Carol City Defends Dolphins Academy 7-on-7 Title
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Over the past eight years, the Miami Dolphins have put a stamp on the summer 7-on-7 football tour with its signature event at Central Park in Plantation.
Last weekend, year No. 9 once again provided plenty of action – on and off of the playing field – with the Dolphins Academy symposium and tournament that brought some of South Florida's elite players and teams together.
Carol City defended its title with a thrilling win over district rival Northwestern, 35-31, in a game that was moved from Central Park to the Dolphins' indoor practice bubble because of inclement weather. But there were really no losers in an event of this nature.
There are always many benefits.
The event began on Friday – with a symposium focusing on character development, practical life lessons and specific skill training. In addition, the symposium featured guest speakers and included special breakout sessions led by the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE), a non-profit organization dedicated to harnessing the unifying power of sport to advance race relations and drive social progress (www.RISEtoWIN.org).
THE FOOTBALL ACTION WAS HOT
As the temperatures soared to the high 90's, things heated up on the field with some of the state's top prospects getting it done for two days.
Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach programs battled against top competition, showcase the talent that will be getting it done in the fall.
Head coach Aubrey Hill and his Chiefs have been turning up the volume over the past two plus years. After winning a rare district title, beating perennial champion Miami Central during the regular season, this program fell short in the rematch game. Since that loss, this has been a team on a mission – with several key additions added for the upcoming season.
While this team has gotten plenty of attention because of the play of talented 2017 receiver Kevaughn Dingle, 2017 outside linebacker Deandre Wilder and 2019 running back Nayquan Wright, but there is a group of players that also make a difference.
Standouts such as 2018 safety Randy Russell, 2017 defensive backs Naytron Culpepper, Donelle Thomas and Angelo Powell, 2019 quarterback Lorenzo Floyd, 2017 receivers Victor Tucker, Caleb Thomas and Zion Hartfield, and 2018 running back/linebacker Camron Davis.
SCHOOLS CAME FROM EVERYWHERE
In addition to Carol City, which took home the team title for the third time in tournament history, there were other programs who stepped up as well:
Among the schools on hand including Hialeah American, Plantation American Heritage, Miami Archbishop Curley, Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson, Miami Booker T. Washington, Miami Braddock, Coral Gables, Fort Lauderdale Dillard, Doral Academy, Parkland Douglas, Palm Beach Gardens Dwyer, Fort Lauderdale, Hialeah, Hialeah Gardens, Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy, Hialeah-Miami Lakes, Hollywood Hills, Hollywood McAthur, Miramar, Jupiter, Miami Dr. Krop, Miami High, Miami Springs, Miami Killian, Miami Northwestern, North Broward Prep, Boca Raton Olympic Heights, Pahokee, Palm Beach Lakes, Miami Palmetto, Plantation, Pompano Beach, Somerset Academy, South Plantation, Boca Raton Spanish River, Pembroke Pines West Broward, Davie Western and Miami Westminster Christian competed over the two days.
PROSPECT REPORT
Over the summer, at 7-on-7 events, combines and satellite camps, we have been able to bring more athletes – with profiles and spotlights – than any other source.
Over the weekend, we were once again on hand to showcase every prospect that was on hand – and not just the 3, 4 and 5-star athletes that everyone already knows everything about.
It was a weekend that showcased prospects such as head coach Jesse Norris and Plantation, which features receivers Deandre Stoveall and Tyrese Lewis, defensive backs Alliante Small and Tyler Small, quarterback Rodsky Selon and running back Kyle Walters.
Right down the road, first-year head coach Dominic Anderson has the South Plantation Paladins rolling along with sensational junior Dawson Hill, but also features receiver Taylen Waller (2017), 2018 receiver Jaquez Thomas, 2017 safety Logan Green (2017) and versatile 2017 athlete Quendon Spellman.
Veteran Miami Archbishop Curley head coach Greg Magner once again continues to get athletes out for the football program. 2017 receiver Brian Pierre, 2018 defensive backs Eudens Antoine and Elvins Desarmas, and 2019 receiver Obird Desir stood out.
