Canespace: Let's Make One Thing Perfectly Clear

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December 16, 2007

Let's Make One Thing Perfectly Clear

Total dominance. Complete control. Superior talent. Crisp execution. Dynamic playmakers everywhere you looked all over the field. That's what the fans, players, coaches and media representatives who attended the Florida State High School Championship games saw on Saturday at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando.

If there was ever any doubt, Miami-Dade County reigns supreme again in high school football in Florida. Everything is just as it should be. Case closed. Slam dunk. Spike the ball. See ya'. Who got next?

The boys from the 305 came, saw and conquered their opponents from Jacksonville and Orlando in resounding fashion. They left Tinker Field as champions after thoroughly dominating the competition (if you can call it that) and setting new standards by which all future teams will be measured.

And in a nice gesture of sportsmanship, the BTW players (pictured at left wearing their FHSAA championship medals) and coaches stuck around to see the MNW wrecking crew destroy Boone later that night. If there were any questions about where the best high school football players in Florida and maybe the entire Country were playing this year, those questions were also answered on the field on this Saturday in December.

Before we get to the games let me say that winning was only half the fun. Being there was even better! Canespacers AngryCane, Canechic, Keoki, Six and I all met up at some point during the day (Aqua was MIA). Several of us sat in the heart of the MNW crowd at the 50 yard line at let me tell you something: what a party that was!

White, black, old, young, male, female, none of that mattered on a night where the 305 all came together to cheer for their hometown Bulls. The spirits were flowing (gin to be precise) and the night air occasionally had that, how shall we say this, familiar Orange Bowl smell to it, if you get my drift. High fives and hugs were generously distributed to friends, family and complete strangers alike in the festive atmosphere.

We had the opportunity to sit with and meet some really great people including former Canes DL William Joseph and WR Brett Perriman. Perriman not only took time to take photos (see picture at left) with Canespacers Angry and CC (and son and daughter) but also chatted with us for about 15 minutes on Canes past and present.

Brett talked about Coach Randy Shannon, The 1986 Fiesta Bowl Game, the 1987 National Championship team and other interesting topics but we are saving that for another blog feature later this month.

Better yet, we just happened to be sitting next to MNW Head Coach Billy Rolle's lovely wife and daughters. Talk about your down to earth and just great people, well these are them. She also took pictures with Canespacers and was given the 411 on the website and blog (or blob as Shannon likes to call it).

The funniest thing was that whenever they would show Coach Rolle on the jumbotron screen they would all yell as loud as they could for as long they could while he was on the screen. Sometimes this went on for 10-15 seconds. You really had to be there to get it, but suffice it to say it was special!

Now back to the games...

Booker T Washington beat Jacksonville Nease 23-15 in the 4A warm up game behind Brandon Harris, Thearon Collier and Davon Johnson and sophmore running back Eduardo Clements. Collier (pictured at left talking to UM coaches Stoudtland, Hurtt, Mosely, Walton, Nix and Barrow) and Johnson are verbal commits to the University of Miami and it is now rumored that Brandon Harris could be a silent commit as well.

After the game, Harris spent quite a bit of time talking to several UM coaches who were in the South end zone right above the entrance to the locker room. He also took a phone call from Head Coach Randy Shannon immediately after the victory. Harris (pictured at left on phone talking to Shannon) is a key recruit for the Canes to help rebuild the defense and add talent, speed and toughness to the UM team in 2008 and beyond.

Harris played mutiple positions on Saturday and was simply the best athlete on the field during the game against Nease, former high school of Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow. Harris looked like a Heisman candidate himself after playing offense and defense in the Tornado's victory and looking like a man playing against boys.

Message to Harris: The U needs U. Sign here please!

In the much anticipated heavyweight match later in the day between Miami Northwestern HS and Boone HS in the Class 6A championship game, the Bulls dominated from start to finish to wrap up an undefeated season and ensure their #1 national ranking with a 41-0 victory over their opponents from Orlando. Boone's offense was completely helpless against the superior speed and talent on the Bull defense and their only weapon appeared to be their punter who hit several punts of over 50 yards to keep them in the game and prevent the game from becoming a blowout in the first half.

