In 2010, Hollywood Hills High’s football team won the district, beat Okeechobee in the opening round of the state playoffs, and then for the second straight year, lost to Palm Beach Gardens Dwyer.
That was one season removed from finishing second in the district to Stranahan, and then having to square off with eventual state champions, Dwyer.
As veteran head coach Scott Barnwell and his Spartans go through spring this year, the knowledge that Dwyer is finally out of the region, makes things a whole lot better for a team that has always had its share of talent.
Despite losing county rushing champion Jeremy Donaldson, who transferred to Pines Charter, the 2011 version of Hollywood Hills is younger, but quite talented as the many colleges who have gone through this spring will be the first to tell you.
While the senior class is loaded with quality players, it’s the underclassmen who figures to make a huge impact on this program.
Defensive end Jean-Marc Charles (6-3, 261) continues to talent at that position. Jabaal Sheard (third round selection of he Cleveland Browns) and Charles Murphy (University of Maryland) started out, and now Charles is the player that everyone is stopping by to see.
“The funny thing about this recruiting thing is that there are some schools who come in and admit they don’t know who Jean-Marc is,” Barnwell said with a puzzled look on his face. “Let me tell you, we have lined up against some top competition, and I will admit that none have what he does on the field!“
Charles is indeed one of the top prospect, but isn’t the only player the Spartans can boast in this rising senior class.
On defense, there is talented defensive back Terry Harden (6-0, 170), end Dexter Bleasdell (5-9, 215), linebackers Aaron Gordon (5-11, 185) and Justin Leal (5-10, 185), and defensive back Cameron Carlin (5-9, 175).
Offensively, lineman Miles Harrelson (6-1, 255), running back Lawrence Alequin (5-8, 180) and quality tight end Aaron Gottlieb (5-10, 210).
Looking into the future. The Class of 2013 indeed features some quality players such as gifted running back Aaron Spencer (5-9, 175), super talented defensive end Griffin Goins (6-1, 220), and offensive linemen Josh Kamar (5-11, 220), Deon Linnen (6-1, 275) and Trevoy Shaw (6-2, 320). There is also running back/defensive back Isaiah Pierre (5-8, 155), linebacker Daniel Smith (5-9, 200), defensive back Ahmauree Hastings (6-1, 170) and quarterback Tommy Grant (6-1, 175).
While the 2011 season will be important for a number of reasons, adding depth will be one of the most important parts. If the Spartans are to contend for another district title, the Class of 2014 players could have a huge say.
Among the rising sophomore class includes offensive linemen Josh Deuyour (OL, 6-9, 285), Antonio Ortiz (5-11, 265) and Nick Serra (5-10, 230), linebackers Devin Irizarry (6-0, 180), Rick Thompson (6-2, 170) and Josh Dumansky (5-11, 190). There are also receiver Chris Thompson (5-9, 155), tight end Eli Gottlieb (5-9, 185), and defensive backs Joel Brito (5-11, 165) and Danny Pena (5-9, 160).
“It’s going to take some time to get these younger players into the mix,” Barnwell pointed out. “But when we do, I have to believe that the talent is certainly there.”
You can reach Larry Blustein via e-mail at Floridakids1@hotmail.com. Blustein is the co-host of the High School Gridiron Show each Wednesday night from 9-10 on WQAM (560 AM) or www.wqam.com.
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