When Kamren Valentin left Miami Central this year to head south to attend Miami Killian, the talented senior linebacker had hoped it would benefit his career.
After a solid season – where the Cougars and first year head coach Derrick Gibson finished second in the district and won a state playoff game, things worked out fine.
On Saturday night – as the Private squad was beating the Public team, 25-20, at Milander Stadium, it was Valentin who returned to northern Miami-Dade County, coming up with 12 tackles, two for loss, and in the process was named Defensive MVP of the 11th Annual Tru Foundation Public vs. Private All-Star Game.
Joining Miami Christian receiver Marc Britt along with game founder and organizer Mario Smith during the trophy presentation – with Private head coach David Simmons, Valentin showcased his talents that many had either forgotten about – or had never seen.
“This is a great honor, something that I have worked very hard for,” he said. “Wish we would have won the game, but I will use this to get colleges who have not watched me play to pay attention.”
While he was a solid contributor for the Rockets, his move to play for Killian gave this 6-1, 220-pounder a chance to truly show what he was all about, and what Cougar fans saw was a very gifted football talent with plenty of skill and playmaking abilities.
Miami Christian standout wide receiver Marc Britt finished the night with six catches for 180 yards and two touchdowns to lead his team to the win. For that, the University of Florida commitment was voted as Offensive MVP.
TOP PERFORMERS
Baron Grant, Miami Northwestern, WR. The one time Doral Academy, Miami Jackson and Miami Central standout finally git his chance to shone with three TD receptions.
Melvin Glenn, RB, Jam Prep. One of the prospects that many didn’t know about before the game, made an impression with several key runs.
James Herard, Hialeah Champagnat Catholic, QB/WR. Finished his night completing 7-of-15 passes for 185 yards and the two scores.
Katravis Marsh, Miami Central, QB. The University of South Florida commitment was 16-of-30, 209 yards, 3 touchdowns.
OTHER PLAYERS WHO TURNED HEADS
Christian Aiello, OL, Hollywood McArthur
Council Allen, WR/DB, Hialeah American
Kenley-Marie Asse, OL, Miami Monsignor Pace
Derrick Ates, DL, Miami Monsignor Pace
Kristian Borges, OL, Hialeah Barbara Goleman
Robert Cole, PK/P, Coconut Creek North Broward Prep
Gary Edmond, DL, Miami Dr. Krop
Matthew Enriquez, PK/P, Coral Gables
Ezekiel Figueroa, DL, Hialeah Champagnat Catholic
Michael Geha, DE, Cooper City
Jude Guerrier, OL, Boca Raton
Charles Guevara, DL, Miami Edison
Juan Henry, RB, Miami Central
Chad Jackson, DB, Miami High
Wilkari Jones, DB, Miami Edison
Jonathan Nesbit III, LB/SS, Hialeah Champagnat Catholic
Armando Posse, QB, Miami Christian
Dartrell Rolle, DB, Miami Christian
Terry Smith, DB, Miami Central
Amaru Teneus, DB, Tru Prep Academy
Takori Thurston, RB, Miami Monsignor Pace
Nathan Wilcox, LB, Miami Southridge
MIAMI-DADE VS. BROWARD UP NEXT
Having lost its main sponsor, the annual Dade vs. Broward high school football all-star game, aka 305 versus 954, was in big trouble this year.
In danger of slipping through the cracks and the game not getting played, the folks from Tru Sports Foundation have stepped up and come to the rescue. Having now sponsored the annual Private vs. Public All-Star game, which held its 11th version on past Saturday night, TSF president Mario Smith announced on Friday that his company will underwrite the cost and the Dade-Broward game will get played.
Kickoff is set for Friday, Jan. 24 at 7:30 p.m. at Milander Stadium in Hialeah.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHUCK BETHEL