MIAMI GARDENS – They won the University of Toledo 7-on-7 event earlier this summer. Finished second at Indiana and have been turning heads as district champions a year ago.

For Coconut Creek and head coach Johnny Sloane, it has been all about proving themselves – and on Sunday at the Monsignor Pace 7-on-7 Tournament, the Cougars let everyone know that they are indeed a program to keep an eye on once again.

In beating Monsignor Pace, 24-8, in the title game, this team unleashed tremendous talent on both sides of the ball, coming up with huge plays all day.

With a field that included top-seeded Fort Lauderdale, Coral Springs, Hollywood South Broward, Miami Norland, North Miami, Miramar, Palm Beach Gardens, Miami Dr. Krop, Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy and Fort Lauderdale Stranahan, the summer continued to be productive

For head coach Anthony Walker Sr. and his Spartans, it has been a tremendous June and July, and while they were looking forward to taking home the grand prize in their own event, they fought hard to the end.

Winning the University of South Florida event in late June, they have worked hard to put their talented prospects into the spotlight.

The Cougars are schedule to participate in this Saturday’s Keiser 7-on-7 in West Palm Beach and Sunday’s talent showcase at Carter Park in Fort Lauderdale. They won the Keiser event last year.

NFL STARS SUPPORT ONCE AGAIN

It was all about coming out and showing support to the kids and Cleveland Browns’ linebacker Anthony Walker Jr., who helped his father run a successful event.

Among those on hand were Tampa Bay Bucs’ future Hall of Fame linebacker Lavonte David, who attended Miami Northwestern. Speaking of Northwestern, current Miami Dolphins’ quarterback Teddy Bridgewater came out along with former University of Miami Hurricane and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Sean Spence, former Miami Hurricane running back Camron Harris and Walker’ Cleveland teammate Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah.

COCONUT CREEK COUGARS

2023

Juan Carlos Arocho, OC

Aundra Atterberry, DB

Ry’Carri Dailey, WR

Asante Daniels, QB

Kevone Keane, OT

Dashawn McEchern, QB

Davori Morris, WR

Steven Reid, DB

Mark Silvera, OT

Jamarie Wright, WR

CLASS OF 2024

Archie Allen, LB, Coconut Creek

Erron Brown, DE

Elijah Cannon, DB

Keon Daceus, OL

Jamarie Holtzclaw, RB

Isaiah Hope, OL

Raymond Jackson, S

Gerald Magnus, DT

Godson Sinellen, WR

Erik Simmons, WR/KR

Travis Thompson, S

Dasmaine Wilson, LB

CLASS OF 2025

Nimari Bentley, LB

Ja’ Har Brown, WR

For the past 52 years, we have spent plenty of time on football fields throughout the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we remain steadfast to promote all south Florida’s high school football prospects. Follow us on Facebook (Larry Blustein) Instagram (@OurBoyBlu) and Twitter (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

MIAMI – It was a homecoming that so many will remember for a long time.

Tutu Atwell, who starred at Liberty City Optimist. Miami Northwestern, University of Louisville and the world champion Los Angeles Rams returned home Saturday at Charles Hadley Park, where he grew up and got ready for his athletic career.

Welcoming youngsters for a sports camp as well as several south Florida high school football teams for an afternoon 7-on-7, it was a win/win all the way around.

As youngsters competed in all sports and ate some great foods that vendors prepared, a rather large crowd came out to support one of their own.

THE STARS WERE OUT

With many area dignitaries on hand along with several sponsors, it was a day of celebration for the Tutu Atwell Junior Foundation, and by the end of the day-long event – children, adults and fans of all ages left with a great feeling.

“Plenty of hard work went into this,” Atwell said. “I have always been the kind of person who wanted to give back to the community who made it possible to get where I am today.”

Atwell’s foundation included so many residents of Liberty City and throughout south Florida, who helped put on a tremendous show.

Among those on hand were Dwight Jackson. One of the biggest supporters of youth athletics and community philanthropy, Jackson, a longtime coach at Miami Central and 1976 Miami Beach High graduate always steps up for the community – and Saturday was certainly no exception.

Along with Jackson was Commissioner Keon Hardemon, who has been huge to the community and is one of the major supporters in the City of Miami.

NFL STARS CAME TO SUPPORT

When ever an NFL players hosts and event, athletes cannot be far behind to help support.

On Saturday, former Miami Northwestern stars Teddy Bridgewater (Miami Dolphins) and Lavonte David (Tampa Bay Bucs) were joined by other local legends Duane Starks (Miami Beach High, University of Miami, Baltimore Ravens), Sony Michel (Plantation American Heritage), Anthony Walker Jr. (Miami Monsignor Pace) were joined by former Dolphins Oronde Gadsden and Anthony Harris, and Atwell’s longtime friend Jakobi Meyers of the New England Patriots.

