While many will look back at the 2025 high school football season and see that Miami Killian finished 8-3 and advanced to the state playoffs, head coach Rudy Trevino, his assistants and returning players fell short of the goals they set at the start of the season.

The heart-breaking loss (38-35) to Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons in the second round of the playoffs was a game that could have easily gone the other way, and that was something that stuck with the Cougars in the off-season.

When the year finished and the players who were coming back started to get ready for 2026, there was a commitment to finish the job and that is something that will continue right until spring.

Killian is indeed a program that is starting to return to the point where they are going to be in the mix for a playoff position once again.

RISING SENIORS WILL BE COUNTED ON

If this program is going to take things one step further, it will be up to the rising senior (2027) class that will have plenty of talent.

Among those prospects to keep an eye on includes Kayden Bryant (DB), Kayron Bryant (RB), Dashaun Collins (DE), Davon Dericho (DB), Zion Flowers (OL), Quintero Frierson (WR), Ezekiel Herring (WR/DB), Jordan Lubin (LB/ RB), Santana Reeves (DB/LB), Artrell Vance (OLB/SS),

Christian Whitfield (RB), Kendrick Williams (DB) and receiver Antonio Simmons.

HOW ABOUT THE FUTURE FOR THE COUGARS

As the rising seniors will be looked upon for the experience and leadership, the Class of 2028 (rising juniors) will be counted on as well.

Among those players will be Brandon Valdes (LB/DE), Ahmir Barnes (WR), Tre Batten (DT), Jaden Crews (OL), Jaylen Franklin (DE), Teghan Percy (OT), Ky-mani Pierre (DE/OLB), Jacob Pozo (OL), Malik Sewer (WR), Andrew Simmons (RB), Jaiden Smoak (TE), Evan Tait (DB) and offensive lineman Jayden Williams.

The rising sophomore class (2029) is also talented – with Javier Becerra (OL), Adrian Becerra (OL), Jeramiah Lee (QB), Emmanuel Lopez (LB), Yudah Poke (WR), Jayden Ramirez (WR), Bradley Valdes (LB) and athletic Terrel Hall.

2025 Miami Killian Cougars

Dr. Krop, W 44-6

Miami Edison, W 24-18

Homestead South Dade, W 34-10

Miami Palmetto, L 41-21

Miami Gulliver Prep, L 34-27

Tampa Catholic, W 32-17

Hialeah, W 36-32

Somerset Silver Palms, 55-6

Miami Belen Jesuit, W 44-0

Miami Carol City, W 38-21

Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, L 38-35

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..

One of the most popular radio shows of its kind heads toward the end of winter with another impressive show on Thursday night.

Six guests filled the two hours as the South Florida High School Sports Show once again presented some interesting topics.

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 Thursday went:

When it comes to quarterback training, Ken Mastrole has watched it all and he worked with some impressive talent over the years. In today’s world of football recruiting, the rules are different and he gave some sage advice for parents and athletes to follow.

KEN MASTROLE ON THURSDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/ken-mastrole-mastrole-passing-academy-215e5

If you are a sports fan and have been on Facebook for any length of time, “Ghosts of the Orange Bowl” is certainly a page that you have check out. From the Miami Dolphins to the University of Miami, area high schools and other events held at this fabled facility, Jay Rao talks about it all.

JAY RAO ON THURSDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/jay-rao-ghosts-of-the-orange-bowl-29f1f

If you like elite high school football talent, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas is the place for you to be – and this Saturday and Sunday, the Rivals.com Camp/Combine will showcase some of the best young talent – and Marcus Benjamin stopped by to break it all down.

MARCUS BENJAMIN ON THURSDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/macus-benjamin-rivals-dot-com-94883

When Quinn Gray Sr. was named as the 20^th head football coach at Florida A&M University recently, this program took a huge step in the right direction. Not only was he one of the best players to perform at the school, but he served as a coach after his playing days. Coming off a successful stint at Albany State, the one-time Fort Lauderdale Dillard standout embraced his new role in Tallahassee.

COACH QUINN GRAY SR. ON THURSDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/florida-am-university-head-coach-quinn-gray-225e8

When he was a student/athlete at Fort Lauderdale Stranahan, Richie Kittles was one of the top football players in the region. Heading off to college, he learned plenty about the game, earned his degree and now returns as head coach of the Dragons as he spoke about the challenge.

COACH RICHIE KITTLES ON THURSDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/head-coach-rick-kittles-of-stranahan-in-davie-fl-da828

His list of offensive linemen he has worked with over the years is extensive, and Torrian Wilson has become one of the top offensive line coaches in the country, teaching, running events and helping to elevate the play of so many high school, college and professional athletes. From his Crafting Linemen events, he continues to make a name for himself.

TORRIAN WILSON ON THURSDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/torrian-wilson-of-crafting-linemen-fc600

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..

When the 2025 football season came to an end and Davie Western High finished 4-7, veteran head coach Adam Ratkevich and his staff took a step back to review the year.

For a program that had been in the state playoff mix for much of the past decade, the Wildcats had fallen off, and while there was still plenty of talent on board, the quality depth that the program had become used to was not in place.

With a number of younger prospects having to step up into the spotlight sooner than expected, the focus was now on the future – as several underclassmen had the opportunity to make an impact.

