FORT LAUDERDALE – After a 9-3 season and a heart-breaking state playoff loss to eventual 4A state champion Plantation American Heritage, the Dillard Panthers kicked off the spring in style this past weekend.
Head Coach Demitris Mincey and his football team headed to the third annual Battle 4 Broward 7-on-7 event with plenty at stake.
Even though they went 3-0 in the opening round of the tournament on Saturday at Hollywood McArthur, there were many who doubted whether this team could come back Sunday and in their third straight “954” title.
With powers such as Delray Beach Atlantic, West Boca Raton, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, Miami Norland, West Broward and over 30 other Miami-Dade, Palm Beach and Broward County programs, the Panthers came to work, and by the time the final game rolled around against Atlantic, this team was primed to come from behind and take home a third straight title.
Among those players who made an impact for this team included rising senior quarterback Jayden Chico, who comes in for his final year from Plantation.
Chico was MVP of the tournament with 20 touchdowns and one interception as Dillard came from behind in all four victories.
In addition, there were impressive 8th grade defensive back Jamar Brinson, two-way standout Dorian Wildgoose, and defensive back Zamari “Pop” Marquez.
THE PANTHERS ARE A DEEP TEAM
In addition to those players who led the way, there were others who grabbed the spotlight over the two days:
The rising seniors (2026) included Andrew Stickney (QB), Anthony Carey Jr. (RB), Devin Simmons (DB), Kenny Dalvirmar (LB), Tyophi Clay (WR), Amari Brutus (DB), Pierce Kinch-Young (WR/TE), Timothy Russley (CB), Demitris Mincey Jr. (Athlete), Sidney “Sid” Newkirt Jr. (LB), Tyler Coney (WR), Cordell Coffey (WR), Latavius Taylor (RB), and Quyis Daley (LB/FB).
Rising juniors (2027) also had some impressive players with Kyle Brown (WR), Tederic Oatman (Safety), Ja’Corey Rhoden (DB), Ja’Rodd Rhoden (DB), Alexander Pinder (RB), O’Tavian Tucker (DB), and Jovensky Lully (WR).
Two rising sophomores (2028) also made an impact – with Sacari Jordan (DB) and Marcus Powell (DB), and Class of 2029 rising freshman Lamech Rucker (QB).
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
MIAMI-DADE, BROWARD TRANSFERS? WE HAVE THEM FOR YOU. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-off-to-a-huge-start-in-miami-dade-broward
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..
As the winter off-season came to an end over the weekend to give way to spring football in south Florida, the third annual Battle 4 Broward 7-on-7 event took place at Coral Glades High School in Coral Springs, McArthur High School in Hollywood and at Cardinal Gibbons in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday and for the championships on Sunday.
Over schools from Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties took part in an event that would crown two different championships when play ended late Sunday afternoon.
Miami Carol City came back from a 1-2 start on Saturday to win the “754” crown – while for the third straight year, the Fort Lauderdale Dillard Panthers took home the “954” team title.
Several elite prospects filled the fields over the two days – with established prospects getting much of the attention as they showcased their many skills that will surface this off-season and into 2025.
There were also some players that may not be household names by prospects that are on the rise and will certainly help their programs this season.
