HIALEAH GARDENS – “Mater Culture”.

It may not mean much on the outside, but for a school that is looking to showcase an athletic program, the students, teachers, administrators and coaches, it is something that is building strong just to the west of the Palmetto Expressway on N.W. 103^rd Street.

As the baseball team was celebrating a second ever state title; track and field athletes, wrestlers and other boys and girls who have kept Mater Academy relevant were being recognized, May 23, 2025 will be a date where this school expanded its brand.

While the school has been around for decades and has enjoyed success in all sports – including football – last Friday was yet another step in bringing this football program to another level of exposure and media attention .

As first year head coach Tim “Ice” Harris and his staff finished up their first spring - media, and former players and coaches flocked to Milander Stadium for something that many never expected.

A morning field trip brought students, cheerleaders, administrators and athletes from all sports to the spring game, where players were introduced to exposure that many had never experienced.

The Ice Harris era kicked off in grand style as hundreds of students came out and had the opportunity to support their school and all their sports programs – with the spotlight shining brightly early in the morning.

After years of winning state and national titles at Miami Booker T. Washington High School, Harris and his staff, along with some transfers, had the opportunity to close out spring with a something that everyone will remember as a spring football game became an event.

As this program continues to build as a 5A team in a competitive south Florida landscape, no promises were ever made. All that was told of this group of athletes – ranging from rising seniors to incoming freshmen – was work hard and make a commitment and positives will happen. They already have seen that in just a month.

There are several prospects who have bought in to what is happening in Hialeah Gardens, and for many, the fall cannot come soon enough.

CLAS OF 2026

Jaylen Blackwell (OL, 6’0, 245 – 3.0 GPA).

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18056107/Jaylen-Blackwell

Carlos Botella (DE/LB, 6’0, 190).

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17542085/Carlos-Botella

Freddie Francois (DB/WR, 5’10, 175).

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19300576/Fred-Francois

Nelson Guillen (DB, 5’11, 160).

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17768140/Nelson-Guillen

Kimbriq Minnis (RB, 5’11, 185).

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20020951/Kimbriq-Minnis

Guicyn Noel (OL/DL, 6’2, 295).

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17626232/Guicyn-Noel

Damone Peeples (DB, 5’8, 160 – 3.2 GPA).
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19300558/Damone-Peeples

Erwein Varga (WR, 5’10, 160).

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17541552/Erwein-Vargas

Tyre Vieux (DB, 6’0, 170).

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19914171/Tyre-vieux

Taishawn Williams (LB/H-Back, 5’7, 230).

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18252246/Taishawn-Williams

AWAITING VIDEO

Jaylen Kendrick (WR)

CLASS OF 2027

Trezavant Boyd (DB, 5’10, 155).

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20189717/Trezavant-Boyd

Derick Hernandez (WR/FS, 5’8, 150).

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15964501/Derick-Hernandez?

Rahdel Jeanbaptiste (RB, 5’7, 165).

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19648650/Rahdel-Jeanbaptiste

Jarmarr Marshall Jr. (DE, 5’11, 165 – 3.2 GPA).

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23459927/Jarmarr-Marshall-Jr

Naszir Maximin (DB).

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23237523/Naszir-Maximin

Jamal Robinson Jr. (WR, 6’2, 175).

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19947897/Jamal-Robinson-jr

Edwardo Thompson (DE, 6’1, 240 – 3.2 GPA).

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19747559/Edwardo-Thompson

AWAITING VIDEO

Milton Coney (LB)

Quintin Ferguson (DL)

Eddie Hudson (WR)

CLASS OF 2028

Dontavious Kinchens (WR/QB, 5’9, 165).

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23167037/Dontavious-Kinchens

King Leite (WR, 5’10, 155).

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22510938/King-Leite

CLASS OF 2029

AWAITING VIDEO

Joshua Diaz (Athlete)

Rashaud Robinson (DB)

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

MIAMI-DADE, BROWARD TRANSFERS? WE HAVE THEM FOR YOU. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-off-to-a-huge-start-in-miami-dade-broward

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..

