South Florida Local News

MIAMI — For Pelle Larsson, there is only one speed. Even when the second-year Miami Heat guard was out of view, it was still a matter of life in the fast lane.

So five games out due to a sprained ankle and then immediately injected into the starting lineup? No problem, as evidenced by Larsson’s 21 points in Friday night’s 126-111 road victory over the Atlanta Hawks.

“You should have seen his rehab sessions,” coach Erik Spoelstra said, as the Heat turned their attention to Saturday night’s visit by the Indiana Pacers to Kaseya Center. “Whether it was on the bike initially, it was just all out — almost a level of throwing up. I walked in on one of those sessions.

“And then also his court sessions, he just pushes the envelope. And so, he had the conditioning. It’s different than game conditioning.”

Yet determined to make it back as quickly as possible and as ready as possible — minus the projectiles.

“I can’t say I was going to vomit,” Larsson said of those grueling rehab sessions. “We were working really, really hard, going up and down with the guys who weren’t playing. I was still pretty gassed.

“But game by game it’s going to get better.”

The first game back was plenty good enough, with the 2024 second-round pick out of Arizona 9 of 13 from the field in 29:40, including 3 of 4 on 3-pointers, with six rebounds and five assists.

“He’s a gamer,” Heat guard Norman Powell said. “He’s not only a gamer, he’s a game changer just with his physicality and energy effort on both sides of the floor. He kept plays alive, made it tough and difficult for every matchup he was on —  putting his face into plays, getting fouls.

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“We missed that about him, continuing to make winning plays whenever he’s on the floor.”

That led to a postgame debate of whether or how many times Larsson got hit in the face. Larsson said he did not feel any such contact, but Powell said Larsson was selling himself short.

Regardless, the energy and effort were real.

“For sure, for sure,” guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. said. “We’re so happy to have him back in this lineup. He’s the ultimate energy guy, really just gives everybody life and the spark that we desperately needed.

“So the fact that he was able to come in after so many games missed and just play like that just shows how hard of a worker and how great of a player he is.”

Jovic, too

Also back Friday was forward Nikola Jovic, who missed four games with an elbow contusion.

While Jovic’s shooting struggles continued, going 3 of 14 for 10 points, he also had seven rebounds and four assists, with the Heat outscoring Atlanta by 10 in his 21:13.

“I think this was a good step for him to be able to contribute and impact the game without making shots,” Spoelstra said. “And you didn’t see some of the body language that sometimes has happened if he misses layups or misses open threes or has a turnover. He just got on to the next play and tried to help contribute to the next play.

“And he did some very good things. When he gets in better rhythm, I have no doubt that the shooting will be better. But you don’t want to just be reliant on whether the ball goes in and whether you can impact the game. So that was a good step.”

Heartening, Jovic said.

“During this time that I was injured, I talked a lot to assistant coaches and some of the people from the Heat and they helped me find a way to get back and to play quicker, just trying to think about the next play,” Jovic said.

Out again

The Heat on Saturday afternoon ruled out Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro against the Pacers.

It is the second consecutive game Adebayo has missed due to lower-back pain.

It is the ninth game that Herro has missed due to a toe contusion, having appeared in only six games this season, after September ankle surgery.

The only other players ruled out against the Pacers were two-way players Vlad Goldin and Jahmir Young, who are  in the G League, and guard Terry Rozier, who remains on NBA leave due to the FBI gambling investigation.

Today is Friday, Dec. 26, the 360th day of 2025. There are five days left in the year.

Today in history:

On Dec. 26, 1908, Jack Johnson became the first Black boxer to win the world heavyweight championship as he defeated Canadian Tommy Burns in Sydney, Australia.

Also on this date:

In 1941, during World War II, Winston Churchill became the first British prime minister to address a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress, just two weeks after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor that plunged the U.S. into the war.

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In 1966, Kwanzaa was first celebrated, a seven-day holiday to help African Americans reconnect with their African heritage.

In 1990, Nancy Cruzan, a young woman in an irreversible vegetative state whose case led to a U.S. Supreme Court decision on the right to die, died at a Missouri hospital.

In 1991, the USSR was formally dissolved through a declaration by the Supreme Soviet.

In 2004, a 9.1-magnitude earthquake beneath the Indian Ocean off the Indonesian island of Sumatra triggered a tsunami with waves up to 100 feet high that killed about 230,000 people across a dozen countries as far as East Africa. The worst-affected countries were Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India and Thailand.

In 2006, former President Gerald R. Ford died in Rancho Mirage, California, at age 93.

In 2021, South African Nobel Peace Prize winner Desmond Tutu died at 90; the retired archbishop had been an uncompromising foe of apartheid and a modern-day activist for racial justice and LGBTQ rights.

Today’s Birthdays:

• “America’s Most Wanted” host John Walsh is 80.
• Baseball Hall of Fame catcher Carlton Fisk is 78.
• Baseball Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith is 71.
• Humorist David Sedaris is 69.
• Rock musician Lars Ulrich (Metallica) is 62.
• Actor-musician Jared Leto is 54.
• Rock singer Chris Daughtry is 46.
• Actor Beth Behrs is 40.
• Actor Kit Harington is 39.

