2012 Kickoff Classic Recap - McArthur

The Miramar Patriots began a new season on Friday night by taking on the McArthur Mustangs in the 2012 Kickoff Classic. The Patriots were victorious 28-0 on the night, and the performance provided plenty of fodder for me to talk about.

So, let’s get to the recap:

McArthur

The Mustangs moved the ball very well early on. Running back Cameron Johnson ran with good vision and impressive power. The line blocked well, and created space for Johnson to gash the Miramar Defense. 

Johnson’s power running created an opportunity in the play-action passing game, but McArthur couldn’t capitalize.  WR Onis Marte dropped a pass in the end zone when he was open by a solid 20 yards. That was a key play in the game, as the Mustangs couldn’t muster any points on that possession, or any other all night long.

McArthur’s struggles on offense really started under center. The Mustangs used 2 freshmen as their Quarterbacks, and neither one was able to add a positive element to the offense.  Starter Kato Nelson was able to complete a few short hitches early, and also had the throw into the endzone that was dropped. Other than that, the quarterback play was fairly pedestrian.

On Defense, Linebacker Jeremy Benjamin stood out for his solid play. The 6’1 senior made plays all over the field all night long as he rotated between inside and outside linebacker. Benjamin had at least 9 tackles, 2 sacks, and 2 tipped passes by my unofficial count. His play will be key for the Mustangs to be successful this season.

McArthur’s team features a few former Miramar Patriots, including the aforementioned Cameron Johnson, DB Nehemiah Ali, and CB/K Malik Wisdom. All 3 played major roles in this game for the Mustangs, and figure to continue to do so through the entire season.

McArthur had hopes of beating Miramar in this game. Unfortunately for them, their effort and execution were not good enough to make that dream a reality.

Miramar

The Patriots took their time getting into the flow of this game. The Defense started out shaky, allowing McArthur to march down the field, and had a wide open touchdown pass dropped against them. After that early adversity, the Darkside Defense started to live up to its name, and reputation.

Jermaine Grace is better than ever. He had 6 tackles (2 for loss), a sack, and a deflected pass all in the first half. His ability to switch from run defense to pass coverage to blitzing on any play make him a terror for any offense he faces. McArthur tried to chip him with a tight end or pull a lineman his way, but Grace was able to shed those blocks easily and make plays. I'm interested in seeing him continue this type of performance through the season.

In addition to Grace, Ryan Samuels and Sanka Harris played pretty well on the first team. Samuels can be more consistent in pass coverage, and Harris needs to control his emotions as he can be too hyper on the field at times. Kaywon Davis, Mike Shivers, and Julian Lowe provided solid performance on the second unit, along with a few players who played both DE and LB.

Up front, a host of Patriots proved they will be valuable contributors during the season. Alex Trotman had 3 sacks, and provided relentless pressure off the edge. Shawn Stephens did well against the run, and also power slammed a running back on a tackle. Darius Young and Telvin Arnold were stout and physical on the interior of the line. Adding depth and a physical presence was David Lee, who had a few highlights in his time on the field.  Add Damone Thompson and Damarious Graham to this group, and you can see why the coaches are so excited about what this defense can do.

In the secondary, the safety tandem of D’Kambui Greaves and Andre Godfrey Jr. played very well.  Greaves jumped an underneath route, which opened up the endzone for that one pass McArthur dropped that was a sure touchdown. Outside of that one play, he provided good and steady coverage in the secondary.

Behind them, Deonta Fair, Marquino Martin and Dante Campbell all showed they can be big time players. At Corner, Terrence Gaskin had a very strong performance. Darren Wilcox played well, but didn’t really impact the game satistically.

The much celebrated sophomore CB duo of Tyrek Cole and Jeffery Hill played decently in their first varsity action. Cole was the better tackler of the two, and Hill provided better pass coverage. I like the confidence of both players, and I really believe they will be a major reason why the defense limits opposing offenses this season.

On offense, the thing everybody is talking about is the competition to be the starting Quarterback. After this game, I believe we now have a definitive answer. Junior Nick Jeanty started the game, and played to a high level. His stats, 111/19 for 124yards with 1 TD and 0 INTs, weren’t eye popping, but when you consider that he only played a half of football, they make a bit more sense. Jeanty had to deal with a bit of pressure, and some low snaps, but seemed to keep a cool demeanor on the field. His last second heave to the endzone in the 2^nd quarter was dropped by a wide open Kwasim West, which would have added to his stats.

