Thirty years ago, Oscar Castaneda stood among some of Miami-Dade County’s elite football prospects as one of the best at what he did.

As a kicker for Miami High, he was selected as one of the best kickers not only in south Florida, but was considered as one of the best in the nation.

That was his sophomore year, where he was 12 of 15 on field goals, which included a 43-yarder to tie the game with rival Coral Gables in regulation and three more in overtime to beat the Cavaliers.

His glory as a high school kicker set the tone for a passion that has carried him through the years.

Today, he is one of the most successful kicking coaches around – working with some of the elite specialists in south Florida – and throughout the country.

His OKC (Oscar Kicking Camp) has attracted elite kickers – some who have moved on to the next level – while others are high school stars.

While University of Miami-bound and nationally-rated Class of 2021 standout Andres Borregales (Chaminade-Madonna) may be his most famous current prospect, he is not alone.

This Class of 2021 is stacked with some big time specialists, which includes:

Noah Botsford, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. This five-star standout is a strong kicker and punter and helped to lead the Raiders to an unbeaten season.

Gabriel Herrera, Somerset Academy Silver Palms. One of the emerging kickers in this class. Helped this program reach the state playoffs for the first time.

Joshua Lopes, Doral Academy. Here is one of those young men who has been at this for a long time – and as his senior year is here – he is one of the best again.

Hector Molero, Pembroke Pines Flanagan. Hard worker who continues to improve – and competes in showcases as well.

Diego Navia, Miami Palmetto. After coming in from South Dade, this is a tremendous talent who has the chance to be very special.

Alejandro Prado, Miami Christopher Columbus. Truly one of the difference makers in south Florida, who has enjoyed a very productive off-season.

Damian Ramos, Baltimore, Maryland. Another 5-star specialist who is the No. 1 rated kicker in Maryland.

Oliver Romanach, Miami Belen Jesuit. One of the strong prospects who has also enjoyed a very productive off-season.

Noe Rosales, Oakland Park Northeast. A solid kicker and punter who has made some major strides over the past year.

Ray Siguas, Coral Gables. This versatile specialist was also busy this off-season at showcase events.

Leo Zuazo, Miami Northwestern. Yet another of the state championship specialists that Castaneda continues to work with. He was also a head-turner in the off-season.

CLASS OF 2022 PROSPECTS ARE MAKING NOISE

In addition to this current senior class, the Class of 2022 has four impressive specialists that made a huge splash in the off-season.

At the top of that list is one of the nation’s best in Will Bettridge, who is a 5-star kicker/punter, who will be one of the top kickers nationally.

Bettridge, who led Miami Gulliver Prep to an unbeaten regular season and a No. 1 seed among 4A schools, is a tremendous student/athlete.

Also, Columbus standout Luis Palenzuela, Miami Central’s Jayden John, Dade Christian standout Aless DiClemente and Champagnat Catholic state championship kicker Ethan Moncada.

Here are some of the other 2022 kickers who will be heard from:

Gian Abatte, Miami Christian

Robbie Alhadeff, Parkland Douglas

Zachary Alvarez, Miami Monsignor Pace

Alejo Beteta, Miami Belen Jesuit

Daniel Diaz, Miami Killian

Andre Jandayan, Pembroke Pines West Broward

Edward Moreno, South Dade

Javier Novia, Christopher Columbus

Cole Schmidt, Miami Palmetto

CLASS OF 2023

Rowe Allen, Christopher Columbus

Samir Attasi, Chaminade-Madonna

Nick Caballero, Christopher Columbus

Ricky Correoso, Miami Westminster Christian

Chris DeVilliers, Christopher Columbus

Derek Fletes, Doral Academy

Jeffrey Hernandez, Coconut Creek

Aiden Martinez, Miami Norland

Marco Netto, Miami St. Brendan’s

Christian Silverstein, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons

CLASS OF 2024

Jacques Blanchard, Miami Gulliver Prep

Marco Camancho, Christopher Columbus

Andy Camargo, Chistopher Columbus

Robert Czeremcha, Miami St. Brendan’s

Kris Hobbs, Davie Western

Carlos Saladrigas, Christopher Columbus

Anthony Smith, Miami Braddock

CLASS OF 2025

Kevin Cascudo, Miami Florida Christian

Nate Sollin, Plantation American Heritage

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 – and as we are in the midst of a pandemic like no other time before – 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..