Here are the fall 2025 All-County honorees, covering top high school athletes from Palm Beach County in football, swimming, girls volleyball, cross country, golf and bowling. The section will be published in the newspaper on Sunday.

FOOTBALL

Palm Beach 7A-5A football offensive player of the year: Javian Mallory, West Boca Raton senior

Palm Beach 7A-5A football defensive player of the year: Jamar Thompson, West Boca Raton junior

Palm Beach 7A-5A football offense first team, second team, honorable mention and coach of the year

Palm Beach 7A-5A football defense first team and second team

Palm Beach 4A-1A football offensive player of the year: Jyron Hughley, Cardinal Newman senior

Palm Beach 4A-1A football co-defensive players of the year: Adam Balogoun-Ali, Cardinal Newman senior; Levi Champion, King’s Academy junior

Palm Beach 4A-1A football offense first team, second team, honorable mention and coach of the year

Palm Beach 4A-1A football defense first team and second team

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

Palm Beach 7A-5A girls volleyball player of the year: Macy McAmis, Jupiter senior

Palm Beach 7A-5A girls volleyball first team, second team, honorable mention and coach of the year

Palm Beach 4A-1A girls volleyball co-players of the year: Ella Brodner, Jupiter Christian senior; Hannah VanZwieten, Boca Raton Christian sophomore

Palm Beach 4A-1A girls volleyball first team, second team, honorable mention and coach of the year

SWIMMING AND DIVING

Palm Beach boys swimmer of the year: Andreas Da Silva, Wellington senior

Palm Beach boys swimming first team, second team, honorable mention and coach of the year

Palm Beach girls swimmer of the year: Feagin Kaminski, Benjamin sophomore

Palm Beach girls swimming first team, second team, honorable mention and coach of the year

CROSS COUNTRY

Palm Beach boys cross country runner of the year: Preston Sangely, Spanish River senior

Palm Beach boys cross country first team, second team, honorable mention and coach of the year

Palm Beach girls cross country runner of the year: Katelyn O’Brien, Boca Raton senior

Palm Beach girls cross country first team, second team, honorable mention and coach of the year

GOLF

Palm Beach boys golfer of the year: Hampton Beebe, Dwyer senior

Palm Beach boys golf first team, second team, honorable mention and coach of the year

Palm Beach girls bowler of the year: Carly Perrin, Somerset Academy Canyons senior

Palm Beach girls golf first team, second team, honorable mention and coach of the year

BOWLING

Palm Beach co-boys bowlers of the year: Mateo Ruiz, Park Vista sophomore; Jayden Brown, Dr. Joaquin Garcia junior

Palm Beach boys bowling first team, second team, honorable mention and coach of the year

Palm Beach girls bowler of the year: Carly Perrin, Somerset Academy Canyons senior

Palm Beach girls bowling first team, second team, honorable mention and coach of the year

 

Here are the fall 2025 All-County honorees, covering top high school athletes from Broward County in football, swimming, girls volleyball, cross country, golf and bowling. The section will be published in the newspaper on Sunday.

FOOTBALL

Broward 7A-5A football offensive player of the year: Mason Mallory, St. Thomas Aquinas senior

Broward 7A-5A football defensive player of the year: Jermiyah Douglas, St. Thomas Aquinas senior

Broward 7A-5A football offense first team, second team, honorable mention and coach of the year

Broward 7A-5A football defense first team and second team

Broward 4A-1A football offensive player of the year: Derrek Cooper, Chaminade-Madonna senior

Broward 4A-1A football defensive player of the year: Terrance Johnson, American Heritage senior; Bryant Junius, Chaminade-Madonna senior

Broward 4A-1A football offense first team, second team, honorable mention and coach of the year

Broward 4A-1A football defense first team and second team

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

Broward 7A-5A girls volleyball player of the year: Isabella Sangha, St. Thomas Aquinas senior; Juliana Lugo, Archbishop McCarthy junior

Broward 7A-5A girls volleyball first team, second team, honorable mention and coach of the year

Broward 4A-1A girls volleyball player of the year: Dasia Johnson, North Broward Prep senior

Broward 4A-1A girls volleyball first team, second team, honorable mention and coach of the year

SWIMMING AND DIVING

Broward boys swimmer of the year: Juan Vallmitjana, University School junior

Broward boys swimming first team, second team, honorable mention and coach of the year

Broward girls diver of the year: Juliet Radich, Cardinal Gibbons senior

Broward girls swimming first team, second team, honorable mention and coach of the year

CROSS COUNTRY

Broward boys cross country co-runners of the year: David Lazo, South Plantation junior; Wills Gillis, North Broward Prep senior

Broward boys cross country first team, second team, honorable mention and coach of the year

Broward girls cross country runner of the year: Abigail Richards, Dillard senior

Broward girls cross country first team, second team, honorable mention and coach of the year

GOLF

Broward boys golfer of the year: Sohan Patel, American Heritage junior 

Broward boys swimming first team, second team, honorable mention and coach of the year

Broward girls golfer of the year: Lilly Riegger, American Heritage senior

Broward girls golf first team, second team, honorable mention and coach of the year

BOWLING

Broward boys bowler of the year: Ryder Willman, McArthur junior

Broward boys bowling first team, second team, honorable mention and coach of the year

Broward girls bowler of the year: Sofia Montefusco, South Plantation senior  

Broward girls bowling first team, second team, honorable mention and coach of the year

 

 

When Mason Mallory left the 2024 6A state champion West Boca Raton program and transferred to St. Thomas Aquinas, there was no guarantee he would wind up being the starter.

