As he heads into his fourth decade as head football coach at his alma mater, North Miami Beach, Jeff Bertani continues to develop talent and meet challenges.

Always playing a tough schedule – with trips outside the area – Bertani and his Chargers look back on last year’s 6-7 season that included taking part in the first ever Florida Invitational Post Season playoffs, losing in the title game, 13-7, to Dunnellon.

While they fell short of making the FHSAA state playoffs, this is a team that boasted several top-flight prospects – including rising senior Andre Hyppolite, who made an impact on both sides of the ball.

Hyppolite is not the only Class of 2027 player who will return for the 2026 season.

Here are some others to keep an eye on:

James Augustin, DE/OT.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26485876/James-Augustin

Isaiah Charles, WR/SS.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22476369/Isaiah-Charles

John Gray, Athlete.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19428595/John-Gray

Andre Hyppolite, FS/WR.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19428607/Andre-Hyppolite

Josh Labissiere, LB/RB.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22267136/josh-labissiere

Stevenson Telfort, OL.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22960050/Stevenson-Telfort

Tamar Wright, DT.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23622290/Tamar-Wright

SOLID UNDERCLASS WILL FUEL THE CHARGERS THIS COMING SEASON

With spring right around the corner, this is a program that not only has several rising seniors, but also quality underclassmen that figure to make an impact when play begins for real in last August.

CLASS OF 2028

Javon Alynscar, OL/DL.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26927282/Javon-Alynscar

Ty Hayes III, WR/CB.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/24463565/Ty-Hayes-III

Tyler Pierre-Louis, OT.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26485881/Tyler-PierreLouis

Adam Spivey, Slot.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22988300/Aiden-Spivey

AWAITING SPRING VIDEO

Sa’id Floyd, OL/DL.

CLASS OF 2029

Jimmy Jean-Baptiste, OL/DL.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26846212/Jimmy-JeanBaptiste

Bo Bertani, QB/FS.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/11737531/Bo-Bertani

2025 North Miami Beach Chargers

Tampa Carrollwood Day, L 28-20

North Miami, L 20-13

Punta Gorda Charlotte, W 20-14 (OT)

Hialeah American, W 46-0

Westland Hialeah, W 42-0

Lake Mary, L 45-13

Miami Carol City, W 14-13

Homestead South Dade, L 25-22

Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace, L 29-28

Naples St. John Neumann, L 20-14

INVITATIONAL PLAYOFFS

Cape Coral Oasis, W 42-0

Miami Booker T. Washington, W 20-6

Dunnellon, L 13-7

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

For the past 56 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..

In the six decades of covering high school football in south Florida, we have made sure that just because we list an individual prospect as someone to watch, we also make sure that we promote EVERYONE who plays the sport.

Picking out four of five players does not mean they are the best but only done to shine a complete spotlight on that individual. We do that often – and it comes 12 months a year. You will never find ANY source that cares more about the student/athlete than we do.

The one thing that we have done – and will always do – is watch players perform live and not listed to what is told of us or pop in a highlight tape.

We get to know each and ever player by seeing them play, talk with them and making our own observations on each prospect – no matter who they play for or what level they are expected to reach.

Making lists will get the attention, but actually talking about the student/athletes that you list is what college coaches want to see.

Because we attend everything – year-round – our advantage to see more prospects than any other source continues to get noticed by athletes, parents, coaches and by the college coaches who check out our daily prospect promotion.

Today, we bring you five rising senior (2027) running backs who we have watched in games, camps, combines and during their workouts, and that is what will always separate us from anyone else who does this.

Remember, we get out prospects – with their film and classroom work, and just because they aren’t singled out every day does not mean that we don’t watch them. If you aren’t mentioned today, you will be during the coming months.

Those who are familiar with our coverage understand that we cover entire teams, leaving NO prospect out.

Kamary Cooper, 5’11, 195, South Plantation. Before anyone ever heard about this young man, we were there watching and promoting his play and work in the classroom. As a guest on our weekly Broward County Athletic Association (BCAA) video showcase, he talked about creating a balance between his work on the football field and in the classroom. He went on to finish as a top 10 state runner with 1,839 yards and 20 touchdowns and led the Paladins to gain some valuable exposure.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22473011/Kamary-Cooper

Damien “Damo” Grant, 5’8, 180, Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy – 3.3 GPA. Track & Field. From the first time he carried the ball at the varsity level for the Mavericks as a ninth grader, we watched this impressive talent mature into one of the top runners in south Florida. In leading this program to a district title and a regional final matchup, he finished the year with over 1,300 yards rushing, adding to his amazing 2,727 total with 22 touchdowns as college coaches continue to watch what he brings to the table.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20312279/691cc189502a4bd69c34e670

