MIAMI CORAL PARK FOOTBALL 2022

Head Coach: Vernon Wilder III

2021 Record: 5-4

2022 Schedule:

8/27 - SOUTHWEST MIAMI, W 36-6

9/2 – At Coral Cables, 4

9/9 – At Miami Varela, 3:30

9/16 – Off

9/22 – HIALEAH MIAMI-LAKES, 3:30

9/29 – At Doral Ronald Reagan, 3:30

10/6 – At Miami Braddock, 7

10/13 – HIALEAH GARDENS, 3:30

10/21 – Off

10/27 – ALONZO MOURNING, 3:30

THE RAMS

When Vernon Wilder III arrived on campus, he represented something this program hasn’t had in a long time.

With an opening week win against Southwest Miami, the Rams embarked on a new era of football, and a feeling that if things are to turn around, Wilder, who has had college coaching experience, would be exactly what was needed.

Along with former Miami Booker T. Washington standout Alwan Lee (Offensive Coordinator), and assistant coaches Ryan King and Javier Yanes, this is a program that looks to build back a winner and contend for a title.

For a school that has long climbed the mountain on the football field, this new coaching staff has put things in place – where the future is wrapped around 35 underclassmen, which includes 14 freshmen.

Combined with some experience in the senior class with Leonardo Leon, a 6-1, 210-pounder, junior Dariel Rodriguez, a 5-11, 180-pounder, and freshman Brandin Mincey (5-9, 150) and sophomore Nicholas Garcia (5-9, 210), things are in good shape for this season.

Here are some Rams to keep an eye on this season, which has started out 1-0:

2023

Tarrod Dickson (WR/DB)

Brian Giron (OL/DL)

Aaron Gonzalez (OL/DL)

Joel Holness (WR/DB/K)

Leonardo Leon (OL/DL/TE)

Sebastian Martinez (RB/LB)

Tahir Murphy (OL/DL)

Andrew Vega (RB/LB)

2024

Jorge Agulia (WR/DB)

Matthew Arencibia (QB)

Anthony Budyszewick (WR/DB)

Andy Calzada (OL/DL)

Lucas Demler (OL/DL)

Lucas Diana (WR/DB)

Nicholas Garcia (RB/NT)

Kareem Glass (WR/DB)

Andy Guevara (LB)

Giancarlo Martinez (WR/DB)

Pablo Ramos (OL/DL)

Dariel Rodriguez (RB/LB)

2025

Xavier Bravo (RB/LB)

Benito Dragustinovis (OL/DL)

Mekhi Edwards (RB/LB)

Daniel Fuentes (OL/DL)

Demetrius Henry (Athlete)

Rolly Hernandez (OL/DL)

La’Damion Jeune (RB/LB)

Azriel Rivera (WR/DB)

William Sacasas (OL/DL)

2026

Jan Alonso (WR/DB)

Raymond Diaz (WR/DB)

David Fresco (Athlete)

Kevin Garcia (WR/DB)

Alejandro Gonzales (OL/DL)

Ivan Gort (OL/DL)

Tyler Gottlied (OL/DL)

Rafael Izquierdo (QB)

Roberto Martinez (WR/DB)

Brandin Mincey (QB)

Malik Quintana (OL/DL)

Johnathan Soto (WR/DB)

Sebastian Torres (WR/DB)

TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2023-2026. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects

MIAMI-DADE AND BROWARD TRANSFERS. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-continues-in-miami-dade-broward

TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA FOOTBALL TEAMS. https://larryblustein.com/news/tracking-south-florida-2022

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 now, you already know that Miami Central’s win over national powerhouse Bradenton IMG Academy was something that does not happen too often.

That 20-14 victory pushes the Rockets into first place as we begin Week 2.

Much of the Top 20 stays the same with a few teams shifting around, but staying among the elite in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties for another week.

A few new teams enter this group, but with the understanding that one loss could knock them back.

Remember, two losses this early – no matter who it is will push teams down the ladder if the schedule is not up to par with the rest of the schools.

Here is a look at this week’s Top 20 programs in the area:

1 Miami Central (2M – 1-0). THIS WEEK: Off. NEXT GAME: Miami Booker T. Washington, Sept. 9. LAST WEEK: The Rockets knocked off the state’s No. 1 team, IMG Academy, 20-14 in Bradenton.

2. Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (1M – 1-0). THIS WEEK: No. 7 Fort Lauderdale Dillard, Sept. 2. NEXT GAME: At No. 7 Miami Northwestern, Sept. 9. LAST WEEK: The Lions held on in the Inaugural Broward Showcase to beat national power St. John’s Prep, Washington DC, 35-28.

3. Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (3M – 1-0). THIS WEEK: At Fort Myers, Sept. 2. NEXT GAME: No. 23 Cocoa, Sept. 9. LAST WEEK: The Raiders kicked off the season at home in the Broward Showcase with a win against national power, St. Joseph’s Prep, Philadelphia, 48-37.

4. Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (2M – 1-0). THIS WEEK: Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian, Sept. 2. NEXT GAME: Miami Gulliver Prep, Sept. 9. LAST WEEK: The Chiefs got off to a great start with an 11-6 win against national power Hyattsville DeMatha, Maryland in the Inaugural Broward Showcase.

5. Miami Northwestern (2M – 1-0). THIS WEEK: Miami Jackson, Sept. 2. NEXT GAME: Against No. 2 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, Sept. 9. LAST WEEK: The Bulls avenged last year loss against Venice, beating the Indians, 32-26.

6. Plantation American Heritage (2M – 2-0: THIS WEEK: Lakeland Lake Gibson, Sept. 2. NEXT GAME: Belle Glade Glades Central, Sept. 9. LAST WEEK: The Patriots were impressive in the Inaugural Broward Showcase with a 56-27 win against Los Alamitos, California. 

7. Fort Lauderdale Dillard (3M – 1-0). THIS WEEK: At No. 2 Chaminade-Madonna, Sept. 2. NEXT GAME: At Miramar, Sept. 9. LAST WEEK: The Panthers started the season out with a Broward Showcase win at home against Rock Creek Christian, Maryland, 35-0.

8. Davie Western (4M – 1-0). THIS WEEK: The Wildcats will have the week off. NEXT GAME: At Coconut Creek, Sept. 9. LAST WEEK: The Wildcats opened the season at home in the Broward Showcase with a 33-14 win over Johns Creek of Georgia.

9. Miami Christopher Columbus (4M – 1-0). THIS WEEK: Miami Killian, Sept. 2. NEXT GAME: No. 5 Tampa Jesuit, Sept. 9. LAST WEEK: The Explorers started out 2022 with a win at home against Benedictine, Georgia, 41-15.

10. Homestead (3M – 1-0). THIS WEEK: South Dade, Sept. 2. NEXT GAME: At St. Petersburg Lakewood, Sept. 9. LAST WEEK: The Broncos opened with an impressive win against Miami Palmetto, 19-7.

11. Miami Norland (2M – 0-0). THIS WEEK: Miami Carol City, Sept. 1. NEXT GAME: Miami Southridge, Sept. 10. LAST WEEK: The Vikings had the first week of the season off.

12. Coconut Creek (3M – 0-0). THIS WEEK:  Boyd Anderson, Sept. 2. NEXT GAME: No. 8 Davie Western, Sept. 9. LAST WEEK: The Cougars exploded at Bradenton Southeast, 50-0.

13. Miami Booker T. Washington (2M – 1-0). THIS WEEK: Miami Edison, Sept. 1. NEXT GAME: At No. 1 Miami Central, Sept. 9. LAST WEEK: The Tornadoes opened the season with a convincing 48-14 win against Miami Killian.

14. Miami Palmetto (4M, 0-1). THIS WEEK: At Clearwater Academy International, Sept. 2. NEXT GAME: Miami Killian, Sept. 9. LAST WEEK: The Panthers dropped the season opener to No. 10 Homestead, 19-7.

15. Miramar (3M, 1-0). THIS WEEK: The Patriots are off this week. NEXT GAME: No. 7 Fort Lauderdale Dillard, Sept. 9. LAST WEEK: Coming from behind they beat No. 16 Plantation, 26-21.

16. Plantation (3M – 0-1). THIS WEEK: Stranahan, Sept. 1). NEXT GAME: At Parkland Douglas, Sept. 8. LAST WEEK: The Colonels had the lead but let it slip away against No. 15 Miramar, 26-21.

17. Coconut Creek Monarch (4M – (1-0). THIS WEEK: At Delray Beach Atlantic, Sept. 2. NEXT GAME: Hallandale, Sept. 8. LAST WEEK: The Knights got it going on both sides of the ball against Boca Raton, 38-8.