After all, senior quarterback Brady Palmer, a Temple commit, transferred in and was the penciled-in starter in the fall, with Mallory listed No. 3 on the depth chart.

“When I first met Coach Roger Harriott, and looked him in his eyes, I told him I was going to get him another one,” said Mallory, who did just that as he became the starter and helped the Raiders win a state record seventh straight state championship, and 17th overall.

“I just wanted to be a part of a culture where the coaches prepare you for the next level,” Mallory said. “I needed that to become the best player possible. “I’m forever thankful for Brady and everything he’s done for me. We kind of work together as one quarterback, and the standard is playing to glorify Christ, and that’s all we do.”

In the 29-0 5A state championship win, Mallory was 21 for 32 for 265 yards, and also did it with his legs rushing for 106 yards and a TD as the Raiders (14-1) finished the year on a 14-game winning streak, after it dropped the season opener to then MaxPreps No. 1 Mater Dei (Calif.), 26-23. Before the final, Mallory accounted for four TDs in each of the three regional games, his first such streak.

“Definitely, it was one of the greatest teams I’ve ever been a part of,” Mallory said. He finished the season throwing for 2,322 yards and 23 TDs, and added 760 yards and nine scores on the ground. A 68-yard TD run in the regular-season finale against Chaminade-Madonna was the longest of his career. He also had a 67-yard run in the state final. “I have a group of people here, players and coaches, who really believed in me.

“It was a tiny bit of a culture shock at first,” Mallory said of the transition of going from West Boca to St. Thomas Aquinas, and leaving his cousin Javian Mallory, a UM commit, behind. “At St. Thomas, they do everything like basically college, but definitely with the help of my teammates helped me become a better football player, and a better man. They are big on faith, and I was glad to be a part of that. Winning a seventh straight title for the school was the goal from when I first stepped on the campus.”

Mallory will now look to help the boys’ basketball team win a second straight championship. Mallory is a point guard.

“Mason has proven to be a true competitor with exceptional leadership skills,” said St. Thomas Aquinas coach Roger Harriott. “His ability to remain poised through adverse situations has enabled him to lead us to victory through challenging moments. He’s a phenomenal player and an even better person.”

Mason Mallory, from St. Thomas Aquinas High School, football player of the year, photographed on Tuesday, December 9, 2025.(Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

If you were ever looking for the definition of a Swiss Army Knife in high school football, look no further than St. Thomas Aquinas cornerback and athlete Jermiyah Douglas.

Douglas, a two-year team captain, played a vital role in the Raiders securing their state record seventh straight Class 5A state championship, and 17th overall, with a 29-0 victory over Lakeland at Pitbull Stadium on the campus of FIU. He had a 26-yard punt return to set up a score.

The Western Carolina University commit had four interceptions, a fumble recovery, 11 passes broken up, 38 solo tackles, a sack and three other tackles for loss. He said he embraced the role because of his versatility.

“Wherever the coaches needed me to play me anywhere, I’m always available and could just do what I’m told to do,” said Douglas, who returned a kickoff 96 yards for a TD in the preseason game. “Winning my fourth state championship here at the school is rare, and not many people can say they have done that.”

St. Thomas Aquinas also avenged a 29-22 setback last year to Chaminade-Madonna with a 27-21 victory at home. Douglas blocked a field goal with 6:28 remaining in the game, which would have knotted the game at 24-24.

When Douglas enrolled at St. Thomas Aquinas as a freshman, he wasn’t sure what to expect. However, the upperclassmen helped him adapt and improve as a player. He returned the favor this season, working with the younger players, and said the cultural experience of traveling to London to play the NFL Academy provided a memorable bonding experience for the team.

“Every day, we go out, and we compete against some of the best of the best players in the country, so when we get to a state championship game, there isn’t much we haven’t seen,” said Douglas, who became a full-time starter in his junior year.  “I think it started to click for me after my sophomore year.”

“Jermiyah epitomizes consistency as a successful player and productive leader,” St. Thomas Aquinas coach Roger Harriott said. “His powerful spirit and positive personality have been a blessing to our team and the (St. Thomas Aquinas) community.

“He made the type of impact that influenced and inspired his teammates to be great on and off the field,” Harriott added. “He’s an extraordinary role model and talented leader with his best blessings ahead of him.”

Jermiyah Douglas, from St. Thomas Aquinas High School, football player of the year, photographed on Tuesday, December 9, 2025.(Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

FIRST TEAM Lorvens Barthelemy, Monarch, Football. Deerfield Beach on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. (Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Lorvens Barthelemy, T, Monarch senior: The Akron commit is third in school history with 63 pancakes in a season; held a 5-star recruit to zero sacks and pressures; helped Knights to 5,400 yards, including 48 TDs on offense, two district titles, and two playoff appearances.

