High School Sports Blog

Columbus, Dolphins host free football clinic

This Saturday, May 18th, from 9am until 12 noon, the Christopher Columbus High School coaching staff in conjunction with the Miami Dolphins is hosting its 10th Annual Free Youth Coaches Clinic.

The Clinic will begin in the cafeteria for a brief introduction, then there will be a shortened practice followed by refreshments and breakout sessions by position.

If you have any questions please call Coach Merritt at 786-295-2350 or email cmerritt@columbushs.com

Area coaches have made a huge impact on players

One of the most overlooked part of the entire recruiting process has to be the high school coaches.

When you think about it, signing up to be a head football coach in south Florida these days really means you are ready to do everything possible to keep up with your competition. Miss a summer or off season event and you fall behind. Hold your players back from competing in year-round events, and you may lose them.

Being a head football coach in this region of the country dictates that you wear many hats and do not get the compensation that other parts of this great nation does. Somehow it never made sense that Miami-Dade and Broward turns out triple the amount that areas of Texas and Georgia do - and those coaches reap the rewards that comes along with strong fan and alumni support.

What our coaches have done for as long as I can remember is have the chance to groom and fine-tune some of the greatest high school football talent on this earth. We have some of the best coaches you will find anywhere. It shows in the way they teach and discipline. It shows in the way the successful ones make it to the next level - and beyond.

As we are now heading toward the middle of spring, this is the time when many should value the high school coaching we have down here. I, for one, have been fortunate to have watched icons such as Nick Kotys, Lambert Reed, Walt Frazier, George Smith and others work their magic. I have also watched generation after generation of top-flight athlete get that coaching to get them ready for that next step.

Look up and down at NFL rosters and you will see the handy work of a Mark Guandolo (Cypress Bay), Ice Harris (Booker T. Washington), and Roland Smith (Central - and formerly of Northwestern).

This is indeed a place where stellar coaches such as Damon Cogdell (Miramar), Rocco Casullo (St. homas Aquinas), Darryle Heidelberg (Norland), Mike Sonneborn (Dade Christian) and Roger Harriott continue that path upward.

South Florida is also home to many coaches who work around the clock to place their athletes, and this time of year, is certainly a time to sell. Veterans like Marc Berman (Hialeah), Jeff Bertani (NMB), Doug Gatewood (South Plantation), Bill Hobbs (Nova), Chis Merritt (Christopher Columbus) and Greg Magner (Curley) are always waiting to get their prospects into college.

With more college coaches pouring into Miami-Dade and Broward this time of year, this is indeed when high school coaches have the opportunity to showcase their prospects.

“I have been around this game for a long time and I can tell you that no other part of the country can offer colleges what we do,” said Berman. “Just in the two-county area alone, we have over 100 D1 level players.”

WORLD OF SPORTS HOSTS TECHNIQUE FOOTBALL CAMP, JUNE 1-2
For a student athlete, it’s all about: Training harder. Playing better. Getting noticed! World of Sports and Speed Trainer (formerly Cris Carter Speed Program) have partnered to present the 1st annual premier training football event — the Technique Football Camp. This two-day event will be held Saturday and Sunday, June1-2, 2013 from 10am-2pm (9am check-in) at Coral Springs, 10000 NW 29th Street Coral Springs, FL 33065.

The World of Sports TECHINQUE Football Camp is open to entering high school football players graduating in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 (recently graduated seniors are not eligible). Participants fee include: Evapor Performance T-Shirt and Short, Insurance, Recovery Shake.

For more details visit theworldofsportsinc.com or contact: Joshauwa Brown, Camp Director: 954.478.9117 • theworldofsportsinc@yahoo.com.

We are always looking to help promote our area recruits for the current Class of 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017. All you have to do is send a You Tube or Hudl link and information about the athlete to: Larry Blustein at Floridakids1@aol.com.

Follow Larry on Twitter at twitter.com/larryblustein.

