Sharks have learned they can contend

MIAMI GARDENS University School approached last season, where the Sharks reached the state semifinal round in Class 4A, with the mindset of just trying to gauge how they matched up with contending teams.

“We didn’t know how good or how not good we were going to be,” University coach Daniel Luque said. “All we knew is that we needed to make a name for ourselves and compete every day.”

Now, they know they can contend with a number of key returners that learned just how much potential it had.

The Sharks won a regular-season matchup against eventual Class 2A state champ Hialeah Champagnat Catholic, knocked off regional foes Glades Central and Miami Monsignor Pace twice and won at American Heritage-Delray by three touchdowns. On the other hand, they lost by 19 points to ChaminadeMadonna, which won the Class 3A crown, and were blown out in a semifinal loss to Cocoa.

“That’s part of the growing process, and I think we’re ready for the next challenge,” Luque said.

Key seniors feel they’ve had enough growing and have what it takes this time around.

“We know how far we made it last year, and we’re trying to overcome that and win states this year,” said senior safety Josh Sanguinetti.

“[We are] just coming in thinking about what happened last year,” said senior running back Kenny McIntosh. “We’ve been to the third round. Just trying to make it to states, possibly win.”

In the spring, sophomore quarterback Nick Vattiato was competing with junior Will Wynn for the starter role.

“If we had to pick a starter today, we would go with Vattiato,” Luque said. “We feel that Will is going to get some good reps throughout the course of the year, but Nick has done a great job. He’s won the team.”

The one concern Luque has is his team’s depth.

“We got just enough,” he said.

The Sharks open with a preseason kickoff classic at American Heritage that won’t count against their record, but it will test their championship grit against the winner of four of the last five Class 5A state titles.