When Elias Sturman of Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna was named MVP of the recent Under Armour Next Miami Combine, it started to shine a spotlight on the offensive line position in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.
The 6'1, 308-pounder did well in drills and more than held his own in the competition that brought together some quality “big men” from all over southern Florida.
Sturman, who came to the school last year from Bradenton IMG Academy, is part of the new breed of linemen who take part in competition year round.
With 5-on-5 events along with line camps at colleges throughout the summer, the linemen are no longer placed in the background.
Because of the need for quality line play, there are several events that are held to teach technique while elevating the exposure of these prospects.
With events such as Under Armour, Rivals, Prep Redzone Florida and other showcases, linemen are now fully in the spotlight.
In addition to Sturman, other Miami-Dade and Broward linemen who gained valuable exposure at the Miami event included Class o0f 2026 rising seniors:
Ekeem Atehortua, 6'3, 310, Hollywood Chaminade Madonna – 3.7 GPA. Three-year performer for the Lions during their championship run.
Mekhi Bradley, 6'4, 280, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. Comes south with plenty of potential and talent that will keep the Raiders on top.
Jordan Davis, 6'4, 330, Hollywood McArthur. Brings his talent from Davie Western and was easily one of the most dominant players at the UA event.
Bryan Granger, 6'3, 285, Pembroke Pines West Broward – 3.2 GPA. Has been on the radar for two years and has emerged into a quality player and leader.
Ben Gula, 6'5, 293, Weston Cypress Bay – 3.0 GPA. Heading into his third year as a prospect, this quality talent continues to get college interest.
DeJuan Johnson, 6’8, 308, Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace. This is someone you want to keep an eye on. A basketball player who is making the move to the gridiron and looks like a gifted young man that has the tools.
Ryan Miret, 6'4, 280, Miami Southridge – 4.4 GPA. A state and nationally rated wrestler who has emerged into a national line recruit with several Power 4 schools interested.
Dylan Steen, 6'5, 285, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. Following in the footsteps of his brother who collected a Super Bowl ring this past season. He is well on his way to making a major leap.
Ashley Walker, 6'7, 295, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna. Comes south with plenty to offer the Lions and will keep this program at the top nationally as well. Great size and potential.
Rising juniors in the Class of 2027 also had the chance to shine as well:
Gerren Bray, 6'2, 290, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas – 3.5 GPA. This past season, he played a huge role for the 6A state champion West Boca Raton Bulls. Another fast-rising prospect.
Jayden Dean, 6'2, 285, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas – 3.75 GPA. Considered as one of the top centers in the state and anchors one of the best offensive lines in the state.
Aiden Hartnett, 6'3, 295, Plantation American Heritage – 3.8 GPA. Helped to lead the Patriots to a 4A state title this past season. A very talented football player.
Mark Matthews, 6'7, 275, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. Another of the big men who stole the show at the combine and showed why he will be one of the best in Florida during the 2025 season.
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..
For south Florida, it will be some of the same faces in the same place from Thursday through Saturday night at the Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee.
When the state individual wrestling championships take place, 169 Miami-Dade and Broward boys and girls will look to not only take-home titles but be among those fortune enough to place among the best in Florida.
Osceola Heritage Park
1875 Silver Spur Lane
Kissimmee, FL 34744
321-697-3333
Thursday-Saturday, March 6-8, 2025
Thursday, March 6
11:00 a.m. Weigh-ins
12:30 p.m. Championship Round 1 begins for ALL CLASSES and BOTH GENDERS
4:00 p.m. Consolation Round 1
Friday, March 7
8:00 a.m. Weigh-ins
9:15 a.m. Championship Round 2
Follow Consolation Round 2
1:30 p.m. Championship Round 3 (Semifinals)
Follow Consolation Round 3
Saturday, March 8
8:00 a.m. Weigh-ins
9:30 a.m. Consolation Semifinals
Follow Consolation Finals
3:30 p.m. Finals Ceremonies
Follow Finals Matches Begin Immediately Following Conclusion of Finals Ceremonies
STILL UNBEATEN
Miami-Dade and Broward will bring 13 undefeated wrestlers with 106 - Jovanni Tovar (Miami Southridge) 43-0, Fr., 126 - David Leiva (Parkland Douglas) 44-0, Sr., 132 - Illia Kyryianenko (Hollywood South Broward) 37-0, Fr., 144 - Elvis Solis (Homestead South Dade) 45-0, Sr., 165 - Willie White (Homestead South Dade) 53-0, Sr., 175 - Connor Bonney (Miami Palmetto) 30-0, Jr. and 285 - Ryan Miret (Miami Southridge) 24-0, Jr. in 3A.
