The landscape of 7-on-7 programs in south Florida continues to grow each and every year – with more quality athletes filling rosters all over the region.
The days of the two, three and four teams playing – while other impressive athletes sit - are indeed over. More football players and coaches are starting new teams every year – and as predicted – they are all competing against the “best” and are more than holding their own.
For Coach Ron Hardge, it has always been about the kids, his own and others. He has never strayed too far from the game, coaching at the youth level – as well being an assistant coach at St. Thomas Aquinas, where his junior varsity players are now getting ready to impact the Raiders at the varsity level.
With his son, Isaiah, playing receiver at the varsity level, it was only natural that “Impact Athletes” was born.
This off-season 7-on-7 team features prospects from two-time defending 7A state champion St. Thomas Aquinas, defending 4A state champion Cardinal Gibbons, Plantation American Heritage, Fort Lauderdale, Boyd Anderson, Chaminade-Madonna, Miami Northwestern, Boca Raton, Taravella and Piper to mention a few programs.
This is not just a team put together at the last moment. These prospects have been coming up through youth football together, and they have been impressive so far.
In addition to Isaiah Hardge, other St. Thomas Aquinas athletes playing for Impact Athletes include 2023 standouts Jerry Johnson (DB), receivers Jaylen Bonelli and Kymani Fleurme, tight end Tekai Kirby, speedy athlete Conrad Hussey and running back Germari Sands, and Class of 2022 defensive back prospect Terphil Bien-Aime.
Cardinal Gibbons also has some impressive talent – such as Class of 2023 rising defensive back prospect Isaiah Farris and linebacker Jeremiah Makins - and Class of 2022 secondary standout Willie Reed.
Coach Richard Dunbar’s ever improving team has two impressive athletes on this squad – with Class of 2022 safety Isaiah Alcime and 2023 DB Richard Francois.
The Impact Athletes also boast Plantation American Heritage Class of 2023 performers Corey Goldsby (athlete) and quarterback Blake Murphy.
In addition, here are some Class of 2023 prospects who have a chance to be special. Players like Mekhi Turner (Boyd Anderson, LB), Jason Bourciquot (Chaminade-Madonna, WR), Monroe Allen (Piper, WR), Kareem Maycock (Miami Northwestern, LB), Jacob Cashion (Boca Raton, QB), Keith Bullard (Taravella, QB) and receiver standout Arthur Jenkins Coral Glades.
For the past 51 years, we have spent time going from games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events. We will remain steadfast to promote all south Florida’s high school football prospects. Follow us on Facebook (Larry Blustein- SFHSports) and Twitter (@SFHSSports - @larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..