Heating Up: South Plantation Paladins

SFHSSports: Twitter | Facebook

Before Dominic Anderson made a name for himself at St. Thomas Aquinas High School and at Wake Forest University as a quality running back, he was a student of the game.

Growing up in a community that has always had its share of standouts, Anderson was indeed a star in the making. He was talented, smart and someone who had always been able to make his best a lasting impression.

As someone who not only knows the X's and O's of the game, Anderson also has a passion of knowing who the greats before – and after him – were. His connection with so many football players, coaches and those in the business world has given him an opportunity that many never get to experience. His college coaching and being around smart minds has also helped him during his life.

When South Plantation was searching for a new head football coach, there were a number of candidates who stepped forward to see if they would be a fit. But when all the dust settled, the impressive coaching tree that is George Smith was expanded by yet another – when Anderson took over the program.

While it has been a process, Anderson, his coaching staff, players and administrators believe that they can turn things around – even competing in a Class 8A district that includes defending state champion Flanagan, Miramar, Cypress Bay, Everglades, Western and rival Plantation.

"When you have had great people to learn from and watch, it makes a difference," Anderson said. "George Smith, Jim Grobe at Wake Forest and so many other people have gotten me prepared for this opportunity. We all embrace this journey together and we will learn every step of the way."

Anyone who has watched high school football for any length of time in South Florida, knows that the Paladins have had more than competitive teams; recently with Doug Gatewood who produced standouts such as Seattle Seahawks running back Alex Collins, John Franklin (Auburn) and many others who have gone on to the next level.

"Having gone to school down the road from here, and recruiting this program for many years, I know what we have available to us," Anderson explained. "This is an opportunity for these men that we have this season to learn and set the table for the younger kids to follow. There are no quick fixes anywhere that will last. We want this program to be relevant for a long time."

The Paladins do have their star-quality athletes who had a solid spring and summer. Players such as senior linebacker Garry Dallas, receiver Taylen Waller and junior running back Dawson Hill get a lot of attention, and for good reason.

All three have turned heads over the past year – and all figure in making this program a lot more competitive, as quick as possible.

"The thing that all the coaches love about this group is they all want to be here," Anderson explained. "You can see how they worked in the spring and summer. We know that there are places on this team that are deeper than others, but that's what makes the team concept so great. We are all working together with one goal in mind."

Other prospects such as junior defensive lineman Stephen Greaves, senior receiver Khalid Lawrence and junior linebacker Rueben Oliver are also expected to give this program a huge lift – and that's exactly what Anderson and the Paladins are banking on as well.

OTHERS TO KEEP AN EYE ON
2017 – Tyreese Allen, WR
2017 – Ray Boor, RB
2017 – Logan Green, DB
2017 – Delindsey Maxena, OL
2017 – Myles Moultrie, DL
2017 – Theo Reyer, K/P
2019 – Louis Rolle, DB
2017 – Quendon Spellman, Athlete
2018 – Juwan Williams, RB
2018 – Jacquez Thomas, WR