Overtown Optimist, Brandon Harris ‘NO FLY ZONE’ Football Camp

Overtown Optimist Club Presents NFL Houston Texans CB Brandon Harris “NO FLY ZONE” Youth League 7-on-7 Flag Football Camp, taking place at City of Miami Parks & Recreation’s Gibson Park, Curtis Park, and Moore Park Stadiums on Saturday June 1st, June 8th, June 15th and Sunday June 23rd, 2013 from 9:00AM-3:00PM featuring South Florida’s top youth football teams in competition.

Overtown Optimist Club Presents NFL Houston Texans CB Brandon Harris “NO FLY ZONE” Youth League 7-on-7 Flag Football Camp will take place in the City of Miami for the first time to nurture sportsmanship, competition and athletic training to the youth teams from all of South Florida. Brandon Harris “NO FLY ZONE” Youth League 7-on-7 Flag Football Camp will feature 3 weekends of 7-on-7 football tournament play, Nike SPARQ Combine Training for ALL athletes participating and a Youth League Coaching Clinic on June 15, 2013 - FREE of charge.

The Brandon Harris “NO FLY ZONE” Youth League 7-on-7 Flag Football Camp is a FREE service to the community and all participants. Event Times will be 9:00AM-3:00PM. The Tournament play will be devised of 4 age groups: Seniors (15-14), Juniors (13-12), Sophomores (12-11) and Freshmen (10-9). There are 8 teams per age group and space is first come first serve. ALL South Florida Youth Football Leagues are invited. To enter teams or for more information – Contact: Tim “ICE” Harris timiceharris@gmail.com or Torian Bean torianbean@gmail.com .

The Overtown Optimist Club is a cooperative agreement amongst local organizations throughout South Florida to provide summer recreational/semi-competitive level flag football for participants ages 9-15. The camp strives to create a fun environment for youth to increase their physical activity, learn sportsmanship and skills that will help those succeed in future endeavors both on and off the field.

World of Sports Hosts Technique Camp, June 1-2

For a student athlete, it’s all about: Training harder. Playing better. Getting noticed! World of Sports and My Speed Trainer (formerly Cris Carter Speed Program) have partnered to present the 1st annual premier training football event — the Technique Football Camp. This two-day event will be held Saturday and Sunday, June 1-2, 2013 from 10am-2pm (9am check-in) at Coral Springs, 10000 NW 29th Street Coral Springs, FL 33065.
 
Football has changed. You may have noticed. The cuts are quicker, the action is faster, the hits are harder and the players are more powerful and explosive than at any other time in the game’s history. To keep up, athletes must commit themselves to training – off and in season – to push beyond perceived limits, break through physical barriers to become faster, more powerful, more agile, more instinctive and lightening quick.
 
MST Training, Protocols and Ratings will help raise the level of athleticism, and raise the level of the game. This nationally held event provides student athletes the opportunity to work with Trainers and College Coaches—experts who have trained Division 1 and NFL players. Camp participants will get excellent trainer from college coaches and current and former NFL players who have tested the water.
 
The World of Sports TECHINQUE Football Camp is $75 for one day- $125 for both days, but spaces is limited. The event is open to entering high school football players graduating in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 (recently graduated seniors are not eligible). Participants fee include: Evapor Performance T-Shirt and Short, Insurance, Recovery Shake.
 
Pre-registration is required. Any interested athletes should confirm their spots before the event! Register online at theworldofsportsinc.com/Participants form.
 
Event Overview
Why is this camp so important? World of Sports mission is to enable every athlete to reach their potential using natural, scientifically based training methods. This camp introduces athletes in South Florida the tools, information and tests needed to reach that potential.
 
For more details visit theworldofsportsinc.com or contact: Joshauwa Brown, Camp Director: 954.478.9117 • theworldofsportsinc@yahoo.com.

Mastrole elevates E.J. Manuel to 1st Round Selection

When Ken Mastrole speaks to the students at his many passing clinics, he explains that hard work will lead to open doors. That philosophy recently came true for the one-time Cardinal Gibbons standout quarterback.

