HOLLYWOOD – While spring football is never a definitive of what the regular season will look like, there are things you can tell about a program that will carry over to the summer and into the new year.

For veteran head coach Mike Manasco and the Miami Palmetto Panthers, getting by Miami Christopher in Class 7A has been a major obstacle in having the opportunity to play for a state title.

On Thursday afternoon in a spring game against yearly playoff team Miramar at McArthur Stadium, there was plenty to like on both sides of the ball for Palmetto, and by the end of the four-quarter event, there was much to be pleased about, heading into the summer.

“We had a very good spring, but the summer goes fast and before you know it, the regular season will be here,” Manasco told his team. “Enjoy what you did this spring and in today’s game, but there is still plenty of work ahead.”

While this program always seems to come up short in the race for state, many who watched them this spring believe that this is a team that has what it takes to make a solid run.

Several players are back along with new faces that give the Panthers a different look than they have had in the past. They are well coached and have the playmakers to make an impact.

TALENT IN EVERY CLASS

While the senior (2026) class is loaded with talent, there are also some impressive prospects in the 2027 (juniors) and 2028 (sophomore) classes as well.

Among those seniors expected to make an impact include Samuel Althuis (first year WR, basketball standout), Andre Bailey (QB/Athlete – 3.6 GPA), heavily recruited Anthony Brown (OL), Michael Colina (DL), Willie Dannah (DB), Marko Fernandez (DB – 4.0 GPA), Charles Flowers (WR), Braylen Green (DB), Chris Green (P/K), and Jaiden Henry (OLB, top sack leader).

The senior class also has prospects such as Caleb Jones (OLB), Wynton Jones Jr. (DB), Kevin Joseph (WR), Amiel Mackey (WR/Athlete – 3.25 GPA), Matthew Marsh (OL), Lucas Martinez (OL), Miami Westminster Christian transfer Conneilus “C.J.” Miller (WR – 3.49 GPA), Nikolai Moise (DB), Dylan Ragan (DL), and Ryan Ragan (LB).

Rounding out the class going into summer are Robert Richardson (WR), Miami Southridge transfer Rylee Sawchenco (OL – 3.9 GPA), Prince Smith (LB), Varian Terry (RB – 3.0 GPA), Elijah Tillman (DB), Kevin White (DB), and receiver Willie Wilson.

CLASS OF 2027 JUNIORS READY TO CONTRIBUTE

As gifted and experienced are the 2026 seniors, the Class of 2027 juniors are also looking to make an impact in 2025.

Among those players to watch are Mathias Augustin (LB), fast-rising Aiden Butler (RB), Jahari Collier (DL – 3.1 GPA), Ari Cromartie (OL), Zion Flowers (OL – 3.7 GPA), Rashad Fuller (OL – 3.2 GPA), talented Victor Guerrero (DL – 3.4 GPA), and state-rated South Dade transfer linebacker Brandon Howard.

Also keep an eye on gifted receiver Kaiden Howard, Antonio Jackson (DL), Corey Johnson (LB),

Elijah Johnson (DL), Julian Sanchez (OL), Kelsey Vergis (DB), and Armond Weston (DB).

CLASS OF 2028 IS WELL REPRESENTED

As the summer will shine a spotlight on several players on this team, the Class of 2028 sophomores will also have an opportunity to make a splash.

Among those players include Benjamin Bailie (WR), Ahmir Barnes (WR – 4.0 GPA), Jayden Diaz (DL), Santana Rogers (RB) and Alex Urbina (OL).

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LAUDERDALE LAKES – While Wednesday night’s spring football classic at Boyd Anderson High School would be a barometer for schools such as Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace, Davie Nova and the host Cobras, what the evening was all about is to showcase some prospects that would represent the future.

As head coach Kevin Claxton and his staff are looking to get this team back on track – the way it was for so many years, producing elite prospects who went on to the next level and beyond, the reality is that this program will have to experience the growing pains of developing talent.

We are in different times, and while the Lauderdale Lakes area is still loaded with talent, getting this program back on track will take time – even for a respected community icon like Claxton, who played at the school and understands the culture.

As there are several veteran players who are there to help lay down a solid foundation, there is no getting around the fact that the future will depend on underclass talent.

If these freshmen and sophomores buy into what is happening and succeed, more will follow and that pipeline that once flowed from the successful Lauderdale Lakes Vikings youth program will once again open up.

This is a school that has a very impressive past, and produced elite players like Claxton, Asante Samuel, Benny Sapp, JoJo Natson, Abdul Hodge, Josh Bynes, Eddie Jackson and many others.

CLASS OF 2027 TRIO READY TO IMPACT THE FUTURE

While many prospects on the current roster figure to help this team during the 2025 season, there are three players who college coaches have already started to watch and predict some great things for.

