Even though they won their district and posted a 6-4 record, advancing to the state playoffs, veteran head coach Earl Sims and his staff felt that Miami Gulliver Prep could have accomplished more.

With some quality talent and impressive leadership, the Raiders lost their opening game in the post season at home against Miami Ransom Everglades in a contest that they had their chances.

While that loss stung, it did serve as a rallying point for this program as the off-season began. It only showed the returning players that if they want to go further, football needed to become a year-round priority.

With conditioning along with camps, combines and 7-on-7 events that will take this program into spring, the returning players realize that the competition in south Florida is something that will make them work harder.

HOW ABOUT THAT RETURNING 2027 CLASS?

When the 2025 season ended and the senior class (2026) got ready to move on, it became the responsibility of the rising senior class (2027) to take a leadership role.

As college coaches are passing through this January, it will be those prospect that will be on the clock – and it will be on their shoulders to display the experience that will be needed when play opens up for real in late August.

Among that rising senior class will be prospects such as Brendan Beery (4.67 GPA, QB, Baseball), versatile Carter Bonilla (4.9 GPA, OLB/DE, Lacrosse), gifted Darriel Cannon (4.0 GPA, RB/FS, Weightlifting), Alejandro Febo (3.4 GPA, K/ LB), Maurice Gage (OLB/SS), Harvel Jackson (QB), Terrence Jones (3.5 GPA, DT/OT), Deandre Leonard (WR/CB), Eli Levi (DT/FB), Easton McCarthy Levy (WR/CB), Max Tabatchnik (OL) and quarterback Jonathan Walker.

TALENTED UNDERCLASSMEN WILL BE CALLED UPON

As the rising senior class will certainly be counted on, so will the younger prospects – such as rising juniors (2028) Nicholas Gonzalez (OL/DL), Kiefer Hug (K/P), Yiannis Kavalekas (3.7 GPA, DE, Basketball), David Melchor (RB/SS), Troy Galembeck-Rohr (LS/ LB), Melvin Screen (WR/CB), Jacarro Smith Jr. (CB/WR) and versatile Jaylen Wilson (RB/LB).

Also, the Raiders will need production from Class of 2029 (rising sophomores) like Gabe Ellis (3.74 GPA, DL/OL), Aydin Hall (3.7 GPA, LB), Mason Maduro (3.8 GPA, OL/DL), Jamarquis Reid (WR/DB), Malachi Sims-Walker (OL/DL) and quarterback Tyler Welty.

GULLIVER PREP RAIDERS

Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace, L 26-21 (OT)

West Palm Beach The King’s Academy, W 14-10

North Palm Beach Benjamin, W 32-27

Key West, L 32-15

Miami Killian, W 34-27

Homestead Somerset Academy, W 33-8

Miami Belen Jesuit, W 26-14

Boca Raton Saint Andrew’s Academy, L 41-6

Miami St. Brendan, W 42-0

Miami Ransom Everglades, L 20-13

PHOTO COURTESY OF KEITH SMILIE - @nexgenscouting

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

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..