18. Gulliver Prep (2M – (0-1). THIS WEEK: Off this week. NEXT GAME: At No. 4 Cardinal Gibbons, Sept. 9). LAST WEEK: After having the game postponed on Friday, the Raiders kicked it off at Rockledge only to lose. 37-0.

19. Doral Academy (4M, 1-0). THIS WEEK: A trip to play Rockledge is on tap for Sept. 2. NEXT GAME: A home game against Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy on Sept. 9. LAST WEEK: Behind a high-powered offense, the Firebirds rolled over Hollywood South Broward, 48-21.

20. Hollywood Avant Garde (1M, 1-0). THIS WEEK: Roar Prep & Vocational Academy, Sept. 1. NEXT GAME: At Delray American Heritage, Sept. 9. LAST WEEK: The season opened with a convincing 68-3 win against Deerfield Somerset Academy Key, 68-3.

OTHER TEAMS TO WATCH: Coral Gables (4M, 1-0), Deerfield Beach (3M, 0-1), Fort Lauderdale (3M, 1-0), Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian (2M, 1-0), Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest (2M, 1-0), Fort Lauderdale Stranahan (2M – (0-1), Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy (1M, 0-0), Hialeah Barbara Goleman (4M, 1-0), Hollywood South Broward (3M, 0-1), Miami Archbishop Carroll (1M, 1-0), Miami Braddock (Independent, 1-0), Miami Carol City (2M, 1-0), Miami Dr. Krop (3M, 1-0), Miami Edison (2M, 0-0), Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace (2M, 0-1), Miami Immaculata LaSalle (2M, 1-0), Miami Jackson (2M, 0-0), Miami Southridge (3M, 0-0), Miami St. Brendan (2M, 1-0), Miami Westminster Christian (1M, 1-0), Miramar Everglades (3M, 1-0), Miami Ferguson (Independent, 1-0), North Miami Beach (2M – (0-1), Parkland Douglas (4M, 1-0), Pembroke Pines Flanagan (4M, 1-0), Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy (4M, 1-0), Pembroke Pines West Broward (4M, 1-0), Pompano Beach (Independent, 1-0), Pompano Beach Blanche Ely (3M, 0-0), South Miami (2M, 1-0), South Plantation (3M, 1-0), Sunrise Piper (3M, 1-0), Westland Hialeah (2M, 1-0), Weston Cypress Bay (4M – (0-1).

TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2023-2026. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects

MIAMI-DADE AND BROWARD TRANSFERS. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-continues-in-miami-dade-broward

TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA FOOTBALL TEAMS. https://larryblustein.com/news/tracking-south-florida-2022

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..

I’ll say this so you can grasp the magnitude of Jason Jenkins’ loss.

Statewide high school media days, high profile matchups, community liaison and the bridge between high school sports and the entire NFL. He was the center of it all. A true pioneer and risk taker.

When people talked about doing things and dreaming, Jason Jenkins made sure they got done, and they continued to get done.

This Texan with a heart of gold and a mind of a genius was taken from us over the weekend at 47. Tragic. Hurtful. Headshaking.

This father, husband, son and great friend is no longer with us, and while the Miami Dolphins and those who knew and respected him are saddened and will mourn his loss, I will reflect on what he did on this earth to make things better.

Many never have the chance to make an impact and influence on so many people the way Jenkins did – and continued to do.

The Dolphins’ senior vice president of communications and community affairs leaves behind his wife, Elizabeth and three children, but also memories of what he accomplished in his short time on this earth.

When he arrived in south Florida, this Texas Tech graduate called me to introduce himself and talk about the plans he had to bridge a rather large gap between the youth and the professional athlete. He was blown away that I knew his father played with the Houston Oilers and that was the opening that created such a strong bond with someone who appreciated what he was all about.

“Imagine having games here at our stadium with local high schools taking part,” he said. “(former Dolphin) Twan Russell and I were talking about hosting media days for all south Florida high schools and even donating equipment so these young men and women can have a better chance to succeed.”

Fighting against the establishment who frowned at the idea of having high school football and flag football share an NFL facility for games and other events was thought to be a pipe dream – as was hosting 7-on-7 tournaments with 80 high schools and using the practice facility for a myriad of events. But Jenkins knew what it would mean to the community to have the Dolphins involved. His brilliant mind also realized that those youth and high school athletes were future season ticket holders and fans.

Through the years, we talked and dreamed together. We knew that if the ball started to roll between the Dolphins and the community, it would spread – and he was right.

