By Dave Brousseau
PARKLAND – When the Douglas baseball team took to the field for the decisive game three against West Broward on Saturday everything was a stake in defense of another state title.
The combination of solid team pitching and a second-inning three-run homer by sophomore Sean Torres the Eagles kept the dream of playing for a sixth consecutive state championship.
Starter Drew Bolvin and Tyler Sterzbach combined for seven innings on the mound holding the Bobcats to six hits, while striking out five to earn a 7-0 victory.
The win advances the Eagles (26-6) to the state semifinal game on May 15 against Hagerty (22-8) at 7 p.m. at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers. The winner advances to the title game on Saturday against the Venice/Vero Beach winner.
Douglas will be seeking to extend its current state record of five consecutive championships to six.
“My teammates have trust in me and we have trust in each other,” said Torres. “For me to come through for my team is special. “We came out as a different team after the second game loss. They were a good team, but we knew we were the better team today.”
The victory was also the 14th shutout in a playoff game since the 2016 first championship season for the Eagles.
Following the Torres home run, the Eagles three more runs in the bottom of the third inning. Cade Raley had a two-run single, scoring Laurel and Matthew Toback. Torres scored on a bases-loaded walk for a 6-0 lead.
After a Laurel double and passed ball that advanced him to third, he scored the Eagles final run of the afternoon on a sac fly from catcher Jackson Taylor.
West Broward forced a game three in the series with a 12-7 victory in game two. They scored eight runs in the bottom of the fourth inning. The loss snapped the Eagles streak of 32 consecutive playoff victories.
The big inning rallied the Bobcats from a 6-1 deficit that saw Jake Rizzo hit a second inning grand slam in the second inning.
CLASS 6A
ST. THOMAS AQUINAS 6, MIAMI SOUTHRIDGE 5 (8 inn): Jake Carruthers Hunter Mercer each drove in a pair of runs as the Raiders rallied from a 5-3 deficit to win the game in extra innings.
Aquinas (26-6) will play Land O’Lakes in a state semifinal game on Friday at 1 p.m.
The Raiders enter the semifinal game as the defending 6A state champion.
Southridge won game two of the series 12-4.
Dave Brousseau is a veteran journalist who worked at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and is a longtime BCAA Correspondent. Need to reach out to him? Contact him at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
By Dave Brousseau
PARKLAND – When the Douglas baseball team took to the field for the decisive game three against West Broward on Saturday everything was a stake in defense of another state title.
The combination of solid team pitching and a second-inning three-run homer by sophomore Sean Torres the Eagles kept the dream of playing for a sixth consecutive state championship.
Starter Drew Bolvin and Tyler Sterzbach combined for seven innings on the mound holding the Bobcats to six hits, while striking out five to earn a 7-0 victory.
The win advances the Eagles (26-6) to the state semifinal game on May 15 against Hagerty (22-8) at 7 p.m. at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers. The winner advances to the title game on Saturday against the Venice/Vero Beach winner.
Douglas will be seeking to extend its current state record of five consecutive championships to six.
“My teammates have trust in me and we have trust in each other,” said Torres. “For me to come through for my team is special. “We came out as a different team after the second game loss. They were a good team, but we knew we were the better team today.”
The victory was also the 14th shutout in a playoff game since the 2016 first championship season for the Eagles.
Following the Torres home run, the Eagles three more runs in the bottom of the third inning. Cade Raley had a two-run single, scoring Laurel and Matthew Toback. Torres scored on a bases-loaded walk for a 6-0 lead.
After a Laurel double and passed ball that advanced him to third, he scored the Eagles final run of the afternoon on a sac fly from catcher Jackson Taylor.
West Broward forced a game three in the series with a 12-7 victory in game two. They scored eight runs in the bottom of the fourth inning. The loss snapped the Eagles streak of 32 consecutive playoff victories.
The big inning rallied the Bobcats from a 6-1 deficit that saw Jake Rizzo hit a second inning grand slam in the second inning.
CLASS 6A
ST. THOMAS AQUINAS 6, MIAMI SOUTHRIDGE 5 (8 inn): Jake Carruthers Hunter Mercer each drove in a pair of runs as the Raiders rallied from a 5-3 deficit to win the game in extra innings.
Aquinas (26-6) will play Land O’Lakes in a state semifinal game on Friday at 1 p.m.
The Raiders enter the semifinal game as the defending 6A state champion.
Southridge won game two of the series 12-4.
Dave Brousseau is a veteran journalist who worked at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and is a longtime BCAA Correspondent. Need to reach out to him? Contact him at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
By Dave Brousseau
PARKLAND – When the Douglas baseball team took to the field for the decisive game three against West Broward on Saturday everything was a stake in defense of another state title.
