American Heritage boasts roster full of future Division I college players
High school football returns to South Florida this week, and with it comes the Sun Sentinel’s Broward County top 10.
The 2021 season will hopefully be a return to normality after the coronavirus-altered season in 2020. Unfortunately, one big season-opener has already been postponed. But the season still kicks off this week, and several of the best teams in the state are in Broward County.
All games are Friday at 7 p.m unless otherwise noted.
1. American Heritage
What is left to say about the Patriots that hasn’t already been said? Heritage features future Division I college players at nearly every position. Some of the best players in the nation, such as defensive lineman Marvin Jones Jr., cornerback Earl Little Jr. and wide receiver and newly minted Oklahoma commit Brandon Inniss, will suit up for the Patriots on Friday. Heritage lost to Bradenton IMG Academy in the preseason, but the Ascenders may be the only team in the nation with more sheer talent than the Patriots. If you don’t have dozens of Division I prospects like IMG does, Heritage will be very difficult to beat.
Next: vs. Port St. Lucie Treasure Coast, Saturday, 7 p.m., Paradise Coast Sports Complex, Naples
2. St. Thomas Aquinas St. Thomas is coming off an 8-1 season and a second consecutive title. The Raiders are poised to excel again this year. Quarterback Zion Turner and running back Anthony Hankerson make
St. Thomas’ offense potent, and offensive lineman Julian Armella is among the best in the nation at his position. St. Thomas will have to rely on some young players to step up into new roles this year, though. If they flourish like past generations of Raiders have flourished, St. Thomas’ success will continue. If not, the season may not turn out the way they would like.
Next: vs. St. Frances Academy (Baltimore), Saturday, noon.
3. Cardinal Gibbons The third local returning champion from last year enters this season looking to not miss a beat. Unfortunately for the Chiefs, their Class 4A title defense will have to wait at least a week. Cardinal Gibbons’ season-opening road trip to Venice had to be delayed until October because of COVID-19. Still, the Chiefs are poised to have another strong season and could very well be in the title game again this year. Cardinal Gibbons’ defense was dominant last year, and many of the key players on that unit, including linebacker Tray Brown, defensive linemen Greg Otten and Mason Thomas and defensive back Isaiah Farris, return this season.
Next: Bye week (game postponed due to COVID19)
4. Deerfield Beach
The Bucks came so close to a championship but fell short in the Class 8A Tri-County tournament last year. Deerfield Beach returns many key players, including star junior linebacker Jayvant Brown, Georgia Tech commit Alton Tarber (defensive line), Iowa commit Jaziun Patterson (running back) and FAMU commit Daterius Lee (linebacker). There is also a lot of young, up-and-coming talent on the Bucks’ roster that will have a chance to prove itself.
Next: vs. Miami Edison 5. Chaminade-Madonna
Chaminade’s championship streak came to an end after three consecutive titles, as the Lions lost to Jacksonville Trinity Christian in the Class 3A championship game last season. Chaminade returns many of the key players who have brought them success the last several years, including defensive linemen Kenyatta Jackson Jr. and Jamaal Johnson and defensive backs Ryan Turner and Brian Dilworth. The questions come on offense. Chaminade will have to fill the voids left by graduated quarterback Jaylon Tolbert and running back Thad Franklin.
at Western
Next: 6. Dillard
The Panthers had a dominant 2020 season, rolling to the Class 6A-1A Tri-County tournament title. Many of the players who helped Dillard reach that level of success, like wide receiver Devaughn Mortimer and defensive lineman Nyjalik Kelly, return this year. With some promising young players getting bigger opportunities, the Panthers are looking to win their first state championship since 1989.
at Boyd Anderson
Next: 7. Western
Western had a good showing in its preseason game, airing out its offense and rolling to a 40-6 win over Stranahan. The offense will need another good showing this week, as the Wildcats will be tested in
Week 1 with a game against Chaminade-Madonna. Quarterback Collin Hurst and his receiving corps, which includes new transfer AJ Johnson, is a talented group. The defense, which includes former Chaminade defensive lineman Kalun-J Matthew, is a solid unit, as well.
Next: vs. Chaminade-Madonna
8. Miramar
The Patriots rebounded from a tough 2019 season and had a solid, if shortened, 2020 campaign. Miramar fell to a tough opponent, Miami Edison, in the preseason and they’ll hope to turn around their fortunes in the first week of the regular season. Athlete Desmond Reid and safety Darius Thomas are two standouts poised for big years.
Next: vs. Miami Killian 9. Plantation
Steve Davis consistently coaches his Plantation teams to strong seasons. The Colonels have several key players to replace entering this season, but expect a new crop of standouts to carry the team. Plantation fell just short in the preseason game against a strong Dwyer squad, but they can rebound this week against Monarch.
at Monarch
Next:
10. Stoneman Douglas
The Eagles barely got to play last year, getting only two games in before the pandemic intervened. Douglas looked solid in its preseason game against American Heritage-Delray. The Eagles added a pair of key players in running back Matthew Wilson and Luke Evans, who both transferred from Saint John Paul II Academy.
On the bubble: