When it comes to building football programs, Parkland Douglas head coach Christian Baldwin knows the challenges.

In this day and age of transfers and prospects moving around, even building winning programs is no guarantee that prospects will stay the course and be loyal to where they begin.

For Coach Baldwin, it is has always been about teaching and developing, and the student/athletes who buy into what he and his staff are doing will benefit.

With spring right around the corner, the development for the Eagles will continue after a 4-6 season that had its ups and downs. But there is something that may be different in the northwest Broward County area this spring – and that is the return of several prospects who continued to make some major strides in 2025.

The rising senior class (2027) will see several prospects come back this spring to improve on last season.

Among those prospects will be Johnny Debs (WR/FS), Anthony Diaz (Slot/WR), Gonzalo Garcia (OL/DL), Benjamin Goodman (WR/CB), Noah Guedes (OL/LB), Blake Johnson (SS), Carson Keogh (OLB), Keegan Lake (Athlete), Ian Liston (TE/CB), Matteo Swetsy (QB/OLB) and versatile linebacker Juan Toro.

Debs, Lake and Toro all stepped up this past season and are expected to do the same once again this spring and summer.

GROWTH AND TALENT WILL SEE THE UNDERCLASSMEN IMPROVE

As the rising seniors will lead the way with experience and leadership, look for the Eagles to benefit from a strong underclassmen – starting with the 2028 (rising juniors) class – which includes Jake Bararez (OLB/FS), James Binner (LB/FB), Jovanni Defalco (WR), Isaiah Digg (TE), Brody Gratton (LB), Ari Grinberg (OL/DL), Sampsen Orlinsky (QB), Max Plasencia (CB/WR), James Primiterra (K), Max Troy (Athlete) and Drake Walker (LB/DE).

In 2025, DeFalco, Troy and Walker were among the top sophomores who this program will feature this coming season.

Keep an eye on the rising sophomores (2029) as well – with Colin Devaney (TE/DE), Dmitry Grinberg (RB), Kalo Jal (OL), Max Kendell (DL), Drew Labi (OL/DL), Chase Malone (DE/OG), Tarence Robinson (DE/LB) and defensive back Nick Salerno.

2025 Parkland Douglas Eagles

Weston Cypress Bay, L 40-7

Deerfield Beach, L 30-10

Cooper City, W 20-10

Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson, W 20-9

Boca Raton, L 24-6

Coral Springs Coral Glades, L 20-7

Boca Raton Spanish River, L 42-0

Coral Springs, W 35-12

Coral Springs Charter, W 28-6

Coconut Creek, L 34-6

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..

Nobody has to tell anyone about the disappointment felt by Miami Southridge coaches, players and fans after dropping a region final game to Pembroke Pines West Broward last November.

That 30-27 setback was something that truly stung as head coach Pierre Senatus and his team were the favorites to reach the 6A state title game in their own backyard after falling short the year before on a controversial call at eventual state champion West Boca Raton.

With so much talent and a year that watched them lose only to Miami Central in the Greater Miami Athletic Conference (GMAC) title game, the Spartans were indeed a program that everyone across the state felt were the favorites, but reaching the title game never happened.

As the off-season started and this program headed toward spring, there were several changes with graduation and a few player moves taking place.

With the past two years serving as motivation, the Spartans have reloaded with some quality rising seniors (2027) ready to take the lead role.

Here is a look at some of those impressive prospects, who look to build on last season’s 11-2 finish:

Marquaan Burch, Athlete, 5’10, 160.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23470216/Marquaan-Burch

Jayden Davis, RB, 5’11, 195 – 3.8 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19465037/Jayden-Davis?

Darius Jones, RB, 5’8, 180.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20987262/Darius-Jones

Isaiah Parisien, LB, 6’0, 190 – 4.5 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20389129/Isaiah-Parisien?

Albert Smith, OLB/DE, 6’2, 210.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20931961/Albert-Smith

Michael Quinones, PK.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/24044115/Michael-Quinones

Khamari Williams, OL/DL, 6’3, 240.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/21636240/Khamari-Williams

Javarius Wright, WR, 5’10, 175.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22314081/Javarius-Wright

THE FUTURE APPEARS TO BE VERY BRIGHT

While the Class of 2027 will lead the way, this is a program stacked with quality young talent as well.

Here is a look at some of those players ready to keep this team at a high level:

CLASS OF 2028

Jamari Davis, RB, 5’6, 135.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/24851375/Jamari-Davis?

