Heritage Needs To Keep Momentum Going

There was a stretch – after losing to 2A powerhouse Cocoa, from Sept. 20 until Nov. 1, where Palm Bay Heritage football was sitting in a great position.   During that stretch the Panthers were 4-2, losing only to Vero Beach (10-7) and Daytona Beach Mainland (9-0), and captured the District 13-5A title, beating Stuart-Martin County, Fort Pierce Westwood and Stuart South Fork.   While the season ended 5-6, dropping a first-round state playoff game to Miramar, 32-10, head coach Mykel Benson Sr. and his program made some major strides.   As the off-season began, there was a reason to be optimistic, and even though there were some key pieces that had to be replaced, there was enough talent to build from.   If this team is going to repeat as champions and take things one step further, the rising senior class (2026) will need some help from talented underclassmen who are being groomed this spring and summer.   CLASS OF 2026   Desaan Barnes, OL, 6-0, 290 – 2.5 GPA. Low center and feet that never stop moving. He will light up the defensive line as soon as the play starts until the final whistle blows. One of several prospects up front. TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19406598/Dasaan-Barnes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/19406598/Dasaan-Barnes</a>   Jahlani Clarke, S/WR, 6-0, 180 – 3.7 GPA. Here is a versatile talent that speaks this program on both sides of the ball. He covers plenty of ground and knows exactly where the flow of the play is headed. In addition to his cover skills, he will come up and stop the run as well. There's a lot to like here.   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18109681/Jahlani-Clarke" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/18109681/Jahlani-Clarke</a>   [player_tooltip player_id='1249185' first='Amir' last='Parker'], DL, 6-4, 240 – 3.0 GPA. As soon as the ball snapped this is someone who is there ready to fill the hole and make the play. Quick off the ball, athletic, strong and knows how to read the flow of the play. This is going to be someone to keep an eye on this coming season.   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18067752/Amir-Parker" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/18067752/Amir-Parker</a>   [player_tooltip player_id='1371496' first='Jordan' last='Pidala'], QB, 6-1, 200 – 3.2 GPA. Comes over from Rockledge with plenty of talent and the ability to lead. A true playmaker that will give this program a major boost this season. Not only does he make all the throws, but can also use his legs to extend plays if needed. Has an opportunity to be one of the Space Coast's top quarterbacks.   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18618959/JORDAN-PIDALA" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/18618959/JORDAN-PIDALA</a>   John White, RB/LB, 6-0, 215 – 2.5 GPA. Another versatile prospect who has shown that no matter what side of the ball you put him at he will get the job done. As a running back he is powerful player who does not go down on the first hit and will get those tough yards. On defense he is quick to read, strong and faster than many believe. He is indeed a playmaker.   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18122513/John-White" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/18122513/John-White</a>   Carmello Williams, DB, 5-6, 155. Track & Field. While he may not be the biggest player on the field, this is someone who will get after it. Whether as a defensive secondary performer or on special teams he adds to this team.   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18359629/Carmello-Williams" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/18359629/Carmello-Williams</a>     CLASS OF 2027   Jeremiah Alveranga, OL, 6-3, 285 – 2.6 GPA. Here is one of the fast-rising line prospects in the state who brings plenty to the table. He is big, quick, smart, athletic and has a passion to play the game. Will certainly be one of those “big men” who will watch his stock rise plenty throughout the spring and summer.   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/22433899/Jeremiah-Alveranga" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/22433899/Jeremiah-Alveranga</a>   [player_tooltip player_id='1715863' first='Tajz' last='Brown'], LB/DB, 5-10, 180. Another emerging young prospect that brings plenty to the game as a versatile defensive player or as a special teams performer. Keep your eye on his progress. He has the opportunity to watch his stock soar.   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/20628788/TAJZ-BROWN" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/20628788/TAJZ-BROWN</a>     Florida March Class of 2026 Updated Rankings. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/03/updated-2026-florida-rankings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://prepredzone.com/2025/03/updated-2026-florida-rankings/</a>   Statewide Coverage Daily. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/florida/">https://prepredzone.com/florida/</a>   You Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at: Floridakids1@aol.com.   COACHES, PLAYERS: Do You Have A Subscription? Contact us for a savings code so you can see what everyone has been talking about! <a href="mailto:Floridakids1@aol.com">Floridakids1@aol.com</a>.

There was a stretch – after losing to 2A powerhouse Cocoa, from Sept. 20 until Nov. 1, where Palm Bay Heritage football was sitting in a great position.