When you win several state championships and set a record for consecutive appearances in the state title game, your program sells itself.
For head coach Dameon Jones and his Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna Lions, the proof is certainly in what has happened on the football field – where this team has been to a state-record eight straight state championship games and continues to make an impact.
After sending a number of football players on to the next level – with more to come – the Lions have hit the off-season in a major way and the program, much like others in south Florida continues to show that if you win, the benefits will more than pay off.
While this region of the country has been recognized for the amount of transfers that take place, many schools have hit the ground running even before the start of spring. While the Lions are getting much of the spotlight before we even reach February, they are no alone.
Let’s face it – everyone gravitates to a winner. It’s human nature, and not just in athletics. It goes on every day in every walk of life, so it’s only natural that it has found its way to high school athletics. Over the past five years, over 1,000 student/athletes in football only have changed schools in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties alone! Those numbers could be on the low side.
With NIL college deals and transfer portals at an all time high, the process continues to find a home on high school campuses.
The success that the Lions have enjoyed at the national level is something that everyone has noticed. You just do not go unbeaten in the regular season two straight years, especially with a more than challenging schedule, have an 80-13 record since 2015and fly beneath the radar. Parents notice. Fellow coaches notice. Student/Athlete also notice.
NEW FACES ARE STARTING TO ARRIVE
With a second-place national finish, Chaminade has enjoyed some early benefits with transfers already coming over.
Among the student/athletes making a move include 2025 (rising seniors) Camari Hall (Athlete, Hollywood McArthur), nationally recognized receiver Koby Howard (Davie Western), and defensive lineman Matthew Pointer (Fort Lauderdale)
Class of 2026 standouts such as R.J. Alphonse (DE, Miami Lakes Barabara Goleman), No. 1 national receiver Jabari Brady (Coconut Creek Monarch), versatile prospect Derrick Cooper (Athlete, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons), fast-rising offensive lineman Ben Gula (Weston Cypress Bay), Leonzay Merzius (DB, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons), Miami Norland kicker Noah Sidan, who was one of the best in Florida this past season, leading the Vikings to the 2M state final, and recent addition Elias Sturman – (OL, 6-1, 300) from Bradenton IMG Academy.
There is also the addition of Class of 2027 nationally-rated quarterback Zach Katz, already a two-year varsity starter from Miami True North Classical Academy/
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For the past 54 years, we have spent plenty of 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 (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..