The combination of solid team pitching and a second-inning three-run homer by sophomore Sean Torres the Eagles kept the dream of playing for a sixth consecutive state championship.
Starter Drew Bolvin and Tyler Sterzbach combined for seven innings on the mound holding the Bobcats to six hits, while striking out five to earn a 7-0 victory.
The win advances the Eagles (26-6) to the state semifinal game on May 15 against Hagerty (22-8) at 7 p.m. at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers. The winner advances to the title game on Saturday against the Venice/Vero Beach winner.
Douglas will be seeking to extend its current state record of five consecutive championships to six.
“My teammates have trust in me and we have trust in each other,” said Torres. “For me to come through for my team is special. “We came out as a different team after the second game loss. They were a good team, but we knew we were the better team today.”
The victory was also the 14th shutout in a playoff game since the 2016 first championship season for the Eagles.
Following the Torres home run, the Eagles three more runs in the bottom of the third inning. Cade Raley had a two-run single, scoring Laurel and Matthew Toback. Torres scored on a bases-loaded walk for a 6-0 lead.
After a Laurel double and passed ball that advanced him to third, he scored the Eagles final run of the afternoon on a sac fly from catcher Jackson Taylor.
West Broward forced a game three in the series with a 12-7 victory in game two. They scored eight runs in the bottom of the fourth inning. The loss snapped the Eagles streak of 32 consecutive playoff victories.
The big inning rallied the Bobcats from a 6-1 deficit that saw Jake Rizzo hit a second inning grand slam in the second inning.
CLASS 6A
ST. THOMAS AQUINAS 6, MIAMI SOUTHRIDGE 5 (8 inn): Jake Carruthers Hunter Mercer each drove in a pair of runs as the Raiders rallied from a 5-3 deficit to win the game in extra innings.
Aquinas (26-6) will play Land O’Lakes in a state semifinal game on Friday at 1 p.m.
The Raiders enter the semifinal game as the defending 6A state champion.
Southridge won game two of the series 12-4.
Dave Brousseau is a veteran journalist who worked at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and is a longtime BCAA Correspondent. Need to reach out to him? Contact him at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
When you look at the Miami Jackson Generals football program this spring, keep in mind that what happened during the past few years will not be swept under the rug, but used as motivation moving forward.
To fully comprehend where this program has been the past decade is to know that it is still one of Miami Dade’s storied programs with a long list of elite players and coaches who have walked the hall of this school for decades.
One of those elite performers is Kenyatis Lewis. One of the top student/athletes this program has produced through the years, he decided that enough was enough. Tired of watching from afar this football program continue to decline, he came back and started to rebuild this team and perception – from scratch.
While he knows that this will be a process, he was willing to do things the way he learned from some of the best coaches while competing with superior athletes.
When he accepted the position, he told the current administration that if he came back, things would have to be done the “Jackson General Way” – in the classroom and on the field.
Surrounding himself with coaches who knew the culture and understood what needed to be done was a must, and this spring, while everything has been an uphill climb, this program has started to come together – with a proven winning philosophy.
GROWING PAINS ARE EXPECTED
There is no getting around the fact that the talent level is nowhere near where it will be, but those players who came out this spring have accepted the challenge to return this program to the level where many of the best talent have performed for decades.
This program has had two winning seasons in the past 10 years and just seven in 21 years. That is going to change.
CLASS OF 2027
This is usually the spot where teams are developed. The rising senior class provides experience and talent – and while there are a few players who will lead, the lack of depth will be a concern early on.
Keep an eye on Johnny Joassaint (LB, 5'8, 164) and Nathan Wilson (OL, 6'4, 285) – as well as Defensive End Dominique Williams (6'2, 217).
UNDERCLASSMEN WILL BE HUGE IN THE DEVEOPMENT OF THIS PROGRAM
With a lack of experienced seniors, keep an eye on the younger prospects this team will feature this coming season.
So far this spring the rising juniors (2028) have made some major strides – with receiver Spencer Brown (5'7, 166) and defensive tackle Jose Flores (6'2, 240) stepping up.
Also, keep an eye on prospects such as Jonel Bruno (DB, 5'9, 160), Jeremiah Clark (LB, 5'11, 180), Charnell Daniels (RB, 5'9, 180), Jer'Quan Eaton (QB, 6'2, 170), Omar Napoles (WR, 6'0, 170), Deion Raphael (DB, 5'10, 160) and receiver Christopher Urdaneta (6'3, 174).
While the rising juniors will certainly help in the growth, the Class of 2029 rising sophomores will truly be the cornerstone for the future. Leading the way so far are Travis Coley (DB, 5'10, 150), Devontae Dixon (WR, 5'10, 172) and receiver Dwayne King (6'2, 167).
