For the first time in school history Coconut Creek Monarch came within one game of playing for the state title on the football field last season.

Veteran head coach Calvin Davis and his Knights had put together a five-game winning streak after losing to national powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas and was hosting Jacksonville Mandarin in a game that would send the winner to state.

Monarch would lead after the first quarter, trail by two at the half and found themselves heading into the fourth quarter down by just three. But that fourth quarter is where things fell apart, and they saw their dreams of playing for a first ever state title, getting outscored 27-0 and losing 51-21.

That loss was not easy to take as the season ended 11-3.

With several seniors moving on, it was time to rebuild for another run, but when they lost the No. 1 Class 2026 player in the state, receiver Jabari Brady to nationally rated Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, it was time to reload.

It comes as no surprise to anyone in south Florida that there are more football transfers that take place in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties than anywhere in Florida – and the numbers are not close.

With the success of the Knights in 2023, and a solid coaching staff that has a reputation of teaching and sending athletes on to the next level, the roster began to change, and perhaps nobody has been more active in the off-season than this team.

While they also would lose Class of 2027 quarterback prospect Jaeden Phillips (PEMBROKE PINES SOMERSET ACADEMY), and 2025 players Standley Louis Jr. (WR/Slot -COCONUT CREEK) and Terrence Johnson Jr. (Athlete - FORT LAUDERDALE CARDINAL GIBBONS) along with a few others, this program served notice that they are ready to pick up where they left off – with some quality newcomers.

With some impressive talent already on the roster, the Knights brought in 2025 prospects Ayden Guy (OC, Boca Raton St. John Paul II), William Gedeon (OT, Coral Springs Taravella), Jaylen Liberal (DB, Deerfield Beach), Belal Logan (WR, Fort Lauderdale NSU University School), Bre’Lan Mareus (RB, Fort Lauderdale), Mekhi Miller (LB, Deerfield Beach), and receiver/defensive back Antwaun Parham (Springfield Effingham County, Georgia).

Class of 2026 rising juniors Amari Deer (Athlete, Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy), Jaborree Riggins (WR, Fort Lauderdale), and Gerald Thomas (DE/OLB, Pompano Beach Blanche Ely) also came aboard. The Knights also got Cardinal Gibbons 2027 receiver Chris Cortinas.

While there is a long way to go before things kick off in late August, Monarch is certainly ready to make some noise statewide.

During the spring, we will do an updated look at the complete roster.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARGATE TALK

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For the past 54 years, we have spent plenty of 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..

You can sit home and watch film or call a coach and talk about a player, but the only way that you can fairly evaluate a prospects is to see them live.

You can make any excuse you want, but at the end of the day, if you don’t truly evaluate a prospect, your credibility will go down the drain – no matter how much you argue or defend the process.

Over the years – because we were fortunate to see every prospect that we evaluate live and in person – our record of promoting and sending these young men on to the next level has helped to keep up relevant for six decades.

Understanding that every 4 and 5 star rated student/athlete is already in the spotlight and does not need help with exposure, our objective in seeing parts of 100 games a year and over 4,000 athletes perform right in front of us, it needs to be said that when we make a list or ranking, it is based on seeing athletes and having the opportunity to truly compare them.

Once again this had to be said so many fans who follow the sport and listen to “recruiting experts” who may not see as much as you do, being held in high esteem. You can make your own decision on who to listen to, but at the end of the day, it’s those who watch more than film who will be able to give you a FULL evaluation.

With that said, going to several games, practices, camps, combines and other events gives you an opportunity to see a prospect perform on several levels.

With spring right around the corner, there are a number of football players in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties who are not getting the attention they deserve.

Here are five “slept on” football players you will want to keep an eye on – and unless you’ve watched them perform, you may not have picked up the little things that have made them special.