175 - Michael Sainz (Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy) 23-0, Sr. in 2A and Michael Mocco (Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons) 39-0, Jr. in 1A.
120 - Willow White (Homestead South Dade) 35-0, Jr., 125 - Rachel Silva (Miami Florida Christian School) 26-0, Sr., two-time defending state champion Mya Bethel (North Miami) 16-0, Sr. at 155 and Latoya Sylvestre (Hollywood South Broward) 24-0, Jr. in the 190-pound weight class.
SOUTH DADE GOING FOR MORE
When the opening round gets started at 12:30 p.m. and coach Vic Balmaceda and his South Dade Bucs will be after team title 27 after taking home the dual meet crown in January.
While they were pushed in the 3A regional, this program, among the best in the nation, figures to add another trophy to one of the biggest wrestling collections in the Sunshine State.
3A – TOP 10 LOCAL REGIONAL FINISHERS
Team Scores
1 Homestead South Dade 234.5
2. Miami Southridge 218.5
3. Miami Christopher Columbus 149.0
4. Southwest Miami 143.5
5. Parkland Douglas 83.0
6. Doral Academy 71.0
7. Miami Palmetto 70.5
8. Miami Beach Senior 68.0
9. Coral Springs 64.0
10. South Plantation 60.5
106
Lazaro Soto (Southwest Miami) 40-5, So.
Donovan Jenkins (South Plantation) 30-6, So.
Alex Laguardia (Miami Southridge Hs) 31-12, Jr.
Tyler Metellus (Coconut Creek Monarch) 36-3, So.
113
Damel Martinez (Miami Southridge) 31-11, Sr.
Antonio Morales (Southwest Miami) 34-11, So.
Rocco Duygulu (Parkland Douglas) 45-4, Sr.
Janmichael Broche (Miami Braddock) 30-14, Jr.
120
Jovanni Tovar (Miami Southridge) 43-0, Fr.
Kaleb Williams (Homestead South Dade) 36-11, Jr.
MatcVictor Zanolini (Christopher Columbus) 44-10, Jr.
Gary Jackson (Miami Palmetto) 38-11, Fr.
126
David Leiva (Parkland Douglas) 44-0, Sr.
Guillermo Jaramillo (Homestead South Dade) 39-4, Jr.
Rocco Ruiz (Miami Christopher Columbus) 44-8, Fr.
Stefano Garcia (Miami Southridge) 24-9, Fr.
132
Illia Kyryianenko (Hollywood South Broward) 37-0, Fr.
Alfredo Cheang (Miami Southridge) 39-10, So.
Nathaniel Williams (Homestead South Dade) 45-10, Sr.
Mateus Sgai (Doral Academy) 31-12, Jr.
138
Jovani Solis (Homestead South Dade) 45-1, Fr.
Dillon Smith (Southwest Miami) 31-7, Sr.
Tomas Campian (Miami Christopher Columbus) 42-10, Fr.
Imran Dzhabrailov (Miami Beach) 31-10, Fr.
144
Elvis Solis (Homestead South Dade) 45-0, Sr.
Andres Rojas (Miami Southridge) 43-8, Fr.
Didier Novoa (Southwest Miami) 36-10, Jr.
Jeremiah Louis (Miami Dr. Krop) 33-8, Sr.
150
Armand Williams (Homestead South Dade) 45-7, So.
Zachary Ruiz (Miami Christopher Columbus) 46-12, Sr.
Adlan Dzhabrailov (Miami Beach) 7-2, Jr.
Jacob Rosen (Coral Springs Taravella) 43-9, Sr.
157
Tyree Graham (Homestead South Dade) 47-4, Jr.
Jose Gutierrez (Doral Academy) 43-4, Sr.
Tyrell Robby (Miami Beach Senior) 42-5, Sr.
Shai Keery (Coral Springs) 51-8, Sr.
165
Willie White (Homestead South Dade) 53-0, Sr.
Drake Bonney (Miami Palmetto) 35-6, Jr.
Leonard Gilley (Miami Southridge) 44-15, Sr.
Nicholas Velazco (Miami Christopher Columbus) 41-18, Jr.
