MIAMI — FIU's football program hosted its second Spring Game under Head Coach Willie Simmons on Saturday in front of a lively crowd on the new turf surface at Pitbull Stadium.

Team Navy defeated Team Biscayne Blue in this intrasquad matchup, 17-6. 

On a beautiful day in Miami, Team Navy scored both of the game's touchdowns, coming away victorious against Team Biscayne Blue in the Spring Game, of which culminates the end of the 2026 Spring season for the FIU Football program. 

Sterling Joseph scored both touchdowns for Team Navy on short plunges into the end zone. Kicker Robert Czeremcha, who kicked for both teams, was a perfect 3-for-3 on field goal attempts to account for nine points in the contest. 

Defensively, Matthew Pointer (Navy) and Jay-Ayviauynn Celestine (Biscayne Blue) each accounted for one sack for each team. Demetrius Hill (Navy) had two interceptions in the game. 

Other notable plays included a long pass completion for Team Biscayne Blue from D.J. Alexander to Tyson Carter. For Team Navy, Devonte Lyons broke a couple of long runs to set FIU up in scoring position. 

STORY AND PHOTO COURTESY OF FIU ATHLETICS

When Richard Dunbar got into coaching football, he was one of those rare people who did it for the love of the sport and what a student/athlete received in return.

As he began yet another season at his alma mater, Fort Lauderdale, this teacher and mentor didn’t worry about the 3-7 record his Flying Ls posted last season. Instead, he knows that developing talent and getting an appreciation out of the high school athletic experience is what this is all about.

While he’s had his losing season – just like everyone else goes through – he has also won and played in the state playoffs while developing talent on the football field and of course, making sure he is helping to cultivate the next generation of educated young men and women.

Respected by the administration, students and by fellow coaches, Dunbar has long wanted to create a balance between athletics and academics.

His college tours are geared to getting to the next level and using speed, football skills and athleticism to attain a college degree. His players graduate and achieve, and that is something that will never change.

As we head toward spring, it’s all about football and getting his team to a level where they are playing in the post-season. This program plays a challenging schedule and takes part in every football event in the off-season to get his team exposure.

Ask anyone who has played for him over the past two decades and they will all tell you that the experience of being a Fort Lauderdale football player extended far from scoring a touchdown or recovering a fumble.

If they are going to get over that .500 mark this coming season, the rising senior (2027) class will need to step up and show leadership and experience.

Here are some of those prospects:

AWAITING SPRING VIDEO

Cannon Edmonds, QB, 5’10, 150 – 3.2 GPA

Kamal King, DE, 6’3, 195.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/27035625/Kamal-Marcellus-King

Sy’Mari Milner, Athlete, 5’10, 230 – 3.1 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22518012/Symari-Milner

Marquise Russ, LB/QB, 6’3, 190.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22522776/Marquise-Russ

Lyoness Williams, WR, 5’8, 135.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/27035812/Lyoness-Williams

PLENTY OF YOUNG TALENT WILL HELP INFUSE THE FLYING LS

As the rising senior class will have plenty of talent and leadership, there are several underclassmen who will make a huge contribution as well.

CLASS OF 2028

Jamari Fenelus, Athlete, 6’1, 164.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/27925106/Jamari-Fenelus

John Mobley, DB/OLB, 5’6, 130 – 4.4 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26374136/John-Mobley

Savion Mobley, WR/DB, 5’9, 155 – 3.2 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/23098876/68e86b1999002312007be5ad

Louis Mueze Jr., LB, 5’9, 193 – 2.8 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/27035684/Louis-Meuze

Damari Snell, DL/LB, 6’0, 220 – 3.0 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/27379782/690e9d8a74301bea69f99f13

William Thomas III, CB, 5’11, 160. Track & Field.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26339134/William-Thomas

CLASS OF 2029

Stephen Hankerson, DT/OT, 5’10, 205 – 3.0 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/27035665/694a1b1fd44564ced1315491

Adrian Reynolds, WR, 6’2, 161 – 3.9 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/27035693/Adrian-Reynolds

Primes Jest Jr., WR, 5’9, 153 – 3.9 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/27035628/Primes-Jest

AWAITING SPRING VIDEO
Jacoby “J.J.” Richardson, RB, 5’8, 153 – 2.8 GPA

2025 Fort Lauderdale Flying Ls

Miramar Everglades, L 20-19

Hallandale, L 24-19

Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson, W 35-0

Pembroke Pines Flanagan, L 28-6

Coconut Creek Monarch, L 54-0

Cooper City, L 21-8

Sunrise Piper, L 38-17

Hollywood McArthur, L 39-6

Coral Springs, W 3-0

Fort Lauderdale Stranahan, W 45-26

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..

