2018 Rising Stars All-South Florida Freshman Team
By Jerry Williamson
The Rising Stars 2018 All-South Florida freshman team consisted of the best statistics among their peers at their position on varsity. On offense, Jai-Ayviauynn Celestine (Hialeah) and Julian Armella (St. Thomas Aquinas) headlined the offensive standouts. Celestine recorded 9-touchdowns, 5-interceptions, 3-forced fumbles, and over 1,000 yards from scrimmage. Julian Armella started 7-games and produced over ten pancakes. To start for a powerhouse program like Aquinas speaks for itself. The pancake leader goes to none other than South Dade offensive guard Patrick Atkins.
On the defensive side of the ball. Michael Jackson (starting cornerback) from Miami Palmettto recorded three interceptions along with four special teams touchdowns against state championship programs. Richard Thomas, Jr made a splash right out the gate registering 13 sacks and countless tackles-for-loss. I decided to include an 8th-Grade Varsity Player of the Year for both Miami-Dade and Broward County. Scroll down to find out who earned the player of the year.
OFFENSE
Miami-Dade County Offensive Player of the Year: Jai-Ayviauynn Celestine, Hialeah
Broward County Offensive Player of the Year: Julian Armella, St. Thomas Aquinas
QB - Deon Parker - North Miami
QB - Carson Haggard - Gulliver Prep RB - Jaziun Patterson - Deerfield Beach
RB - D'Shawn Trowers - Hialeah
RB - Ghana Oboh - Miami Edison
WR - De'carlo Donalson - Hialeah
WR - Devaughn Mortimer - Dillard
OL - Patrick Atkins - South Dade
OL - Julian Armella - St. Thomas Aquinas
OL - David Espino Jr. - University School
OL - Jason Seraphin - North Miami Beach
OL - Brandon Brana - Gulliver Prep
ATH - Jai-Ayviauynn Celestine - Hialeah
ATH - Kareem Carswell - Everglades
PK - Will Bettridge - Gulliver Prep
DEFENSE
Miami-Dade County Defensive Player of the Year: Michael Jackson, Miami Palmetto
Broward County Defensive Player of the Year: Richard Thomas, Jr, American Hertiage Plantation
DL - Dante Anderson - Miami Southridge
DL - Shemar Stewart - Monsighor Pace
DL - Francois Nolton, Jr - Miami Christian
DL - Richard Thomas, Jr - American Hertiage Plantation
DL - Nyjalik Kelly - Dillard
LB - Jayvon Only - Southwest Miami
LB - Tray Brown - Cardinal Gibbons
LB - Tiwan McCloud - South Broward
DB - Alonzo Allen - Everglades
DB - Raoul Pierre - Coral Glades
DB - Ryan Turner - Chaminda Mondonna
DB - Marquis Lymon - Atlantic HS
ATH - Michael Jackson - Miami Palmetto
ATH - Maurice Smith - Somerset Silver Palms
8th-Grade Broward County Varsity Player of the Year: ATH, Brandon Inniss, University School
8th-Grade Miami-Dade County Varsity Player of the Year: QB, Keywone Jenkins, Mater Academy
