While Plantation American Heritage battled all season long to realize a goal of winning a state title, the job was never an easy one for head coach Mike Smith and his team.

While they were losing to national powers Milton, Georgia, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, Miami Central and Miami Norland, the setbacks were just a few points, and all could have gone the other way.

The Patriots did gain forfeit wins against Central and Norland, and it put them in a situation that many didn’t believe they would be in when the season started – for several reasons, but this turned out to be a year that every player, coach and fan would remember – in a positive way!

With many obstacles to overcome, this team reached down deep and captured the 4A state championship with a thrilling 41-31 win against previously unbeaten Orlando Jones.

Lost in this amazing run was the fact that the Patriots had to accomplish this amazing run without nationally rated junior quarterback Dia Bell (University of Texas commit), who was injured early in the playoffs, putting the season on the shoulders of University of Miami signee Malachi Toney – receiver by trade, but an athlete who stole the show in every game.

When this team proudly showcased their trophy for all to see on that Friday night at Pitbull Stadium in Miami, they finished 12-2 and the attention quickly turned to the 2025 season.

While losing some key players would be tough, what many didn’t realize is that this program was young. Very young!

Before any off-season transfers came in, the Patriots had 40 underclassmen coming back – and that news had this program believing that repeating was certainly something that could be a real possibility – especially with some high-profile additions this past month.

That 2026 rising senior class would be special. With a healthy Bell leading the way, the pieces are there. Among this players that will make a difference includes Elijah Balkman (LB, 5-11, 190 – 3.97 GPA), speedy playmaker Brandon Bennett (WR, 6-1, 180 – 3.57 GPA), Braylen Bennett (DB, 6-0, 185), Dylan Bennett (LB, 5-11, 210), Isaiah Calixte (RB, 5-9, 165), Reginald “Reggie” Camille (DL, 6-4, 220), Justin Cassini (P, 6-0, 180 – 4.6 GPA), rising star Jamar Denson (WR, 5-10, 180 – 3.6 GPA), Joshua Houston (CB, 5-10, 170 – 3.95 GPA), battle tested Jeffar Jean-Noel (WR, 5-10, 170), Aldarius Johnson Jr. (CB, 6-3, 170 – 3.8 GPA), Jesiyah Miguel (FS, 6-0, 185), and Kymani Morales (OLB, 6-3, 196).

The class also has Derrick Nichols (DB, 6-1, 165 – 3.3 GPA), Giovanno Redick (DL, 5-10, 258), Jordan Rusinque (Athlete, 6-0, 205), state rated Cory Simon (DT, 6-2, 255 – 3.4 GPA), Rodarion Tellez (DE, 6-3, 220), Charlie Volpe (LS, 6-0, 190), and three time state champion Teddy Welch (OL, 6-1, 285 – 3.8 GPA).

COULD THIS THE BEST JUNIOR CLASS IS SOUTH FLORIDA?

As several rising junior (2027) are coming back, the Patriots have already been helped with the addition of some high-profile transfers such as Davie Western transfer Jonathan Bueno (RB, 5-11, 190), Fort Lauderdale NSU Unioversit7 School transfer Shane Martinez (OL, 6-0, 260 - 3.2 GPA), Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy transfer Amare Nugent (Athlete, 6-0, 180) and two-time state champion receiver Ah’Mari Stevens, who comes over from Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas.

Also, prospects such as Brandon Anthony Diego Adams (OL, 6-5, 295), Ky’marie Brown (CB, 5-8, 165), Christopher Faso (DB, 6-0, 175), Edison Garzon (RB, 5-9, 170 – 4.0 GPA), Aiden Hartnett (OL, 6-3, 290 – 3.8 GPA), Blake Johnson (S, 5-8, 165), Michael Miller (WR, 5-9, 160), Jimmy Nuckel (DL/ILB, 6-1, 190), Hendrix O’Ferrall (DL, 6-0, 240), Nico Ramos (OL/DL, 6-6, 295), Zachary Schwartz (RB, 5-9, 180), Jadin Sheard (WR, 5-10, 170), Marcus Smith (RB/WR, 5-9, 165), Michael Stringer (WR, 5-11, 160) and versatile Isaac Tanis (DE/OT, 6-3, 240 – 3.8 GPA).

Keep an eye on Class of 2028 rising players Osneil Dillon (DE, 6-0, 205),

Tremaine Mullen (Athlete, 5-9, 170), and Viggo Palenzona (DB, 5-10, 170). Even rising freshman (2029) quarterback Othneil Rhoden (6-1, 180) is someone to keep an eye on.

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

For the past 54 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..