There is not one person, head coach Johnnie Sloan included, that will tell you that they were anywhere near satisfied with the way the 2024 high school football season ended.

From the opening night loss to eventual state 3A champion Miami Northwestern in the Broward County National Showcase to the first-round state playoff loss to Pompano Beach Blanche Ely, the Coconut Cougars would have to deem the season as not reaching the goals that were set at the end of 2023.

This is a program that had just started to lay down a solid foundation the past three seasons, so finishing 4-6 was not in the plans.

What has happened with this team since Sloane and his staff took control was building a solid foundation – with a mix of youth and veteran playmakers who have made the difference – even against some elite competition.

With a number of seniors moving on, the door now opens on a new era – with some impressive rising senior (2026) prospects who are now in charge of getting this program back on track.

The success in 2025 will surround this group of 2026 talent. Here are some of those to keep an eye on:

Carlos Alce, DT, 6-1, 258 – 2.5 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18761032/Carlos-Alce

Khameron Baker, LB, 6-1, 205 – 3.0 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18667304/Khameron-Baker/highlights

Damian Dickenson, RB, 5-10, 185 – 3.2 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18428773/Damian-Dickenson

Khalil Grenade, DB, 6-0, 165 – 2.9 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19319677/Khalil-Grenade

Jacari Johnson, OT, 6-2, 265.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19357099/Jacari-Johnson

Zanii Miller, DB, 6-0, 165 – 3.27 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19732514/Zanii-Miller

Javarius Robinson, QB, 6-1, 205 – 2.7 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18441558/Javarius-Robinson

Jordan Thompson, RB, 6-1, 205 – 2.9 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18639167/Jordan-Thompso

KEEPING AN EYE ON THE CLASS OF 2027

The success that this program has achieved over the past few years has been built on the entire team, and with some quality 2027 rising juniors ready to make an impact, this spring and summer will tell the story.

Check out some of these 2027 talented football players:

Bryan Bynes, WR, 6-0, 165 – 2.8 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19574993/bryan-bynes

Isaiah Calixte, WR, 6-0, 170 – 3.0 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20766091/Isaiah-Calixte

Javian Francois, WR, 6-0, 171 – 3.1 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16930383/Javian-Francois

Ja’Kahri Gentles, LB, 5-8, 175 – 3.0 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17980487/Jakahri-Gentles

AWAITING VIDEO

Myrion Baker, OL, 6-0, 240

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..

Every weekend, somewhere in the country, there are 7-on-7 football events.

These tournaments feature some of the best high school football quarterbacks, receivers, running backs, tight ends, linebackers and defensive backs in the country, competing to be called the best teams in the country.

As these events are held from coast-to-coast, the emphasis is on those athletes who will be seniors (2026) high school all the way down to elementary school athletes.

With trophies being awarded along with MVP hardware, very little attention has been paid to how this off-season craze began.

Over two decades ago, before there was Battle, Pylon or any other brand name sponsorship, there was south Florida. The epicenter for 7-on-7 football – with some of the top prospects in the state, and of course the nation, getting together for local game and tournaments.

While California, Texas and other hotbeds have long had the elite football talent, very few would take part in organized competition.

At the very beginning, with teams such as the South Florida Express, Strong Arm and a few other Miami-Dade and Broward teams was the Florida Fire.

Started by Coach Dennis Marroquin, this organization began small in Miami-Dade County with one team, and then over a few years, started to attract players and local coaches to build what is today one of the most recognized 7-on-7 brands in the country.

Throughout much of the past two decades, the Fire has grown into an organization that has produced NFL and collegiate stars and added Palm Beach County to the mix of Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.

With national championships won throughout the nation, the Florida Fire continues to make a statement as a group of dedicated coaches, sponsors and prospects who go beyond January, February, March and April. The brand is something that carries weight year-round – with Marroquin and his many coaches giving back to the community throughout the year.

With the No. 1 youth team (14 and under) in the country, this is a program that is in this for the long run.

With some of the top 9^th, 10^th and 11^th graders ready to impact high school programs in 2025, the rosters are packed with the many players they put on the fields each weekend – from south Florida to California, Nevada, Tennessee and everywhere in between.

“We have been blessed to have some quality young men who have worn this Florida Fire jersey through the years,” Marroquin said. “Turn on the television any Saturday and Sunday and you will see many gifted young men who began their careers with us. It is a tribute to the coaches that have taught them from the start.

Here is a look at some of the Class of 2026 prospects who represent this organization this off-season.

