Spring Roundup: Blu & J.T. Breakdown More Spring Football
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Last week, when our very own J.T. Wilcox and Larry Blustein experimented with taking a look at spring through both of their eyes, in one blog, neither had an idea how far the idea would go.
Well, the answer was immediate, and without hesitation, one of the best features of the offseason. Taking a look at each team, prospects and coach – J.T. and Blu had a chance to breakdown the spring like nobody has even attempted.
The blog was so well received by the players, coaches, administrators and fans, the guys are going to do it again this week – as spring came to an end in South Florida; only paving the way for the summer camps, combines, 7-on-7 and the newly minted Satellite Camps, which begin his Friday (5-8) at Nova Southeastern University School's stadium with Michigan highlighting an event that will attract other colleges as well.
The college coaches have now headed back and the prospects will move on to that next step that will help them realize a dream.
Today, we check out some more teams that performed this past week – and it was very competitive all over South Florida.
CHAMPAGNAT CATHOLIC
Blu: In his second season, head coach Dennis Marroquin has put together an impressive squad, highlighted by major underclassmen – such as 2018 linebacker Donovan Georges – but also talented veterans who need to continue stepping up. In the 8-6 loss to 5A Hallandale, the Lions showed why they are considered a team to watch among Class 2A programs in South Florida. This work in progress can take this thing to the next level.
J.T.: Despite losing on the scoreboard, the Lions came away from its spring game matchup with Hallandale winners. The Class 2A program showcased an impressive group of prospects and had a strong showing of fan support. Watching Donovan Georges play live – he's lives up to the billing. He played in three different spots in the Lions' defense (interior line, rush end and middle linebacker) and flashed well in all three spots. You see why every college wants him already. The other player to watch is receiver Greg Rousseau. He has a Tommy Streeter-like frame and is an outstanding leaper.
CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS
Blu: No matter what detractors want to say, this is now a program, among Class 8A schools, who will be in the hunt to get to that state title game every year. In the spring win over Class 7A Mater Academy, head coach Chris Merritt and the Explorers kept things simple, playing his marquee prospects, but also blending in some of the depth that continues to make this a team that will compete against anyone. More speed this year could truly make this team – with all of its talented student/athletes – a true spoiler when the playoffs begin.
J.T.: Columbus is like a machine. I think that it is directly tied to the stability and continuity of the coaching staff. Head coach Chris Merritt in one of the longest tenured in South Florida and he knows how to build up and sustain a program. I know Southridge has been the flavor of the spring with all of its talented players, but I'd advise everyone not to overlook the Explorers. Against Mater, Columbus showed a solid team with a handful of exceptional playmakers. Also, Trajan Bandy is another one of those prospects that are just a joy to watch work – live and up close.
COCONUT CREEK
Blu: No sooner did he end his long and successful run at Miami Central did first-year head coach Gerald Cox begin the next chapter in his young life – with the Cougars. In losing 7-6 to Piper, there were a ton of positives that this program will take with them into the summer. Big-time athletes still remain from what Kareem Reid did in "restoring the roar" in this program. The staff is now ready to show these young men what the next level feels like.
J.T.: Having watched the Cougars weeks ago at the Referee Clinic Scrimmages and again during their spring game, it is fair to say that Cougars are in a transition. Bringing in a new head coach in Gerald Cox and replacing a large chunk of what was one of the school's most talented rosters – maybe ever – means patience will have to be a virtue. Still, the Cougars have pieces. Receiver Marquis Williams looks like he's poised for a breakout year – now that he'll have a larger role in the offense.
CORAL GABLES
Blu: As he watched his young program compete with Norland in the spring game, head coach Roger Pollard realized, with dozens of college coaches watching his players, that the Cavaliers are still alive and kicking in an 8A region that is filled with talented programs. As many eyes during the spring have been directly on junior defensive back Gilbert Frierson, this team is also blessed with so many other difference makers, who have already proven that they will play against any competition. Don't sleep on this football team. If they remain healthy, they will still knock you around.
