By Dave Brousseau

PARKLAND – The Douglas High baseball team proved they are driven in its bid to win a sixth straight state championship.

And Southwest Miami was painfully on the receiving end of a 20-4 loss in the second game of the  Class 7A regional semifinal best of three series on Saturday afternoon.

Douglas (24-5) will host West Broward (22-8) in the regional final best of three series beginning on Friday. The Bobcats defeated Douglas earlier this season 9-5.

After struggling to produce timely hits in Friday’s game one 1-0 victory, Douglas produced 17 hits, including a grand slam from Jake Rizzo in the first inning and another by Gio Rojas in the fourth inning.

The duo combined for 10 RBI in the afternoon game. Matthew Toback and Reid Dadic each added two RBI apiece.

“Obviously a different outcome from the first game,” said Douglas coach Todd Fitz-Gerald. “We had big hit after big hit and being patient at the plate. We got good pitches to swing at and did a nice job.”

Rizzo’s slam was his fifth home run of the season, helping give the team 33 round trippers on the season.

“We could feel the energy right off the bat,” said Rizzo. “We were the away team and wanted to apply pressure first. We did our job with nine runs in the first. Nothing’s easy from here and we need to keep grinding.”

Douglas sealed the game in the top of the fourth inning with eight runs, keyed by Rojas’ slam.

The 20 runs were a team record both in a regular season or playoff game. It was the eighth time this season that Douglas scored at least 10 runs in a game.

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.

As spring football got under way across south Florida this week, there were a lot of colleges who flocked to many schools around Miami-Dade and Broward Counties to check out the prospects.

As you know from reading the things we do here on this website and throughout our social media, we cover EVERYONE. No matter the size of the school or success they are having, we have always bought in to the fact that if you want to play football in high school and are excited to continue competing at the next level, we are your best friend.

For six decades, which way longer than anyone in the state of Florida has had the honor to cover high school football, it is long been our objective to make sure that each and every student/athlete has the forum to showcase their skills and get the film and evaluations into the hands of colleges and universities across the country who can accommodate dreams.

When Wilkie Perez played at Miami High back in the day, he was a gifted TEAM player who not only was consumed about his own statistics but was a player who made sure that football remained a team game.

Nothing has changed. As head coach at Miami Beach, in his second season, Perez and his staff have made sure that this sport is still all about teaching and developing and providing a forum and canvas for these athletes to develop their game.

The Hi Tides are coming off a three-win season. But ask any of the players coming back from the 2025 team – such as playmakers Jaaden Turner (FB/DE) and Garlens Laurius (CB) – and they will tell you that while it may not show up in the wins and losses – there are some positives going at 2231 Prairie Avenue!

With a number of talented prospects on the roster, this spring and into the summer will be about getting game film for many of the prospects to show colleges and to head into the 2026 season with.

Here are some of those talented players to watch in the coming months: 

CLASS OF 2027

Kamar Gordon, OL/DL, 6'4, 250.

TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/v/2T7g3r

Jordan Greenfield, QB, 6'0, 195.

TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/v/2TRyzE

Kenneth Richardson, RB, 5'6, 140.

TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/v/2Td7u1

Stefano Stamos, CB,WR, 6'0, 160.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20844721/Stefano-Stamos

Julien Valle, RB, 6'0, 180.

TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/v/2Te771

Christopher Yordy, OL, 5'11, 240.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26421980/Christopher-Yordy

AWAITING SPRING/SUMMER VIDEO

Micheal Ditommaso, LB, 5'10, 175

Rocco Joldas, LB, 6'0, 180

Jacob Pierre-Louis, DT, 5'6, 200   

Franco Malatesta, OL, 6'2, 255

Elijah Royce, WR, 6'0, 155

CLASS OF 2028

Jerald Humbert, LB, 5'10, 190.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/29423761/Jerald-Humbert

Jaaden Turner, FB/DE, 6'1, 180.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/27317739/Jaaden-Turner

AWAITING SPRING/SUMMER VIDEO

Mickel Anderson, OL

Jake Caicedo, WR, 5'8, 155

Matthew Chavez, OL, 6'0, 215

Ian Devoto, OL, 5'7, 220

Valentino Dixon DT, 5'7, 230

Edison Nieto, DT, 5'7, 200

Christian Prince, WR, 5'10, 155

Cristian Chayyanne Aguilar Ruiz, LB/DT, 5'7, 170

Antonio Salcedo, RB, 5'6, 140

Dali Sanders, WR/CB, 5'4, 140

Gonzalo Villalba, K, 6'2, 195

CLASS OF 2029

Garlens Laurius, CB, 5'8, 145.

TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/video/3/26864169/69064fdd8116d5b9cefc9c04 786-538-9107

AWAITING SPRING/SUMMER VIDEO

Joaquin Blanco, K, 5'8, 150

Matthias DeSiena, WR,RB, 5'8, 135

Natan'el Ichak, WR, 5'11, 140

Thomas Torro, WR/RB, 5'10, 150

2025 Miami Beach Hi Tides

Miami Springs, W 7-0

Miami St. Brendan, L 28-17

Miami Dr. Krop, L 20-7

Pembroke Pines Flanagan, L 28-0

Miami Ferguson, L 28-14

Pembroke Pines West Broward, L 54-0

Coral Gables, W 29-20

Miami Florida Christian, L 21-13

Miami High, W 24-21

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..

As the winter has now yielded to the warmer weather in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, college football coaches are making their daily stops at high schools.

There to watch spring practice and gain an edge on recruiting, this is certainly the time when may athletes will have the opportunity to jump on the radar – and impress those coaches who come from everywhere in the country to see the talent that is always impressive.

While spring may not be as important in every state, the month between late April and late May means just about everything to the football prospects and the coaches who are trying to sell their players.

The process is in the middle of playing out for these student/athletes who spend most of March and early April visiting these colleges to watch them practice and see for themselves what to expect if they make the decision to attend.

The second part of that process is now – when the college coaches come to see the players do their things – in scrimmages and end of spring games that will shine a spotlight on what they do in game situations and not in a pair of shorts and a t-shirt.

The final part comes in the month of June when once again these athletes head out to colleges to attend their camps, 7-on-7 competition, talk with coaches and see the campus when it’s warmer and not so crowded.

RISING SENIORS ARE ON THE CLOCK

Spring is the time when rising seniors (2027) put on their final audition before a decision is made on both sides. There is a sense of reality that comes into play on these visits when coaches and players are further evaluated and validated for their athletic ability.

Today, we bring you five rising seniors who are on the clock and will have the opportunity this spring and into the summer to showcase their many talents.

Gardi Jean-Baptiste, LB/DE, 6’1, 215, Miami Central. Coming over from North Miami Beach, this is someone who has the opportunity to be special. Whether as an outside linebacker or as a defensive end, coming off the edge, his strength is definitely chasing down the quarterback and using his speed, strength and overall athleticism to make plays. Will fit in with what the Rockets do on defense, using plenty of speed.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19673413/Gardi-JeanBaptiste

Nixon Kalish, QB, 6'4 175, South Plantation – 4.5 GPA. Was a huge part of the Paladins success last season – with 2,369 yards through the air with 20 touchdowns. Has the size and football skills to be a force once again. While he isn’t known for his running skills, he will use his legs to help move the chains. He had over 200 yards on the ground in 2025.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23180605/Nixon-Kalish 

Albert Smith, LB, 6’2, 210, Miami Southridge – 3.3 GPA. On a defense that was one of the best in south Florida a year ago, and will have the opportunity to be special once again, this versatile football talent will be someone that you will need to keep an eye on. He is quick, athletic and instinctive. Has matured and grown with this program and is coming of a season where his skills as an outside linebacker or in the middle were instrumental in getting this team deep in the playoffs once again. Because of his ability to make plays, colleges have already started to offer this All-County performer.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20931961/Albert-Smith

Jahni Smith, RB/SS, 5’8, 175, Miami Palmetto. Makes his way over from Miami’s Florida Christian where he was a two-way player for a very talented team. Joins a program that returns several key member of last year’s regional championship team. What offers the Panthers is someone who can run the ball and make plays on the offensive side of the ball – while being able to play in the secondary and use his speed and skill to make an impact. Will be a player that college coaches will notice this spring and will have the chance to make a major contribution.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26168813/JaHni-Smith

Jaylen “Thanos” Thanis, DL, 6’2, 280, Miami Carol City. As many are just finding out about this gifted football player, he was actually one of the elite defensive linemen in south Florida a year ago, playing for 3A state final Miami Northwestern, where he was dominant – with 1 touchdown, 2 fumbles recoveries, 5 forced fumbles 7 sacks, 20 tackles for loss and 59 tackles (20 assists). This is a player who has the chance to really blow up with the Chiefs this coming season.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19538967/Jaylen-Thanis

FLORIDA EXPOSURE EVENT COMING MAY 23RD. Right after spring and a week before summer. This is a cannot miss exposure camp/combine. Sign Up Early!!! https://prepredzone.com/2026/04/why-should-i-attend-the-prep-redzone-florida-exposure-event/

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..

When the 2025 high school football season came to an end after Miami Christopher Columbus lost to Miami Palmetto in the first-round of the state playoffs, it was a feeling that this program had not experienced in a long time.

Not the fact that the Explorers had lost for the second time in one season to the Panthers, but the very fact that they were not among the best teams in the state.

A 4-8 record at this school is truly unacceptable, and under current head coach Dave Dunn during his two different stints at the school, and many others who have brought championship-caliber teams, it is something that rarely happens.

While the Explorers have set standards in and out of the classroom through the years, producing winning football programs is something that many alumni have come to expect, and for good reason. District, region and state titles have become part of this school.

