High School Sports Blog

Class 1A-2A-3A-4A All-Tournament Team

Like we have every year, Elite Scouting Services and the Miami Herald took a look at the eight teams playing in the first weekend of the Florida state high school championships.

Watching every game, and breaking down each athlete who participated in the finals, here is a look at the athletes who stood out and made a lasting impression.

Win or lose, Jefferson County, Chipley, North Florida Christian, Admiral Farragut, Delray American Heritage, Madison County, Booker T. Washington and Jacksonville Bolles came to play hard and left Orlando with so many memories.

OFFENSE
MVP : Greg Bryant -American Heritage Delray- 39 -247-Yards (3 TD's)

QB-Matt Dobson -North Florida Christian. (7-9 200 Yards -3TD's). Dobson has been starting at North Florida Christian since his freshman season. He took over as quarterback and the Eagles were once again holding up a championship trophy.

RB-Greg Bryant-American Heritage Delray. (39-247 Yards-3TD's). This top-flight junior was outstanding as he helped lead the Stallions over Madison County. In the 2nd half he took over the game. Bryant finished with a game high three touchdowns.

RB-Tim Betros-Jacksonville Bolles-(14-117-2TD's). Following a family tradition for the Bulldogs, this impressive junior helped in a 21-pont fourth quarter to beat No. 1 Booker T. Washington. He had a huge run, which made several highlight reels, leaping over a BTW player on his way to a big play.

WR-Branton Lee-North Florida Christian. (3-86 Yards and 2 TD's). This gifted junior had just three catches, but they were enough to give the 2A state champions just the spark they needed, putting up a pair of TDs.

WR-Ladarian Smiley-Jefferson County. (5-116 Yards-2 TD's). This gifted sophomore showed just what kind of athlete he was in the 1A title game, making key catches and finding the end zone.

OL-John Theus-Jacksonville Bolles. If you watched this young man play over the past five years, you know why he is regarded as the top offensive lineman in Florida. He dominated against a very physical and athletic Booker T. Washington defense. Another reason for the 21-point fourth quarter.

OL-Tyler Daniels-Chipley. While his team didn't score a lot of points in the 1A final, this sophomore was aggressive, held his blocks and provided protection. This is a player to keep an eye on over the next two years.

OL-Drew Sarvary-North Florida Christian. This three-year varsity performer came to Orlando and was a major part of the Eagles' domination up front. The 6-6, 290-pounder was able to do pretty much do whatever he wanted all game long.

OL-John Heck-Jacksonville Bolles. Another three-year starter on an experienced line that dug down deep in the fourth quarter. The North Carolina-bound standout played one of his best games of the season.

OL-Denver Kirkland-Booker T. Washington. This gifted junior has been opening holes, pass blocking and showcasing his athletic frame for two years. In the 4A title game, he helped give his quarterback plenty of time to throw. We would not be surprised to see him back on this list next year.

DEFENSE
MVP: Matthew Thomas-Booker T. Washington.15 Tackles, 2 Fumble recoveries and 1 Forced Fumble.

DL-Kenneth Madison-Jefferson County. (11 Tackles-3 Tackles For Loss). This impressive two-way performer put his name on the recruiting map for the future. Even though he is a sophomore, this is an impressive, physical specimen. He played very well as he helped shut down Chipley in the 1A finale.

DL-Max Tejada-Jacksonville Bolles. (12 Tackles-1 Sack-1 Tackle for loss- 2 Pass Break Ups). This three-year starter was quite impressive in the 4A state final game. He is a very active play maker who follows the flight of the ball as well as anyone on the field.

DL-Evan Gentry-North Florida Christian. (4 Tackles-1 Sack-1.5 Tackles for Loss). One of the most impressive players on a team loaded with talent, Gentry played all over the field, showing his football skills and athletic ability in the 2A title game. Just a junior!

DL- Giancarlo Bennardo, Delray American Heritage. (6 tackles, 4 tackles for loss). This gifted junior was all over the field, making life tough for Madison County in the 3A title game. An aggressive play-maker who made the difference on an athletic Stallion unit.

LB-Matthew Thomas-Booker T. Washington. (15 Tackles-2 FR-1 FF). There may not be a more talented junior defensive player in the state of Florida this year. A versatile football player who can pay DE, LB or safety. Quick, agile and plays the pass as well as anyone you will see in the state. Big time future ahead!

