For the first time in school history Coconut Creek Monarch came within one game of playing for the state title on the football field last season.
Veteran head coach Calvin Davis and his Knights had put together a five-game winning streak after losing to national powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas and was hosting Jacksonville Mandarin in a game that would send the winner to state.
Monarch would lead after the first quarter, trail by two at the half and found themselves heading into the fourth quarter down by just three. But that fourth quarter is where things fell apart, and they saw their dreams of playing for a first ever state title, getting outscored 27-0 and losing 51-21.
That loss was not easy to take as the season ended 11-3.
With several seniors moving on, it was time to rebuild for another run, but when they lost the No. 1 Class 2026 player in the state, receiver Jabari Brady to nationally rated Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, it was time to reload.
It comes as no surprise to anyone in south Florida that there are more football transfers that take place in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties than anywhere in Florida – and the numbers are not close.
With the success of the Knights in 2023, and a solid coaching staff that has a reputation of teaching and sending athletes on to the next level, the roster began to change, and perhaps nobody has been more active in the off-season than this team.
While they also would lose Class of 2027 quarterback prospect Jaeden Phillips (PEMBROKE PINES SOMERSET ACADEMY), and 2025 players Standley Louis Jr. (WR/Slot -COCONUT CREEK) and Terrence Johnson Jr. (Athlete - FORT LAUDERDALE CARDINAL GIBBONS) along with a few others, this program served notice that they are ready to pick up where they left off – with some quality newcomers.
With some impressive talent already on the roster, the Knights brought in 2025 prospects Ayden Guy (OC, Boca Raton St. John Paul II), William Gedeon (OT, Coral Springs Taravella), Jaylen Liberal (DB, Deerfield Beach), Belal Logan (WR, Fort Lauderdale NSU University School), Bre’Lan Mareus (RB, Fort Lauderdale), Mekhi Miller (LB, Deerfield Beach), and receiver/defensive back Antwaun Parham (Springfield Effingham County, Georgia).
Class of 2026 rising juniors Amari Deer (Athlete, Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy), Jaborree Riggins (WR, Fort Lauderdale), and Gerald Thomas (DE/OLB, Pompano Beach Blanche Ely) also came aboard. The Knights also got Cardinal Gibbons 2027 receiver Chris Cortinas.
While there is a long way to go before things kick off in late August, Monarch is certainly ready to make some noise statewide.
During the spring, we will do an updated look at the complete roster.
PHOTO COURTESY OF MARGATE TALK
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For the past 54 years, we have spent plenty of 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 (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..