When schools had to make their decision last summer whether to play in the FHSAA state football series – or to compete in the south Florida Tri-County Championships, many were caught off guard with the decision that Homestead High made.

With coach Philip Simpson running the show, there was no way that he wasn’t giving his prospects a chance to compete for a state title – and the Broncos did just that.

Beating Naples Gulf Coast and North Miami, the Broncos also got by Doral Academy in the first round of the 7A state playoffs.

Finishing 3-3, they would drop games against Miami Edison and Miami Palmetto in the regular season – and a season-ending setback against Venice (50-13) in the playoffs.

As we are now in the middle of spring, the objective has been to get all the athletes on this team on the same page.

Rising seniors (2022) such as heavily recruited standout Dante Anderson (DE, 6-4, 215 – 3.1 GPA) and Daniel Lyon (DL, 6-5, 290 – 3.1 GPA) are very solid and have turned out to be leaders. Jamarion Mack (OL, 6-2, 295 - 2.47 GPA) and Joel Talley (DB, 5-10, 185 – 3.1 GPA) are two others who have the opportunity to keep the Broncos in the spotlight in 2021.

Other Class of 2022 football talent includes Steven Calderon (K, 5-6, 175 – 2.8 GPA), Da-vonte Calexte (TE/LB, 6-3, 210 – 2.9 GPA), Derrick Dargin (OL, 6-4, 290 – 3.1 GPA), Mark Evans (WR, 5-9, 170 – 2.6 GPA) and linebacker Desean Foster (6-0, 190 – 2.8 GPA) will need to step up and make an impact.

Other Broncos to watch for include Devin Franklin (WR, 6-0, 175 – 3.1 GPA), Jaden Henry (WR/DB, 6-1, 175 – 3.2 GPA), Noah Lyons (DL), Tyrone Maxwell (RB, 5-10, 185 – 2.8 GPA), Courtney Orr (DL, 5-11, 250), Vincent Thomas (LB) and versatile Taquevious Welch (5-10, 170 – 3.1 GPA).

UNDERCLASSMEN ADD MUCH-NEEDED DEPTH

If the Broncos are going to make a run in a competitive 7A, Class of 2023 athletes Richard Dandridge (WR, 5-10, 170 – 2.9 GPA), David Jester (WR, 6-2, 180), Joseph Ramirez (FS) and defensive lineman Markwon Strong (5-11, 210) will be fun to watch – on both sides of the ball.

Class of 2024 standouts are already starting to emerge as prospects to keep an eye on. Gifted football players Isaiah Brady (CB), Lonnie Brady (OL, 6-5, 260), Aham Brown (OL/DL, 6-2, 240), impressive Isaac Brown (RB, 5-8, 165), Giovanne Eloissaint OC, 5-11, 240) and running back Antonio Jackson (RB, 5-8, 160) will be very special.

Other rising sophomores who are anxious to make an impact include Amen Mackey (DE/LB, 6-0, 180), Eduardo Nunez (LB, 6-0, 190), Juan Ramirez (DT, 5-10, 225), Gahel Sera (DE), Christian Starr (OL, 6-3, 265), Ortravis Stewart (RB), Joshua Townsend (QB, 6-0, 200) and receiver Fraquan Warren (5-8, 180).

For the past 51 years, we have spent time going from games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events. 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..