Tyler Reid, 5’10, 170, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. Track & Field. This elite transfer from Miramar has been on the radar since Day 1 with the Patriots. Following in the footsteps of his older brother (Desmond Reid) – a one-time standout in south Florida before leaving for Western Carolina and the University of Pittsburgh – this young man has the speed, talent and game-breaking abilities as he already committed to attend Pitt after his final season. Finished his junior season with 104 carries 1,070 all-purpose yards and nine touchdowns.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20012149/Tyler-Reid

Cecil Smith, 5’8, 170, Miami Christopher Columbus. When Isaac Brown left Homestead to attend college in Louisville, coaches were searching for someone who could one day fill those rather large shoes. With plenty of speed and athleticism, this was a freshman, at the time, who was someone that coaches felt could be special. Well, as he begins his final season, transferring schools, this is a gifted talent that left a mark, leading Miami’s True North Classical Academy to a regional final – ending his junior year with a head-turning 1,420 yards rushing, 524 receiving and 16 touchdowns. He is easily one of the best rising seniors in south Florida!

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20496279/Cecil-Smith

Jahnard Young, 5’11, 200, Fort Lauderdale Dillard – 3.3 GPA. If you travel around the state and watch the impressive talent that Florida annually produces, you find prospects like this. Before he carried a ball at Sunrise Piper, transferred in the off-season to Plantation and eventually found a home with the Panthers this spring, this is a gifted football player who had already made a name for himself – way before he was on anyone’s radar in south Florida. This is a tremendous prospect who may be one of the best in the state – after beginning his career at Vero Beach and impressing everyone – from Treasure Coast players and coaches to colleges. His junior year with the Bengals saw him finish with over 1,500 yards and 20 scores.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17540739/690caf7b870e2f0be64137a7

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

For the past 56 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..

While 7-on-7 events, camps and combines are still grabbing the spotlight in the off-season, the linemen are now getting their opportunity to make an impact and steal some of the spotlight as well.

On Sunday at Weston Warriors Park at Tequesta Trace, several teams and players had their chance to shine in the “King of Spring” event.

With linemen getting plenty of attention nationwide, these 5 v 5 events have become more popular and these battles in the trenches are now taking center stage.

With summer camps at colleges and universities shining a spotlight on the 7-on-7 skill matchups, the linemen have become a centerpiece as well, and it is catching on more and more every year.

O-BLOCK WINS ON SUNDAY

With several members of the impressive Coconut Creek Monarch’s line taking charge, the Knights came out on top with a 6-1 record to take top honors.

2028 - Aidan Davey, DE, 6’3, 210.

TAPE:  https://www.hudl.com/profile/23450953/Aiden-Davey

2028 - Yhael Henry, OL, 6’0, 290.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/24040664/Yhael-Henry

2028 - Jordan Murray, OL, 6’3, 300.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23518672/Jordan-Murray

2029 - Deangelo Howard, 6’4, 370.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/24099180/Deangelo-Howard

2028 - Kamari Christian Ingram, DT.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23517664/Kamari-Ingram

2029 - Jameson Knight.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22951202/Jameson-Knight

2027 - Kyle Pearson, 6’3, 290.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20173402/Kyle-Pearson

2028 - Gabriel “Gabe” Scarsini, DE, 6’2, 225.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23332867/gabriele-Scarsini

2027 - Nicholas Soto, OL, 6’0, 275.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19516412/Nicholas-Soto

“These young men have worked very hard all off-season and it showed on both sides of the ball,” said Monarch assistant coach and offensive line coach Roberto Montanez.

EVENT SETS THE TABLE FOR A BUSY SUMMER

While the rain slowed the event down, the teams and players who attended truly had a great time.

In addition to O-Block, other teams to compete were Lineman Chronicles (Miami Southridge), David Gilbert’s Football Tech, Poe Boyz (Western) and several youth players from throughout the region.

Poe Boyz 5v5 and the youth camp was hosted by Coach Troy Kieklak - run game coordinator at Western High school and owner of Poe Boyz.

EVENT ACCOLADES

PASS RUSH OF THE DAY - Gabriel “Gabe” Scarsini, EDGE, Monarch.

PASS BLOCK OF THE DAY - Deangelo Howard, OL, Monarch.

