The distance from Miami Palmetto Senior High School to Vero Beach Senior High School is 156 miles. Panthers’ head football coach Mike Manasco and his 2025 team lived every mile of that route on the way back south on Dec. 5th.
After losing in the 7A state semifinals to the Indians in two overtimes, 45-44, coming within one play of a first ever trip to the state championship game, the sting of that memorable loss will never go away – and as the new year is here and the 2026 season is eight months away, you can guarantee that every month that this program is working, the motivation of how 2025 ended will stick with them in every spring they run, weight they lift and event they attend.
While many gave the Panthers very little chance to get out of south Florida, they made believers – beat longtime rival Miami Christopher Columbus twice on the way to a season that will be remembered by the departing senior class forever.
With several key seniors moving on and a number of prospects returning, the new face of high school sports in this region of the state is never etched in stone. As we speak, several players are making their intentions know for 2026, and you can bet with the success that the Panthers had this past season, players will want to be part of this program that is still loaded with talent and quality coaching.
PLENTY OF UNDERCLASSMEN TO CHOOSE FROM
As a very gifted senior class moves on, the Panthers still believe that with the returning players they have – along with plenty of new faces – that they will definitely be back in the mix.
Among those Class of 2027 rising seniors include Mathias Augustin (LB/DE), Denzley Balthazar (LB), Eythan Bargman (CB), Junior Bontemps (WR), standout Aiden Butler (RB), Ari Cromartie (OT), Bomani Francis (LB), Rashad Fuller (OT/DE), Roberto Gonzalez (DE/OLB), and Victor Guerrero (DE).
There are also standout receiver Kaden Howard, Antonio Jackson (OL/DL), Cory Johnson (LB), Elijah Johnson (OL), Jordin Lubin (LB/RB), Daniel Rosado (QB), Julian Sanchez (OL), Kelsey Veargis (S) and Armond Weston (SS).
As solid is the returning 2027 class will be, keep an eye on those rising juniors in 2028. Prospects such as Ben Ballie (WR/TE), Samuel Casseus (DT), Baudelin Bontemps (RB), Nathan Katz (WR) and running back Santana Rogers.
In this day and age of high school football, getting freshmen in the mix in their first season at the varsity level is something that helps programs build. The Panthers have Travis Godbolt Jr. (MLB), Jaydin Lubin (LB/RB), Robert Nesbit (WR), Landon Polizzano (K/P) and Abriyam Radcliff (CB) who will have a chance to make an impact over the next few years.
While not every player who ended the season with the Panthers will return, but for those who had such a valuable experience in 2025,t those who are back will certainly benefit from the experience of this past season.
2025 PALMETTO PANTHERS
Miami Booker T. Washington, W 35-0
Miami Southridge, L 34-34
Miami Christopher Columbus, W 24-21
Miami Killian, W 42-21
Coral Gables, W 43-0
Homestead South Dade, W 45-7
Miami Northwestern, L 28-0
Miami High, W 43-7
Fort Myers Bishop Verot, W 20-10
*Coral Springs Coral Glades, W 42-0
*Miami Christopher Columbus, W 27-10
*Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman, W 65-41
*Vero Beach, L 45-44 (2OT)
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..