Reigning state champs run it back for another South Florida sweep…and more history | Opinion
South Florida’s high school football teams were squeezed into four classifications last year when the FHSAA realigned its districts.
So what did Miami-Dade and Broward County’s best do?
Swept all four.
The two counties have now combined to win at least that many state titles in 10 of the past 11 seasons.
And what’s left for them to do this season?
Run it back of course.
All four reigning champions - Miami Columbus, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, Miami Central and Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna - enter the season ranked in the top 25 nationally and the favorites to repeat in their respective classifications.
But that doesn’t mean the road for any will be easy.
Each team faces daunting challenges from either out-of-county or out-of-state competition before diving into face longtime rivals set on ending their runs as champions.
Here’s a look at the main contenders in each of those four Metro classes from Dade and Broward and who is likely their stiffest competition from around the state:
CLASS 4M
Miami-Dade teams to watch: Columbus provided one of the most thrilling endings to a high school football season in recent memory last year with their “Explorer Special” play in overtime to beat Apopka and win their second state title in four years.
The Explorers will now attempt to win back-to-back championships for the first time in school history. They have also entered the national spotlight as they will start the season ranked No. 23 nationally by MaxPreps.
Columbus returns one of the best defenses in the state led by one of the deepest defensive lines the school has ever had. The front seven of Daylen Russell, Dylan Stephenson, Rob Williams and Willis McGahee IV should be one of the stingiest and hardest on opposing quarterbacks.
On offense, the Explorers have a few holes to fill after starting tailback Sedrick Irvin graduated, two of their primary receivers Darriel Harper and Fadrelle Andrus transferred to other schools, and their offensive line returned only one regular starter. But Columbus returns starting quarterback Alberto Mendoza and top receiver Jose Leon while Agyeman Addae appears to be the favorite to slide into the starting running back role.
After a couple of early tests against Clearwater Academy International and Tampa Jesuit, Columbus will face the usual suspects as Western, Palmetto and Doral Academy figure to be the strongest obstacles in Region 4-4M.
Palmetto is a bit younger than years past and graduated stars Robby and Bobby Washington, but still has an explosive core led by receiver Jacory Barney. Doral lost 2,000-yard back Mark Wilder, but expects to have a more balanced offense and improved defense it hopes will be enough to overcome Columbus in its district.
Broward teams to watch: The Wildcats have loaded up on the defensive side of the ball and added transfers on offense in quarterback Davi Belfort (Virginia Tech commit) and running back Tovani Mizell (DeMatha Catholic). Western figures to be the favorite to repeat as district champions, but in the playoffs they likely will have to contend with an improved West Broward squad led by junior wide receiver Joshua Moore, who has multiple Power 5 offers. Cypress Bay and an up and coming Flanagan squad could also make some noise.
One of the most intriguing contenders is in Region 3-3M, however, as Monarch looks to build off last year’s run to the regional semifinals. Led by senior quarterback and UMass commit A.J. Hairston, the Knights have one of their deepest squads ever and could have an explosive offense with receivers Jabari Brady and Samurai Reed leading the way. Monarch’s biggest obstacles on that side figure to be Palm Beach Central and rival Stoneman Douglas.
Overview: This class is still Columbus’ for the taking until proven otherwise. The gap is not seemingly as wide as it is for other South Florida powerhouses though and should make for an exciting series of playoff games on the road back. If Monarch is that much improved, it presents the chance for another Dade-Broward showdown in the state semis or final. But Apopka is historically tough to deny a spot in the final.
Prediction: Columbus over Apopka.
CLASS 3M
Miami-Dade teams to watch: Homestead’s inspired run to its first state final was one of the best stories of 2022. The Broncos have already run it back in a way as the bulk of their primary playmakers stayed together after coach Philip Simpson departed to coach at the University of Nebraska. Longtime assistant Ron Thornton took over and has an even deeper squad of talent on both sides of the ball this season.
Quarterback Joshua Townsend, receiver Cortez Mills and running back Isaac Brown highlight the Broncos offense, which hopes to match up better with the likes of St. Thomas thanks to a beefed up line and several receiver transfers including Harper from Columbus. On defense, Homestead returns playmakers like linebacker Eduardo Nunez and Jalen Saintil, a defensive end transfer from South Dade.
The Broncos will have to contend longtime rival Southridge, which beat them last season in the regular season and continues to improve under second-year coach Pierre Senatus. Belen Jesuit, led by defensive end Gavench Marcelin, could have one of its more improved squads in recent years as could Dr. Krop, which is led by returning starters Kalel Pascal and Jamaal Haggins coming off a district championship.
