Road to State: The Return of the Spartans
The excitement is back in the community of South Miami Heights -- as the Spartans prepare for the class 8A state title against Dr. Phillips this upcoming week in Orlando, FL. It has been approximately 24 years since the Spartans last state title, dating back to 1993 (left pictured)
The Spartans capped off a (11-2, 4-0) season and made history, by not allowing a single point and outscoring district play opponents an eye-popping (107-0).
When you think of the Spartans football program this fall -- the first thing that jumps out to you is their fast and stingy defense. This is perhaps, the Spartans' best defensive unit of all-time or No. 2 at worst -- that was responsible for eight shutouts, over 60 sacks and over 20 interceptions.
Athletic Director Shawn Carney decision to hire Head Coach Billy Rolle, a three-time state championship coach has paid off after just two seasons at the helm. Did you know? Current offensive coordinator David Cooney (Left pictured) -- played on the last Southridge team to make a state appearance (1999) and caught the first touchdown of the night.
Offense
Cooney's offense has three athletes that ranks Top 10 in Miami-Dade County in passing (Michael Cox), rushing (Bentavious Thompson) and receiving yards (Mark Pope).
Four-star prospects junior WR Mark Pope and UF commit, senior TE Kemore Gamble are both responsible for scoring 10 total touchdowns. Junior WR Daquris Wiggins is another star on offense that's making the best of his touches and is another deep threat along with senior WR Rodney Scott.
Emerging sophomores RB Courtney Reese (USF offer) has accumulated over 500 all-purpose yards from scrimmage including 5 rushing touchdowns and CB Christopher McDonald Jr. (USF & Temple offers) rotates in the starting lineup and have picked off two passes this season. I honestly feel he's the top class of 2019 cornerback in South Florida.
Defense
Pictured: (L-R) Billy Gibson Jr., Shawn Davis, Coemba Jones Jr., Antwain Collier
Miami Southridge defense is every synonym for unbelievable. Here's a note, the Spartans lead South Florida in tackles, sacks and interceptions as well as having at least three student-athletes Top 5 in each statistical category.
Defensive line coach Phillip Simpson has done a remarkable job this fall. His defensive line unit: Seniors - Dimitry Prophete, DeAndre Johnson (Miss St commit), Travis Murray and Juniors James Head Jr. and Randy Charlton -- all rank Top 10 in South Florida in sacks. James and Dimitry both have over 20 sacks a piece.
The Spartans secondary is just as effective as their trenches. Secondary athletes: Seniors - Shawn Davis (UF commit), Coemba Jones Jr., Billy Gibson Jr. (UM commit), Juwan Horn, Antwan Collier and soph Christopher McDonald Jr. has all contributed in turnovers with over 20 interceptions this season and hasn't allow a single receiver to reach the hundred yard receiving mark.
UF commit and senior defensive back Shawn Davis leads the county in interceptions with six and is also tied No. 1 in South Florida.
The Spartans senior linebackers Nadarius Fagan (Syracuse commit) and Brandon James (FIU commit) both accumulated over 110 tackles. Brandon, leads South Florida in tackles with 127 in counting and recorded 4 1/2 sacks against Deerfield Beach in the regional semifinals.
The Spartans football roster holds approximately 20 prospects with D1 offers and great news college football coaches. Below, are five prospects who are full qualifiers with game that's still available.
Senior Prospect List
DL/LB Dimitry Prophete (6-0, 205)
Note: Leads So. Florida in sacks and Top 10 in tackles with a 22 ACT.
DL Travis Murray (6-1, 225)
Note: Rotational starter with roughly five sacks on the season.
OL Cody Bowes (6-4, 275)
3-Star recruit and starter with over 10 FBS offers and full qualifier.
CB Juwan Horn (5-10, 165)
Note: Starting CB with D1 offers and Top 5 in South Florida in interceptions.
CB Coemba Jones Jr. (5-8, 165)
Note: Top 5 in South Florida in tackles and interceptions and full qualifier.
