On January 9, 2010, Mario Smith had an idea that he felt would catch on and become part of the off season in south Florida.
An all-star game that would feature the best senior football players who were still searching for a scholarship, playing each other in a game.
To take it one step further, the idea also included pitting the public schools against the private schools, which is always a hot topic in south Florida.
Despite cold weather and rain that game went off and a great time was had by all.
This Saturday night (5:30) at Milander Stadium in Hialeah, the game will now enter its 11th year, and Mario Smith and his Tru Sports Foundation and Academy are at the center stage of this contest.
As Coach Anthony Collins of South Broward High heads up the public and David Simmons once again will lead the private team, prospects who didn’t sign in December and many who are not set for the first Wednesday in February will battle for the much-needed exposure.
“Through the years, this has been a game that these young men needed to get some extra film against top competition,” Smith explained. “Having been involved in this game from both sides, I know how important it is for these young athletes to have as much exposure as possible.”
In last year’s 27-20 win at Ives Park, it was not only for bragging rights, but it helped to showcase talent that needed a college to look in their direction.
Miami Jackson running back Trenod Desrosier and Miramar’s Nate Williams combined for nearly 200 yards on the ground to give the Public team a 6-4 advantage in a game that continues to offer additional opportunities.
All-Star events like the Tru Sports Public vs. Private have been essential to recruits over the years – in not only playing one more game – but also using the film and overall experience.
“The objective from the time we started this game was to spotlight the players and give them the additional exposure,” Smith said. “Every year, we continue to add to this and make it the premier south Florida post season game.”
Last year’s winning head coach Toriano Morgan of Dillard was coaching his final game before moving on to a college position. He realized as a high school head coach as well as one who now recruits these prospects, how important the additional game is to everyone involved.
“This game, like all the all-star games played in the post season here in south Florida, is so important to these young men,” Morgan explained. “Without these games, it would be tough for many of these players to make an impression and add some more film to their football resume.”
A LOOK BACK
The 2017 game at Hollywood McArthur saw Eddie Brill (Miami Beach) and Nick Gonzalez (Christopher Columbus) use the contest as a springboard to show what they could do.
The all-star event saw Mater Academy defensive back Nez Dacosta make history when he was the first players ever to come up with two interceptions.