While the Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace Spartans finished 7-5 this past season, there was much to like about the way things worked out.

All the losses that this team had came at the hands of state playoff teams, and because of that schedule and being in the same district as powers Miami Central and Miami Norland, it earned them a spot in the post season.

When the season ended, head coach Anthony Walker, his coaching staff and returning players looked at the season and knew that if they could work hard this off-season and into the spring and summer, the results could change.

While the objective is certainly to get back to the state playoffs, there is also a need to develop players and not only set the table for 2024, but the future as well.

This is a team that has athletes who want to play the game and get better – and it reflects at the top with the rising senior (2025) class.

The group has talent, experience and is developing leadership which will ne key with so many underclassmen waiting to follow and add depth.

Among those seniors include Willie Anderson (WR, 5-11, 160 – 2.8 GPA), Brinley Armand (OL, 6-3, 235 – 3.1 GPA), Jayden Armstrong (DB, 5-7, 160), Sincere Benjamin (LB/SS, 6-0, 200 – 2.7 GPA), Marlon Brown Jr. (DB, 5-10, 165 – 2.5 GPA), Joshua Burgos (OL, 6-3, 315), Gabriel Cline (WR/TE, 6-3, 210 – 4.0 GPA), Justin Fowler (DB/WR, 5-7, 140 – 3.1 GPA), and quarterback Mycah Johnson (6-0, 190 – 3.3 GPA).

The class also features Kamari Kendrick (DE/LB, 5-11, 215 – 2.7 GPA), Merrick Martino (DB, 5-11, 180 – 3.8 GPA), Sean Ponder (QB, 6-2, 210 – 3.0 GPA), heavily recruited Wilnerson Telamaque (DE, 6-6, 240 – 2.7 GPA), Jaiden Toussaint (RB, 5-10, 170), and receiver Amare Whetsell (6-0, 170 – 3.2 GPA).

THE UNDERCLASS IS STACKED WITH TALENT

While the rising senior class will certainly be counted on for the experience and leadership, the underclassmen will be very valuable for the Spartans.

Among the rising junior (2026) class that we will hear about will be Daveon Black (WR/DB, 6-0, 180 – 3.6 GPA), versatile Damani Downs (WR/DB, 6-1, 165 – 2.6 GPA), heavily recruited Cleveland Gary III (LB, 5-11, 195 – 4.0 GPA), Marek Marcellus (DB, 5-10, 160 – 3.7 GPA), Dorrian Michel (OL/DL, 5-9, 300 – 3.0 GPA), Zachariah Nozile (LB, 5-9, 195 – 2.7 GPA), Antonio Owens Jr. (DB, 5-7, 140 – 3.5 GPA), Terrance Petit-Frere (RB, 5-9, 150 – 3.4 GPA), Amare Richardson (LB, 5-8, 165 – 2.5 GPA), and running back Rashad Wallace Jr. (5-8, 175 – 3.6 GPA).

The rising sophomore class in 2027 will also be a major part of the present and future of this program – with Nicholas Ariza (QB, 5-10, 160 – 3.2 GPA), Kahrim Bassette (WR, 5-7, 130 – 3.0 GPA), Calvin Etienne (DL, 6-1, 320), Jayden Govender (DB/WR, 5-5, 135), Andrew Gross (LB/TE, 5-9, 175), Jayden Gummer (LB/RB, 5-11, 185 – 3.6 GPA), and quarterback Korde Hinch (5-11, 180 – 2.5 GPA).

The class also boasts Tyre’ Lloyd (DB, 6-2, 160 – 2.8 GPA), Malik Meza (DB, 5-7, 150), Haendel Montlouis (OL, 5-8, 210 – 3.5 GPA), Demarcus Robinson (DB, 5-9, 140 – 2.7 GPA), Isaiah Thurston (RB, 5-6, 160 – 2.6 GPA), and linebacker Liam Vazquez (5-10, 180 – 3.2 GPA)

For more information and video, please contact head coach Anthony Walker Sr., at:

MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/

For the past 54 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 (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

ORLANDO – While the best of the National Football League spent the entire week getting ready for the Pro Bowl competition, there were other teams preparing to take center stage last week as well.

