This South Florida team captured the NFL U14 Flag national title last Sunday
While the big shot NFL players were busy shining at last Sunday’s Pro Bowl at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, a group of high school football players from Miami-Dade and Broward counties were enjoying their moment and showing off as well.
The event was the NFL Flag National Tournament and Team Red Zone, with St. Brendan head coach Luis Rodriguez at the controls, dominated scoring 187 points and giving up only 30 to roll to six straight wins and capture the U14 Division national championship.
According to Rodriguez, the team was made up of 10 players, seven of which have been playing together since the age of 10. Designated team captain for the Red Zone team was former Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mark Brunell.
“It’s a dream come true for these athletes to experience playing on a platform with NFL players and to showcase their talent on a national stage,” said Rodriguez who was assisted by Saaid Mortazavi. “This is a way out for most of these athletes and the experience is something these kids can strive for. All of their hard work and dedication to compete against the top teams in the country and win really paid off.”
Four of the players are Rodriguez’s own from St. Brendan, Richard Dandridge, Christian Lowry, Michael Caldwell and Ryan Bullard. Rounding out the Red Zone roster were Brandon Inniss (University School), Ahmere Foster (Columbus), Ja’khai Rainey (Palmer Trinity), Antrone Coston (Keys Gate), Collin Hurst (Western) and Corey Goldsby and Marcus Williams from Chaminade-Madonna.
GIRLS’ BASKETBALL
▪ Westminster Christian 43, Braddock 36: WC – Rebhan 9, Arana 7, Boulris 6, Alejo 6, Z. Matias 5, Corpus 5, E. Matias 2, Simmons 2, Guisasola 1. BRAD – Cruz 10, Pozo 9, Avila 6, Gonzalez 5, Mendez 4, Rodriguez 2. 3-pointers: Cruz 2, Rebhan, Z. Matias, Arana. Rebounds: Acevedo 6. Blocks: Acevedo 3. Steals: Beltre 1.
▪ Gulliver Prep. 65, Schoolhouse Prep 45: GP – Aguilera 19, Haymore 13, Podvin 13, Krysten Sanders 9, Delgado 4, Alibhai 3, Lopez 2. Santoro 2. Rebounds: Haymore 12. Assists: Aguilera 5. Steals: Haymore 6. Half: GP 30-21. GP: 14-9.
▪ Gulliver Prep. 68, Palmer Trinity 47: GP – Haymore 24, Kaitlyn Sanders 19, Aguilera 9, Santoro 6, Delgado 4, Lopez 2, Krysten Sanders 2, Podvin 1, Quevedo 1. Half: GP 31-29. GP: 15-9
GMAC Semifinal
▪ Miami High 65, Central 49: Colleen Bucknor 12 points 16 rebounds; Jennie Scott 12 points, 6 assists; Kiara Cruz 12 points, 6 steals, Three 3 pointers.
BOYS’ BASKETBALL
▪ Braddock 67, Palm Glades Prep. 23: BRAD – Perez 11, Santos 9, L. Lopez 9, Gonzalez 8, Torres 7, Paz 6, Guzman 6, J. Lopez 6, Williams 3, Ramon 2. PGP – Moesch 8, Moore 7, Fox 5, Carswell 3. 3-pointers: J. Lopez 2, Torres, L. Lopez, Perez, Williams. Rebounds – Santos 12. Assists: J. Lopez 4. Steals: Paz 5. Half: BRAD 50-9; BR: 12-7.
▪ TERRA 59, Varela 38: TER – Blanco 22, Nelson 8, Deas 8, Santiago 7, Vasquez 5, Martinez 5, Lopez 4. Rebounds: Martinez 8. Assists: Blanco 4, Santiago 4. Steals: Blanco 2, Santiago 2.
▪ Ransom Everglades 53, Keys Gate Charter 52: RE 20-2
GIRLS’ SOCCER
▪ Ransom Everglades 5, Florida Christian 0: Lindsay Gould 2 goals, 1 assist, Mather Davidson 1 goal, 1 assist, Sophia Juhasz 1 goal, 1 assist, Lauren Howard 1 goal, GK Preston Edmunds 9th shutout
▪ District semifinal: Westwood Christian 5, Riviera Prep. 4 (OT): Ballie Thompson game-winning goal, 32nd of season, school record. Assist from Sharen Schroeder. Schroeder, Amanda Lopez and Bridgette Huerta one goal each.
▪ District 16-7A semifinal: Coral Reef 3, Palmetto 0: Ashley Alfaro, Katherine Diaz and Tianna Rivera one goal each. Alfaro and Diaz one assist each. CR: 17-2-1.
▪ District semifinal: Krop 2, Flanagan 0: Mai-Lisa Attis both goals for Krop. GK Alysa Marquez shutout.
BOYS’ SOCCER
▪ District 14-3A semifinal: Miami Country Day 6, Booker T. Washington 0: Erik Pantin 2 goals and 1 assist, Max Manhire 2 goals. Lukas Iera and Ian Sauer 1 goal each.