Class of 2027 rising juniors who have the respect from coaches and teammates that the Cobras are looking to showcase this off-season:  

DeMarcus Deroche, OLB/Edge/WR, 6-5, 200. Here is without hesitation one of the top prospects in the state of Florida. A versatile talent that will end up being an elite player but has an enormous upside that allows him to play multiple positions. Colleges and universities already know what this young man is all about. He has size, skill, and athleticism and has already been offered by a number of established college powers. Also a basketball player.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22537928/67225b83fd10be7e12eafb5a

Devon Germeille, OLB/TE/DE, 6’4, 190. Talk about an elite prospect – like Deroche – here is someone who can lineup at multiple positions and do well at all of them. He is quick off the ball, has tremendous football skill and has an opportunity to continue growing, which will open many opportunities. Watch him play and you see someone who is always around the ball. Had 11 sacks, 13 tackles for loss and 2 interceptions as a sophomore. While he has received some accolades, this is a prospect that you have see in person to truly appreciate. He is also a basketball standout.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20795020/66df3621cb7ad8bfd69936a6

Semajay Robinson, DB, 6’2, 180. There may not be a player – in his class – that has more of an upside. This is a true physical lockdown corner who is athletic, quick and has football skills that you just cannot teach. If there is an elite receiver, this is the player who wants to cover them. He is confident and talented as college coaches have already started to notice. Has five interceptions during his sophomore season earned him a reputation of being someone that you didn’t want to throw at. His work in the classroom (3.0 GPA) is also a huge addition to what he brings to the table.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/21193348/67203093f611e8920ef623d9

PACE WINS THE DAY

Considered one of the top teams in 2A this coming season, head coach Anthony Walker and his Monsignor Pace Spartans took care of business against both Nova and Boyd Anderson to finish 2-0.

Head Coach Tyrus McCloud and his Nova Titans also showed how much improvement they made as several young prospects stepped up as they tied Boyd Anderson before losing a close contest with Pace.

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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..

PLANTATION – When Coconut Creek’s Monarch High shut the door on host Plantation in the second in the second half of the spring classic, the Knights had finished a sound month.

As they turn their attention to the summer, veteran head coach Calvin Davis and his team are out to show the way things finished in 2024 left a sour taste in their mouth.

The convincing wins over Fort Lauderdale Dillard and the Colonels showed each player on this football team that they will indeed be a force in 6A when they take on rival Coconut Creek in the kickoff classic and power Jacksonville Bolles in the Broward County National Football Showcase to start the season.

While several players made an impact in the four quarters on Tuesday night, much of the attention surrounding the play in the secondary.

What this quality group did was shut down two state playoff opponents with key play after key play, which included several interceptions and game-changing turnovers.

This group of defensive backs that this team will head into June and July with, includes rising seniors (2026) Jayden Joselin, Robert Brown, Amari Deer, Jordan Pyfrom, and Oscar Sager.

There is also rising junior (2027) Contreas Faison Jr.

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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..

By Dave Brousseau - BCAA Writer

FORT MYERS – The old cliché that all records are meant to be broken may need a new definition.

Since high school baseball in Florida played its first state championship in 1922, a total of 103 years had passed before Parkland’s Stoneman Douglas High did on Saturday what may seem impossible to break for many years going forward.

The Eagles knew what was at stake as they defeated Jupiter 3-2 on Saturday for the Class 7A state title at Hammond Stadium.

The victory earned Douglas (31-2) a fifth consecutive state championship in Florida, exceeding the previous record of four owned by Archbishop McCarthy (2010-13).

“Unbelievable,” said Douglas coach Todd Fitz-Gerald. “Our pitching was outstanding. Big play after big play by both teams. We didn’t take advantage of some opportunities. Our guys just know how to win. I don’t know what else to say. I couldn’t be happier for them. This will never be done again in high baseball in the state of Florida. No way.”

The numbers proved how the five-year state title run now exists. The Eagles record stands at 144-11 and had outscored opponents 1197-270. By game that averages 7.7 to 1.7.

“This is a different group, loose and very special,” said Fitz-Gerald. “I’m going to miss a lot of these guys. We knew offensively they were very good. But again, it’s just resilience because they are hungry and they’re a bunch of winners. The assistant coaches do a great job getting their guys ready.”

Not since 1972 has any team in the United State won a sixth consecutive state championships since Eunice High, New Mexico. Overall, six high school baseball teams have won six consecutive state championships.

Clinging to one run lead as innings began to shrink, Douglas got a much-needed buffer in the bottom of the fifth inning.

With two outs and Nick Diaz in scoring position at second base, the Eagles got a RBI single to right field deep enough to bring Diaz home for a 3-1 lead.

The important run proved to be huge difference as the Warriors kept battling. Despite three hits in the inning, including a double off the left center wall by Brady Blanks to lead off the inning Jupiter was held to a single run. A single by Ryan Senecal scoring Camden Hart, who was running for Colton Schwarz, to shrink the Eagles lead to one again.

Breylynn Courtney, who came in relief of Douglas starter Daniel Tartaglia after 5 2/3 innings, held his own in the bottom of the seventh inning with three consecutive outs to earn the save.

“I felt comfortable going out there,” said Courtney. “History was about to be written, so why not go out there and do it. We’ve been here before and we are comfortable with the environment. No team may never be able to do this again for a long time.”

Down 1-0 entering the bottom of the second inning, Douglas got a huge hit by Jake Rizzo, a two-run single to left field to score Erick Torres and Lorenzo Laurel for a 2-1 lead.

“It’s hard not getting emotional talking about it,” said Rizzo. “I told the guys lets go make history. It’s not about legacy, but about the bond we have. All practices, the sweat and playing together made a difference.”

Contact Dave Brousseau at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.