Thanks to a few south Florida high schools, last Friday night turned out to be special – in many ways.
When Miami Belen Jesuit said that there would be NO media or recruiting services allowed at the game, the first question was why? The second thing is why would you NOT expose your student/athlete who has been hidden away for the past six months?
While we cannot answer the rules others set – when you have fans in the stands, but not allow in media, which are always more than 60 feet from one another and the players – rather than the “mandatory” six feet, it’s hard to figure.
Belen Jesuit wasn’t the only school – taking extra precautions. Monsignor Pace originally had that mandate that media would not be let in, but later changed – after many had altered their plans for that week.
With Belen Jesuit and Monsignor Pace both in the rearview mirror, it was time to relive some history.
Tru Prep Academy (with players from NSU University School) hosted southern Miami-Dade Palm Glades Academy - at the old Lockhart Stadium/New York Yankees' spring training site - and current home to Inter Miami CF Stadium and training center/ practice fields that has stands, concessions -nand where the high school football games will be played this year by BCAA schools.
This practice facility – with this structure towering in the distance – brought back memories to the Fort Lauderdale Strikers and back when it began in the 1970’s. It also brought back those amazing games that took place at Lockhart Stadium. How many football stars made a name there.
Originally designed in 1959 for high school sports, the stadium's long-standing soccer connection began in 1977 when it became the home venue for the original Fort Lauderdale Strikers of the North American Soccer League In 1998, it was refitted for soccer to house the Miami Fusion in the Major League Soccer. It was also the home stadium of the FAU Owls football team from 2022-2010.
The first football game on this property since Dillard and Blanche Ely closed things in 2016.
To see football on this space of real estate – where more plans will include a parking garage and restaurants that would make that parcel of land extra special.
Another thing that was discussed about this new facility – which Deerfield Beach and Stranahan will be in action, was putting the state championship games in the large venue.
Hotels, restaurants are plentiful and the access from I-95 (blocks away) and the Turnpike (3 miles away) make it the perfect destination.
For the second straight week, TRU Academy had little problem with their opponent, but with defending 2A state champion Hialeah Champagnat Catholic and the national power in 7A St. Thomas Aquinas.
With several prospects who are committed to play at the next level, the Saints (2-0)
This game was more than a 61-0 win for TRU Prep Academy (2-0). What it was once again is a chance for prospects to jump on the radar and get the film needed.
With prospects such as seniors Max Balthazar (RB – Coasta Carolina commit), John Cannon PK, USF commit), Ricardo Hallman (CB, Wisconsin commit), Marcus Tate (OT, Clemson commit) and quarterback Nick Vattiato, who committed to Middle Tennessee State, who are already set, the Saints also have some prospects making some noise in the first two games so far.
Difference makers so far in this brief season include: seniors Jeremy Acosta, NG, Emile Aime, LB, Nygel Ashley, CB, Shai Kochev, LS, gifted linebacker Hayward McQueen and one of the true talents in this class so far - Vincent Pagano, who has shown plenty for the Saints.
Also, juniors David Espino Jr., OT, Justin Fevrier, OL/DL, and outside linebackers Knight Nakanishi and Dominic Mathis. And seniors, highlighted by the No. 1 receiver nationally in Brandon Inniss, and receiver Ben Sherota, who has made plenty of plays.
Here are the Saints as they compete this year – with some quality football talent
2021 – Donte Alexander, WR
2022 – Dawson Alters, C
2024 – Chris Balthazar, S
2021 – Fredrick Cage, WR
2023 – Lucas Castro, OL
2024 – Marlon Cochran, RB
2024 – Andrew Crowley, OL
2021 – Tamari Jones-Cummings, FS
2024 – Carlos Dales, LB
2023 – Connor Donahue, DB
2024 – Ian Donahue, WR
2024 – Kaleb Duncan
2021 – Jacques Holloway
2024 – Chris Ewald, DB
2022 – Cahlede Jackson, NG
2024 – Semaj Jackson, RB/S
2024 – Kaden Jacques
2022 – Jeremiah Jasper, OL
2024 – Jarvis Juste
2024 – Alon Kochav, K
2024 – J.T. Madison, WR
2024 – Jhamari Hall, OLB
2021 – Taj Nashid, OL
2024 – Zayquan Patterson, Athlete
2021 – Dylan Robinson, WR
2023 – Dominic Stephens, Athlete
2024 – Roderick Stewart
2024 – Cecil Stone, QB
2024 – Bryce Stringer, DE
2023 – Alex Thomas, LB
2024 – Duane Thurman
2024 – Jimmy Williams, OL
2024 – Ricardo Williams, WR
2024 – Jett Yurgealitis, QB
Palm Glades is in a rebuilding phase this year – with several young prospects.
2023 – Falique Andrus, FB
2024 – Mekhi Bethel, Slot
2023 – Immanuel Bynum, Slot/DB
2021 – Jamir Cain, OL
2022 – Matthew Carlos, LB
2022 – William Carrion, QB
2022 – Joseph Carroll, CB
2022 – Tony Fisher, LB
2021 – Dondre Fox, CB
2022 – Darius Hunter-Henley, WR
2023 – Brandon Hunte, RB
2022 – Cornelious Lee, LB
2022 – Edwin Lopez, WR
2021 – Shelton Navarro, DT
2021 – Jayson Teolus, S
For the past 50 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, nobody has evaluated more football talent than we have – we will remain steadfast to promote all south Florida’s high school football prospects. Follow us on Facebook (Larry Blustein- SFHSports) and Twitter (@SFHSSports - @larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..