Dolphins surprise Hollywood Hills with invite, equipment

HOLLYWOOD — Most of the players on the Hollywood Hills football team were in the weight room on Tuesday morning thinking it was just an ordinary day at school.

Suddenly, Miami Dolphins linebacker Raekwon McMillan storms in. He’s followed by receivers Isaiah Ford and Malcolm Lewis, offensive tackle Eric Smith and cheerleaders.

Workouts stop. McMillan, as Hills players drop their weights and begin to huddle around him, announces the Spartans are invited to Saturday’s Dolphins practice and select players will be on the sideline during the national anthem before the Monday Night Football game against the New England Patriots.

It didn’t stop there. After the Dolphins handed out T-shirts and interacted with the players — with McMillan even showing them a few reps at 225 pounds on the bench press — they took the team outside to present it with new football and weight-room equipment.

“It felt like I was back in high school for a little to really mingle with them, got to see how they really felt about the situation,” McMillan said. “They were sincerely happy.”

He couldn’t have been more right.

“It’s a phenomenal day,” Hollywood Hills coach Brandon Graham said. “Anytime you can get your hometown team, who obviously has far more pressing things to do with their season, to take time on an off day to come recognize your team, it’s a fantastic thing.”

“I only have seen an NFL football player once, and that was when I was at a game,” said senior receiver Alexander Shelton. “He even talked to me.” Lewis, a product of Miramar and the University of Miami, was especially happy to give back to a Broward County school but offered some input for where the next such trip should go.

“Miramar, you’re next. That’s my goal: to give back to my school,” Lewis said. “It feels good just to be in this position to give back.”

Hollywood Hills went 2-7 last year in its first season under the direction of Graham, a longtime assistant. The Spartans made local and national headlines with junior Holly Neher, a girl, first competing for a starting job in the preseason, then throwing the first touchdown pass by a girl in Broward — and possibly Florida — history, and finally being the first female quarterback to start a game.

Tuesday’s event was part of Dolphins owner Stephen Ross’ program, RISE (Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality) High School Leadership Program.

JOE CAVARETTA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Miami Dolphins’ Raekwon McMillan talks to the Hollywood High School football team on Tuesday. The Dolphins presented the team with football and weight-room equipment.