While Plantation American Heritage battled all season long to realize a goal of winning a state title, the job was never an easy one for head coach Mike Smith and his team.
While they were losing to national powers Milton, Georgia, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, Miami Central and Miami Norland, the setbacks were just a few points, and all could have gone the other way.
The Patriots did gain forfeit wins against Central and Norland, and it put them in a situation that many didn’t believe they would be in when the season started – for several reasons, but this turned out to be a year that every player, coach and fan would remember – in a positive way!
With many obstacles to overcome, this team reached down deep and captured the 4A state championship with a thrilling 41-31 win against previously unbeaten Orlando Jones.
Lost in this amazing run was the fact that the Patriots had to accomplish this amazing run without nationally rated junior quarterback Dia Bell (University of Texas commit), who was injured early in the playoffs, putting the season on the shoulders of University of Miami signee Malachi Toney – receiver by trade, but an athlete who stole the show in every game.
When this team proudly showcased their trophy for all to see on that Friday night at Pitbull Stadium in Miami, they finished 12-2 and the attention quickly turned to the 2025 season.
While losing some key players would be tough, what many didn’t realize is that this program was young. Very young!
Before any off-season transfers came in, the Patriots had 40 underclassmen coming back – and that news had this program believing that repeating was certainly something that could be a real possibility – especially with some high-profile additions this past month.
That 2026 rising senior class would be special. With a healthy Bell leading the way, the pieces are there. Among this players that will make a difference includes Elijah Balkman (LB, 5-11, 190 – 3.97 GPA), speedy playmaker Brandon Bennett (WR, 6-1, 180 – 3.57 GPA), Braylen Bennett (DB, 6-0, 185), Dylan Bennett (LB, 5-11, 210), Isaiah Calixte (RB, 5-9, 165), Reginald “Reggie” Camille (DL, 6-4, 220), Justin Cassini (P, 6-0, 180 – 4.6 GPA), rising star Jamar Denson (WR, 5-10, 180 – 3.6 GPA), Joshua Houston (CB, 5-10, 170 – 3.95 GPA), battle tested Jeffar Jean-Noel (WR, 5-10, 170), Aldarius Johnson Jr. (CB, 6-3, 170 – 3.8 GPA), Jesiyah Miguel (FS, 6-0, 185), and Kymani Morales (OLB, 6-3, 196).
The class also has Derrick Nichols (DB, 6-1, 165 – 3.3 GPA), Giovanno Redick (DL, 5-10, 258), Jordan Rusinque (Athlete, 6-0, 205), state rated Cory Simon (DT, 6-2, 255 – 3.4 GPA), Rodarion Tellez (DE, 6-3, 220), Charlie Volpe (LS, 6-0, 190), and three time state champion Teddy Welch (OL, 6-1, 285 – 3.8 GPA).
COULD THIS THE BEST JUNIOR CLASS IS SOUTH FLORIDA?
As several rising junior (2027) are coming back, the Patriots have already been helped with the addition of some high-profile transfers such as Davie Western transfer Jonathan Bueno (RB, 5-11, 190), Fort Lauderdale NSU Unioversit7 School transfer Shane Martinez (OL, 6-0, 260 - 3.2 GPA), Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy transfer Amare Nugent (Athlete, 6-0, 180) and two-time state champion receiver Ah’Mari Stevens, who comes over from Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas.
Also, prospects such as Brandon Anthony Diego Adams (OL, 6-5, 295), Ky’marie Brown (CB, 5-8, 165), Christopher Faso (DB, 6-0, 175), Edison Garzon (RB, 5-9, 170 – 4.0 GPA), Aiden Hartnett (OL, 6-3, 290 – 3.8 GPA), Blake Johnson (S, 5-8, 165), Michael Miller (WR, 5-9, 160), Jimmy Nuckel (DL/ILB, 6-1, 190), Hendrix O’Ferrall (DL, 6-0, 240), Nico Ramos (OL/DL, 6-6, 295), Zachary Schwartz (RB, 5-9, 180), Jadin Sheard (WR, 5-10, 170), Marcus Smith (RB/WR, 5-9, 165), Michael Stringer (WR, 5-11, 160) and versatile Isaac Tanis (DE/OT, 6-3, 240 – 3.8 GPA).
Keep an eye on Class of 2028 rising players Osneil Dillon (DE, 6-0, 205),
Tremaine Mullen (Athlete, 5-9, 170), and Viggo Palenzona (DB, 5-10, 170). Even rising freshman (2029) quarterback Othneil Rhoden (6-1, 180) is someone to keep an eye on.
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 (@PrepRedzoneFL). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
DELAND, Fl. – Every year right after we ring in the new year, the annual Under Armour Next All-American contest is held in the central Florida area which includes some of the best high school talent in the nation.
