Moments after a season-ending loss in the first round of the state playoffs, first year Plantation head football coach Darrell Strong was not pleased.

While many would be satisfied with some state playoff game in year one, a consolation prize was the furthest thing from his mind.

As it would have been easy to rest of the fact that the Colonels advanced to the state playoffs in perhaps the toughest 4A district in Florida – where Plantation American Heritage would go on to win a state title – he knew that this team didn’t play well down the stretch, losing three of the final four and wanted to send a message. That message was 6-5 is NOT acceptable.

With Miami Norland, American Heritage and Archbishop McCarthy also work to get better this off-season, Plantation’s approach has been to continue to raise the bar.

With a number of key additions, and the return of some playmakers, the rising seniors (2026) will certainly lead the way with experience and talent.

Here is a look at some of those 2026 prospects:

Naijah Arnasalem, WR/S, 6’1, 185.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18032221/6728029ea953dda75e9fc7e3

Timothy Brown, DL, 6’3, 250.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19408837/67925ce8bb22bb3a616525d9

Bryant Carson, QB, 6’0, 190.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19009919/Bryant-Carson

Rayshawn Cunningham, RB, 5’9, 165.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20390824/Rayshawn-Cunningham

Christopher Damis, DB, 6’2, 180.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19679928/673ea4686a6e145fb2df3e6d

Ainsley David, OL, 6’3, 325.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18986391/Ainsley-David

Shenard Davis, DE/TE, 6’2, 190.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19032257/Shenard-Davis 

Devon Pierre, WR/RB, 5’7, 140.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20038951/Devon-Pierre

Torrell Powell, DL, 5’10, 220 – 3.3 GPA.

TAPE:  https://www.hudl.com/profile/19033171/Torrell-Powell

Zachariah Ray, RB, 5’9, 170.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18658565/67225043a161dd5921420329

Kendall Smith, LB, 5’8, 170.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23842699/Kendall-Smith

Christopher Tillman, RB/Athlete, 5’10, 170.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19529786/67374cdd8d38eae5be0c4818

AWAITING SPRING VIDEO

Jahlani Brown, OL, 6’3, 285

STRONG UNDERCLASS IS KEY TO THE 2025 SEASON

Coach Strong and his staff realize that if this program is going to take things one step further this coming season, the underclassmen will need to continue to step up.

The depth and talent will add to what the rising senior class is bringing to the games.

CLASS OF 2027

Jemari Foreman, DB, 6’1, 175.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/23197049/66eb8e641c5063232295d012

Ja’tavius Groover, DB, 5’10, 165.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23197021/Jatavius-groover

Malik Henry-Wright, OL, 6-3, 325.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20391460/Malik-HenryWright

Jason Thomas, WR, 5’11, 165.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20390204/Jason-Thomas

Tory Thornton, Edge, 6’2, 180.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20390349/Tory-Thornton

CLASS OF 2028

Chanavis Chance, LB, 5’8, 180.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22769095/677dc35ed855bc12107c7f2b

Meshi Dobson, DE, 6’4, 225.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/25526973/Meshi-Dobson

Zakari Johnson, WR/DB, 6’0, 175.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/24237216/673b6b236f71d7690442b109

AWAITING SPRING VIDEO

Logan Escobedo, QB, 6’2, 175

Larry Freelove, DB, 5’10, 155

Russell George, WR, 6’1, 165

Johnathan Gillard, DB, 5’10, 155

Clarence Gillis Jr., LB, 5’8, 175

Marlin Johnson, WR, 5’10, 150

Braylen Peacock, DB, 5’10 155

Jake Warren, DE, 6’1, 210

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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..

If you follow high school football in south Florida, it’s no secret. If you are a larger program and intend on having a chance to play for a state title, it all goes through Miami Christopher Columbus.

Even on a “down” year, the Explorers came within a touchdown of playing for another 7A state title – as they waltzed to a District 16-7A crown and into the regionals.

When Columbus and Miami Palmetto squared off on Sept. 13 – just three weeks into the season – the Panthers had their chances, but like it has been the case for many years, that loss not only wrapped up a district title, but even though head coach Mike Manasco’s team played well, winning six straight, they would never get another chance at Columbus.

When Davie Western beat Palmetto in the opening round of the state playoffs, it once again sealed the fate of this program.

While you can go back and look at the close games that the Panthers could have won – Columbus (17-14) included – the season ended and sent the team into the off-season once again shaking their collective heads.

As many times as this team has left one season and looked forward to another, there was always a sense that things may be different, and with the addition of some key players as a solid rising senior (2026) class, this is the most excited the Panthers have been in a long time.

That rising senior class is stacked with prospects and is up for the challenge once again.

