DELAND – After winning their seventh straight state football title, several members of the Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas championship team hit the off-season in many directions.

For the senior class of 2026, heading toward college was the next step in their development as student/athletes, finishing up their final year in high school.

For the underclassmen who will return in 2026 under the direction of veteran head coach Roger Harriott, it’s off to other sports as well as football camps, combines and 7-on-7 events that will enhance their exposure.

For three Class of 2027 standouts and Offensive Coordinator Wesley Carroll, the first week of the New Year saw them join several other elite prospects in Orlando (for practice) and DeLand for the annual Under Armour Next All-America Game.

With underclassmen being able to play in the post season game, the experience of competing with and against some of the country’s best is something that not only helps as far as experience, but exposure is also paramount.

With recruiting analysts, fan websites and ESPN high school football reporters watching every practice at Disney’s Wide World of Sports, and the game on Saturday at Spec Martin Stadium in DeLand, the opportunity was certainly something that was a win/win all the way around.

For Class of 2027 prospects Mark Matthews (offensive lineman), receiver Julius Jones Jr. and defensive back Zayden Gamble, it was indeed a huge opportunity to open some eyes.

In this day of ranking players, it is tough to randomly say one prospect is better than the next without seeing them compete against one another. This event actually gets these athletes together to compete.

With NIL and the transfer portal taking center stage in college sports, getting exposure is more important than ever before.

With so many elite prospects on hand for these post season all-star games, there are more restrictions being put on seniors than ever before. Remember, when these young men are signing NIL deals, the clock starts immediately and that means that getting into college in the first week of the new year starts the clock as high school freshmen are competing for playing time as soon as they enter college.

With January, February and March important months for development, most programs are looking to add these incoming freshmen to the depth chart during spring. That is what the portal and these NIL deals have done to all college sports – with huge money being handed out.

“The entire landscape of recruiting has changed,” said Charles Fishbein of Elite Scouting Services. “To say that it has gotten out of hand is an understatement, but that is the direction we are moving in and you have to keep up or you will fall behind.”

 With prospects headed to such schools as LSU, Texas Tech, Illinois, Colorado, Notre Dame, Tennessee, Georgia, Ohio State, Vanderbilt, Michigan, BYU, Ole Miss, Utah, Texas A&M, Alabama, Oklahoma and other schools across the country, the underclassmen had the chance to see what they will be experiencing over the next year.

With more and more underclassmen being added to the game – with many NIL deals not letting these athletes compete in fear of injury, Matthews, Jones and Gamble got a huge jump with extensive exposure in the practices and playing time in the game, which Team Roses used dynamic performances from several of its superstars on Saturday. But perhaps none were brighter than game MVP and Texas verbal Easton Royal (Slidell Brother Martin, Louisiana) in its win over Team Peals, 23-9, in the annual contest.

Here is a look at why college coaches are excited about the continuing development of the three Raiders, who will be among the best in the country over the next 12 months.

Zayden Gamble, DB, 6’1, 180 – 3.8 GPA. Played most of the game and showed his many skills, combining speed, athleticism and the ability to make plays. He is one of the most sure tacklers you will find. He plays a competitive schedule and has to compete against elite prospects in practice every day.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19530451/Zayden-Gamble

Julio Jones Jr., WR, 5’11, 175. From the first time he stepped on campus two years ago as a freshman, you could tell that this was going to be someone very special. An elite playmaker with outstanding skills, speed and the ability to make plays anywhere on the field. He impressed in practice as well as during game action.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20767020/Julius-Jones

Mark Matthews, OL, 6’6, 305. Watching him for the first time during last year’s combine season, this was simply a no brainer. Size, quickness, strength and the ability to pick things up quickly. Because the offensive line is often the toughest place to make early projections, many who have watched him play believe that this is certainly a work in progress. He’s going to continue to get stronger and pick up so much from a technical standpoint. He’s already the best in his class in Florida, and during the Under Armour practices and game he showed that he will soon be regarded as one of the country’s best. Colleges and universities have already made him a priority.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19972142/Mark-Matthews

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..

On the ride back home from Jacksonville where they lost a 2A state semifinal game to eventual runner up Bolles, veteran Cardinal Gibbons head football coach Matt Dubuc and his staff quickly turned their attention to 2026.

Losing the all-time passing leader Jayden Torres and top-flight receiver Gary Hadley Jr. among others will have this program, busy in the off-season trying to reload in a region they won in a classification (2A) that may be as loaded as any.

The Chiefs leave 2025 with the knowledge that they lost to four quality – opponents, three that were in the state finals and one other that came within two games of getting to the state championship game.

WHO IS COMING BACK?

In this day age of players transferring and looking for greener grass at another destination, who knows what the roster will look like, but as they ended 2025, here is a quick peak at who has the chance to be back.

