HOLLYWOOD – While spring football is never a definitive of what the regular season will look like, there are things you can tell about a program that will carry over to the summer and into the new year.
For veteran head coach Mike Manasco and the Miami Palmetto Panthers, getting by Miami Christopher in Class 7A has been a major obstacle in having the opportunity to play for a state title.
On Thursday afternoon in a spring game against yearly playoff team Miramar at McArthur Stadium, there was plenty to like on both sides of the ball for Palmetto, and by the end of the four-quarter event, there was much to be pleased about, heading into the summer.
“We had a very good spring, but the summer goes fast and before you know it, the regular season will be here,” Manasco told his team. “Enjoy what you did this spring and in today’s game, but there is still plenty of work ahead.”
While this program always seems to come up short in the race for state, many who watched them this spring believe that this is a team that has what it takes to make a solid run.
Several players are back along with new faces that give the Panthers a different look than they have had in the past. They are well coached and have the playmakers to make an impact.
TALENT IN EVERY CLASS
While the senior (2026) class is loaded with talent, there are also some impressive prospects in the 2027 (juniors) and 2028 (sophomore) classes as well.
Among those seniors expected to make an impact include Samuel Althuis (first year WR, basketball standout), Andre Bailey (QB/Athlete – 3.6 GPA), heavily recruited Anthony Brown (OL), Michael Colina (DL), Willie Dannah (DB), Marko Fernandez (DB – 4.0 GPA), Charles Flowers (WR), Braylen Green (DB), Chris Green (P/K), and Jaiden Henry (OLB, top sack leader).
The senior class also has prospects such as Caleb Jones (OLB), Wynton Jones Jr. (DB), Kevin Joseph (WR), Amiel Mackey (WR/Athlete – 3.25 GPA), Matthew Marsh (OL), Lucas Martinez (OL), Miami Westminster Christian transfer Conneilus “C.J.” Miller (WR – 3.49 GPA), Nikolai Moise (DB), Dylan Ragan (DL), and Ryan Ragan (LB).
Rounding out the class going into summer are Robert Richardson (WR), Miami Southridge transfer Rylee Sawchenco (OL – 3.9 GPA), Prince Smith (LB), Varian Terry (RB – 3.0 GPA), Elijah Tillman (DB), Kevin White (DB), and receiver Willie Wilson.
CLASS OF 2027 JUNIORS READY TO CONTRIBUTE
As gifted and experienced are the 2026 seniors, the Class of 2027 juniors are also looking to make an impact in 2025.
Among those players to watch are Mathias Augustin (LB), fast-rising Aiden Butler (RB), Jahari Collier (DL – 3.1 GPA), Ari Cromartie (OL), Zion Flowers (OL – 3.7 GPA), Rashad Fuller (OL – 3.2 GPA), talented Victor Guerrero (DL – 3.4 GPA), and state-rated South Dade transfer linebacker Brandon Howard.
Also keep an eye on gifted receiver Kaiden Howard, Antonio Jackson (DL), Corey Johnson (LB),
Elijah Johnson (DL), Julian Sanchez (OL), Kelsey Vergis (DB), and Armond Weston (DB).
CLASS OF 2028 IS WELL REPRESENTED
As the summer will shine a spotlight on several players on this team, the Class of 2028 sophomores will also have an opportunity to make a splash.
Among those players include Benjamin Bailie (WR), Ahmir Barnes (WR – 4.0 GPA), Jayden Diaz (DL), Santana Rogers (RB) and Alex Urbina (OL).
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