Success in Miami-Dade County and success anywhere else in the state – and maybe the country – is a different meaning.
If you finish 10-2, outscore your opponents 536-197 and roll to a district title, in many places across this country, it is viewed as a solid season. Not in the #305.
When Miami Central and head coach Derrick Gibson lost to rival Miami Northwestern in a region final game, 50-29, ending the season, it felt the same as going 0-10.
That loss stung more than any other setback the Rockets could have suffered. This program – no matter who is coaching – have set much higher standards, and if you lose any game – to any opponent locally, regionally, statewide or nationally, it is a loss that should never have happened.
If there is anything positive, and there is rarely anything positive that comes from a loss, what it did for this program is put winning as a priority, and this off-season has been busier than any in recent memory.
As they headed toward spring, this program had put together a team that is as talented as anyone – with elite prospects on both sides of the ball. It is also one of the deepest teams in the state – and Gibson and his team approached the upcoming season with a purpose. The schedule is one of the toughest you will find – with local competition as well as national opponents who will provide plenty of competition.
Check out the roster and you will find some familiar faces along with elite newcomers that more than check all the boxes.
The rising senior (2027) class is stacked with playmakers and talent that is being recruited by just about every college – large and small.
CLASS OF 2027
Gardi Jean-Baptiste, OLB, 6’1, 215.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19673413/Gardi-JeanBaptiste
Trezavant Boyd, CB, 5’10, 160.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20189717/Trezavant-Boyd
Kareem Brown, WR, 6’0, 180.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16930405/Kareem-Brown
Solomon Efunbajo, DL, 6’3, 245.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18869644/Solomon-Efunbajo
Kaleb Frederick, OLB/FS, 5’10, 175 – 3.5 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22403911/690799866c4b96816ed104ca
Kanarious Harris, RB/WR, 5’9, 170.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26602054/Kanarious-Harris
Ivan Houston, DB, 5’11, 180 – 3.5 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19466828/Ivan-Houston
Jayden Johnson, RB/Slot, 5’7, 160 – 3.2 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19588383/Jayden-Johnson
Derrick Jones, WR, 5’9, 140.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22360130/Derrick-Jones
Ahmad Joseph, DT, 6’0, 295.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19530380/Ahmad-Joseph
Vamounyeh Keita, TE, 6’3, 220 – 4.0 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19845657/Vamounyeh-Keita
Tayvion Lee, WR, 6’0, 160.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23285247/Tayvion-Lee
Melvin Miller, FS, 6’1, 155.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22502364/Melvin-Miller
T’ari Miller, CB, 6’4, 187.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22397046/Tari-Miller
Cole Rodriguez, K/P, 5’10, 165 – 4.13 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20823856/Cole-Rodriguez
Ro’laun Spain, WR, 6’0, 170.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20836094/Rolaun-Spain
Anterrio Thornton Jr., OL, 6’2, 280.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23512748/Anterrio-Thornton-Jr
Edwardo Thompson, Edge/DT, 6’1, 255 – 3.0 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19747559/691909021e12c59908cd1d47
Tavares Ward, DB, 6’2, 180.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19972391/Tavares-Ward
Vincent Williams, OL, 6’1, 270.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22413925/Vincent-Williams
Jamarian Wilson, OL, 6’2, 290.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23512726/Jamarian-Wilson
AWAITING SPRING/SUMMER VIDEO
Arthur Hart, WR, 6’3, 170
Avier Jordan, CB
THE FUTUTRE IS NOW
While the 2027 class will provide experience and talent, it’s the elite younger prospects that has everyone associated with this program feeling pretty good.
