Central Goes For National Title

For years, Miami Central has served as the unofficial ambassador for high school football in the state of Florida.

California, Texas, Nevada, Georgia, Washington D.C. and several other places this program went on the road and competed against some of the top programs in the nation.

While they had won state titles – eight to be exact – national attention had always been a challenge – as California and many academies received much of that attention.

When the three-time defending state champions opened the season on the road in Bradenton and beat national power IMG Academy, things started to change. Immediately they were thrust into the national spotlight, and as they continued to win, recognized by Max Preps as a top three team, and recently by High School Football America who put this team in the top spot – which college coaches and analysts who see the entire country – were 100 percent in agreement.

When the Rockets take to the field on Friday evening (7:00) against nationally rated Plantation American Heritage in the 2M state title at DRV PNK Stadium, this team has a real chance to finish as the No. 1 team in the country.

With first year head coach Jube Joseph talking over this season from legendary Roland Smith, things have certainly fell into place.

With the senior class (2023) leading the way, the Rockets have indeed been impressive. Prospects like University of Miami defensive line commit Rueben Bain Rueben Bain 6'2" | 255 lbs | DL Miami Central | 2023 State FL (6-3, 260), Auburn quarterback commit Keyone Jenkins Keyone Jenkins 6'0" | 170 lbs | QB Miami Central | 2023 FL (6-0, 185), Louisville linebacker commit Stanquan Clark Stanquan Clark 6'2" | 215 lbs | LB Miami Central | 2023 State FL (6-2, 215) and University of Pittsburgh-bound receiver Lamar Seymour (6-2, 185) have paved the way.

In addition, fellow seniors have also made an impact. Prospects like Gary Cribbs Jr. (WR, 5-9, 165), Dieutriche Exantus Dieutriche Exantus 6'2" | 200 lbs | LB North Miami | 2023 FL (LB, 6-2, 205), Mark-Allen Gay (FS, 6-1, 185), Cataurus Hicks (WR), James London (PK), Jazizaih Lugo (LB, 6-0, 200), Travon Miller (Slot/RB, 5-9, 160), Ean Pope Ean Pope 5'8" | 180 lbs | RB Miami Central | 2023 FL (RB, 5-8, 175), Gaddy Rawls IV (RB, 5-9, 190), Shawn Smoak (DB, 5-10, 175), Zayden Laing-Taylor Zayden Laing-Taylor 5'11" | 160 lbs | DB Miami Monsignor Pace | 2023 FL (DB, 6-1, 185), Dylan Tulloch (QB, 5-11, 180), Corey Washington Corey Washington 5'11" | 170 lbs | WR Orange Park Oakleaf | 2023 FL (WR, 5-8, 160) and running back Omarion Williams (5-9, 165).

THE FUTURE IS SPECIAL

While a tremendous senior class is departing, the Rockets have a tremendous future with 2024 juniors like Earl Kulp Earl Kulp 6'2" | 175 lbs | DB Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas | 2024 State FL (CB, 6-0, 180), Lawayne McCoy Lawayne McCoy 6'0" | 175 lbs | WR Miami Central | 2024 State FL (WR, 6-1, 170), running back Nicholas McCall, Luke Moise Luke Moise 6'2" | 300 lbs | OL Miami Central | 2024 FL (OL, 6-3, 290), Keion Reyes Keion Reyes 6'3" | 300 lbs | OL Miami Central | 2024 FL (OL, 6-2, 300) and William Rothmiller (OL, 6-1, 270). But also features Berlin Camfort (FS, 5-11, 185), Jai’Vyn Darby (OG, 6-0, 290), Teko Shoats Jr. (OL, 6-4, 285) and Lamar Smith (MLB, 6-2, 210).

There are also quality sophomores as well. Class of 2025 standouts Randy Adiricka (DT, 6-4, 250), Ezekiel Marcelin Jr. (LB, 6-0, 195), Deangelo Thompson (DE, 6-3, 215) and Amari Wallace, (DB) as well as Anjuan Coleman Jr. (Athlete, 5-11, 170)

Jalen Labranche (DB), Jordan London (WR, 5-11, 165) and Donovan Randle (DE, 6-2, 190)

Keep an eye on freshmen J’Vari Flowers J’Vari Flowers 5'9" | 145 lbs | DB FL (DB, 5-11, 170) and Karon Maycock (OLB/S, 6-1, 185) as well.

ROCKETS (13-0)

Bradenton IMG Academy, W 20-14

MIAMI BOOKER T. WASHINGTON, W 36-19

Miami Carol City, W 34-0

FORT LAUDERDALE DILLARD, W 43-7

North Miami Beach, W 41-0

Miami Northwestern, W 42-7

MIAMI NORLAND, W 53-7Miami Christopher Columbus, W 42-35

MIAMI GARDENS MONSIGNOR PACE, W 50-14

MIAMI ST, BRENDAN, W 60-0

MIAMI NORTHWESTERN, W 34-30

MIAMI NORLAND, W 34-20

ST. PETERSBURG LAKEWOOD, W 39-21

PHOTO COURTESY OF SCOREBOOK LIVE FLORIDA

For the past 52 years, we have spent plenty of time on football fields than anyone in the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we get to as many events as possible to see the athletes LIVE. Follow us on Facebook (Larry Blustein) Instagram (@OurBoyBlu) and Twitter (@larryblustein). Contact us at: Floridakids1@aol.com.