Here is a look at some of those 2026 players:

Andre Bailey, QB, 5'9, 165 - 3.45 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/13294599/Andre-Bailey

Anthony Brown, OL, 6'5, 325 - 3.50 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18142160/Anthony-Brown

Marko Fernandez, DB, 5'11, 175 - 3.50.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/13488167/Marko-Fernandez

Braylen Green, 5'11, 170 - 2.63 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/21396759/Braylen-Green

Chris Green, K/P, 6'2, 170 - 3.53 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20797756/Christopher-Green

Caleb Jones, LB, 6'1, 185 - 2.97 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16419957/Caleb-Jones

Wynton Jones, DB, 5'10, 165 - 2.80 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18651809/Wynton-Jones-Jr

Amiel Mackey, Athlete, 5'10, 180 - 2.50 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20025070/amiel-mackey

Matt Marsh, OL, 6'2, 290 - 2.72 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17548776/Matthew-Marsh

Lucas Martinez, OL, 5'11, 230 - 3.56 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16045176/Lucas-Martinez

Conneilus Miller, WR/DB, 6'0, 175 - 3.49 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18628445/Conneilus-Miller-Jr

Nikolai Moise, DB, 5'9 150 - 2.74 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19132065/Nikolai-Moise

Riley Sawchenco, LS, 6'1, 245 - 3.11 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18664425/Rylee-Sawchenco

Prince Smith, Edge/LB, 6'0, 205 - 3.95 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19369040/Prince-Smith

Corey Swint, WR/DB, 5'11, 165 - 2.50 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19665801/Corey-Swint

Varian Terry, RB, 5'8, 170 - 2.78.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19126825/Varian-Terry

Kevin White Jr., CB, 6'1, 175 - 2.62 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17803174/Kevin-White-Jr

AWAITING SPRING VIDEO

Willie Dannah, DB, 5'10, 155

Charles Flowers, Athlete, 5'10, 165 - 2.77 GPA

TALENTED GROUP OF UNDERCLASSMEN COULD CHANGE THE DIRECTION

As the 2026 class will have experience, talent and provide leadership, there are some young prospects who will also have a chance to make a major contribution.

CLASS OF 2027

Jahari Collier, DL, 6'2, 235 - 2.77 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19937707/Jahari-Collier

Zion Flowers, OL, 6'2, 255 - 3.64 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22407090/Zion-Flowers

Rashad Fuller, OL, 6'3, 285 - 3.25 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19947397/Rashad-Fuller

Ezekiel Herring, WR/DB, 5'10, 165.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19947332/Ezekiel-Herring

Brandon Howard, LB, 6'1, 220 - 2.67 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20590410/Brandon-Howard

Kaden Howard, CB/WR, 6'0, 160 - 3.80 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19438407/Kaden-Howard

AWAITING SPRING VIDEO

Mathias Augustin, LB, 6'0, 195 - 3.33 GPA

Aiden Butler, RB, 5'9, 165

Angel Irizarry, OL/DL, 6'1, 275 - 2.57 GPA

Antonio Jackson, OL/DL, 6'0, 235 - 2.45 GPA

Elijah Johnson, OL, 6'2, 305 - 2.72 GPA

Joaquin Mejia, OL, 6'3, 325 - 2.55 GPA

Julian Sanchez, OL, 5'11, 245 - 2.88 GPA

CLASS OF 2028

Ahmir Barnes, WR, 5'9, 160 - 3.5 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20185498/Ahmir-Barnes

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..

When Weston Cypress Bay lost a 46-0 game to a District 15-7A contest to Davie Western in the second week of October, it dropped the Lightning to 3-4.

With three games left in the season, head coach Bret Hood and his team knew that they had dug themselves in a hole that would be hard to get out from.

Even though they would run off three straight to end the regular season at 6-4, the setback against Western and Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman in district play ended up keep them from playing in the post season.

When the season ended in the first week of November there was an empty feeling. Even though they would finish strong, what they did during the early part of the year proved to be the reason that the senior class would go out without a chance to take part in a state playoff game.

That sour feeling has become a rallying point for this program – and the theme as they approach 2025 is to never put the fate of your team in someone else’s hands.

With perhaps the strongest team coming back that they have had for a long while, it will be up to this rising senior (2026) class to go after a district title with talent, leadership and experience.

Here is a look at some of those 2026 players:

Chance Black, DB, 5’9, 170.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18505855/chance-black

James Dixon, Athlete, 5’11, 180.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23680890/james-dixon

Ben Gula, LT, 6’5, 295 – 3.0 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18048207/Ben-Gula

Lorenzo Lopez, 6’2, 195 – 4.5 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18613107/Lorenzo-Lopez

Jayden Mendez, Athlete, 5’10, 185.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19374252/Jayden-Mendez

Sushanth Mortala, RT, 6’3, 280. Basketball.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19381374/Sushanth-Mortala

Jaylan Reid, RB, 5’8, 175.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19352357/jaylan-reid

Ronald Thomas, WR/DB, 6’4, 176.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19227296/Ronald-Thomas

Marcus White, RB, 5’10, 195.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22825092/Marcus-White-Jr

AWAITING SPRING VIDEO

Charif El Churafa, LB, 5’9, 185

Joshua Gamberg, WR, 5’9, 160

Micah Nicholls, FS, 6’0, 190

Democratis Thiakos, LG, 6’2, 275

THE FUTURE IS IN THE HANDS OF THE UNDERCLASSMEN

While there are a few quality football players in the Class of 2026, there are some impressive underclassmen that have the chance to lead this team this coming season and into the future.