Jabari Brady, Monarch, Football. Deerfield Beach on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. (Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Jabari Brady, WR/DB, Monarch senior: The Missouri commit had 64 receptions for 1,118 receiving yards, 12 touchdowns, and 1,300 all-purpose yards; first player at school to have back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons; career highlight is being able to contribute to his island (Jamaica), giving back to them with clothes, shoes, books, and pencils.

Kamary Cooper, South Plantation, Football. Deerfield Beach on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. (Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Kamary Cooper, RB, South Plantation junior: Team captain led the county and state in 6A in rushing with 1,839 yards and 24 TDs; 517 receiving yards on 40 catches; two-year starter had nine 100-yard games and three 200-yard games; school-record eight straight 100-yard games; deadlifts 450 pounds.

Ben Gula, Cypress Bay, Football. Deerfield Beach on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. (Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Ben Gula, T, Cypress Bay senior: The Colorado commit was a 42-game starter, an ESPN Top 500, 250+ career pancakes, including 60 pancakes and five pressures this season; one sack allowed in 1,500 snaps over four seasons, first-team all-state.

Florentino Lopez, Monarch, Football.Deerfield Beach on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. (Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Florentino Lopez, QB, Monarch senior: Four-year captain had 9,143 career passing yards, 65 TDs and 10 INT; led Knights to three district championships; totaled 2,743 yards passing yards, 22 TDs, and 546 rushing yards and 10 TDs.

Mark Matthews, St. Thomas Aquinas. Football. Deerfield Beach on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. (Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Mark Matthews, T, St. Thomas Aquinas junior: The 6-foot-6, 300-pound left tackle is a two-sport star for the Raiders; won state titles in basketball and football last season; starting left tackle for St. Thomas Aquinas; the 5-star recruit had 20 pancakes and helped pave the way for the Raiders to get 5,211 yards.

A’mir Sears, West Broward, Football. Deerfield Beach on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. (Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

A’mir Sears, ATH, West Broward sophomore: Two-way player contributed 942 yards receiving and 11 TDs, including a 99-yard reception against Cardinal Gibbons; was a MaxPreps freshman All-American as a defensive back; had 50 tackles and three interceptions as the Bobcats made the state finals for the first time.

Dylan Steen, St. Thomas Aquinas. Football. Deerfield Beach on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. (Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Dylan Steen, OL, St. Thomas Aquinas senior: Team captain and three-time state champion is a Mississippi State commit; three-star prospect didn’t allow a sack all season.

Jordan Thompson, Coconut Creek, Football. Deerfield Beach on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. (Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Jordan Thompson, RB, Coconut Creek senior: Ran for 234 yards against Atlantic; captain named both offensive and team MVP; 722 rushing yards, 349 receiving yards, 13 TDs; helped Cougars to a 9-3 record and district runner-up spot.

Jahnard Young, Piper, Football. Deerfield Beach on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. (Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Jahnard Young, RB, Piper junior: Led Bengals with 1,395 rushing yards and 20 TDs; added 114 receiving yards and 1 TD; is a three-year starter; benches 315; said football teaches him discipline; also runs track.

Julius Jones Jr., St. Thomas Aquinas, Football. All-County, Deerfield Beach, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024. (Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Julius Jones, Jr., WR, St. Thomas Aquinas junior: Four-star prospect caught seven passes for a game-high 140 yards in the Raiders’ 29-0 victory in the 5A state championship win over Lakeland for a state-record seventh consecutive title; had 750 yards receiving 14 TDs.

2025 Broward Fall All County First Team: Kenson Louis; McArthur; 2025 Fall All County 4A-1A football First Team. (McArthur Athletics/Courtesy)

Kenson Louis, RB, McArthur senior: Led 5A with 1,069 rushing yards and 6 TDs; paced the Mustangs to an upset win over Atlantic with 134 rushing yards and had 104 yards rushing in a loss to St. Thomas Aquinas; also helped McArthur to a 10-3 record and second round playoff game.

 

SECOND TEAM

Amos Bradford, RB, West Broward junior

Gerren Bray, OL, St. Thomas Aquinas junior

Santana Carlos, WR, Flanagan senior

Jayden Chico, QB, Dillard senior

Damian Dickenson, RB, Western senior

Bryan Granger, OL, West Broward senior

Melvin Hayward, OL, Flanagan senior

Virgil Lemons, RB, St. Thomas Aquinas junior

Brandin Mincey, QB, West Broward senior

Keshawn Paschall, RB, Monarch sophomore

Jabaree Riggins, WR, Monarch senior

Dylan Zaldumbide, WR, South Plantation senior

HONORABLE MENTION

Coconut Creek: Carlos Alce, Cayden Delions, Tevin Sutherland

Cooper City: Rubin Cesar, Ace Taylor, Jake Wallace

Coral Glades: Anthony Casseus, James Griffin, Joe Kogan, Julian Madero, Bryan Pierre, Ryan Pierre, Romeo Williams