J.T.: Coral Gables is still a factor in Miami-Dade County. Watching the Cavaliers compete against a rebuilding but still physical Norland team, you see the imprint of head coach Roger Pollard. Star 2018 defensive Gilbert Frierson is another prospect that we watched live again this spring and got a new appreciation for his skill level. But while Frierson's name will appear in lights, it was players like cat-quick running back Johnny Ford and linebacker Kristopher Moll that showed they'll have a lot to do with Coral Gables' success this coming season. Just because neither may have the "prototype" size, it doesn't hamper their respective impacts on the game. The x-factor for the Cavs is athlete Kevin Romer – he can lift them back into the double-digit victory range.
CORAL SPRINGS
Blu: When Vinny Ziccardi took over the Colts last year, he realized that the job ahead of him was going to be challenging. As he started his second season, dropping a close game to North Miami Beach in the spring game, things are now moving the way he envisioned. The one time St. Thomas Aquinas standout has put his thumbprint on this program, and has done it with hard work and surrounding himself with people that fit his style. The Colts may not have turned the corner yet, but you can certainly see the roster and believe that it's not far.
J.T.: Coral Springs is one of those programs that can get things cooking right under everyone else's nose. Head coach Vinny Ziccardi is a solid young coach and he'll continue to put all the things he's learned along the way to use with the Colts. Going up against North Miami Beach – a team that will surprise some people this coming season – during the spring will only help Coral Springs in their efforts to improve. Also, look for linebacker Zach Applegate to emerge as one of the leaders of this young squad.
CORAL SPRINGS CHARTER
Blu: When we talked to first-year head coach Matt Garris before the spring started, he was very optimistic about keeping a flame burning that Adam Miller and his talented program had started. Coming off an undefeated season, the Panthers and their new coach return some key prospects who had the chance last year to get valuable playing time and exposure – which was essential in replacing all the playmakers who have moved on to the next level.
J.T.: The bar is set pretty high for Coral Springs Charter now. The Panthers won a Southeastern Football Conference title this past season and enjoyed one of their best seasons in school history. Promoting Matt Garris to head coach to replace Adam Miller was one of the best things that the program could have done. There's familiarity between he and players, yet he has his own set of ideas and plans to move the program forward as it moves into the competitive Gold Coast Football Conference this season.
DOUGLAS
Blu: If you have followed high school football in South Florida over the past five years, you know exactly what head coach Willis "Peanut" May has meant to the student-athletes he has coached. Even with the spring setback to McArthur, the focus for the Eagles has always been about teaching and getting these prospects ready for the next level. One look at this year's team will show you how far they have come – with a number of big-time players, including offensive lineman Corey Gaynor.
J.T.: Douglas is another one of those programs that can bubble up and surprise folks. Head coach Willis May is a stand-up guy and he really wants the best for all of his players – which is why his players give him their best. Watching the Eagles go up against McArthur – you saw where they need to improve. But I was impressed with quarterback Tyler Goodman's arm talent. When given time, he was able to make several good throws. Also, linebacker Daniel Crescitelli showed himself to be a tackling machine and just an overall playmaker for Douglas.
HALLANDALE
Blu: After two of the most successful years in school history, head coach Dameon Jones and a huge senior class have now moved on. The Chargers find themselves starting over again. Something that has happened dozens of time since opening its doors 40 years ago. But there is something different about this current building process. The architect is someone who has been part of rebuilding and winning at the highest level. With his 8-6 spring win, first-time head coach Benedict Hyppolite opened plenty of eyes, as his Chargers showed that while there is a lot of youth, the light at the end of the tunnel is not that far off.
J.T.: Hallandale was one of the teams that I wanted to watch closely this spring. The Chargers have a new coach in former Booker T. Washington assistant and first-time head coach Benedict Hyppolite and they will have a lot of new faces in new places this year. During the spring game, I saw a team that has playmakers at the skill position – specifically quarterback Legend Moore and defensive back Willie White. The offensive line needs to use the summer time to improve individually and as a collective unit. Because of the area, Hallandale will never be devoid of talent. The community just needs to give coach Hyppolite time and as he would say: "respect the process".
HIALEAH-MIAMI LAKES
Blu: One of the programs that have certainly not gotten the traction needed to make things happen is Hialeah-Miami Lakes. This is a team that had started to turn the corner with its last regime, producing several impressive football prospects, but now, like they have in the past, it's back to the beginning. While the talent is still there, and will continue to come in, this regime needs to get some positives going, which can easily happen again. Good youth programs will always keep the Trojans in the mix.
