By Dave Brousseau - BCAA Writer
PEMBROKE PINES – One goal proved to be enough for the Pembroke Pines Charter boys’ soccer team.
Junior defender Diego Medina-Pagan scored his second goal of the season from the shortest distance possible, nudging the loose ball just with inches grom the goal line.
The goal was all the Jaguars needed to in defeating Varela 3-0 in a Class 5A Regional Final at home on Wednesday.
“We were sluggish at the beginning and my goal helped changed the game,” said Medina-Pagan. “Once we scored, we put on more pressure. The last time we lost in the state semifinals, but now we have more chemistry and have more fun on the field.”
The victory extends the season to a state semifinal match on Feb. 19 at the Lake Myrtle Sports Complex in Auburndale against an opponent to be decided.
The result extended the Jaguars (18-0-2) winning streak to 17 games, while recording their 14th shutout of the season. In the three regional games Pines Charter outscored their opponents 15-0.
“We’re very excited and have a phenomenal season so far,” said Pines Charter coach Marc Lue Young. “The boys have improved game by game. We have the mindset to go forward, and we’ve done very well with that.”
“I’m very excited to get back to the state semis and hopefully we can bring the trophy back home to Pembroke Pines, he added.”
In 20 games played to date the Jaguars have outscored their opponents 78-8. And over the last five seasons, including the 2024-25 campaign, they have a combined record of 71-15-5.
Junior keeper Mateo Valencia was credited for recording his 14th blank sheet of the season.
Pines Charter reached the 2024 Class 5A state semifinals, losing to Panama City Beach Arnold by penalty kicks 4-2. They lost to American Heritage in penalty kicks in the regional finals in 2023.
Junior midfielder Gabriel Calderon blasted a right-footed shot from just outside the box in the 63rd minute for the 3-0 advantage to secure any thoughts of a Varela (9-7-2) comeback bid.
The Vipers had allowed only a single goal prior to Wednesday’s loss.
“We knew what we were facing, probably one of the best teams we have faced,” said Varela coach Juan Monge. “We had some players injured, but no regrets. We had a great season.”
Sophomore midfielder Aiden Toledo scored his first goal of the season as he collected a freekick near the far post kicking past Varela keeper Maximilian Rojas in the 47th minute for a 2-0 lead.
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As the 2024 season came to an end with losses to longtime rival Fort Lauderdale and Weston Cypress Bay, first year head coach Jacky Candy and his staff looked back at the season and started to address what needed to be done.
Finishing second in the district after picking up a forfeit win against powerhouse Miami Central, the players understood that if this program was going to advance to the state playoffs, finishing at .500 would not get it done.
For the wins against Coral Glades, South Plantation, Boyd Anderson, Pompano Beach and the win against Central, there were stinging defeats that exposed what the Dragons needed to work on this off-season.
While depth is always going to be a concern, staying injury free is a must, and with some capable rising seniors (2026) coming back, there is something to be optimistic about.
That 2026 class does have some playmakers with experience and much needed leadership:
Leroy Cooks IV, RB/WR/DB, 5-9, 175 – 2.8 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19679918/Leroy-Cooks-IV
Amari Latour, TE/SS/LB, 5-11, 185 – 2.7 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20744643/Amari-Latour
Jeremiah Lawson, RB/WR/DB, 5-8, 160 – 2.9 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20462748/Jeremiah-Lawson
Ke’Varee McCall, TE/HB/DE/LB, 6-1, 195 – 2.6 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22506723/673815d9364a9f3dc097bacd
THE UNDERCLASSMEN WILL BE COUNTED ON
As we know, heading into the off-season, the rising senior class will certainly be a place that will dictate what the 2025 season is all about. But with that said, the 2027 and 2028 prospects have a chance to be special – with some elite prospects having the chance to make a major contribution.
