Who Is Winning Class 5A This Season?

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we begin the race for a state title this week with playoff games getting started around Florida on Thursday, there are some questions from fans, coaches and players on which teams will end up in Miami at Pitbull Stadium (FIU campus) to play for seven coveted titles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We have already looked at 4A, 6A and 7A and today we turn our attention to Class 5A, where <strong>Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas</strong> is the defending state champion and the Raiders have won an amazing six straight championships.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While head coach <strong>Roger Harriott</strong> and his team have been the favorite all season – heading into this week with a 9-1 record, a No. 2 ranking in the <strong><em>Prep Redzone Florida Top 30</em></strong>, and a nine-game winning streak.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As good as this football team is, there are other teams who believe they can throw a wrench into the Raiders' plans.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Among the programs to watch include<a> </a>No. 7. <strong>Orlando Edgewater</strong> (10-0), No. 20. <strong>Tampa Gaither</strong> (9-1), No. 23. <strong>Lakeland </strong>(8-2), and No. 29. <strong>Delray Atlantic</strong> (9-1).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Also, keep an eye on some longer shots such as <strong>Bradenton Manatee</strong> (4-6), <strong>Cape Coral </strong>(9-1), <strong>Coconut Creek</strong> (8-2), <strong>Daytona Beach Mainland</strong> (7-2), <strong>Fleming Island</strong> (6-3), <strong>Fort Myers Riverdale</strong> (9-1), <strong>Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy </strong>(8-2), <strong>Hollywood McArthur</strong> (8-2), <strong>Immokalee</strong> (7-2), <strong>Lynn Haven Mosley</strong> (9-1), <strong>Middleburg</strong> (8-2), <strong>Milton</strong> (8-2), <strong>Niceville </strong>(6-4), <strong>North Miami</strong> (7-3), <strong>Ponte Vedra</strong> (8-2) <strong>St. Johns Beachside </strong>(6-4), <strong>Stuart Martin County</strong> (8-2), <strong>Tallahassee Lincoln</strong> (6-4), <strong>Tampa Bay Tech</strong> (8-2), and <strong>Winter Springs</strong> (7-3) – all who are in the state playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>THIS YEAR'S STANDOUTS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While we are watching the race for state titles, remember there are some quality prospects who have stepped up their game this year. Here are some of those impressive players:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 – [player_tooltip player_id='1726696' first='Kiyh' last='Anderson'], DE/LB, 6'3, 190, Wesley Chapel. </strong>Track &amp; Field. Ended a huge final season with 73 tackles (43 solo), 10.5 sacks, 20.5 tackles for loss, 5 forced fumbles, 5 fumble recoveries, 2 pass deflections and 1 touchdown.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19402334/690a1b5e640df8dc76c03dcb">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19402334/690a1b5e640df8dc76c03dcb</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 – [player_tooltip player_id='1258702' first='Jesse' last='Barker Jr.'], DE/DT/H-Back, 6'0, 250, Groveland South Lake. </strong>It was a record setting year for the 9-1 Eagles, but for this impressive player with an area high 18 Sacks, 31 tackles for loss and 81 total tackles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17867282/690c179c870e2f0be64118a6">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17867282/690c179c870e2f0be64118a6</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2028 – [player_tooltip player_id='1557713' first='Ryan' last='Browning'], QB, 6'1, 185, Tampa Gaither – 4.2 GPA. </strong>Quite a regular season for this young man – with 1,712 passing yards -92/144 (64% completion) -20 touchdowns - 2 interceptions -138.7 QB Rating -171.2 yards per game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/22457709/Ryan-Browning">https://www.hudl.com/profile/22457709/Ryan-Browning</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 – Jonah Clouse, RB/SS/Athlete, 5'9, 180, New Port Richey River Ridge. </strong>A very productive final high school season with 488 yards and 8 touchdowns (4.1 yards per carry) and 166 yards receiving as well as 102 return yards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17928582/690ded0190223eab69d2d0cc">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17928582/690ded0190223eab69d2d0cc</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 – Ryan Clurman, WR/DB/Athlete, 6'1, 162, Spring Hill Bishop McLaughlin. </strong>As a two-way performer, he had a quality season with 337 Yards on 156 receptions and 3 touchdowns. On defense, he finished with 13 tackles, 2 interceptions and 5 passes defended.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19493921/Ryan-Clurman">https://www.hudl.com/profile/19493921/Ryan-Clurman</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2027 – Devin Coleman, Athlete, 6'1, 175, Winter Park Lake Howell – 4.2 GPA.</strong> Track &amp; Field. Quite a junior season with 1 touchdown, 713 receiving yards, 29 receptions, 2 carries for 27 yards. In defense, 16 tackles (1 TFL), 1 pass break up and 1 fumble recovery.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/22953346/Devin-Coleman">https://www.hudl.com/profile/22953346/Devin-Coleman</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 – [player_tooltip player_id='1689601' first='Chase' last='Donnon'], QB/DB, 6'1, 185, Oviedo The Master's Academy – 3.85 GPA Honors. </strong>The regular season was indeed productive for the two-time defending state champions. 