MIRAMAR – It was only fitting that the Year of the Rockets continued on Friday night at the Ansin Sports Complex.

Four-time defending state champion an d national champion Miami Central, with 15 players and head coach Jube Joseph representing the Miami-Dade team, won yet another thriller in the second “The Battle for the Crib” Miami-Dade vs. Broward contest.

Central quarterback Keyone Jenkins, who signed with FIU on Wednesday, connected on a 5-yard touchdown pass to teammate Cataurus Hicks on the final play of the game and Miami-Dade County came from behind to beat Broward County, 23-21, evening the series at 1-1.

With an impressive year-ending crowd on hand – along with former players who are now in college on hand – Miami-Dade kept the last drive alive on a long pass from Jenkins to University of Pittsburgh singee Lamar Seymore, who made a diving catch at the five. With seven seconds left, Jenkins found Hicks in the back of the end zone for the game-winner.

According to game organizers Frank Tucker and Arvis Lawson, this impressive game featured players who have committed to Power 5 schools, and more than 30 prospects with Division 1 who have already signed letters of intent.

The Broward team featured Oregon State signees Tastean Reddicks (WR, Dillard) and Blanche Ely DB Harlem Howard. Cardinal Gibbons’ running back Kamari Moulton (Iowa), Dillard running back Christopher Johnson (Miami) and Pine Crest receiver Jordan Faison (Notre Dame).

Western defensive end Justin Tedim (Colgate) and Cardinal Gibbons’ linebacker Greg Otten, who has Ivy League schools hot on his trail, were also standouts on Friday evening.

Players like North Miami Beach athlete Makhi Rolle (Northern Illinois), Carol City’s Mister Clark (FIU), Western receiver British Mitchell, Miami Central receiver Corey Washington and Dillard defensive back Trevaughn Martinez (Western Carolina), St. Thomas Aquinas versatile running back/defensive back Gemari Sands (FAU), Plantation American Heritage quarterback Blake Murphy (Louisiana Munroe) and long snapper Aiden Arias (North Carolina State) to name a few.

In addition, there were a number of prospects who still do not have homes – and that is something that this game was perfect for.

“There are a lot of post season all-star games that are held,” Tucker said. “But with this event you had media and recruiting services out here who have plenty of contacts and that is a great thing for the many quality players who do not have anything yet.”

Matthew Prigmore, OL

For the past 52 years, we have spent plenty of 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..

By Dr. Kevin Perry

With the dust settling on the 2022 season, and seniors starting to sign on the dotted line, it’s time to look toward next season.

For the 2M state champion Miami Central Rockets, a 14-0 record and fourth consecutive championship will be tough to repeat in 2023, but do not count head coach Jube Joseph and his team out.

The Rockets have never been shy to add transfers and that is something that you can expect once again this coming season.

It is said that successful football programs do not recruit – they reload, and through the years that has been the case with this nine-time state champion.

Let’s face it, prospects from throughout south Florida continue to flock to 95^th Street for a reason. Everyone wants to be a part of a winner, and you can 100 percent guarantee that this program will add several new faces that didn’t finish the year with a title.

WHAT’S COMING BACK

When this program raised the state and national championship trophy this past week, it wasn’t long before the attention started to point toward next year.

With new faces coming in over the next six to seven months, here’s a look at underclass prospects who ended the year with rings on their collective fingers.

Amazing and talented freshmen, sophomores and juniors who should be the foundation of this program.

Rising seniors such as Tyrese Avant (WR, 5-11, 170), Jai’Vyn Darby (OL, 6-0, 290), Jamarion Evariste (OL, 5-10, 260), Albert Jones (OL, 5-10, 250), gifted Earl Kulp (CB, 6-1, 180), elite Lawayne McCoy (WR/DB, 6-1, 175), Clyde Mills (WR, 6-3, 160), Luke Moise (OL, 6-3, 290), Braylon Renna (WR, 5-10, 160), Keion Reyes (OL, 6-2, 300), Johnneth Rhodes (DT, 6-0, 240), Quinton Rogers (WR/TE, 6-0, 190), William Rothmiller (OL, 6-1, 270), Jakari Russell (OT, 6-0, 220), Teko Shoats Jr. (OL, 6-4, 285) and linebacker Lamar Smith (6-2, 210).

