It’s been three months since Miami Palmetto’s heart-breaking loss in the 7A state semifinals, and the Panthers are still stinging from something that may never go away.
The 45-44 two overtime loss at Vero Beach, which would have sent veteran head coach Mike Manasco and his Panthers to the state title game for the first time in school history is something that is serving as fuel this off-season as this program is now among the top teams in the state and understands that anything short of getting to that final game would be a disappointment.
While there are several seniors who will be moving on, it will be up to the underclassmen and newcomers to finish the business that ended on that December night in Indian River County.
As we know, high school football is different than it has been – with student/athletes moving from school to school, and while this roster should pretty much remain the same, several new faces will be added in the coming months.
CLASS OF 2027 RISING SENIORS WILL BE COUNTED ON
With that loss to Vero Beach fresh on the minds of the returning players, this rising senior (2027) class will take the lead role this off-season and benefit from their experience.
Among those current rising seniors include Mathias Augustin (LB), Denzley Balthazar (LB), Eythan Bargman (DB), Kemoni Brooks (CB), Aiden Butler (RB), Ari Cromartie (OL), Bomani Francis (LB), Rashad Fuller (OL), Roberto Gonzalez (DE/OLB), Victor Guerrero (DL), Brandon Howard (OLB/DE), Kaden Howard (WR), Antonio Jackson (DL), Cory Johnson (LB), Elijah Johnson (OL/DL), Joshua Lamons (DB), Julian Sanchez (OL), Deyon Smith (LB/S), Jahni Smith (RB), Kelsey Veargis (DB) and safety Armond Weston.
UNDERCLASSMEN WILL BE VERY IMPORTANT
With several teams standing in the way once again in 2026, the underclassmen will be vital to this success of this program.
Among those 2028 rising juniors will be Ben Ballie (TE/DE), Britton Bayag (WR/FS), Baudelin Bontemps (DB), Julian Alvarez-Briz (OL), Jayden Diaz (OLB/DE), Nathan Katz (WR), Nicolas Lacayo (OL), Jefftavious Lyons (WR), Daniel Paulino (OL), Santana Rogers (RB), Jason Rolle (DB), Fletcher Spann III (LB) and offensive linemen Alex Urbina.
There are also Class of 2029 rising sophomores who figure to step up as well. Prospects such as Travis Godbolt Jr. (LB), Kaden Hunter (OL), Malik Lamons (WR), Haydrian Molina (QB), Landon Polizzano (K/P), Abriyam Radcliff (CB), Mario Stallings (DB) and defensive back Shawn Strozier.
2025 Miami 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, 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..