Vero Beach vs. Miami Norland RECAP

High School football is back and one of the best games after a slow start was Vero Beach vs. Miami Norland. Vero got off to a 20-0 start before Norland woke up and the game ended in a 30-30 tie. Vero Beach did have a chance to win the game with a field goal but it was missed. Norland is now led by new head coach Tyronn Johnson. After the first quarter coach Johnson who had prior stops at HML and Hialeah had to be asking himself WHY? Why did I decide to get back into coaching. He and his staff by half time started to get some positive results. They made their adjustments in the second half and almost pulled off what looked like an improbable victory in the first quarter. Norland fought back and made this one of the best games this past weekend. We will break down the game and who to keep an eye on this fall.

Miami Norland:

Kai Moore – 19-22 (272 Yards – 4 TD-O int) Moore got off to a slow start but so did the entire Miami Norland football team. He led the team back from a 20-0 deficit. One thing that really impressed me was his composure. When the team seemed to have issues moving the football early in the game, Moore never got rattled. He showed good touch on his passes. I am huge on anticipation and Moore did a great job of releasing the ball before the receivers were even open. On his touchdown passes, Moore put the ball where only his receivers could catch it. Norland has one of the better young quarterbacks in Dade County.

Javan Allison – The Senior defensive back was not tested much. When he was he recorded around 3-4 PBU. He kept everything in front of him. When Norland brought him down in the box to help against the run Allsion recorded a couple of tackles. He had two tackles for loss. We expect him to continue to put up stats this season. Allison has committed to Jacksonville State.

Damani Downs – We had him down for 5 catches and 85 yards. His 53 yard catch and run set up a touchdown for Miami Norland. Downs was able to get open without any issues. He also showed the ability to help set up the edge on run plays. Downs likes to block and is good at it. We expect Damani to have a breakout season and impress college scouts.

Alan Blackshere – He was tested early and often. While he gave up an early touchdown, Alan more then held his own. We like how aggressive Alan was on the outside. He is going to give Norland another player on the back end that should have a good season.

Armani Strong – Norland has some nice receivers this year. Downs played well as did Strong. He is a guy who will go across the middle of the field and make the tough grabs. Strong is a tough kid who will help move the Chains. Downs gives you more of a deep threat while Strong is going to help you on third down. He and Downs played very well for Norland on Friday Night.

Vero Beach

Wonderful Monds – 19 -30 (303 Yards Passing – 2 TD) 10 Rushes -(87 Yards -2 TD) Mounds displayed a very good arm. He can push the ball down the field. He is accurate on his passes down the field. He is someone that looks for the big play. Monds does a very good job of leading his receivers. You will see him put the right touch on the deep balls. He is already one of the more sought after sophomore quartebracks in the country.

Jordan Crutchfield – The talented defensive back who transferred in from Fort Pierce Westwood looks the part. He is one of the best looking defensive backs you will see in person. He has the size and length to play at a very high level and that is what University of Kentucky has his commitment. He plays the run well but can also go back into coverage. We expect him to still be heavily recruited despite his commitment to the Wildcats.

Jonathan Hillsman – He recorded at least one rushing touchdown against Norland. Hillsman displayed both toughness and finesse in his game. He displayed both speed and quickness for Vero. We feel that Hillsman will be a big part of the Vero Beach offense this season.

Xavier Stinson – Stisnon will be a great addition to Vero Beach offense. He also recorded a touchdown and was open multiple times. We like his ability to make plays after the catch. With Wonderful throwing him the ball, Stinson is going to put up nice stats in 2025.

Champ Smith – Big kid who can move. That big fella is someone we really like. He is versatile enough to play tackle or guard at the next level. Vero has a good looking offensive line and if they are going to go far this year in the playoffs it is players like Champ Smith they will lean on.

Others who played well: Traveon Townsend, Latravious Woods, Dontallis Render, Josiah Taylor.