Nobody has to tell veteran Coach Matt Dixon what it takes to build a football program.
Here is someone who has been around the game for years and has faced every obstacle possible in building programs and developing prospects.
When he took over Somerset Silver Palms last year, the objective was to set the table for the future – with top-flight prospects who wanted to help build this team back to where it has been in the past.
As the first season ended 4-6, sure there was some disappointment that this team didn’t reach the state playoffs, there was indeed some light at the end of the tunnel.
What 2023 was all about for this program was to learn what winning losing was all about, and that certainly happened.
As they head toward spring football, there is a sense that the rising senior (2025) class will lead the way.
Among those gifted prospects include Mahki Bragg (CB, 5-10, 175), Eddie Childs (OL, 5-10, 190), Issac Cruz (K, 5-8, 150), Erick Garcia (RB, 5-10, 175), Caleed Jones (OL, 6-2, 275), and safety Jordan Lyons (S, 5-11, 185).
In addition, the class also features Manny Madrigal (MLB, 5-10, 190), William Massa (OT, 6-5, 285), Pernell Partee (RB/CB, 5-8, 150), Dane Pearson (OLB, 5-10, 185), and safety Stephen Zelaya (5-7, 145).
HOW WILL THE UNDERCLASSMEN IMPACT THIS PROGRAM IN 2024?
As the rising senior class is ready to step up and do their thing, the underclassmen is anxious to showcase their gifted athletes as well.
Class of 2026 rising juniors include Enrique Castellanos (DE/TE, 6-2, 205), (WR, 5-11, 175), Stoodley Foreste (OT/TE, 6-0, 205), Maleik Marcelin (WR, 5-10, 170), Matthew Marsh (OL, 6-3, 260), Humberto Serrano (QB, 5-11, 175), and talented receiver Willie Wilson (6-1, 175) along with Class of 2027 (rising sophomores) Jayden Davis (LB, 5-11, 185) and offensive tackle Manuel Menchaca (OT, 6-2, 210), and rising 2028 freshman defensive lineman Jayden Diaz (6-1, 220).
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For the past 54 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 (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
In between an opening night loss to Miami Edison and a first-round state playoff setback to Miami Southridge, it was indeed a special year in Hialeah.
What head coach Tony Smith and Shaka Morgan-Rose and the Thoroughbreds accomplished during the season was put together nine straight victories, including five shutouts and another district title, outscoring the opposition 362-120.
While several gifted football players have moved on, several key members are back for the 2024 season and that is great news this spring and into the summer.
The rising senior (2025) class will certainly lead the way with talent, experience, and leadership.
Among those gifted prospects include Richard Alayon (OL, 6-3, 275 – 3.0 GPA), Demarcus Anderson (WR, 6-3, 195 – 3.2 GPA), Demetrius Brunson (RB, 5-9, 185 – 2.7 GPA), Daniel Chavez (OL, 5-10, 245 – 3.0 GPA), Laron Davis (LB/RB, 5-10, 185 – 2.8 GPA), Damarion Edgecomb (OL, 6-3, 265 – 3.5 GPA), Karon Jean-Charles (QB/WR, 6-3, 185 – 3.0 GPA), and gifted receiver Latron Powell (6-2, 195 – 2.8 GPA).
Also, keep an eye on Enson Prochette (LB/DE, 6-0, 225 – 3.0 GPA), Byron Reese (QB, 6-2, 175 – 3.0 GPA), Royce Reese (DL, 6-3, 265 – 2.56 GPA), Jason Russ (LB, 6-0, 225 – 4.0 GPA), Elie Tamir (WR, 6-0, 210 – 4.2 GPA), and defensive back Terrel Williams (6-1, 185 – 3.3 GPA)
UNDERCLASS IS VERY PROMISING
Like last year when this team lost some seniors, getting ready for the future with a productive group of underclassmen is essential to continue playing at a high level.
The rising junior (2026) class will feature Keandre Bernard (WR, 5-9, 165 – 3.0 GPA), Solomon Daughtery (WR, 6-1, 180 – GPA), Terrel Evans (DE, 6-6, 255 – 3.0 GPA), and defensive back Giovanni Morley (5-9, 155 – 3.0 GPA).