LB-Dallas Griffiths-North Florida Christian. (14 Tackles-2 Tackles for Loss). Ask anyone who watched this 6-2, 225-pound junior play in the 2A state title game, and everyone will tell you he was simply one of the best on the field. Big time senior prospect.

LB-Shavarist Alexander, Jefferson County. (13 Tackles-1 Tackle for loss). Just a junior, this was a huge reason why his team brought home another state title. He was all over the field and made it difficult for Chipley to get much going late in the game.

DB-Travis Blanks-North Florida Christian. (3 Tackles). Having watched this quality football prospect performer the past three years, it was no surprise to see him make a major statement in the Eagles' convincing 2A state title win. He was without a doubt one of the best defensive backs to have played this past weekend.

DB-Keyvon Caffey-Booker T. Washington. (12 Tackles-1 Forced fumble-1 Pass Break Up). The Tornadoes leading tackler during the regular season, showed why he is a prospect to be watched. This senior had quite a career as a safety.

DB-Michael Johnson-Booker T. Washington. With all the tremendous defensive backs this program continues to churn out each year, this is a junior who turned heads in Orlando, and will continue to make a splash in the off season. Will be a top-flight 2013 prospect.

DB-Deshawnte Gallon, Madison County. (9 Tackles). Coming into the game, this is one of the players that everyone wanted to watch performer, and by the time the game had ended against American Heritage Delray, this senior was indeed everything he had been the past two seasons.

DB-Tony Fields, North Florida Christian. Looking for a prospect to follow the next few years? Here is a player who just took over in the secondary, and when you have a sophomore stepping up to make so many plays, it's little wonder why the Eagles rolled in 2A.

In addition, there were some other players who made an impression as well:
* QB - Treon Harris-Booker T. Washington. (85 Yards Rushing-2 TD's / 12-20 172 Pass -1 TD).
* RB - Alphonso Footman-Jefferson County. 19-137 Yards -2 TD's.
* RB - D.J. Stewart, Jacksonville Bolles.
* RB - Dvon Ballard-Booker T. Washington. 8 - 83 Yards
* RB - Ryan McIntyre, Chipley. 126 yards, TD.
* WR - Lamar Parker, Booker T. Washington.
* WR - Warren Hart. North Florida Christian. 10-77 2 TD's.
* OL - Kelly Parfitt, American Heritage Delray.
* OL - Connor Benson- Epstein, American Heritage Delray.
* OL - Ira Denson, Madison County.
* OL - Denzel Whitfield, Jefferson County.
* DE - Drew Faintch. North Florida Christian. 6 Tackles, 1 sack 1 tackle for loss.
* DE - Chad Thomas, Booker T. Washington. -1 tfl, 1 tackkle, 1 sack.
* DE - Justin Akerman, Jacksonville Bolles. 7 tackles -1 tackle for loss.
* LB - Jordan Smallenski, Jacksonville Bolles. 9 tackles - 2 tackles for loss
* LB - Zach Slafsky, American Heritage Delray.
* LB - Silmore Dallaway, American Heritage Delray.
* LB - Tevin Roundtree, Madison County. 11 tackles- 2 tackles for loss.
* LB - Jacob Pugh, Jefferson County. 9 tackles.
* DB - Rayshawn Jenkins, Admiral Farragut.
* P/PK - Brooks Abbott, Jacksonville Bolles.

University School DL Maquedius Bain commits to FSU

One of the true phenom players in South Florida, University School defensive lineman Maquedius Bain committed to Florida State today. University School coach Roger Harriott informed The Miami Herald of the decision Wednesday. Bain, a 6-5, 285-pound defensive end has 35 tackles, five sacks and four blocked field goals this season.

Miami-Dade football playoff scenarios

Columbus won the District 14-8A title tonight with a 49-24 win against South Miami.

Here are the rest of the playoff scenarios going into this weekend.

DISTRICT 13-8A

Krop (3-4, 2-0): Can clinch district championship with win next week vs. Hialeah; has clinched playoff berth.

Hialeah (3-4, 2-0): Can clinch district championship with win next week vs. Krop; has clinched playoff berth.

