Like so many football programs in south Florida, 2020 was really a tough year for Monsignor Pace head football coach Mario Perez and his team.

While we all know what the pandemic did during the 2020 season – leaving many teams and players with very little exposure at all.

The Spartans played only five games last year, and as you can imagine, the players never got into the flow.

The 2-4 record was disappointing to say the least, but losses to 2A state champion Champagnat Catholic, 4A state champ Cardinal Gibbons and Florida Independent State Champ TRU Prep Academy and 4A power Gulliver Prep in the playoffs, illustrated where this program is.

After a successful spring, Coach Perez and his football team heads into summer with plenty of positive – and some new faces expected to make a contribution as well.

SENIOR CLASS WILL BE VITAL THE SUCCESS

There is no getting around the fact that the success of the Spartans in 2021 will come directly from the senior class.

This group of leaders is led by one of the best players in the country. Defensive end Shemar Stewart (6-6, 240) has been on the radar screen for quite some time – and with every college in the country keeping an eye on everything he does, he should have a huge season.

Stewart is not the only impact senior. Keep an eye on Ty Brown (OL, 6-3, 300), Charlot Candy (DL, 6-3, 260) and versatile student/athlete Gabriel Herrera (LB, 6-2, 225).

The senior class will also boast Zachary Alvarez (PK, 5-10, 171), Z’aron Collins (WR), Tarek El Hadaui (OL), Camari Jean (OL/DL) and gifted linebacker Mekhi Mason.

UNDERCLASSMEN WILL SET THE TONE

If you want to make Coach Perez smile, talk about this amazing group of underclassmen the Spartans have been able to assemble.

Class of 2023 standouts Huddleston Cotier (OL), Sheldon Eason (OL), Carl Escarment (DL), Michael Ferguson (DB), Jamil Haddad (WR), Payton Joseph (LB), Dudley Louisaint (DT) and defensive back Jayden Toussaint.

When speaking about the future, perhaps the best group of sophomores (2024) anywhere in south Florida can be found at Monsignor Pace.

Among those catalysts are Semaj Kimpson (LB), nationally-rated quarterback Adrian Posse (6-5, 215), Gavin Shepard (DB), and top-tier receivers Jeremiah Smith (6-0, 165) and Joshisa Trader.

In addition, there are C.J. Bembry (OT), Breon Brown (WR), Selvin Castro (OL), Dominic Diaz (OL/LS), Roberto Gilbert (DB), Isaiah Jean Gilles (DB), Anthony Mattison (LB), Kymani Moore (DB), Dimitry Nicolas (DL, 6-3, 260) and running back Levelt Toussaint.

For the past 51 years, we have spent time going from games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events. We will remain steadfast to promote all south Florida’s high school football prospects. Follow us on Facebook (Larry Blustein- SFHSports) and Twitter (@SFHSSports - @larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..