TWO-WAY PLAYER OF THE DAY - Khamari Williams DT/OG, 6’3, 290, Miami Southridge.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/21636240/Khamari-Williams

OFFENSIVE MVP - Raphael Leite, C, 5’10, 276, Davie Western.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19638992/Raphael-Leite

DEFENSIVE MVP - Richardson Garconville, DT/DE, 6’1, 260, Miramar.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/24387060/Richardson-Garconville

A LOOK INTO THE FUTURE

Three Class of 2030 standouts you will hear about for years to come made an impact on Sunday as well: 

Jordan Alvarez – “Best OL at the youth camp. Passes the eye test by a wide margin. Looked technically sound all day.”

Marquis Oliphant Jr. – “Best DL at the youth camp. May not have lost a rep in the middle school camp.” 

Treyson Reynolds – “Played both sides in the High School 5v5 and showed tons of promise for a kid who was playing 12u just this past season.”

Lorenzo Soto – “The brother of Monarch 2027 OL Nicholas Soto, this is going to be someone that will come in during the summer with plenty of knowledge and passion to play up front.”

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

For the past 56 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

FORT LAUDERDALE – Just over a year ago, the Dillard girls and Flanagan boys track and field teams were the winners of the 2025 BCAA County Championships.

The two defending champions proved how good they’ve become as both teams dominated the 2026 competition at Dillard High on Friday.

The championships were delayed two weeks ago by inclement weather.

Flanagan was led by junior distance runner Malcomb Spence IV with victories as the lead off runner in the 4x800 meter relay, 800 meter and 3200-meter races. Overall, the Falcons finished in the top three places in 13 of the 18 events.

“I was really happy with my time in the 800 after a personal best 1:51.91,” said Spence IV. “I’m really with that performance because of all my training.” I had doubts about the 3200, but I won that as well. I wasn’t shooting for a PR but was aiming to win because I’m aiming to stay undefeated this season.”

Antonio Smith of Dillard was the only other double winning in the boys competition with victories in the 100 (10.43) and 200 (20.97).

The Falcons 149 points earned them a third consecutive title, this time by outdistancing second place Dillard by 35 points.

Among the highlights of the Falcons title was the performance of junior high jumper Allen Harris. He set a meet record with a jump of 6-feet-7.5 inches.

“I feel great after coming out here to execute,” said Harris. “I couldn’t compete two weeks ago because of weather, and I came back here and broke a record.”

The Dillard girls won their fifth consecutive team championship led by senior Desiree Frazier’s three victories. She won the 200 and 400-meter races and was the third leg in the 4x400 meter relay.

The Panthers dominated their competition by winning the team title 170 points, 84.5 points better than second place St. Thomas Aquinas. Dillard won seven events and scored in the top three places in 13 events.  

“Last year we had a few hiccups as a team and we’ve become much better with our incoming freshman,” said Frazier, who has signed with the University of Central Florida. “I felt great about my performance today winning back-to-back races in the 400 and 200.”

Idorenyin Essiet of Pompano Beach, who was awarded the top female performer of the 2025 meet successfully defended her title in the triple jump (36-2).

Boys team scores (Top 5)

1. Flanagan 149; 2. Dillard 114; 3. Northeast 51; 4. Nova 42; 5. Coral Springs 36.

Individual results

4x800 relay: 1. Flanagan (Spence IV, Hall, Prewitt, Mitchell) 7:50.47; 2. Dillard 7:58.25; 3. Northeast 8:02.36; 110 hurdles: 1. Goldsby (DILL) 14.52; 2. Tommie (NE) 14.76; 3. Nelson (FLAN) 14.84; 100: 1. Smith (DILL) 10.43; 2. Thomas (FLAN) 10.65; 3. Compare (DILL) 10.69; 1600: 1. Stewart (PPC) 4:26.34; 2. Fils (TARA) 4:27.50; 3. Castillo (CGL) 4:33.77; 4x100 relay: 1. Flanagan (Hawkins, Harris, Mckenzie, Thomas) 40.30; 2. Nova 40.87; 3. St. Thomas Aquinas 41.69; 400: 1. Thomas (PLAN) 47.45; 2. Boucard (MIR) 48.10; 3. Daniels (FLAN) 48.68; 400 hurdles: 1. Carroll  (NOVA) 53.01; 2. Goldsby (DILL) 54.01; 3. McKenzie (FLAN) 54.15; 800: 1. Spence IV (FLAN) 1:51.91; 2. Jeoboham (DILL) 1:54.83; 3. Valbrun (NE) 1:56.58; 200: 1. Smith (DILL) 20.97; 2. Thomas (FLAN) 21.43; 3. Compare (DILL) 21.59; 3200: 1. Spence IV (FLAN) 9:58.66; 2. Stewart (PPC) 10:03.83; 3. Lazo (SP) 10:05.83; 4x400 relay: 1. Plantation (Jason Thomas, Danile Thomas, Khan, Petit Monsieur) 3:14.89; 2. Flanagan 3:15.16; 3. Dillard 3:17.80; Shot put: 1. Steszewski (PPC) 44-10.2; 2. Charite (CS) 44-1.25; 3. Ducena (STRAN) 42-9.75; Discus: 1. Strowbridge (BE) 133-0; 2. Charite (CS) 129-3; 3. Coleman  (HALL) 129-1; Long jump: 1. Hawkins (FLAN) 24-1.75; 2. Petit Monsieur (PLAN) 23-11; 3. Liddie (STA) 22-2.25; Triple jump: 1. Tommie (NE) 47-11.25; 2. Joeseph (CS) 45-8.50; 3. Chamberlain (FLAN) 44-4.75; High jump: 1. Harris (FLAN) 6-7.5; 2. Saintilus (DILL) 6-1.5; 3. Joeseph (CS) 6-1.5; Javelin: 1. Ruskin (WEST) 160-2; 2. Harrison (BE) 144-10; 3. Tyler (FTL) 139-0; Pole vault: 1. Maro (FTL) 10-10; 2. Ross (STA) 10-4; 3. Francis (DILL) 10-4.

