Top 3A Team? Key Performers In Week 2

When Miami Northwestern humbled district foe Key West for the second time this past Friday night, the unbeaten (11-0) Bulls moved one step closer to defending a Class 3A Florida title they captured in easy fashion last December.   The No. 3 rated team going into the Region finals this coming Friday at Traz Powell Stadium is once again a huge favorite to get back to Pitbull Stadium to defend that title. But to get there, there are a few games to take care of first.   One of the major hurdles for this program will come the night after Thanksgiving when they play host – for the second time this season to No. 6 Miami Central (9-1), their biggest rival over the years.   When the Bulls and Rockets met for the first time earlier this season, it was Northwestern that came out on top, 30-21, back on Oct. 4.   While that game is one that many experts across the state call the true 3A state title game, there are six other teams – including unbeaten (11-0) and No. 5 Jacksonville Raines, which was on the other side of that 41-0 clock-running title game last year on the campus of Florida International University.   While the Bulls, Rockets and Vikings are the favorites to play for the title, there are some other teams that could have something to say in the next few weeks.   Other teams to keep an eye on – starting this Friday – will be No. 10. Sarasota Booker (11-1), No. 28. Orlando Bishop Moore (11-1) as well as unranked Brooksville Nature Coast Tech (10-2), Melbourne Eau Gallie (9-3) and Jacksonville Bishop Kenny (10-2).   SOME TOP PERFORMERS THIS SEASON   In addition to the race for the 3A title, there have been some impressive football performances this season across the state.   Here are some of those head-turning performances:   2027 – Nathan Akintola, DB, 5'9, 180, Orlando Timber Creek – 4.8 GPA. His junior season ended with 35 total tackles, 2 interceptions, and 4 pass break ups.   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22000456/6904e551f37c5ab4a149fda2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22000456/6904e551f37c5ab4a149fda2</a>   2027 – [player_tooltip player_id='1726696' first='Kiyh' last='Anderson'], DE/LB, 6'3, 190, Wesley Chapel. Track & Field. Enjoyed quite a final season in high school with 73 (43 solo) tackles, 10.5 sacks, 20.5 tackles for loss, 5 force fumbles, 5 fumble recoveries, 2 pass deflections and scored 1 touchdown.   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19402334/690a1b5e640df8dc76c03dcb" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19402334/690a1b5e640df8dc76c03dcb</a>   2028 – Kobe Bailey, Slot/QB/Athlete, 5'9, 150, Bushnell South Sumter. Here is someone who was all over the place for this program in 2025. His stats included 891 all-purpose yards, 366 receiving yards, 34 receptions for 228 rushing yards on 59 carries and 190 passing yards with NO interceptions.   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18422390/Kobe-Bailey" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/18422390/Kobe-Bailey</a>   2028 – Bertran Bates, OL/DL, 6'1, 240, Lakeland Santa Fe Catholic – 3.5 GPA. While he has been impressive on both sides of the ball, it's defense where he has put up some numbers - 41 tackles, 13.5 Sacks, 26.5 tackles for loss and 5 forced fumbles.   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/22615048/Bertran-Bates" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/22615048/Bertran-Bates</a>   2027- Trenton Beesing, QB, 5'10, 170, Pembroke Pines Charter – 3.8 GPA. Tremendous junior season set the tone of the off-season with 2,241 passing yards - 18 passing TDs - 679 rushing yards - 1 rushing TD.   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19753837/6920765c98559ebf513378d3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19753837/6920765c98559ebf513378d3</a>   2026 - Quameek Benton, OLB/FS/DE, 6'1, 200, Milton – 3.6 GPA. Outstanding senior season with 60 tackles, 36 Solo tackles, 24 Assists, 14 tackles for loss, 3 Sacks, 3 passes defended and 1 forced fumble.   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18826844/Quameek-Benton" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/18826844/Quameek-Benton</a>   2027 – Brady Brenneman, QB, 6'2, 205, Lakeland Christian – 4.19 GPA. Baseball. During the 8-3 season, he finished with 2,592 total yards (2,173 passing) on 147 completions, 25 passing touchdowns, 8 rushing touchdowns.   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19088095/68af0cf84779d3714b8c57fc" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19088095/68af0cf84779d3714b8c57fc</a>   2028 – Tony “Dook” Brown, WR, 5'10, 180, Clermont East Ridge. After a playoff run, his sophomore season was indeed special with 35 catches in 10 games for 914 yards and 210 touchdowns.   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/25762057/691d5de82727ce863ba2930f" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/25762057/691d5de82727ce863ba2930f</a>   2027 – [player_tooltip player_id='1865650' first='Chase' last='Donaldson'], DB, 5'10, 165, Fleming Island – 4.6 GPA. Baseball prospect. Ended his junior season – with - 3 interceptions, 12 pass break ups, 2 tackles for loss, 27 Solo Tackles, 42 Total Tackles -2 Blocked FG, 1 Onside Recovery -129 INT yards, 137 Return yards.   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19675790/Chase-Donaldson" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/19675790/Chase-Donaldson</a>   2028 – Virshod Elijah Eleaby, DE/LB, 6'1, 205, South Fort Myers. It was a huge sophomore season 124 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, 1 forced fumble and 2 fumble recoveries.   