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.
Once again on Monday night the South Florida High School Sports Radio Show took center stage with seven impressive guests.
Each and every week, the AM 560 WQAM radio program attracts the newsmakers in high school sports, recruiting college sports – not only locally, but throughout the country.
The show gives listeners an opportunity to hear about college football programs statewide from the media that cover them. It also focuses on the coaches who use the state of Florida – Miami-Dade and Broward Counties in particular.
The show, which has run for nearly two decades, has become a popular listen for recruiting fans as well as high school sports purists, focusing on coaches and players in all sports.
Here is a look at the way Monday went:
The FSU Seminoles continue to add players via the Portal and high school recruiting. Nick Carlisle from Osceola Rivals broke it down.
NICK CARLISLE ON MONDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/nick-carlisle-fsu-rivalscom-6e416
Winning their first state baseball title since 2018, St. Thomas Aquinas captured the school’s fourth ever title over the weekend and head coach Joey Wardlow stopped by to talk about it.
COACH JOEY WARDLOW ON MONDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/head-coach-joey-wardlow-st-thomas-aquinas-85a6e
Parkland Douglas senior catcher Drew Freeman has been part of a baseball dynasty that recorded its 5th consecutive state title over the weekend. He talked Eagles.
DREW FREEMAN ON MONDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/drew-freeman-douglas-high-baseball-53d7d
For 11 years, Pat Narduzzi guided the Pitt Panthers football program to 72 wins and produced numerous quality athletes. He joined the program to look back at spring and ahead to the summer.
COACH PAT NARDUZZI ON MONDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/head-coach-pat-narduzzi-university-of-pittsburgh-panthers-69aaa
In his first spring at his alma mater Robert Ortega looked at his Hollywood McArthur Mustangs and how things are going so far, proving you can go back home again.
COACH ROBERT ORTEGA ON MONDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/coach-robert-ortega-mcarthur-hollywood-fl-0e758
Serving as athletic director at Homestead’s Somerset Silver Palms, Rodney Smith took over the football program this spring, and the one-time FSU standout stopped by to talk Stallions.
COACH RODNEY SMITH ON MONDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/head-coach-athletic-director-rodney-smith-of-somerset-silver-palms-724cc
Plenty of news coming out of Coral Gables all spring and Geo Milian has been on top of it all and looked at the summer and recruiting.
GEO MILIAN ON MONDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/geo-milian-canes-football-635a1
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MIAMI-DADE, BROWARD TRANSFERS? WE HAVE THEM FOR YOU. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-off-to-a-huge-start-in-miami-dade-broward
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..
When it comes to high school sports – football in particular – what many fail to understand that it’s all about teaching and development.
While everyone loves to win, what many remember most about their experience in high school is what they learned, and how they were prepared for the future.
For Miami Westminster Christian and veteran head coach Patrick Wennin, the opportunity to get the most out of the sport is what this program has been all about since he arrived.
With his experience throughout the years in this sport, his players and assistant coaches have benefited in a great way.
As the Warriors finished up the spring and headed toward the summer, there are several veteran players who will be valuable for the younger prospects that are going through the developing stages of their career.
Finishing behind 1A powers Miami Archbishop Carroll and Miami True North Classical Academy in District 15, the approach for the 2025 season is to continue getting these athletes ready to compete as they are building on a finish that saw them win two of the final 2024 games.
PLENTY OF TALENT TO KEEP AN EYE ON
While this spring was about gaining experience and giving prospects an opportunity to get some recruiting film, the next few months will be vital for the upcoming year.
Here are some of the athletes to keep an eye on:
CLASS OF 2026
Daniel Hernandez, DE/OLB, 6’2, 205 – 5.89 GPA. One of the prospects that this team looks to on and off the field. A solid pass rusher who had 14.5 sacks, 26 tackles for loss and 56 total tackles. He gets off the ball quickly and often overwhelms offensive linemen. He was one of those led by example kind of players who will combine his work on the football field with what he has accomplished in the classroom.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18138208/672e7d340f500401a95c7fe3
CLASS OF 2027
Canyon Henry, TE/DE, 6’2, 200 – 4.84 GPA. Another versatile student/athlete that has proven he can get it done on both sides of the ball – as a producer and leader for this team. He has good hands and finds a way of getting open as a tight end, and on defense, he continues to make plays which will be essential over the next few years.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19403593/67351e6c9a5d9b5cd3255e3c
Cooper Hixon, OL, 6’5, 290 – 4.76 GPA. Here is someone who has the chance to be special, and his size will certainly open doors on the football field – while his grades will ensure that he will have every opportunity to continue playing this game at the next level. When you watch him play, you can see that he continues to get better and learn all the time. With two years left, there is plenty to be excited about.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19405060/Cooper-Hixon
Also keep your eye on versatile defensive standout Fausti Diaz (OLB/DE, 6’1, 180).
CLASS OF 2028
Britton Bayag, Athlete, 5’9, 163. Here is one of the young players that everyone is watching in south Florida. A complete athlete that can perform anywhere you place him – from offense to defense and on special teams. He is quick, athletic and has a unique understanding of this game. Keep in mind they will have this young man for three more years, and that is something that everyone is excited about for 2025 and beyond.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19403794/6735f11c474f9c709002c993
Here are some other rising sophomores to keep your eye on – including Jeremy Campbell (WR/DB, 5’9, 145), Jonathan Clauvil (WR/OLB, 6’1, 155), and Anthony Vera (QB, 5’7, 160).
PHOTO COURTESY OF MIAMI WESTMINSTER CHRISTIAN FOOTBALL
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MIAMI-DADE, BROWARD TRANSFERS? WE HAVE THEM FOR YOU. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-off-to-a-huge-start-in-miami-dade-broward
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..