As part of the NFL Flag Football National Championships, there were a number of boys and girls competing for titles, and in the end, Red Zone 10U, coach Luis Rodriguez and a number of gifted young men put it all together and came away with the prestigious national title and the recognition that goes along with it.

Red Zone, representing the Pittsburgh Steelers, qualified for the regional event back in the summer of 2023. 

Pool play began on Friday, January 2nd as Red Zone earned the 3rd seed by going 3-0, defeating teams like “We Different” (New Jersey), “YYFA”, (Youngstown), and “Manzella Saints” (New Orleans).

The playoffs began on Saturday, with tough match ups with No. 6 “THT” (New Jersey), No. 2 “Legends” (Arizona), and No. 1 “Ghost Riders” from Miami.

Every single player played a huge part in winning this title as games went down to the wire - and no matter the situation - these athletes kept their composure and achieved the ultimate goal.

The winning team, also coached by former University of Florida and NFL standout Mike Pouncey, included: Artez Moton, Kahlil Johnson, Kayden Pouncey, Jayden Lopez,Alexis Rodriguez, John Largins Jr., Adrian Garcia, Antwan Kennedy, Kristopher Rodriguez, and Xavier Evans. 

MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/

For the past 54 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 (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

When it comes to the off-season 7-on-7 season, nobody has to tell you how important it has become.

What began in south Florida well over a decade ago has now morphed into a national craze – with impressive talent from coast-to-coast.

What once featured a handful of post-season teams is now something that is being played every weekend from south Florida to California and everywhere in between.

With prize money, trophies, and bragging rights at stake for these sponsored programs who must travel, be transported, eat and stay in hotels, this is as competitive as you get.

What this time of year is all about for these young men and coaches is bringing the best of the best together, and one of the teams who has done just that is coach Chris Ewald and DEFCON South Florida.

One of the most talented teams in the country, here is a group of prospects who come from several different areas to form what many believe is one of the most gifted teams anywhere.

Among those offensive players include receiver Waden Charles (Palm Beach Central, 2025), receiver Kamare Williams (Palm Beach Central, 2025), receiver Kyle Washington (Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, 2025), running back Jaquari Lewis (Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, 2025 – 3.3 GPA), receiver Denairius Gray (Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, 2026), receiver Willie Anderson (Miami Gardens Monsignor Miami Pace), receiver Jamar Denson (Plantation American Heritage, 2026 – 3.5 GPA), and receiver Branden Hoch (Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, 2025 – 3.8 GPA).

Also on the offensive side of the ball are Davie Western running back Robert Ortega Jr.,  - Western, 2026 – 4.1 GPA, receiver Koby Howard (Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, 2025), Millard North, Nebraska quarterback Sebastian Circo - Millard North, Nebraska – 2025), Pembroke Pines West Broward quarterback Tyler Shattuck, 2025 and nationally rated Lake Mary quarterback Noah Grubbs, Lake Mary, 2026.

THE DEFENSE IS ALSO LOADED WITH DIFFERENCE MAKERS

As potent as the offense is, DEFCON also have more than its share of defensive prospects who colleges and universities have been checking on for a few years now.

Among those impressive players include recent Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons secondary transfer Leonzay Merzius (Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, 2026 – 3.5 GPA), Jaydin Broadnax (DB, West Boca Raton, 2026), Tywan Cox (DB, Miami Northwestern, 2025), Tony Williams (DB, Palm Beach Central, 2025), standout defensive back Chris Ewald (Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, 2025 - 4.0 GPA), Vero Beach linebacker T.J. Alford,  - Vero Beach, 2025), Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna defensive back Camari Hall, a recent Hollywood McArthur transfer (2025 – 3.1 GPA, and Bradenton IMG Academy secondary standout Kallen Martinez, 2026.

