Scott aims to bring back to days of the ‘Dark Side’

MIRAMAR — Though Miramar seemed to have lost its shine the past few years, A.J. Scott glows when talk turns to the “Dark Side.”

Miramar’s best years, including a 2009 state title, were when Scott coached defense under Damon Cogdell. The nickname of those vaunted Patriots defenses represented fear it instilled in opponents.

The Patriots, who last reached the playoffs in 2013, have not been the intimidating force they once were.

But now Scott, going into his first year as Patriots head coach after a year spent as defensive coordinator at McArthur, is looking to lead Miramar back glory. Scott took over last month after two-year coach Pierre Senatus stepped down.

“Dark Side – like always. I believe in it. I’m part of it. I am Dark Side,” Scott said at Monday’s spring practice at the school. “We’re trying our best to bring it back, make the old Patriots proud, and that’s my goal.”

First, after the team lost 41 seniors, 12 of which went off to college on scholarships, Scott has had to restock. He appears to be doing that with a combination of budding homegrown talent and solid transfers.

The Patriots will have a passing game with McArthur transfer Deon Jones, a rising junior, at quarterback. His top target will be speedster Terrence Horne Jr., who is coming off helping Miramar win its first state track title.

“He just came from winning state,” Scott said of Horne, who placed second in both the Class 4A 100 and 200 races on Saturday in Bradenton. “He’s going to try and help us do it on the football field now.”

Horne’s track teammate, Jamal Walton, who won gold in the 200 and 400, is being converted from defensive back to receiver in a unit that will also get production from Abdul Ibrahim.

Horne can also contribute at running back where Quino Mauricette will start and run behind linemen like LaDarius Bolden, Steven Gordon and John de la Cruz.

As for the new ‘Dark Side,’ defensive end Hansky Paillant, who can play anywhere on the front seven, will be a force wherever he lines up as he comes over from McArthur. Safeties Zayvion Wallace and Christopher Alexander also come over from Scott’s old stomping grounds.

A pair of physical linebackers transferred over from Hallandale upon the departure of ex-Chargers coach Benedict Hyppolite. Nick Reed will play in the middle and Jha’Qwon Farlin, who returns to Miramar after one year at Hallandale, mans the strong side.

Miramar has its Red and Blue Game on Friday followed by a spring game at Dillard on May 19.

DAVID FURONES/STAFF PHOTO A.J. Scott, in his first spring as Miramar’s head coach, watches over practice as Patriots players go through drills on Monday.