In addition, current NFL stars Allen Robinson (Los Angeles Rams) and Dolphins’ star Jaylen Waddle came out to support.

MIAMI CENTRAL COMES UP BIG

When the 7-on-7 rolled around, all the attention was on the Liberty City Optimist football field.

With first year head coach Jube Joseph leading the way, the Miami Central Rockets came away with the team title – and a $5,000 first place prize that will be awarded to the school to help in running a program that has won three consecutive state titles and eight overall.

Central beat an emerging Fort Lauderdale Stranahan team that is coached by Travis Harden.

In addition to Miami Central and Stranahan, other programs competing were Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian, Hialeah American, Miami Booker T. Washington

Miami Carol City, Miami Dade Christian, Miami Jackson, Miami Killian, Miami Norland and Atwell’s alma mater Miami Northwestern.

For the past 52 years, we have spent plenty of time on football fields throughout the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we remain steadfast to promote all south Florida’s high school football prospects. Follow us on Facebook (Larry Blustein) Instagram (@OurBoyBlu) and Twitter (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

It happens every year. Coaches taking new positions across south Florida, and Miami-Dade and Broward Counties are once again in the spotlight.

While everyone knows that football coaches in south Florida are not in this for the money. It is a huge joke. They coach because they love the game and teaching and developing the student/athletes

While several jobs were filled this off-season, two that pegged the interest meter came with the hiring of longtime coaching icon Tim “Ice” Harris, who returned to Miami Booker T. Washington once again, and Jube Joseph, who takes the reigns of the 8-time state champion Miami Central Rockets.

Harris, who has had so much success with the Tornadoes, comes in to bring this football team to the top after laying down the foundation at Florida Memorial University – bringing back the sport to the Miami Gardens campus for the first time in 60 years.

In coming back to Overtown, Harris spent the spring and summer getting his young team back to work with plenty of camps, combines and 7-on-7 events.

For Coach Joseph, who takes over for the legendary Roland Smith, it was all about maintaining the excellence this program has been used to.

With Smith now at his alma mater (University of Miami), the transition was seamless as the Rockets are looking forward to another banner season with some quality players as well as tremendous coaching staff.

IMPRESSIVE COACHES MOVE IN

In addition to Harris and Joseph, Miami-Dade and Broward will welcome some quality and experienced faces that many know in this region.

Here is a look at some of the new faces on the sidelines for 2022:

Bridgeprep Academy (Rav Maisonet). A successful coach who has been involved with a number of programs in the past. Tremendous teach who knows how to elevate talent and get the most out of his players.

Coral Springs (Fred Flowers). Having been around some impressive head coaches in the past, making the move out west from Fort Lauderdale Dillard will give this passionate teacher a huge advantage. He knows the game and is a solid teacher. Getting talent to buy into his vision is important for the Colts.

Deerfield Beach (Tramaine Hall). It is never easy taking over your alma mater, but this is someone who comes home with plenty of credentials as a player at North Carolina State and as a football mind. This spring and summer has been about developing and teacher prospects who have plenty of potential.

Doral Ronald Reagan (Frank Rojas). One of the veteran coaches who has been around the game in south Florida for decades. His ability to teach and develop players is something that this program has to look forward to. Has worked with FBU for several years, so his contacts are vast.

Homestead Everglades Prep (Carlos Fonseca). Taking over a program that is still growing and building was the perfect position who has been teach and producing talent for years - most recently at the now closed Hialeah Champagnat Catholic. He is the newest coaching change in south Florida.

Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson (Eddie Brown). This is his second go around with the Cobras, and this time around, he is just as optimistic that he can turn things around like he did the first time around. Having played the game and being around it for decades, this was the perfect choice to help this program.

Miami Coral Park (Vernon Wilder III). If the name sounds familiar, it should. This is a family that has enjoyed success for many decades as tremendous coaches, teachers and developers. Has surrounded himself with plenty of coaches who share his same passion.

Miami Killian (Bryce Bishop). Another coach who came home, and while things have been rough so far, there is light at the end of the tunnel. This former Ohio State standout is the perfect person to bring into a program that finished 12-1 a year ago. For those who may not know his background, it’s wise to watch and see how much he knows about the game. For those who left, they are missing out on some valuable experience.

Miami Monsignor Pace (Anthony Walker). While he took over at the end of last season, he is officially the head man for the Spartans, and you can see the amazing things that he has already been able to do with this program. Tremendous coaching and quality football talent that has a chance to surprise some people. They have had a great off-season.

Miami Southridge (Pierre Senatus). Miami Booker T. Washington, Miramar, McArthur and Florida Memorial University are three of the stops this knowledgeable and quality coach has on his resume. Coming to a situation that has the chance to turn around in the coming years, parents, students and fellow coaches will see what experience looks like – and he has proven to be very special and popular in the past.

