Christopher Columbus Continues To Win

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Since he took over during the 2018-19 season, head coach <strong>Dave Dunn</strong> has continued to elevate Miami Christopher Columbus football to a level where the Explorers are mentioned in every conversation when it comes to competing for a state title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With a convincing 38-19 win over Jacksonville Mandarin in the 4M title game this year in Tallahassee to go back-to-back, Dunn and his football team have won three state titles in five seasons, posting an impressive 70-12 record.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>During that time only 2018 and 2021 did the Explorers fail to bring home a state title – and 2020, which produced a perfect 9-0 season was a Covid year where they won the Tri County title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After watching several key football players move on after this past year – including many of the defensive linemen who were regarded as one of the best in Florida – it's time to reload.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While there are several talented prospects coming back, you can almost guarantee that many standouts throughout southern Miami-Dade County will make a move to play for this championship program.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As of right now, the rising senior class (2025) boasts several prospects who made a major impact – including running back <strong>Agyman Addae</strong>, linebacker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='826543' first='Hector' last='Chavez']</strong> and safety/athlete <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='827359' first='Bryce' last='Fitzgerald']</strong> – all who are being courted by colleges and universities.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Add in Cayan Lamothe-Arice <strong>(CB), Apollo Benito (NG), Hunter Boyd (WR), Julian Calderon (MLB), [player_tooltip player_id='1317636' first='Shaddai' last='Carter'] (FS), [player_tooltip player_id='1317653' first='Fernando' last='De Izaguirre'] (OT), Hezekiah Downs </strong>(DE),<strong> Alexander Fitzgibbons</strong> (PK), <strong>Remy Goins</strong> (TE),<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1230776' first='J.J.' last='Gomez']</strong> (WR), <strong>Vincente Gonzalez</strong> (QB), <strong>Ruben Hernandez </strong>(OT), <strong>Vincent Keane</strong> (WR) and offensive lineman <strong>Jayden Leon.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Explorers will also return <strong>Gustavo Matos</strong> (WR), <strong>Javi Mirabal</strong> (WR), <strong>Jonathan Nua</strong> (LS), <strong>Armondo Pardey</strong> (CB), <strong>Jorge Portocarrero (</strong>FS), <strong>Jalani Reams </strong>(SS), <strong>Davaughn Russell</strong> (OG), <strong>Rafael Suarez</strong> (OT), <strong>Antwuan Simmons</strong> (RB) and cornerback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1022096' first='Justin' last='Weaver']</strong>. Newcomer quarterback <strong>Weasel Barket</strong> is slated to come in from Miami Westminster Christian.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DEPENDING ON THE UNDERCLASSMEN</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While the returning rising senior class will be important, the 2026 (rising juniors) will be vital for experience and depth.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Keep an eye on players such as <strong>Adriano Alo</strong> (OT), <strong>Samuel Barreiro</strong> (WR), <strong>Mauricio Borja</strong> (CB), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1778231' first='Joshua' last='Carmichael']</strong> (CB), <strong>Jeremiah Cooper </strong>(DT), <strong>Alejandro Garcia</strong> (WR), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1632431' first='Nicholas' last='Gobel']</strong> (QB), Julian <strong>Gomez (OT), Julian Hernandez (MLB), Ethan Macia (OT) and receiver [player_tooltip player_id='1626844' first='Khamari' last='Marceus'].</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2026 class also features <strong>Roderick Matamoros</strong> (TE), <strong>Lazaro Medina</strong> (OG), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1705503' first='Angel' last='Orozco']</strong> (G), <strong>Joseph Triana </strong>(RB) and cornerback <strong>D'Andre Ward</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rising sophomores (2027) <strong>Kayron Bryant</strong> (WR) and <strong>Jahni Smith</strong> (RB) lead the way in a class that will continue to grow in the off-season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Statewide Coverage Daily. <strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/florida/">https://prepredzone.com/florida/</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>You Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at: <strong><a href="mailto:Floridakids1@aol.com">Floridakids1@aol.com</a>.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->