Gernald Hawkins played the majority of the snaps in the second half. His play was frantic and every play seemed rushed. He missed a few open receivers, most notably sophomore Khalil Lewis who was all alone down the right hash mark. Hawkins was eventually able to lead a touchdown drive that was based around the running game, but overall his performance was not as effective or dynamic and Jeanty’s.

Freshman Demari Simpkin, who will be the JV quarterback this year, also played about 8 plays in the game. He has a decent frame at 5’9”, and figures to grow into his body over the next few years. He is just starting to be exposed to the Miramar version of the spread offense, and he will have plenty of opportunities to hone his craft at the JV level.

The receivers were alright, but not spectacular. Junior Tanares Robinson caught the only touchdown of the day. Kwasim West, who dropped a touchdown to end the first half, had a couple tough catches in the 3^rd quarter. Khalil Webster had a touchdown that was called back by penalty. Geonte Smith was open in the same on a couple plays that went to another receiver. He would have scored each time had he gotten the ball. Tyler Williams had 2 catches and some nice moves in the open field. Khalil Lewis had a nice catch, and was overthrown on that one pass I already mentioned. Dellano Whitehead had a catch with some nice YAC. Last, but not least, Sean Avant had 3 catches, and showed the good hands that he has earned a reputation for having. Overall, I’d call the performance of this group decent, but there is room for improvement.

The running backs were OUTSTANDING in this game. Alex Lee led the charge at the beginning. Most people think of him only as a speed back. He showed in this game that he’s a part of the #WeightRoomGang by running through defenders, and refusing to let the first hit bring him down. His added strength is going to help him perform this season, and hopefully (for him) earn scholarship offers from a few more colleges.

Cameron Rigby showed why he’s such a highly touted player. He had 2 long touchdowns (each 65+ yards) called back by penalty, but that didn’t stop him. On one drive, he had back to back runs of 38 and 52 yards. He is also the primary punt and kickoff returner, roles which let him showcase his playmaking ability in open space. His impact on this team may be even more than some people anticipated. I’m very, VERY anxious to see what he can do this season.

Khalil Lewis (same name as the receiver, but no relation) showed that he has continued his progression after being the JV MVP last year, and earning a call-up to the varsity team for the last 4 regular season games and the playoffs. He ran hard, made decisive cuts, and showed good speed once he hit the second level of the defense. Lewis runs best when he goes north and south without dancing. He has learned to make that his style of running, and his game has jumped to another level because of it.

3 running backs into the recap, and I still haven’t gotten to the most impressive one. Alex Anderson ran like a man possessed. The 6’1” 210lb sophomore showed that he is a top level player whose physical style will be a great compliment to the slashing cutback style Lee, Rigby and Lewis employ. Anderson, who at his size still runs a 4.4 in the 40, came into the game and ran for 60 yards on limited carries. Anderson has the potential to be the best offensive player to ever come through Miramar. Yes, including Geno Smith. That’s the level of talent this kid possesses. Watch out for #23. Trust me.

The offensive line was average at best. Mike Miranda struggles with the shotgun snap showed up again. Those low snaps break the offensive rhythm and put the Patriots in long down and distance situations. Additionally, this group had at least 5 holding penalties, and 3 false starts.

That’s the bad.

Now for the good. 

The line provided ample time for all 3 quarterbacks to throw the ball. They also gave the 4 running backs plenty of space to operate. Through this season, consistency will be the key. If the line can find it, the Patriots will undoubtedly be successful. If they can’t, the team will struggle. It’s that simple.

Lastly, the kicking game is in solid shape with not 1, but 2 quality kickers. Replacing Malik Wisdom who transferred to McArthur are sophomore David Campbell and junior Michael Allinder. Campbell, a soccer style kicker, has the stronger leg of the 2, and has made kicks as deep as 47 yards in practice so far. 

Allinder, a straight-on kicker, is a bit more accurate but his leg isn’t as strong. Both players made kicks in this game, and both did very well on their kickoffs. This will be an area of strength unlike any year in the recent past for the Patriots.

