In a week when the rest of the state was getting ready for the post season, the Sunshine State Athletic Association’s (SSAA) 11-man division took some of the spotlight this past Friday night.
As Miami Florida Christian and Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace clashed in an independent playoff game, it was time for some of the players and teams to get their piece of the high school football playoff pie.
As the season winds down for Miami-Dade and Broward County football teams, it was time for the Patriots and head coach Gio Montano to make a splash.
Their 17-7 victory over the Spartans moves this program on to the South Semifinals against Jupiter Christian this week.
Led by a strong defense, and over 100 yards and two touchdowns from junior running back Cordell Gibson, Florida Christian continued its climb toward a state title.
“We talk about something inside of us that’s strong,” Montano said. “All Glory to God at the end of the day. “It’s an awesome feeling and I’m proud of these guys, but we’re not done yet. They’re trusting the process and the coaches and they’re balling out right now.”
This is a program that has used a mix of talent all year. Among the seniors include Tavarus Greene (WR/FS), Amir Wright (CB/WR), Esteban LaLuz (RB/SS), Curtis Barley (OLB/FS) and Rylen Zamora (TE/OL).
While Gibson leads the way in the 2028 class, he is not alone. There are also Aiden Perez (WR/DB), Nathaniel Escoto (LB/FB), Isaiah Williams (SS/RB), Gabriel Reina (OLB/TE), Julian Garcia (OLB/TE), Adrian Mora (OL/DL) and Noah Bencid (DL).
Sophomores Izeah Rizo (QB), freshmen Jeremiah Cadavieco (DL/RB) and Brandon Morgan (DB) and versatile eighth grader Alberto Estevez Jr. have also done their job.
MIAMI FLORIDA CHRISTIAN PATRIOTS
West Palm Beach The King’s Academy, L 20-14
Miami Braddock, W 42-0
Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest, W 24-17
Miami Beach, L 23-7
Riviera Beach Inlet Grove, W 47-14
Pompano Beach NextGen Prep, W 41-6
Miami Belen Jesuit, W 28-8
Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy, W 33-15
Tampa Cambridge Christian, W 35-7
Marco Island Academy, W 56-0
Fort Lauderdale NSU University School, W 49-14
11/6 – Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace, W 17-7
11/14 – Jupiter Christian
Other action involving south Florida teams this past week were:
Calvary Christian (Fort Lauderdale) 31, Hardee County (Wauchula) 14
Coral Shores (Tavernier) 41, Bayside (Palm Bay) 28
Jupiter Christian 35, Out-of-Door (Sarasota) 12
North Broward Prep (Coconut Creek) 36, Somerset Canyons (Boynton Beach) 16
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
For the past 56 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..