Fast forward to this off-season, and many of those younger players who were called upon in 2025 are the very student/athletes that this program is now about – and with spring fast approaching – this is once again a team that is getting closer to making a solid playoff run.

RISING SENIOR CLASS WILL BE COUNTED ON

The Class of 2027 (rising seniors) are now the prospects that will be counted on to lead the way this coming season, and Ratkevich and his staff are embracing that challenge.

Among those prospects in that class will be veteran quarterback Jack Spaeder, Kayden Augustin (OLB/DE), Logan Barraza (OL), Austin Chauret (PK), Jaylen Dixon (DE/WR), Akil Hearn (CB), Matthew Hernandez (WR), Jason Jackson (OL/DL), Ayden Jobes (CB), Raphael Leite (OL/DL), Andrew Mahoney (RB), Jordan Mortimer (WR), Deuce Olden II (WR), and defensive linemen Juan Perez and Jayden Powell.

The class also features Uriah Ramessar (WR), Gabriel Rivera (RB), Ethin Rodriguez (OL), DiLaughn Smith (DB), Sean Soto (WR), Victor Souza (OL), Josh Tomlinson (DE), Gabriel Valdes (DB), R.J. Wayne (Athlete) and standout defensive back Bryce Williams.

THE UNDERCLASS IS A DEEP GROUP

With the over 25 rising seniors being a starting point in the rebuild, keep an eye on the talented and deep underclassmen that the Wildcats will have.

Class of 2028 rising juniors such as Silas Allen (DB), Raymond Andrews Jr. (DE), Edwin Augustin (DB), Dennard Barnes Jr. (OL), John Bresset (DE), Jayden Clayton (DB), Christopher D’Angelo (WR), Russell George (WR), Tristan Gonzalez (RB/LB) and versatile Iran Hollis (DE/TE) will be fun to watch.

Other Class of 2028 players like Brandon Kidd (OL), Angel Labrador (OLB), Kevin Marroquin (LB), Terrance Metelus (DB), Jeremiah Normil (WR), Cornelius Offord Jr. (DB), Gabriel Ramirez (OL), Aaden Ramsaran (DT), Guillermo Rosas (OLB), Mike Salimbene (DB) and receiver Josiah Williams will be important as well.

The depth on this team will also include the rising sophomores (2029), who have worked hard and are more than ready to contribute. Prospects such as Jeromy Beasley (RB), Drake Bertamini (DE), Antonio Brown (WR), Sean Canales (OL), Tommy Fleischauer (QB), Corian Hall Jr. (DT) rising star Darius Little (OL), Delano Morgan (WR/DB) and Demario White (LB/TE).

2025 Western Wildcats

Plantation, L 18-0

Coconut Creek, L 28-16

Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, L 45-6

Coral Springs Taravella, W 72-0

Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, L 56-0

West Boca Raton, L 35-0

Miami Lakes Goleman, W 14-7

Weston Cypress Bay, W 26-0

Deerfield Beach, 20-6

Pembroke Pines West Broward, L 35-7

Boca Raton Spanish River, L 23-21

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 you’ve followed the coaching career of Darryel Bethune over the years, you already know that no job is too big.

A product of Miami-Dade County football, this veteran football coach understands that every position he has taken along the way comes with many obstacles.

In this day and age of high school football and players being recruited daily, true coaches believe if they offer something that others don’t, there is no reason to leave.

While the Bulldogs won just three times a year ago, you have to understand that Bethune and his program were in a major rebuilding process after losing key players who never gave he and his staff a chance to show what they bring to the table.

For those who did stay, especially the youngers prospects, they saw someone who was willing to teach and coach and elevate every student/athlete on the roster.

As this off-season began, the emphasis was using the camps, combines and 7-on-7 events as a tuneup for spring where college coaches would be able to see the improvement made from the 2025 season.

WHO IS READY TO COMPETE?
If the Bulldogs are to continue turning the corner, this rising senior (2027) class will need to step up and use the experience and leadership that will be needed.

Among those 2027 players include Taj Bethune (LB/DB), Jovan Crawford (DB/WR), Cleefson “Pop” Guerrier (LB), Jquan Henry (DB/WR), Delawrence Powell Jr. (DB) and receiver Tahjir Sam.

UNDERCLASSMEN WILL BE NEEDED IN THE PROCESS

As the 2027 class will be there for leadership, the younger prospects will also be needed for front line talent and depth. Among the rising juniors (2028) will be Kambrelle Cromer (DT), Dwayne Davis (DE), Jaelin Holmes (QB), Andrew Johnson (WR), Laquan Lowry (RB), Kyle Pelley (OL), Jacob Jean-Pierre (LB/SS), Ranard Ragin (OL), and receivers Jayden Spencer and Kaden Joseph.

There will also be rising sophomores (2029) Jeremiah Chevalier (DE) and offensive lineman Noah Popov.

2025 South Broward Bulldogs

Deerfield Beach, W 21-14

Cooper City, W 39-6

Doral Academy, L 21-20

Plantation, L 28-6

Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, L 52-6

Coconut Creek, L 45-6

South Plantation, L 42-38

Davie Nova, W 21-20

Pembroke Pines Flanagan, L 32-29

Sunrise Piper, L 43-14

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..