As veteran football coach Tony Smith, his assistant coaches and players look back at the 2025 season, what they see is a team that underachieved.

When Hialeah lost to Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy in the first round of the state playoffs, it ended a year where the T-Breds never lived up to the goals they set when the season began.

Remember, last year this program had a number of senior leaders who had learned how to win and take home district titles. Even though they did capture another district crown, there were games that could have easily gone the other way and that was the frustrating part.

With three shutouts on the defensive side of the ball, and averaging over 30 points on offense, this was a team that could have gone further.

As spring practice opens at the end of the month, there is a renewed optimism that surrounds the rising senior (2027) class.

That group has plenty of talent and is ready to take the lead role. Here are some of those gifted performers. Prospects such as Desmond Accius (LB, 6’1, 225), Noah Bell (DL/OL, 5’8, 265), K-Rod Evans (RB, 5’11, 200), Jason Mirabal (DE, 6’3, 225), Terrence Pratt (QB, 6’1, 195) and Ryan Towne (DE/TE, 6’0, 195).

THE FUTURE OF HIALEAH FOOTBALL?

As the rising senior class will do their part to put this team back into the state playoffs, there are some younger prospects who believe that they will also make an impact.

Check out some of these potential difference makers – like Class of 2028 performers Endry Contreras (OL, 6’2, 230), Izayah Green (WR, 6’2, 185), Ralph Hall (OL, 6’0, 280), Angel Robinson (DL, 6’0, 245) and offensive lineman Gregory Ryals (6’1, 255).

There are also some rising sophomores (2029) who are more than ready to make a statement this coming spring and into the summer. Football talent like King Anderson (WR/DB, 5’11, 185), Desmond Beckham (WR, 6’1, 175), Aviyon Darien (WR/DB, 5'11, 185), Nathaniel Cher-Frere (WR, 6’3, 170) and safety Khiry Henry (6’1, 175).

2025 Hialeah T-Breds

Miami Carol City, L 35-25

Miami Belen Jesuit, W 46-7

Doral Academy, W 34-13

Miami Southridge, L 37-0

Miami High, W 50-14

South Miami, W 42-0

Hialeah Miami Lakes, W 52-0

Hialeah American, W 35-12

Miami Killian, L 36-32

Miami Springs, W 38-0

STATE PLAYOFFS

Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy, L 49-6

PHOTO COURTESY OF HIALEAH FOOTBALL

MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/

For the past 56 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..

If you have followed high school football for any length of time, you already know what makes powerhouse Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas tick.

The Raiders have won seven straight state titles with plenty of skill talent – as receivers, running back, quarterbacks, defensive linemen, linebackers and defensive backs leading the way.

But when all is said and done and you break down what has been the success of head coach Roger Harriott and his football team through the years is the offensive line.

Perhaps more emphasis – each year – is put on what happens in the trenches, and by the end of the season and this program is playing for a state title, the root of all that winning is a dominating offensive line.

They are always in better shape, technically sound, stronger and ready to compete.

The offensive line coaches have always understood the assignment of how to elevate the level of play – and with coaches Mike Romano and Joel McCleod – this group that heads into spring are ready to continue to the tradition and dominate the competition.

At the Under Armour Game this past January in Orlando, the Raiders sent three juniors to the week-long event. Along with receiver Julius Jones and defensive back Jayden Gamble was 6’6, 305-pounder Mark Matthews.

Before he dominated the older elite prospects at the Under Armour, here is someone who had quite a junior season for the Raiders as one of the best prospects in the country.

Matthew is indeed one of the best this program has produced through the years, and while he is indeed head and shoulders above others, his work ethic is unmatched as every college and university in America is looking to add them to their program in the 2027 recruiting class.

Matthews is big, fast, strong and very athletic.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19972142/673df9ff0717b4746f651dda

MATTHEWS IS NOT ALONE

While Matthews is getting much of the spotlight, and for good reasons, there are other Class of 2027 players to watch as well:

CLASS OF 2027

Gerren Bray, 6’2, 295 – 3.5 GPA.

TAPE:  https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19783194/68ef0cd612706e67dc57fc61

Jordan Castillo, 6’2, 250.

Jayden Dean, 6’3, 285 – 3.75 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18274620/6944dcebfe3272e54109e373

Michael Digilio, 6’3, 290 – 4.3 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19691131/695dcafb772e594c40e5f323

Gabriel Frossard, 6’0, 250 – 5.0 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19691096/69718270ba0cdfd2fdd39f61

Ezequiel Nieves, 6’2, 280.

Timothy Walsh, 6’3, 280.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19693002/Timothy-Walsh-Jr

CLASS OF 2028

Thomas Berkhan.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23856544/Thomas-Berkhan

Brian Luya, 6’6, 280 – 4.0 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26157113/Brian-Luya

Jet Randolph, 6’4, 245 – 3.8 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23059044/Jet-Randolph

Santiago Sanchez, 5’11, 220 – 4.4 GPA.

Connor Urena

CLASS OF 2029

Wilson Vargas IV, 6’0, 290.