Even the rising sophomore (2027) class figures to be strong with Noah Bell (OL/DL, 5-8, 265 – 3.0 GPA), Temmoris Campbell (LB/DE, 6-2, 220 – 3.2 GPA), Andre Fletcher Jr. (LB, 6-1, 196 – 3.2 GPA), Udarius Jenkins (DB, 6-3, 185 – 3.0 GPA), and talented running back Ryan Mathis (5-9, 170 – 3.5 GPA)
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For the past 54 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 (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
While it would be easy to dwell on the state playoff loss to power Miami Norland, or the last regular season setback to Naples Barron Collier, that would do nothing positive for where Miami St. Brendan wants to be.
The Sabres finished the 2023 season with a 7-4 record, and while a few players left or graduated, veteran head coach Steve Smith and his football team would much rather focus on the future, and build with some quality returnees and transfers.
For a team that started the year at 7-2 and captured a district title, paying too much attention to the way the season came to an end would taint what this team is doing in the off-season, heading into spring.
If the Sabres are to continue a climb toward the top, the 2025 rising senior class will be very important.
Here is a look at some of those student/athletes:
Nathan Avael, Athlete, 5-10, 170 – 3.6 GPA. Transferred from Felix Varela.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16600143/6546cf51b3d2120f283433cd
Nic Castro, WR/DB, 6-2, 180 – 4.3 GPA. PSAT: 1300.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/v/2MXyAr
Justin Hadnot, OL, 6-4, 310. Team captain. Father (Rex) played in the NFL.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17636473/65aa61a6e97ab41198a41cfe
Adam Piñeiro, K, 6-1, 200. Brother of NFL kicker Eddy Piñeiro (Carolina Panthers).
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19518486/Adam-Pineiro
AWAITING VIDEO
Joshua Costa, OL/DL, 6-3, 260. Transferred from Miami High School
HOW ABOUT THE CLASS OF 2026!
With several young prospects ready to step up and help this team continue winning, several Class of 2026 rising juniors will be solid as well.
Here are a few of them to follow:
Charlie Becker, LB, 6-1, 195 – 4.5 GPA. Elite long snapper, school ambassador.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/v/2M3mga
Jordan Canas, TE/DL, 5-11, 200.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17831408/Jordan-Canas
Marc Naranjo, DB, 6-3, 185.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18168847/Marc-Naranjo
Brody Perez, LB, 5-8, 185.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/v/2Maj4q
Giovanni Tabon, RB, 5-9, 170.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/v/2MgG4e
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For the past 54 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 (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
By now, we all know the success story that has emerged 5050 Wiles Road in Coconut Creek.
With a winning past on the football field, this football program never experienced what happened in 2023.
While many felt that head coach Calvin Davis and the Knights were going to be solid, nobody expected this program to come within a quarter of heading to the first state championship in school history.
Except for a one-point loss to Delray Atlantic and a setback to national power Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, this team headed into the state playoffs with an 8-2 record. It wasn’t until the fourth quarter of the state semifinal against Jacksonville Mandarin that the wheels came off, and instead of playing for a state title, the Knights ended 11-3.
That loss was indeed one that stung a little, and as the off-season began, the objective was to take things one step further.
With several returnees and new faces, this is an off-season that this program needs to turn it up a few notches, and the 2025 rising senior class will be the place to start.
Among the prospects ready to step up include Bryan Auguste (OT, 6-5, 285 – 2.5 GPA), Jahmeer Beauzil (OL, 6-0, 275), Jaden Duprat (DB, 6-1, 180 – 3.0 GPA), William Gedeon (OL/DL, 6-3, 280 – 4.6 GPA), Ayden Guy (OC, 6-3, 280 – 3.4 GPA), Romando Johnson (OLB/DE, 6-3, 230), Jaylen Liberal (DB, 5-10, 175), Belal Logan (WR/DB, 5-10, 155), Bre’Lan Mareus (RB/LB, 5-10, 200 – 2.8 GPA), Mekhi Miller (DE/OLB, 6-2, 205), and standout athlete Antaun Parham (6-4, 205).
