In the moments following their 31-0 loss in the first ever state football championship appearance, West Broward head coach Brian McCartney, his players and assistant coaches were dejected.
After winning 12 straight games and reaching the 6A state title game against defending state champion West Boca Raton, there was a hollow feeling for the Bobcats, who had tasted defeat for the first time since way back in Week 2.
Forget the fact that nobody in the state picked this program to be in the finals, McCartney and his team were in no mood for consolation prizes. They had worked too hard and proven too many people along the way – winning games that even the most knowledgeable high school football gurus gave them no chance to win at all.
As the off-season started and several players graduated along with some others transferring out, it was back to the drawing board for this program as veteran players greeted new players with the same objective – win!
Coming up with another 12-win season and making it all the way to the state finals will indeed be a tough assignment, but this is a program that believes that over the course of the spring and summer, things can change and pieces could still be added.
McCartney, who was named South Florida Coach of the Year this past weekend at the Florida Coaches Coalition event in Lake Mary, is ready to reload.
RISING SENIORS (2027) WILL BE COUNTED ON
With a number of holes to fill, there are some rising seniors who figure to lead and showcase their experience.
Among those prospects will be Amir Jones (DL), Sadle Howard (DB), Izaiah Lopez (RB), transfer running back/defensive back Ryan Walker and defensive back transfer Kyler Johnston.
WHAT ABOUT THE UNDERCLASSMEN?
With the addition of several new faces, the rising seniors will be important, but for depth and a bright future, the younger players will also be counted on heavily.
Class of 2028 rising juniors such as Landen Hairston (QB), gifted Larry Freelove (DB), Gabe Cypress (DL) and quarterback transfer Kane Garbutt.
There is also a solid group of Class of 2029 (rising sophomore) talent. Prospects such as Karsen Bell (DE), Mekhi Themes (DB), Jace Alphonse (DL), offensive tackle Braylon Williams (6’4 280), standout linebacker Alix Anselme and linebacker Jordan Smith.
Expect other prospects to be added to this program in the coming months as “transfer season” will really kick in after spring.
WEST BROWARD BOBCATS
Corner Canyon, Utah, L 38-13
Camden County, Georgia, L 32-13
Plantation, W 31-6
Pembroke Pines Flanagan, W 20-8
Miramar Everglades, W 55-0
Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, W 49-38
Miami Beach, W 54-0
Miramar, W 52-8
Miami Dr. Krop, W 49-0
Davie Western, W 35-7
South Plantation, W 56-13
Coconut Creek Monarch, W 38-12
Miami Southridge, W 30-27
Gainesville Buchholz, W 24-17
West Boca Raton, L 31-0
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