Leading the Bulls on Defense was none other than the BIG man in the middle, Marcus Forston, who also happens to be another Hurricane verbal commit. Forston (pictured at left flashing the U after the game) had three sacks and easily controlled the line of scrimmage and the game by playing most of it in the Boone backfield. He repeatedly slammed running backs and the courageous yet hopeless Boone QB into the Tinker field turf. The Bulls held the Boone offense to 16 yards passing. Yeah, you read that right, sixteen!

It is safe to say that there are going to be some very sore players from Boone this morning. They left the game battered and bruised thanks to Forston, who had three sacks, and company. Forston may be the most dominating HS player in Florida, or anywhere for that matter, in a very, very long time. His aggressive, attacking, up-field style of play is exactly the dose of medicine the Canes defensive line needs in 2008 to regain control of the line of scrimmage where it is said most games are won or lost.

But wait, it gets better. Even with Forston's dominating presence in the middle, the most impressive player on the field this night in Orlando may have been MNW linebacker Sean "Superman" Spence (our new nickname for him). If we didn't know better we would swear that former UM LB Jonathan Vilma had gone back to high school and was playing under the name "Spence". Spence, who wears #31, not #51, is a smart player, fierce competitor and vicious hitter. When Superman hits you you know it, and you often wind up going the opposite direction of where you were headed, and that's backwards!

Spence (or was it Vilma?) was everyhwere laying the lumber to Boone runners and receivers who dared to venture over the middle of the field. He caused at least two fumbles, returned a blocked punt for a TD and had several "Barrowesque" hits during the game, including a few behind the LOS. UM linebacker coach Michael Barrow can't wait to have this stud wearing the U on his helmet next year. Just in case you haven't heard, Spence, like Forston, and several other Bulls, is Coral Gables bound in 2008.

And that brings us to the Bulls offense where QB Jacory Harris and wide receivers Aldarius Johnson and Kendall Thompkins (seen celebrating in the end zone following the first TD of the game at left) are also headed to the U to wear the orange and green next year. Johnson had seven catches for 84 yards and one TD to lead the Bulls offense. Thompkins pulled in three passes including one for a touchdown on a beautiful grab and then added a 69 yard punt return just for fun. And trust me, this game was FUN!

In a bit of bad news for Canes fans, Harris, who went 17-32 with two TDs and one interception, left the game in the fourth quarter with a knee injury that was first reported to be a mild sprain. So, in came his back-up, Wayne Times, who proceeded to go about his business like he had been there before. He was 2-2 for 45 yards and one touchdown. Not too shabby for mop up duty in the fourth quarter.

Later, Miami Herald reporter Manny Navarro was on the field and spoke to Jacory. He reported that the injury may be slightly more serious than first thought and could be a an MCL injury that will await an MRI on Monday to determine the extent of the damage. All of the MNW players came over to the sideline to encourage Jacory after he went down with the injury. Johnson and Streeter even took a knee and prayed.

Harris had a good and efficient if not great game against Boone. He missed a few easy passes and appeared to be slightly out of sync in terms of his timing and delivery but also completed several deep balls to a variety of recievers that left Canes fans full of hope for next year and drooling for more. Jacory manages the game, leads his team, moves around the pocket and throws a better ball than any QB to wear the U in the last 5 years.

Having Robert Marve and Jacory Harris on the same team? Pure gluttony. And, exactly the kind of hard choices Canes coaches want oh so bad! The "Culture of Competion" will be alive and well at the Isadore Hecth Athletic Center once again. Spring will actually seem like Spring again with fresh new faces everywhere you look and as many as 33 new players on the team. Out with the old and in with the new!

With the 305 under complete and total lock down under Coach Shannon and his top notch crew of recruiters (Nix, Hurtt, Walton and Mosely seen at left in the stands at the game) the glory days are certainly just around the corner!

Especially when the best players, from the best teams, in the best area, of the best State for football are seemingly all coming to the U.

Come on, you know the words, sing it with me: Santa Claus is coming, to town. We will see you in December (and then again on National Signing Day) Santa! We can't wait to unwrap our new presents, especially the ones from BTW, MNW and Pahokee.