After years and years of making quarterbacks better and changing the course of many futures, Mastrole, who played collegiately at the University of Maryland and Rhode Island, watched his own "stock rise" - if you will.

Mastrole's many connections through the years - in high school, college and professionally - led him to Florida State University quarterback E.J. Manuel. A gifted and talented prospect, Manuel had never maximized his talents with the Seminoles.

What Mastrole did was come in - and put the gifted passer through every test imaginable. By last week's NFL Draft, many had felt that his improvement and ability was worthy of a first round pick. When the Buffalo Bills made the selection, Manuel and his instructor were center stage.

"I felt all along that if E.J. expected to be picked high in the NFL Draft, there would be a lot of work to do," Mastrole said. "You knew he had the desire when he began to improve in the first few weeks. By the time he began throwing for teams, many had made up their mind that there wasn't a better all-around quarterback in the draft."

While the selection of Manuel began to focus in on Mastrole, those who have known and worked with him for years, knew it was a matter of time. He had worked with several marquee quarterbacks in the state, getting them better and bringing all regional, state and national attention.

His prized students in the upcoming class include Sean White of University School and Washington State-bound Peyton Bender from Cardinal Gibbons to name a few. His weekly clinics have opened the door for several local players who have taken full advantage.

Plans to move his Mastrole Passing Academy events across the state are in the immediate plans. His clinics and combines have been split between south Florida and the Fort Myers area, which he calls home these days after playing Arena League in the area.

"We all knew that Coach Mastrole was special," said White. "He cares about developing and making sure that you maximize what you have. He is one of those people who is on the fast track to the top of his profession."

Mastrole also evaluates several quarterbacks throughout the state as well as this Miami-Dade/Broward County area. He offered a look at some for the Class of 2014.

Sean White
Davie University School
MASTROLE ON WHITE: All the tools as one of the best pure rated passing quarterbacks in the southeast. Generates velocity with a compact stroke and can make all the throws required at Division 1 level. Steady improvements in anticipation from year 1 to year 4. White also has the strong pocket presence and can change launch points quickly.
WHAT'S AHEAD: White has a high ceiling and will now go from a pro style offense to working mostly out of the gun. Timing and speed of delivery in a fast punch offense will be key in White's growth this spring.

Peyton Bender
Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons
MASTROLE ON BENDER: Washington State commit will now have full reigns of Broward county's top offensive teams through the air. Bender is very savvy in the pocket avoiding pressure and keeping his eyes moving through 2nd and 3rd progressions. Has a lighting fast release and has an excellent understanding of defensive coverages and reads. Bender's offensive fit is exactly what Cardinal Gibbons has incorporate. The Air Raid style of offense with vertical passing game combined with space and separation.
WHAT'S AHEAD: His ability to deliver through progressions and maintain proper footwork and balance is a strong characterstic in his game. Bender will continue to take the next step in his maturation process by ball placement for throws required at the next level.

Treon Harris
Miami Booker T. Washington
MASTROLE ON HARRIS: Excellent athlete and the ability to be a game changer for the offense. Harris took Booker T to a state championship last year through the air and on the ground. Very raw and has the ability to play at the next level if the offense is custom fit to his skill set. Can raise the level of average players around him and creates when the pocket breaks down around him.
WHAT'S AHEAD: Will need to work on steps and the number taken with a rhythm based offense. A bit of a 3/4 release, Harris is better suited in an offense he can run first option then pass. Very valuable option because of his ability to play multiple positions on the field.

Quinton Flowers
Miami Jackson
MASTROLE ON FLOWERS: One of the most explosive players on the map in Dade County. Another raw ability quarterback that does show the ability to make timing throws and moves through progressions. Difficult to sack but will need to work on ball security in a high level conference at the next level. Strong arm who makes plays inside the pocket and is even much more dangerous on the edge.
WHAT'S AHEAD: This Spring could be the time Flowers continues to work on his drop steps in relation to the routes and reads. If he continues to show where he left off last year staying in the pocket and moving through reads he could become one of the top 5 dual threat quarterbacks in the country.