J.T.: Unfortunately, Hialeah-Miami Lakes continues to find itself in a perpetual regressive loop. Year after year, players come in but eventually leave for other programs – leaving the Trojans to always rebuild. Still, HML has a handful of prospects that could be impact players this season. Offensive lineman Tre Roberts and defensive lineman Alfonso Ervin have the size to anchor their respective lines while receiver Keshawn Brownlee is a hidden gem that more people should be attention to.
MATER ACADEMY
Blu: As he begins his second season as head coach, Rocco Casullo eased into Miami-Dade County football by building and laying down a foundation that would keep this team in the playoff picture every year. While the district runner-up from last year made it three rounds deep in the state playoffs, the Class 7A Lions are counting on key prospects on both sides of the ball to win the title and give them another shot at national powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas. The loss to Christopher Columbus in the spring game was something that will help during the summer ahead.
J.T.: Despite losing to a very good Columbus team in the spring, Mater Academy showed some positive things. You can see the direction that head coach Rocco Casullo wants to take the program in. And it's usually in year two with a new head coach that you can really see the growth in what the coach wants. I was disappointed that 2017 standout defensive back Latavious Brini was inactive for the spring game. His absence allowed defensive lineman Daniel Walker to shine. The 6-foot-3, 270-pound lineman played with power and held his ground against a solid Columbus offensive line. There's nothing that says that Mater Academy won't be near the top of its district again in 2016.
McARTHUR
Blu: It's no secret at all that Laron Culpepper and his Class 7A Mustangs were extremely disappointed not to make the playoffs a year ago – especially with the amazing start that this program got off to. Now, after a convincing win over 8A Douglas in the spring game, the focus is on a district that got away last year. Even though South Broward has been building its team, you have to feel that the Mustangs still have the talent and incentive to pull this thing off.
J.T.: McArthur is a program that has been begging for the right leadership for years. The school has had its share of talented players. The key was bringing in the right coach to keep them in the building. Now, with Laron Culpepper leading the way – the Mustangs have a coach that knows what he's doing, knows the community and knows how to not only keep players but bring in new players. Watching McArthur in its spring game against Stoneman Douglas, you see a team that can compete with just about anyone from a skill position standpoint. 6-foot-2, 2018 receiver Dominick Watt is a player that not enough people are talking about. He's a difference-maker and one of the reasons why McArthur will be even better in 2016.
MIAMI BEACH
Blu: Here is a program that has been able to produce talent, but has fallen short in a bid to make the playoffs for the first time in a long while. If you attend a number of events, you can see that the Hi-Tides are always there, making a major impact. After a productive spring, this is now a team that will use the summer, and head coach Aaron Harris believes that this team can start to turn the corner.
J.T.: One of Miami-Dade's storied programs with a rich football history. Consider it this way, Miami Beach – for all of its struggles over the past six years – still produced a fourth-round NFL Draft pick in receiver Ricardo Louis this past April. The key for the Hi-Tides will be to keep the handful of talented players that walk through the building and create some momentum within the program so that they can convince the upcoming youth league prospects to make their way to Prairie Avenue.
NORLAND
Blu: It is now a fact that more high-level athletes have walked the hallways of this school over the past decade than perhaps any other South Florida program. And while football has fallen behind track and field and the outstanding basketball program, the talent is there. The only thing that veteran head coach and alumnus Daryle Heidelburg and his staff need to do is keep the players home. Even after a tough spring loss to Class 8A Coral Gables, the Class 6A Vikings showcased a number of key players who will be a part of this team in 2016. In addition, a few talented athletes who will have a key role in the fall, were not in uniform for the game. A tough district, but the Vikings have never backed away in the past.
J.T.: Here's a program that will never really but a poor product on the field. It may not be the best by their own high standards, but in the grand scheme of things – Norland will always produce an athletic and physical team. The area in which the school is located houses too many great athletes for the program to ever really hurt for talent. Watching this year's team during their spring game loss to Coral Gables, I saw a defensive unit that will make life hard on opposing offenses. Even after losing a pair of great linebackers, the Vikings' defense will keep the team in a lot of games this coming season. The major thing to watch will be how head coach Daryle Heidelburg develops the offense and finds a go-to playmaker that can get Norland in the endzone.