CLASS OF 2027
Demetrious Knox, WR/DB, 5-9, 145.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23982559/Demetrious-Knox
Leon Lily, WR/DB, 5-10, 165 – 3.5 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22506709/Leon-Lily
Kyle Pearson, OL, 6-3, 270.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20173402/Kyle-Pearson
Anthony Williams, WR/DB, 5-7, 150 – 3.2 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23189978/Anthony-Williams
Keon Williams, FB/DL, 5-10, 235 – 2.6 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20414219/Keon-Williams
CLASS OF 2028
Blake Mitchell, WR/DB, 5-9, 155 – 3.1 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/24238082/Blake-Mitchell
Lionel Pratt, WR/DB, 5-11, 150 – 3.1 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/24192396/lionel-pratt
Micah Price, TE/DE/OLB, 6-2, 220 – 3.3 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23984296/Micah-Price
AWAITING VIDEO
Jerome Simmons, OL/DL, 5-11, 220
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..
Throughout the year, as we watch games, practices, attend camps and combines and see several 7-on-7 events, we check out thousands of football players in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.
While there are so many avenues for the student/athletes to gain exposure, we are fortunate to see many of these young men from the time they start playing the sport. We also have the pleasure of seeing them in other arenas – such as track & field, baseball, basketball, soccer, volleyball, lacrosse, cross country and wrestling to make a full evaluation that many others do not have the opportunity to do.
When players, coaches and parents ask what we have done the past 55 years, it is simple to tell them that we fully e promote the prospects and pass the information on to the hundreds and hundreds of college coaches who value our input from dealing with us for decades.
Recruiting is all about relationships – not only player to coach, but also analysts to media, college coaches and others who do not have the chance to watch for themselves.
When many talk about star-rating or class ranking, understand that many of those are made from either watching a player compete in shorts and t-shirt, viewing the same video that anyone has access to or listening to someone else.
We have the chance to spotlight Miami-Dade and Broward football talent in every class, and today we bring you five more players from the Class of 2027 (rising juniors):
Santana Blount, WR, 5-9, 160, Miami Carol City. As head coach George Stubbs and the Chiefs build this program back to where the Chiefs flourished for many decades, prospects like this are indeed essential. This is a slot receiver who runs outstanding routes, catches the ball in space as well as in traffic, giving himself up, often, for the best of the team. One of his strengths is getting extra yards after the initial hit. Someone that will continue to come into his own over the next two seasons.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22468691/Santana-Blount
Gerren Bray, OL, 6-2, 295, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. Comes over to the six-time defending state champions and veteran head coach Roger Harriott with some high-level play of his own, being part of the first ever state title team ever at West Boca Raton. From the first time you watch him play, you can see how much experience he has already received as a freshman and sophomore already. Forty-six pancake blocks in two years, playing out of the guard and tackle position. Has received plenty of accolades in Palm Beach County. You must watch this young man in person to appreciate everything he brings to the table. In addition to what he does on the field, he continues to get it done in the classroom (3.75 GPA) as well.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19783194/674dd797aa0c9298c944ae77
Brandon Howard, OLB, 6-1, 225, Miami Palmetto. Here is one of those prospects who we talked about in the off-season when he was at South Dade as being one of the future stars of south Florida. He brings everything to the table as a player who is talented, athletic and someone who gets it done in the classroom (3.0 GPA). While his position is outside linebacker, and will certainly be recruited at that position, he was asked to play the Edge, which showed his ability to get after the quarterback, but also showcase his skills inside as a tackler. The Panthers and head coach Mike Manasco got themselves a difference maker who will impact he defense – right away.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20590410/Brandon-Howard
Tyler Smith, CB/SS, 5-11, 155, Davie Nova. Watching him firsthand this past season was only enhanced by what he did at the recent Prep Rezone Florida Stock Up Showcase in Orlando. This is someone who certainly set the table during his sophomore season with 30 tackles, 4 pass breakups, 3 forced fumbles and 3 interceptions for head coach Tyrus McCloud and the Titans out of his safety position. He is solid in pass coverage and isn’t afraid to be physical on plays on the ground. In addition to what he already does on the football field, his work in the classroom (3.2 GPA) is also something that will open doors over the next few years.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19588362/Tyler-Smith?