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/26326225/68f85cfeec5609ef43ac5834" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/26326225/68f85cfeec5609ef43ac5834</a>   2026 – Eshoi “X” Ewers, FS/WR/Athlete, 6'0, 180, Dover Specialty Fit Academy – 3.6 GPA. What a great senior year this quality talent had with 1,647 all-purpose yards, 11-TD, 161 tackles (118 solo) 7 tackles for loss, 25 pass break ups, 3 interceptions, 4 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries.   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17671885/650f5f6aa022f50664acdd31" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17671885/650f5f6aa022f50664acdd31</a>   2027 – [player_tooltip player_id='900438' first='Isaac' last='Fanelli'], WR/DB, 6'1, 180, New Smyrna Beach – 3.7 GPA. This two-way standout had a solid year on both sides of the ball with 13 receptions, 264 all purpose yards, 2 touchdowns, 3 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles, 8 pass break ups and 21 tackles.   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19850490/Isaac-Fanelli" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/19850490/Isaac-Fanelli</a>   2027 – Donterrious “D.J.” Figgers Jr., Athlete/WR, 5'10, 160, Tallahassee Rickards – 3.4 GPA. Capped off his junior 24 receptions, 283 receiving yards, 4 receiving touchdowns, 322 total yards, 2 rushing attempt – 10 yards, 1 kick return – 50 yards and 4 pancake blocks.   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20814661/690ae2f4dd5da57f80889eff" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20814661/690ae2f4dd5da57f80889eff</a>   2027 – Shamoi “Mo” Green, RB, 5'9, 165, Callahan West Nassau. During a state playoff season, he had over 1,200 yards rushing and 19 touchdowns.   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/24351205/Shamoi-Green" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/24351205/Shamoi-Green</a>   2027 – [player_tooltip player_id='1681618' first='Colton' last='Haywood'], LB, 6'0, 205, Tampa Jesuit – 4.47 GPA. 33 ACT. Playing a key role for one of the top programs in the state, he had 13 total tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 pass break up and 1 forced fumble this past week. On the season, he has 130 total tackles, 22 tackles for loss and 5 pass break ups.   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19599097/674e0b7df944d22bcd5573a9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19599097/674e0b7df944d22bcd5573a9</a>   2026 – Storm Hense, LB, 6'0, 210, Bradenton Manatee – 4.24 GPA. During a state playoff run, his senior season watched him have 66 tackles (44 solo), 18 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, forced fumble and recovery.   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18897054/Storm-Hense" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/18897054/Storm-Hense</a>   2027 – [player_tooltip player_id='1868239' first='Jadence' last='Kennedy'], QB, 5'11, 175, The Villages Charter. Basketball prospect. Had an amazing junior year for an 8-2 state playoff team with 2,065 passing yards, 30 touchdowns and zero interceptions!   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19955546/674133dc230aa01fb3aab1fa" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19955546/674133dc230aa01fb3aab1fa</a>   2026 – Kwame “K.J.” Nettles Jr., FS/Athlete, 6'3, 180, South Fort Myers – 4.4 GPA. In just seven games played, he had 40+ tackles, 2+ touchdowns, 1 pick six, 2+ sacks, 3+ tackled for loss, 2+ force fumble, 2+ pass break ups and even 60+ all-purpose yards on offense.   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17809938/690795710c02cc788e71a26b" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17809938/690795710c02cc788e71a26b</a> 2027 – [player_tooltip player_id='893797' first='Kyle' last='Opsincs'], DT, 6'2, 200, Stuart Martin County – 3.0 GPA. While he also plays defensive end and tight end, his defensive numbers were indeed eye catching – with 60 tackles, 7 sacks, 16 tackles for loss, 45 solo, 15 assists, 2 fumble recoveries.   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/23049300/Kyle-Opsincs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/23049300/Kyle-Opsincs</a>   2027 – Daunta Peterson Jr., DB, 6'0, 180, Tampa Bay Tech – 3.4 GPA. Despite losing in the second round of the state playoffs, his season ended with 4 interceptions, 1 pick six, 11 pass breakups, 21 tackles, 2 tackles for loss and no touchdowns allowed.   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19515439/Daunta-Peterson-Jr" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/19515439/Daunta-Peterson-Jr</a>   2027 – [player_tooltip player_id='1588071' first='Luke' last='Sarzier'], WR/Athlete, 5'10, 165, Jacksonville Episcopal – 4.27 GPA. Turned out to be the total package at his position on the field and in the classroom with 716 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns as well as making key blocks and showcasing skills.   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19463472/Luke-Sarzier" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/19463472/Luke-Sarzier</a>     2026 PREP REDZONE FLORIDA STOCK UP EVENT. <a href="https://events.prepredzone.com/e/2137/register/stock-up-showcase-florida ">https://events.prepredzone.com/e/2137/register/stock-up-showcase-florida </a>   Statewide Coverage Daily. https://prepredzone.com/florida/   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>.

When Miami Northwestern humbled district foe Key West for the second time this past Friday night, the unbeaten (11-0) Bulls moved one step closer to defending a Class 3A Florida title they captured in easy fashion last December.