Even though they won their district and posted a 6-4 record, advancing to the state playoffs, veteran head coach Earl Sims and his staff felt that Miami Gulliver Prep could have accomplished more.
With some quality talent and impressive leadership, the Raiders lost their opening game in the post season at home against Miami Ransom Everglades in a contest that they had their chances.
While that loss stung, it did serve as a rallying point for this program as the off-season began. It only showed the returning players that if they want to go further, football needed to become a year-round priority.
With conditioning along with camps, combines and 7-on-7 events that will take this program into spring, the returning players realize that the competition in south Florida is something that will make them work harder.
HOW ABOUT THAT RETURNING 2027 CLASS?
When the 2025 season ended and the senior class (2026) got ready to move on, it became the responsibility of the rising senior class (2027) to take a leadership role.
As college coaches are passing through this January, it will be those prospect that will be on the clock – and it will be on their shoulders to display the experience that will be needed when play opens up for real in late August.
Among that rising senior class will be prospects such as Brendan Beery (4.67 GPA, QB, Baseball), versatile Carter Bonilla (4.9 GPA, OLB/DE, Lacrosse), gifted Darriel Cannon (4.0 GPA, RB/FS, Weightlifting), Alejandro Febo (3.4 GPA, K/ LB), Maurice Gage (OLB/SS), Harvel Jackson (QB), Terrence Jones (3.5 GPA, DT/OT), Deandre Leonard (WR/CB), Eli Levi (DT/FB), Easton McCarthy Levy (WR/CB), Max Tabatchnik (OL) and quarterback Jonathan Walker.
TALENTED UNDERCLASSMEN WILL BE CALLED UPON
As the rising senior class will certainly be counted on, so will the younger prospects – such as rising juniors (2028) Nicholas Gonzalez (OL/DL), Kiefer Hug (K/P), Yiannis Kavalekas (3.7 GPA, DE, Basketball), David Melchor (RB/SS), Troy Galembeck-Rohr (LS/ LB), Melvin Screen (WR/CB), Jacarro Smith Jr. (CB/WR) and versatile Jaylen Wilson (RB/LB).
Also, the Raiders will need production from Class of 2029 (rising sophomores) like Gabe Ellis (3.74 GPA, DL/OL), Aydin Hall (3.7 GPA, LB), Mason Maduro (3.8 GPA, OL/DL), Jamarquis Reid (WR/DB), Malachi Sims-Walker (OL/DL) and quarterback Tyler Welty.
GULLIVER PREP RAIDERS
Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace, L 26-21 (OT)
West Palm Beach The King’s Academy, W 14-10
North Palm Beach Benjamin, W 32-27
Key West, L 32-15
Miami Killian, W 34-27
Homestead Somerset Academy, W 33-8
Miami Belen Jesuit, W 26-14
Boca Raton Saint Andrew’s Academy, L 41-6
Miami St. Brendan, W 42-0
Miami Ransom Everglades, L 20-13
PHOTO COURTESY OF KEITH SMILIE - @nexgenscouting
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
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..
If veteran head football coach Eddie Delgado and his staff found out one thing in 2025, it was getting out of the gate fast could often mean a huge difference.
While they won four of the final five games, it was the 1-3 start that ended up putting them on the road for the opening round of the state playoffs. A game that they would lose to Coconut Creek Monarch.
As the season came to an end, the Firebirds realized that if 2026 was going to be better, the off-season would be essential. With several returning players and some newcomers, becoming a force once again would take that year-round commitment.
While conditioning and attending events during the spring and summer are always the recipe for improvement, this team learned plenty from this past year, and they hope it reflects in August when the new season starts once again.
EXPERIENCE WILL BE KEY IN 2026
With several younger players returning and coming aboard, it will be the veteran prospects that this program will look to for success. There are several rising seniors (2027) who will be counted on.
Among those to keep an eye on will include Jean-Paul Clavel (DE), Julian Cruz (WR), Manuel Espinoza (WR), Gabriel Gonzalez (PK), Sebastian Ibarra (LB), Angel Irizarry (OL), Brenin Kelly (QB), Matthew Lopez (RB), Charles McCorvey (LB), Alonzo Peralta (RB/WR), Dante Pulles (FB/LB), Aiden Rodriguez (CB/WR), Jeancarlos Rodriguez (OL) and defensive end Matthew Vargas.
UNDERCLASSMEN WILL ADD MUCH NEEDED DEPTH
As the rising senior class will certainly be a place that the Firebirds will need for leadership, keep an eye on the younger prospects – such as the rising junior (2028) class that has players such as Tre Cisneros III (RB), Jose Flores (OL), Sebastian Grullon (Athlete), Daniel Hora (OL), Kevin Lopez (Athlete), Jayden Yaques (OL) and outside linebacker Ryan Zaldivar.
