MIAMI GARDENS – Some six hours after it began on a hot Saturday afternoon, the inaugural “King of the Gardens” 7-on-7 event at St. Thomas University came to an end.

With 14 teams entered in this event, it came down to a pair of teams who have worked very hard this off-season but have come up short a several colleges and universities across the country.

When the clock ticked down shortly before 9 p.m., Weston’s Cypress Bay had run a gauntlet and beat fellow Broward County school, Davie Nova, to hold the trophy high.

As STU head football coach Bill Rychel handed head coach Bret Hood the trophy, it capped off a day where football was indeed in the spotlight.

With over 200 offensive and defensive linemen taking part in a battle of the big men, another 200-plus talented football players battled for a title that was indeed prestigious.

With a final four that included Cypress Bay, Nova, Miramar and Miami Beach, the event was exciting as coaches and fans were treated to quite a day on campus.

The Saturday event was part of a huge weekend for the Bobcats, who attracted another 300 plus prospects on Sunday for a position camp and specialist event that coach Oscar Castaneda organized.

With St. Thomas University being one of the nation’s top NAIA programs, there were a number of players and their parents who were on the campus for the first time.

“We have traveled quite a bit this summer and have come up short in several events like this,” Hood said. “But like I told everyone all spring, this football team has really come a long way and we are super excited about the 2025 season.”

In addition to Cypress Bay, Nova (Coach Tyrus McCloud), Miami Beach (Coach Wilkie Perez) and Miramar, which had two teams under veteran head coach A.J. Scott, there were several other teams that took part – including Hollywood McArthur (Coach Robert Ortega), Boca Raton Saint John Paul II (Coach Jamaal Hunte), Hialeah Miami Lakes (Coach Julian Patrick), North Miami (Coach Gerald Cox), Miami Carol City (Coach George Stubbs), Fort Lauderdale Stranahan (Coach Jacky Candy) and head coach Maurice Russell at Fort Meade from Polk County.

Cypress Bay, which failed to make the state playoffs a year ago, have added some pieces along with some new coaches – and this spring and summer, those involved really made an impact – no matter where they went.

Among those making a statement on Saturday included Class of 2026 seniors Alex Genovese (WR, 5’9, 150), Chance Black (DB, 5’9, 165),  Jayden Mendez (DB, 5’11, 190), Micah Nichols (DB, 6’0, 190), Trentin Holder (WR, 5’11, 175), James Dixon (CB, 5’11, 195), and tight end Lorenzo Lopez (6’3, 220).

There were also Class of 2027 juniors C.J. Faso (DB/WR, 6’0, 190), Will Cullen (CB, 5’10, 170), Gabe Lemoine (WR, 5’8, 155), Peyton Lamarre (LB, 5’10, 205), Logan Pelliccio (QB, 5’11, 195), Zac Hersh (WR, 6’0, 185), Michael Millar (WR, 6’0, 175), and tight end Hunter Cullen (6’1, 210).

The Lightning will also have some Class of 2028 sophomores such as Jake Bass (LB, 5’11 190), Aiden Hutchinson (CB, 5’9, 150), Kaden Langford (TE/DE), 6'5, 215), Kai Roshaven (LB, 5’8 155) and tight end Martin Lopez (6’0, 190).

There are also Class of 2029 freshmen who figure to make an impact over the next few years – like Aaden Rodrigues (WR/DB, 5’9, 150), Steven Peterson (S, 6’0, 170) and linebacker Joaquin Lopez (6’0, 170).

Among the top Cypress Bay performers in the event included Logan Pelliccio (23 touchdowns and 0 interceptions), Michael Millar, Zac Hersh, Jake Bass and James Dixon.

Elite Miami-Dade/Broward Teams To Watch. https://larryblustein.com/news/there-are-elite-teams-in-miami-dade-broward-this-summer

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..