ELIMINATED: North Miami (1-6, 0-2), North Miami Beach (0-7, 0-2).

DISTRICT 14-8A

Columbus (6-2, 4-0): District Champion.

South Miami (6-2, 2-1): Can't clinch or be eliminated this week.

Miami High (5-2, 1-1): Can't clinch or be eliminated this week.

ELIMINATED: Coral Gables (0-6, 0-2); Coral Park (0-7, 0-3).

DISTRICT 15-8A

Southwest (4-3, 2-0): Can clinch playoff berth with win AND Braddock loss.

Varela (3-4, 2-0): Can clinch playoff berth win.

Braddock (3-3, 1-1): Needs win to avoid elimination.

Ferguson (4-4, 1-2): Needs win AND Braddock loss to avoid elimination.

ELIMINATED: Sunset (1-7, 0-3).

DISTRICT 16-8A

Coral Reef (6-1, 2-0): Can clinch district championship with win AND Southridge loss.

Killian (5-2, 2-1): Can clinch playoff berth with Southridge AND Palmetto losses.

Southridge (2-4, 1-1): Needs win OR Coral Reef loss to avoid elimination.

South Dade (5-3, 1-2): Needs win AND Coral Reef loss to avoid elimination.

Palmetto (3-3, 0-2): Needs win to avoid elimination.

DISTRICT 16-7A

American (4-3, 2-0): Can clinch district championship next week with win; can clinch at least playoff berth next week with Miami Beach loss.

Miami Beach (5-2, 1-1): Can force district championship tiebreaker next week with win AND American loss; can clinch at least playoff berth next week with win AND Goleman loss.

Goleman (6-2, 1-1): Can clinch district championship next week with win AND Miami Beach loss; can at least force district championship tiebreaker next week with win AND Miami Springs loss.

ELIMINATED: Miami Springs (0-7, 0-2).

DISTRICT 16-6A

Belen (6-1, 3-0): Can clinch playoff berth with Northwestern loss.

Central (6-0, 2-0): Can clinch playoff berth with win.

Northwestern (5-2, 1-1): Needs win to avoid elimination.

Homestead (3-4, 0-2): Needs win AND Central loss to avoid elimination.

ELIMINATED: Carol City (2-5, 0-3).

DISTRICT 16-5A

Norland (8-0, 1-0): Can clinch district championship next week with win.

Jackson (6-2, 1-1): Can clinch playoff berth next week with Key West loss; can clinch district championship tiebreaker next week with Norland loss.

Key West (3-3, 0-1): Needs win next week to force district championship tiebreaker.

DISTRICT 8-4A

Gulliver (6-1, 3-0): Can clinch district championship with win; can clinch playoff berth with Edison AND Pace losses.

Booker T. (6-1, 3-0): Can clinch district championship with win AND Pace loss.

Monsignor Pace (3-2, 2-1): Needs win OR Booker T. loss OR Edison win to avoid elimination.

Edison (4-3, 1-2): Needs win AND Gulliver loss to avoid elimination.

ELIMINATED: Doral (2-5, 0-3), La Salle (1-6, 0-3).

DISTRICT 8-3A

University School (8-0, 5-0): Can clinch district championship with win; has clinched playoff berth.

Chaminade-Madonna (7-0, 4-0): Can clinch district championship with win; has clinched playoff berth.

ELIMINATED: Westminster Christian (5-2, 3-2), Marathon (2-5, 2-3), Archbishop Carroll (3-4, 1-3), Miami Country Day (2-6, 1-4), Archbishop Curley (2-6, 0-4).

DISTRICT 8-2A

Dade Christian (6-1, 2-0): District champion.

Champagnat (2-3, 2-1): Has clinched playoff berth.

ELIMINATED: South Florida HEAT (4-3, 1-2), Sheridan Hills Christian (0-4, 0-2).

Broward football playoff scenarios

Here's a look at the football playoff scenarios for Broward teams with 2 weeks of district games left.

DISTRICT 11-8A

Taravella (6-1, 3-0): Can clinch district championship with win AND a Coral Springs loss; can clinch playoff berth with win AND losses by Deerfield Beach and South Plantation.

South Plantation (5-2, 2-1): Can't clinch or be eliminated this week.