NORTHEAST
Blu: As he began his second year as head coach of the Hurricanes, L.D. Anderson and his staff realize that there is a lot of work ahead. This is not a program that will sit around and wait for things to happen. There is too much talent on campus and they are looking to teach and put some of those difference makers in a position to start translating into wins. There are a few veterans on the roster, and they will be needed to help turn this corner.
J.T.: Northeast did a very good thing for its program when it brought in head coach L.D. Anderson. He brings accountability to the program and he's someone that his players can look up to. Success isn't always measured in wins and losses.
NORTH MIAMI BEACH
Blu: For the past two decades, head coach Jeff Bertani has been developing talent and sending them on to the next level and beyond. Because his numbers are low for an 8A program, it only takes a few prospects to step up for the Chargers to quickly be in the mix for a district title. As the spring ended – with a win over Coral Springs – this program is the favorite to take back a district title that American won in 2015 and North Miami captured in 2013 and 2014, but to do it, they have to keep their line healthy. That is the key for them upcoming season.
J.T.: Having a career that has spanned over a decade, I've seen North Miami Beach reach the state semifinals and I've seen the Chargers go through a winless season in that span. While those are two completely different end results for a season, there has been a constant for NMB throughout and that's head coach Jeff Bertani. Bertani is North Miami Beach football. He does things his way and he's stayed the course with his philosophy throughout. Say what you want, but there was a time where North Miami Beach – not some of the other Dade powerhouse programs – that was among leaders in former players in the NFL. This coming season should be a better one for the Chargers – they just need to run the ball behind Kahric Belle (6-foot-6, 310 pounds) and Woodlyson Alcius (6-foot-4, 300 pounds).
PIPER
Blu: As the spring came to an end, there were many questions that second-year head coach David Coleman and his staff needed answers to. While they looked okay in the spring game win over Coconut Creek, the real measure of this program will come in the summer when the linemen get stronger and the new defensive prospects continue to develop. Posting a 9-2 record a year ago, there is plenty to be excited about in Sunrise. But if they fail to execute, things can change in a hurry.
J.T.: Starting from the 2015 season, where Piper finished the year 9-2 – you can sense things were changing in Sunrise. Head coach David Coleman was bringing a different demeanor and a different swag to the football program and the players were buying into it in a major way. Watching this team compete during the spring, once again you see that new swag. The close win over Coconut Creek should be the thing that shows the players that Coleman's direction is working yet still give the coaching staff – which now features Piper alum Quadtrine Hill – plenty to motivate the team with.
PLANTATION
Blu: After a decade of building playoff teams and churning out college and professional prospects, Steve Davis stepped aside after the 2015 season. Taking over for the longtime Broward County coaching icon is Jesse Norris, who comes in from Ohio after showcasing his coaching skills. What Norris has done, even in a losing effort in the spring game to Stranahan, is point this program in a direction where learning from mistakes – as well as growing over the summer – will set the table for his first year. Young athletes are all over the field, and after a productive spring, there is a lot to look forward to.
J.T.: Replacing a coach like Steve Davis, someone who led the Colonels program to some of its best seasons, is hard. Jesse Norris steps in as the new leader (I avoided the obvious Colonel pun) and he's going to require the patience of the Plantation community. He's not Steve Davis and Plantation's roster has had a lot of turnover. The spring game against Stranahan showed that Plantation plenty of room for growth, but remember Colonel fans – Rome wasn't built in a day.
STRANAHAN
Blu: All head coach Tally Adams wanted to get out of his second full year at the helm of the Dragons is to look at the younger prospects – and spotlight the experienced players to colleges across the country. With many of those goals reached in the spring, a win over Plantation was huge for a program that did well in scrimmages and other combine and camp events. This is a team that has an opportunity to continue to develop.
J.T.: It was just a matter of time before head coach Tally Adams started finding on-field success with the Dragons. I've been impressed with him as a coach since speaking with him during Media Day before the start of the 2015 season. He's someone that holds his players accountable and runs the program with a very disciplined approach. Watching Stranahan play during the Referee Clinic Scrimmages earlier this month, you saw a team that has a lot of good pieces in place. Like a lot of the other programs middle tier programs out there, Stranahan just has to start keeping its players on a regular basis.