While the game has long showcased the elite seniors, this year the rising junior class has been added, which gives the 2026 talent to give fans and college coaches an opportunity to see some of the talent for the future.
Today at 4:00, Spec Martin Stadium (260 E Euclid Ave., DeLand, Fla., 32724) will serve as the host facility as the game, which has been played in the past at Camping World Stadium (Orlando) and Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg was moved to the home of Stetson University and DeLand High School.
With the contest bringing talent from across the country and throughout Florida, there will be a focus on a few Miami-Dade and Broward players.
Among those talented prospects will include seniors Chris Ewald Jr. (DB, 6’0, 178, Hollywood Chaminade Madonna – MIAMI SIGNEE), Byron Louis (RB, 6’0, 210, Plantation American Heritage – FLORIDA SIGNEE), and Naeshaun Montgomery (WR, 6’2, 185, Miami Central – FLORIDA SIGNEE),
With 2026 players added to the mix, keep an eye on Jordan Campbell (LB, 6’2, 210, Miami Carol City), Derrek Cooper (RB/LB, 6’1, 198, Hollywood Chaminade Madonna), and J’Vari Flowers (DB, 6’0, 175, Miami Northwestern), who get the chance to give the ESPN2 audience a chance to see why they have been added to this year’s game.
PLENTY OF TALENT
Eight of the top nine players in the Class of 2025 are Under Amour Next All-Americans, headlined by No. 1 QB Bryce Underwood, No. 2 QB Julian Lewis, No. 3 WR Dakorien Moore and No. 4 DB Na’eem Offord, with defensive linemen Elijah Griffin (No. 6) and Justus Terry (No. 7), defensive back Jonah Williams (No. 8) and offensive lineman Michael Fasusi (No. 9) rounding out the roster of ESPN top-10 All-Americans. Eleven Under Armour Next All-Americans from the Class of 2025 are rated No. 1 at their respective positions by ESPN.
TODAY’S SCHEDULE
10 a.m.: 8th Grade Game (stream on www.underarmournext.com)
Noon: Diana Flores Camp
2 p.m.: Inaugural Girls Flag Football Game (stream on www.underarmournext.com)
4 p.m.: Under Armour Next All-America Game (ESPN2 / second stream experience on SCNext YouTube).
PLAYER ANNOUNCEMENT SCHEDULE
Pregame: Donovan Murph (Clemson, South Carolina, Ole Miss, Colorado, Tennessee)
First Quarter, Third Break: James Dunnigan (Kansas, Kansas State, Nebraska, Stanford)
Halftime: JaReylan McCoy (LSU, USC, Tennessee)
Fourth Quarter, Second Break: Carnell Warren (Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, Wake Forest, Duke)
ABOUT THE GAME
Over its 16-year history, the Under Armour Next All-America Game has produced many of football’s best collegiate and professional players. NFL Pro Bowlers have routinely played in the game, including No. 1 overall selections Jadeveon Clowney (2011), Jameis Winston (2012), Myles Garrett (2014) and Kyler Murray (2015). More than 350 alumni of the Under Armour Next All-America Game have been selected in the NFL Draft, including 84 first-round draft picks. Three quarterbacks, Winston, Murray and most recently Jayden Daniels in 2023, have won the Heisman Trophy. The 17th Under Armour Next All-America Football Game will once again feature more than 100 of the nation's best senior high school football players on January 2, 2025 in front of a national audience live on ESPN.
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 (@PrepRedzoneFL). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
While August is still eight long months away, and there are plenty of off-season for teams to get better and reload, on this first day of the new year, we will take an early look at what teams figure to be in the mix again in 2025.
As Chaminade-Madonna left the season as the No. 1 team in Florida for the Dameon Jones and his Lions have eyes on an amazing 10th straight trip to the state finals.
Class 1A will once again be run by the Lions, but who else in south Florida figures to try and close the gap?
Miami True North Classical Academy (7-4) has added some pieces and will continue to bring in some players, but as head coach Greg Leffere returns, it will be an uphill climb.
Miami Archbishop Carroll (6-5) and Miami Edison (7-5) are both payoff teams with a dream.
Advancing to the 2A state semifinals when very few expected veteran head coach Tim “Ice” Harris and his Miami Booker T. Washington Tornadoes (10-3) to make it that far, you have to figure that this team will be right back in the spotlight and make another serious run in 2025.
Other teams that will once again build to improve what happened this past year include Miami Immaculata LaSalle (11-2), Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace (8-3), Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (7-5), Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian (7-3), Miami Carol City (7-4), Miami Ransom Everglades (6-4), Miami Springs (3-7), and North Miami Beach (3-7).