CLASS OF 2027

Santiago Gurwitz, QB, 5’9, 170.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18736180/Santiago-Gurwitz

Peyton Lamarre, LB, 5’10, 190.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22056832/Peyton-Lamarre

Logan Pelliccio, QB, 5’10, 185 – 4.0 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19530849/Logan-Pelliccio

AWAITING SPRING VIDEO

Hunter Cullen, TE, 5’11, 210 – 4.2 GPA

Will Cullen, Athlete, 5’9, 165

David Jones, RG, 5’11, 225

Gabriel Lemoine, WR, 5’7, 160

Michael Millar, WR/DB, 5’10, 160

Evan Saff, DT, 5’11, 265

CLASS OF 2028

Beckett Couch, OC, 6’2, 220.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22880089/beckett-couch

AWAITING SPRING VIDEO

Jake Bass, Athlete, 5’10, 185

Kaden Langford, DE, 6’3, 195

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..

If you are a high school football fan in south Florida, you already know the story of Miami Ransom Everglades High School and Neimann Lawrence.

Over the past two years, there may not have been a more promoted Class of 2028 athlete than the football quarterback and baseball standout.

What Lawrence did for the Raiders and the program is simply something you cannot explain as he helped to lead this team to a state playoff game and recognition.

After the season ended, Lawrence, arguably one of the best in the nation, moved on to 3A state champion Miami Northwestern, leaving a large void in this program.

The reality of high school sports is that defining student/athletes move on every year, and somehow the program survives and rebuilds with other standout prospects.

As we are now in the 2025 off-season, head coach Joe Supple and his football program have plenty of talent and a belief that was started a year ago will continue. While replacing Lawrence will not be easy, there have been a number of football players who have watched their stock rise, and in the process, are coming together and working hard.

With spring coming up in the next two months, it will be up to the rising senior (2026) class to take the leadership role and display talent and experience.

Here is a look at some of those players to keep an eye on:

Edwin Carr, DL, 6-0, 245 – 3.86 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16773237/671fd4a26c60e68323f497cd

Jackson Crowley, OL, 6-0, 245 – 3.7 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16773254/673b5a00ee1ab01e17e17570

Carlos Lavernia, PK, 6-2, 200 - 3.86 GPA. 33 ACT.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16773222/6747f626c5646942d517edd0

Rauli Matos, WR, 6-3, 175 – 3.7 GPA. 1230 SAT. Lacrosse.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16773251/675b94ae72256b38dc71f0ed

Jack McCarron, RB/LB, 5-10, 185 – 3.75 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16773225/677d769c7f2c3fb0135de383

Juan Velazco, Athlete, 6-0, 180 – 3.8 GPA. Baseball.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16773220/6785476ed6530aa0ac8403ae

AWAITING VIDEO

Charlie Reizenstein, OL, 6-3, 280 – 3.4 GPA

LARGE GROUP OF UNDERCLASSMEN ARE READY

As the rising senior class will certainly be counted on, do not sleep on the underclassmen. They are indeed gifted and ready to make an impact:

CLASS OF 2027

Colross Hucks, DL, 6-2, 215 – 4.0 GPA. 1320 PSAT.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16773226/6734fca1816c6a4e0ed8663f

Alec Martinez-Bolivar, PK, 5-10 165.

TAPE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7MaVvcLPJA

Hunter White, LB, 6-0, 185 – 3.8 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16773214/67927e79972186a4b328d86d

AWAITING VIDEO

Harrison Ferrentino, OL/DL, 6-2, 190

CLASS OF 2028

Noah Alce, RB, 5-10, 165.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20553361/674d27cfa523797f61bb129f

Quinnard Mays, DL/LB, 5-11, 175 – 3.2 GPA. Track & Field.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18328528/677cf593f85ef57af7a8c40c

Finn McCarron, WR, 6-1, 165 – 3.7 GPA. Lacrosse.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18318817/673bb62b787c2b13537b5944

Colton Smith, WR/DB, 5-11, 165 – 4.0 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19374286/67182d713b0d4daa920e1953

Hans van de Kreeke, CB, 5-11, 160.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18324979/Hans-Van-de-kreeke

AWAITING VIDEO

Tobin Drury, DL, 6-0, 190

Julian Silvetz, WR, 6-3, 170

CLASS OF 2029

AWAITING VIDEO

Aiden Cohen, DL/OL, 6-1, 230

Landon Elfenbein, Athlete, 5-8, 150

Evans Branch, WR/OLB, 6-3, 170

Benjamin Rodriguez, DB/WR, 5-8, 140

Will Duncan, RB/LB, 5-9, 160

Harrison Flier, WR/PK, 5-6, 135

Callum Kelleher, DE/LB, 5-7, 140

David Martin, OL, 6-2, 230

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..