HOLLYWOOD – While spring football is never a definitive of what the regular season will look like, there are things you can tell about a program that will carry over to the summer and into the new year.

For veteran head coach Mike Manasco and the Miami Palmetto Panthers, getting by Miami Christopher in Class 7A has been a major obstacle in having the opportunity to play for a state title.

On Thursday afternoon in a spring game against yearly playoff team Miramar at McArthur Stadium, there was plenty to like on both sides of the ball for Palmetto, and by the end of the four-quarter event, there was much to be pleased about, heading into the summer.

“We had a very good spring, but the summer goes fast and before you know it, the regular season will be here,” Manasco told his team. “Enjoy what you did this spring and in today’s game, but there is still plenty of work ahead.”

While this program always seems to come up short in the race for state, many who watched them this spring believe that this is a team that has what it takes to make a solid run.

Several players are back along with new faces that give the Panthers a different look than they have had in the past. They are well coached and have the playmakers to make an impact.

TALENT IN EVERY CLASS

While the senior (2026) class is loaded with talent, there are also some impressive prospects in the 2027 (juniors) and 2028 (sophomore) classes as well.

Among those seniors expected to make an impact include Samuel Althuis (first year WR, basketball standout), Andre Bailey (QB/Athlete – 3.6 GPA), heavily recruited Anthony Brown (OL), Michael Colina (DL), Willie Dannah (DB), Marko Fernandez (DB – 4.0 GPA), Charles Flowers (WR), Braylen Green (DB), Chris Green (P/K), and Jaiden Henry (OLB, top sack leader).

The senior class also has prospects such as Caleb Jones (OLB), Wynton Jones Jr. (DB), Kevin Joseph (WR), Amiel Mackey (WR/Athlete – 3.25 GPA), Matthew Marsh (OL), Lucas Martinez (OL), Miami Westminster Christian transfer Conneilus “C.J.” Miller (WR – 3.49 GPA), Nikolai Moise (DB), Dylan Ragan (DL), and Ryan Ragan (LB).

Rounding out the class going into summer are Robert Richardson (WR), Miami Southridge transfer Rylee Sawchenco (OL – 3.9 GPA), Prince Smith (LB), Varian Terry (RB – 3.0 GPA), Elijah Tillman (DB), Kevin White (DB), and receiver Willie Wilson.

CLASS OF 2027 JUNIORS READY TO CONTRIBUTE

As gifted and experienced are the 2026 seniors, the Class of 2027 juniors are also looking to make an impact in 2025.

Among those players to watch are Mathias Augustin (LB), fast-rising Aiden Butler (RB), Jahari Collier (DL – 3.1 GPA), Ari Cromartie (OL), Zion Flowers (OL – 3.7 GPA), Rashad Fuller (OL – 3.2 GPA), talented Victor Guerrero (DL – 3.4 GPA), and state-rated South Dade transfer linebacker Brandon Howard.

Also keep an eye on gifted receiver Kaiden Howard, Antonio Jackson (DL), Corey Johnson (LB),

Elijah Johnson (DL), Julian Sanchez (OL), Kelsey Vergis (DB), and Armond Weston (DB).

CLASS OF 2028 IS WELL REPRESENTED

As the summer will shine a spotlight on several players on this team, the Class of 2028 sophomores will also have an opportunity to make a splash.

Among those players include Benjamin Bailie (WR), Ahmir Barnes (WR – 4.0 GPA), Jayden Diaz (DL), Santana Rogers (RB) and Alex Urbina (OL).

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

MIAMI-DADE, BROWARD TRANSFERS? WE HAVE THEM FOR YOU. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-off-to-a-huge-start-in-miami-dade-broward

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..

LAUDERDALE LAKES – While Wednesday night’s spring football classic at Boyd Anderson High School would be a barometer for schools such as Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace, Davie Nova and the host Cobras, what the evening was all about is to showcase some prospects that would represent the future.

As head coach Kevin Claxton and his staff are looking to get this team back on track – the way it was for so many years, producing elite prospects who went on to the next level and beyond, the reality is that this program will have to experience the growing pains of developing talent.

