For several decades, Joseph Redmond has been teaching the sport of football, and the way his players have responded is simply impressive – to say the least!
 
Whether it was at Miami Jackson, Fort Lauderdale Dillard, Fort Myers Bishop Verot or his present position with the Dragons at Stranahan, Redmond has found a way to teach the players and get the most out of their football abilities.

"We have laid down a solid foundation," Redmond said. "We have some veteran players, but also have mixed in a very good blend of youth as well."
 
His Class of 2009 is sound, with defensive end Nesly Marcellon (6-2, 215) leading the way. Marcellon, who is being recruited by Iowa and UConn to mention a few schools, had 19 sacks this past season.
 
Another rising senior is linebacker Alex Sierra (5-9, 195), who had 75 tackles and holds down a 3.5 grade point average in the classroom.
 
The Class of 2010 includes receiver/defensive back Jeremy Brown (5-10, 180), offensive lineman Jhibreel Worrell (6-4, 275), quarterback Andre Grace (6-2, 185), linebacker Justin Burns (5-8, 180) and athlete Bradley Gross, a 6-0, 170-pounder.
 
Even the Class of 2011 has some prospect to keep an eye on. Running back Anthony Drayton (5-9, 162) and defensive linemen Daniel Ford (6-3, 280) should give this program enough talent to keep the ball rolling for the future.

A SPARTAN EFFORT – AGAIN: Being in the same district as national powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas often leaves Hollywood Hills searching for a second place finish, and while head coach Scott Barnwell understands that competing with the Raiders will be tough, he has loaded up over the past few years with athletes who can help this program compete and grab that coveted playoff spot.

While the Spartans have had their share of big names over the years, the team that will head into the 2008 season will be young and filled with athletes attempting to make a difference against some quality opponents.

The Class of 2009 begins with defensive end/linebacker Daniel "Bucky" Lewis (6-0, 230), fullback Dwayne Wilson (5-8, 205), receiver Dennis Booth (6-0, 165) and Hallandale High transfer running back Courtney Clark Jr. (5-9, 175), who could make a difference.

Speaking of running backs, Luis Vasquez (5-8, 172) is one to keep an eye on. Quarterbacks Brandon Balom (5-11, 161) and Andrew Wadsworth (6-2, 161) will battle for the starting spot. Lineman Brandon Parris (5-11, 272) is the only holdover from a tremendous line.

On defense, highly-rated defensive tackle Clarence Murphy (6-3, 245), linebackers Gary Lewis (5-11, 189), Chris Henry (6-0, 200) and  Caleb Vincent (6-2, 205), defensive end/nose tackle Moses Francois (6-1, 210), defensive end Nate King (6-0, 218) and speedy (4.4) cornerback Tony Grimes (5-11, 161).

Lineman Jared Maldonado (6-3, 272) and safety Jess Goins (5-10, 168) are two promising prospects for the Class of 2011.

CYPRESS BAY ON THE RISE: Most who follow high school football across the state of Florida saw it coming. The largest school (over 5,000 enrollment) in the state with a head coach who has proven that he can get it done anywhere.

What Cypress Bay did last year under first year head coach Mark Guandolo is lay down a foundation. Former head coach, Billy Hobbs, opened the school and built the program with quality athletes. Last year, Guandolo came in and took it to another level before losing to North Miami Beach in the second round of the 6A state playoffs.

As the 2008 season is set to unfold, the Lightning will be among the best programs in the state, and the thought of reaching the title game in Orlando next December is something that fans in western Broward County are looking forward to.

The 2008 season will be one for the record books. Guandolo (197-58) will reach the 200-win plateau as he and his team look to improve on the 10-2 record, which the best in school history.

Among the Class of 2009 players to keep an eye on include linebackers Shane Gordon (6-0, 230), Austin Gamble (6-1, 225) and Phil Walker (6-2, 220) make up one of the most talented linebacking corps in the state, and perhaps the country.

In addition, speedy running back Jason Douglas (5-8, 165), who ran for 1,170 yards and 14 touchdowns, punter/kicker Luke Bray, rising cornerback standout Carl Miles (5-10, 180) and linebacker Joe Nathan (6-2, 215) are others to keep an eye on.

The Class of 2010 will also be very impressive with standout lineman Joseph McNamara (6-3, 295) leading the way. McNamara, also a quality heavyweight wrestler, ran a 4.97 (40). Also, quarterback Zachary Green (6-1, 170) will be a player who is heading into his third year at the varsity level.

The Class of 2011 has a promising defensive end prospect in 6-1, 240-pound Grant Burke.

BILL BRITTON WILL BE MISSED: On a personal note, last week, the Cypress Bay family lost junior varsity coach Bill Britton to a heart attack. At the age of 43, Britton had been directly responsible for building programs in the western portion of Broward County as a coach and teacher in the Western Warrior youth program.

Through the years, Britton has driven young athletes all over the state to camps and combines to help them gain exposure and improve.

Britton leaves behind a wife and three children as well as many, many friends who he touched in a very special way.

I knew Coach Britton over the past four years, and can tell you first-hand how much he fought for his players.

While Cypress Bay lost a great coach and developer of character and talent, many of us lost a good friend who was always there to promote.

For more recruiting information, check Larry Blustein out each Thursday night (8-9) on WQAM (560 AM) for the Miami Dolphins High School Gridiron Show. You can reach Larry via e-mail at FloridaKids1@hotmail.com.