Coral Springs (6-1, 2-1): Can't clinch this week, but needs a win OR Taravella loss to avoid elimination.

Deerfield Beach (2-4, 2-1): Can't clinch or be eliminated this week.

ELIMINATED: Piper (2-5, 0-3), Douglas (1-6, 0-3).

DISTRICT 12-8A

Miramar (7-0, 3-0): Can clinch district championship with win.

Western (4-2, 2-1): Can't clinch or be eliminated this week.

Cypress Bay (4-3, 2-1): Can't clinch or be eliminated this week.

Flanagan (4-3, 1-2): Needs a win to avoid elimination.

Everglades (3-5, 1-2): Needs a win to avoid elimination.

ELIMINATED: West Broward (0-7, 0-3).

DISTRICT 14-7A

Boyd Anderson (6-1, 3-0): Can clinch district championship with win.

Northeast (3-4, 2-1): Can clinch playoff berth with win AND losses by Ely and Monarch.

Blanche Ely (5-2, 2-1): Needs win OR Northeast loss to avoid elimination.

Monarch (2-5, 1-2): Needs win to avoid elimination.

Coral Glades (1-6, 1-2): Needs win to avoid elimination.

ELIMINATED: Coconut Creek (0-7, 0-3).

DISTRICT 15-7A

Cooper City (7-0, 3-0): Can clinch playoff berth with win.

St. Thomas Aquinas (6-1, 3-0): Can clinch playoff berth with win AND McArthur loss.

McArthur (5-2, 2-1): Needs win to avoid elimination.

Plantation (3-4, 1-2): Needs win to avoid elimination.

ELIMINATED: South Broward (1-6, 1-3), Nova (2-5, 0-4).

DISTRICT 15-6A

Stranahan (3-4, 2-0): Can clinch district championship with win.

Pines Charter (5-2, 2-0): Can't clinch or be eliminated this week.

Hollywood Hills (2-5, 2-1): Can't clinch or be eliminated this week.

Fort Lauderdale (2-5, 0-2): Needs a win AND Stranahan loss to avoid elimination.

ELIMINATED: Archbishop McCarthy (3-4, 0-3).

DISTRICT 15-5A

Cardinal Gibbons (6-1, 2-0): Can clinch district championship with win.

American Heritage (6-1, 2-0): Can't clinch or be eliminated this week.

Dillard (2-4, 2-1): Can't clinch or be eliminated this week.

Hallandale (4-3, 0-2): Needs win AND Cardinal Gibbons loss to avoid elimination.

ELIMINATED: Pompano Beach (2-6, 0-3).

DISTRICT 7-4A

North Broward Prep (6-1, 2-0): Can clinch district next week with win vs. Somerset.

Riviera Beach Inlet Grove (1-5, 1-1): Can clinch playoff berth next week with win AND Somerset loss; OR can clinch tiebreaker for district championship with win AND North Broward Prep loss.

Somerset (1-4, 1-1): Can clinch playoff berth next week with win AND Inlet Grove loss; OR can clinch tiebreaker for district championship with win AND Pine Crest loss.

Pine Crest: (2-4, 0-2): Needs win AND Somerset loss next week to force three-way tiebreaker for runner-up spot.

DISTRICT 7-3A

WPB Cardinal Newman (7-0, 4-0): Can clinch district championship with win; Has clinched playoff berth.

Delray American Heritage (5-1, 4-0): Can clinch district championship with win; Can clinch playoff berth with Calvary Christian loss.

WPB Kings Academy (4-3, 3-2): Needs American Heritage loss AND Calvary Christian win to avoid elimination.

Calvary Christian (5-2, 2-2): Needs win AND American Heritage loss to avoid elimination.

ELIMINATED: NPB Benjamin (2-5, 1-3), Pahokee (1-7, 1-4), Boca Raton Pope John Paul II (1-6, 0-4).

DISTRICT 8-3A

University School (8-0, 5-0): Can clinch district championship with win; Has clinched playoff berth.

Chaminade-Madonna (7-0, 4-0): Can clinch district championship with win; Has clinched playoff berth.

ELIMINATED: Westminster Christian (5-2, 3-2), Marathon (2-5, 2-3), Archbishop Carroll (3-4, 1-3), Miami Country Day (2-6, 1-4), Archbishop Curley (2-6, 0-4).