175
Connor Bonney (Miami Palmetto) 30-0, Jr.
Jonathan Moreno (Homestead South Dade) 27-6, So.
Evangelo Mercado (Southwest Miami) 45-10, Sr.
Daniel Sanchez (Miami Southridge) 35-21, Jr.
190
Tedrick Lee (Miami Christopher Columbus) 22-2, Jr.
J`vier Romeus (Coral Springs) 47-8, Sr.
Eliel Santos (Miami Southridge) 27-5, Sr.
Sage Suarez (Hollywood South Broward) 43-6, Jr.
215
Myron Mendez (Southwest Miami) 48-3, Sr.
Christian Soto (Miami Southridge) 33-10, So.
Apollo Benito (Miami Christopher Columbus) 29-5, Sr.
Gregory Gonzalez (Coral Reef) 37-10, Sr.
285
Ryan Miret (Miami Southridge) 24-0, Jr.
Daguy Massillon (Homestead South Dade) 41-12, Sr. (Dec 2-1)
Chase Moen (Cooper City) 31-6, Sr.
Jackson Zajkowski (Parkland Douglas) 40-13, Sr. (Fall 2:31)
SOMERSET ROLLS AGAIN
It doesn’t matter to veteran coach Joe Blasucci what classification his Pembroke Pines Somerset team is placed in. This program takes care of business.
The Panthers traveled up to Jensen Beach to compete in 2A for the first time and rolled by nearly 200 points in winning Region 4-2A with 13 qualifiers headed to state.
2A – TOP 10 LOCAL REGIONAL FINISHERS
1 Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy 275.0
2. Miramar 107.5
3. Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy 83.0
4. Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy 80.0
5. North Miami 65.0
6. Felix Varela 64.5
7. Plantation American Heritage 38.5
8. Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas 34.5
9. Hollywood Hills 28.5
10. Miramar Everglades 28.0
10. McArthur 28.0
106
Gary Mendez (Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy) 38-4, Jr.
Cano Austin (Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy) 51-13, 7th
Jacob Rhodes (Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy) 39-13, Fr.
113
Andrew Cackett (Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy) 39-14, Sr.
Michael Maisonet (Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy) 30-6, Jr.
Alejandro Toro (Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy) 38-16, So.
120
Lucas Barrios (Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy) 38-4, 8th
Andre Rossi (Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy) 46-13, So.
Gavin Calcines (Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy) 35-16, Jr.
126
Carlos Sainz (Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy) 30-7, 8th
Juelez Lainez (Hollywood McArthur) 25-9, Sr.
132
Dully Brutus (Miramar) 43-5, Sr.
Dylan Fernandez (Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy) 43-10, So.
Joesph Scott (Hollywood Hills) 27-3, So.
138
Ericson “E.J.” Coney (Miramar Everglades) 40-10, Fr.
144
Jordan Pineda (Miami Felix Varela) 34-5, Sr.
Darion Shannon (Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy) 48-9, So.
150
Tristan Sainz (Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy) 41-1, Jr.
Charly Sainteus (North Miami) 38-11, Jr.
Alexander Harding (Miramar) 35-12, Sr.
157
Eric Hodge (Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy) 59-4, Sr.
Armando Wisdom (Plantation American Heritage School) 37-1, Sr.
Jayden Rivas (Miramar) 41-10, So.
165
Bluny Davilma (Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy) 61-5, Sr.
Noah Catala (Miramar) 40-10, Sr.
Adonis Severe (North Miami, 24-6, Sr.
175
Michael Sainz (Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy ) 23-0, Sr.
Mallard Mondesir (Miramar) 28-19, Sr.
190
Mateo Martinez (Pembroke Pines Somerset) 59-5, Jr.
Rubier Oliva (Miami Felix Varela) 29-10, Jr.
215
Ndidi Obi (North Miami) 28-5, Sr.
Eli Diaz (Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy) 45-15, So.
285
Abdur Bey (Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy) 22-6, Sr. (Fall 3:56)
Chase Goodrich (Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas) 20-13, So.
Christopher Coleman (Deerfield Beach) 26-5, Jr.
MATER LAKES A FAVORITE
After wrapping up the dual team title in January, and running away with the district and regional titles, head coach Brandon Neifeld and his Mater Lakes Bears will head to the state championships as the favorite.
Advancing 12 wrestlers to the state tournament will give this team plenty of potential to score and secure a state crown.