One of the most popular radio shows of its kind moved to Wednesday night this week for a big two-hour program.

Six guests were featured 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 Wednesday night went:

After an amazing 2026 recruiting class, the University of Miami football program is well under way to another banner class for 2027 – as defensive back Jaylyn Jones committed early to be a Hurricane. He talked about the program and why he chose to head to Coral Gables and stay in south Florida.

JAYLYN JONES ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/jaylyn-jones-of-mcarthur-high-um-commit-for-class-of-2027-877e8

When Tyler Harden from Swamp247 joined the program, he had breaking news that the Florida Gators had just landed one of the highest rated offensive linemen they had in over a decade in Maxwell Hiller. He then went on to talk about how things have gotten better during the spring with recruiting and with the players this program brought in.

TYLER HARDEN ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/tyler-harden-of-swamp247-a1064

With over 40 newcomers, this spring has been busy around the University of Central Florida this spring as several players are looking to make a statement and earn playing time when the season begins in August. Matt Murschel from the Orlando Sentinel broke down the action so far this spring.

MATT MURSCHEL ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/ucf-reporter-matt-murschel-of-the-orlando-sentinel-1cb6f

This Saturday at Florida International University (FIU), it will be the end of spring practice when the Panthers host their annual spring game at 3:00. Second year head coach Willie Simmons stopped by to take a look at how the spring has gone and what fans can expect at the game and moving forward.

HEAD COACH WILLIE SIMMONS ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/fiu-head-football-coach-willie-simmons-4ca46

Coming off a year where they didn’t go to a bowl game again, the Florida State University Seminoles have had a solid spring – with some new faces making a major impact and the spring game next week. Chris Nee from Noles247 took a look at all phases of the game and the team.

CHRIS NEE ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/chris-nee-of-noles247-034fa

After playing in the national championship game, everything has blown up for the University of Miami football team. With one of the their top recruiting classes ever on campus this January along with some elite portal transfers, this has been one fun spring. Adam Lichtenstein of the South Florida Sun Sentinel has watched things unfold the past three weeks and talked about some of the things he liked about what’s ahead for the program.

ADAM LICHTENSTEIN ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/adam-lichtenstein-of-the-south-florida-sentinel-ae7c8

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..

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If anyone knows the growing pains of building a program, it’s Coach Arties Knight.

But at the same time, very few understand that the high school game – while it’s about winning and losing – is certainly all about teaching and developing talent.

Remember, when dealing with someone like Knight, you have a coach who has been there from the beginning. Before he accomplished anything in high school, more respected and looked up to him for his work with youth players and leagues.

When he took over the Homestead position, he fully knew that this would be a huge uphill climb. Even with the success that the Broncos had to reach the state finals two years ago not too long ago, times have changed and those players that made that amazing run to reach the highest level of the sport in Florida are no longer at the school.

Creating a culture is never easy. Not when other coaches and schools have their hands in your programs and are waiting for you to develop talent so they can add them to their programs. Nothing to cry over because it happens everywhere these days.

Instead of dwelling on what he doesn’t have in his program, Knight has his blinders on and is all about teaching and players are coming to his program.

When spring starts in a few weeks, the Broncos will welcome 100 players to a team that finished 2-7 a year ago. Explain that. That means that while other programs throughout south Florida are cherry picking their rosters, Knight and his staff are all about teaching these raw young men about the games and also preaching the importance of getting grades.

As the roster will be huge this spring and into the summer, the focal point will be about the rising senior class (2027). Student/athletes who have already started to develop a plan on the field and in the classroom.

Among those 2027 players include Jahari Baptiste (DB, 5'9, 150 – 3.4 GPA), Braylon Becton (DL, 5'9, 230 – 2.8 GPA), Aiden Bryant (OG, 6'1, 235 – 2.5 GPA), Ja’Von Celin (OL, 6'1, 290 – 2.5 GPA), Jayden Celin (DB, 5'9, 150 – 2.8 GPA), Wilfid Francois (LB, 5'6, 151 – 3.0), Tremmel Gammon (WR, 6'3, 170), Willie Gaskin (OL/TE, 6'4, 286 – 2.6 GPA), Maurcel Glover (DL/LB, 5'10, 200 – 3.1 GPA) and defensive lineman Darien Harvey (6'1, 225).

