Talk to veteran Miami Norland head football coach Darryl Heidelberg and he will tell you how crazy 2020 was.

Because of the pandemic and Covid concerns, the season never really worked out the way that anyone wanted, but for the Vikings, a 4-3 record – which included four straight wins to end the season, gave this program plenty of optimism for the future.

The 4-3 mark certainly was a tale of two halves – with losses coming against Miami Killian, Miami Edison and Miami Booker T. Washington to start the season.

The turnaround came with wins against Miami High (34-20), South Miami (40-15), Hallandale (34-7) and Coconut Creek (41-28).

With a number of standouts coming back this season, the Vikings head toward spring with a lot to accomplish – as this program continues to work hard to get back into the mix – in this ultra-competitive area.

SENIOR CLASS WILL BE KEY

This Class of 2022 rising senior group will be counted on heavily to keep this program in the spotlight. Among those talented young men are Nayron Adderly (OL/DL, 6-5, 335), David Capers (OL/DL, 6-0, 260), D’aric Gainer (DB, 5-10, 165 – 3.4 GPA), Jaden Hall (WR, 6-1, 175), Lavonte Jenkins (RB, 5-8, 170 – 2.6 GPA, 910 SAT), Keyon Meza (DB, 5-10, 175 – 2.7 GPA) and three-year varsity starting quarterback Deon Parker (5-10, 200 – 2.6 GPA).

Look for Norland to get plenty of out receiver Jacob Ramsey (6-0, 175), linebackers James Shaw (5-11, 185) and Amari Taylor (6-0, 175 – 3.0 GPA – 880 SAT) – and versatile lineman Tarik Williams (OL/DL, 6-0, 245 – 2.5 GPA).

MAKE WAY FOR THE UNDERCLASSMEN

If this program is going to be successful into the future, the Class of 2023 will indeed be a place where the Vikings need to build for the future. Already committed to Georgia Tech, standout running back Javin Simpkin (5-7, 165) leads the way and will once again be a major catalyst. He is a top 100 player in Florida for the class.

In addition to Simpkin, the Vikings also feature Jermaine Beard (LB/FB, 5-11, 240n – 2.6 GPA), Jamari Holliman (DB, 6-1, 175 – 3.1 GPA), Caleb Jean (WR, 5-11, 170), Aidan Martinez (PK, 5-11, 170 – 2.78 GPA), Shevoun Minott (DE, 6-1, 230), Richard Murray (DB, 5-11, 175 – 4.25 GPA), Kemari Rhodd (DB, 5-10, 170 – 3.45 GPA), Morris Thomas (LB, 6-0, 200), Jamari Wilson (OL, 6-0, 270) and receiver Jeremiah Wilson (5-10, 165 – 2.8 GPA).

Also, keep an eye on this rising sophomore class – as 2024 standouts are ready to make a huge contribution in 2021 as well.

Rising prospect like gifted receiver Isaiah Scott (5-10, 155, 2.65 GPA), Jeremiah Marcelin (DE, 6-2, 210 – 3.35 GPA), Joaquin Reid (WR, 5-9, 150 – 3.11 GPA) and offensive lineman Jimmy Williams (6-4, 245 – 2.55 GPA).

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..