North Miami (Gerald Cox). While he can use Coconut Creek and Miami Booker T. Washington on his resume, this is certainly someone who knows the game and is well connected. One of the passionate teachers in south Florida, he has an opportunity to harness a Pioneer program that just needs to hold on to the student/athletes they develop and teach the game.

Plantation American Heritage (Mike Smith). Taking over one of the most successful teams in the state of Florida, here is someone who is well respected and knows the game very well. Steps into the head job after years as Pat Surtain’s reliable assistant. Definitely a coach that players love to compete for.

South Plantation (Colby Erskin). As this program has not been successful in a number of years, here is a detailed coach who loves the game and is a teacher that the Paladins have been looking for. Time will tell, but so far, the off-season has been productive. There has been plenty of  work this spring and summer.

Southwest Miami (Mario Menendez). Takes over a program that has been building with some impressive talent, and this is someone who is willing to make an effort to revive the Eagles – as they also search for answers to keep some of the gifted prospects who begin at the school in the 9^th and 10^th grade.

Sunshine Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (Dino Mangiero). After years of veteran head coach Byron Walker developing and teaching some quality talent, this is a coach who is like so many – looking for ways to enhance the program. With several quality coaches who have had past experience, getting athletes who buy into what the Mavericks want to do is essential. This is a team that has shown they can win if things fall into place.

For the past 52 years, we have spent plenty of time on football fields throughout the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we remain steadfast to promote all south Florida’s high school football prospects. Follow us on Facebook (Larry Blustein) Instagram (@OurBoyBlu) and Twitter (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

While many rank and evaluate athletes via video, the one thing that we have always done is see the prospects in person.

Using tape as an enhancement, seeing everything that a football player does – from five-feet away is certainly something that needs to be done.

Anyone can judge whether a talented prospect can play the game by just watching film. The same film that millions of others have the opportunity to view. But to watch them and see their character, the way they handle themselves during a game or practice and what kind of teammate they are, cannot be watched on a Hudl video.

Because we have the pleasure of watching  EVERY player at all levels during the course of a year, we see things that many others may not get the chance to watch, and that is something that we have been able to do for a long period of time.

While everyone misses out on rating prospects, you have a better chance of predicting what these young men will do when you are standing right next to them and being a part of their maturity and learning process.

Today, we shine the spotlight on five impressive Class of 2024 football players from Miami-Dade and Broward Counties:

Khamani Alexander, RB, 6-1, 185, Miami Belen Jesuit. For those who have never watched him play, you are missing something very special. While many have not rated him high in the class, they are underselling this quality talent who can do it all. His vision, strength, quickness and ability to pick up the tough yards will certainly thrust him into the major spotlight this coming year. College coaches who have watched him play are already sold and believe that he will only get better.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/14592816/Khamani-Alexander

Jacory Barney, WR/FS, 6-1, 160, Miami Palmetto. In a region of the country where there are plenty of elite football prospects, here is another one to add to that mix. No matter where you put him, he is going to come up big – and after a tremendous spring where college coaches and recruiting fan websites had the opportunity to see him – this is indeed someone who will be in the spotlight every time this team plays in 2022.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15237259/Jacory-Barney

Chance Robinson, WR, 6-2, 180, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. On a team loaded with elite playmakers, here is a gifted football talent who has been getting it done the past two years and continues to impress. Because he picks things up quickly, his game changes all the time – and that is a great thing for the Raiders who begin the season in the national spotlight once again. Talk to anyone who has played with or against him and all will agree that his game is among the best in south Florida – in any class.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15300614/Chance-Robinson

Antwan “A.J.” Smith, RB, 6-0, 220, Miami Booker T. Washington. Every time people talk about the Tornadoes, this is one of the players that they talk about, and for good reason. His size, strength and ability to run the ball against anyone is the reason that college coaches have been paying close attention. After a solid spring, his summer drew praise everywhere this team went during the college camp season. He and fellow junior Gerald Modest are as good a duo as you will find, and opponents will find that out.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15483994/Antwan-Smith

Bryce Stringer, DE, 6-2, 220, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna. Ever since he arrived on campus all this quality talent has done is make plays and produce. Fits right into one of the best defensive units in Florida – because his athletic, smart and has a passion to play this game at a high level. Keep an eye on his play the next two seasons. Has big time potential that he has already tapped into.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15102364/BRYCE-STRINGER-52

For the past 52 years, we have spent plenty of time on football fields throughout the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we remain steadfast to promote all south Florida’s high school football prospects. Follow us on Facebook (Larry Blustein) Instagram (@OurBoyBlu) and Twitter (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..