The defensive also features Kelly Sejour Jr. (Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, 2025 – 3.9 GPA), Miami Norland’s Jordan Campbell (DB), versatile (baseball prospect) DB Jordan Rich (Plantation American Heritage, 2025 – 3.4 GPA), John Bosco, California prospect Tay Lockett Bellflower Saint John Bosco, 2025. There are also Caden Gordon (Lantana Santaluces, 2025), Max Redmon (Lantana Santaluces), West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman athlete Max Redmon, 2025, and one of the nation’s premier Class of 2025 running backs DeAndre Desinor (Plantation American Heritage, 2025 – 3.6 GPA).

MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/

For the past 54 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 (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

At a time when the off season belongs to 7-on-7 events and other skill position exposure camps, it was refreshing for the spotlight to shine on offensive and defensive linemen.

On Saturday, Boyd Anderson High School in Lauderdale Lakes, it was the “big men” who stole the show for the National 5 vs. 5 battle that brought gifted rising seniors, juniors, sophomores, and freshmen together for nearly three hours to compete and see what they need to work on as we head toward spring.

From California, Georgia and throughout Florida, offensive and defensive linemen battled during 5-on-5 competition in sometimes heated confrontations.

When the event ended Giant Skills - Team California took home the title – and rising senior (2025) defensive lineman Mason Laano (Giant Skills - 6-0, 250 -3.2 GPA) from Las Alamitos was voted as MVP. He was impressive all day – winning more than his fair share of battles.

In addition to Laano, Giant Skills - Team California also included Class of 2025 prospects Alex Bleszynski (OC, 6-3, 290, Archbishop Middy – 3.4 GPA), Kameron Brown (Edge, 6-3, 235, Norco), Diego Chavez (OL, 6-5, 275, Santa Margarita – 4.0 GPA), Marshawn Dunning (DL, 6-2, 270, Norco), Sydney Dupoy (Cathedral Catholic), Solofa Lutu-Luapitofanuau (DE, Norco), Jireh Moe (DL, 6-2, 280, Orange Lutheran), Julius Patton (DL/OL, 6-4, 240, La Jolla Country Day – 3.83 GPA) and Santa Margarita’s Elijah Vaikona.

Class of 2026 performers included Maddux Sorensen (OL, 6-3, 270, Bellflower St. John Bosco), who was one of four underclassmen who made the trip east. The 2026 rising junior was joined by class of 2027 standouts Julian Bailey (OL/DL, 5-11, 300, Poway – 3.3 GPA), Caleb Joy (DT, Orange Lutheran) and Ontario Christian’s Kellan Kirkpatrick (6-2, 285).

TRENCH MOB TRAVELS WELL

While most of the team came from Georgia, Trench Mob also brought in California, Florida and North Carolina, and more than held their own.

Among the Class of 2025 talent on hand were Damola Ajidahun (OL/DL, 6-6, 290, Duluth, Georgia), Mi’kel Bellamy (DL, 6-2, 330, Huntersville North Mecklenburg), Canaan Edwards (Edge, 6-5, 230, Lawrenceville Archer, Georgia – 3.0 GPA), Cameron Foley (Edge/OL, 6-2, 245, Decatur Cedar Grove), Jake Jocks (OL/DL, 6-1, 300, Stuart Martin County, Florida), Sean Poret (OL/DL, 6-6, 280, Sandy Springs Riverwood, Georgia), Jamal Rowell (DL/OL, 6-1, 315, Hialeah American, Florida) and Chatsworth Sierra Canyon, California offensive lineman Ashdon Wnetrzak (6-9, 330,)

There are also 2026 standouts Omaria Baltazar (OL/DL, 6-2, 300, Lilburn Barkmar, Georgia), Wade Cobbs IV (OL, 6-6, 370, Sherman Oaks Notre Dame, California), Ahmad Dortch (Edge, 6-4, 210, Snellville Shiloh, Georgia – Baseball Prospect) and Zayden Walters (OL/DL, 6-5, 330, Snellville Brookwood, Georgia – 3.0 GPA).

TEAM WEST BOCA

One of the fast-rising programs in south Florida was also on hand – competing as a time and not with prospects from across the region.

Head Coach Dylan Potts and the Bulls brought some quality talent and battled all day.

