As we sit home today and celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday with friends and family, there is indeed so much to be thankful for.
Our health being the most important part of the holiday, we also say thank you for another high school football season – as several team hit the practice field for their annual Thanksgiving morning practice.
While several teams continue to participate in the state playoffs there are other programs who are at home looking toward the off-season and heading to college.
Today, we take time to look at the induvial players who impacted the state of Florida from south Florida. Standouts who stepped up and were among the statistical leaders in the Sunshine State.
As we start with prospects who put up big number, we check in with the quarterbacks. Among some of the top Miami-Dade and Broward players were South Plantation junior Jadyn Glasser, who led the Paladins with 2,624 yards and 25 touchdowns are Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna Class of 2024 standout Cedric Bailey, who led the unbeaten Lions with 2,612 yards and 36 touchdown passes.
Some of the other top quarterbacks this season from a statistical standpoint included Pembroke Pines Somerset junior Camden Hartzell (2,455, 30 touchdowns), Miami Norland sophomore Ennio Yapoor (2,455 – 26 touchdowns), Miami True North Classical Academy 8th grader Zac Katz (2,358, 30 touchdowns) and Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy junior Anthony Barbar (2,204, 20 touchdowns), who were all within the top 30 in the state.
Running backs also made a major statement this season – with Doral Academy senior Mark Wilder Jr. leading the way with 2,142 yards and 24 touchdowns in leading the Firebirds to the 4M Region finals.
Other south Florida runners making an impact included Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian senior Reggie Heywood (1,897, 22 touchdowns), Miami Coral Reef senior Nicholas Lardizabal (1,771, 22 touchdowns), versatile Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest senior Jordan Faison (1,661, 23 touchdowns), Plantation American Heritage standout Mark Fletcher (1,542, 18 touchdowns) and Parkland Douglas senior Clayton Cannon Jr. (1,480, 14 touchdowns).
Receivers also did their part to jump onto the state radar screen – with Coconut Creek senior Jessie Fields (1,054, 8 touchdowns) and Plantation American Heritage five-year varsity starter Brandon Inniss (1,043 yards and 13 touchdowns) leading the way.
Other pass catchers from Miami-Dade and Broward Counties who turned heads included West Broward sophomore Joshua Moore (1,043, 11 touchdowns), Plantation senior Jamari Haynes (948 yards, 9 touchdowns), Pembroke Pines Charter senior Jason Bourciquot (914 yards, 9 scores) and Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy senior Jahlan Paul (894 yards, 9 touchdowns) leading the way.
THE DEFENSE HAD ITS STARS
Like the offensive side of the ball, there were some quality performers on defense as well.
Among the top sack leaders included Miami Central senior standout Rueben Bain, who finished with 22.
There were also FSU-bound Miami Gulliver senior Lamont Green Jr. (20 sacks), Miramar Everglades standout Kenley Israel (20 sacks), Miami Carol City junior Germaine Carter (19 sacks) and Miami Belen Jesuit junior and school all-time leader Gavench Marcelin (18 sacks).
When it came to making tackles, players like South Miami senior safety/linebacker Artravian Driver (172), standout linebacker Antron Williams (162), senior linebacker David Vadala (137), who was the all-time leader in Plantation American Heritage’s storied history, NSU Nova Southeastern senior linebacker Dylan Daniel (125) and Coconut Creek Monarch defensive lineman Gavin Peacock, who ended the impressive season with 123.
When talking about defensive playmakers, south Florida certainly had its share of defensive secondary standout, who came up with key interceptions.
Among the best included Miami Archbishop Carroll junior Kenneth Pembleton, who was tied for the lead in the Sunshine State with 8.
Other Miami-Dade and Broward defensive secondary catalysts included Pembroke Pines Charter junior Jayden Josue (7), Miami True North Classical Academy senior JonJon Delgado (7) and senior Jeremiah Jean-Phillips (6), Miami Dr. Krop junior Kai-El Pascal (6), Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy senior Christopher Brown (6), and Fort Lauderdale Stranahan senior Devan Lamar, South Plantation sophomore Kaleb Declaire, Miramar Everglades sophomore Jabori Wilson, Weston Cypress Bay sophomore Mateo De Almeida, Coconut Creek Monarch senior Brayden Slade, Miramar senior Tre Rigby and Miami Belen Jesuit super sophomore Bryce Fitzgerald, who all had 5.
TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2023-2026. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects
For the past 52 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..