Edison has talent to challenge

There was a time, a few years back, when Edison was in the hunt for the playoffs every year. After coach Corey Bell left for the University of Miami, the program began to change, looking for a new direction.

The Red Raiders have found that direction with a young coaching staff that believes in discipline, and after last Friday's 14-2 win over South Miami, this is certainly a program that will remain in the mix with Monsignor Pace and Belen in the district.

While there is plenty of talent for the future (Classes 2010 and 2011), the rising senior class is certainly impressive as well.

The Class of 2009 starts with receivers Larry McCoy (6-0, 170), Kenzer Obando (5-11, 160) and Danny Kenol (6-0, 170), running back Paul Johnson (5-11, 175), quarterback Donovan Jackson (6-2, 175) and lineman Willy Rutherford (6-3, 270).

On the defensive side of the ball, the Red Raiders show plenty of improvement with linebackers Rashad Bryant (5-11, 185), David Hinds (6-1, 205), Chauncey Grace (5-10, 180), Labaze Jackson (6-0, 175), Jesper Jean (5-11, 160) and talented Hassan Williams (6-3, 225).

In the secondary, Edison boasts Phillip Thomas (6-0, 180), Abraham Gedeus (5-9, 170), Kerntz Almonor (5-10, 165), Gregory Peguero (5-10, 165) and standout Kevin Augustin (5-11, 190).

There are also linemen Brandon Dunn (6-2, 180), Lavar Brihm (5-11, 180), Darren Baldwin (6-1, 205), Allen Myrthil (6-0, 190), Patrick Tema (6-1, 180), Richard Stuckey (5-10, 220), George Goodman (5-10, 200) and 6-3, 230-pound Brian Proctor, who happens to be the nephew of former Edison and University of Miami standout, Basil Proctor.

The Class of 2010, the rising juniors, are also a group that many believe will help this program turn the corner.

On offense, receivers Darius Johnson (6-3, 170), Richard Tema (5-10, 155) and Hyawatha Joyner (5-10, 160), fullback Solomon Jordan (5-7, 175), running back Jensky Mezadieu (5-8, 150) and impressive linemen Kenneth Howard (5-11, 275), Thomas Bapiste (5-10, 255), Charles Chancellor (6-2, 260), Lionel Valery (6-0, 265), Junior Genoise (6-0, 250), Christopher Gay (6-3, 275), Ronald Bruno (5-10, 280), David Stohclin (6-1, 345).

Defensively, Dion Hanks (5-10, 175), Reginald Evans (5-8, 155), Findjy Dorval (5-8, 155) are quality secondary performers. Linemen Wade Issac (6-2, 240), Michael Descollines (5-10, 177) and Winston Alexis (6-2, 220) are also athletes who will add quality depth.

If you want to make this coaching staff happy, talk about his 2011 players, who are all impressive.

Leading the way is promising running back Devonta Freeman, a 5-10, 170-pounder, who is the next great football player in South Florida. He is joined by fellow running back Corie Wilson (5-10, 170), defensive back Andrew Ranglin (5-10, 175), defensive end William Clayton (5-10, 175), and defensive tackles Dario George (5-10, 190) and Timothy Dunn (5-10, 200).