Looking back at the 2020 season and the choice that head coach Mike Manasco and his Miami Palmetto Panthers made to compete for a state title, turned out to be a win/win.

With one of the best defensive units in south Florida, the Panthers played just seven games, but in everyone of those contests, we were watching some of the top football talent in the nation that played every contest to the very end.

With just two regular season games – a 35-7 win over Homestead - and a 17-7 setback to Miami Northwestern – it was playoff time. Something that was determined weeks in advance of the game – because it was a Covid season, after all.

The much-anticipated showdown with perennial state power Orlando Dr. Phillips was a win (10-0) on the scoreboard, but certainly set the tempo if this program was going to reach the state finals for the first time in school history.

When then junior quarterback Kevin Smith went down early in the opening playoff game, the season certainly took a different turn. But as they have done all year, games were dictated by this amazing unit that sent numerous players on to the next level.

The next three weeks would see this team hit the road – and against Orlando Lake Nona (9-6), Port St. Lucie Treasure Coast (22-21 OT) and Vero Beach (10-7), it appeared that this season – with all the ups and downs and with just two regular season games – may have gone in the Panthers’ direction.

Playing for a first ever trip to the state football finals, Palmetto once again relied on defense against Kissimmee Osceola – and it was enough for 46 minutes. But in the end, a big play by the Kowboys sent Palmetto home, 9-6.

As this spring continues to unfold and give way to summer, the Panthers are right back in the mix – but with so many key prospects to replace, it will take time.

The rising senior (2022) class is still loaded with quality talent – such as a healthy and determined Smith at quarterback.

There are also prospects such as Miami Northwestern transfer Jai-Ayviauynn Celestine (Athlete, 5-10, 175 – 3.1 GPA), who is so gifted, but has been used sparingly in his career. There is also very talented receiver Bobby Golden (5-10, 185 – 2.9 GPA), quality running back Marlon Hanna (5-11, 180 – 3.7 GPA) and soon to be four-year starter Mike Jackson (Athlete, 5-10, 160 – 2.7 GPA), who is one of the most energetic prospects in the class – with speed and game-breaking abilities.

In addition, the Class of 2022 also features Jacob Jeudy (OL, 6-4, 270), Jaiden Louis (LB, 6-0, 190 -2.45), Isaiah Mosley (RB, 5-11, 195 – 3.3 GPA), Tay Pender (DB, 5-11, 165 – 2.6 GPA), Keshawn Renejuste (WR, 5-9, 165 – 2.6 GPA), Jeff Scott (OL, 6-3, 285), Jamarrion Solomon (DL, 6-1, 275 – 2.6 GPA) and athlete Kornell Stewart (5-8, 170 – 2.6 GPA)

THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT FOR THE PANTHERS

As solid as the senior class will be, the rising juniors (2023) will set the table for the future. Prospects like Dwight Bootle (DB, 5-10, 175 – 3.4 GPA), Darryl Doctor (OL, 6-3, 280) and Mark Gay (DB, 5-11, 180 – 3.1 GPA). All three of these standouts are already among the top players in the state for the class – and certainly being pushed out regionally and nationally.

While those three will get plenty of attention throughout the rest of the spring and into the summer, look for standouts Derrick Bohler (WR, 6-2, 200 – 2.6 GPA), Blake Brookins (WR, 6-4, 210 – 3.5 GPA), Thomas Byrom (DL, 6-1, 255), Josh Felipe (OL, 6-4, 285 – 3.3 GPA), Robert Fulmore (WR, 5-9, 185 – 3.1 GPA), Gabe Hardman (LB, 5-11, 200 – 2.7 GPA), Kiran Joyner (DB, 5-9, 150 – 2.9 GPA), Lucas Suarez (QB, 6-2, 190 – 3.2 GPA) and Justin Wood (LS, 5-11, 190 – 3.4 GPA).

As the Class of 2023 sets the table, the rising sophomore class (2024) will also have some major contributors in 2021. Players such as Jacorey Barney (Athlete, 5-11, 155 – 2.5 GPA), Lathan Croley (LB, 6-0, 170 – 3.4 GPA), Wardell Dean (RB, 5-7, 160 – 2.8 GPA), Lawrence Johnson (DB, 6-0, 170), and outside linebackers Willis McGahee (6-2, 215 – 3.1 GPA) and Daris Swan (5-11, 200).

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..