Derick Kuilan Jr., DE 6’4, 200 – 4.2 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26652561/Derick-Kuilan-Jr

Adam Mesa OG/C 6’2, 285.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22520302/Adam-Mesa

Antonio Wilcher Jr., DT, 6’2, 300.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19062885/Antonio-Wilcher-Jr

CLASS OF 2029

Vankino Bethea, CB, 6’1, 160.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23407651/Vankino-Bethea

Shawn Blair, OT, 6’5, 240.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22328845/Shawn-Blair

Robert “Bobby” Doctor, DE, 6’5, 235.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26440205/Bobby-Doctor

Cameron Green, WR/FS, 5’10, 155 – 3.2 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/27094173/Cameron-Green

Prince Howell Jr., QB/Athlete, 6’2, 175 – 4.0 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22205813/Prince-Howell-jr 

Jermain Kelson Jr., WR, 5’9, 160.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22483545/692f4894cc386d2379611371

Martell Shannon, DL, 6’5, 285 – 3.83 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/26865045/693713305079fbd819535e48

AWAITING SPRING VIDEO

Phillip Intagliata, CB, 5’10, 155

Edward Johnson, DE, 6’5, 195

Jayden Johnson, DB, 5’10, 150

2025 Miami Southridge Spartans

Miami Christopher Columbus, W 28-21

Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman, W 63-22

Miami Palmetto, W 34-24

Hialeah, W 37-0

Doral Academy, W 42-7

Homestead, W 59-18

Miami Edison, W 30-16

Southwest Miami, W 49-0

Miami Central, L 34-28

Homestead South Dade, W 48-3

Davie Nova, W 49-0

Sunrise Piper, W 42-6

Pembroke Pines West Broward, L 30-27

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 in south Florida for any length of time, you already know the success that Monsignor Pace has had through the decades.

This is a program that has meant so much more than athletics through the years – and frankly – nothing has changed.

After losing to Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons in the first round of the state playoffs last November, the Spartans ended the season at 4-7. That’s 4-7! But why?

This has always been a program that wins and develops. Just look at the pipeline of talent that has found its way from Miami Gardens to colleges and into the National Football League. Even current head coach Anthony Walker’s son, Anthony Walker Jr. has spent the better half of the past decade in the NFL after graduating, with honors, from prestigious Northwestern University.

The talent that has walked these halls through the decades is truly a who’s who of local legends – including the best college football player in the country, Jeremiah Smith, who started his career there.

Walk through the halls of this school and check out the trophy case and you will see history unfolding before your eyes.

As spring is quickly approaching, there is a feeling that things can turn around and get this program back on track – and if that happens – this rising senior (2027) class will certainly need to take a lead role.

Here are some of those players to keep an eye on during the spring and into the 2026 season:

Tristan Barnett, DB/LB, 6’2, 175 – 2.7 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26255965/Tristan-Barnett

Jordan Fernandez, QB, 5' 9, 170 – 3.5 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/24452318/Jordan-Fernandez

Jamaal Gibson, Jr, DB/WR, 5'10, 175 – 2.8 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/21103378/Jamaal-Gibson

Jayden Govender, DB/WR, 5' 7, 140.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22361063/6931a35ecd06d6b43c37564f

Jayden Gummer, LB, 6'0, 210 – 3.86 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20266966/Jayden-Gummer

Quinton McGhee, Jr., OL, 5'11, 290 – 3.5 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20245609/Quinton-McGhee?

Jayden Perera, TE/WR, 6'1, 180 – 3.2 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22794003/Jayden-Perera

Darius Rowe, RB/LB, 5'11, 190 – 3.6 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19531222/Darius-Rowe

Jonathan Simeon, DE/LB, 5'9, 200.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/24719531/69080963295322328344b76c

Immanuel Simmons, DB/WR, 6'0, 180 – 3.0 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19464292/Immanuel-Simmons

Legend Walters, DE/LB, 6'0, 180 - 3.0 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20230155/Legend-Walters

AWAITING SPRING VIDEO

Jeysus Cobas, OL, 5’10, 260 - 2.9 GPA

Calvin Etienne, OL/DL, 6'2, 325

Jerdyer Evans, OL, 5'11, 290 – 2.6 GPA

Isaiah Thurston, RB, 5'7, 175 – 2.6 GPA

HOW ABOUT THE FUTURE?

If some of these younger players stay around to get a great education and learn from some of the coaches and alumni that return, things could be in good hands.

Here is a look at prospects to keep an eye on who will get film this spring for colleges to check out:

CLASS OF 2028

Kevin Castillo, OL, 5'8, 225 – 2.6 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26748894/Kevin-Castillo

Aden Francois, QB, 5'11, 190.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26386947/Aden-Francois

Calique Gary, DB/WR, 5'7, 160.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22890901/69334694cd06d6b43c37eb8b

Matthew Priede, WR, 5'7, 145.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23627925/Matthew-Priede

Mykei Wade, WR/DB, 5'9, 160 – 2.9 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20690607/Mykei-Wade

Lazaro Walker, LB, 5'10, 195 – 2.5 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22508948/Lazaro-Walker