Among those rising seniors (2027) include Travis Baranoski (DT/OL), Nicolas Brissett (CB/WR), Joseph Cammarata (DT), Christian Cassidy (OL), Peyton Catronio (OLB), Derek Dennis (RB), University of Miami commitment Demarcus DeRoche (OLB/TE), Brody Fardette (LS), Mario Felix Jr. (CB) and Donte Findeson (RB).

Also, there are Tyler Fuquay (K/P), Ahmad Johnson Jr., (DL), Brenner Krohn (LB), Rayvon Marcellus (OL), Nicholas Motosko (S), Sean Nowlan (WR), Chase Pavlish (QB), John Dylan Prieto (LB), Keegan Steyn (LB), Dominic Tironi (RB), Keston Todich (WR) and Terrance Williams III (RB/S)

With the 2027 class having plenty of talent, also keep an eye on the 2028 rising juniors – with Khristian Anderson (DB), Jesse Azar (WR), Tristan Carriel (OL), Devin Daly (WR), Jeremy Douglas (RB), Tyler Henley (CB), James Laraway (QB), Karl Sterling-Roesch (OL), Amauri Rogers (LB), Henry Standifer III (OL), Andrew Thomas (DB) and receiver Anderson Zamora.

With several new faces joining the program, the rising sophomore (2029) class is expected to return Dylan Costa (QB), Lipton McKenzie (RB/SS) and Javian Norwood (WR).

CARDINAL GIBBONS CHIEFS

Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy, L 42-35

Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian, W 33-6

Coconut Creek, W 11-6

Hollywood South Broward, W 52-6

Pembroke Pines West Broward, L 49-38

Hallandale, W 51-14

Deerfield Beach, W 45-7

Boca Raton, W 35-13

Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, L 47-0

Miramar, W 35-28

Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace, W 48-28

Miami Killian, W 38-35

Miami Immaculata LaSalle, W 20-17

Jacksonville Bolles, L 42-20

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..

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

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..

The distance from Miami Palmetto Senior High School to Vero Beach Senior High School is 156 miles. Panthers’ head football coach Mike Manasco and his 2025 team lived every mile of that route on the way back south on Dec. 5^th.

After losing in the 7A state semifinals to the Indians in two overtimes, 45-44, coming within one play of a first ever trip to the state championship game, the sting of that memorable loss will never go away – and as the new year is here and the 2026 season is eight months away, you can guarantee that every month that this program is working, the motivation of how 2025 ended will stick with them in every spring they run, weight they lift and event they attend.

While many gave the Panthers very little chance to get out of south Florida, they made believers – beat longtime rival Miami Christopher Columbus twice on the way to a season that will be remembered by the departing senior class forever.

With several key seniors moving on and a number of prospects returning, the new face of high school sports in this region of the state is never etched in stone. As we speak, several players are making their intentions know for 2026, and you can bet with the success that the Panthers had this past season, players will want to be part of this program that is still loaded with talent and quality coaching.

PLENTY OF UNDERCLASSMEN TO CHOOSE FROM

As a very gifted senior class moves on, the Panthers still believe that with the returning players they have – along with plenty of new faces – that they will definitely be back in the mix.

Among those Class of 2027 rising seniors include Mathias Augustin (LB/DE), Denzley Balthazar (LB), Eythan Bargman (CB), Junior Bontemps (WR), standout Aiden Butler (RB), Ari Cromartie (OT), Bomani Francis (LB), Rashad Fuller (OT/DE), Roberto Gonzalez (DE/OLB), and Victor Guerrero (DE).

There are also standout receiver Kaden Howard, Antonio Jackson (OL/DL), Cory Johnson (LB), Elijah Johnson (OL), Jordin Lubin (LB/RB), Daniel Rosado (QB), Julian Sanchez (OL), Kelsey Veargis (S) and Armond Weston (SS).

As solid is the returning 2027 class will be, keep an eye on those rising juniors in 2028. Prospects such as Ben Ballie (WR/TE), Samuel Casseus (DT), Baudelin Bontemps (RB), Nathan Katz (WR) and running back Santana Rogers.

In this day and age of high school football, getting freshmen in the mix in their first season at the varsity level is something that helps programs build. The Panthers have Travis Godbolt Jr. (MLB), Jaydin Lubin (LB/RB), Robert Nesbit (WR), Landon Polizzano (K/P) and Abriyam Radcliff (CB) who will have a chance to make an impact over the next few years.

While not every player who ended the season with the Panthers will return, but for those who had such a valuable experience in 2025,t those who are back will certainly benefit from the experience of this past season.

2025 PALMETTO PANTHERS

Miami Booker T. Washington, W 35-0

Miami Southridge, L 34-34

Miami Christopher Columbus, W 24-21

Miami Killian, W 42-21

Coral Gables, W 43-0

Homestead South Dade, W 45-7

Miami Northwestern, L 28-0

Miami High, W 43-7

Fort Myers Bishop Verot, W 20-10

*Coral Springs Coral Glades, W 42-0

*Miami Christopher Columbus, W 27-10

*Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman, W 65-41

*Vero Beach, L 45-44 (2OT)

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..