1,346 total yards, 200 rushing, 12 total TDs 2 rushing, 4 total tackles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/26469530/Chase-Donnon">https://www.hudl.com/profile/26469530/Chase-Donnon</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2027 – [player_tooltip player_id='1433217' first='Max' last='Griner'], QB, 6'1, 195, Royal Palm Beach – 4.34 GPA.</strong> Finished the regular season with 24 touchdowns, 4 interceptions and a 125 Quarterback Rating.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19519173/Max-Griner">https://www.hudl.com/profile/19519173/Max-Griner</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 – Jayden Harris, DB, 5'9, 160, Orlando Innovation – 3.2 GPA. </strong>Finished the regular season with 35 Total tackles, 2 forced fumbles, 3 tackles for loss, 7 pass breakups, 14 targets, 1 completion allowed and zero touchdowns allowed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19311825/6740b348230aa01fb3aa6b1d">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19311825/6740b348230aa01fb3aa6b1d</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2028 – Trae Hoyle III, Edge, 6'0, 180, Zephyrhills – 4.08 GPA. </strong>Great regular season for this sophomore in just 27 quarters played - 60 tackles (33 solo), 7 tackles for loss, 2 Sacks, 5 hurries and 2 fumble recoveries.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22590755/68bc5830db30fb43c1bc607a">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22590755/68bc5830db30fb43c1bc607a</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2028 – Rodney “R.J.” Jones, Athlete, 5'9, 160, Brooksville Nature Coast Tech – 3.4 GPA. </strong>A more than solid regular season for this sophomore, who got it done on both sides of the ball. 144 carries, 1,119 rushing yards (7.8 yards per carry), 17 touchdowns -1,294 all-purpose yards. On defense, he had 29 total tackles and 2 interceptions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18650411/68c76a671b6bea04400108da" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18650411/68c76a671b6bea04400108da</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2027 – E.J. Kosh, WR, 5'9, 160, Eagle Lake – Lake Region. Ended a productive junior season with 507 yards on 42 receptions with two touchdowns.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22486802/68d488950f5aa350d2c6a3af" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22486802/68d488950f5aa350d2c6a3af</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 – Amare Lawrence, DB/Athlete, 6'1, 175, Tampa Middleton. </strong>It was a very productive senior season for this versatile prospect. Finished with 30 tackles, 2 interceptions, 1 rushing touchdown, 10 pass break ups, 3 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18263059/68fd36f1e012c26d44318098" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18263059/68fd36f1e012c26d44318098</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2027 – Gio Marenco, RB, 5'10, 190, Naples Gulf Coast – 3.0 GPA. </strong>Heading into the state playoffs, this impressive junior had quite a season with 1,377 yards on 170 attempts and 9 touchdowns.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19867512/690f920174301bea69fa212b">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19867512/690f920174301bea69fa212b</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2028 – [player_tooltip player_id='1879580' first='Tyson' last='McCullough'], SS/RB, 6'1, 183, Zephyrhills – 3.7 GPA. </strong>In leading his team to a perfect (10-0) regular season, he finished with 42 tackles (32 solo), (10 assisted), 5 interceptions, 6 pass deflections, 1 sack, 1 blocked punt, 1 scoop and score and 6 tackles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22590727/690bf3739869406b1d483c22">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22590727/690bf3739869406b1d483c22</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 – Fredric Sanrelus, DE/LB, 6'2, 235, Davie Nova. </strong>As the Titans get set to play in the post season, this quality talent certainly made an impact with 51 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss and 6 sacks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19412328/690eb86190223eab69d3460d">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19412328/690eb86190223eab69d3460d</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 – Brycen Volz, QB, 6'1, 205, Parrish Community School. </strong>The success of this team, heading into the state playoffs, came from a number of players, but this senior truly made an impact – with 23 touchdown passes, 2,011 yards (68 percent completions) and no interceptions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15617664/68ae63c04779d3714b8c3cf3">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15617664/68ae63c04779d3714b8c3cf3</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 PREP REDZONE FLORIDA STOCK UP EVENT. Nobody Provides EVERY Athletes Exposure Like This Event - Guaranteed! <u><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></u></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Statewide Coverage Daily. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/florida/">https://prepredzone.com/florida/</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>You Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at: Floridakids1@aol.com.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>COACHES, PLAYERS: Do You Have A Subscription? Contact us for a savings code so you can see what everyone has been talking about! <a>Floridakids1@aol.com</a>.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->