Justus Del Pino, DE/OT, 6-3, 240, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons. While the Chiefs won the district this past season, they fell short of their goals set at the start of the season to reach the 2A state title game in Miami. To get back to where this program had been, winning three state titles over a five-year period, veteran head coach Matt Dubuc and his team will need prospects like this. A versatile lineman who showed his skills on both sides of the ball, giving this program an option of where to play him. He is athletic and has great feet. This is a player that will continue to mature in the off-season and will be even better when the 2025 season starts in August.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20059460/Justus-Del-Pino
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..
From the final game of the 2023 season, a loss to Jacksonville Mandarin to a six-point setback in the second round of the 6A state playoffs, there was little doubt that Coconut Creek Monarch had arrived as a budding football power in the Sunshine State.
Loaded with talent and equipped with a top-flight schedule, veteran head coach Calvin Davis and the Knights had certainly put a stamp as a program that was not in this to be a team, but a long-lasting program.
Coming off a 7-4 season that saw this program win the prestigious Broward National Showcase – top open the 2024 season – they had been recognized as one of the teams to watch in Florida.
While wins and losses are often misleading, the Knights lined up against some of the best this state, and nation, had to offer.
Losses to national powers Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas and Chaminade-Madonna as well as Sanford Seminole and Miami Southridge, it was a matter of rebounding and aiming for the 2025 season.
As this coming season is on the horizon, it will be the 2026 (rising seniors) class that will lead the way with talent, leadership and experience.
Here are some of those 2026 prospects to keep an eye on:
Jabari Brady, WR/Athlete, 6-3, 200 (3.3 GPA).
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/14832320/Jabari-Brady
Nyreeke Brown, DT, 6-4, 275.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18247404/Nyreeke-Brown
Ethan Claire, RB, 5-10, 170.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20783193/Ethan-Claire
Amari Deer, Athlete, 6-0, 170.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17865659/Amari-Deer
Raenaldo Farrington Jr., RB, 5-9, 205 – 4.3 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/21919956/Raenaldo-Farrington
Donovan Isnadin, OG, 6-3, 330 – 2.6 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19105641/Donovan-Isnadin
Jayden Joselin, DB/WR, 5-10, 160 – 4.4 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18208434/Jayden-Joselin
Florentino Lopez, QB, 6-3, 220 – 3.7 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18248982/Florentino-Lopez
Jaborree Riggins, WR, 6-4, 180.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18283843/Jaborree-Riggins
Sebastian White, OT, 6-3, 250.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17875215/Sebastian-White
Durrell Williams II, DT, 6-1, 250.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22497997/Durrell-Williams-II
AWAITING VIDEO
Diego Barrea, PK, 5-9, 155
Jordyn Pyfrom, DB, 6-1, 165 – 3.6 GPA
THE FUTURE WILL KEEP THE KNIGHTS NEAR THE TOP
As the rising senior class will certainly make this program relevant, it’s the underclassmen that will ensure that this is not just about 2025, but also over the next few seasons.
Check out these young prospects that will be active in the spring and into the summer.
CLASS OF 2027
Chris Cortinas, WR, 5-11, 165.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19976858/Chris-Cortinas
Sanjae Fisher, Athlete, 6-3, 185.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19485298/675f396af315e491c9577192
Bryan McCauley-Bynes, Athlete, 5-11, 165.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/24285696/bryan-bynes
Jaeden Phillips, QB, 6-0, 175.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19566907/Jaeden-Phillips
Nicholas Soto, OL, 6-1, 280.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19516412/Nicholas-Soto
AWAITING VIDEO
Anthony Williams, Athlete, 5-9, 155
CLASS OF 2028
Darren Jeudy, DB/WR, 6-0, 180.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23122526/Darren-jeudy
Khaleb Mack, DB, 5-10, 165.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23517471/Khaleb-Mack
Jordan Murray, OL, 6-3, 300.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23518672/Jordan-Murray
Gabriele Scarsini, LB, 5-11, 175 – 3.0 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23332867/gabriele-Scarsini
Conroy Whyte II, WR, 5-11, 165.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23372353/Conroy-Whyte
AWAITING VIDEO
Aiden Davey, DE, 6-3, 200
Javon Warren, DB, 5-10, 175
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..
