-2. They lost to American Heritage in penalty kicks in the regional finals in 2023.

Junior midfielder Gabriel Calderon blasted a right-footed shot from just outside the box in the 63^rd minute for the 3-0 advantage to secure any thoughts of a Varela (9-7-2) comeback bid.

The Vipers had allowed only a single goal prior to Wednesday’s loss.

“We knew what we were facing, probably one of the best teams we have faced,” said Varela coach Juan Monge. “We had some players injured, but no regrets. We had a great season.”

Sophomore midfielder Aiden Toledo scored his first goal of the season as he collected a freekick near the far post kicking past Varela keeper Maximilian Rojas in the 47^th minute for a 2-0 lead.

Dave Brousseau can be reached on X at @dbrouss76 – or via e-mail at:
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As the 2024 season came to an end with losses to longtime rival Fort Lauderdale and Weston Cypress Bay, first year head coach Jacky Candy and his staff looked back at the season and started to address what needed to be done.

Finishing second in the district after picking up a forfeit win against powerhouse Miami Central, the players understood that if this program was going to advance to the state playoffs, finishing at .500 would not get it done.

For the wins against Coral Glades, South Plantation, Boyd Anderson, Pompano Beach and the win against Central, there were stinging defeats that exposed what the Dragons needed to work on this off-season.

While depth is always going to be a concern, staying injury free is a must, and with some capable rising seniors (2026) coming back, there is something to be optimistic about.

That 2026 class does have some playmakers with experience and much needed leadership:

Leroy Cooks IV, RB/WR/DB, 5-9, 175 – 2.8 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19679918/Leroy-Cooks-IV

Amari Latour, TE/SS/LB, 5-11, 185 – 2.7 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20744643/Amari-Latour

Jeremiah Lawson, RB/WR/DB, 5-8, 160 – 2.9 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20462748/Jeremiah-Lawson

Ke’Varee McCall, TE/HB/DE/LB, 6-1, 195 – 2.6 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22506723/673815d9364a9f3dc097bacd

THE UNDERCLASSMEN WILL BE COUNTED ON

As we know, heading into the off-season, the rising senior class will certainly be a place that will dictate what the 2025 season is all about. But with that said, the 2027 and 2028 prospects have a chance to be special – with some elite prospects having the chance to make a major contribution.

CLASS OF 2027

Demetrious Knox, WR/DB, 5-9, 145.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23982559/Demetrious-Knox

Leon Lily, WR/DB, 5-10, 165 – 3.5 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22506709/Leon-Lily

Kyle Pearson, OL, 6-3, 270.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20173402/Kyle-Pearson

Anthony Williams, WR/DB, 5-7, 150 – 3.2 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23189978/Anthony-Williams

Keon Williams, FB/DL, 5-10, 235 – 2.6 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20414219/Keon-Williams

CLASS OF 2028

Blake Mitchell, WR/DB, 5-9, 155 – 3.1 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/24238082/Blake-Mitchell

Lionel Pratt, WR/DB, 5-11, 150 – 3.1 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/24192396/lionel-pratt

Micah Price, TE/DE/OLB, 6-2, 220 – 3.3 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23984296/Micah-Price

AWAITING VIDEO

Jerome Simmons, OL/DL, 5-11, 220

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

Keeping An Eye On Football Transfers In Miami-Dade & Broward Counties. 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.. 

Throughout the year, as we watch games, practices, attend camps and combines and see several 7-on-7 events, we check out thousands of football players in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.

While there are so many avenues for the student/athletes to gain exposure, we are fortunate to see many of these young men from the time they start playing the sport. We also have the pleasure of seeing them in other arenas – such as track & field, baseball, basketball, soccer, volleyball, lacrosse, cross country and wrestling to make a full evaluation that many others do not have the opportunity to do.

When players, coaches and parents ask what we have done the past 55 years, it is simple to tell them that we fully e promote the prospects and pass the information on to the hundreds and hundreds of college coaches who value our input from dealing with us for decades.

Recruiting is all about relationships – not only player to coach, but also analysts to media, college coaches and others who do not have the chance to watch for themselves.

When many talk about star-rating or class ranking, understand that many of those are made from either watching a player compete in shorts and t-shirt, viewing the same video that anyone has access to or listening to someone else.

We have the chance to spotlight Miami-Dade and Broward football talent in every class, and today we bring you five more players from the Class of 2027 (rising juniors):

Santana Blount, WR, 5-9, 160, Miami Carol City. As head coach George Stubbs and the Chiefs build this program back to where the Chiefs flourished for many decades, prospects like this are indeed essential. This is a slot receiver who runs outstanding routes, catches the ball in space as well as in traffic, giving himself up, often, for the best of the team. One of his strengths is getting extra yards after the initial hit. Someone that will continue to come into his own over the next two seasons.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22468691/Santana-Blount

Gerren Bray, OL, 6-2, 295, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. Comes over to the six-time defending state champions and veteran head coach Roger Harriott with some high-level play of his own, being part of the first ever state title team ever at West Boca Raton. From the first time you watch him play, you can see how much experience he has already received as a freshman and sophomore already. Forty-six pancake blocks in two years, playing out of the guard and tackle position. Has received plenty of accolades in Palm Beach County. You must watch this young man in person to appreciate everything he brings to the table. In addition to what he does on the field, he continues to get it done in the classroom (3.75 GPA) as well.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19783194/674dd797aa0c9298c944ae77