At one point in this process, there was NOT one other NFL team doing what Miami was accomplishing within the community. The template was being set – and as we sit here today – nearly every NFL franchise hosts media days, 7-on-7 for boys and girls, donates equipment and invites teams to watch training camp, eat lunch and meet the players and coaches.

The most important part of anyone’s life is the legacy they leave. The impact that they make – and the class they display while accomplishing things and certainly thinking out of the box – and he did all that.

On a personal note: when I was sidelined with double pneumonia and Covid back in January, it was Jason Jenkins who never stopped worrying and making sure that if I needed anything, he and the Miami Dolphins were there for me – and while there are no words to describe that feeling – you take a step back and give thanks that we had the opportunity to be a part of his life.

Rest in eternal peace my friend. You are indeed one of God’s Angels – proudly wearing your Texas Tech and Dolphins’ caps.

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..

Okay California, Texas and just about every state that continues to beat their collective chest when it comes to being the best in the country.

Listen up national “recruiting and high school experts” – your lack of knowledge of south Florida is starting to shine throughout – in a major way.

What happened in the first weekend of the 2022 high school football season certainly backed up what everyone was boasting about. If you are going to proclaim to be the best in the country – ALL roads lead through the #305 and #954 – HUGE FACTS!

With eight games that featured south Florida competition against out of state teams, this area was 7-1 – and that included victories over nationally-regarded teams.

While the national analysts prepare their excuses and start to throw other teams in the faces of those who are now convinced, as are thousands of college coaches, that this region of the country plays the best football at the high school, hold on to your sour grapes – because NOBODY wants to hear it.

With this past weekend did was show that the national polls are based on fiction and NOT fact.

Even the national analysts who headed down to south Florida left with the idea that someone is not doing their homework, and the numbers in the NFL and at highly-rated college programs do not lie.

South Florida teams will run from nobody, and that was illustrated in the seven Inaugural Broward County Showcase games along with two others that shined a rather large spotlight on this area.

Perhaps the biggest attention grabber was a public school – Miami Central – who has only south Florida players to compete with against a team that had the “best” players, facilities and are headed to elite schools, IMG Academy.

In head coach Jube Joseph’s debut, the Rockets shocked everyone but themselves and further pointed out that the Ascenders were avoiding this Florida powerhouse for years.

While the 20-14 win may have been a total surprise to some, the three-time defending state champions, felt they had a chance to win as soon as the buses pulled out of 95^th Street.

The win will send this team into a high national ranking – and schools across the country will not say a thing. Remember, the Rockets travel everywhere and meet every challenge, win or lose. This is a PUBLIC school people. Not a private factory that dresses in uniforms and has real hamburgers for lunch.

While Central was moving to 1-0, so did others schools who were part of the Broward Showcase:

American Heritage (Plantation) 56, Los Alamitos, California 27. Coach Mike Smith’s debut was indeed amazing, and the Patriots took advantage of every opportunity to put points on the board while showcasing a solid defense.

Another program that the national analysts are eating humble pie over this week as they get ready for the REAL season – against Florida competition that very few want any part of.

Cardinal Gibbons (Fort Lauderdale) 11, DeMatha Catholic, Maryland 6. The two-time defending state champions were thought by many to have no chance of knocking off longtime national power, who have enjoyed immense success. While head coach Matt Dubuc’s team still tried to figure things out on offense, the defense was suffocating and certainly took center stage.

This program has won three of the past four state titles and has one of the best coaching staffs anywhere, and with the out of state power gone, it’s time to concentrate on the real season – and that continues to the next few weeks.

Chaminade-Madonna 35, St. John’s College Prep, Washington DC 28. In one of the most anticipated Broward Showcase games, the young Lions, who have been to the state championship game five straight years, squared off with national powerhouse.

Head Coach Dameon Jones and his squad jumped out to a convincing 35-7 lead, only to hang on and win a game filled with mistakes. This team now gets ready for one of the toughest schedules in Florida – and they are very much ready for the challenge ahead. As good as they are now, they will continue to improve the next two years.

Dillard 35, Rock Creek Christian, Maryland 0. One of the teams that everyone has been talking about are the Panthers, and starting out with a convincing win against an out-of-state team, head coach Tyler Tate had the chance to tee exactly what his team was all about.

After jumping out a commanding lead, this team had the opportunity to see some youngers prospects perform and get ready for the next four weeks – which will define the 2022 season.