BOYS
1A – TOP 10 LOCAL REGIONAL FINISHERS
1 Hialeah Mater Lakes Academy 302.0
2. Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons 235.0
3. Miami SLAM Academy 76.0
4. Miami Westminster Christian School 69.5
5. Miami Florida Christian School 58.5
6. Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest 58.0
7. Miami Christian School 46.0
7. Miami Sunset 46.0
9. Miami Central 44.0
10. Miami True North 29.0
106
Elijah Castanon (Miami Christian School) 24-3, 7th
Luke Piedrahita (Miami True North) 34-11, 7th
Andres Garcia (Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons) 37-11, So.
113
Kellen Mesina (Hialeah Mater Lakes Academy) 36-5, Jr.
Jason Ramirez (Miami SLAM Academy) 30-4, Jr.
Logan Bajor (Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons) 25-12, So.
120
Keagan Mesina (Hialeah Mater Lakes Academy) 34-5, Fr.
Dylan Munz (Miami Westminster Christian School) 29-13, Fr.
126
Ethan Tran (Hialeah Mater Lakes Academy) 30-3, So.
Leonardo Trejos (Miami Florida Christian School) 32-9, Jr.
Caden Cagiano (Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons) 25-16, So.
132
Christopher Greene (Hialeah Mater Lakes Academy) 33-4, So.
Oscar Aguilera (Miami Sunset) 21-3, Sr.
Misael Quezada (Miami SLAM Academy) 23-12, Sr.
138
Anthony O`dell (Hialeah Mater Lakes Academy) 30-4, Sr.
Mateo Jaramillo (Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons) 29-16, Jr.
144
Andrew Isek (Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons) 43-5, Sr.
Preston Lindsay (Coral Springs Charter School) 35-4, Sr.
Bruce Li (Hialeah Mater Lakes Academy) 24-7, Fr.
150
Mason O`Dell (Hialeah Mater Lakes Academy) 27-10, Fr.
Bryan Picallo (Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons) 29-2, Sr.
157
Kenny Alvarado (Hialeah Mater Lakes Academy) 32-6, Sr.
Andrew Chen (Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest) 25-14, So.
Isaac Fayer (Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons) 18-14, Jr.
165
Kenny Alvarado (Hialeah Mater Lakes Academy) 32-6, Sr.
Andrew Chen (Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest) 25-14, So.
Isaac Fayer (Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons) 18-14, Jr.
175
Darian Vargas (Hialeah Mater Lakes Academy) 26-11, Sr.
190
Damian Soto (Hialeah Mater Lakes Academy) 31-3, Sr.
Peter Mocco (Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons) 45-1, Fr.
Andrew Lopez (Miami Westminster Christian School) 31-9, Jr.
215
Michael Mocco (Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons) 39-0, Jr.
Maximiliano Garzano (Hialeah Mater Lakes Academy) 12-8, So.
Juan Mars (Miami Central) 20-4, So.
Eric Hospedales (Miami Florida Christian) 19-13, Fr.
285
Nathan Chen (Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest) 38-1, Sr.
Spencer Voss (Miami Christian) 13-4, Sr.
Jordan Diaz (Miami Sunset) 16-2, Sr.
SOUTH DADE GIRLS LOOK TO MAKE SOME NOISE
As the boys continue to roll in Homestead, so do the girls at South Dade High as they head to the state wrestling tournament as Region 4 champions.
The Lady Bucs advance seven wrestlers to the tournament.
TOP 10 GIRLS REGION
1 South Dade 194.0
2 North Miami 108.0
4 Florida Christian School 75.5
6 Doral Academy 71.0
7 Miami Palmetto 58.5
8 Southwest Miami 57.0
9 Western 51.0
10 Miami Southridge Hs 49.5
100
Rosie Kleine (Coconut Creek Monarch) 34-2, Jr.
Melissa Gallo (Miami Florida Christian School) 17-4, 6th.
Lydia Gonzalez (Homestead South Dade) 19-13, So. (Fall 2:45)
105
Tiffany Francisco (Davie Western) 16-1, So.
Gabriela Kerber (Weston Cypress Bay) 31-11, Jr.
Rebecca Marin (Doral Academy) 37-8, So.
110
Abigail Gonzalez (Miami Southridge) 31-1, Fr.
Camilla Delgado (Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy) 24-9, Sr.
Eowyn Reeves (Doral Academy) 32-15, So.