Among those prospects include Ahmad Adams (DB, 6-0, 175, Pembroke Pines Flanagan – 3.6 GPA), Shmar Akande (DB, 6-2, 180, Miami International Academy – Pembroke Pines West Broward – 3.6 GPA), Jemarcus Askew III (WR/DB, 5-10, 150, Palm Beach Gardens Dwyer), Raoul Brown (WR/S, 6-3, 170, Palm Beach Gardens Dwyer), Tyler Brown (DB, 5-11, 165, Miami Southridge), Rory Butler (Athlete, 6-0, 170, Palm Beach Gardens – 3.0 GPA), Jordan Campbell (LB/Athlete, 6-2, 210, Carol City – 3.0 GPA), Santana Carlos (WR, 5-11, 180, Pembroke Pines Flanagan – 3.1 GPA), Wilfred Coicou (RB/CB, 6-1, 165, Palm Beach Gardens – 3.0 GPA), and William Favors (S/LB,  6-0, 165, Miami Southridge – 3.43 GPA).

This rising senior group of standouts also includes Kayden Feaman (Athlete, 6-2, 190, Palm Beach Gardens Dwyer), Braylen Green (Athlete, 6-0, 180, Miami Palmetto), Robert Green III (QB, 6-2, 180, Palm Beach Gardens Dwyer – 3.9 GPA), Jhakari Johnson (WR, 5-11, 160, Miami Southridge), Wynton Jones (DB, 5-11, 165, Miami Palmetto), Leslie Mosley Jr. (WR, 5-10, 175, West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman – 3.5 GPA), Malik Penson (WR, 5-11, 160, Miami True North Classical Academy), Antoine Perry (WR/RB/DB, 5-6, 160, Palm Beach Gardens Dwyer), Jahkari Reynolds (DB, 6-0, 175, Miramar),  and Derrick Simmons III (RB, 5-8, 175, Pembroke Pines West Broward – 3.5 GPA).

The varsity squads also boast players such as Ladarious Smith (WR, 5-10, 175, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Kamari St. Vil (DB, 5-10, 161, Davie Nova), Corey Swint (WR, 6-0, 175, Miami Palmetto), Varían Terry (RB, 5-7, 165, Miami Palmetto – 3.0 GPA), Dominic Turnbull (DB, 6-2, 180, Miami True North Classical Academy  - 3.4 GPA), Kevin White (DB, 6-1, 170, Miami Palmetto), Marquis Williams (WR/DB, 6-0, 175, Miami True North Classical Academy. Track & Field), and Willie Wilson (WR, 6-2, 175, Homestead Somerset Silver Palms).

UNDERCLASSMEN ARE ALSO MAKING SOME NOISE

As gifted as the rising senior class has been, there are also a solid group of Class of 2027 athletes who have also stepped up and started to gain recognition.

Prospects such as Bernard Cannon (WR, 5-10, 165, Miami Christopher Columbus), Jordan Dale (Athlete, 5-10,165, Jupiter), Lorontae’ “Nomo” Davis (WR, 6-0, 180, Palm Beach Gardens – 3.0 GPA), Malik Denson (WR/Athlete, 5-10, 175, Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy), Kenton Dopson III (DB, 6-1, 185, Miami Norland), Kaden Howard (Athlete, 5-11, 160, Goulds Palm Glades), Arthur Lambright (WR, 5-10  140, Miami Carol City), Tari Miller (DB, 6-4, 180, Miami Southridge), Cedric Mitchell (WR/FS, 6-1, 170, Pembroke Pines West Broward), and Kai Moore (QB, 6-1, 190, Miami Norland – 3.8 GPA).

Other underclassmen performing each week includes Turmarian Moreland Jr. (CB, 6-2, 185, Palm Beach Lakes), James Perrone (QB, 6-2, 185, Miami Southridge – 3.8 GPA), Trae Proctor (TE, 6-6, 213, Miami Norland), Immanuel Simmons (WR/DB, 6-0, 175, Miami Northwestern – 3.7 GPA), Cecil Smith (RB, 5-8, 160, Miami True North Classical Academy), Jack Spaeder (QB, 6-3, 185, Pembroke Pines West Broward – 3.7 GPA), and Deandre Young (DB, 6-0, 160, Palm Beach Gardens). There is also Class of 2028 rising sophomore Justin Antenor (Athlete, 6-2, 165, Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy).

IF YOU HAVE A 7-ON-7 PROGRAM AND WANT EXPOSURE FOR YOUR ATHLETES, PLEASE LET US KNOW. WE PROMOTE EVERYONE!

MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/

Keeping An Eye On Football Transfers In Miami-Dade & Broward Counties. 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..

While it would be easy to reflect on the 0-4 start and dwell on the negatives from the 2024 season, Coconut Creek North Broward Prep veteran head coach Rex Nottage and his football team would much rather play on the 4-1 finish for the Eagles.

