Florida Fire 7-on-7 All-Star Football Invaded San Bernardino and Departed Victorious
By Jerry Williamson Last Sunday, victory in Fontana, California earned Florida Fire their 4th victory out of the last five 7-on-7 Tournaments. Below are the top performers from Passing Down 7-on-7 Regional Tournament.
Passing Down Most Valuable Players and Championship Belt
L-R: Timothy Burns Jr, Marc Britt, Dennis Marroquin, Chaz Smith
The offense featured a deep rotation and to be honest, just about everyone made big time plays especially from Miami Palmetto slot receiver Mike Jackson who nearly went viral breaking ankles and Council Allen from American HS versatility as well as Jordan Cash high energy and burst. Quarterback Santino Marucci (The Benjamin School) delivered a solid day, throwing for roughly 20 touchdowns.
Top 5: Florida Fire' Individual Offensive Performances
L-R: Theodore Richardson, Miles Friday, Karaun St. Louis
Offensive MVP - Marc Britt
Miami Christian (FLA.) 4-star athlete Mark Britt made everyone believers in the West Coast regarding his top 10 ranking per 247sports. His ability to run pass you and jump over you was a highlight reel itself, when he was targeted. Britt earned the offensive MVP. Piper (FLA.) 3-star wide receiver Karaun St. Louis incredible hand eye coordination and strong hands score the game-winning touchdown. In my opinion, his game has improved drastically. It's safe to say, FIU, FAU, Kentucky, Baylor will not be his final offers come National Signing Day. Expect a breakout senior season. Senior running back Miles Friday, a Georgia native, who transferred to Cardinal Gibbons (FLA.) recently is a dynamic all-purpose ball carrier. His ability to catch the ball out of the backfield and take hand offs upfield quickly gave fire an edge. Friday would literally beat defenders coming out of the backfield on runs and catches for touchdowns. He displayed his speed during the quarterfinals taking a hand-off the distance before making two defenders miss. Miami Booker T. Washington (FLA.) rising senior wide receiver Theodore Richardson delivered countless times when his name was called. He has deceptive speed and made clutch plays during both the quarterfinals and semifinals. The unsung star offensively goes to the Tornadoes unheralded playmaker who appeared faster than his The Opening Regional 4.65 forty-yard dash, as he got behind defenders for big gains. Wide receivers Elijah Canion and Khalil Brantley, both played like their measurables, which is big and strong. Canion snagged a few scores using his 6-foot-3 frame. Brantley, an University of Miami (FL) commit, accounted for several touchdowns and torched defenses working the middle of the field. It's nearly impossible to stop Fire offensively when both guys are in their zone. Top 5: Florida Fire' Individual Defensive Performances
L-R: Timothy Burns Jr., Corey Collier, Kamren Kinchens, Chaz Smith, Blaine Anderson
Overall MVP - Chaz Smith
North Miami (FLA.) rising senior Chaz Smith, an unrevealed star without stars and scholarships next to his name, shined on the big stage. Smith earned Passing Down 7-on-7 Tournament championship game overall MVP recognized as the Grown Man award. The South Floridian is one of the best kept secrets. He stands 5-foot-11, 165 pounds who recorded several red zone interceptions and when you realize his blanketing coverage skills, he's certainly a division one talent. Miami Northwestern (FLA.) junior cornerback Timothy Burns Jr. (5-10, 145) was named defensive MVP. It will not be long before stars are attached to his FBS offers consisting of Tennessee, Kentucky, Kansas St, Marshall, FAU. Burns Jr made the most challenging position look unchallenging. His instincts and burst was incredible allowing leadiy cornerbacks in interceptions and pass deflections.
Interception Leader - Blaine Anderson
Palm Beach Central (FLA.) rising senior safety/cornerback Blaine Anderson (5-11, 180) led the defense in turnovers for the second consecutive 7-on-7 tournament. Anderson is another hidden gem without offers and stars who received interest from University of North Carolina (D1-FBS), Brown (D1-FCS) and Davidson (D1-FCS) after his five interception performances. Expect the interest to expand for the advance placement and honor student, who intercepted 5 passes in California. Anderson is responsible for 10 interceptions the last two tournaments. Miami Palmetto (FLA.) 4-star cornerback Corey Collier (who benefited from the West Coast travel, adding an offer from University of Southern California head coach) displayed he has a future at safety as well. His closing speed and play recognition was the difference maker in shutting down the middle of the field. Collier long frame standing at 6-foot-2 was asked to mirror opposing quartebacks at times making it difficult to throw over and around him on certain packages. Rising junior safety Kamren Kinchens from Miami Northwestern (FLA.) made an impact on defense. His ability to make plays in open space against speedy wide receivers and challenging bigger tight ends explains why the hometown Canes and eight additional FBS schools have verbally offered the reigning class 6A state champion. He's a mixture of a cornerback, safety, and linebacker when you factor his strength, speed, size, and mindset.
Miami Palmetto (FLA.) and Florida Fire dynamic duo, Corey Collier and Jason Marshall and Elijah Canion (Chaminade-Madonna) benefited from the travel to the West coast. The stars of Florida Fire were personally offered by USC head coach Clay Helton.
The others who contributed were Dartrell Rolle (Miami Christian), Kahmari Lovett (Miami Killian), Christopher Townsel (Deerfield Beach), Cedric Johnson (Seminole Ridge), Jason Marshall (Miami Palmetto), Trevell Mullen (Coconut Creek).