OTHERS TO WATCH
• Nico Pierre (MIAMI CORAL REEF): Physical quarterback that can make all of the throws. Best fit offense- Kansas State style of play.

• Wade Freebeck (FORT LAUDERDALE ST. THOMAS AQUINAS): This could be a similar path to the last starter - John O'Korn. Freebeck had a strong season last year and has a very high ceiling. Will obtain multiple D1 offers by the end of spring football. Upside, Upside, Upside is the best words used to describe this signal caller.

• Jorge Pola Jr. (MIAMI BELEN JESUIT): Operating out of the always exciting Wolverines' offense, Pola Jr. has the ability to run and throw.

• Hunter Boyett (MIAMI WESTMINSTER CHRISTIAN): Disappointed by a collar bone injury last year, Boyett has the arm and legs to garner serious attention this spring. Should have an excellent 2013 campaign and should be considered as a dual threat qb.

• Danarious Graham (DEERFIELD BEACH): Strong arm. Transferred from Blanche Ely. Will need to show he can lead his team to playoffs and execute the offense to start gaining serious looks. Graham is as talented as any signal caller on the list and will need to just prove it in the fall.

• Nick Jeanty (MIRAMAR): Already obtaining D1 offers. Jeanty has pure skills with the ability to distribute the ball quickly. A strong spring and fall will move this athlete up in the rankings. Has already gained national attention by his performance at the Nike Elite 11 camp in Atlanta.

• Eugene Sainterling (LAUDERDALE BOYD ANDERSON): Looks the part with size and arm strength. Has the ability to make a name for himself as he takes over for Boyd Anderson. With the nickname "Geno" and the arm and height this QB will make a stay on a number of radar screens this spring.

• Nick Velar (HOLLYWOOD CHAMINADE): Transfer from St. Thomas has the ability to keep pressure off of lineman and distribute the ball quickly. A smart QB who can put his team in a good situation.

• Kelly Benson (MIAMI MONSIGNOR PACE): Benson has the arm and the ability to take Pace into the playoffs. Will need to continue to grow from his junior campaign and will gain interest with his strong right arm.

• Alin Edouard (HIALEAH): Miami commit can make the throws at multiple angles and has the ability to burn a defense that is not disciplined. Very calm and controlled QB that continues to climb the charts.

• Sean Pratt (ARCHBISHOP MCCARTHY): New school should be beneficial to Pratt and his maturation as a quarterback. Accurate and has the ability to move the pocket. This will be an important spring for Pratt to build chemistry and a comfort level with a new offense.

• Lee "Bud" Martin (FORT LAUDERDALE DILLARD): Strong arm and has shown well at combines and camps. A strong run into the playoffs should continue to help Martin's stock rise.

We are always looking to help promote our area recruits for the current Class of 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017. All you have to do is send a You Tube or Hudl link and information about the athlete to: Larry Blustein at Floridakids1@aol.com.

Follow Larry on Twitter at twitter.com/larryblustein.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ROD PEARCY.

Stranahan hires alum Willie Hill as new football coach

Courtesy of Miami Herald writer Concepcion Ledezma

Stranahan has announced the hiring of former Dragon Willie Hill as its
new head coach on Thursday.
   A former standout as a defensive back and track star at Stranahan, the
31-year-old Hill hopes revive a struggling program which is coming off an
3-7 season.
   "This was an opportunity I couldn't pass up, and I had others," said
Hill, who will be moving from Clewiston and will be on the Stranahan
faculty as a graphic photo shop teacher and head the STEM program (dual
enrollment).
   "My wife (Erin) and brother are Dragons, I come from a long line of
Stranahan graduates. I don't see our program as struggling, as much as just
having some down years. While I plan to keep most of the assistants, I am
targeting some assistants positions to fill in with guys with college
experience"
   He plans to add his brother Renaldo, also a former Dragon standout,
among his coaching staff.
   After graduating from Stranahan, where he played alongside Asante
Samuels, Hill went on to letter at Central Michigan University as a
standout receiver and track athlete while earning a degree in graphic
design.