2025 – Johnny Arneus Jr., WR, 6-0, 180, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. This impressive talent is a student/athlete (3.0 GPA) that we saw for the first time as a sophomore at Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy and there was no getting around the fact that was a special talent. In the off-season, during 7-on-7 competition, he turned heads, and then showcased his many skills for the Raiders during yet another state championship. Even surrounded by so much talent, he found a way to be a factor as a slot receiver. Even last week during the Under Armour Miami event, many who watched felt that he was as good as anyone on hand. That is very high praise.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16222376/Johnny-Arneus-Jr

2025 – Devin Gonzalez, QB, 6-0, 185, Coconut Creek. As a freshman at Flanagan and the past two years at Weston Cypress Bay, here is a talented prospect who continues to get better as he matures. Strong arm who reads defenses very well. Will fit in with what the Cougars are doing – because of his experience and ability to pick things up quickly.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16423482/Devin-Gonzalez?_gl=1*1d4564v*_ga*MjE0MTk3NjUxMC4xNjIwNjc0NjY0*_ga_29LPHS2HWC*MTcwOTg0ODA0Mi42ODAuMS4xNzA5ODUwNzYyLjAuMC4w

2025 – Ydore Lewinsky, DE/OLB, 6-3, 225, North Miami. Will be a four-year starter this season for the Pioneers and head coach Gerald Cox. Was a linebacker who is growing into an Edge/Defensive End. Having watched him perform, this is indeed a difference maker who is skilled – and while he hasn’t been in the spotlight in the past – that will change. At the Under Armour event – with everyone watching, his name continued to pop up during the drills and the skill competition. Will be one of the most productive prospects on the defensive side of the ball in 2024.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16528628/Lewenski-Ydore

2026 – Tyrel Snelling, LB, 5-10, 175, Miami High. After watching he and his brother the past two years at Miami Carol City and then Miami High last season, there is no getting around the fact that this is a prospect who is certainly on his way up. A sure tackler who has the athletic ability to make plays against the run as well as drop into pass coverage. Love his passion for the game. He is a total team player!

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17915815/658465647bdd270df835c42f

2025 – Jeremy Smith, OL, 6-6, 250, Miami Central. A year ago, he made his way over from Coral Gables and has leaned so much about the position. With some of the best line coaches in Florida, it’s a matter of making progress and picking up things that will be needed as head coach Jube Joseph and the Rockets are looking to get back in the state championship mix this coming season. Keep your eye on this quality talent that is getting better and better. Also has a 2.9 grade point average in the classroom.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16737128/Jeremy-Smith

PHOTO COURTESY OF NORTH MIAMI FOOTBALL

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For the past 54 years, we have spent plenty of 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..

When it comes to football talent in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, if you know this sport and how to evaluate talent, there is no question that these two areas have no equal when it comes to producing high level athletes.

While other parts of the country contend that they can match the state of Florida, that may be true, but the #305 and #954 is a much different conversation.

During the course of a year, there is more attention paid to these two areas than anywhere in the country. College coaches flock to this area at a record pace and continue to keep an eye on the progress of athletes throughout the course of a year.

During spring, the sheer number of coaches who are at daily practices from the Florida Keys to the Palm Beach/Broward County line.

Last weekend, Under Armour brought their combine to Miami along with coaches and analysts, and while the same speech that the instructors use at every stop across the country: “This is best talent anywhere in the nation” – when they say it here in south Florida, there are NO lies being told.

At every position, there were prospects who are already being coveted by some of the best college programs in the country.

While the objective is to spotlight the star-rated athletes, which sells subscriptions for these fan websites, often times it’s those under-the-radar football players that use an event like this to steal some of the thunder.

As we watched all that talent perform, there were several athletes that did a tremendous job away from the cameras and videos.

Here are five Miami-Dade and Broward football players who many never watched before, but stepped up their game:

2025 – Bryan Auguste, OT/NG, 6-6, 285, Coconut Creek Monarch. One of the major prospects that the Knights will have this coming season, and if you combine his size with his skill and athletic ability, this program has a versatile big man, who has continued to pick up college interest this off season. At the combine, he showed off his technique and ability to win drills, impressing those who had never watched him perform before.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17665973/Bryan-Auguste

2026 – Justice Fitzpatrick, CB, 6-2, 185, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. One of those impressive football players who made his mark as a freshman when he intercepted a pass in the state title game. The younger brother of current NFL standout Minkah Fitzpatrick, he put on a show at the event – coming up with several huge plays. His size is impressive and the ability to cover is also something that college coaches have already seen in this rising junior. Big time potential.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17955822/Justice-Fitzpatrick

