Ever since they lost the 2M state title game last December in Tallahassee, Miami Norland has had a chip on their collective shoulders.

Letting that game against Tampa Berkeley Prep get away was something that not only stood in the way of a perfect season but winning a state championship that head coach Daryle Heidelburg and his Vikings had earned.

During this off-season, this team worked hard, winning twice in the spring game in West Palm Beach and enjoying a satisfying summer, traveling to colleges and universities, competing.

On Saturday at Miami Ransom Everglades at the 1st ever #305/#954 The Crib 7-on-7 Classic, Norland stood tall with a 14-6 win against rival Miami Central and took home $5,000 for the program.

With the Vikings winning this impressive event and the Rockets and head coach Jube Joseph finishing second, Coach Ronnie Thornton and the Homestead Broncos, and Daryl Strong and the much-improved Plantation Colonels were part of the Final 4.

The Vikings boasted some quality football talent in the event – among those were offensive standouts Ennio Yapoor (QB 2025 6’1 210), Kai Moore (QB 2027 6’1 160), Damani Downs (WR 2026 6’2 175), Leon Sullivan (WR 2026 6’1 178), Jamari Smith (WR 2025 5’11 175), Terrance Honeywood (WR 2025 6’1 170), Ronald Towns (WR 2025 5’11 170), Trae Proctor (TE 2027 6’5 185), Jaden Page (WR 2026 5’11 170), Dawson Quarterman (WR 2026 6’4 190), Omar Jefferies (RB 2025 5’10 155), Zequan Wright (RB 2025 5’8 155), Jade Card (WR 2025 6’3 185), Elijah McDowell and (WR 2025 5’10 160), Pharrell Nelson (WR  2026 6’3 165).

Defensive prospects who made an impact included Kenton Dopson (DB 2027 6’1 180), Jerrard Smith (DB 2026 5’9 155), Javan Allison (DB 2026 5’11 165), Jahiem Hines (DB 2025 5’10 155), Reggie Owens (DB 2027 6’2 170), Alan Blackshear (DB 2026 5’11 155), Isiah Rock (DB 2025 6’0 180), Keyon Bryant (2027 5’11 175), Jaden Daniels (DB 2026 5’9 160), Joel Mintze (DB), Hadley Ohenhen (DB 2027 6’2 190), Avier Jordan (DB 2027 6’5 170), Dormey Joseph (OLB 2025 6’2.5 180), Kemani Lawhorn OLB 2027 5’8 170) and Amor Coachman (2027 DB 5’9 140).

The event, which was well run from start to finish also included Coconut Creek, Delray Beach Atlantic, Doral Academy, Homestead South Dade, Miami Carol City, Miami Immaculate LaSalle, Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman, Miami Southridge, Palm Beach Central, Plantation American Heritage and West Boca Raton.

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

Miami-Dade/Broward Summer Top 20. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-summer-top-20

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 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..

 When the University of Miami lost out on nationally rated 5-star cornerback recruit D.J. Pickett from Zephyrhills, it hurt. But if you are a fan and take a step back and look at the entire picture, there is simply nothing to be upset about.

Recruiting the past two years with a 13-13 record as a calling card, what head coach Mario Cristobal and his staff have done is nothing short of amazing.

Think about it. Outside of south Florida and throughout the state of Florida, the Hurricanes are truly a non-factor. Since 2014, this program has a 73-53 record, which is not what the fans of the 80’s, 90’s and early 2000’s are used to.

Since 2008, they are 1-10 in bowl games and have finished in the Top 20 just three times.

The negatives could go on, but that points out what has happened in Coral Gables. When Cristobal arrived, he didn’t look back one time. What was done – is something you can never get back. It was all about moving forward.

Any other coach, who had a less than spectacular program to sell would certainly be mired in the same old thing. Fighting for a .500 record and wishing to play in a bowl game.

With a top five recruiting class last year, and so far, a top 10 in this 2025 cycle, the average fans need to pinch themselves that they are winning battles against FSU, Ohio State, Alabama and several other top programs across the country.

No longer are they battling against low-end programs to get prospects that will keep them below .500. The ‘Canes are recruiting with the big boys and add to the fact that they are killing it in the transfer portal and the competitive world of NIL, it only increases the expectations for this year and into the future.

THE 2025 CLASS IS FILLING NEEDS

While the portal and NIL fill immediate needs, there also must be athletes that you are going to develop and mold into your style of football player.