UPDATED: Baseball, softball games rescheduled for Thursday

Here you go, hot off the presses right here from the Miami Herald.

After a fun day of rain and rescheduling and running around sloshing around Miami, here's the list of games that were postponed and were rescheduled for Thursday.

Here's Thursday's new schedule

BASEBALL regional quarterfinals

Region 4-8A: Coral Gables at American, 11 a.m.

Region 4-8A at Alex Fernandez: Hialeah at Goleman, 2

Region 4-8A: South Dade at Sunset, 11 a.m.

Region 3-8A: Cypress Bay at Douglas, 1

Region 3-8A: Coral Glades at Flanagan, 1

Region 4-7A: Monarch at St. Thomas Aquinas, 7

Region 4-7A: Nova at Northeast, 7

Region 4-6A: Belen at Archbishop McCarthy, 7

Region 4-6A at Westland Gardens Park: Pembroke Pines Charter at Mater Academy, 11 a.m.

Region 4-5A: Riviera Beach Suncoast at American Heritage, 7

Region 4-5A: Pompano Beach at Jensen Beach, 7

Region 4-4A at St. Thomas University: Gulliver vs. La Salle, 11 a.m.

Region 4-4A: TERRA at St. Brendan, 11 a.m.

Region 4-4A: North Broward Prep at Monsignor Pace, 7

Region 4-3A: Delray American Heritage at Coral Springs Christian, 7

Region 4-3A at Florida Memorial: Mater Lakes vs. Westminster Christian, 4

Region 4-3A: Dade Christian at Florida Christian, 7

Region 4-3A: Highlands Christian at Boca Raton Pope John Paul II, 7

Region 4-2A at Miami Christian: Redland Christian vs. Brito, 10 a.m.

Region 4-2A: Westwood Christian at Colonial Christian, 4

Region 4-2A: Champagnat Catholic at Zion Lutheran, 3:30

Region 4-2A at Curtis Park: Sheridan Hills Christian vs. Mater East, 7

SOFTBALL

Regional semifinals

Region 4-8A: American at Goleman, 11 a.m.

Region 4-6A at Bucky Dent Park: Pembroke Pines Charter at Mater Academy, 6

Region 4-2A: Zion Lutheran at Sheridan Hills Christian, 2

Only games that have been played so far Wednesday are:

Baseball

Region 4-8A: Killian 1, Southwest 0

Region 4-4A: Coral Springs Charter 14, Archbishop Carroll 4

Softball

Region 4-8A Coral Reef-Palmetto suspended 2-1 in 1st. was going to play Wednesday night at Palmetto Bay Park.

Region 4-4A: Coral Springs Charter 13, Monsignor Pace 0

Region 4-2A: Princeton Christian 18, Westwood Christian 3

Weather postpones some softball regional semifinals

            Inclement weather led to the postponement of several regional softball semifinal games Tuesday.

            Region 4-8A: The Palmetto-Coral Reef game was moved to Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. at Coral Reef. The American-Goleman was also rescheduled for Wednesday at 4 p.m. at Goleman.

            Region 4-6A: The Pembroke Pines Charter- Mater Academy game was moved to Wednesday at Bucky Dent Park at 7 p.m.

            Region 4-4A: The Coral Springs Charter- Monsignor Pace game was moved to noon Wednesday at Pace.

            Region 4-2A: The Westwood Christian-Princeton Christian game was moved to Wednesday at 3 p.m. at Princeton Christian. The Zion Lutheran-Sheridan Hills Christian game was moved to Thursday at Sheridan Hills tentatively at 4 p.m.

American Heritage RB Sony Michel chooses Georgia

            Sony Michel said he wanted "something different."

            Michel, Plantation American Heritage's phenom running back, decided Friday the best place to find it was at the University of Georgia.

            Michel, ranked the No. 2 running back in the nation by ESPN, committed to the Bulldogs during a televised announcement on ESPNU broadcast from a studio in Davie.