In addition, other players on the rise have been Teterion Bradley (DE, 6'2, 180), Trevino Dixon (WR, 5'11, 153), Ethan Pearson (RB, 5'8, 183), Ja'Dan Stanley (DT, 5'9, 295) and quarterback Noko Valdes (6'3, 230).
2025 Miami Jackson Generals
North Miami, L 46-6
Miami Immaculata LaSalle, L 50-0
Homestead Somerset Academy Silver Palms, L 31-0
Hialeah American, L 28-6
Miami St. Brendan, L 35-6
Miami Northwestern, L Forfeit
Miami True North Classical Academy, L 42-0
Key West, L 54-6
Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy, L 45-0
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..
While it would have been easy for Archbishop McCarthy head football coach Jake Pew, his staff and team to dwell on the 25-20 region final loss to eventual 4A state champion Plantation American Heritage, this program is beyond that now.
They are no longer in a position to look at close games against top talent as consolation prizes. This is now a program that has won big games and competed against top-flight opponents to understand that they belong – and this spring and into the summer will only prepare the Mavericks for another challenging season.
As their schedule was released earlier this week, there are once again talented programs among the 10 games, and while the past few years, many would believe that some of the teams would take a monumental effort to come away with a win, this is a program that has the talent and coaching to stand toe-to-toe with anyone.
With a solid off-season that included conditioning, competition and getting better, this spring has been one that they have all embraced as college coaches have come through and are looking at the rising seniors (2027) as well as the gifted underclassmen who have put in the time to ensure that they will impact this program in 2026.
Here is a look at some of those prospects that everyone will be watching in the coming months:
CLASS OF 2027
Samuel Boatwright, DL, 6’1, 265 – 3.8 GPA/
OFFER: Indiana State.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/profile/20815497
Malik Denson, WR/RB/DB, 5’9, 172 – 2.9 GPA. Track & Field.
OFFERS: FAU, USF, Liberty, Western Kentucky, Troy, Northern Arizona, Georgia State, Western Michigan, FAMU, UNLV, UConn, Indiana State, Eastern Michigan and Mercer.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/profile/20032119
Damien Grant, RB, 5’8, 183 – 3.0 GPA.
OFFERS: Lincoln, FAMU, East Carolina and Liberty.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/profile/20312279
Ji'koi Highsmith, Edge/DE, 6’2, 205 – 4.8 GPA.
OFFERS: Pitt, UCF, Liberty, Akron, Troy, Western Kentucky, Brown, Syracuse, Western Michigan, Indiana State, Eastern Michigan, Kennesaw State and Fordham.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/profile/20357665
Maikel Suarez, LB, 6’2, 215 – 3.8 GPA.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/profile/19957971
Ja’Kobi Williams, WR, 6’3, 180.
OFFERS: FAMU, FAU, UConn, Liberty, Eastern Michigan, Indiana State, Mercer and Gardner Webb.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/profile/21057214
CLASS OF 2028
Justin Antenor, DB, 6’2, 180.
OFFERS: Texas A&M, Florida, Tennessee, Missouri, Virginia, UCF, USF, Syracuse, West Virginia, East Carolina, Western Michigan, Liberty, FAU and Mercer.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22901628/Justin-Antenor
Isaiah Cunningham, DE/LB, 6’4, 2000.
TAPE: http://hudl.com/v/2THgAu
Luke Defaria, OL, 6’3, 270.
OFFERS: Western Michigan and Liberty.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/profile/26442541
CLASS OF 2029
Marcus Boyton, OL, 6’3, 290.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/profile/25278595
Rocco Fantigrassi, OL, 6’2, 290.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/profile/26781347
Ethan Jones, WR/TE, 6’4, 225 – 3.4 GPA.
OFFER: FIU.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26830003/ethan-jones
Hudson Kamp, QB, 6’1, 184.
OFFER: FIU.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19927350/Hudson-Kamp
Kenneth Rowell, DB, 5’11, 170.
TAPE:
http://www.hudl.com/profile/26831067
Chadwic Small, OL, 6’3, 335.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/profile/27020128
2025 SOUTHWEST RANCHES ARCHBISHOP MCCARTHY
Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, W 42-35
Community School of Naples, W 14-10
Miami St. Brendan, W 56-0
Miami True North Classical Academy, L 31-6
Boynton Beach Somerset Canyon, W 41-0
Miami Norland, W 21-14
Plantation, L 28-27
Plantation American Heritage, 13-10
Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian, W 38-7
West Palm Beach The King’s Academy, W 48-7
STATE PLAYOFFS
Hialeah, W 49-6
Miami Norland, W 24-14
Plantation American Heritage, L 25-20
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..