LOADED UNDERCLASS ADDS UP TO WINS

While the rising senior class has experience and talent, the rising juniors may be as gifted as you will find – starting with impressive Randy Adiricka (DT, 6-4, 250), Anjuan Coleman Jr. (WR, 5-10, 170), Jalen Labranche (S, 5-7, 160), Jordan London (WR, 5-11, 165), Derek Manker (DT, 5-10, 240), difference maker Ezekiel Marcelin (LB, 6-0, 195), Nicholas McCall (RB, 5-11, 180), Donovan Randle (DE, 6-0, 190), Kelly Sejour Jr. (DB, 5-11, 165), Sekou Smith (WR, 6-1, 170), Seth Stanley (WR, 5-11, 185), Jayvin Tightman (DT, 5-10, 230), Deangelo Thompson (DE, 6-4, 215), Amari Wallace (S/CB, 5-10, 180) and cornerback Macai Warthen (5-10, 180).

The rising sophomore class (2026) also boasts some future standouts who learned plenty this season. Players like Steven Dawkins (OL, 6-1, 260), Xavier Flanders (WR, 5-8, 155), J’vari Flowers (DB, 5-11, 170), Karon Maycock (OLB/S, 6-1, 182) and quarterback Leon Strawder (5-11, 185).

For the past 52 years, we have spent plenty of 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..

Every Wednesday throughout the year, we bring you five prospects to keep an eye on.

Some of these Miami-Dade and Broward County standouts are prospects that many have heard about and followed for years – while others are football players receiving attention for the first time.

Because we do not concentrate and spotlight only star-rated prospects – it gives us the opportunity to promote football players at every level.

With the state finals just completed at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, we have the opportunity to bring you five talented young men who caught the attention of many:

2025 - Hector Chavez, LB, 5-9, 211, Miami Christopher Columbus. Just when you think that you know just about everyone that is headed to the state title games, this young man pops up and has one of those moments that everyone will talk about for years and years to come. In the Explorers’ overtime win against Apopka in the 4M title game, this quality talent came up with 20 tackles and gave head coach Dave Dunn and his team an opportunity to win a second ever state football crown.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16109597/Hector-Chavez

2023 – Jonathan Harris, RB, 5-9, 175, Miami Central. After coming over last year from Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, this way under the radar talent had several games that put the Rockets in the title game in 2021, and this past season – his final one at the high school level – he made an impression once again. Running for over 100 yards, he gave head coach Jube Joseph and the Rockets their fourth consecutive state title – beating Plantation American Heritage in the 2M championship game.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/13404355/Jonathan-Harris

2023 – Keyshawn Johnson, DE, 6-2, 230, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. Talk about a major contribution, here is a prospects that was responsible this season for guiding head coach Roger Harriott and his football team to their fourth consecutive state crown. With a number of tackles and key sacks in the 3M championship contest against Homestead, his name was thrust into the spotlight.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/13636355/Keyshawn-Johnson

2023 – Marcus Woodley, LB, 6-2, 210, Homestead. If you looked back over the 2022 season and checked out the reason that head coach Philip Simpson and the Broncos were so impressive, this quality football talent was indeed one of the reasons why. Talk about an under-the-radar playmaker, his 3M title game against St. Thomas Aquinas – the first ever Miami-Dade vs. Broward Private contest – he was all over the field, making plays and showcasing a skill level that many fans had already known about.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16703121/Marcus-Woodley

2024 – Jimmy Williams III, OL, 6-5, 280, Plantation American Heritage. Often times the one position that is overlooked is those quality prospects who control the trenches. With an offense that put up plenty of points and drove the ball against everyone this season, this impressive underclassman continued to turn heads with his play – as well as his size. Was one of many catalysts for first year head coach Mike Smith and his Patriots, who once again put this team into the spotlight.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15098535/JIMMY-WILLIAMS-III

For the past 52 years, we have spent plenty of 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..