Cypress Bay: Jalin Agudelo, Peyton Lammare, Kaden Langford, Jayden Mendez, Michael Millar

Deerfield Beach: Gavin Almonard

Flanagan: Ahmad Adams, Devon Blatch, Chance Humphrey, Jaden McGee, Malik Miller, Jacob Thomas, Jahmar Williams

Hollywood Hills: Mario Agnant, Gareus Nanton

McArthur: Dylan Casimir, Jordan Davis, Robert Ortega, Semaj Robinson, Troy Smith

Miramar: Ka’nard Boucard

Monarch: Juwan Dawkins, Amari Deer, Contreas Faison Jr., Jamar Hudson, Nicholas Soto

Nova: Nathaniel Hunningham, Tyler Smith

Pembroke Pines Charter: Michael Akinbehinje, Josiah Knight

St. Thomas Aquinas: Mekhi Bradley, Gerren Bray, Isaiah Calixte, Quyis Daley, Michael Digilio, Chase Goodrich

South Broward: Kameron Pelayo, Jamari Ritter, Derrick Simmons, Steven Wright

South Plantation: Kaleb DeClaire

Stoneman Douglas: Scott Walker

Taravella: Eddie James, Amir Sameem

West Broward: Daquan Adderly, Cameron Goodwin, Malik Miller, Kedarius Rhaney, Alejandro Schmitt

Western: Silas Allen, Russell George, Levi Hoss, Jack Spader, Caleb Williams

CO-COACHES OF THE YEAR Brian McCartney, West Broward, Football. Deerfield Beach on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. (Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Brian McCartney, West Broward: In his sixth season, he led the Bobcats to the state championship game, the school’s first, despite not having a home field. “We are true road warriors. We don’t have a home field and have played 64 road games. Compared to a lot of the private (schools), it’s an uphill battle all day long, but our team has done a great job, along with our administration and our coaching staff.”

Roger Harriott, St. Thomas Aquinas, Football. Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023. (Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Roger Harriott, St. Thomas Aquinas: Guided Raiders to a 14-1 record and state-record seventh consecutive state championship with a 29-0 win over Lakeland; has a career record of 220-30 with 9 state championships in 11 state championship appearances. “I’m personally most proud of the spiritual devotion this particular team has for our faith in God and representing the “Champions 4 Christ” season theme. They have elevated our program beyond secular norms by spiritually prepping to win with group prayers, Bible study sessions, and gospel music as our source of motivation.”

 

FIRST TEAM Christian Davis, Monarch, Football. Deerfield Beach on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. (Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Christian Davis, CB, Monarch senior: Three-star prospect; three-year starter provided coverage against top receivers and finished with 13 solo tackles, and 32 tackles overall; had first career pick-6; career highlight was upsetting Chaminade-Madonna last season; University of North Dakota signee.

Alex Gammage, Piper, Football. Deerfield Beach on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. (Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Alex Gammage, CB, Piper senior: Captain had 6 INTs, 2  fumble recoveries, 16 passes defended, 14 solo tackles; three-year starter made multiple all-star games; 2023 district champs; had 5 TDs on offense and special teams: one rushing, two receiving, one on a punt return and one throwing; contributed 187 all-purpose yards; had clinching INT in first-round win over Flanagan.

Phillip Goodrich, St. Thomas Aquinas. Football. Deerfield Beach on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. (Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Phillip Goodrich, LB, St. Thomas Aquinas senior: Captain is headed to West Point; runs 40 in 4.56; three-time state champion; two-year starter; squats 585 pounds, deadlifts 605 and benches 350; had 102 tackles, including 64 solo; 16 TFL, 5 sacks, INT; held 19 D1 offers.

Uryah McCartney, West Broward, Football. Deerfield Beach on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. (Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Uryah McCartney, LB, West Broward senior: Captain finished season with 72 tackles, 9.5 TFL, 2 FF, 5 sacks and an INT; said his career highlight was helping lead the Bobcats to their first state championship appearance with his father, Brian, as coach.

Travis McGill Jr. Flanagan, Football. Deerfield Beach on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. (Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Travis McGill Jr., DE, Flanagan senior: Team captain and two-time MVP for the team; 11 forced fumbles, 24 solo tackles, 55 total tackles, 26 tackles for loss; top 90 in sacks in the country; ranked 16th in Florida for sacks with 17 sacks.

Dasean Miller, Monarch, Football. Deerfield Beach on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. (Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Dasean Miller, Edge, Monarch senior: Team captain had INT, fumble recovery, three forced fumbles and 63 solo tackles; 23 TFL, with 15 sacks; had fumble recovery for a touchdown; district champion.

Daniel Norman, St. Thomas Aquinas. Football. Daniel Norman, St.Thomas. Football.Deerfield Beach on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. (Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Daniel Norman, Edge, St. Thomas Aquinas senior: Sun Sentinel 2025 Super 11 selection is a 4-star recruit; team captain; had 31 tackles, forced four fumbles; Oklahoma commit had six tackles, two sacks, two TFL in state championship win over Lakeland for record seventh straight state title.