There is no doubting the fact that the landscape of high school athletics nationally has changed, attracting top student/athletes has become a priority, and as spring began across Miami-Dade and Broward Counties on Monday, this program has taken on a new look – with several new faces making their debut as preparation starts to the new season.

With talent all over the field, Columbus is once again a team that everyone will be watching over the next four months – with solid coaching still a cornerstone with highly-regarded prospects in every class.

Here is a look at some of the talent that fans and opponents will be watching during spring and summer:

CLASS OF 2027

Christopher Barrow, QB, 6’1, 165.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19410789/Christopher-Barrow

Bernard Canon Jr., WR,  5’10, 195.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19342036/Bernard-Cannon

Chanavis Chance Jr., Athlete, 5’8, 185.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22769095/Chanavis-Chance-Jr

Christian Essix, DE/LB, 6’1, 200.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22926784/Christian-Essix

Parker Gervais, TE, 6’6, 205.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22606644/Parker-Gervais

Roosevelt Getter, OL, 5’11, 270.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/24334394/Roosevelt-Getter

Walter Hall Jr., OLB, 6’1, 190.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19466804/Walter-Hall

Cristian Martinez, OL, 5’10, 235.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19358624/Cristian-Martinez

Fabio Miyares, DE, 5’10, 203.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19419823/Fabio-Miyares

Kai Moore, QB, 6’0, 185.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20299699/Kai-Moore

Angel Orozco, OL, 6’1, 290.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19524739/Angel-Orozco

Amari Reams, DL, 6’0, 215.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19337818/Amari-Reams

Jax Rojas, QB, 6’0, 175.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/21635856/Jax-Rojas

Cecil Smith, RB, 5’10, 185.

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

Dylan Thompson, Athlete, 6’3, 175.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19538991/Dylan-Thompson

Brody Villa, OL, 6’0, 265.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19354203/Brody-Villa

Ajavion Willis, Athlete/FS/WR, 6’1, 170.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/21666344/Ajavion-Willis

AWAITING SPRING VIDEO

Jayden Arbide, DB, 5’9, 160

Alexander Cambo, WR, 5’10, 185

Andrew Carreras, OL, 6’0, 230

Dreigh Degregory, DB, 6’0, 160

Adam GottliebWR, 5’10, 140

Lucas Gutierrez, LB, 5’10, 170

Ryan Johnson, LB, 5’9, 175

Jason Jova, WR, 5’11, 175

Zamarion Lawson, RB, 5’11, 205

Nicholas Londono, OL, 6’1, 280

Daniel Meyers, LB, 5’9, 200      

Aidan Prellezo, OL, 6’3, 290

Javier Reich, OL, 6’2, 250

Kenneth Thompson, DB, 5’8, 160

Willie Tindal, DL, 5’10, 250

Remarus Turnier, OL, 6’3, 270

CLASS OF 2028

Matteo Barreiro, RB, 5’9, 160.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22330678/Matteo-Barreiro

Gabriel Barroso, OL, 6’0, 250.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22328899/Gabriel-Barroso

K.J. Belamour Jr., Athlete, 5’11, 190.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22655926/KJ-Belamour-Jr

Tony “Dook” Brown III, WR/Athlete, 5’10, 175.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/25762057/Tony-Dook-Brown-III

Damien Harvey, DL, 6’2, 280.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22980313/Damien-Harvey

Amir Sears, Athlete, 6’2, 170.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18445689/Amir-Sears

Fernando Suarez-Solis, LB, 6’1, 190.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22399181/Fernando-SuarezSolis

Laulelei Deuce Sualevai, OL, 6’4, 260.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22794729/Laulelei-Deuce-SualevaiTyler Tindal, Athlete, 5’9, 190.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22653141/Tyler-Tindal

Travares Vicks, DL, 6’0, 245.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23056394/Tavares-Vicks

AWAITING SPRING/SUMMER VIDEO

Jordan Lewis, DE, 5’11, 190

Matteo Miller, PK, 6’0, 170

CLASS OF 2029

Zacarri Isaac, Athlete, 5’9, 165.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26036063/Zacari-Isaac

Ahmad Summerall, WR, 5’9, 150.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22581757/Ahmad-Summerall

Brian Wilson Jr., RB, 5’11, 175.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26614035/Brian-Wilson-Jr

2025 Miami Christopher Columbus Explorers

Miami Southridge, L 28-21

Our Lady of Good Counsel, Maryland, L 14-7

Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, L 42-7

Miami Palmetto, L 24-21

Miami Northwestern, L 41-6

Homestead South Dade, W 42-34

Miami High, W 50-0

Coral Gables, W 45-7

Miami Norland, L 30-14

Miami True North Classical Academy, L 34-15

STATE PLAYOFFS

Lantana Santaluces, W 28-3

Miami Palmetto, L 27-10

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..