Miami Dolphins honor these high school football coaches after winning state titles
After turning in a historic run when it comes to high school football in South Florida, the curtain calls were not over just yet on for a group of head coaches.
After seven different teams from South Florida, five from Miami-Dade County and two from Broward, won state titles in seven different classifications, the Miami Dolphins did their part when they honored all seven before Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Hard Rock Stadium.
David Dunn (Columbus, 8A), Roger Harriott (St. Thomas Aquinas, 7A), Roland Smith (Central, 6A), Max Edwards (Northwestern, 5A), Ben Hanks (Booker T. Washington, 4A), Dameon Jones (Chaminade-Madonna, 3A) and Hector Clavijo (Hialeah Champagnat, 2A) were all recognized before the game for their collaborative accomplishments.
Hanks and Harriott were unable to attend, the latter returning from Las Vegas after St. Thomas played in the ESPN Geico Championship Series game late Saturday night.
“It’s just an awesome thing to recongize not only the coaches but all of these programs and really appreciate the Miami Dolphins reaching out like this,” said Edwards, who led Northwestern to a third straight state title. “I think what all of these teams did pretty much puts an exclamation point on everything. There’s always been a lot of talk about the talent down here but now for everybody to actually see what all of these teams did on the field. The best football in the state of Florida and the nation is right here and we’re not going anywhere.”
Two decades after coaching the Explorers, Dunn returned to his old gig this year and struggled mightily. Columbus was 4-4 late in the season and winning a state title was the furthest thing from anybody’s mind.
Then, like lightning, it all came together as the Explorers reeled off seven straight wins — including a 21-20 win over Apopka in the title game. Columbus scored with eight seconds left in the game and Dunn successfully went for the two-point conversion to win the program’s first ever state title.
“It’s crazy when I look back on it now,” said Dunn. “Everything just happened so fast. We had a two-point play we really liked and thought it would work which weighed into my decision to go for it. It was a really cool week at the school this past week and then to be brought here today and honored by the Dolphins, it just really caps things off in a really nice way.”
“Aweseome, a great experience,” said Clavijo. “I appreciate the Dolphins recognizing us and my kids are sure happy as well as I brought them with me here to enjoy the game.”
It was Smith’s fifth state title as a head coach, fourth with Central and he also won one at Northwestern in 2006.
“Very rewarding for the Miami Dolphins to do something like this today and they do a tremendous job all season long recognizing high school football in South Florida,” said Smith. “I’m just proud to be a part of not only Miami Central winning another state title but a part of what South Florida teams did these last few weeks. It proves what we’ve known for a while, that the best talent in the country resides right here.”
In addition, Dillard head coach Eddie Frasier was also there as the Dolphins named him their George F. Smith High School Coach of the Year after leading the Panthers to an undefeated regular season and regional final playoff berth. Fraiser will become eligible for the NFL’s Don Shula High School Coach of the Year award.
“A great season for the Panthers and I can’t thank the Miami Dolphins enough for this honor,” said Frasier. “This was an honor not just for myself and Dillard but for all of these coaches here today recognizing the talent we have down here.”
GIRLS’ SOCCER
▪ St. Thomas 3, Nolan Catholic Texas 1: Shay Miedema 2 goals, 1 assist; Isabella Kleva 1 goal; Isabel Martines 1 assist. GK Maddie Messingchlager with 6 saves.
▪ Archbishop McCarthy 5, University School 0: Sophia Goetz 1 Goal 2 Assists Lili Katz 1 GoalEliana Ramirez 1 GoalJazmin Herrera 1 Goal Kiki Rhee Osorio - 1 GoalRiley Balser - 1 AssistJordyn Pitter - 1 Assist Isa Quintero and Jordyn Gifford combined in goal for the shutout. Mavericks 8-0.
▪ Gulliver 3, Ransom Everglades 0
This story was originally published December 23, 2019 at 1:22 PM.