Wyatt Smith, St.Thomas. Football. Deerfield Beach on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. (Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Wyatt Smith, DL, St. Thomas Aquinas junior: Named player of the game four times this season; had 110 tackles, including 59 solo tackles; 3 fumble recoveries, 3 forced fumbles, 5 passes defended, 11 sacks and 22 TFL; said flying to London as a team to play the NFL Academy was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Tyler Tindal, West Broward, Football. Deerfield Beach on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. (Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Tyler Tindal, LB/SS, West Broward sophomore: Helped lead the Bobcats (12-3) to their first Class 6A state championship game appearance by recording 93 tackles, including 75 solo and nine for loss and five sacks; finished season with six tackles, including 1.5 for loss in state championship game loss to two-time defending state champion West Boca.

Justice Fitzpatrick, St. Thomas Aquinas, Football. All-County, Deerfield Beach, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024. (Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Justice Fitzpatrick, ATH, St. Thomas Aquinas senior: Two-time Super 11 selection helped Raiders to a seventh consecutive state championship, a state record, along with his fourth; also shook off injury to record 12 catches for 194 yards and two TDs, in addition to 15 tackles on defense; University of Georgia signee; brother of Dolphins safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.

2025 Broward Fall All County First Team: Debonaire Johnson; McArthur; 2025 Fall All County 7A-5A football First Team. (McArthur Athletics/Courtesy)

Debonaire Johnson, LB, McArthur junior: Two-time Sun Sentinel first-team all-county, and two-time MaxPreps All American; had 174 tackles sophomore year; 3-year starter, 2-time district champion; 45 solo tackles, 12 TFL, 4 sacks, 2 blocked punts, blocked field goal; 16 tackles in regional quarterfinal win over Atlantic.

Jaylin Jones; McArthur; All County 7A-5A football First Team. (Western Athletics/Courtesy)

Jaylin Jones, FS, McArthur junior: Two-time All-County selection had 37 tackles, including 14 for losses and 10.5 sacks; 4-year-starter, benches 500 pounds; state high school 400-meter track champion; UM commit.

 

SECOND TEAM

Donovan Adras, SS, St. Thomas Aquinas senior

Jalin Agudelo, LB, Cypress Bay sophomore

Shmar Akand, DB, West Broward senior

Jaden Carey, DB, St. Thomas Aquinas junior

Jahmani Chin-Suer, FS, Piper senior

Jason Farfan, DL, West Broward senior

Zayden Gamble, DB, St. Thomas Aquinas junior

Jakari Johnson, DB, McArthur senior

Jayden Joselin, DB, Monarch senior

Jonah Lenamon, LB/DE, Stoneman Douglas senior

Travis McGill, DE, Flanagan senior

Michael Millar, S, Cypress Bay senior

Conrad Tolerico, P, St. Thomas Aquinas senior

Bryce Williams, CB, Western junior

 

Derrek Cooper accomplished just about everything he wanted to short of helping Chaminade-Madonna win a fifth straight 1A state championship.

The senior running back, a five-star recruit and team captain, is headed to the University of Texas, and did his part to help the Lions (11-3) reach a state-record 10th straight championship game; however, for the first time in five years, Chaminade-Madonna lost the title game, falling to South Florida rival Cardinal Newman.

Cooper finished the year with 160 rushes for a career-high 1,597 yards and 19 touchdowns. He also added 8 catches for 115 yards and one TD. He earned the Nat Moore Trophy as South Florida’s top high school football player. He transferred to Chaminade-Madonna from Cardinal Gibbons right before his junior season.

Although he has played multiple positions, such as running back, linebacker, safety, defensive line, and quarterback, he focused mainly on running back this season.

“I want to do anything to help my team win,” Cooper said. “Coach (Dameon) Jones just says, ‘go to linebacker, go to safety, go to D line, go to quarterback,’ and I just do it.”

Cooper said he wants to be remembered for his “authenticity, humility, and hard-hitting playing style,” not for showmanship. He also describes a “mean streak” that emerges on the field, contrasting with his typically quiet demeanor. He’s looking forward to starting the next chapter.

“I’m expecting the same thing (at Texas), but just at a different place,” Cooper said. “I would like to start there, and I am looking forward to maybe taking handoffs from (American Heritage quarterback) Dia Bell. That would be amazing. I felt (Texas was a great fit for my family and me.

“We rotated here with all of the great running backs we have,” Cooper said. “It keeps us fresh and keeps everyone healthy. We had some great players at Chaminade, so I think that prepared me for whatever I am going to face in college. I want to be remembered as someone who didn’t act ‘Hollywood,’ just someone who does what they are supposed to do.”

Derrek Cooper from Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory, football player of the year, photographed on Wednesday, December 10, 2025.(Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

American Heritage senior defensive back Terrance Johnson and Chaminade Madonna senior linebacker and safety Bryant Junius both played key roles in their teams’ runs to the state championship games at Pitbull Stadium on the campus of Florida International University in Miami.

Johnson led the county with 12 interceptions, including two key picks against rival Archbishop McCarthy en route to a second straight 4A championship. They rallied to defeat Orlando Jones for a second consecutive time in the state title game.  Johnson had three tackles, but provided a key interception to hold off a Jones rally as the Patriots prevailed 33-28.