Posted at 03:19 PM | Permalink

Comments

Dolphins are threatening to win..

Posted by: M.H. | December 16, 2007 at 03:34 PM

Some VIPs are going to be reading the blog this week so please keep all of your posts positive and appropriate. Thank you!

Posted by: 86Cane | December 16, 2007 at 03:36 PM

It was a first post comment 86!!!

Posted by: M.H. | December 16, 2007 at 03:38 PM

MH...U are cool, NBD. I liked it, just not for today. Don't sweat it, you'll get another chance. Did you read the feature article? We have some new friends who are great people and just happen to be in VERY high places. We'd like to keep them on our side if you know what I mean.

GO BULLS, GO CANES, GO CANESPACE!!!

Posted by: 86Cane | December 16, 2007 at 03:43 PM

Excellent Photos

Posted by: M.H. | December 16, 2007 at 03:45 PM

First off I want thank my boy Canez1 for the updates, I appreciate that man.

Next, I want to give a shout out to the NW Bulls and BTW Tornadoes for their victories in the state championship. Its a great accomplishment and one they will cherish for the rest of their lives. Great job guys and it just goes to show hardwork pays off. Cant wait to see those boys reppin the U together. Str8 up dominating the game.

Also, we need to put an APB out on the players who hurt our QB's (Jacory & Taylor). Start investigating cats, b/c damn thats unreal. LOL But on a serious not I hope those guys are o.k and wish them a speedy recovery.

Looks like recruiting is starting to finish up nicely, hope we get AB tomorrow. Yo, whatever happened to Travis Benjamin, things kind of got quiet about yah boy. Does anyone know what the deal is with that?

Posted by: KillerBeez41 | December 16, 2007 at 03:49 PM

FYI...if you click on the photos you can enlarge them and save them to your computer.

Jacory on crutches? Disheartening.
BTW players in the stands? Encouraging.
Forston flashing the U? Priceless!

Posted by: 86Cane | December 16, 2007 at 03:52 PM

Oh yeah, great photos 86. Looks like everyone was enjoying themselves. I know it was a great experience and the icing on the cake were the wins by those DSFLB.

And to our new guests, welcome, hope you enjoy what Canespace has to offer. Feel free to post, chit chat, whatever. In the possible words of 86, Mi Casa es Su Casa, I think I spelled that right, if not, Oh well. HOLLA

Posted by: KillerBeez41 | December 16, 2007 at 03:58 PM

Oh yeah, great photos 86. Looks like everyone was enjoying themselves. I know it was a great experience and the icing on the cake were the wins by those DSFLB.

Posted by: KillerBeez41 | December 16, 2007 at 03:59 PM

great blog!

Posted by: Big Moo | December 16, 2007 at 04:05 PM

It was a rockin' good time Killer! And, you spelled it right, but don't forget the old standards:

Canespace: "For the fans, by the fans".

And of course: Post here, post often!

Posted by: 86Cane | December 16, 2007 at 04:07 PM

86 Great article and photos bro.
Nice to write something with a smile on your face lately huh?
peace

Posted by: solarcane | December 16, 2007 at 04:15 PM

dolphins win

Posted by: M.H. | December 16, 2007 at 04:22 PM

Looks like Patrick Hill FB, and Jake Wieclaw are new additions to this recruiting class. Like I said earlier, looks like recruiting is finishing up nicely.

Posted by: KillerBeez41 | December 16, 2007 at 04:23 PM

Solar...U ain't kidding! First really, really good time at a game in a long time.

Plus seeing the other Canespacers there and meeting Perriman and Mrs. Rolle. Wow, what can I say, GOOD people. You know when they say: "Well you had to be there?" Well in this case it was true.

To be honest, Canechic, Angry, their two children and I were a little spot of white in a sea of black MNW fans. And we never felt more comfortable or at home in our lives. We all made more friends in three hours than we have made in the last three years combined. Good people, good times, really good times.

Posted by: 86Cane | December 16, 2007 at 04:26 PM

On the first week of recruiting
PJ said to me
Hey Dad, I committed to Mi-ami !