Racing Toward Another 2A State Title
Moments after last December’s convincing win over Lakeland Victory Christian in Tallahassee, head coach Hector Clavijo and his football team looked toward 2020.
With a number of key prospects moving on after winning the second state title in four years, the Champagnat Catholic Lions were looking forward to an amazing fifth straight trip to the 2A state finals.
This is a program that can now be called a force in the state of Florida. Not only because it has been to the state finals, but the path that they travel each year to get there is filled with plenty of obstacles.
Make no mistake. This is a program that seeks out the best competition, and while a few 2A schools are on the schedule, the objective has always been to play the best teams not only in south Florida, but the state and nation.
From 8A Piper to 6A New Smyrna Beach and Belen Jesuit, and 4A Miami Gulliver Prep, University School and Monsignor Pace to 3A Delray American Heritage, Coach Clavijo and the Lions played them all.
Remember, they traveled to play national powerhouses Lowndes County, Ga. and Nashvile Christ Presbyterian in Tennessee.
The 2A programs last year were all in the playoffs – against Miami Christian, Moore Haven, Seffner Christian and a 35-14 state title win against Victory Christian.
THE LION FILE
SCHOOL: Hialeah Champagnat Catholic Lions
HEAD COACH: Hector Clavijo
2019 RECORD: 10-3
CLASSIFICATION: 2A
LIONS TO WATCH IN 2020
2021 – Elias Blandon, OC
2020 – Darnell Georges, DE
2020 – Matthew Gonzalez, OL
2021 -William Jeudy 6’0 225
2021 – Donovan Jones, RB
2020 – Naim McMillin, DE
2021 – Wilmer Mejia, DE
2021 – Justin Payoute, Athlete
2020 – Walter Phillips, LB
2020 – Aleric Pouchie, OL
2021 – Jurrell Robinson, DT
2024 – Matthew Rubio, OL
2021 – Malik Rutherford Malik Rutherford 5'9" | 170 lbs | WR Hialeah Champagnat Catholic | 2021 State FL , WR
2021 – Deondrick Speight, OLB
2021 – Tyous Taylor QB
2022 – Shayon Walton, WR
You Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at: Foridakids1@aol.com. We are also on Social Media on @PrepRedzonefl.