DISTRICT 7-2A

Belle Glade Glades Day (4-3, 4-0): Can clinch district championship with win.

Delray Village Academy (5-2, 4-1): Can clinch playoff berth with win.

Jupiter Christian (6-2, 3-1): Can clinch playoff berth with win AND Glades Day win.

WPB Summit Christian (2-3, 2-2): Needs win to avoid elimination.

ELIMINATED: Highlands Christian (3-4, 1-3), Coral Springs Christian (1-6, 1-4), Zion Lutheran (1-6, 0-4).

DISTRICT 8-2A

Dade Christian (6-1, 2-0): District champion.

Champagnat (2-3, 2-1): Has clinched playoff berth.

ELIMINATED: South Florida HEAT (4-3, 1-2), Sheridan Hills Christian (0-4, 0-2).

St. Thomas DE Ken Hankerson signs with Eastern Illinois

St. Thomas Aquinas defensive end Ken Hankerson has found a college destination.

St. Thomas athletic director George Smith told The Miami Herald that Hankerson has signed with Eastern Illinois.

Hankerson had 58 total tackles, which ranked second on the team last season, including 12 for loss. He also had five pass breakups and four forced fumbles as he helped the Raiders to a 15-0 record, a state championship and an ESPN national championship.

Hankerson, 6-2, 205, was ranked the No. 22 overall prospect in Broward County by The Miami Herald.

St. Thomas Aquinas football to play De La Salle (CA) next season on ESPN

St. Thomas Aquinas has played some premier powerhouses from around the country in the past few seasons.

This season, the Raiders will take on their most notable yet.

ESPN announced Friday that it will broadcast St. Thomas' clash with California powerhouse De La Salle on September 23 live on one of its networks.

Aquinas is coming off its second national championship in the past three seasons, and a 15-0 perfect record under legendary coach George Smith. Smith recently announced he was stepping down from coaching the team and defensive coordinator Rocco Casullo was promoted to the position.

De La Salle, a longtime national powerhouse, will start the season on a 25-game winning streak coming off a No. 4 national ranking by ESPN and consecutive CIF Open Division championships. De La Salle is famous for owning the nation's longest winning streak - 151 wins from 1992-2003.

Longtime Dade official and coach Ralph Lewis passes away

I opened my email this morning to learn the sad news that Ralph Lewis, a longtime official in multiple sports and coach in Miami-Dade County, passed away late last night after an 18-month battle with leukemia.

Lewis, 54, officiated numerous high school and college events around the state for over two decades, as well as coached and worked at Killian and Palmetto High Schools.

This past May, we had the privilege of honoring him at our All-Dade Awards breakfast with our annual Walter Krietsch/Leo Suarez Courage Award for his years of dedicated service to high school student-athletes in South Florida.

Speaking on a personal note, Lewis was a generous, caring and professional individual, who was always willing to help others and was a pleasure to be around and work with.

The kind of guy that officiated a high school football game on a Friday night, then hit the road right after to go to Dade City and officiate a state cross-country championship at the crack of dawn the next morning...and do it with a positive attitude. He was a classy individual that will be missed.

On behalf of the Miami Herald's high school sports staff, I'd like to extend our deepest condolences to his wife, Dorothy Lewis and his extended family.

Funeral arrangements and details haven't been made available yet, but we will have that information soon either on this blog or in the newspaper.

- Andre C. Fernandez

Northwestern football coach Billy Rolle fired

       With help from Herald writer J.T. Wilcox, I confirmed that Northwestern's coach Billy
Rolle was fired late Saturday night following the Bulls' narrow 19-7 victory against Edison.

   "It was a principal's decision,'' Northwestern Athletic Director Earl Allick said. îîThat's all I can say for now.''

   Rolle did not return phone calls from The Herald.

   While Allick did not elaborate on the reasons behind the dismissal, he said that assistant junior-varsity football coach Monte Dilworth was named the interim coach.

    Northwestern (6-2, 3-1) has won its past two games, and clinched the runner-up playoff berth in District 13-6A. However, consecutive losses the prior weeks to Central and Columbus cost
the Bulls the district championship, and cast doubt as to the team's chances to win a state title this season.