Overall, I would grade this performance as a C/C+; Passing, but not exactly where we want to be. There are a lot of good things going on with this team, and quite a few that need improving. If the coaches can get this team to buy into the system, and get rid of the miscues and penalties, this season will be very satisfactory to Miramar Patriot fans.

That’s it for now. Enjoy your bonus 3-day weekend, Patriots.

Until Next Time,

Cameron J. Underwood
Miramar Sports

Alumni Report - 8/22

Happy Wednesday Miramar High Patriots!

It's halfway through the school week, which means its time for the first issue of the Alumni Report for Miramar High.

The Alumni Report focuses on how fellow Patriots have done at the college, and professional levels. I'll have all the stats for the football and basketball players right here on your favorite blog every Wednesday.

This week, there was only one former Patriot who was participating in football this week and that would be Defensive End Justin Francis of the New England Patriots.

Francis, who played his college career at Rutgers, recorded 3 assisted tackles and had 1 quarterback hit in the Patriots 27-17 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Thats it for this first issue of The Alumni Report, make sure to tune in next Wednesday to see how other Patriots are doing at the next level.

Until Next Wednesday,

George "Sports Nut" Harvey
Miramar Sports

Ask Me Anything Volume 2, Number 2

Another week, another edition of Ask Me Anything. Without any further ado, let's get it poppin'.

Q: Who is the next star coming from Miramar to WVU? – From Logan @LQMcDonald

Miramar Sports (MS): This is tough, because recruiting is based upon the roster needs of the University more than the availability of talent. That being said, I think the main candidates are offensive players. Here's a short list for you:

1. Junior WR Kwasim West - A smooth tactician on the field, he wears #3 for Miramar just like Stedman Bailey used to. I could see him following the path of many former Miramar Stars up to Morgantown.
2. Senior OL Mike Miranda - Has the size and technique to be a productive player on the offensive line. Under the radar prospect has the interest of a few schools, but no big time offers yet. That will change, believe me.
3. Senior WR Sean Avant - I'm not going to list all the players who have chosen to go to Morgantown recently (you can find that information in my Eersnation.com feature), but Avant would be a good addition.
4. Junior RB Cameron Rigby - Big time talent in the same mold of Andrew Buie and Dustin Garrison. An elite playmaker in the open field. Would be lethal in Dana Holgorsen's Air Raid Spread Offense as both a receiver and runner.

Q: Who is likely to be the starting running back this season? – From Nicole @Sweetchoc85

MS: Senior Alex Lee is going to start. That much we know. 

However, there are no less than 6 players who will all see time in the backfield this season. The coaching staff has a real challenge to find time for all these talented players, while also putting them in situations to be successful, as each player has unique talents.

Who are all 6 of these players? You'll have to wait until the game preview article on Thursday for that information.

Q: Who is going to fill the void left by Tracy Howard at Cornerback? – From Nicole @Sweetchoc85

MS: Look at Nicole asking 2 questions about positions and neither one was about Wide Receiver. This is a record!

Anyway, there are 4 players who will contribute at Corner this season. 2 Seniors and 2 Sophomores. They are:

1. Senior Darren Wilcox - A shorter player a 5'9", he has very good skills and decent speed.
2. Senior Terrence Gaskin - Also 5'9", Gaskin likes to be a bit more physical than Wilcox.
3. Sophomore Jeffery Hill - ALSO 5'9", Hill led the JV team with 6 interceptions as a freshman, and has shown elite coverage abilities already. Could work his way into the starting lineup before the end of the year.
4. Sophomore Tyrek Cole - Pronounced Ty-reke, Cole stands 5'11", and has been called "the next Tracy Howard" by his coaches and teammates. Has the most potential out of this group, and could very well find himself starting before too long.

Q: Do you feel the team is physically ready for their first game? – From Nicole @Sweetchoc85

MS: This summer, I dedicated myself to improving my physical fitness. To do that, I went to Xtreme Competition Fitness to train with Miramar Strength and Conditioning coach Gary Sanchez. While I was getting back in shape, I saw some Miramar players come by the gym and do the same.

When I say that I saw some amazing physical feats, I mean it. I talked with Coach G, and he had very positive comments about the overall physical progression of the players. 