Competing in the two-team (Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Calvary Christian) District 12-2A, the Eagles fell short of their pre-season goal to make the state playoffs. But that wasn’t the entire story of the season.

While they did finish below .500 and didn’t do what they set out to accomplish, it was that strong finish and the experience that the Class of 2026 prospects received.

It will be that group of rising seniors that will be the center of the 2025 season, and as the off-season is under way, those returning players will have the experience, talent and leadership to put things together when the season begins in late August.

Here is a look at some of those 2026 players to keep an eye on over the next six months:

Peter McLaughlin, DB, 6-0, 190 – 2.7 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22518934/6718f36cc81556a6d419a7ff

Josh Nieves, OL/DL, 6-3, 240 – 4.1 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17761741/Joshua-Nieves

Felix Ostamendy, CB/WR, 6-0, 175 – 3.85 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22995273/Felix-Ostamendy

Ethan Phillips, LB, 6-1, 200 – 4.3 GPA. 2 Sport Athlete.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17761738/Ethan-Phillips

AWAITING VIDEO

Ben Ferber, LS, 6-2, 225 – 4.7 GPA.

CAN THE CLASS OF 2027 STEP UP?

As the rising seniors figure to be the place where this team will grow, there are some underclassmen – in the 2027 class that are ready to make an impact.

Along with several newcomers, this young and talented group will help get this program over the hump and into the playoffs this coming season.

Zephaniah Brammer, DB, 5-10, 175 – 2.8 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19814306/Zephaniah-Brammer

Matthew Condon, QB, 5-10, 175 4.35 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19484777/Matthew-Condon

Tanner Gilman, WR/DB, 5-10, 170 – 3.93 GPA. Baseball.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19444281/Tanner-Gilman

Mateo Sanchez, PK. 6-0, 150 – 4.2 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19754577/Mateo-Sanchez

PHOTO COURTESY OF NORTH BROWARD PREP FOOTBALL

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..

Once again on Monday night the South Florida High School Sports Radio Show took center stage with seven impressive guests.

Each and every week, the AM 560 WQAM radio program attracts the newsmakers in high school sports, recruiting college sports – not only locally, but throughout the country.

The show gives listeners an opportunity to hear about college football programs statewide from the media that cover them. It also focuses on the coaches who use the state of Florida – Miami-Dade and Broward Counties in particular.

The show, which has run for nearly two decades has become a popular listen for recruiting fans as well as high school sports purists, focusing in on coaches and players in all sports.

Here is a look at the way Monday went:

West Broward senior running back Elijah DeWoskin has talent and grades, but no firm college offer. He talked about it.

ELIJAH DEWOSKIN ON MONDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/elijah-dewoskin-west-broward-high-school-with-larry-blustein-2-17-25-90d45

There are football players in Miami Dade without a college to attend. On Tuesday, there will be a recruiting fair to assist. Coach Marc Berman talked about it.

MARC BERMAN ON MONDAY NIGHT:

https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/marc-berman-dade-county-recruiting-fair-with-larry-blustein-2-17-25-8702e

A new feeling around Florida Atlantic University Football this spring with a new coaching staff. Cameron Priester from @Owls247 dropped by.

CAMERON PRIESTER ON MONDAY NIGHT:

https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/cameron-priester-fau-football-with-larry-blustein-2-17-25-3a838

The news never ends at the University of Miami – with spring around the corner, Izubee Charles from Canesport.com talked Hurricanes. IZUBEE CHARLES ON MONDAY NIGHT:

https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/cameron-priester-fau-football-with-larry-blustein-2-17-25-3a838

Derrick Gibson is back. After 10 years as an assistant coach at Miami Central, he takes over as head coach and talked Rockets.

DERRICK GIBSON ON MONDAY NIGHT:

https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/cameron-priester-fau-football-with-larry-blustein-2-17-25-3a838

A familiar face moves in as head coach at Florida Memorial University as Miami Norland product Mike Jones stopped by.

MIKE JONES ON MONDAY NIGHT:

https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/coach-mike-jones-florida-memorial-university-with-larry-blustein-2-17-25-8a986

The Florida Fire 7-on-7 program is back and founder & CEO Dennis Marroquin looked back at nearly two decades.

DENNIS MARROQUIN ON MONDAY NIGHT:

https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/coach-dennis-marroquin-florida-fire-with-larry-blustein-2-17-25-8934f

THIS OFF SEASON GET THE JUMP ON EVERYONE. Check Out The South Florida High School Sports Radio Show Every Week. @UHealthSports @560WQAM https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98

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..

Monday South Florida High School Sports Rewind – February 17th.