Class of 2029 (rising sophomores) will also be counted on. Players like Tre Aguinaga (S), Nicholas Conde (DB), Lazaro Diaz (OL), Nicholas Jimenez (RB/WR), Seth Lopez (DL), Henry Noel (Athlete), Matthew Perez (OL) and defensive tackle Luis Rodriguez will be special. Class of 2030 (rising freshmen) Logan Bour (OL/DL) and Sean Davis (QB) are ready to contribute as well.
DORAL ACADEMY 2025
Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy, L 34-6
Hialeah, L 34-13
Hollywood South Broward, W 21-20
Miami Southridge, L 42-7
Miami Dr. Krop, W 21-14
Homestead, W 20-0
Boca Raton Spanish River, W 37-27
Southwest Miami, W 74-6
Miami Edison, L 40-22
Coconut Creek Monarch, L 39-0
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MIAMI HERALD - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
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..
We are well into January and the South Florida High School Sports Radio Show took center stage with six impressive guests on a Monday night.
Each week, the FM 104.3 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 program, which has run for nearly two decades and has been recognized nationally as one of the best of its kind, has become a popular listen for recruiting fans as well as high school sports purists, focusing on high sports and the newsmakers.
Here is a look at the way Monday went:
With a new head football coach, the Florida Gators are already making some surprising strides with the transfer portal and high school recruits, Tyler Harden from Swamp247 talked about the talent that first year head coach Jon Sumrall and his staff have to work with.
TYLER HARDEN ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/tyler-harden-recruiting-analyst-for-swamp247-16eb3
After a rough season, the Florida Atlantic University Owls and second-year head coach Zach Kittley have struck gold with returning players coming back, a solid recruiting class and well over 30 transfer portal prospects. Justin Backer from the Palm Beach Post joined the program to talk about 2026.
JUSTIN BACKER ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/justin-backer-fau-football-reporter-for-the-palm-beach-post-8db82
It was just one week ago when the Miami Hurricanes played for the national championship and the buzz is still loud enough for fans to start thinking about the 2026 season – where several key players are coming back along with transfer portal talent and one of the top recruiting classes the school has had at the high school level. Adam Lichtenstein from the South Florida Sun Sentinel talked about this program, heading into the spring.
ADAM LICHTENSTEIN ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/adam-lichtenstein-miami-hurricanes-football-reporter-for-south-florida-sun-sentinel-76b76
There is a new head football coach at St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens and it’s a familiar name to fans throughout all of south Florida. Drew Davis, the son of one-time Miami Hurricanes head coach, Butch Davis, was named as the second head football coach in school history and he is ready to elevate the Bobcats.
COACH DREW DAVIS ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/head-coach-drew-davis-of-st-thomas-university-d5ef0
Over the past two plus decades, South Dade High School has dominated the sport of wrestling – with 28 state titles and helping dozens of elite athletes get to the next level. From Mike McCoy to Vic Balmeceda to current head coach Humberto “Duck” Reyna Jr., this team has routinely dominated the competition. Over the weekend, the Bucs won their eighth dual meet title in Kissimmee. The first ever for Reyna as head coach.
COACH HUMBERTO “DUCK” REYNA JR. ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/head-wrestling-coach-humberto-reyna-jr-of-south-dade-high-school-074a7
If you like high school basketball, you will want to check out this week’s Broward County Athletic Association (BCAA) Big 8 boys’ and girls’ event that will be played at Fort Lauderdale High School. Dave Brousseau of the BCAA broke down the teams that will be playing over the four days.
DAVE BROUSSEAU ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/dave-brousseau-broward-big-8-basketball-bcaa-correspondent-5e605
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
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..
While we know that what you do in games will always give you plenty of exposure and bring recognition, if you are a special teams performer, it becomes tougher to attract attention.
Because kickers, punters and long snappers have a short window to prove what they can do in pressure situations, games are no longer enough to showcase their talents to college coaches.
What has happened over the past decade are different companies are hosting showcases that give these special teams hopefuls the exposure needed.
These events are designed to produce accuracy and give these student/athletes a chance to perform.
Today, we bring you a few of the kicking prospects who have jumped on the radar with some off-season performances – already.
2028 – Kyle Aller, K, 5’10, 165, Hollywood McArthur – 4.5 GPA. Rated as one of the top kickers in the state of Florida, heading into the off-season. Has a chance to be very special with a strong leg. Very accurate leg that helped the Mustangs to one of their best seasons in decades.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20079494/Kyle-Aller
2028 – Hudson Eisenbud, K/P, Miami Gulliver Prep – 3.8 GPA. Another young and emerging kicking specialist who has already earned a national ranking – showcasing a strong and accurate leg. This is definitely someone you will be hearing plenty from. Follows in a long line of kickers that the Raiders have produced over the years. Keep your eye on his progress as he gets more film.
