Don’t Forget About Western In 8A

As many high school analysts and coaches are making their plans for the post season – because of what they have coming back in 2021 – they better not lose sight of the fact that this is Florida, and talent is ion every corner. With Sanford Seminole being picked by many to repeat as 8A state champions – and Kissimmee Osceola, Orlando Dr. Phillips, Apopka, Jacksonville Bartram Trail, Vero Beach, Venice, Deerfield Beach, Miami Palmetto and Miami Christopher Columbus all being mentioned as teams to watch this coming season, there just may be a team that these “experts” are forgetting about. <strong>Coach Adam Ratkevich</strong> and his Davie Western Wildcats have been building towards this season – after a disastrous 2020 campaign that saw Covid and the pandemic ruin everyone's plans – leaving south Florida out of the playoff mix (except for the few who opted in). What this program has been able to do is get enough talent on board – with some key returnees to put together a team that is more than capable of winning it all. As many of those favorites in 8A showcased their impressive bounty of talent, the Wildcats decided to stay home and work on what many believe is as talented a group as you can get. Starting with a senior class that is truly gifted with playmakers on both sides of the ball. Prospects such as <strong>Percy Courtney</strong> (SS, 6-0, 185), <strong>Acciani Crutcher</strong> (CB, 6-0, 175), Piper transfer <strong>Anderson Delva</strong> (DT, 6-0, 265), TRU Prep Academy transfer <strong>David Espino</strong> (OG, 6-1, 290), heavily-recruited safety <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50298" first="Websley" last="Etienne"]</strong> (6-0, 180), <strong>Simion Hines</strong> (CB, 5-11, 175), <strong>Ashton Jackson</strong> (LB, 6-0, 220), <strong>Daniel Jean</strong> (CB, 5-11, 180) and promising Piper transfer <strong>Jarvins Joseph</strong> (DE, 6-3, 220). The Wildcats also have nationally-rated receiver <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50197" first="Jullian" last="Lewis"]</strong> (6-2, 195), versatile Fort Lauderdale Dillard transfer <strong>Navar Maine</strong> (WR, 6-0, 215) – as well as Chaminade-Madonna transfer defensive lineman <strong>Kalun-J Matthew </strong>(6-1, 280), <strong>Logan Miller</strong> (WR, 5-8, 165), TRU Prep Academy transfer <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="111558" first="Knight" last="Nakanishi"]</strong> (DE, 6-2, 230), <strong>T.J. Laurent</strong> (DE, 6-5, 220), <strong>Alec Pursel</strong> (OLB, 6-0, 185) and receiver <strong>Brennen Taranto</strong> (5-11, 175). Gifted receiver <strong>Tyreik Thorpe</strong> (5-9, 170), <strong>Derick Walker</strong> (OG, 6-3, 295) and way under the radar performer <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50225" first="Nicholas" last="Watson"]</strong> (TE, 6-5, 220) are also very special. <strong>UNDERCLASSMEN REPRESENTING THE FUTURE</strong> With a very strong senior class, Coach Ratkevich and his staff are also looking toward the future – where 2023 junior quarterback C<strong>ollin Hurst </strong>(5-11, 170) leads the way – along with <strong>Lucas Castro</strong> (OG, 6-1, 285), highly-regarded St. Thomas Aquinas transfer <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="128080" first="Harrison" last="Green"]</strong> (OL, 6-3, 300), <strong>Joshua Joseph</strong> (SS, 5-10, 170) and receiver <strong>Lawayne McCoy</strong> (WR, 6-0, 165). Western also boasts <strong>Terrence Miller</strong> (RB, 5-8, 170), <strong>Roger Reyes</strong> (OT, 6-4, 255), <strong>Michael Shoemaker</strong> (OT, 6-1, 250), <strong>Kaleb Stewart</strong> (OLB, 5-11, 195) and running back <strong>Nelson Walker</strong> (6-0, 195). Even the Class of 2024 sophomores are going to be special – led by national recruit <strong>Justin Bodford</strong> (DT, 6-1, 300), <strong>Jhamari Hall</strong> (SS, 5-9, 165), promising kicking specialist <strong>Kristian Hobbs</strong> (6-0, 190), <strong>Nathan Jean</strong> (CB, 5-9, 155) and tight end <strong>Reginald Joseph</strong> (6-5, 190). <strong>TRACKING FLORIDA: Teams Look At 2021 Season. </strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2021/03/tracking-florida-teams-look-at-2021-season/">https://prepredzone.com/2021/03/tracking-florida-teams-look-at-2021-season/</a> <strong>PHOTO COURTESY OF WESTERN HIGH</strong> <strong><em>You Can Contact [player_tooltip player_id="111610" first="Larry" last="Blustein"] with prospect or team information at: Floridakids1@aol.com. We are also on Social Media on @PrepRedzonefl.</em></strong>