The class also has Tristen Hightower (LB/DE, 5'10, 200), Kesean Hill (WR, 6'0, 155 – 3.1 GPA), Camarey Jackson (OL, 5'11, 235 – 2.5 GPA), Jaymarvi Joseph (DL/LB, 5'8, 185 – 3.0 GPA), Julien Joseph (DB, 5'8, 155 - 3.0 GPA), Kamari Johnson (DB, 5'8, 140 – 2.5 GPA), Corey Lathan (DL/OL, 6'2, 372 – 2.6 GPA), Tony Morgan (DB, 5'7, 145 – 2.5 GPA), Jahmar Morris (QB, 6'3, 173) and defensive lineman Sadley Oracius (5'11, 214).

Rounding out the 2027 group are Ke’Mari Philip (OL, 6'2, 290 – 2.5 GPA), Justo Rodriguez (OL, 6'7, 370), Kameron Smith (DE/RB, 5'11, 205) and defensive back Trenton Spell (5'11, 157 – 2.7 GPA).

THE YOUNGER PLAYERS ARE BUYING IN THIS OFF-SEASON

The success of this program will not only revolve around what happens with the rising senior class, but also a strong group of underclassmen as well.

CLASS OF 2028

The rather large class of rising juniors starts with Darnell Brewer (RB/KR/WR, 5'5, 127), but also includes Dontraevis Brewer (WR, 6'2, 170), Seth Claude (DB, 5'11, 160 – 2.9 GPA), Jeremiah Clinton (WR, 5'9, 150 – 2.5 GPA), Abischai Deceus (DB, 5'10, 150 – 3.0 GPA), Michael Driver (OL, 5'11, 208 – 2.5 GPA), Sylvester Edwards (DB, 5'11, 165), Kemarri Ellis (OG, 5'3, 223 – 3.0 GPA), James Estin (OL, 6'1, 250) and string safety Jahqure Horton (5'8, 150 – 2.5 GPA).

The class also features Jaiden Hush (OC, 5'6, 230 – 2.5 GPA), Jason Larkins (WR/DB, 5'8, 175), Leonidas Leone (MLB, 6'0, 192 – 2.5 GPA), Samuel Leon (DB, 5'9, 145), Devin Lester (DL, 5'11, 200 – 3.0 GPA), Amarion Logan (OL, 5'10, 198), Jimmie Marshall (QB, 5'8, 155 – 2.5 GPA), Jeremiah Martial (Athlete/DE/WR, 6'3, 195 – 3.2 GPA), Dedrick Melvin (DE/RB/Athlete, 5'11, 195 – 3.7 GPA) and linebacker/defensive end Malik Mitchell (5'11, 165).

Rounding out the 2028 prospects are Simon Neal (OL, 5'8, 250), Nickenson Nicholas (DL/OL, 6'0, 180 – 3.1 GPA), Jahiem Reed (RB/KR/WR, 5'8, 160), Fred Reeves (DB, 5'7, 130 – 2.5 GPA), James Richardson (WR, 5'7, 128), Johnny Richardson (WR, 5'6, 110), Zion Shelby (OL, 5'4, 152), Deion Smith (WR, 5'6 140), Jalil Squire (RB, 5'9, 158), Hector Vargas (LB/DE, 5'8, 185 – 2.8 GPA), Freddie Williams (DE, 6'2, 150)

and defensive end Lonnie Woodard (5'11, 170 – 2.5 GPA)

CLASS OF 2029

With several rising sophomores (2029) eager to gain experience, this spring will see plenty of younger prospects such as Darren Bennett (DL, 5'9, 215), Inle Brieva (RB, 5'9, 158), Jamarrie Brown (DL/LB, 5'8, 180), Mozart Deceus (WR, 5'7, 126), Roberto Diaz (WR, 5'6, 117), Deante Fox (DB, 5'5, 100), Travis James (OL/DL, 5'5 180), Carl Joseph (OL, 5'8, 200), Jacory Leon (WR, 5'7, 148) and receiver Nathaniel Lewis (5'6, 122).

Also, keep an eye on Jeremy Lorenzi (LB/DE, 5'7, 165), T'moriyon Mathis (OL, 6'0, 318), Jovan Moore (WR, 5'0, 100), Reno Resilme (WR, 5'9, 150), Domarian Ross (DB, 5'5, 120), Christian Simmons (DB, 5'7, 140), Mantrell Simmons (OL, 5'6, 230) and running back Javarrion Washington (5'0, 110).

2025 Homestead Broncos

Homestead South Dade, L 31-0

Southwest Miami, W 56-0

Fort Myers Bishop Verot, L 39-6

Miami Southridge, L 59-18

Doral Academy, L 20-0

Miami Palmetto, L 40-0

Miami Booker T. Washington, L 34-28

Hialeah American, W 14-13

Miami Edison, L 52-20

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..