2025 - Nicholas McCall, RB, 5-11, 192, Miami Central. Two years ago, when the Rockets won yet another state title, this then sophomore was a major catalyst in the success of the time. While he split time this past season, look for this quality runner step back into a position where he will once again be that dependable back. Also happens to carry a 3.2 grade point average in the classroom. Performed very well during the drills and competition.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18610103/Nicholas-McCall

Randy Phillips III, QB, 6-5, 175, Miramar. Ever since his freshman season at Hollywood South Broward this is someone that grabbed the attention of recruiting analysts and college coaches who were impressed by his size and arm strength. This past season he was one of the most productive quarterbacks in the state – putting up huge numbers and leading the Bulldogs to their first district title in nearly 30 years. Make the move for his final season to Miramar to play for a quality Patriots’ program.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16916662/Randy-Phillips

Jahmari Smith, WR/Athlete, 6-0, 160, Miami Norland. With much attention being paid to so many of the other receivers who were hyped up prior to the combine, here is someone who continued to get the job done – just like he has for the past three years. This may be one of the most overlooked football players in south Florida – as he is not only a tremendous receiver, but also is a force in the secondary. College coaches also love the fact that he gets it done in the classroom as well, holding down a 3.6 grade point average.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15869623/Jahmari-Smith

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For the past 54 years, we have spent plenty of 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..

After jumping out to a 5-1 start in 2023, the Miami Southridge Spartans were a team that football fans were watching – every week.

Winning the district the year before over 3M state runner up Homestead, there was a feeling that the Spartans were slowly putting together something special and bringing back memories of the past.

But this is south Florida, and while it’s great to have talent, depth is the reason that many of these programs step to the front.

Finishing 7-5 after a heart-wrenching second round state playoff loss (35-33) to Homestead, this is a program that started to show football fans that they are indeed a program that is on the rise.

With the off-season under way and spring around the corner, head coach Pierre Senatus and his team believe that with a few additions and maturity this is the year they get over that hump and become a true contender.

If this team is to make it to that next level, the rising senior class (2025) will be the reason.

With talent and experience along with leadership, this is a group that could make a major statement.

Among those prospects include Bobby Brooks (RB, 5-10, 170 – 3.6 GPA), Curtis Bryant (DB, 5-11, 170 – 3.27 GPA), Darius Clements (WR, 5-11, 165 – 3.2 GPA), Joshua McDowell (LB, 5-11, 210 – 3.12 GPA), Hernan Mora (LB, 6-0, 225 – 4.4 GPA), Xyeim Pitter (DB, 5-10, 155 – 2.75 GPA), Shandon Smith (RB, 5-9, 235 – 3.2 GPA), and linebacker Corey Waters (6-0, 225 – 3.0 GPA).

UNDERCLASSMEN ARE MORE THAN READY

The success of this program in 2024 will certainly be what the rising senior class does, but also what the rising junior class (2026) will be able to accomplish.

Among those prospects include Samuel Coleman (DB, 6-0, 158 – 2.85 GPA), William Favors (DB, 6-0, 150 – 2.9 GPA), Antwone Francois (DB, 5-6, 125 – 2.5 GPA), Donye Fussell (DB, 6-0, 170 – 2.5 GPA), Jhakari Johnson (WR, 5-11, 160 – 2.86 GPA), emerging standout Ryan Miret (DL/OL, 6-3.5, 265 – 4.4 GPA), and running back William Williams (5-9, 160 – 3.1 GPA).

Even the 2027 class looks like a group that can add plenty to this team – led by quarterback James Perrone (5-10, 165 – 3.5 GPA), who is very talented. The Spartans also have Darius Jones (RB, 5-9, 167 – 3.0 GPA), Marquest Mitchell (WR/DB, 6-0, 165 – 3.0 GPA), Albert Stevenson (LB, 6-2, 184 – 3.5 GPA), and gifted receiver Tyree Williams (5-7, 150 – 3.0 GPA).

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

Are You Keeping Up With Miami-Dade & Broward High School Football Transfers? https://larryblustein.com/news/keeping-up-with-miami-dade-broward-high-school-football-transfers

For the past 54 years, we have spent plenty of 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..