2027 – Christopher Kern, P, 6’2, 165, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. After suffering a hairline fracture in his back halfway through the season, this quality talent has recovered, and while he is not like his older brother (Michael, University of Texas), who is one of the best ever at the school, he is expected to have a big year for the seven-time defending state champion Raiders. In addition to punting, he will compete for the kickoff duties as well.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23674205/Christopher-Kern
2028 – Ethan Kleiman, K/P, 5’8, 145, Deerfield Beach. One of the rising juniors who has already jumped on the radar screen nationally at the Chris Sailer’s Vegas 47 Camp, where he performed well with a 68-yard, 3.63 second hang time and a 65-yard, 3.6 second hang time on kickoffs.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/25323846/Ethan-Kleiman
2028 - Ilan Levkovitz, P/K, 5’11, 152, Davie Nova – 4.1 GPA. One of the emerging kickers in south Florida. Someone who is coming off a productive showcase in early January where he performed with a strained quad. Strong on kickoffs and accurate on his field goals.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/26340400/68f3f204787a0734ba7ef155
2027 – Alec Martinez-Bolivar, PK, 5’10, 165, Miami Ransom Everglades – 3.79 GPA. Another elite kicking prospect who impressed enough during showcases that he earned a high rating as a kicker. With so many emerging special teams prospects in the two counties, here is another who is ready for his final season at the high school level. Also, keep an eye on his progress during the off-season as well.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16773211/Alec-MartinezBolivar
2027 – Cole Rodriguez, PKL, 5’10, 165, Miami Central – 3.85 GPA. A four-year varsity performer who has been regarded as one of the elite combo kickers in Florida. Not only was he an outstanding kicker but also showed why a college program will be fortunate to have him as a punter. Also gets it done in the classroom.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20823856/Cole-Rodriguez
2027 – Mason Vogt, K/P, 5’7, 155, Miami Christopher Columbus. Talk about a strong and accurate leg, this is a very talented emerging senior. The Explorers are one of the deepest group of special teams in all of Florida – and to get on the field to actually play – you must compete against some quality prospects who attend several events year-round.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19349216/Mason-Vogt?
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
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..
Following their first-round state playoff game against Miami Palmetto, Coral Glades players and coaches vowed to use the loss to the Panthers as a building block for the future.
The very fact that the Jaguars and head coach Rocco Casullo advanced to the playoffs was indeed something positive for a program that is building something special out in western Broward County.
This is a team that has added the pieces throughout the past few years and used the off-season to build and mature.
With camps, combines and 7-on-7 events along with a solid weight training program, this team has put itself in a position to get better every year.
“We have made good use of the off-season and have developed the young talent,” Casullo explained. “The prospects in this program see that we are coaching them up and now understand that this is a process.”
In a day when transfers are happening at a record pace across south Florida, Casullo and the Jaguars understand that moving around from school to school will never add up to building a team. Quick fixes usually fall apart after a year or two – while developing a pipeline of talent end up having a greater success rate and that is what this program is looking to accomplish.
THE TALENT IS CERTAINLY THERE
With some seniors moving on, the emphasis will be on the underclassmen.
Class of 2027 rising seniors for the upcoming class start with defensive ends Bryan Pierre and Ryan Pierre, but also include Julian Madero (LB), Mark Cortes (LB), Bryce Cox (WR), Abraham Gray Jr. (OL), Isaac Hilaire (WR), Dan Ismard (RB), Woodmye Laurore (OL), Tacorio Miller (DE), Nelson Naud (DT), Jayden Pierre (DT) and safety Jayden Snow (SS).
A STRONG UNDERCLASS GROUP GIVE THIS TEAM DEPTH
Coach Casullo had said all along that since he has been at the school this is the strongest group of underclassmen they will have.
Class of 2028 rising juniors such as Makhai Harris (OL), Johnny Brown (DB), Elijah Carter (OL), Bovo Aghariaha (CB), Tyler Brown (OL), Floyd Dale (RB), Kayo Derezende (QB), James Griffin (K/P), Alexander Jobbitt (DE/LB) and defensive back Caylen Rucker.
The class also will have Jayden Johnson (LB), Micha Lee (OL), Silvio Martinez (OL), Wensley Mombrun (RB), Ethan Ortega (DB), Justin Tejada (LB), Emmanuel Thomas (RB), Jamari Thompson (DB) and receiver Zantwan McNeil.
The rising sophomore (2029) class will also be stacked with plenty of potential – with Elijah Freeman (DB), Landon Wienstock (QB), Ameer Harris (OL), Baby Wigs ( CB), Christian Curles (WR), Elijah Innis (WR), Channing Casey (QB), Jaden Depass (WR), Bronson Griffin (WR/LS), Aaron McGuire (LB) and defensive back Tavares Randell.
2025 CORAL GLADES JAGUARS
Cooper City, L 10-7
South Plantation, L 31-14
Coral Springs, W 41-6
Fort Lauderdale Stranahan, W 7-0
Boca Raton Spanish River, L 21-0
Hallandale, W 15-14
Parkland Douglas, W 20-7
Boca Raton, W 35-26
Coral Springs Taravella, W 31-0Davie Nova, L 19-10
Miami Palmetto, L 42-0
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
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..