"This team is MORE athletic than last year. No question" Sanchez said. "We have a lot of guys who have gotten bigger, faster, and stronger. Almost every player set a personal record in at least 6 different training activities this summer. I'm not coaching a position anymore, so all I have to worry about is the condition of these players. And trust me, they're in top physical condition."

I think that's a pretty good answer, if you ask me (which you already did).

Q: How’s the Offensive Line looking?  - From Nicole @Sweetchoc85

MS: The O-Line is looking really good. Still have room for improvement, but the early returns are very promising. 

This group won the Lineman challenge at 2 different 7-on-7s this summer, and will look to be the foundation for an explosive offensive attack this season. Should be one of the strongest parts of our team.

Q: Last year in Ask Me Anything, you talked about players who played multiple sports. What’s that list looking like this year? – From George @Sportsnut_

MS: There are a couple of multiple sport athletes on the team this year. 

Javonte Forbes was tired of college recruiters asking him what position he played, only to tell them he only played Basketball, so this season he joins the team as a Defensive End. He'll also be one of the Starting Forwards on the Basketball team as he heads into his 3rd season on Varsity.

There are a LOT of guys who also compete on the Track and Field team, including Alex Lee, Khalil Lewis, Khalil Lewis (yes, there are 2 of them), Sean Avant, Jermaine Grace, and D'Kambui Greaves.

Sanka Harris and Darius Young are members of the Wrestling team when not on the gridiron.

And there's probably more. But, suffice it to say that we have a lot of multi-talented athletes here at Miramar.

Q: What position do you think will be the strongest overall for the Football team? – From George @Sportsnut_

MS: I think there are 2 positions that will be the strongest.

1. Wide Receivers - there are 13 players who will see time this season. When you run 4 and 5 wide as we are apt to do, this is an advantage. I've said that if I were the Offensive Coordinator any player who runs a deep route (post, seam, or fly) would come immediately off of the field in favor of a replacement. Having all fresh receivers on each play, and those receivers having the skill level that is present in this group, will give the offense an advantage throughout this season.
2. Running Backs - Again, 6 high level players will see the field at this position this season. The battle for playing time is fierce, and that can only happen when all the players have the talent to produce on the field. Defenses are going to HATE our running game this year. Mark my words.

Q: What are your expectations for the Football team this year? – From Scotty @Scotty_VansMan

MS: I always have high expectations. Coach Cogdell and the coaching staff have proven that they are able to produce amazing talent, and guide them to victory more often than not.

The Patriots have a 85% winning percentage in the last 3 years (starting with the 2009 State Championship season).  While "the experts" may think that Miramar will have a down season (I've heard 7-5 mentioned as a possible record), I think that reports of our death have been greatly exaggerated (shouts out to Mark Twain for that one). 

In short, I expect AT LEAST 8 wins in the regular season, and a deep run in the playoffs. Or, exactly what we've done in each of the last 5 seasons.

Q: Who has the tougher road back to the State Championship game: Miramar or Plant? – From Bo @BoPuckett

MS: This is the most interesting question I think I've ever gotten in Ask Me Anything. Let me set the stage before I answer.

Bo Puckett is the Defensive Backs coach at Tampa Plant. He started following me during the playoffs last year, and we had some...ahem...heated debates. So, to get a question from the enemy is an interesting proposition for me. I've had it before (a few Cypress Bay fans chimed in last year), but this one is kind of different.

Anyways, I think that Miramar has a slightly tougher road back to Orlando. I say that for these reasons: 

1. Plant returns more of their offensive core. Led by OL Richy Klepal and RB Wesley Bullock, the Panthers have much more returning experience on this side of the ball.
2. The Darkside defense lost 10 starters from last season. That's everybody not named Jermaine Grace. The losses of Tracy Howard, Marrell Jackson, Mark Rucker, Trevon Coley, and Willie Paisley are huge, and the team needs to find which group of players will replace all the experience that is now scattered across college campuses all over the Southeastern United States.
3. I'm going to address the pink elephant in the room: South Florida football is better than Tampa Area football OVERALL. I know, Plant won last year. So did Armwood. Well...not according to the FHSAA. But, my point is there is more of a chance that a Cypress Bay or Columbus or Southridge will pop up and have a championship level season than any Tampa area team will do the same at the 8A classification.

So, who has the tougher road back? Miramar does.

You had questions. I gave you answers.

But, those are just my thoughts.

What are yours?