This 2025 class has it all, and they are not finished.

On offense, they have high “star” rankings such as lineman Seuseu Alofaituli (6-3, 280, Las Vegas Bishop Gorman), tight end Brock Schott (6-3, 215, Leo, Indiana), running back Gerard Pringle Jr. (5-10, 182, Seffner Armwood), tight end Luka Gilbert (6-7, 233, West Chester Lakota West, Ohio), quarterback Luke Nickel (QB, 6-2, 215, Alpharetta, Georgia), receiver Daylyn Upshaw (5-11, 180, Phenix City Central, Alabama), linemen Max Buchanan (6-4, 275, Sanford Seminole), Demetrius Campbell (6-6, 300, Orlando Christian Prep), Takaylen Muex (6-3, 340, Neptune Beach Fletcher) and Jaden Wilkerson (6-6, 330, Orlando Edgewater).

Defensively, there are loading up a well with linebacker Gavin Nix (6-0, 225, Bradenton IMG Academy), defensive back Hylton Stubbs (6-1, 190, Jacksonville Mandarin), cornerback Amari Wallace (5-10, 172, Miami Central), cornerback Chris Ewald (6-0, 165, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), linebackers Ezekiel Marcelin (Miami Central) and Elijah Melendez (Kissimmee Osceola), and Edge Herbert Scroggins (6-3, 235, Savannah Benedictine Military).

OWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/

Miami-Dade/Broward Summer Top 20. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-summer-top-20

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 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.

There are so many outstanding football prospects in all classes in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.

Impressive prospects who are essential to the success of their teams. Players – if they are not in the lineup – their respective teams – would truly be affected by their absence.

Because there are so many national powers in the two counties, who rely on key individuals to make their teams go, it is tough to list them all.

Today, we bring you five football players who deeply impact their teams.

2026 - Justice Fitzpatrick, B, 6-2, 185, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. Ever since his freshman year, this someone who has impacted the five-time defending state champions. The brother of NFL standout Minkah Fitzpatrick, you can see growth and maturity have caught up with his skill level. While there are certainly other impressive prospects the Raiders have, this is certainly one to keep an eye on.

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

2025 - Cortez Mills, WR, 6-1, 160, Homestead. Since the beginning of his high school career, all eyes have been on this talented pass-catcher. With many huge playmakers gone from last year’s state runner up team, this is the one player that the Broncos will need to make this offense successful. Headed to Oklahoma, he has the chance to be very special this season.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16676483/64e573e14210790698eafb2d

2025 - Joshua Moore, WR, 6-3, 205, Pembroke Pines West Broward. Even though this quality talent is getting exposure and is headed to the University of Florida, the average football fan has no clue how dominating this gifted prospect is and the Bobcats, with new personnel and offensive coordinator will rely on his ability to be a force – with or without the ball. A huge asset.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16678843/Joshua-Moore

2026 - Calvin Russell III, WR, 6-5, 185, Miami Northwestern. When the dust settles there may not be a more impressive football prospect and athlete in any class like this versatile difference maker. Is already receiving huge offers from across the country, and no matter where he lines up for the Bulls, he has the ability to turn games around. An outstanding basketball talent that has the chance to be very special over the next two years. This team will look to him to be that key piece of the puzzle.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17878157/Calvin-Russell

2025 - Ennio Yapoor, QB, 6-0, 225, Miami Norland. Take any program in the state of Florida and try and see if you can find a football talent that the team relies on more than this soon to be five-year varsity starter, who perhaps has more big game experience than anyone. A record setting quarterback who continues to work harder than anyone in his position. He has put up gaudy numbers and is prepared to lead the Vikings back to the state title game.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14792479/638406643448f7089850be1d

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

Miami-Dade/Broward Summer Top 20. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-summer-top-20

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 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..

There was a time when very few coaches and football players paid little attention to kickers and punters.

Back in the day, the position was truly looked at by many as a waste of roster space. Fast forward to 2024 – and it is a fact that if you don’t have a solid kicking and punting game you will most likely not win.

NFL, college and now high school teams thrive on the ability to make the opponents start deep in their territory with a kick or a punt. It is also where huge football games are won with an extra point for a field goal.

Kickers, punters and long snapper have taken the spotlight at every level, and the need to have the best special teams is perhaps one of the most important parts of building a football team.