Wheelchair events

Shot put: 1. Munoz (CG) 17-9.75.

Girls team scores (Top 5)

1. Dillard 170; 2. St. Thomas Aquinas 85; 3. Taravella 67; 4. Coral Springs 60; 5. Northeast 45.

Individual results

4x800 relay: 1. Dillard (Obas, Sapp, Williams, Simpson) 9:29.59; 2. Cardinal Gibbons 9:43.06; 3. Taravella 9:58.09; 100 hurdles: 1. Costa (TARA) 14.18; 2. Bandres Chourio (CS) 14.29; 3. Sutton (DILL) 14.61; 100: 1. Dickenson (DILL) 12.02; 2. McDonald (BA) 12.04; 3. Woolcock (EVER) 12.23; 1600: 1. Greene (DILL) 5:15.47; 2. Chanon (CG) 5:19.05; 3. Richards (DILL) 5:22.60; 4x100 relay: 1. Dillard (Richardson, Dickenson, Walker, Mckennie) 47:00; 2. Taravella 48.52; 3. Northeast 48.69; 400: 1. Frazier (DILL) 53.45; 2. Barbary (FLAN) 54.20; 3. Jones (DILL) 54.66; 400 hurdles: 1. Bandres Chourio (CS) 1:02.48; 2. Bryant (DILL) 1:03.30; 3. Simpson (DILL) 1:04.11; 800: 1. Higgins (CS) 2:13.57; 2. Greene (DILL) 2:14.61; 3. Serra (CG) 2:15.85; 200: 1. Frazier (DILL) 24.14; 2. Woolcock (EVER) 24.18; 3. Dickenson (DILL) 24.42; 3200: 1. Parrott (STA) 11:24.86; 2. Gill (DILL) 11:44.19; 3. Brown (STA) 11:58.35; 4x400 relay: 1. Dillard (Sapp, Simpson, Frazier, Jones) 3:44.88; 2. Taravella 3:55.97; 3. Coral Springs 4:58.51; Shot put: 1. Powell (FTL) 35-5.75; 2. Kinlocke (FTL) 37-7.75; 3. Watt (STA) 33-0.25; Discus: 1. Morgan (STA) 136-8; 2. Watt (STA) 133-10; 3. Lewis (FTL) 117-8; Long jump: 1. Stephens (NE) 17-2.25; 2. Robinson (NE) 17-1.25; 3. Noel (TARA) 17-0.50; Triple jump: 1. Essiet (PB) 36-2; 2. Belizaire (TARA) 35-4; 3. Robinson (NE) 35-3.75; High jump: 1. Johnson (Mc) 5-3.75; 2. Henry (DILL) 4-11.75; 3. Laurore (STA) 4-11.75; Javelin: 1. Lewis (FTL) 111-1; 2. Camper (TARA) 100-1; 3. Lacaria (CG) 90-1; Pole vault: 1. Evans (CS) 7-10.25; 2. Johnson (DILL) 7-10.50; 3. Galib-Plata (WEST) 7-4.50

Dave Brousseau is a veteran journalist who worked at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and is a longtime BCAA Correspondent. Need to reach out to him? Contact him at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.