Cocoa Tops Gadsen County: 38-27 in 2A FHSAA Final

Follow Miami– Chaminade Madonna ran away with their fourth consecutive FHSAA state football title Wednesday night behind a strong ground game and a stingy defense.  Head coach Dameon Jones notched his seventh titles in nine years as he added to the nine titles the school has to date.He’s built quite a legacy at Chaminade, due in part to attracting some of the nation’s best players.  This years crop had to replace legends like Jeremiah Smith and Joshia Trader who are now Division I football players at the Power four level.They did not disappoint.  After two early season losses, Chaminade rolled the remainder of the season. They even knocked off nationally rated, St. Thomas Aquinas along the way. A team they had not played in over 40 years. The star this year for coach Jones? It was undoubtedly Derreck Cooper, a top-rated athlete in the class of 2026. Cooper finished the game with 92 yards rushing on just ten carries and a touchdown.  He also had a tackled on defense, where he played predominately in the two years prior to transferring to Chaminade. The passing game was led by Tyler Chance (15 for 20 196, 3 TDs) and paced by junior Denairius Gray who hauled in five catches for 78 yards and a touchdown.  Senior Kyle Washington, the only player on the team with four consecutive state title medals as he played as a freshman, also contributed with 4 catches for 34 yards. He’ll head to Atlanta, GA to play for Georgia State next fall.  Dameon Jones, head coach, Chaminade Madonna Denairius gray's one-hand catch TD @Nadeboyz 21-0 @xklvsive_1 #hotbedworld @FHSAA 3Q pic.twitter.com/wsgdgVl1CK— Football Hotbed (@FootballHotbed) December 12, 2024 derreck cooper proved he's one of the nation's best Brandon Odoi of Football Hotbed interviewing Derreck Cooper

Follow Miami Gardens, FL- The Homestead Broncos Junior Varsity Team earned a birth in the inaugural Football Hotbed JV Championship Series Final this week outlasting the North Miami Pioneers 26-22.  It was a thrilling match that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle. The Broncos showcased their resilience and teamwork, coming from behind to secure the victory. The game was marked by impressive plays, with standout performances from both teams.  The game’s overall MVP was 2027 quarterback Jahmir McCall of Homestead High.  The Broncos’ quarterback delivered a stellar performance, throwing two touchdown passes and maintaining composure under pressure. Freshman running back Jermaine Green caught the first touchdown reception out of the backfield and the go-ahead touchdown was secured by 2028 wide receiver Gemani Smith. Meanwhile, the defense held strong during critical moments, thwarting the Pioneers’ advances with key tackles and interceptions.  The game sealing pass deflection was made by 2028 defensive back Leone Leonidas. The Pioneers played an excellent game, especially offensively led by their sophomore quarterback, Chammbrayy Campbell.  He hooked up with North Miami 2027 wide out Michael Cabre to open the game’s scoring.  The post-corner pass was perfect and Cabre made a great adjustment to the ball for the touchdown reception. Overall, the Pioneers couldn’t overcome playing sloppy toward the end of the game as turnovers and penalties killed drives.  They turned the ball over with a fumble into the endzone and had an interception on the 1-yard line on drives that would have probably ended up as scores. On the final drive of the game, the Pioneers were thwarted by the Homestead defense that had bended but not broken all game.  As the Broncos celebrated their hard-fought win, they set their sights on the upcoming final, determined to bring home the championship trophy. The team’s coaches praised the players’ dedication and spirit, acknowledging their hard work and commitment throughout the season. Fans and community members eagerly anticipate the final match, ready to support their team with unwavering enthusiasm.The historic Football Hotbed event for Junior Varsity teams is full-sanctioned by the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) who is enthusiastic about the events promise in years to come.  Homestead will play Miami Central in the championship held this coming week.   Jahmir McCall with the Portal 305 and Olin Cushion, III JV Championship Series Highlights: Check out this amazing pass and catch from @NMPioneer_FB junior varsity standouts 2027 QB CHAMMBRAYY CAMPBELL to WR MICHAEL CABRE #hotbedworld vid by @ChrisFodde @FHSAA pic.twitter.com/aFXfa8zLf6— Football Hotbed (@FootballHotbed) October 26, 2024 Photos: JV Championship Series @HSHBroncos and @NMPioneer_FB made history. #hotbedworld https://t.co/VWfp1x7Npw— Football Hotbed (@FootballHotbed) October 26, 2024 Arties Knight, head JV Football Coach, Homestead High

Follow Miami Gardens, FL– The Miami Hurricanes (4-0) open Atlantic Coast Conference play tonight hosting the Virginia Tech Hookies (2-2) at Hard Rock Stadium.  The Hurricanes look to extend their winning streak and notch their first win in a conference they hope to win.  They enter the game ranked No. 7 in the country with wins over Florida, FAMU, Ball State and USF.  Virginia Tech enters the game at .500 on the season, with wins over Marshall and at Old Dominion and close losses to Vanderbilt and Rutgers.  MIAMI WINS: Isiah Horton saves the day! He enters the game as a DB and keeps Miami perfect breaking up a hail Mary pass. 38-34 as time expires over Va. Tech #Canes pic.twitter.com/HvD7rXteGG— Brandon Odoi (@Brandon_Odoi) September 28, 2024