            Michel had recently said he was considering the University of Miami, as well as Florida, FSU and Notre Dame.

“Georgia was a wonderful place from first day I stepped on campus there I loved it,” Michel said. “Georgia felt like something different and I wanted to experience something different.”

            Michel (6-0, 205 pounds) ran for 1,825 and 18 touchdowns in the eighth grade and last season bounced back strong from a torn ACL that forced him to miss his sophomore year with 1,264 yards and 18 touchdowns.

            Michel helped the Patriots win a district title and advance to the regional playoffs for the second consecutive season.

Michel picked up a red Georgia cap then put it down during the broadcast, but only to replace it with a black Georgia cap, which he then put on. Michel said the Twitter account with his name that recently posted that he was planning “a shocker” on Friday was not actually his.

 “These last few years have been awesome getting the opportunity to do what every kid loves to do,” Michel said. “Georgia was the school I felt most comfortable at and really liked and they’re style of offense was all me.”

            Michel said he was also excited to compete for a place in an already talented backfield with tailbacks Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall, who are each coming off strong freshman seasons.

“Those two running backs gave me the itch to go to Georgia in the first place,” Michel said. “I feel like I can go in and compete. I want to earn my spot because I don’t want anything given to me. I just go out there and compete if I can go out there I feel like my whole mindset is to dominate.”

So. Florida teams get ready for spring football

After numerous camps and combines, 7-on-7 tournaments and conditioning drills, this coming Wednesday will usher in another chapter of south Florida football.

From Deerfield Beach to Florida City, high school teams will spend the month of May showcasing players, working to fill holes and getting ready for a summer that is always productive.

No matter what direction you look at, college coaches will flood the fields in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, hoping to discover the next Teddy Bridgewater or Geno Smith.

Spring football in the state of Florida, especially in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, has been something that college coaches plan months and months ahead for. It is where the future for many schools are realized - during three intense weeks of high level football.

"This is when the college coaches really make their mark down in this region," said Dana Wiley of Prep Films. "There was a time you would see 20-25 programs come down here and set the table for the future. Now, there are almost 100 coaches roaming our talented fields during May."

While colleges need to see what they can add for the upcoming classes, the local high school coaches and players use the time to apply what has been learned and to see what needs to be worked on during the next four months.

Having the opportunity to compete year round has helped some schools continue to stay at a high level. While high school coaches differ on what their players get involved in during the off season, this is the one month they have the entire team together.

"We have a lot of positions to fill before we open the season, so the spring is very important to us," said Cypress Bay head coach Mark Guandolo, who guided his team to the 8A state title game. "When you have to replace an entire offensive backfield, the competition will be interesting."

This is the one month when evaluating is a paramount. With many colleges already securing the Class of 2014, it's the rising juniors (2015) and sophomores (2016) who get the chance to shine as well.

As talented as this 2014 class is in south Florida, perhaps as impressive as anywhere in the country, the athletes behind them are also impressive as well. That will keep schools from all over the country very busy.

DEFENDING THEIR TURF
With a record six teams taking part in the state championships last season - which produced four winners - it's also time to take a look at what's going on with defending 3A state champion Davie University School, 4A state champion Miami Booker T. Washington, 6A Miami Central and 7A Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas - as well as 2A runner-up Miami Dade Christian and Cypress Bay.

Here is a pre-spring rundown:

BOOKER T. WASHINGTON TORNADOES
2012 RECORD: 13-1. Beat Jacksonville Bolles, 35-7, in the 4A title game.
HEAD COACH: Tim "Ice" Harris
HEADLINERS: Treon Harris, QB, Krondis Larry, RB, Nigel Patten, DB, Chad Thomas, DE and Lamar Parker, WR.
NEWCOMERS: James King, LB, Emilio Gibbs, Carlos Williams, WR and Darrius Scott, WR.
WHAT TO EXPECT: There is little doubt that this is a program that fully expects to be in the state title game at the end of the season, and with four huge transfers, the reality is they will be very tough to dethrone. This is easily one of the nation's elite programs.

