Cypress Bay, a state title contender after several new additions

Not since 2012 has Cypress Bay achieved 11 wins and appeared in a state championship game. In 2026, the Lightning have a legitimate chance to return to the state title game, as the football team has added several high-level players to its roster, many of whom come from Plantation High School.   Here are some of the top players that will determine just how far Cypress Bay will go in the upcoming football season.   Five Key Players to Success    Johnson is arguably the top athlete in South Florida regardless of class and displayed his versatility during his sophomore season, playing both ways as a quarterback and at safety. He played quarterback last due to a team need at a high level, leading his team to the playoffs, but projects as an elite defensive back at the next level, given his size, speed, and agility.   Johnson can be an elite cornerback or safety; his elite athleticism enables him to make plays on the ball even if out of position. He is also a threat in the kick return game and can take it the distance with minimal space.    TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/24237216/69693ff4cc281153c14fc31e    Dobson is a menace for opposing offensive linemen, as he already has the ideal frame to be a college football player at the highest level. He has the strength to take on multiple blockers while keeping his head up to stop the run.   Dobson is a relentless pass rusher who uses a variety of moves to get to the quarterback. He also has the agility to be a productive tight end at the high school level, but projects as an elite edge player at the college level.     The Plantation transfer is an explosive wideout who consistently gets separation. He has deceptive speed and often uses his deception to get open.   He is dangerous from the slot and on the boundary, and does a good job of catching the ball in traffic. Christian is also a talented defensive back who often plays both sides of the field in the same game.    TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/28088641/68d202e7ab2f611abc70139a    The transfer from Plantation is a solid thrower of the football and often hits his target in stride. His 6-foot-3, 188-pound frame is a good base to build on in the coming years.   He can throw well on the run and is also a threat to gain chunk yardage with his legs. Escobedo, recovering from a season-ending injury last season, is a D-1 talent who could be a full-time starter at the next level.     The Florida State pledge is a strong cover corner with elite ball skills. He is quick to react to the football, whether in the air or on the ground.   Foreman excels at all three secondary positions (cornerback, safety, and nickel) and has an innate ability to track down the football and predict where and when the ball will be thrown. He displays tremendous balance in the passing game and hits with authority in the run game    TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/23197049/68d405ffe306c34b09181507   Other Top Players   Malik Henry-Wright, OL, 6'5", 340   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20391460/697cd2f1ff143af8add099a7">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20391460/697cd2f1ff143af8add099a7</a>   Carlos Avila-Lopez, WR, 5'10", 175   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19355992/68f566ac3d533836b9a7dcf9">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19355992/68f566ac3d533836b9a7dcf9</a>   This list may be updated

Not since 2012 has Cypress Bay achieved 11 wins and appeared in a state championship game. In 2026, the Lightning have a legitimate chance to return to the state title game, as the football team has added several high-level players to its roster, many of whom come from Plantation High School.