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Heating Up: McArthur Mustangs

Larry BlockSFHSSports: Twitter | Facebook

Before the 2015 season began, first-year head coach Laron Culpepper, an alumnus of McArthur, predicted that his Mustangs would be in the mix for a district title.

While that goal fell short, it did fuel this program – which has had plenty of success through the years. It had every player on this team working harder to make sure that what happened a year ago, would not repeat itself this season.

Heading in to this year, this is a Mustang program that is indeed much more equipped to handle this race for a playoff spot, and while Nova and West Broward surprised everyone a year ago, it's the Mustangs and South Broward that figure to be on top when things begin later this month.

"We have worked very hard and made sure that talking is not going to win games," Culpepper said. "We have added pieces to the puzzle and return a number if quality football players."

This year's McArthur team once again has offensive and defensive playmakers who continue to step up and make a difference in the off season.

The offense begins and ends with quality receiver Dominick Watt, a junior who has been one of the best in south Florida over the past year.

Watt is a pass catcher who has been one of those elite prospects the Mustangs have featured. But this standout is not alone. Sophomore quarterback Deon Jones is considered one of the fastest-rising players. So are lineman Hansky Paillant, and 2018 running back Craig Cooper, Jr., who comes in from Hialeah American.

"We have a lot more playmakers than we did last year at this time," Culpepper said. "Young men who really get what we are doing out here."

On defense, the Mustangs look to be much improved as well.

Defensive ends Nick Simpson (2017) and gifted Jesse Smith (2018) are solid. So are defensive backs Christopher Alexandre (2019) and Matthew Mesidor (2018); senior linebacker Danta Banton and senior lineman Michael Martinez.

"Great off season," Culpepper explained. "We are now hoping it pays off during the regular season – where it counts."

OTHERS TO KEEP AN EYE ON
2017 – Guillermo Castillo, WR
2017 – Romario Coley, DB
2017 – Jevaughn Davis, WR
2018 – Jaquan Denson, WR
2017 – Najha Edwards, RB/WR
2017 – Steven Evans, DB
2018 – Jerkevan Harrell, Slot
2018 – Zavion Wallace, DB
2017 – Taurus Sanders, LB
2017 – Tayshon Sessions, DE
2017 – DeAndre Smith, DB
2018 – Xavier Zavala, OL

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