2027 – Santana Blount, 5’9, 155, Miami Carol City. One of the fast-rising slot prospects in south Florida. Someone who is tough to cover, and while he doesn’t have Tutu Atwell speed, he certainly has a game that is similar to the Los Angeles Rams’ standout. At the 7-on-7 tournament, he proved to be sure handed and elite when it came to running pass patterns. Will be one of many players the Chiefs used to capture the “754” title this past weekend.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22468691/Santana-Blount
2026 – Robert Ortega, RB, 5’6, 175, Hollywood McArthur – 4.1 GPA. Since he was an 8th grader at Hollywood Avant Garde Academy, he has shown that he is a back that is tough, quick and versatile. He not only runs the ball, but catches and is physical when it comes to blocking and adding that extra dimension to his game. While being the son of a coach is never easy, he moves over from Davie Western to play for the Mustangs this coming season. Is headed to the Ivy League next year – most likely choosing Brown University in Rhode Island.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18274649/677f01b3002acf25bc553d15
2026 – Anton Smith, WR, 5’6, 155, Miami Killian. One of the impact prospects heads down south to play for the Cougars and after making a lasting impression at Miami Booker T. Washington. He can do it all as a receiver and on special teams – and if needed – can get behind center and play quarterback as well. One of the under-the-radar student/athletes who gets it done in the classroom as well. Keep an eye on his play this coming season.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18032820/Anton-Smith
2027 – Joshua Sylvain, WR, 6’3, 180, Pembroke Pines Charter. While there were a number of gifted prospects during the two days of the event, very few who attended knew much about this impressive young man, who is about to have a breakout season. While he has things to work on, his size and ability to go up and get balls are things that will continue to thrust himself into the spotlight. In addition to catching passes, he is learning more about playing the position, and this spring college coaches who watch him play will like the fact that he is willing to roll up his sleeves and put in the work for the Jaguars.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19740803/Joshua-Sylvain
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
MIAMI-DADE, BROWARD TRANSFERS? WE HAVE THEM FOR YOU. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-off-to-a-huge-start-in-miami-dade-broward
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..
FORT LAUDERDALE - When Miami Carol City finished Pool Play on Saturday, the Chiefs were 1-2, heading into Sunday’s single elimination at Cardinal Gibbons High School.
Because of those close losses on the opening day of the 3rd Annual Battle 4 Broward referee training and 7-on-7 event, head coach George Stubbs team would have to win four times on Sunday to capture the 754 title. Mission accomplished.
While Fort Lauderdale Dillard was taking down Palm Beach power Delray Beach Atlantic to win the 954 title, the Chiefs were busy on Sunday working on their own title.
From the first game win against Coconut Creek to the title game against Plantation, the Chiefs, who will be a force in 2A in 2025, did what they had to and held their trophy high.
Among the top players over the two days included defensive standouts such as Class of 2026 players Rodarion Jones (DB), Thomas Jones (DB, 2 interceptions), Gerald Jones (DB), and linebacker Daishaun Dorsett.
There were also 2027 stars like Jashon Chaneton (DB, 2 interceptions), Jerryson Jean-Baptiste (DB), Jeremiah Xavier (DB), Miquan Stubbs (DB), Marquise Knighton (DB), and linebackers Keith Logan and Daniko Hunt.
Class of 2028 rising sophomores Cartier Morrell (DB) and Cornelius Offord (DB) made a major contribution as well.
THE OFFENSE SHOWS PLENTY OF FIREPOWER
The Chiefs also made an impression over the two days with rising seniors (2026) Javarius Robinson (QB), big play receiver Santiago Villaman, David James (WR), David Baker (WR), and receiver Kevin Walker.
Class of 2027 star slot receiver Santana Blount is one of the best in south Florida. Receiver Rolaun Spain and running back Claude Dauphin are also special.
Class of 2028 prospects Russell Britton (QB), Ke’onte Jackson (WR), and receiver Jacques Majors will be huge for the Chiefs this spring and into the summer.
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
MIAMI-DADE, BROWARD TRANSFERS? WE HAVE THEM FOR YOU. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-off-to-a-huge-start-in-miami-dade-broward
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..
By Dave Brousseau - BCAA Writer
POMPANO BEACH – Championship teams continuously find ways to win when it counts most.
The Coral Springs Charter High softball team apparently owns the blueprint when it comes to the BCAA Big 8 tournament.
Led by Heather Roberston, Gio Gurgel and Courtney Wahlbrink combination of six RBI, the Panthers rolled to a 9-4 victory over Western last Wednesday for the team’s third consecutive Big 8 title at Pompano Beach Community Park.
It was the Panthers (19-3) fifth Big 8 title in seven attempts.