115
Beyonce Espinosa (Homestead South Dade) 31-2, Sr.
Samantha Ferrer (Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy) 30-10, Sr.
120
Willow White (Homestead South Dade) 35-0, Jr.
Zoe Delgado (Miami Florida Christian School) 27-5, 8th.
Arianna Ruiz (Hialeah Mater Lakes Academy) 27-4, Fr.
125
Rachel Silva (Miami Florida Christian School) 26-0, Sr.
Kaileia Villaviciencio (Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy) 22-6, Jr.
130
Isis Severe (North Miami) 24-2, Sr.
Eysis Estes-Brinson (Miami Palmetto) 17-5, Jr.
Abigail Moyer (Coral Springs) 25-6, So.
Hailey Hernandez (Southwest Miami) 28-15, Sr.
135
Arianna Garcia (Homestead South Dade) 29-5, Jr.
Alexa Paz (Miami SLAM Academy) 26-4.
Kamora Willis (Coral Gables) 31-5, Sr.
A`Niyah Leon-Goodrich (Miami Southridge) 6-10, So.
140
Shamari Smith (Homestead South Dade) 29-4, Sr.
Francesca Lara (Miami Palmetto) 16-2, Sr.
London Yelder (Everglades) 21-13, Jr.
145
Viktoriya Devochkinn (North Miami) 9-3, Jr.
Geraldine Honore (Homestead South Dade) 29-5, Sr.
155
Mya Bethel (North Miami) 16-0, Sr.
Alena Rik (Hialeah Mater Lakes Academy) 23-3, Jr.
170
Ariana Blanc (Parkland Douglas) 25-2, Jr.
Ariel Alexander (Homestead) 23-10, Sr.
190
Latoya Sylvestre (Hollywood South Broward) 24-0, Jr.
Tessa Diaz (Doral Academy) 34-7, Sr.
Joveline Joseph (North Miami) 27-10, Sr.
235
Halaby-Bravo (Southwest Miami) 25-5, So.
Kenzie Barrett (Homestead South Dade) 19-11, Fr.
Makayla Ocean (Southwest Archbishop Mccarthy) 20-18, So.
Kaylie Eugene (Pembroke Pines Flanagan) 7-4, Jr.
PHOTO COURTESY OF SOUTH DADE WRESTLING
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..
In the competitive world of off-season 7-on-7 football, there are several programs across the country who boast some elite talent.
As much as players and coaches across the country want to believe that the product that they put on the field – from coast-to-coast – each weekend – it’s tough to keep up with the players that come from the state of Florida.
While several 7-on-7 all-star programs use players from different state, Defcon United, a south Florida based team, is all about what the Sunshine State has to offer.
Coached by Robert Ortega (head coach at Hollywood McArthur), his assistant Noah Pressley and Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna defensive coordinator Aaron Strumski, this team is loaded with elite prospects, many who have already made a commitment to play at the next level.
With several national championships in hand, Defcon United is back at it this 7-on-7 season with some more elite prospects.
Among those competing this winter/spring are Class of 2026 players Javan Allison (DB, Miami Norland), Sam Brown Jr. (DB, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Jordan Campbell (LB, Miami Carol City), Derrek Cooper (RB/LB, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Dylan Denson (WR, Plantation American Heritage), Elijah Hardy (Athlete, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Terrance Johnson (DB, Plantation American Heritage), Bryant Junius (LB, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Dereon Coleman (QB, Orlando Jones), Leonzay Merzius (DB, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Derrick Nichols (DB, Plantation American Heritage), Robert Ortega Jr. (RB, Hollywood McArthur), and Plantation American Heritage receiver Jeffar Jean-Noel.
The Class of 2027 (rising junior) group is also big time – with Levi Champion (LB, West Palm Beach The King’s Academy), Dallas Crescenzo (WR, Lantana Santaluces), and Khamarion Young (WR, Hollywood McArthur).
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..
By Dave Brousseau - BCAA Writer
DAVIE – It’s been 18 months since senior right-handed pitcher Chase Wildroudt had Tommy John surgery on his right elbow.
Friday he was the starting pitcher against West Broward in the BCAA Tier 1 baseball championship game. Wildroudt made his second start of the season since his injury on October 24, 2023.
He went 5 2/3 innings allowing five hits, while striking out four to lead the Eagles to a 3-0 victory over the Bobcats at Nova High. It was also the Eagles third title in third year of the tournament.