With national showcases and local competition and training, kicking and hunting has become a year-round commitment. If you are not training and competing, you are falling behind.

Over much of the past decade, we have been fortunate to have attended numerous events that spotlight special teams and have exposed the athletes who work as hard as any other position of the football field.

While many fan websites and local recruiters are just finding out about the devotion put into the craft, we have been there from the start.

Miami-Dade and Broward Counties have been getting better and better and producing elite special teams performers who have gone on to successful collegiate and professional careers.

Today, we bring you some of those area kickers and punters to keep an eye on.

The senior class has taken the lead – with several players making a huge splash at local, regional, statewide and national competition.

Among those include Mike Astrain (K, Westland Hialeah), Lucas Avino (K, Miami Belen Jesuit), Jacob Corredera (P/K, Miami True North Classical Academy – 3.3 GPA), Isaac Cruz (P/K, Somerset Academy Silver Palms), Brent Fardette (K/P, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons – 4.5 GPA), Alexander Fitzgibbons (K/P, Miami Christopher Columbus), Ernesto Gonzalez (K/P, Homestead Everglades Prep), Luca Guerra (P/K, Miami Central – 3.5 GPA), Matthew James (P/K, Deerfield Beach), Matthew Jean-Baptiste (K, Fort Lauderdale University School), Gavin Katz (K/P, South Plantation – 3.7 GPA), Felix Martinez (K, Somerset Academy South Homestead), Carter McCrary (K, Sunrise Piper), Nathan Moncada (K/P, Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy), Adrian Muelle (PK, Miami Belen Jesuit – 4.9 GPA) and Chris Murciano (P/K, Miami Gulliver Prep – 4.28 GPA).

The class also features Nick Navarro (PK, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas – 4.8 GPA), Antonio Pasquatti (K, Plantation American Heritage – 4.0 GPA), Adam Piniero (K, Miami St. Brendan), Kaleb Rodriguez (P/K, Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy), Nicholas Romero (K/P, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas – 4.0 GPA), Jake Rosoff (P, Pompano Beach - GPA: 5.2 SAT: 1390) and Ethan Silva (K, Miami Northwestern).

UNDERCLASSMEN ARE ALREADY STARTING TO SHINE

As impressive as the seniors will be this season, colleges are already looking at several underclassmen. Here are some of those to keep an eye on.

The 2026 class juniors will have John Allen (K, Miami Christopher Columbus), Diego Barrera (K, Coconut Creek Monarch), Matisse Bullrich (K, Miami Gulliver Prep – 3.54 GPA), Dominic Celli (P, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons – 3.91 GPA), Caysen Chevannes (K, Pembroke Pines Charter – 4.5 GPA), Jacob Ferrandiz (K, Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman), Pablo Gomez (K/P, Miami Dr. Krop), Jordan Hechler (K/P, Miami Christopher Columbus), Njonte Henry (K/P, Davie Nova), Carlos Iavernia (K, Miami Ransom Everglades), Alan Lopez-Ortiz (K/P, South Miami) and Thomas Lopez (K, Miami Booker T. Washington).

Others in the class are Francisco Mascuso (K, Miami Belen Jesuit), Emilio Mollinedo (K, Homestead South Dade), Brennan Parsons (K/P, Davie Western), Trace Poncev (K, Pembroke Pines West Broward – 4.0 GPA), Stephen Cook Roberts (P/K, Miami Palmer Trinity), Noah Sidan (P/K, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna – 4.0 GPA) and Conrad Tolerico (K, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas – 3.6 GPA).

Sophomores are also going to have a say this season – with Julian Dominguez (K/P, Homestead South Dade), Sam Florens (K/P, Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest – 3.96 GPA), Gabriel Gonzalez (K, Doral Academy), Michael Johnson (K, Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy), Alec Martinez-Bolivar (K/P, Miami Ransom Everglades), Krystian Nacier (K, Miami Florida Christian), Jonathan Rivera (K/P, Miami High), Cole Rodriguez (K/P, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons – 3.5 GPA) and Coral Gables’ kicker Mykel Sam. Also keep your eye on 2028 prospects Kyle Aller (K/P, Fort Lauderdale Dillard – 3.5 GPA) and Alfonso Arellano (P/K, Somerset Academy Silver Palms).

PHOTO COURTESY OF KORNBLUE KICKING

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

Miami-Dade/Broward Summer Top 20. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-summer-top-20

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 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..