Earl Little Has Krop Player Playing Big Role

The last time Dr. Michael Krop High's football program made it three rounds deep in the state playoffs in 2001, the school was just two years old like this season, many picked the Lightning to finish last in the district.

While Joe Mira surprised everyone by finishing second in the 5A district, surprising Stranahan and McArthur in the first two rounds, that third-round game, much like this week at Miramar, was against a very good Blanche Ely program with record-setting running back Tyrone Moss. The Lighting lost that game, but managed to put up a good battle.

Mira has since moved on to take over programs at South Miami and Westminster Christian, and little known David Hudson is now in charge of a team that relied on defense, a tremendous sophomore kicker, Ricardo Perez, and an offense that put just enough points on the board to post an 8-4 record in a district where Carol City and North Miami Beach started the season as huge favorites.

What Hudson has done with this year's Krop team is teach, organize and get the most out of every athlete on the roster. Krop has won the games that most felt it had little chance to win, and lost a few that it should have won. But that's what puts them in a place some 30 other Miami-Dade schools would love to be in this Friday night.

On a team with very few recognizable names, one person does stand out to those who have followed football in the region. First-year defensive coordinator Earl Little moved in this year after spending time at Central.

The one time NFL and University of Miami standout defensive back knows a little about this district. He starred at North Miami before heading on to a brilliant career in college and professionally.

ON THE RISE
Little has done enough to shape and mold a number of overachievers on the defensive side of the ball. Players such as senior linemen MacDonald Payoute and Torrey Jean-Baptiste, and defensive backs Chris Lazarz, Kadeem Wilson, Rochard Serjilus and Gerald Love.

There are also junior linebackers Kevin Brown and Marvin Jean, defensive back Patrick Derosier, and lineman Marcus Harris and defensive end Rex Graham, who is among the sack leaders in South Florida.

In addition to Perez, who is easily one of the top young kicking prospects in Florida, the sophomore class also boasts defensive back Justin Villafane.

``There is no question that the defense has carried this team,'' Hudson said. ``But we also have some surprising and impressive athletes on the offensive side of the ball.''

The Lightning feature senior quarterback Marlon Kelly, who has improved a great deal over the past month and now has become a leader.

Others seniors sparking the offense include receivers DeAndre Hall, Jason Jean-Louis, Tavarius Nole, Brandon Davis and Lekam Hanna, running back Terry Williams and lineman Dennerick Forbes.

Junior running back Brandon Eldemire has truly come into his own. The 5-8, 170-pounder has speed, great vision and gets those tough yards. Other juniors making a contribution include running back Jarvis Taylor, and lineman Devonte Forbes and Gabriel Malka.

The last time the Lightning advanced this far in the playoffs, it had athletes such as Marvin Clearmont, Jay Pericles, Prince Floyd and Grant Moule. Now, eight years later this program is still trying to prove the experts wrong.

``We weren't supposed to make the playoffs,'' Hudson said. ``We weren't picked to beat Everglades or Carol City. Now, it's a very good Miramar program that our players aren't supposed to beat. All this team has done is play hard and move on to the following week.''

ALL-STAR GAME/COMBINE
Trainers R Us, Inc. will be hosting its first Private vs. Public All-Star High School Football Game and Junior Football Combine on Jan. 9, 2010. The All-Star Game will showcase the talent of student-athletes who are high school seniors from private and public schools in the south Florida area on an annual basis.

Each student-athlete wishing to participate will need to be nominated by their high school coach, have a 2.3 grade point average and have taken the ACT/SAT. This game will provide high school student-athletes an opportunity to showcase their talent among their peers and to various college recruiters. The Private vs. Public All-Star Game will present a positive environment for all athletes who participate in the event through unity, commitment and respect.

The Private vs. Public All-Star Football Game will be hosted at Monsignor Edward Pace High School at (15600 NW 32nd Ave Miami Gardens) at 6:30 p.m. Each team will have 40 players participating in the game. Pre-sale tickets can be purchased at practice sites for $6.00 or $8.00 at the gate.

The junior combine will also take place at Monsignor Edward Pace High School on January 9, 2010 and conducted from 8:00 am to 12:00 p.m. For information on the combine and the game, contact Mario Smith at 786-285-3699.



(miamiherald.com)