Johnson added a fumble recovery, a forced fumble, 3 passes defended, 52 total tackles, including 30 solo and two TDs for the Patriots (9-5), who rallied from a 1-3 start and 4-5 record before the playoffs to win five straight. They also cracked the top-100 rankings to finish 98th in the latest MaxPreps rankings.

Johnson transferred to American Heritage from South Broward and said it was a big difference. He knows that some top defensive backs have preceded him there, including two-time All-Pro Patrick Surtain II, the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2024.

“I grind it every day, put the work in, and work and dedication paid off,” Johnson said. “It’s a whole different ballgame from public schools. When I actually got here, I saw what they were talking about. They have a lot of good defensive backs who have gone on and had some success in the NFL. I hope to be like that someday.”

Terrance Johnson from American Heritage High School, football player of the year, photographed on Wednesday, December 10, 2025.(Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Junius also had a stellar season for the No. 88 Lions (11-3), who dropped a 17-14 decision to Cardinal Newman in the 1A state championship tilt. Junius contributed nine tackles in the loss, which snapped a streak of four state championships in a row.

The Appalachian State University commit ended the season with 102 tackles, 16 tackles for loss (including four sacks), eight pass deflections and two forced fumbles. He was the team captain for the past two seasons and said his career highlight was a pick-6 on ESPN in his sophomore season.

“I want my legacy at the school to be remembered as a selfless team player, willing to do anything for my teammates,” said Junius, whose college destination will be in the cold, something he’s never experienced before. “Daily practices were always highly competitive due to the team’s depth, with both offense and defense pushing each other to improve. “I was a team player, and I’ll do anything for the team for my team, and I can’t do anything without my team and my coaches.”

Bryant Junius from Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory, football player of the year, photographed on Wednesday, December 10, 2025.(Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

FIRST TEAM Ekeem Atehortua, Chaminade Madonna, Football, Deerfield Beach on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. (Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Ekeem Atehortua, OL, Chaminade-Madonna senior: The O-Line captain is three-time state football champion, two-time Sun Sentinel 1st team All County; in 4 years didn’t allow a sack and had 42 pancakes this year; Alabama State University commit also wrestles.

Kaj Baker, Somerset Academy, Football. Deerfield Beach on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. (Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Kaj Baker, RB, Somerset Academy senior: Three-time Sun Sentinel All-County pick; state runner-up in 100 meters in track; had 1,022 rushing yards, 516 receiving yards, 15 total TDs; on defense had a pick-6; 28 tackles, 8 pass break-ups; 2 INTs; first player at school to sign Power 4 scholarship (UCF); had 4 TD game.

Jamar Denson, American Heritage, Football. Deerfield Beach on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. (Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Jamar Denson, WR, American Heritage senior: Team captain is two-time first-team All-County selection for Sun Sentinel; 991 yards receiving and 15 scores for two-time state champions; had 187 receiving yards and a TD against former school Chaminade-Madonna; Troy signee, selected as the MVP of state championship win with 70 yards receiving and two scores.

Gary Hadley Jr., Cardinal Gibbons, Football. Deerfield Beach on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. (Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Gary Hadley Jr., WR, Cardinal Gibbons senior: Tulane commit played both ways for the Chiefs and helped lead them to the state semifinals; had two INTs in a game on defense; had 1,042 yards receiving and 11 TDs.

Arwin Jackson, Chaminade-Madonna, Football. Deerfield Beach on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. (Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Arwin Jackson, RB, Chaminade-Madonna junior: Ran for 905 yards and nine TDs for the state-runner-up Lions; being recruited by Georgia Tech, UM, Syracuse and Ohio State.

Anthony Jennings III, Dillard, Football. Deerfield Beach on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. (Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Anthony Jennings, WR, Dillard junior: Helped lead the Panthers to an undefeated regular season with 823 receiving yards and nearly 1,000 all-purpose yards; 12 TDs; led Dillard in both categories; holds 29 D-1 offers.

Za’Kari Johnson, Plantation, Football. Deerfield Beach on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. (Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Za’Kari Johnson, ATH, Plantation sophomore: Stepped in and played quarterback at the end of the season, throwing for 551 yards and 12TDs, rushed for 777 yards and nine scores; runs track and holds offers from programs like Miami, and Florida State University.

Malik Leonard, Chaminade-Madonna, Football. Deerfield Beach on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. (Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Malik Leonard, QB, Chaminade-Madonna freshman: A team captain played four nationally televised games, including two on ESPN; threw for more than 2,900 yards and 31 TDs with an additional 95 yards rushing and three scores, all freshman school records.

Coi Jean-Noel, American Heritage, Football. Deerfield Beach on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. (Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Coi Jean Noel, WR, American Heritage senior: Three-star prospect was team captain and a Super 11 selection for the Sun Sentinel this year; Georgia Tech signee finished with 793 yards with 6 TDs; had 166 passing yards.