Until Next Time,

Cameron J. Underwood
Miramar Sports

Ask Me Anything Volume 2, Number 1

After a long and relaxing summer vacation, we're back to business here at the Miramar Sports Blog. I've been active on twitter, and posted a couple articles, but now, we're cranking back up to full-time Miramar Sports news. 

And, in that vein, here's the first article of the school year: Ask Me Anything, the Miramar Sports mailbag. Here we go:

Q: Who is going to be the Starting QB? –  From Kennetha @_HeadVsHeart_

Miramar Sports (MS): As I said in the QB Competition breakdown from the spring, Nick Jeanty looks like the frontrunner for the position. Through the first week of fall practice, I still have him in the lead to be the starter. (Note: Bud Martin is no longer a Miramar Patriot. He transferred to Dillard early this summer)

Both Jeanty and Gernald Hawkins have had their ups and downs, but overall, I just like the way the offense looks better with Jeanty out there, so I’m sticking with him as my pick.

Q: Who is the breakout Patriot that nobody is talking about? – From Shawn @ShawnFace

MS: I asked this same question to Jermaine Grace, Alex Lee and Mike Miranda for the Captains Corner feature (which debuts on Tuesday). I won’t give you any of the players the captains mentioned. You’ll have to read their article for that. But, here are 3 players that have stood out to me through the first week of fall practice:

• Junior Running Back Cameron Rigby – Apart from having the best name on the team, Rigby has been an absolute terror on the field. His playmaking ability has shown itself repeatedly in both the 1-on-1’s and 7-on-7 segments of practice. He will definitely be contributing heavily on offense this year, as well as on special teams as a punt returner.
• Junior Wide Receiver Tyler Williams – Williams burst onto the scene last year with his touchdown catch against Palm Beach Gardens in the Regional Semi-Final. He has used that day as the starting point to a great summer, and wonderful first week of practice. During every practice segment you can see Williams making plays. His all-around technique is very good, and his speed makes him a challenge for the defense on every snap.
• Sophomore Cornerback Jeffery Hill – One half of the super sophomore corner combo with Tyrek Cole, Hill has consistently played solid defense in practice. He had a pick-6 on the 2^nd throw of the fall in 7-on-7, and has displayed very good technique. Obviously, being able to watch Tracy Howard hone his craft last year has helped Hill, and he looks primed to be a solid player this season.

Q: What is the biggest overall challenge for this year’s team? – From Adam @Akosnitzky

MS: Easy: youth. Having only 5 returning starters on this year’s team means that there are a lot of players who will need to step into larger roles for the Patriots to maintain the level of success that we have had over the past 5 seasons. It’s never easy when you rely heavily on sophomores and juniors, and harnessing that young talent is a challenge the coaches will have to face throughout this season.

Q: Who is the one team you wish was on the schedule this year that’s not? – From George @Sportsnut_

MS: I’ll do you better. Here's my top 3 "I wish they were on the schedule" games:

1. The University School. Everybody is talking about how good they are, and I would like to see what we could do against them.
2. Miami Central. The only time we’ve played them in school history, the State Semi-Final in 2009, was an epic game. Central is loaded once again, has 2 All-American level Running Backs, and I’m sure they would relish the chance to avenge that loss. That would be a great game, and I wish it were real, instead of a fantasy in my mind.
3. Miami Booker T. Washington. Everybody says they're the best team around. I feel that Miramar is the best team around. Let's settle this on the field, and not in a message board.

Q: What game are you looking forward to OTHER THAN Bradenton Manatee, St. Thomas, and Cypress Bay? – From George @Sportsnut_

MS: Outside of “the big 3” games of the year, I’m very anxious to play Everglades. I’ve heard the whispers that they have been talking noise about beating the Patriots for the first time in 6 years, and win the district as well. This neighborhood rivalry has been very heated over the last few seasons, and I don’t see that changing this year.

Q: Who is going to step up and be the all-star #1 Wide Receiver? – From Nicole @Sweetchoc85

MS: I can always count on Nicole to ask me about the Receivers.

There is no easy answer, since we have 12 players who will see time at receiver this year. During practice, the offense subs them out in groups of 4, so there is a lot of talent at this position.

The easy answer is Sean Avant. He’s the leading returning receiver, was a starter on last year’s State Runner-up team, and figures to have a big season as a senior. But, since I don’t like easy answers, I’ll look another way.