CLASS OF 2028
Jaylen Antrobus, DL, 6’2, 221.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22980374/Jaylen-Antrobus
Vincent Coulter, LS, 5’11, 196 – 4.0 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22471001/Vincent-Coulter
Jeremiah Cuyler, OL, 5’10, 240 – 3.7 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26385626/Jeremiah-Cuyler
Aaron Ellis, S, 5’10, 175 – 3.2 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26370710/Aaron-Ellis
Israel Howard, DT/OG, 6’0, 280.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18443113/Israel-Howard
Demetrius Ingram, WR/S, 6’2, 185 – 3.83 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23557327/Demetrius-Ingram
Elias Konak, DL, 6’0, 230.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22828015/Elias-Konak
Quartavius Lyons Jr., CB, 6’2, 178 – 3.6 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19062829/Quartavius-Lyons-Jr
Sabien McCloud, DE/OLB, 6’2, 240 – 3.5 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22316115/Sabien-McCloud
Steven Moore, LB/DE, 6’1, 215 – 3.2 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19498770/Steven-Moore
Jaden Parker, DE, 6’3, 260 – 3.5 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22973414/Jaden-Parker
Quinton Rolle Jr., DB, 6’0, 170 – 3.0 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23020242/Quinton-Rolle
La’Bron Scharoun, LB, 6’1, 217 – 3.2 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23110163/LaBron-Scharoun
AWAITING SPRING/SUMMER VIDEO
Kerry Jean-Baptiste, DL, 5’11, 220
Winel Belzince, OLB
Aidan Calixte, S, 5’6, 155
Caiden Coleman, LB
Demetrius Hayes Jr., DB, 5’11, 140 – 3.1 GPA
Quinton Scott, DT
Keion Thomas, DE/LB, 6’1, 195 – 3.4 GPA. Track & Field
Ronald Williams, WR
CLASS OF 2029
Makhi Easterling, CB, 5’10, 160 – 3.88 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26627831/Makhi-Easterling
Willington Jackson, RB, 5’7, 165.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/28251122/Willington-Jackson
Trey’von Martinez, OL, 6’4, 300.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26865604/Treyvon-Martinez
Edward Nelson Jr., WR/QB.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/28543162/Edward-Nelson-Jr
Kyan Reid, OC, 6’0, 250.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/28336945/kyan-reid
AWAITING SPRING/SUMMER VIDEO
Jaheim Athis, OLB
Braylin Brown, WR, 6’0, 180
Jamel Maxwell, LB
2025 Miami Central Rockets
Miami Edison, W 50-12
Miami Booker T. Washington, W 58-14
Plantation American Heritage, W 31-21
Miami Northwestern, L 30-21
Pompano Beach, W 52-0
Fort Lauderdale Stranahan, W 59-6
Miami Southridge, W 34-28
Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy, W 39-0
Miami Carol City, W 23-6
STATE PLAYOFFS
Miami St. Brendan, W 70-0
Naples Lely, W 70-30
Miami Northwestern, L 50-29
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..
By Dave Brousseau
PARKLAND – When the Douglas baseball team took to the field for the decisive game three against West Broward on Saturday everything was a stake in defense of another state title.
The combination of solid team pitching and a second-inning three-run homer by sophomore Sean Torres the Eagles kept the dream of playing for a sixth consecutive state championship.
Starter Drew Bolvin and Tyler Sterzbach combined for seven innings on the mound holding the Bobcats to six hits, while striking out five to earn a 7-0 victory.
The win advances the Eagles (26-6) to the state semifinal game on May 15 against Hagerty (22-8) at 7 p.m. at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers. The winner advances to the title game on Saturday against the Venice/Vero Beach winner.
Douglas will be seeking to extend its current state record of five consecutive championships to six.
“My teammates have trust in me and we have trust in each other,” said Torres. “For me to come through for my team is special. “We came out as a different team after the second game loss. They were a good team, but we knew we were the better team today.”
The victory was also the 14th shutout in a playoff game since the 2016 first championship season for the Eagles.
Following the Torres home run, the Eagles three more runs in the bottom of the third inning. Cade Raley had a two-run single, scoring Laurel and Matthew Toback. Torres scored on a bases-loaded walk for a 6-0 lead.
After a Laurel double and passed ball that advanced him to third, he scored the Eagles final run of the afternoon on a sac fly from catcher Jackson Taylor.
West Broward forced a game three in the series with a 12-7 victory in game two. They scored eight runs in the bottom of the fourth inning. The loss snapped the Eagles streak of 32 consecutive playoff victories.