St. Thomas Aquinas 48, St. Joseph’s Prep, Philadelphia, Pa. 37. As expected, this ESPN showdown lived up to expectations – with head coach Roger Harriott’s three-time defending state champions holding off one of the best coached teams of the first weekend.

What the Raiders did was get the chance to look at some new players who were getting the national spotlight for the first time. With a solid schedule the rest of the way, this was a game needed to see where they were on the national landscape as well as locally.

Western 33, Johns Creek, Georgia 14. One of the programs people were warned about all off-season started the year off right – as head coach Adam Ratkevich and his Wildcats cruised over a young team in the first half and then had the chance to look at some younger prospects the rest of the way.

Another team that has been building to this point, and of course another team the national “experts” still have little clue about.

While they will get their chance to show what they can do, this is a program that can stand toe-to-toe with anyone.

Christopher Columbus 41, Benedictine Academy, Georgia 15. Like Miami Central, head coach Dave Dunn and his Explorers were not part of the Broward Showcase, and that didn’t stop this team from making a major statement against a solid team.

While much of the focus has not been on this football team, that will change as some quality opponents wait in the wings over the next month that will this team more than a chance to make a major statement.

In addition to those games, here is a look at how Week 1 went for the rest of Miami-Dade and Broward Counties:

Archbishop Carroll (Miami) 48, Florida Christian 0

Avant Garde (Hollywood) 68, Somerset Academy Key 3

Booker T. Washington 48, Killian 12

Braddock (Miami) 43, Mourning 0

Calvary Christian (Fort Lauderdale) 49, Belen Jesuit 6

Coconut Creek 50, Bradenton Southeast 0

Coral Gables 14, American (Hialeah) 13

Coral Shores (Tavernier) 41, Varela 0

Doral Academy 48, South Broward 21

Douglas (Parkland) 29, McArthur 20

Dr. Krop (Miami) 23, Miami High 13

Everglades (Miramar) 44, Taravella 0

Ferguson (Miami) 27, Hialeah Gardens 6

Flanagan (Pembroke Pines) 20, Nova 0

Fort Lauderdale 23, Deerfield Beach 15

Golden Gate (Naples) 24, North Miami 19

Goleman (Hialeah) 39, Mater Academy 31

Hialeah Miami-Lakes 20, Doral Reagan 14

Homestead 19 Miami Palmetto 7

LaSalle Immaculata (Miami) 41, Somerset Academy South Homestead 0

Life Christian, Virginia 21, Stranahan 6

Miami Carol City 28, South Dade 27

Miami Northwestern 32, Venice 26

Miami Springs 13, Miami Beach 12

Miami St. Brendan 35, Sunset 0

Miramar 26, Plantation 21

Monarch (Coconut Creek) 38, Boca Raton 2

Niceville 42, North Miami Beach 6

Pine Crest (Fort Lauderdale) 30, Archbishop McCarthy 14

Piper (Sunrise) 47, Cooper City 7

Pompano Beach 30, Marathon 28

Raines (Jacksonville) 19, Monsignor Pace 13

Rockledge 38, Gulliver Prep 0

Somerset Academy (Pembroke Pines) 33, North Broward Prep 0

Somerset Silver Palms 14, Somerset Prep 8

South Miami 20, Miami Coral Reef 8

South Plantation 27, Coral Glades 18

University School (Fort Lauderdale) 13, Coral Springs Charter 9

Tru Prep (Miami Gardens) 27, MHI 14

True North (Miami) 48, Palm Glades Prep 0

West Broward (Pembroke Pines) 27, Cypress Bay 24 (OT)

Westland Hialeah 42, Hallandale 2

Westminster Christian (Miami) 50, Everglades Prep 6

PHOTO COURTESY OF 247SPORTS

UPDATED CLASS OF 2023 RANKINGS. https://www.prepredzone.com/florida/rankings/2023-rankings/

CLASS OF 2024 RANKINGS. https://www.prepredzone.com/2022/08/updated-2024-florida-rankings/

Tracking Florida’s Football Teams For 2022 - https://www.prepredzone.com/2022/04/tracking-florida-football-teams/

You Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2023-2026. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects

MIAMI-DADE AND BROWARD TRANSFERS. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-continues-in-miami-dade-broward

TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA FOOTBALL TEAMS. https://larryblustein.com/news/tracking-south-florida-2022

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..