Willis May and his Douglas Eagles stunned everyone with a win over Booker T. Washington early in the tournament. This is as well coached a program as you will find. Among the prospects standing out included 2018 quarterback Tyler Goodman, 2017 defensive back/receiver Jamal Polycarpe, versatile 2017 standout (WR/FS) Matthew Cabey, 2017 receiver/defensive back Da'Quan Bailey-Brown and 2018 receiver Tai Lehtio are among a group that everyone will follow.
Without first-year head coach Earl Little at the event, Miami's Westminster Christian showcased some quality football talent. Among those on hand for the 2-day event included 2019 defensive back Demetries Ford, 2019 receiver Kalani Norris, 2017 linebacker Daniel Duasso and 2017 safety Jaylan Cox.
Each year for a long period of time, North Broward Prep and veteran head coach Rex Nottage seem to have some prospects that will turn heads. Players like big time prospect Kevin Austin (WR/DB), Dymitri McKenzie, receiver Kenny Henningsen, linebacker Kallen Jennings; and 2020 receiver/cornerback DeJaun McDougle, who is the next in the line of big-time prospects at the school.
Miami Braddock is always at as many things as possible to get better and develop talent. Senior linebacker Anthony Rodriguez; 2018 standouts Steven Stallings (running back) and Santana Moss, Jr. (receiver); and 2019 safety Jason Reese, receiver Helmis Alvarez and defensive end Justin Caldera are all ready to contribute.
Some of the other programs that don't get a lot of views in events with so many teams include second-year head coach LaRon Culpepper, who featured 2017 prospects Danta Banton (linebacker) and Taurus Sanders (linebacker); 2018 standouts Zayvion Wallace (defensive back), Craig Cooper, Jr. (running back), receiver Jaquan Denson and big time receiving prospect Dominick Watt.
In his second season at Mater Academy, Rocco Casullo continues to build the program, using a number of younger players to accomplish that goal. Among the 2017 prospects leading the way at the tournament included Devonta Lopez (defensive back), Dareous Nixon (defensive back) and receiver Tyreek Benton (receiver); 2018 quarterback Marlon Serbin; and 2019 defensive back Rayne Tanega-Doster.
Another program that has been putting things together the past two years is Mike Manasco and the Palmetto Panthers. Undefeated in the first day, this is a team led by 2017 prospects Hugh Lowson (quarterback) and Kevin Schwartz (receiver); 2018 standouts Ivan Thomas (receiver), Trey Flowers (running back), Fred King (defensive back) and receiver Joe Hardy. Cuevas Russ, who an outstanding spring is a 2019 defensive back to keep your eye on.
Adam Ratkevich has had a busy off-season, selling his players to college across the country, and with an outstanding first day, his Western Wildcats had the chance to showcase some talent – such as 2017 leaders Darius Maxwell (slot), Stefan Postman (safety), Kijana Whyte (receiver) and Hunter Stephens (safety); 2018 prospects such as quarterback Harrison Story, defensive back Robbie Ruebel and receiver Dannie Sanders are very solid as well.
One of the programs that have been very visible on the 7-on-7 circuit is Pat Surtain and his nationally-rated American Heritage Patriots. Playing the tournament without some key players, this is a team that made it all the way down to the Elite 8. Among the players stepping up were 2017 defensive backs Michael Hicks and Will Allen, and versatile receivers Donnie Butler and Laress Nelson. Also, 2018 standouts Tyson Campbell (defensive back), Stanley Eugene (defensive back) and linebacker Zach Simmons also made a huge impact. But the player that stole the show was Class of 2020 quarterback and the future of this program, Edwin Rhodes, who was impressive.
Lorenzo Davis and his Dillard Panthers also did a tremendous job, reaching the Elite 8. Some surprises for this program included defensive backs Michael Mackey and Jaden Davis, who is a 2019 prospect and the son of the head coach. The Panthers also featured versatile and very talented George Golden.
Head coach Eddie Brown and his Boyd Anderson Cobras were missing senior standouts Daniel Wright, Raheme Fuller, Eldine Dorvil and Mike Nesbitt, but still managed to compete and finish strong. Backup defensive back Isaiah Thompson looked solid.