The big inning rallied the Bobcats from a 6-1 deficit that saw Jake Rizzo hit a second inning grand slam in the second inning.
CLASS 6A
ST. THOMAS AQUINAS 6, MIAMI SOUTHRIDGE 5 (8 inn): Jake Carruthers Hunter Mercer each drove in a pair of runs as the Raiders rallied from a 5-3 deficit to win the game in extra innings.
Aquinas (26-6) will play Land O’Lakes in a state semifinal game on Friday at 1 p.m.
The Raiders enter the semifinal game as the defending 6A state champion.
Southridge won game two of the series 12-4.
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.
By Dave Brousseau
PARKLAND – When the Douglas baseball team took to the field for the decisive game three against West Broward on Saturday everything was a stake in defense of another state title.
The combination of solid team pitching and a second-inning three-run homer by sophomore Sean Torres the Eagles kept the dream of playing for a sixth consecutive state championship.
Starter Drew Bolvin and Tyler Sterzbach combined for seven innings on the mound holding the Bobcats to six hits, while striking out five to earn a 7-0 victory.
The win advances the Eagles (26-6) to the state semifinal game on May 15 against Hagerty (22-8) at 7 p.m. at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers. The winner advances to the title game on Saturday against the Venice/Vero Beach winner.
Douglas will be seeking to extend its current state record of five consecutive championships to six.
“My teammates have trust in me and we have trust in each other,” said Torres. “For me to come through for my team is special. “We came out as a different team after the second game loss. They were a good team, but we knew we were the better team today.”
The victory was also the 14th shutout in a playoff game since the 2016 first championship season for the Eagles.
Following the Torres home run, the Eagles three more runs in the bottom of the third inning. Cade Raley had a two-run single, scoring Laurel and Matthew Toback. Torres scored on a bases-loaded walk for a 6-0 lead.
After a Laurel double and passed ball that advanced him to third, he scored the Eagles final run of the afternoon on a sac fly from catcher Jackson Taylor.
West Broward forced a game three in the series with a 12-7 victory in game two. They scored eight runs in the bottom of the fourth inning. The loss snapped the Eagles streak of 32 consecutive playoff victories.
The big inning rallied the Bobcats from a 6-1 deficit that saw Jake Rizzo hit a second inning grand slam in the second inning.
CLASS 6A
ST. THOMAS AQUINAS 6, MIAMI SOUTHRIDGE 5 (8 inn): Jake Carruthers Hunter Mercer each drove in a pair of runs as the Raiders rallied from a 5-3 deficit to win the game in extra innings.
Aquinas (26-6) will play Land O’Lakes in a state semifinal game on Friday at 1 p.m.
The Raiders enter the semifinal game as the defending 6A state champion.
Southridge won game two of the series 12-4.
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.
By Dave Brousseau
PARKLAND – When the Douglas baseball team took to the field for the decisive game three against West Broward on Saturday everything was a stake in defense of another state title.
The combination of solid team pitching and a second-inning three-run homer by sophomore Sean Torres the Eagles kept the dream of playing for a sixth consecutive state championship.
Starter Drew Bolvin and Tyler Sterzbach combined for seven innings on the mound holding the Bobcats to six hits, while striking out five to earn a 7-0 victory.
The win advances the Eagles (26-6) to the state semifinal game on May 15 against Hagerty (22-8) at 7 p.m. at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers. The winner advances to the title game on Saturday against the Venice/Vero Beach winner.
Douglas will be seeking to extend its current state record of five consecutive championships to six.
“My teammates have trust in me and we have trust in each other,” said Torres. “For me to come through for my team is special. “We came out as a different team after the second game loss. They were a good team, but we knew we were the better team today.”
The victory was also the 14th shutout in a playoff game since the 2016 first championship season for the Eagles.
Following the Torres home run, the Eagles three more runs in the bottom of the third inning. Cade Raley had a two-run single, scoring Laurel and Matthew Toback. Torres scored on a bases-loaded walk for a 6-0 lead.
After a Laurel double and passed ball that advanced him to third, he scored the Eagles final run of the afternoon on a sac fly from catcher Jackson Taylor.