Jayden Torres, Cardinal Gibbons, Football. Deerfield Beach on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. (Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Jayden Torres, QB, Cardinal Gibbons senior: Captain holds seven school records; finished year with 3,230 passing yards, 37 passing TDs; 429 rushing yards, 9 rushing TDs; two-time Sun Sentinel All-County first-team selection.

Ja’Kobi Williams, Archbishop McCarthy, Football. Deerfield Beach on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. (Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Ja’Kobi Williams, WR, Archbishop McCarthy junior: Helped Mavericks stun defending an eventual 4A state champion American Heritage for a district championship; had 30 receptions for 613 yards and 12 TDs; also had an INT on defense.

Jasen Lopez, Chaminade-Madonna. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Jasen Lopez, WR/Slot, Chaminade-Madonna senior: The FSU commit for football and basketball won state championship last season with Lions; had team-leading, 1,110 yards and 13 TDs this year; Super 11 football selection for Sun Sentinel and Fab 5 pick for basketball this year; three back-to-back seasons with more than 1,000 yards receiving.

SECOND TEAM

Tavano Baptiste Jr. OL, Chaminade-Madonna senior

Drew Barber, WR, Westminster Academy sophomore

Brandon Bennett, WR, American Heritage senior

Jeremy Douglas, RB, Cardinal Gibbons sophomore

Damian Grant, RB, Archbishop McCarthy junior

Denairius Gray, WR, Chaminade-Madonna senior

Tromon Isaac Jr., WR, Chaminade-Madonna sophomore

Robert Kerns, QB, Archbishop McCarthy senior

Lee Prince Jr., RB, Chaminade-Madonna junior

Zachariah Ray, RB, Plantation senior

Ah’mari Stevens, WR, Chaminade-Madonna junior

Leon Strawder, QB, American Heritage senior

Teddy Welch, OL, American Heritage senior

HONORABLE MENTION

American Heritage: Dia Bell, Ky’Marlei Brown, Jonathan Bueno, Armani Eusebio, Aiden Hartnett, Josh Houston, Aldarius Johnson, Tremaine Mullen, Michah Price, Nico Ramos

Archbishop McCarthy: Jeremiah Alexandre, Cole Ivy

Calvary Christian: Joey Bleecker, Santi Fuentes, Gavin Ganter, Josh Hallas, Noah Johnson, JJ Rochford, Jackson Stroud

Cardinal Gibbons: Joseph Cammarata, Dominic Celli, Luke Cichoski, Demarcus DeRoche, Donte Findeson, Tyler Fuquay, Javian Norwood, Adam Salem, Merrick Todich

Chaminade-Madonna: Daveon Black, Sam Brown Jr., TeMorris Campbell, Giovanni Gardener, Ron’Christopher Gonzalez, Elijah Hardy, Peter Pierre, Elias Sturman

Coral Springs Charter: Christian Clinkscale, Carter Hayden, Stone Rolle, Shanse Small, Noah Yarbrough

Dillard: Jamar Brinson, Dakari Brown, Zamari Marquez, Sidney Newkirt Jr., Latavius Taylor

Hallandale: Elijah Davis, Cassius Enriquez, Robert Sanford

Miramar: Amari Glover, Taron Nicks, Tyler Reid, Lamon Witherspoon,

North Broward Prep: Damon Alexander, Ralph Diaz, Noah Finkelstein, Kenneth Hall, Thor Hwasta, Peter McLaughlin, Ethan Phillips, Mateo Sanchez, Josh Sylvain, Emerson Walker

Pine Crest:  Marco Friezo, Jacob Lobis, Zach Moss, Brayden Myers,

Plantation: Timothy Brown, Desmond Christian, Joseph James, Marlin Johnson Jeffrey O’Neal, Kendall Smith

Pompano Beach: Aiden Hamilton

University School: Carlos Avila-Lopez, Kobe Conway, Jaidyne Dixson, Izayah Harris, Charvis Hood, Jaden Miller, Smith Moise, Kai Starks, Darrell Tiger,

Westminster Academy: Cortland Brownfield, Javaris Cason, Robert Donald, Hudson Gant, Trey Hollandsworth, Rashard Lewis, DJ Pierce, Jack Scott

CO-COACHES OF THE YEAR Mike Smith, American Heritage, Football. Deerfield Beach on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. (Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Mike Smith, American Heritage: Rallied the Patriots from a 1-3 start and the loss of 5-star QB Dia Bell to win a second straight 4A state championship. “I am so proud of overcoming all of the adversity this group went through. This team showed incredible resolve. We overcame the loss of a top D-1 quarterback, played the fourth-toughest schedule in the country and they still found a way to overcome.”

Chaminade-Madonna head coach Dameon Jones talks with officials before the game against Cardinal Newman, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, during the State Class 1A championship at Pitbull Stadium at Florida International University in Miami. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Dameon Jones, Chaminade-Madonna: Guided the Lions to a state-record 10th consecutive state championship final, where they have won seven. They dropped a 17-14 decision to Cardinal Newman as they were gunning for a fifth straight state championship. “Just couldn’t get out of the blocks today. We had some wide open guys that we couldn’t hit and that hurt us for sure. So many missed opportunities and after a while all of that catches up to you.”