My pick for the #1 receiver this year is Junior Kwasim West. He’s tall and thin, but runs great routes, has good hands, and above average speed. He will probably see his role increase dramatically from last year, and could emerge as the top target for whoever wins the job as starting Quarterback.

Q: Do you think  West Virginia will win the Big12 in their first year in the conference? – From WVNation @WVNation

MS: I think they have a great chance to be special. The offense will obviously have to carry them, and with Geno Smith, Tavon Austin, Stedman Bailey, and Ivan McCartney, that shouldn’t be a problem. The defense is one of the stronger units in the conference as well, so I think the Mountaineers have a good chance to make some noise.

You should respect every team on the schedule. That being said, to me, they have 2 big challenges on the schedule:

1. The first challenge is the back-to-back trips to Texas in October to play Texas and Texas Tech. Those are longer trips, and that travel could play a role in the team not being fully in sync at gametime.
2. The second challenge is a late season trip to Iowa State. The Cyclones are a decent team who obviously gets hype for big games. They ended Oklahoma State’s run to the BCS Championship game last year, and would love nothing more than to do the same thing to a highly ranked West Virginia team this year.

Q: Based off their performances at MHS, how would you rank the past QBs: Cam Hudge, Ryan Williams, and Geno Smith? – From George @Sportsnut_

MS: Ok, here goes:

• Geno Smith – Took the Patriots from being good to great. Had a State Championship season ruined in 2007 after a questionable brawl vs Flanagan. He did things I’d never seen before from a HS player.  He was 2 time first team All-State, a Parade magazine All-American, Elite 11 MVP, took Miramar to our first State Semi-Final, and set the stage for our continued success. He has to be #1 on the list. 

Here’s a story for you:
In the middle of the 2008 season, Coach Cogdell held a 6am practice on Thursday before the Piper game. A few players were late and were suspended for the first half of the game, including Geno and Stedman Bailey. On the first play of the second half, Geno and Stedman checked to a double move (pump and go), and hooked up for a 76 yard touchdown. As soon as he threw the ball, Geno started walking off the field with his arms up in the typical “make some noise” stance. When I saw that, I knew he was a special player.

• Ryan Williams – His only season at Miramar started slowly but ended in fine fashion. Struggles vs. Monsignor Pace in the opener were repeated mid-season vs. St. Thomas Aquinas. But, apart from those 2 games, he progressed every week of the year. His performance in the playoffs was outstanding. He beat Miami Central with a 56 yard bomb to then-sophomore Malcolm Lewis, and shattered records in the State Championship game vs. DeLand. Many people say he finished the job that Geno started, but I look at his accomplishments on their own. If he had another year as a Patriot, he could have been #1 on this list. Still, 2nd behind Geno Smith isn't too shabby.
• Cam Hudge – He played on Varsity for 4 years, backing up the other 2 players on this list as a Freshman and Sophomore, respectively. Hudge saw some game action, and showed plenty of promise, including a huge arm in his 5’9” frame. Hudge added a running threat that neither Smith nor Williams had. Hudge led the team to the second State Championship game in school history, and, while that game ended in a loss, his impact over his 2 years as starter cannot be understated.

As a bonus, here's a video of that famous Williams to Lewis play from 2009. (And yes, it's called Patriot Missile. So fitting.)

Q: Favorite Miramar athletic memory BESIDES winning the 2009 6A State Championship in football? – From George @Sportsnut_

MS: Funny story: I wasn’t at the 2009 State Championship game. A close friend of mine got married that day, and I was a groomsman in his wedding. So, my connection to that day is not the same as most other Patriots’.

Anyways, my favorite Miramar Sports memory would have to be beating St. Thomas Aquinas in football last year. We’ve had some good games against them (although the final score might not indicate it), and I really felt that we had a great chance to dethrone the Raiders as the kings of Broward County. After some, ahem, QUESTIONABLE calls let St. Thomas hang around, coming through with that blocked field goal, then goal line stand to win the game, and give us the first win against St. Thomas in forever, the elation of running around the field victorious was absolutely amazing.

Since this is my article, I’ll add another one: Beating Central to get to the 2009 State Championship game. I won’t wax poetic about this one. But if you were there, you know the emotion that was in that stadium that night. Powerful stuff, man.

Q: Early prediction on where Jermaine Grace will play his college football? – From almost everybody who I’ve spoken to since last signing day

Before I answer this one, let me give you a disclaimer: The following response represents MY OWN INDIVIDUAL THOUGHTS. Now that that’s out of the way…

I think the University of Miami is the clear leader at this point. The coaches would like to see Country add more size to his frame, but I don’t think they will risk missing out on his completely. Apart from that, he lists Tennessee as a finalist, and notes that Florida State has been in heavy contact with him.

In the end, my feeling is this is Miami’s race to lose. For a bit more on Jermaine’s recruiting, check out an interview I did for CanesInSight.com last week. The link is here: http://canesinsight.com/content.php?412-Jermaine-Grace-talks-Recruiting

That's it for this edition of Ask Me Anything. Welcome back, Patriots.

Until Next Time,


Cameron J. Underwood
Miramar Sports

Eersnation.com Feature

After struggling with a nasty case of writer's block all summer, I'm pleased to announce my first website feature article is finished, and published. Here's an excerpt for you:

Eersnation.com Feature Article: The Miramar Connection

by Cameron J. Underwood

1,094 miles.

That’s the distance from Morgantown, WV to Miramar, FL.

While that may seem like a great distance, these 2 cities, and the football programs that call them home, are much closer than it would appear on any map.

For years, players have graduated from Miramar High School and migrated north to Morgantown
in pursuit of athletic greatness, and academic success. This transition is not an easy one, and took a
trailblazer to forge a path where there had not been one before.

Read the whole article here.

Leave a comment and let me know what you think. 

Until Next Time,

Cameron J. Underwood
Miramar Sports

Jermaine Grace Interview

By now, if you follow Miramar Football, you’ve heard the name Jermaine “Country” Grace. The 6’1”, 196lb linebacker was one of the key parts of the Darkside defense in 2011, and figures to be its leader in 2012. A gifted defender, Grace totaled 115 tackles, 5 sacks, and 4 interceptions in 2011, and made life very difficult for opposing offenses.

Based upon his past performance, and future potential, Grace has already been classified as a 4 star recruit by ESPN and Rivals. He has also been named a 2013 U.S. Army All-American, and was one of a select group of players who participated in Nike’s The Opening in Beaverton, Oregon.

I saw Jermaine while we both were working out at Xtreme Competition Fitness in Hialeah. (Yes, I work out. Shut up.) After finishing our respective sessions, I spoke with Grace about a number of topics. Here’s what he had to say:

Miramar Sports (MS): Thanks for taking a minute to talk to me today, Country.

Jermaine Grace (JG): No problem.

MS: Alright, let’s get right into it. Last weekend you went to Nike’s The Opening where you competed with and against some of the top talent in the country. Tell me a little bit about that experience.

JG: It was crazy. I mean, it was really good to go out there and compete against those guys, and see where I stand against really good players.

MS: What did you learn about your game and what might you want to improve?

JG: I’m pretty good in my technique, so that’s not a problem. But, I just gotta keep working and get bigger, faster, and stronger.

MS: I saw that you weighed in at 196lbs, which is up about 10lbs from where you were last season. What’s your goal weight heading into this season?

JG: I don’t have a particular number in mind. I’m just going to continue working hard in the weight room, listening to what [Strength and Conditioning Coach] Gary [Sanchez] says, and push everyday to be a little faster and stronger.

MS: That makes sense. So, are you able to add weight and maintain your athleticism?

JG: Yeah, because I’m not gaining too fast. I’m still able to run and jump and do everything I need to do to be a playmaker on the field.

MS: Nice. So, do you have numbers you’re targeting for this season, in terms of tackles and sacks and the like? Or are you most focused on team success?

JG: I really just want to play hard, and show the young guys how it’s done. The one thing I’m really working on is to get that 5^th star. I’m a 4 star recruit right now, but I’m really working hard to improve this season and earn that 5^th star.

MS: Speaking of the young guys, you’re the only returning starter on the Darkside Defense. Has Coach Cogdell spoken to you about being a leader for this unit?

JG: Yeah, I’ve spoken to Coach about it. I know that I have to step up and be a leader on this team. A lot of the young guys look up to me, because I’ve been around. Some even want me to mentor them, and I’m ok with that. I’ll do whatever it takes to help this team be great.

