When the announcement of the new classifications came down from the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) for the 2026 high school football season, there were many teams that greeted the news in different ways.

For head coach Greg Laferre and his Miami True North Classical Academy Titans, hearing that traditional 1A south powers Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna and West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman would be making the move up to 2A was truly great to hear.

While this program, which finished 10-3 this past season understands that they still have to win games, the path to a first ever state title is much easier than it has been for a school that is just seven years old.

Even though many traditional powers have moved up a class, northern programs such as Tallahassee Maclay, Tallahassee North Florida Christian, Jacksonville Impact Christian as well as Jacksonville Trinity Christian and a Jacksonville University Christian team that the Titans beat this past season will be competitive.

Other powers outside the area will include Fort Pierce John Carroll, Melbourne Central Catholic, Lakeland Christian, Tampa Carrollwood, which advanced to the state semifinals, surprising St. Petersburg Catholic, Community School of Naples and Naples St. John Neumann also were playoff teams.

If the Titans are to make a run against south competition, Miami Palmer Trinity could be the only true obstacle.

THE TALENT WAS THERE IN 2025

While we fully understand that this is south Florida and transferring schools is like second nature – with many programs already bringing in players during the holidays – True North, even after losing to Chaminade-Madonna in the state semifinals – were supposed to return a number of top prospects.

Even with graduation taking a toll – like it does at every school – this is a team that was expected to have some elite returnees. Remember, this is a program that has one of the top coaching staffs in south Florida with plenty of ties to southern youth football programs.

The Class of 2027 rising senior class is expected to be loaded up with Florida International University (FIU) quarterback commit Zac Katz, one of Florida’s premier running backs Cecil Smith (2,134 total yards) and versatile George Harris Jr. are expected to keep this program atop 1A teams.

Katz, Harris and Smith put up some elite numbers, and according to Prep Redzone Florida, both are among the top prospects in the state for the upcoming season.

In addition, the 2027 class is expected to bring back Matthew Cili (WR), Dante De La Fe (OL), Zion Fairchild (CB), Damian Font (TE/WR), Gabriel Garcia (DT), Roosevelt Getter (OL), Patrick Laine (LB), Luis Quevedo (OT), Derek Rhodd (OLB) and hard-working offensive lineman Ronald Riley.

The Titans also have Alejandro Vades (OL), Z’aire “Ziggy” Watson (WR) and Nathan Wilson (OL).

While the 2027 class is ready to step up and add experience and leadership, the rising junior (2028) will also be stacked with talent. Among those players are expected to contribute includes Nicholas Adler (RB), Dominic Caiaffa (DB), Ricky Carter (OLB), Mason Hernandez (QB), Damian Lago (DE), Jack Partagas (DT) and receiver Kensy Vernet.

One of the deepest classes that this program has will be with the 2029 rising sophomores. Prospects such as Bradley Alvarez (DT), Damian Agudelo (OL), Deacon De La Fe (DL), Mason Gilmore (OLB), Michael Gilmore (DE), Zane Hunter (OL) and Luke McCloud (Athlete) will be counted on. So will Jamari Morrison (WR), Max Oyarzun (P/K), Jayden Perez (WR), Khalil Thomas (OLB/DE) and defensive lineman and Derrius Thompkins.

One of the major surprises this past season at the running back position was Class of 2030 rising freshman Gregory Florence, who added some quality depth.

TRUE NORTH CLASSICAL ACADEMY

Sarasota Cardinal Mooney, L 41-14

Fort Myers Bishop Verot, L 44-34

Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace, W 49-18

Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy, W 31-6

Jacksonville University Christian, W 28-8

Miami Jackson, W 42-0

Boynton Beach Somerset Canyon, W 42-0

Miami Christopher Columbus, W 34-15

Miami Westminster Christian, W 35-6

Miami Archbishop Carroll, W 49-20

Miami Palmer Trinity, W 42-17

Boca Raton Saint Andrew’s Academy, W 62-28

Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, L 35-14

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For the past 55 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, we get to as many events as possible to see the athletes LIVE. Follow us on Facebook (Larry Blustein), Instagram (OurBoyBlu) and Twitter (@PrepRedzoneFL). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..