Broward teams to watch: The drive for five is well underway at Aquinas as it also chases a state-record 15th state crown. This is a typical “two- or three-deep at nearly every spot” Aquinas squad, which makes it unlikely that any other team in the class can derail their charge to another trophy. Playmakers like Jordan Lyle and Stacy Gage in the backfield and receiver Chance Robinson lead their offense while safety Ryan Mack and corner Romanas Frederique Jr., both University of Miami commits, lead them on defense.
If anyone can even push the Raiders in the region it would be Blanche Ely, which is coming off a 12-1 season before losing to them in the regional finals last season. Dillard is rebuilding in some spots, but still has the talent to be a playoff team. Expect Coconut Creek to continue to improve as well and make a push in Region 3-3M.
Miramar returns quarterback Kael Alexander and linebacker Shamar Meikle, and is likely Broward’s best in Region 4-3M. But the Patriots still have to contend with Homestead, which eliminated them last season in the regional final.
Overview: Statewide, Orlando Jones and Tampa Jesuit could ruin the chances of a rematch of last year’s first ever Dade vs. Broward state championship game. But if it happens, expect Homestead to be better prepared to topple Aquinas’ reign. Until proven otherwise, it remains to be seen if anyone has the depth to pull off such a feat.
Prediction: St. Thomas Aquinas over Homestead.
CLASS 2M
Miami-Dade teams to watch: Once again, this class is absurdly loaded. But is it a two-horse race this year? Miami Central and Miami Norland each stacked up on talent in the offseason, which could make for an intense competition in District 13-2M.
The Rockets are still the team to beat as they, like Aquinas, seek to become the first teams in Florida history in the playoff era (since 1963) to win five consecutive state titles. Central reloaded on offense with three new quarterbacks, a stacked line and a versatile receiver in Lawayne McCoy.
And a defense that graduated Rueben Bain appears to be just fine with the additions of Armondo Blount and T.A. Cunningham up front, joining star junior EJ Marcelin.
Norland picked up over 25 transfers in the hopes of being able to match that kind of talent and depth. The Vikings return dual-threat quarterback Ennio Yapoor on offense and he’ll have a number of weapons to throw to including wide receiver transfer Jade Card. On defense, Norland might have the most talented front four in the state with Tycoolhill and Tyclean Luman joined by Germaine Carter and Dimitry Nicolas.
But don’t discount Booker T. Washington, led by defensive end Jamorie Flagg and defensive back Ben Hanks Jr. The Tornadoes took their first step back to serious contention last season upon the return of longtime coach Ice Harris and are eager to prove they are a threat.
Miami Northwestern is likely to endure some growing pains early on with a younger roster led by new coach and alum Michaelee Harris. But expect the Bulls to have a say in what happens come playoff time.
Broward teams to watch: The battle continues to be between rivals American Heritage and Cardinal Gibbons in Region 3-2M. Heritage is in a rare position of having to replace 27 seniors. But while their roster is younger, it isn’t any less talented than a typical Patriots group. New starters like running back Byron Louis and quarterback Dia Bell will pick up experience early on from tough matchups against out-of-state teams. Gibbons might have the edge on experience and sports one of the best offensive lines in South Florida, which could tip the scales in its favor and help that unit thrive under quarterback Michael Merdinger and tight end Colton Heinrich.
Overview: It’s highly unlikely that anyone outside of Dade or Broward makes it to the final in this one. And unless Norland or maybe Booker T. supplants the Rockets, expect Central to hoist another trophy.
Prediction: Central over Cardinal Gibbons
CLASS 1M
Miami-Dade teams to watch: This class is dominated by Chaminade, and that’s not likely to change anytime soon. True North, however, appears to be taking the first steps toward becoming a consistent playoff team. The Titans’ young program, which advanced to its first state semifinals last season, returns several starters including quarterback Zac Katz, and receiver J-Roc Lopez.
Archbishop Carroll hopes to build off a 9-2 season that ended with a loss to Palmer Trinity in the regional semifinals. The Falcons and Westminster Christian will make it a three-team battle in District 8-1M.
Broward teams to watch: Chaminade likely has the most talented group of skill talent on offense in the state, possibly the nation. Led by receivers Jeremiah Smith and Jojo Trader, running back Davion Gause and quarterback Cedrick Bailey, the Lions should once again average over 40 points per game especially if their line develops as the season progresses.
On defense, Zaquan Patterson, Zachary Crothers and Curtis Janvier lead the way.
Chaminade is seeking a three-peat for the second time in school history, their eighth state title overall, and if it reaches the final, it would break a state record with eight consecutive appearances.
Overview: It’s hard to see Chaminade not winning the state title again. Other than West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman, there’s not much potential competition locally for the Lions until they reach state. Potential obstacles at that point include a rematch with Clearwater Central Catholic or matchups against University Christian or Jacksonville Trinity Christian.
Prediction: Chaminade over Jacksonville Trinity Christian.