MS: Now, we all know the Darkside Defense is always one of the best in the State, and we run a lot of complex schemes. How will having 10 new starters on the field with you impact the types of coverages and packages we run?

JG: It’s not going to affect anything. We haven't changed anything, and we're not going to. We’re pushing the young guys everyday to increase their game and be able to fit in to what we’re doing. Other teams won’t take it easy against us, so we can’t take it easy on ourselves. And the young guys are really working hard to get better. Trust me, the defense you see will not change just because the players are different.

MS: Ok. Now, switching gears, you missed the spring game with a hamstring injury. What’s the status of that injury now?

JG: I mean…it’s a lot better than it was. It’s not 100%, probably about 80-85% or so. I’m just working smart and trying to build it back up. I will be ready to go by the season opener though.

MS: That’s what I like to hear. Now, let’s talk recruiting. Who are your top schools at this point of the process? Do you have a top 10?

JG: I don’t have any favorites, or even a top 10. There are a lot of schools who have contacted me, and I’m just trying to take my time and do my research on them right now. My goal is to have a top 10 by the start of the season, then narrow that to 5 so I can set up my Official Visits.

MS: Sounds like a good approach.

JG: Yeah, I can only do this once, so I’m trying to make the right decision.

MS: Very true. Now, I know you’re looking at a lot of things in your research, but what are your top 3 things you’re looking at when comparing schools?

JG: I am looking for a good coaching staff who can teach me and prepare me to get to the next level. I am looking at their defensive systems, you know, to make sure I can fit in and have an impact. And I’m looking for a good atmosphere with the team.

Jermaine Grace and Artie Burns (Miami Northwestern) at Nike's The Opening

MS: With former Miramar teammates Tracy Howard, Malcolm Lewis, and Ryan Williams at Miami, and Coach Cogdell in the past and about 9 players at West Virginia now, are you considering joining one of those groups?

JG: I mean, I’m looking at all the schools who are recruiting me. Obviously, knowing those guys is a plus. I’ve known all those South Florida guys at The U for a long time, and they talk about getting me there to play with them. The West Virginia guys are doing that too. Coach Cogdell is not pushing any school, but it would kind of be cool to see what he loves so much about Morgantown.

MS: Now, hypothetically speaking, if you were to go to WVU, would you try to get the #1 jersey that Cogdell wore when he was in college?

JG: Yeah, if I went there I would probably try to get that number. He’s a great coach, and it would be awesome to follow him and be a great playmaker wearing that #1 jersey.

MS: Obviously academics are important at every level. What are you thinking about studying in college?

JG: I was kind of undecided and thinking about a lot of different things. But now, I’m really interested in studying Business. I think it would be a good fit for me.

MS: Sounds good. Thanks for the time. Good work today.

JG: No problem. 

For your viewing pleasure, here's Jermaine Grace's 2011 highlights. You'll see why he's such a highly touted recruit.

That's all for now. Share your thoughts in the comments.

Until Next Time,

Cameron J. Underwood
Miramar Sports

2012 Football Schedule

So, after a rather heated conversation on Twitter last weekend, I'm seeing people wondering what our schedule for this year will look like. 

Well, wonder no longer. It's right here.

Games in bold are home games.

Games in blue are district games.

Miramar Patriots 2012 Game Schedule

Fall Classic: vs. McArthur - August 24

Game 1: @ Bradenton Manatee – September 2nd *Date/Time dependent upon ESPN Television Schedule (has been changed 4 times already, so hopefully this time is right)

Game 2: vs. Blanche Ely – September 7^th

Game 3: @ Northeast – September 14^th

Game 4: @ West Broward – September 21^st

Game 5: vs. Cypress Bay – September 28^th  

Game 6: vs. St. Thomas Aquinas - October 5^th

Game 7: @ Boyd Anderson - October 12^th

Game 8:  vs. Everglades - October 19^th – HOMECOMING AND MAYOR’S CUP

Game 9: vs. Western - October 26^th – SENIOR NIGHT

Game 10: @ Flanagan – November 2^nd

Playoffs - TBD

Which game(s) are you looking forward to? Add a comment and let us know.

Until Next Time,

Cameron J. Underwood
Miramar Sports