College football recruiting has gotten so huge, and the interest greater than ever before, it doesn’t matter what class any athlete is in. They are all fair game.
Welcome to 2025 where seniors and juniors are not enough for colleges to start paying attention to, but on the football field – with the transfer portal – schools need to identify faster than ever before, and the high school coaches realize that.
There was a time when sophomores rarely saw action at the varsity level, and freshmen – it just didn’t happen at the higher profile schools. But now, all bets are off.
Colleges and universities are coming to Miami-Dade and Broward Counties with the idea that if they didn’t check out a freshman or sophomore, they would fall behind, and they are 100 percent correct.
Over the past few seasons, freshmen have more than taken their share of the spotlight – and with this 2028 group – it was truly one of the most productive years that first year varsity performers have had.
Today we bring you five freshmen who turned heads and established themselves as the best in the state:
Britton Bayag, WR/Athlete, 5-9, 165, Miami Westminster Christian. Through the years, this is a program that has produced a number of elite players, and this versatile talent certainly checks all the boxes, wherever he lines up for head coach Patrick Wennin and the Warriors. Not the biggest player on the field, but his ability to make catches and run on offense, and make hits in the secondary, gives this quality talent a bright future. He also gets it done in the classroom (4.3 GPA).
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19403794/Britton-Bayag
K.J. Belamour Jr., Athlete, 5-9, 170, Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman. When you see a gifted football prospect play, you know it right away, and that is why so many college coaches have already started to follow this versatile prospect. Watch him perform on defense for head coach Ariel Cribeiro’s Gators and he is always around the ball – even coming all the way across the field to create a big play. A safety who could grow into a linebacker over the two years. But for now, he has become a dominating force in the secondary. As an enhancement to what he brings to the table on the football field, his work in the classroom (3.5 GPA) as an Honor Student is also going to be huge in the recruiting process.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22655926/kj-belamour-jr
Tromon Isaac Jr., WR/Athlete, 5-11, 170, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna. There is no other way to say this about this impressive talent, but there are few nationally that bring to the table what this impressive prospect does. Almost impossible to cover one-on-one, the difference he made in his first season with Davie Western will only continue over the next three years as he moves over to play for head coach Dameon Jones and his national powerhouse. As a receiver he finished with 38 receptions for 990 yards and 12 touchdowns against some top-flight opponents. He also left a mark on defense with seven tackles, three interceptions and one pass breakup in the secondary. Mind boggling talent!
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19498576/Tromon-Isaac-Jr
Ryan McPhun Jr., Athlete, 6-1, 197, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas – 3.7 GPA. Another of the emerging stars who has already had two years at the varsity level – at TRU Prep and Hollywood South Broward. Makes his way over to play for head coach Roger Harriott and the six-time defending state champion Raiders and this young man is more than ready to make an impact immediately, anywhere the coaches need him to play. Was singled out for his performance at the recent Prep Redzone Stock Up Showcase in Orlando. As much as he does to elevate his play on the football field, he also takes his work in the classroom (3.7 GPA) seriously as well.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20173668/Ryan-Mcphun-Jr
A’Mir Sears, Athlete, 6-1, 175, Pembroke Pines West Broward. Another of the young total package prospects that made an impact this past season, his first with head coach Brian McCartney and the Bobcats. No matter where he plays for you, this is a difference maker, who combines football skills, athleticism, speed and a knack of making big plays like receptions and interceptions. Has also made a splash in the classroom as well, posting a 3.93 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18445689/Amir-Sears
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..