Road to State: Champagnat Catholic
Hialeah, FLA. -- Champagnat Catholic head football coach Dennis Marroquin road to state didn't appear as promising in the beginning -- inheriting a very light roster year one, basically starting from scratch. That featured two returning starters and a coaching staff of first-year varsity coaches, ending the season (3-7) and to make matters worst, a total of eight starters from that season transferred out.
Marroquin understood the challenge ahead of him and what it took to rebuild a program. During his stint at Hialeah (2008-2013) as the wide receiver coach and later offensive coordinator, Marroquin was a part of a program that helped the throughbreds transition from a (3-7) to (8-2) program.
Marroquin entering year two, brought in two experienced coaches with the addition of offensive coordinator George Stubbs (Hillel) and defensive coordinator Danny Clavijo (Hillel) as well as targeting student-athletes who wanted to help build and be a part of something special.
Champagnat Catholic will make history when the offense breaks the huddle vs. University Christian this upcoming Friday at 10am. The Lions will start six freshman: RB Calvin Montgomery (5-10, 190), WR Johnquai Lewis (6-0, 160), WR Mark Britt (6-0, 165), OL Jovens Janvier (6-4, 300), OL Alann Louis (6-0, 270), DL Jesus Machado (6-1, 200) -- who have all started since day one and helped transition a (3-7) program to (11-1) state contender.
First-year varsity starter, Sophomore quarterback Kervin Desssources of the Lions -- has passed for 1,500 yards and 18 touchdowns. Their running game is equally as impressive with Calvin Montgomery and Daryn Jones who both ranks Top 10 (2A-5A classification) in rushing yards.
Four-star junior wide receiver/athlete Gregory Rousseau has proven to be the lions reliable receiver -- using his 6-foot-6 frame inside of the red zone. Freshman wide receiver Johnquai Lewis (6-0, 165) ranks No. 24 in South Florida in receiving yards for both Dade and Broward County.
The Lions went undefeated in district play this fall -- led defensive captains and nationally recognized recruits senior three-star DB De'vante Mitchell (Ohio commit) and junior three-star LB Donovan Georges.
Junior LB Tyrik Robinson (5-11, 210) and freshman DL Jesus Machado -- have been consisted playmakers on the defensive side of the ball -- including unheralded senior defensive back Jordan Coley (3 interceptions) who's a full qualifier and emerging senior star CB Sean Bouie (6-1, 170).
The Lions is trying to capture the school's second 2A title within five seasons. College football programs are taking noticed of their success and prospects. On Monday, five subdivision college football programs visited Champagnat -- which consisted of Michigan, Tennessee, NC State, Buffalo, Ohio and Valdosta St.
Perhaps the leader in South Florida when it comes to pancake blocks (with film) is the Lions versatile junior offensive line Jawuan Wilson. He stands 6-foot-3, 260-pounds that has yet to allow a sack this fall. He's a full qualifier, and should add to his division one offer list come spring.
College coaches should keep an eye on emerging freshman wide receiver Mark Britt (6-0, 165). His regional semifinal game against Northside Christian turned heads, as he accumulated 95 all-purpose yards and a touchdown on four catches to help the Lions advance to the 2A state title game.
