Moments after this year’s thrilling overtime 4M state title game against Apopka, talk began about the 2023 season.

Many who follow this game have already started to pencil in head coach Dave Dunn and Miami Christopher Columbus and Apopka as two teams that have to go in as favorites to get back to the state championship game.

One of the reasons why the Explorers will be a team that everyone will need not only to watch locally and statewide, but nationally as well, is the players coming back.

While a few seniors will depart, this team will be loaded – especially if more talent finds its way into southwest Miami – which is very possible.

But while you always speculate who may be headed there, the reality is the Class of 2024 will be one of the best in south Florida – with Edward Bandy (RB, 5-6, 155), Jeff Bandy (CB, 5-10, 155), Benjamin Blackburn (TE, 6-5, 230), T. J. Capers (OLB/DE, 6-3, 230), Jose Leon (WR, 5-10, 170), Alberto Mendoza (QB, 6-2, 190), Daylen Russell (DT, 6-2, 230), Dylan Stephenson (DE, 6-4, 220), Jancent Wallace (CB, 5-10, 150) and Jonathan Zarut (LS, 5-10, 195).

In addition the rising senior class will also boast prospects such as Fadrelle Andrus (WR, 6-2, 170), Rocco Bradley (WR, 6-3, 180), Blake Brewer (OL, 6-1, 265), Sebastian Broche (DT, 6-2, 200), Alejandro Calderin (WR, 5-11, 181), Alexzander Cano (LB, 5-10, 185), Samuel Davidson (WR, 6-0, 190), Jah’rian Deloach (WR, 5-5, 140), Jason Ibarra (DB/OLB, 5-10, 170) and linebacker Adrian Leonard (5-11, 180).

Also keep an eye on Nicholas McCormick (K/P, 6-2, 185), Ryan Parente (S, 5-9, 170), Cameron Pineda (DB, 5-11, 165), Tristan Pineda (WR, 6-2, 175), Sebastian Polo (LB, 5-11, 185), Sebastian Rodriguez (LB, 5-11, 218), Gabriel Saustegui (OLB, 5-10, 165), Martin Seals (DT, 5-10, 240), Jose Valdes (DE, 6-1, 210) and defensive lineman Robert Williams (6-3, 242).

FUTURE IS LOOKING REALLY GOOD

As impressive as the rising senior class will be, those prospects in the rising junior (2025) group will also be worth keeping sn eye on with Agyeman Addae (RB/FS, 5-7, 155), Cayan Lamothe-Arice (DB, 5-10, 155), Matteo Arrango (PK), Shaddai Carter (S, 5-10, 175), Hector Chavez (LB, 5-9, 211), Robert Czeremcha (K/P), Fernando De Izaguirre (OT, 6-2, 230), Hezekiah Downs (DT, 6-0, 220), Remington Goins (TE, 6-2, 205), J.J. Gomez (WR, 5-8, 155), Darriel Harper (WR, 5-9, 145), and Alex Jorge (OT, 6-6, 265), Joey Mirabal (OL, 6-2, 270).

Also keep an eye on James Orange (DB, 6-0, 150), Armando Pardey (DB, 5-10, 165), Jorge Portocarrero (S), Jalani Reams (DB, 6-0, 175), Victor Rodriguez (LB, 6-0, 175), Justin Weaver (DB, 5-8, 140) and Class of 2026 standout Ruben Hernandez (OT, 6-2, 270)

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..

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..