Among those on hand were Class of 2025 prospects including Luan Freitas (DT, 6-0, 220), Alex Overfelt (OG, 5-11, 215) and defensive end Trey Vestal (6-0, 195).

This program is all about underclassmen with 20 starters coming back for the 2024 season.

Class of 2026 standouts feature Dequan Bradley (OG, 6-1, 290), fast-rising standout Demetrius Geathers (Edge, 6-4, 215), Malique Joseph (OL) and impressive defensive tackle Xavier Reid (6-0, 265).

The Class of 2027 is also going to be special with Gerran Bray (OL, 6-2, 300 – 3.75 GPA), Gavin Cigale (OL, 5-10, 210), offensive lineman Rojhan Dorcin and linebacker Max Reid (5-10, 185).

EAT FACE MIAMI

Another group of local south Florida prospects who certainly made the most of the event, sending some young players into a talented mix of national prospects.

There are several prospects you will want to keep an eye on during the off-season – through spring and summer and see how they develop.

On Saturday there were a number of quality performers – which included Class of 2025 rising seniors Jamy Eme (OL/DL, 6-4, 265, Miami Killian – 2.8 GPA), Johannes Mager (DL, 6-4, 215, Homestead), Christopher Hughes (DT/RG, 6-0, 240, Miami Central), James Johnson (OL/DL, 6-2, 290, Homestead – 3.1 GPA), Bernard Oliva (OL/DL, 6-3, 230, Miami St. Brendan – 3.2 GPA), Luis Pruneda (OL, 6-3, 295, Miami Killian – 3.6 GPA), Jeremy Smith (OL/DL, 6-6, 255, Miami Central – 2.9 GPA), Shawn Smith (DL, 6-1, 228, Miami Norland – 3.0 GPA) and defensive lineman Olivier Zamor (5-11, 260, Pembroke Pines Charter).

There were also some impressive underclassmen such as 2026 rising juniors Anthony Brown (OL, 6-5, 315, Miami Palmetto – 3.7 GPA) and Sushanth Mortala (OL/DL, 6-3, 260, Weston Cypress Bay), and elite 2027 rising sophomores Logan Clason (OL, 6-5, 290, Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy – 3.2 GPA) and Ronald Riley (OL, 6-3, 282, Miami True North Classical Academy)

If you want to see some future stars you will need to keep an eye on versatile and athletic Steven Moore (OLB, 6-0, 215, Miami Central) and Antonio Wilcher (DL, 6-3, 255, Homestead)

STARS MENTOR PROGRAM

The other south Florida group that made a positive showing at the event, there were plenty of prospects in every class.

Several line performers on both sides made a huge impact.

Among the Class of 2025 players included Jaymin Blake (OL, 6-5, 330, Wellington Palm Beach Central), Tyrese Bryant (OL, 6-3, 300, Miami Central – 3.0 GPA), Michael Dean (OL, 6-5, 302, Wellington Palm Beach Central – 3.1 GPA), Adrian Farrow (DL, 6-4, 245, Miami Norland – 3.0 GPA), Romando Johnson (Edge, 6-3, 240, Coconut Creek Monarch), Donavan Randle (DL, 6-2, 215, Miami Central), Ethan Rowe (OL, 6-3, 300, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna) and offensive lineman Nasarius Ware (6-2, 304, Wellington Palm Beach Central).

Rising juniors (2026) such as DeCarlo Alvarez (OL, 6-2, 297, Wellington Palm Beach Central – 3.6 GPA),  Mekhi Bradley (OL, 6-3, 250, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Elias Sturman (OC, 6-1, 310, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna) and two-year varsity starter Kerby Vital (OL, 6-2, 275, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna) were also singled out by many of the coaches on hand.

The future of linemen in south Florida is certainly in great hands with Class of 2027 rising sophomores Angel Irizarry (OL, 6-0, 265, Miami Palmetto), Jamir Johnson (DL, 6-1, 210, Delray Beach Atlantic) and versatile offensive lineman and defensive lineman Terrence Jones (6-2, 260, Miami Gulliver Prep – 3.5 GPA).

MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/

For the past 54 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 (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..