West Broward forced a game three in the series with a 12-7 victory in game two. They scored eight runs in the bottom of the fourth inning. The loss snapped the Eagles streak of 32 consecutive playoff victories.
The big inning rallied the Bobcats from a 6-1 deficit that saw Jake Rizzo hit a second inning grand slam in the second inning.
CLASS 6A
ST. THOMAS AQUINAS 6, MIAMI SOUTHRIDGE 5 (8 inn): Jake Carruthers Hunter Mercer each drove in a pair of runs as the Raiders rallied from a 5-3 deficit to win the game in extra innings.
Aquinas (26-6) will play Land O’Lakes in a state semifinal game on Friday at 1 p.m.
The Raiders enter the semifinal game as the defending 6A state champion.
Southridge won game two of the series 12-4.
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.
When you look at the Miami Jackson Generals football program this spring, keep in mind that what happened during the past few years will not be swept under the rug, but used as motivation moving forward.
To fully comprehend where this program has been the past decade is to know that it is still one of Miami Dade’s storied programs with a long list of elite players and coaches who have walked the hall of this school for decades.
One of those elite performers is Kenyatis Lewis. One of the top student/athletes this program has produced through the years, he decided that enough was enough. Tired of watching from afar this football program continue to decline, he came back and started to rebuild this team and perception – from scratch.
While he knows that this will be a process, he was willing to do things the way he learned from some of the best coaches while competing with superior athletes.
When he accepted the position, he told the current administration that if he came back, things would have to be done the “Jackson General Way” – in the classroom and on the field.
Surrounding himself with coaches who knew the culture and understood what needed to be done was a must, and this spring, while everything has been an uphill climb, this program has started to come together – with a proven winning philosophy.
GROWING PAINS ARE EXPECTED
There is no getting around the fact that the talent level is nowhere near where it will be, but those players who came out this spring have accepted the challenge to return this program to the level where many of the best talent have performed for decades.
This program has had two winning seasons in the past 10 years and just seven in 21 years. That is going to change.
CLASS OF 2027
This is usually the spot where teams are developed. The rising senior class provides experience and talent – and while there are a few players who will lead, the lack of depth will be a concern early on.
Keep an eye on Johnny Joassaint (LB, 5'8, 164) and Nathan Wilson (OL, 6'4, 285) – as well as Defensive End Dominique Williams (6'2, 217).
UNDERCLASSMEN WILL BE HUGE IN THE DEVEOPMENT OF THIS PROGRAM
With a lack of experienced seniors, keep an eye on the younger prospects this team will feature this coming season.
So far this spring the rising juniors (2028) have made some major strides – with receiver Spencer Brown (5'7, 166) and defensive tackle Jose Flores (6'2, 240) stepping up.
Also, keep an eye on prospects such as Jonel Bruno (DB, 5'9, 160), Jeremiah Clark (LB, 5'11, 180), Charnell Daniels (RB, 5'9, 180), Jer'Quan Eaton (QB, 6'2, 170), Omar Napoles (WR, 6'0, 170), Deion Raphael (DB, 5'10, 160) and receiver Christopher Urdaneta (6'3, 174).
While the rising juniors will certainly help in the growth, the Class of 2029 rising sophomores will truly be the cornerstone for the future. Leading the way so far are Travis Coley (DB, 5'10, 150), Devontae Dixon (WR, 5'10, 172) and receiver Dwayne King (6'2, 167).
In addition, other players on the rise have been Teterion Bradley (DE, 6'2, 180), Trevino Dixon (WR, 5'11, 153), Ethan Pearson (RB, 5'8, 183), Ja'Dan Stanley (DT, 5'9, 295) and quarterback Noko Valdes (6'3, 230).
2025 Miami Jackson Generals
North Miami, L 46-6
Miami Immaculata LaSalle, L 50-0
Homestead Somerset Academy Silver Palms, L 31-0
Hialeah American, L 28-6
Miami St. Brendan, L 35-6
Miami Northwestern, L Forfeit
Miami True North Classical Academy, L 42-0
Key West, L 54-6
Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy, L 45-0
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..