A lot of things fell into place for first year head coach Teddy Bridgewater and his 3A state champion Miami Northwestern Bulls.
Perhaps the biggest thing to happen was archrival Miami Central had to forfeit nine games – including a win early in the season against Northwestern.
The Bulls (12-2) will come in as a favorite to win it all – with numerous returnees but counting head coach Jube Joseph and the Rockets out would be a mistake.
Northwestern are the clear favorites, but programs such as Key West (7-4), Fort Lauderdale Stranahan (5-5), Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy (7-4), and Miami Jackson (4-7).
This was indeed a special year for head coach Mike Smith and Plantation American Heritage as the Patriots won a thrilling 4A title game over Orlando Jones in a very trying season for this 12-2 program.
While several key pieces have departed there is a feeling that this team can make another serious run.
Before the Patriots order those buses to Pitbull Stadium in the second week of December, realize that Miami Norland (9-3) and Fort Lauderdale Dillard (9-3) remain hungry. So do Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (7-4), Plantation (6-5) and Hialeah (8-3).
After winning six straight state titles, you can never, ever count out veteran head coach Roger Harriott and his Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (12-3) Raiders who know just when to play their best.
Even though this wasn’t the total domination this program was used to – especially in the playoffs – they put it all together when it counted.
The Raiders will once again come in as huge favorites as they will add the right pieces. Look for Pompano Beach Blanche Ely (8-4), Miramar (7-5, 5A), Coconut Creek (4-5), North Miami (6-5), and Pembroke Pines Charter (6-4) to continue getting better.
Before the 2024 season began, head coach Pierre Senatus and his Miami Southridge Spartans (11-3) had high hopes of being in the 6A state finals. But a tough loss to eventual state champion West Boca Raton in the state semifinal ended that lofty goal.
While Southridge figures to continue building, there are other programs that are coming on quickly – such as Pembroke Pines West Broward (9-4), Coconut Creek Monarch (7-4), and surprising Sunrise Piper (10-2).
The class also has district champion Hollywood South Broward (4-7), Davie Nova (7-3), Doral Academy (5-5), Fort Lauderdale (4-5), Homestead (4-5), and Pembroke Pines Flanagan (7-4).
When you looked at 7A this year it was supposed to be one of the strongest classes and most competitive in south Florida – with two-time defending state champion Miami Christopher Columbus leading the way.
As things turned out, while veteran head coach Dave Dunn and his Explorers (8-4) didn’t have their best team, they did come within a touchdown of getting back to defend their crown, losing to eventual state champion Venice.
Teams such as Davie Western (6-7) and Miami Palmetto (6-4) were disappointing. So were Homestead South Dade (6-6), Coral Gables (5-4), Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman (5-6), and Weston Cypress Bay (6-4).
Other teams also made a splash and will be back – with Greater Miami Athletic Independent champion Miami Coral Reef (9-2) and head coach Tim Wood coming up big. So did Fort Lauderdale NSU University School (9-2), Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy (5-4), and Miami Florida Christian (9-1).
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 (@PrepRedzoneFL). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
When it comes to special teams, we have always understood the importance of having a kicker, punter and long snapper and so do colleges and universities.
Through the years, when it comes to shining a spotlight on these specialists, we have always made sure that we get these young men out for all to follow.
While it’s easy to follow those kickers and punters who are in the spotlight, our objective is to attend as many showcases as possible to uncover some of these rising stars of the gridiron.
In the course of a year, we will shine that spotlight on those kickers, punters and long snappers that get them that much needed recognition.
With the off-season under way, we start our special teams look with kickers and punters in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. We will have a look at long snappers after the winter showcase in January.
CLASS OF 2026 RISING SENIORS ARE IMPRESSIVE
As this 2025 group of kickers and punters are still searching for a home, the Class of 2026 rising seniors are starting to jump on the radar.
Remember, special teams’ exposure has become paramount, so underclassmen are no longer a surprise.
This 2026 class has some stellar difference makers – starting with Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna nationally ranked kicker Noah Sidan (4.0 GPA).
Sidan, who began at Miami Norland last season, made his way north and was part of the 1A state championship team.
While Sidan will bring in plenty of attention, he is certainly not alone.
Among those prospects to keep an eye on in 2025 will be John Allen (K/P, Miami Christopher Columbus), Matisse Bullrich (K, Miami Gulliver Prep – 3.54 GPA), Justin Cassini (P, Plantation American Heritage – 4.6 GPA), Hector Castillo (K/P, Miami Archbishop Carroll), Dominic Celli (K, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons – 3.9 GPA), Caysen Chevannes (K, Pembroke Pines Charter – 4.5 GPA), Johnny DiSalvatore (K/P, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas – 4.1 GPA), Miguel Farinas (K/P, Deerfield Beach Somerset Key), Jacob Fernandiz (K, Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman), and Rodrigo Franco (K/P, North Miami Beach).