AWAITING SPRING VIDEO

Rodney Brown, Jr., DB, 5'9, 165 – 3.1 GPA

Khynar Collier, DB, 5'9, 160 – 2.9 GPA

Sebastian Fernandez, RB/LS, 5'10, 205 - 3.9 GPA

Jaden Hernandez, QB, 6'2, 185 – 2.8 GPA

Damian Lee, Jr., DE, 6'2, 185 – 3.0 GPA

Damien Rowe, DB, 5'9, 160 – 2.5 GPA

Lascelles Sewell, Jr., OL, 6'2, 225 – 2.5 GPA

Joshua Vazquez-Blanco, K/P, 5'9, 200 – 3.1 GPA

CLASS OF 2029

AWAITING SPRING VIDEO

Michael Alphonse, Jr., LB, 5'9, 200 – 2.7 GPA

Caelin Fealy, LB, 5'7, 190 – 2.9 GPA

Jeremiah Franklin, OL/DL, 6'0, 250 – 3.0 GPA

Azion Gracia, RB/LB, 5'9, 160 – 3.3 GPA

Bryce Jefferson, OL, 6'3, 280

Devin Jones, QB, 5'10, 160

Dexter Kemp, DB, 5'10, 160

Christopher Lopez, WR, 5'11, 170 – 3.1 GPA

Hanley Perdomo, RB, 5'7, 145

La'Kayvian Simmons, DL, 5'9, 235 – 2.5 GPA

Osniel Triana, Jr., WR, 6'1, 170 – 2.6 GPA

Joshua Valdez, OL, 5'7, 250 – 3.1 GPA

2025 Monsignor Pace Spartans

Miami Gulliver Prep, W 26-21 (OT)

Miami True North Classical Academy, L 49-18

Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy, W 28-20

Miami Edison, L 20-14

Miami Carol City, L 22-21

Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian Academy, L 14-6

Port St. Lucie West Centennial, W 28-24 (OT)

Sarasota Cardinal Mooney, L 47-6

North Miami Beach, W 29-28

Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman, L 26-8

Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, L 48-28

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 we race toward April in this quick moving year, spring football for high schools is drawing closer.

As college coaches from all over the country head to Miami-Dade and Broward Counties to see some of the amazing talent, they will see prospects that they have known about for some time. But they will also come across football talent that continues to emerge and mature.

As the rising senior (2027) class is very much on the clock, and there are still many who have not made their decision on where to go to college, the underclassmen are also out there ready to showcase their talent as well.

When many of these colleges and recruiters last saw many of these players – especially the younger ones – they were smaller and lacked experience, but all that is changing.

Today, we continue to shine a spotlight on those younger players with a look at some Class of 2028 rising junior defensive prospects who are making some major strides.

Alexander “Alex” Beltran, DE, 6’4, 215, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna. From the first time you watch him perform, you are immediately sold. This is a very athletic talent who has a motor that does not stop. His speed and athleticism have gotten him to the level where college coaches are bowled over. He is one of those throwback kinds of prospects that plays this game from whistle to whistle. Even last season as a sophomore, he gave this team a preview of what is going to come over the next two seasons. Has taken advantage of the off-season with impressive performances at several events.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23048466/Alexander-Beltran

Julien Castillo, LB, 5’10, 190, Southwest Miami. If this program is going to turn things around, having a prospect like this is essential. When you watch him play this game, you can see what kind of prospect he is developing into. He is always around the ball, a sure tackler and someone who comes to play this game. While he is still growing, his confidence comes from working in the weightroom, watching film to see exactly what he needs to work on to get better and being passionate about the game. Has a chance to be special with a solid off season, which will include this spring.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23544154/julien-castillo

Clarence Gillis Jr., OLB, 5’10, 185, Coconut Creek. The best thing about watching the talent in south Florida is you see many of these quality prospects go from youth football and take their game to the next level. This former youth standout had a tremendous 2025 season as one of the top tacklers the Plantation Colonels had. Was instrumental in the first-round state playoff win at unbeaten Fort Lauderdale Dillard, coming up with play after play. A solid prospect, who still has time to grow into his body. What makes him such an outstanding linebacker is his ability to make plays. Ended the season as one of the top tacklers on a very athletic and skilled team. He will be fun to watch over the next two years.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26904582/Clarence-gillis-jr

Travares Vicks, DT, 6’1, 240, Miami Christopher Columbus. With so many moves being made this off-season so far, here is someone that may have been one that slid under the radar. Watching him at Miami Northwestern in his brief appearance, this is certainly one of those players who showed that he will get after you and has a motor that doesn't stop until the play is over. He gets off the ball quickly and has plenty of athleticism, which will add up as he continues to hit the weightroom. While many have not watched him perform because his playing time was limited, this could be a talent that blows up this coming season. Not just because of a different environment, but if you watched him play last season, there were so many things to like – and he was just a raw sophomore who is still learning the game. It will be fun to continue to watch his progress in 2026.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22441770/Travares-Vicks

Antonio Wilcher Jr., DT, 6’2, 280, Miami Southridge. From the time we watched him at Palm Glades to what he now brings to the table, heading into his junior year, this is someone who we consider as one of the best defensive linemen in the state – and one who is blowing up around the country. He is quick off the ball, strong and will get after the quarterback and shed blockers like many seniors do not do. He is the blueprint for a major college nose tackle and if anyone wants to dispute that, you need to watch him play. He doesn’t just play the game, but dominates and is part of one of Florida’s top defensive lines for the Spartans. As he matures and gets more technically sound, you will see how he separates himself from the competition. The next two years will be fun to watch as those who said he was too short will start to eat their words – one at a time!

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19062885/Antonio-Wilcher-Jr

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..