Brandon Howard, OLB, 6-1, 225, Miami Palmetto. Here is one of those prospects who we talked about in the off-season when he was at South Dade as being one of the future stars of south Florida. He brings everything to the table as a player who is talented, athletic and someone who gets it done in the classroom (3.0 GPA). While his position is outside linebacker, and will certainly be recruited at that position, he was asked to play the Edge, which showed his ability to get after the quarterback, but also showcase his skills inside as a tackler. The Panthers and head coach Mike Manasco got themselves a difference maker who will impact he defense – right away.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20590410/Brandon-Howard

Tyler Smith, CB/SS, 5-11, 155, Davie Nova. Watching him firsthand this past season was only enhanced by what he did at the recent Prep Rezone Florida Stock Up Showcase in Orlando. This is someone who certainly set the table during his sophomore season with 30 tackles, 4 pass breakups, 3 forced fumbles and 3 interceptions for head coach Tyrus McCloud and the Titans out of his safety position. He is solid in pass coverage and isn’t afraid to be physical on plays on the ground. In addition to what he already does on the football field, his work in the classroom (3.2 GPA) is also something that will open doors over the next few years.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19588362/Tyler-Smith?

Justus Del Pino, DE/OT, 6-3, 240, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons. While the Chiefs won the district this past season, they fell short of their goals set at the start of the season to reach the 2A state title game in Miami. To get back to where this program had been, winning three state titles over a five-year period, veteran head coach Matt Dubuc and his team will need prospects like this. A versatile lineman who showed his skills on both sides of the ball, giving this program an option of where to play him. He is athletic and has great feet. This is a player that will continue to mature in the off-season and will be even better when the 2025 season starts in August.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20059460/Justus-Del-Pino

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.. 

From the final game of the 2023 season, a loss to Jacksonville Mandarin to a six-point setback in the second round of the 6A state playoffs, there was little doubt that Coconut Creek Monarch had arrived as a budding football power in the Sunshine State.

Loaded with talent and equipped with a top-flight schedule, veteran head coach Calvin Davis and the Knights had certainly put a stamp as a program that was not in this to be a team, but a long-lasting program.

Coming off a 7-4 season that saw this program win the prestigious Broward National Showcase – top open the 2024 season – they had been recognized as one of the teams to watch in Florida.

While wins and losses are often misleading, the Knights lined up against some of the best this state, and nation, had to offer.

Losses to national powers Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas and Chaminade-Madonna as well as Sanford Seminole and Miami Southridge, it was a matter of rebounding and aiming for the 2025 season.

As this coming season is on the horizon, it will be the 2026 (rising seniors) class that will lead the way with talent, leadership and experience.

Here are some of those 2026 prospects to keep an eye on:

Jabari Brady, WR/Athlete, 6-3, 200 (3.3 GPA).

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/14832320/Jabari-Brady

Nyreeke Brown, DT, 6-4, 275.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18247404/Nyreeke-Brown

Ethan Claire, RB, 5-10, 170.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20783193/Ethan-Claire

Amari Deer, Athlete, 6-0, 170.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17865659/Amari-Deer

Raenaldo Farrington Jr., RB, 5-9, 205 – 4.3 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/21919956/Raenaldo-Farrington

Donovan Isnadin, OG, 6-3, 330 – 2.6 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19105641/Donovan-Isnadin

Jayden Joselin, DB/WR, 5-10, 160 – 4.4 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18208434/Jayden-Joselin

Florentino Lopez, QB, 6-3, 220 – 3.7 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18248982/Florentino-Lopez

Jaborree Riggins, WR, 6-4, 180.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18283843/Jaborree-Riggins

Sebastian White, OT, 6-3, 250.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17875215/Sebastian-White

Durrell Williams II, DT, 6-1, 250.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22497997/Durrell-Williams-II

AWAITING VIDEO

Diego Barrea, PK, 5-9, 155

Jordyn Pyfrom, DB, 6-1, 165 – 3.6 GPA

THE FUTURE WILL KEEP THE KNIGHTS NEAR THE TOP

As the rising senior class will certainly make this program relevant, it’s the underclassmen that will ensure that this is not just about 2025, but also over the next few seasons.

Check out these young prospects that will be active in the spring and into the summer.

CLASS OF 2027

Chris Cortinas, WR, 5-11, 165.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19976858/Chris-Cortinas

Sanjae Fisher, Athlete, 6-3, 185.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19485298/675f396af315e491c9577192

Bryan McCauley-Bynes, Athlete, 5-11, 165.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/24285696/bryan-bynes

Jaeden Phillips, QB, 6-0, 175.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19566907/Jaeden-Phillips

Nicholas Soto, OL, 6-1, 280.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19516412/Nicholas-Soto

AWAITING VIDEO

Anthony Williams, Athlete, 5-9, 155

CLASS OF 2028

Darren Jeudy, DB/WR, 6-0, 180.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23122526/Darren-jeudy

Khaleb Mack, DB, 5-10, 165.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23517471/Khaleb-Mack

Jordan Murray, OL, 6-3, 300.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23518672/Jordan-Murray

Gabriele Scarsini, LB, 5-11, 175 – 3.0 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23332867/gabriele-Scarsini

Conroy Whyte II, WR, 5-11, 165.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23372353/Conroy-Whyte

AWAITING VIDEO

Aiden Davey, DE, 6-3, 200

Javon Warren, DB, 5-10, 175

 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..