It has been a few years since Hollywood Hills has posed a threat to St. Thomas on the football field in the district. With coach Scott Barnwell trying to put back the pieces of a team that finished 7-3 and lost in the first round of the playoffs, 2008 should be rather interesting in Emerald Hills.
As we continue to look at some of the BCAA teams for the upcoming season, today we make a stop at Hollywood Hills to see if the reserves from last year can make up for the loss of key players.
We will also make a stop on Nova and first year coach Bill Hobbs, who helped to build Cypress Bay before heading off to Georgia (Union Grove) for a season and is now back home.
HOLLYWOOD HILLS SPARTANS
There is no doubt that the building process is in place for this team that has been near the top of the district for the past five years. But keeping up with St. Thomas has been replaced by the fact that there are other programs who have the talent in the district to compete as well.
For many years, the objective was to compete with the Raiders, but with South Broward and McArthur getting much better over the past year, the Spartans now need to take the games one at a time.
The theme this year is youth, and with juniors Tony Grimes (DB, 6-0, 168), Caleb Vincent (LB, 6-2, 211) and gifted defensive end Clarence Murphy, a 6-3, 240-pounder.
Other Class of 2010 players to keep an eye on include running back Luis Vasquez (5-9, 185), linebacker Moses Francois and defensive end Christian Henry (6-1, 190).
One of the most promising players on the team is 2011 lineman Jared Maldonado (6-3, 250).
The senior class is also in good hands with receiver Dennis Booth (6-0, 175), fullback Dwayne Wilson (5-8, 205), offensive guard Renard LaFavor (5-11, 255) and defensive tackle Eris Stiles, a 5-10, 226-pounder.
NOVA TITANS
While the district includes defending 4A state champion Miami Booker T. Washington, Miami Jackson, Fort Lauderdale and much improved Hallandale, coach Hobbs is not worrying.
Considered to be one of the top coaches in the area, the former Cooper City standout has found a way to start his young team believing that they can play against anyone, and after a solid spring, nobody is doubting what could happen in Davie over the next few years.
Nova has not had a true playoff team in well over a decade, and while the players are young, they are very talented.
The senior class will be needed to add experience and leadership.
Defensive back/receiver David McKinnie (6-1, 170) leads the way for a class that has worked hard over the past few months. Joining him are linebacker Andrew Davis (5-10, 190), defensive backs Naqwan McClean (5-10, 170) and Josh Robinson (5-10, 170), receiver Jonathan Jackson (6-2, 205), tight end/defensive end Joe Wilson (6-3, 230) and linebacker Eric Salvan, a 6-0, 180-pounder, who had 30 tackles last season for the Titans.
The Class of 2010 is also quite impressive with standout running back Dondetrick Barnes (6-0, 165). But this team also has quality defensive lineman Fred Sutton (6-0, 240).
Even the Class of 2011 appears to be in good hands with defensive lineman Nile Stample (6-1, 270).
NEXT WEEK: The summer continues, and as we take a look at some of the top teams, we will also give you the latest breaking news as well.
Want to know more about high school football? Check Larry Blustein’s weekly evaluations at www.floridafb.com. He also is part of the Dolphin Gridiron Radio Show each Thursday night (9-10) on WQAM-AM (560 AM). You can also reach him via E-Mail at Floridakids1@hotmail.com.