Other 2026 prospects to watch this off-season include Christopher Green (K/P, Miami Palmetto), Brandon Guerrero (K, Fort Lauderdale), Jordan Hechler (K/P, Miami Christopher Columbus), Njonte Henry (P/K, Davie Nova), Carlos Lavernia (K, Miami Ransom Everglades), Thomas Lopez (K/P, Miami Booker T. Washington), Mateus Lucena (K/P, Weston Cypress Bay), Alan Lopez-Ortiz (K/P, South Miami), Juan Marmolejo (K, Coconut Creek Monarch), and Christian Martinez (K/P, Cooper City).
The class is deep with Emilio Mollinedo (K, Homestead South Dade – 3.3 GPA), nationally rated Francisco Moscoso (K/P, Miami Belen Jesuit – 5.67 GPA), Trace Poncev (K, Pembroke Pines West Broward – 4.0 GPA), Cody Rawda (K, Parkland Douglas), Jonathan Rivera (K, Miami High), Jorge Rivera (K/P, Miami Dr. Krop), Stephen Cook-Roberts (P/K, Miami Palmer Trinity), Gabriel Suarez (K, Miami Westminster Christian), Javier Suarez (P, Miami Westminster Christian), Conrad Tolerico (P, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas – 3.6 GPA), and Damir Wright (K/P, Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson).
CLASS OF 2027 CONTINUES THE TALENT TRAIN
As good as the 2026 class will be, the future certainly looks bright with some gifted kickers and punters.
Among those will be Ayden Dimmitt-Modest (K/P, Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson), Gabriel Gonzalez (K, Doral Academy), Jonathan Hernanez (K, Coconut Creek), Christopher Macias (K/P, Miami True North Classical Academy), Alec Martinez-Bolivar (K/P, Miami Ransom Everglades), Nathan Maza (K/P, Miami Christopher Columbus), Nicholas Minthorpe (K/P, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Krystian Nacier (K/P, Miami Florida Christian), John Potts (K, Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace), Michael Quinones (K, Miami Southridge), elite Cole Rodriguez (K, Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy - 3.5 GPA), Mykel Sam (K/P, Homestead South Dade – 3.1 GPA), and Mason Vogt (K/P, Miami Christopher Columbus).
The 2028 prospects are also going to be special – with Fox Ehrlich (K/P, Coral Springs Taravella), Osdiel Perez (K, Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman), Sebastian Raga (K, Southwest Miami), and Dylan Semmartin (K/P, Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy).
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 (@PrepRedzoneFL). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
When it comes to football talent in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties through the years, there have been plenty of offensive stars that not only made an impact in high school, but also got it done at the college and NFL levels.
But when you look back at the talent throughout the decades in this region, there have been defensive playmakers who have turned heads and made an impact.
As we closed the book on the 2024 season and look back at some of the key performers, a number of defensive players stepped up to make those plays to ignite their respective teams.
Today, we give some of the spotlight to those defensive players who sparked their teams and made an impact.
Here are some players we salute for stepping up their game:
Seniors (2025) such as Roderick (R.J.) Boynton (DB, Miami Gulliver Prep), Sebastien-Olivier Lacrete (DB, Miami Gulliver Prep), Shawn Garcon (LB, Fort Lauderdale NSU University School), Justin St-Ange (LB, Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy), Julian Mendez (OLB, Davie Western), Hector Chavez (LB, Miami Christopher Columbus), Cory Waters (MLB, Miami Southridge), Joshua McDowell (MLB, Miami Southridge)
There were some quality juniors (2026) who also Dylan Bennett (LB, Plantation American Heritage), Kymani Morales (DE, Plantation American Heritage), Tyrel Snelling (LB, Miami High), Tommy Barcinas (OLB, Miami Palmer Trinity), Demarcus Greene (SS, Hollywood South Broward), Kamron Wilson (DE, Miami Southridge), Louisdens Paul (LB, Miami Dr. Krop), Uryah McCartney (LB, Pembroke Pines West Broward), and Joey Novelli (OLB, Fort Lauderdale NSU University School).
There was an eye on quality 2027 (sophomores) as well – with Debonaire Johnson (LB, Hollywood South Broward), Maurice Gage (DB, Miami Gulliver Prep), Jayden Gummer (OLB, Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace), and linebacker 191 Amir Sameem (Coral Springs Taravella).
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 (@PrepRedzoneFL). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..