   During the loss to Columbus, Northwestern lost its starting quarterback Teddy Bridgewater to a knee injury that has sidelined him the past two games. The Bulls also had several players
suspended earlier this season after being involved in a brawl during a game against Hialeah.

  Rolle, the only coach in Miami-Dade County history to win a state championship with two different schools, has won three state titles overall in his 14 years as a coach. He has won two
state titles, and one mythical national title during two successful stints as Northwestern's coach.

   Rolle, who has helped send numerous stars to college, including Vernon Carey, Antonio Bryant, Jacory Harris, Aldarius Johnson, Tommy Streeter, Sean Spence, and Marcus Forston, led the
Bulls to a state title in 1998. He was also an assistant on the 1995 championship team under then-coach Willie Goldsmith.

   Rolle guided Killian to a state crown in 2004, and then returned to Northwestern in 2007 to lead it to a state and national title, following the dismissal of several of its coaches
at the time due to a sex scandal involving an athlete.

 

Broward Top 25 football juniors (Class of 2012)

BROWARD

1. Avery Johnson, WR, 6-3, 190, Blanche Ely

2. Tracey Howard, DB, 5--10, 170, Miramar

3. Devonte Mathis, WR/QB, 6-1, 205, Miramar

4. Antonio Harris, S, 6-0, 185, South Broward

5. Brandon Butler, S, 6-1, 190, Boyd Anderson

6. Anthony Gadson, S, 6-1, 180, Deerfield Beach

7. Abraham Garcia, OL, 6-6, 330, University School

8. Orlando David, TE, 6-2, 220, Chaminade-Madonna

9. Dan Isadora, OL, 6-3, 305, Cypress Bay

10. Fred McRae, WR, 5-10, 165, Chaminade-Madonna

11. Kameron Davis, OL, 6-5, 280, Boyd Anderson

12. Jelani Hamilton, DL, 6-4, 240, St. Thomas Aquinas

13. Jeremy Smith, WR, 5-11, 175, Flanagan

14. Erick Hallmon, LB, 6-1.5, 195, Cardinal Gibbons

15. Bobby Bouyer, DE, 6-2, 205, Nova

16. Barrington Morris, DE, 6-3, 220, Piper

17. Malcolm Lewis, WR, 6-1, 175, Miramar

18. Adrian Burton, DB, 5-10, 170, Blanche Ely

19. Gunnar Holcombe, QB, 6-2, 175, University School

20. Dami Ayoola, RB, 5-8, 190, St. Thomas Aquinas

21. Denzel Paige, DT, 6-2, 250, North Broward Prep

22. Traveon Henry, DB, 6-0, 175, Pine Crest

23. Kolby Gray, WR, 5-11, 165, Fort Lauderdale

24. William Bodden, RB, 5-9, 170, Everglades

25. Dinero Moss, DB, 5-11, 175, Piper

St. Thomas, Central, NW all nationally ranked

The National Prep poll released its preseason national rankings Monday, and South Florida's top 3 teams all appeared in the top 35.

St. Thomas Aquinas, a national champion in 2008, debuts at No. 7.

The Raiders are once again in national title contention, and will open the season in the Kirk Herbstreit Challenge on Labor Day. They will take on Texas powerhouse Dallas Skyline at Cowboys Stadium. Aquinas (13-1, state semifinalist in 2009) also plays No. 18 Camden County (GA) at home Oct. 1. Defending Class 5A state champion Tampa Plant is ranked No. 2 and Bradenton Manatee, which eliminated Aquinas from the playoffs is ranked No. 21.

Miami Central is ranked No. 29, and Miami Northwestern is No. 34

The Rockets play one of the nation's toughest schedules, traveling out-of-state twice to start the season, and hosting another out-of-state opponent. Central opens up at Camden County (GA) Sept. 3, then travels to Texas to play in the Florida-Texas Classic against Dallas Madison Sept. 11. On Oct. 29, the Rockets will host Alabama power Prattville at Traz Powell Stadium. Oh yeah, and they also play Northwestern, Booker T. Washington and Hialeah, all among Miami-Dade County's best.

The Bulls, led by the county's top prospect quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, hope to reclaim their position atop Dade this season. They could face Central twice and play Booker T., Hialeah, Columbus and Carol City.