CENTRAL ROCKETS
2012 RECORD: 12-2. Beat Gainesville, 37-14, in the 6A title game.
HEAD COACH: Roland Smith.
HEADLINERS:Dalvin Cook, RB/S, Joseph Yearby, RB, Trevor Darling, OL, Deatrick Nichols, DB, Raul Diaz, OL, Michael Smith, OL, Rasheed Blatch, LB, Marquis Couch, LB, Tavius Brown and Da'vante Phillips, WR.
NEWCOMERS: Terrell Bonds, DB and Calvin Brewton, DB.
WHAT TO EXPECT: This is perhaps the best offensive team in the state of Florida. With Roland Smith moving in this spring and learning his new players, things should go along smoothly. Defensively, the Rockets are underrated. They are stacked just about everywhere.

CYPRESS BAY LIGHTNING
2012 RECORD: 12-3. Lost to Apopka, 53-50, in the 8A title game.
HEAD COACH: Mark Guandolo
HEADLINERS: Marquese Dudley-Gordon, S, Deion Hallmon, DB, Justin Rae, DT, Griffin Jossfolk, LB and Gavin Anderson, DB.
NEWCOMERS: There is much expected from incoming ninth grade running back Mike Epstein, who will be ready to go in the summer.
WHAT TO EXPECT: This is still a well coached and talented program, but the lack of experience in a very tough district and region will call for a number of younger prospects to step up. The schedule is once again very tough.

DADE CHRISTIAN CRUSADERS
2012 RECORD: 12-1. Lost to Jacksonville University Christian, 28-10, in the 2A state title game.
HEAD COACH: Mike Sonneborn
HEADLINERS: Mariel Steadman, RB, Victor Young, LB, Mike Perra, LB, John Perez OL, John Saintil, DB, Alex Perrera DL and Blake Janvion, DB.
NEWCOMERS: While there are no new transfers, there are some players who figure to make an impact during the spring.
WHAT TO EXPECT: The only Miami-Dade program to finish the regular season unbeaten, this year figures to be tough for a program that lost three D1 players over the past two seasons and has to replace 13 starters. There are some youngsters who are expected to keep this current winning tradition alive.

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS RAIDERS
2012 RECORD: 13-2. Won 7A state title, 41-25, over Tallahassee Lincoln.
HEAD COACH: Rocco Casullo
HEADLINERS: Anthony Moten, DT, Mardre London, RB, Corey Holmes, WR, Alshinard Harris, DB, Ryan Crozier, OL, Nicholas Linder, OL, Deltron Sands, RB (2015) and Nick Bosa DE (2016).
NEWCOMERS: The player who everyone has been talking about is rising senior quarterback Wade Freebeck, who comes in from Western.
WHAT TO EXPECT: With a very challenging schedule - especially in the first three weeks - this is a program that will be tested. But keep in mind, this is one of those teams that has talent and depth at every position, and should be in the mix nationally - again!

UNIVERSITY SCHOOL SUNS
2012 RECORD: 12-0. Beat Madison County, 24-17, in the 3A state title game.
HEAD COACH: Roger Harriott
HEADLINERS: Quincy Wilson, DB, Emmanuel Soto, WR, LaJuan Hunt, RB, Andrew Korakakakos, LB, Jordan Scarlett, RB (2015) and Andrew DiRocco, PK.
NEWCOMERS: Richard Yeargin III, OLB and Sean White, QB.
WHAT TO EXPECT: Plenty of holes to fill from last year as the talented Suns move into 4A - where Booker T. Washington will be waiting. The addition of former Chaminade-Madonna standouts Yeargin and White will continue to elevate the team many selected as the best in the area. The schedule is the toughest in the brief history of the program.

We are always looking to help promote our area recruits for the current Class of 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017. All you have to do is send a You Tube or Hudl link and information about the athlete to: Larry Blustein at Floridakids1@aol.com.

Follow Larry on Twitter at twitter.com/larryblustein.