We are in different times, and while the Lauderdale Lakes area is still loaded with talent, getting this program back on track will take time – even for a respected community icon like Claxton, who played at the school and understands the culture.

As there are several veteran players who are there to help lay down a solid foundation, there is no getting around the fact that the future will depend on underclass talent.

If these freshmen and sophomores buy into what is happening and succeed, more will follow and that pipeline that once flowed from the successful Lauderdale Lakes Vikings youth program will once again open up.

This is a school that has a very impressive past, and produced elite players like Claxton, Asante Samuel, Benny Sapp, JoJo Natson, Abdul Hodge, Josh Bynes, Eddie Jackson and many others.

CLASS OF 2027 TRIO READY TO IMPACT THE FUTURE

While many prospects on the current roster figure to help this team during the 2025 season, there are three players who college coaches have already started to watch and predict some great things for.

Class of 2027 rising juniors who have the respect from coaches and teammates that the Cobras are looking to showcase this off-season:  

DeMarcus Deroche, OLB/Edge/WR, 6-5, 200. Here is without hesitation one of the top prospects in the state of Florida. A versatile talent that will end up being an elite player but has an enormous upside that allows him to play multiple positions. Colleges and universities already know what this young man is all about. He has size, skill, and athleticism and has already been offered by a number of established college powers. Also a basketball player.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22537928/67225b83fd10be7e12eafb5a

Devon Germeille, OLB/TE/DE, 6’4, 190. Talk about an elite prospect – like Deroche – here is someone who can lineup at multiple positions and do well at all of them. He is quick off the ball, has tremendous football skill and has an opportunity to continue growing, which will open many opportunities. Watch him play and you see someone who is always around the ball. Had 11 sacks, 13 tackles for loss and 2 interceptions as a sophomore. While he has received some accolades, this is a prospect that you have see in person to truly appreciate. He is also a basketball standout.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20795020/66df3621cb7ad8bfd69936a6

Semajay Robinson, DB, 6’2, 180. There may not be a player – in his class – that has more of an upside. This is a true physical lockdown corner who is athletic, quick and has football skills that you just cannot teach. If there is an elite receiver, this is the player who wants to cover them. He is confident and talented as college coaches have already started to notice. Has five interceptions during his sophomore season earned him a reputation of being someone that you didn’t want to throw at. His work in the classroom (3.0 GPA) is also a huge addition to what he brings to the table.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/21193348/67203093f611e8920ef623d9

PACE WINS THE DAY

Considered one of the top teams in 2A this coming season, head coach Anthony Walker and his Monsignor Pace Spartans took care of business against both Nova and Boyd Anderson to finish 2-0.

Head Coach Tyrus McCloud and his Nova Titans also showed how much improvement they made as several young prospects stepped up as they tied Boyd Anderson before losing a close contest with Pace.

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

MIAMI-DADE, BROWARD TRANSFERS? WE HAVE THEM FOR YOU. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-off-to-a-huge-start-in-miami-dade-broward

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..

PLANTATION – When Coconut Creek’s Monarch High shut the door on host Plantation in the second in the second half of the spring classic, the Knights had finished a sound month.

As they turn their attention to the summer, veteran head coach Calvin Davis and his team are out to show the way things finished in 2024 left a sour taste in their mouth.

The convincing wins over Fort Lauderdale Dillard and the Colonels showed each player on this football team that they will indeed be a force in 6A when they take on rival Coconut Creek in the kickoff classic and power Jacksonville Bolles in the Broward County National Football Showcase to start the season.

While several players made an impact in the four quarters on Tuesday night, much of the attention surrounding the play in the secondary.

What this quality group did was shut down two state playoff opponents with key play after key play, which included several interceptions and game-changing turnovers.

This group of defensive backs that this team will head into June and July with, includes rising seniors (2026) Jayden Joselin, Robert Brown, Amari Deer, Jordan Pyfrom, and Oscar Sager.

There is also rising junior (2027) Contreas Faison Jr.

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

MIAMI-DADE, BROWARD TRANSFERS? WE HAVE THEM FOR YOU. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-off-to-a-huge-start-in-miami-dade-broward

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..