The victory was the 12th consecutive over West Broward, while holding them to 23 consecutive scoreless innings. Douglas (7-1) has shut out the Bobcats six times during their winning streak.
“He’s about 18 months from Tommy John surgery and this was his third outing getting better and better each week,” said Douglas coach Todd FitzGerald. “He did great tonight. He was outstanding managing his pitches. He got some big strikeouts when we needed it.”
Backed by a stellar defensive effort, the Eagles allowed one base runner to get into scoring position, while Wildroudt was on the mound. Four times West Broward baserunners were called out trying to steal and advanced on a baseball hit.
Junior Jake Rizzo had a pair of RBIs, one in the bottom of the second inning and another two innings later. The third run came on a Bobcats (4-4) error in the bottom of the fourth inning.
“This feels great as I was struggling earlier in the season,” said Rizzo. “I’ve turned it up a notch and I feel like I’ve been able to help the team a lot. “
West Broward will host Douglas next Friday at 4 p.m.
“It’s baseball and right now we got it rolling pretty good,” said FitzGerald. “We got to go against them next Friday and it could be a different situation. Couldn’t be happier on how our guys handled themselves tonight.”
With the victory the Eagles haven’t suffered a second loss in the first eight games of a regular season since the 2019 season.
Senior left-hand pitcher Andrew Sarro was credited with the save.
Teir 2 Championship result: Pembroke Pines Charter 3, Nova 2.
Dave Brousseau can be reached on X at @dbrouss76 – or via e-mail at:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The one thing about south Florida high school football prospects is they love to compete and embrace competition.
Perhaps nowhere else in the nation do prospects relish the opportunity to showcase their skills and put a stamp on the fact that when it comes to producing talent, Miami-Dade and Broward Counties are confident in what they produce every year.
During the off-season, there are camps and combines that provide a forum for these quality football players to do their thing.
On Sunday, when the Under Armour Next Football Camp Series headed to Ives Estates Park in North Miami-Dade County on Sunday, all eyes were on the gifted young men who did their thing for nearly six hours.
When the event came to an end, MVP awards were handed out to several of the players that participated, and while several players could have easily walked away with awards at each position and the automatic invited to the Under Armour All-Star contest, a select group were chosen.
We watched all day and saw so many gifted young men do their thing and came up with four players that we wanted to spotlight from the two counties.
2027 – Chase Goodrich, DL, 6-1, 265, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas – 3.2 GPA. A day after qualifying for the state wrestling tournament, he came to the event to show coaches and media that he has been one of the fast-rising prospects in south Florida. Strong, agile and very smart, he brings so much to the game and will have a chance to prove it during the 2025 season as the Raiders will be in the mix once again.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16387545/677acf09e0580fc305e3f299
2026 -Desmond Johnson, LB, 6-1, 200, Miami Northwestern – 3.7 GPA. Another of the many football players in south Florida that continues to fly under the radar, but as many are finding out, he is the real deal and was a major force for the Bulls during the state championship run. As spring approaches, he will continue to pick up offers as more and more colleges will see how productive he is. Remains a prospect that many have not watched, but they will – soon!
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17981914/Desmond-Johnson
2026 – Michael Smarts, DE, 6-5, 220, Davie Nova – 3.2 GPA. After watching him this past season for the Titans, this is a football talent that is getting harder and harder to hide. He is quick off the ball and very athletic. As he gets stronger and bigger, major college coaches will enjoy what he brings to the table. This young man is the real deal and will must see during the spring and into the summer.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22768076/Michael-Smarts
2026 – Elias Sturman, OL, 6-1, 305, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna. When he arrived from IMG Academy this past season a lot of people didn’t know who he was, but his work ethic and productivity up front were hard to ignore. In Sunday’s competition, his strength and technique surfaced as coaches had the chance to see for himself. He rarely loses a round during competition and was vital for the Lions.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16191625/6772666e020a50150c523b7e
2027 QUARTERBACKS SHOWCASED TLENT
Keep in mind that while several football players did their thing on Sunday – from all over the state, area 2027 quarterbacks showed why this rising junior class will be special.
Tyler Chance (Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Jack Spaeder (Pembroke Pines West Broward), James Perrone (Miami Southridge), Zach Katz (Miami True North Classical Academy) and Kingston Rust (Miami Christopher Columbus) were all impressive and will be worth keeping an eye on this coming season.
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..