The class also features Samari Reed (WR, 6-3, 175 – 2.8 GPA), Kaden Ryder (OL, 6-2, 280 – 3.5 GPA), Jaleel Walters (Athlete, 6-1, 175 – 3.5 GPA), Antonio Ward (DB, 5-9, 175 – 3.0 GPA), receiver Jaylin Woods (5-9, 175 – 3.0 GPA), and recent Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy transfer Harrison Gant (Athlete, 5-11, 187 – 3.5 GPA).
UNDERCLASSMEN READY TO STEP UP
As all eyes will be on the rising senior class, the rising juniors (2026) and rising sophomores (2027) have been working overtime to help take this program to another level.
That class has Diego Barrea (K, 5-0, 150), Nyreeke Brown (OL/DL, 6-5, 290), Ethan Claire (RB, 5-10, 170), versatile Amari Deer (Athlete, 6-0, 170), Raenaldo Farrington Jr. (RB, 5-9, 205 – 3.65 GPA), Brandon Grace (LB, 5-11, 175), Donovan Isnadin (OG, 6-3, 300 – 2.6 GPA), and versatile Jayden Joselin (DB/WR, 5-10, 160 – 4.4 GPA).
Also keep an eye on William Nathaniel (LB, 5-10, 165), Jordyn Pyfrom (DB, 6-1, 165 – 3.6 GPA), Jaborree Riggins (WR, 6-4, 180), and offensive tackle Sebastian White (6-4, 250).
The Class of 2027 has players who are ready – with elite quarterback Jack Spaeder (6-3, 175), Benson Candy (DE/OLB, 6-3, 200), Christ Cortinas (WR, 5-11, 165), Sanjae Fisher (Athlete, 6-1, 165), Bryan McCauley-Bynes (Athlete, 5-11, 165), Nicholas Soto (OL, 6-1, 250), and athlete Anthony Williams (5-9, 155).
PHOTO COURTESY OF COCONUT CREEK MONARCH FOOTBALL
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For the past 54 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 (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Gene Chew has been the only head football coach Miami Ferguson has ever had.
That is two decades of leading, teaching and setting an example for young men to follow – not only in athletics, but life as well.
Last November 16th, all those years of developing and changing lives came full circle on a warm afternoon at Tropical Park.
Facing off for the second time in the season against longtime rival Miami Braddock, the Falcons would avenge their only loss of the season when they came away with a 21-9 win.
While that victory didn’t grab the headlines, it meant just about everything to fans, students, administration, teachers and parents. Most of all, that victory ended the season 10-1 and gave this football program a reason to celebrate and hold their collective heads up high.
This school, which is one of the largest in the state, finally had the chance to hoist a football trophy as Greater Miami Athletic Conference Independent champions.
With several prospects graduating the objective this spring is to continue developing and rely on a rising senior (2025) class that learned plenty from the championship season.
Among those 2025 prospects, who are ready to lead and provide experience and leadership are Daniel Gutierrez (OL, 5-10, 190), Alexander Lamela (QB, 5-11, 155), Andres Lopez (LB/DE, 6-0, 190), Rocco Monzon (DB, 5-6, 150), Juan Ortiz (OL, 6-2, 250), Samuel Rodriguez (OL, 5-10, 250), Elias Romero (RB, 5-10, 180) and Rolando Rosada (LB, 5-9, 175).
THE UNDERCLASSMEN WILL HELP GUIDE THE FALCONS
As important as this rising senior class will be, keep an eye on the rising juniors (2026) class as well.
There are a number of student/athletes who are ready to contribute – such as Joseph Capote (OT, 6-2, 280), Enzo Fernandez (WR, 5-7, 165), Hector Hernandez (K/OLB, 5-7, 155), Christian Kishenevsky (WR, 5-8, 145), Ancell Ledon (DE, 6-2, 195), Ray Polo (DE, 5-10, 190), and quarterback Ryan Ramirez (5-8, 150).
The class also includes Rodrigo Rubio (ILB, 5-9, 175), Sean Saenz (DL, 5-10, 180), Sean Sierra (DL/OL, 5-4, 210), and versatile Brandon Tagle (WR/TE, 6-1, 165).
Keep an eye on Class of 2027 rising sophomores Edgar Gonzalez (OL, 6-0, 190), Matthew Iglesias (WR, 5-8, 155), Andres Querales (RB, 5-9, 170) and offensive lineman Luca Rovani (6-1, 200).
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For the past 54 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 (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..