When Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna High’s football team kicks things off tonight (7:00) against Clearwater Central Catholic at Gene Cox Stadium in Tallahassee, the unbeaten Lions will be a part of history.
Only Belle Glade Glades Day have done what head coach Dameon Jones and his team will do tonight. The 1M title appearance marks the seventh consecutive time this program has reached the state finals. Seven!
While most teams look to make it to one of even two state title games to complete their careers, this school has been the most impressive dynasty in the past decade, winning four of the past five titles.
That seven-year stretch, including this year’s 12-0 mark features 2021 (12-1), 2020 (8-2), 2019 (12-2), 2018 (12-2), 2017 (11-2) and 2016 (10-4) adds up to an amazing 79-13 record, which is easily among the best in the state during that period.
This is certainly a team that has relied on its senior class for leadership, but all classes for talent and depth. Among those seniors who have an impact includes DaAndre Duffus (OL, 6-5, 314), Luke Evans (CB, 6-2, 170), Elvin Harris (OL, 6-6, 300), Nat Moore Trophy finalist Edwin Joseph (WR/DB, 6-1, 185), Jeno Junius (S, 5-11, 185), William Larkins (OL, 6-5, 305), Wayne Peart (DT, 6-4, 270), D’Angelo Ponds (DB, 5-10, 155) and receiver Duane Thomas Jr. (5-10, 175).
In addition, there are Jaden Alvaranga (DB, 5-10, 175), Jeremiah Avrilien (RB, 5-8, 170), Matthew Cook (OT, 6-7, 270), Jermaine Fleming (FS, 6-2, 182), Josh Jones (DB, 5-9, 185), Giovani Marks (OT, 5-11, 255), Xavier Richardson (LS/DT, 5-10, 255), Kwame Smith (CB, 5-8, 155) and defensive back Zachary Tanelus (6-1, 160) who have proven to be extremely valuable.
THIS TRAIN IS FAR FROM DONE
As gifted as the senior class is, the underclassmen are among the best in the country – starting with Class of 2024 standouts such as Andrew Abu-Akel (PK, 5-10, 170), Cedrick Bailey (QB, 6-6, 195), Jackson Campbell (OC, 6-1, 270), standout running back Davion Gause (5-11, 203), Curtis Janvier (CB, 6-1, 175), amazing linebacker Denzel Johnson (6-0, 205), nationally rated safety Zaquan Patterson (6-1, 185), Kaleb Stewart (OLB, 6-1, 205), Bryce Stringer (DE, 6-2, 205), and two of the country’s elite receivers in Jeremiah Smith (6-3, 195) and Joshisa Trader (6-1, 170).
The junior class also includes David Brankovic (LB, 5-11, 185), Zach Crothers (DE, 6-4, 235), Sean Patrick Dulcio (DB, 5-11, 180), Kendarius Frazier (DE, 6-1, 240), Johnoy Johnston (WR, 6-2, 188), Brendan Leal (LB, 5-11, 210), Tyson Waters (WR, 5-8, 150), Rashaun Watson (DT, 6-2, 250), Carl Wilcox (DE, 6-3, 185) and offensive tackle John Zeikowitz (6-4, 290)
The future is indeed bright as Class of 2025 sophomores Tywan Cox (DB, 5-10, 165), Chris Ewald (CB, 6-1, 165), Adonis Ferguson (CB, 5-11, 160), Logan Kelly (DE, 5-11, 180), Donta Simpson Jr. (DT, 6-3, 280), Darius Smith (DB, 5-10, 170), Jaiden Toussaint (RB, 5-10, 180) and receiver Kyle Washington (5-10, 165) have already shown.
Class of 2026 freshmen Damani Atkinson (DT, 6-1, 300), Mekhi Bradley (OL, 6-2, 285), Jamar Denson (WR, 5-9, 165), Bryant Junius (RB, 6-0, 195), Rodarion Tellez (LB, 6-1, 200), Javarius Robinson (QB, 5-11, 180) and Kerby Vital (OL, 6-1, 255) represent the next wave of talent the Lions have.
LIONS (12-0)
St. John’s Washington DC, W 35-28
FORT LAUDERDALE DILLARD, W 49-28
Miami Northwestern, W 42-14
PLANTATION AMERICAN HERITAGE, 42-34
Miami Gulliver Prep, W 28-0
DEERFIELD BEACH SOMERSET KEY, W 90-0
HOLLYWOOD AVANT GARDE ACADEMY, W 63-0
BOCA RATON ST. JOHN PAUL II, W 63-0
PORT ST. LUCIE TREASURE COAST, W 45-16
HOLLYWOOD AVANT GARDE ACADEMY, W 48-0
WEST PALM BEACH CARDINAL NEWMAN, W 49-16
MIAMI TRUE NORTH CLASSICAL ACADEMY, W 56-0
CLEARWATER CENTRAL CATHOLIC MARAUDERS (12-1)
TAMPA BERKELEY PREP, W 24-7
Ocala Trinity Catholic, L 35-29
Tampa Catholic, W 28-14
ST. PETERSBURG CATHOLIC, W 20-0
SEBRING, W 16-10
Tampa Jesuit, W 23-21
TAMPA CAMBRIDGE CHRISTIAN, W 40-7
Tampa Carrollwood Day, W 30-6
Seffner Christian, W 63-6
BRADENTON IMG WHITE, W 63-35
LARGO INDIAN ROCKS CHRISTIAN, W 63-12
TAMPA CARROLLWOOD DAY, W 21-11
JACKSONVILLE UNIVERSITY CHRISTIAN, W 34-29
You Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..