2nd Year Head Coach Ahmad Ward Resurrects Homestead Football
By Jerry Williamson
The last time Homestead HS made major headlines, dates back a decade ago, as the Broncos secured the district title. Which were led by notable seniors such as University of Miami (FL) signee defensive end Marcus Robinson and Arizona Cardinals' Pro Bowl wide receiver John Brown. In 2016, the residents of Homestead embraced the hire of Ward, who could relate with the kids and had roots within the community. Ward, who coached five seasons as assistant coach, has resurrected a football program that mustard out roughly ten victories over a 3 year period. Coach Ward made note, he wouldn't have made the turnaround without the leadership and loyalty of his class of 2019 prospects. When asked what did he do differently, as the head man in charge compared to prior head coaches.
"I was able to relate to this generation of young men. Also I begin my coaching up Northwest Miami-Dade Region at Miami Norland, so I believed in what's called “City Ball”; man coverages, heavy blitzes, and use your speed on offense", said Ward. There's two particular student-athletes on the Broncos football team, who deserves heavy consideration for first team all-county. Including two other prospects who should earn some votes for the county team, which are juniors Greg Pruitt and Jonathan St. Jacques.
The first of two is Class-of-2019 ATHLETE Kevin Butler (5-11, 160), a Top 10 wide receiver in South Florida for his class per Rising Stars, has contributed tremendously as a vocal leader and on offene, defense, and special teams. Butler, a 5-11, 160 pound WR, DB, and Return specialist has tallied 6 interceptions (1 pick six), 1 fumble returned for a touchdown and ranks Top 5 in South Florida in both receiving yards and touchdowns. His stats are even more impressive considering he's game planned for every game and still shines despite the overall team star power.
Photo credited by Drice Greaves.
The next in-line is senior defensive end Amdermadson Pierre (6-0, 200) who ranks Top 5 in South Florida in sacks with 11 and Top 15 within the county in tackles. He's someone that needs to be recognized.
Inside linebacker Jonathan St. Jacques, has silently anchored the trenches racking up (4) sacks, (2) force fumbles, and (50) tackles. The 5-foot-11, 180 pound tackling machine ranks Top 45 overall in Miami-Dade County.
Interior defensive lineman Greg Pruitt (6'0, 255) has recorded 30 Tackles 5 sacks and 1 FF within 5 games this season. He's an emerging talent to keep an eye on come next fall. Coach Ward's coaching staff consisting of George Sands (OC), Trey Lee (QB), Carlos Suarez (OL), James Carles (DL), Tavarus Dantzler (LB), formerly BCU and Green Bay Packers, and secondary coach Nequan Phillips (Formerly Miami Southridge and Hawaii) has displayed they can out-right coach and are not afraid to take on a challenge. Head coach/defensive coordinator Ward's 4-2-5 scheme is making headlines as well. Three Broncos are ranked Top 25 in sacks which are Malique Newberry, Greg Pruitt, and Amdermadson Pierre. Two Broncos are ranks Top 5 in interceptions consisting of Jimmyson Delisca and Kevin Butler. Offensive coordinator George Sands has a balance offense that features the No. 25 rusher in the county, with junior running back Brandon Pierre. His converted quarterback Tasheem Reese, is listed No. 14 overall in passing yards and threw for a career high 273 yards against Miami Edison.
Junior wide receiver Kevin Butler leads the county in receiving yards and ranks Top 5 overall in South Florida. Butler is a young man I spotlighted as a Top 5 overall wide receiver for his class and he's certainly putting up the numbers this fall. Coach Ward is also doing something that has decreased overtime, which is placing seniors on to the next level. Ward's 4-2-5 defense has put under the radar senior linebacker Jaeden Suarez in position to collect over five scholarships this fall.
The Broncos will challenge Christopher Columbus in the first round playoffs. Ward accomplishments should have him in the running for coach of the year and Kevin Butler and Amdermadson Pierre will also be in the running for first team all-county.