“[Western] is a seasoned team and three games in a row is tough on pitching staffs,” said Coral Springs Charter coach Mark Montimurro. “They have a lot of good hitters, and we felt they would put a lot of balls in play.
They put some runs on the board, but we did enough to come out with trophy.
Charter has defeated Western seven consecutive games by a combined 62-11 runs, dating back to 2019. They finished the tournament, by outscoring their three opponents 26-7.
“Our team has moxie and grit and everybody in the county thought we’d be way down because we lost a lot of players. They stepped up and played up to their level. With our pitching we can play with anybody.”
Charter took an early 5-0 lead keyed by Roberston’s fourth home run in five at bats. She was named the tournament MVP with four homers and 10 RBI.
“I honestly wasn’t expecting it,” said Robertson. “I was looking for some hits and putting pieces together for the team. I wasn’t expecting the home runs. I was just swinging to swing.
Today I came out hot and was ready to play hitting a home run in my first at bat.”
The Wildcats didn’t cave, rallying for four runs between the third and fifth innings, closing to within 5-4 of the lead.
Analie Diaz, Kennedy Butter and Emma Konieczny had consecutive RBI singles in the top the third inning and Butter added another RBI singles in the fifth inning.
“It’s frustrating, but there’s a silver lining and that’s that we fought to the end,” said Western coach John Bradshaw. “I was super proud of the girls fighting to the end. Mark’s teams never quit and he’s got us three years in a row.”
The Panthers seized the Wildcats (15-5-1) comeback bid in the bottom of the sixth inning.
Addi Michel had an RBI bunt single, which was followed by an RBI single to left field by Gurgel and a two-RBI double to left by Walbrink a five-run advantage.
“We can up too flat, but we did bring it up throughout the game,” said Gurgel. “When our pitching and hitting come up big, we win,”
District play begins this week with Coral Springs Charter and Western as No.1 seeds.
Contact Dave Brousseau at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
With spring football starting next week, we will continue shining a spotlight on the many football prospects in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.
As college coaches will flock to south Florida, checking out all the talent that we have to offer at so many schools, there will be several positions that will be in the spotlight.
While we continue to showcase our many football prospects at every position and in every class, today we start off with a look at some offensive linemen to watch.
Keep in mind that we promote football talent at every level, so being a star-rated player means very little to what we have been all about for decades.
Today we shine the spotlight on some 2026 and 2027 offensive linemen, which was not always a position that college coaches would come to this area to recruit. But times have changed, and with so many avenues to get better at guard, center and tackle.
Among those 2026 players we shine a spotlight on today includes Shermari Bowens (6'4", 285, Miami Southridge – 2.9 GPA), Anthony Brown (6'3", 315, Miami Palmetto), Jordan Davis (6'3", 320, Hollywood McArthur), Matthew Diaz (6'4", 285, Miami Northwestern – 3.8 GPA), Jamar Hudson (6’3, 280, Pompano Beach Blanche – 3.0 GPA), and Brandon Jeudi (6'0", 275, Miami True North Classical Academy).
There are also prospects Nathaniel “Nate” Leslie (6'8", 385, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Miguel Martinez (6'4", 270, Miami True North Classical Academy), Alejandro Schmitt (6'6", 305, Pembroke Pines West Broward), Dylan Steen (6'5", 295, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Nicolas Varela (6'1", 250, Miami St. Brendan), and Teddy Welch (6'1", 285, American Heritage Plantation – 4.0 GPA) to watch for.
There are also Class of 2027 rising juniors to watch – with Larney Dorlus (6-3, 276, Deerfield Beach – 3.9 GPA) and Ronald Riley (6'4", 315, Miami True North Classical Academy – 3.1 GPA).
SOUTH FLORIDA HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS RADIO SHOW RECOGNIZED. https://www.millionpodcasts.com/high-school-podcasts/
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
MIAMI-DADE, BROWARD TRANSFERS? WE HAVE THEM FOR YOU. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-off-to-a-huge-start-in-miami-dade-broward
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..