TAPE:  https://www.hudl.com/profile/27171015/Wilson-Vargas-IV

MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/

For the past 56 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..

As a player, Tyrus McCloud enjoyed so much success in college and in the NFL. As a coach, he is just starting to enjoy himself – as the head man at his alma mater.

When Davie Nova advanced to the first round of the 6A state football playoffs last season, it was validated that hard work and dedication can add up to something positive.

What McCloud and his staff have done with this program is start the building process – and as all fans know, especially in today’s landscape – getting to the top is not an easy task.

When McCloud left Nova decades ago, things were certainly not the way they are now, and that is been the toughest part of keeping Nova in the spotlight.

Known for its high academics and hours that run from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., building any successful program has always been a challenge, but years and years of producing top-flight student/athletes, like McCloud, proves that if you get the right people at the top, positive things can happen.

GETTING TO THAT NEXT LEVEL

If this football program is to once again reach the post season, the rising senior (2027) class will be the place to start.

With experience and leadership, this group is certainly a place where this team will look to this spring – and beyond.

That 2027 group includes players such as Kerlton Alexandre (WR), Joshua Bhimsain (LB), Ricardo Bryan (WR), Alex Collenberger (OL), Blondg Jean Francois (LB), Ashton Awofadeju-Harvard (DT/FB), Betho-Vens Julmiste (LB), Braelin McConn (RB), David Franklin-Miller (S) , Khymarri Peters (WR), Tyler Smith (DB), Troy Thomas (RB/WR) and Kymani Turner (WR/FS).

WHAT ABOUT THE FUTURE FOR THIS PROGRAM?

While we know that it is very tough to predict the future – especially at this level – the Titans have a number of underclassmen who have the chance to be special – with a strong off-season.

Among the rising juniors (Class of 2028) will be Micah Davis (DB), Hans Oliver-Debrosse (OL), Marvin Joseph (CB), Ilan Levkowitz (K/P), Elijah Lopez (RB), Darvens Jean-Louis (RB), Caleb McGowan (DL), Davidson Noralus (LB/DE), Dillan Ramhi (OL), Davian Reid (QB/SS), Deshaun Thompson (WR/CB), Jeremiah Valcourt (OL/DL), Anthony Vattiato (OL), James Walker (LB/RB) and versatile Brandon Williams Jr. (RB/WR).

Even the rising sophomore group (2029) has some promising players who are helping right now. Prospects such as Darien Benjamin Jr. (OL), Javian Butler (TE/DE), Jodli Depal (DE), Gabriel Gutierrez (LB), Javion Jackson (DE), Aaron Jones (OL), Derrick Laurent (LB), Earl Walker Jr. (DE/LB), Dylan Williams (WR) and state-rated quarterback Deangelo Plese.

2025 Nova Titans

Fort Pierce Central, L 48-13

Coral Springs, W 14-12 (OT)

Fort Lauderdale NSU University School, L 17-6

South Plantation, L 21-14

Hallandale, L 30-15

Pembroke Pines Charter, W 21-7

Cooper City, W 21-7
Hollywood South Broward, L 21-20

Coral Springs Coral Glades, W 19-10

Hollywood Hills, W 43-13

STATE PLAYOFFS

Miami Southridge, L 49-0

MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/

For the past 56 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..

One of the most popular radio shows of its kind nationally moved to Thursday night once again this week for just one hour as a lead in to Florida Panthers hockey.

Three guests were featured as the South Florida High School Sports Show once again presented some interesting topics.

Each week, the FM 104.3 WQAM radio program attracts the newsmakers in high school sports, recruiting college sports – not only locally, but throughout the country.

The show gives listeners an opportunity to hear about college football programs statewide from the media that cover them. It also focuses on the coaches who use the state of Florida – Miami-Dade and Broward Counties in particular.

The program, which has run for nearly two decades and has been recognized nationally as one of the best of its kind, has become a popular listen for recruiting fans as well as high school sports purists, focusing on high sports and the newsmakers.

Here is a look at the way Thursday night went:

The University of Miami is finishing the second week of spring football practice as several new faces are vying for positions. With the spring game coming up in two weeks, David Lake from Inside The U talked about the offensive and defensive lines that are looking to replace some elite players.

DAVID LAKE ON THURSDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/david-lake-inside-the-u-3ba93

Florida International University’s football program is less than a week away from the spring game and several new faces have stepped up over the past three weeks. Can head coach Willie Simmons and his staff improve on last year’s bowl appearance? Brandyn Pokrass stopped by to talk about the Panthers and what to look for in the coming months.

BRANDYN POKRASS ON THURSDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/brandyn-pokrasss-fiu-football-reporter-21e95

When the Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas boys’ basketball team brought home the 6A state title a few weeks back, it marked the second time in as many years that head coach Julius Sandi and his Raiders brought home the state championship.

COACH JULIUS SANDI ON THURSDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/st-thomas-aquinas-boys-basketball-head-coach-julius-sandi-93009

MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/

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..