Friday Night Lights shine on Globe, Miami, and San Carlos

High school football is back in Globe-Miami and San Carlos, and all three varsity programs are entering the 2025 season with new energy, strong leadership, and plenty of optimism. I talked with the coaches to see what’s in store for this year’s season.

BRAVES • Coach Harding Haozous

The San Carlos Braves, fresh off a dominant opening win, are led by third-year head coach Harding Haozous, who has been steadily building the program from the ground up while also shaping athletes through wrestling and youth football. Coach Haozous points to the Braves’ strong senior class as the key to a winning season. “We’ve got a strong group of seniors, and their leadership will be essential,” he said, noting that the Braves’ balanced roster — with a stout defense and explosive offense — will allow them to compete with anyone on the schedule.

Players to watch include:

Leshawn Browning (SR QB) – Browning is the Braves’ field general. In the season opener against St. John Paul II, he threw two touchdown passes in a 42–8 win. Haozous is counting on his senior leadership and ability to command the offense.

Tristan Dude (SR OL) – A steady presence on the offensive line, Dude will be relied upon to protect Browning and open running lanes. His veteran experience makes him a cornerstone in the trenches.

Anson Kinney Jr. (SR LB) – Kinney anchors the defense with his intensity and leadership. His ability to read plays and deliver tackles will be critical as the Braves look to contain high-powered opponents.

Mario Cassadore Jr. & Andre Bread Jr. (SR DL) – Together, Cassadore and Bread add size and strength to the defensive front, giving San Carlos the ability to pressure quarterbacks and stuff the run.

Brian Valentino (JR RB/QB) – Valentino turned heads in the opener, rushing for 208 yards and three touchdowns, placing him at #1 statewide in rushing yards. His explosive playmaking ability makes him the Braves’ biggest offensive weapon.

Leandro Simbolo (JR WR) – Simbolo caught two touchdown passes in the opener, adding another dimension to the passing game. His chemistry with Browning could be a difference-maker all season.

Luka Swift (JR DL) – Swift showed promise with two sacks in the opener, giving the Braves a dangerous pass-rushing threat. His energy and motor add depth to an already strong defensive unit.

VANDALS • Coach Scott Harris

The Miami Vandals begin a new era under head coach Scott Harris, whose decade of coaching experience — including years with the same players in youth football — brings both continuity and fresh perspective. For Coach Harris,who has coached many of his players since their youth football days, the 2025 season carries personal meaning. 

“Watching them grow as players and young men has been an amazing experience,” Harris said. Coming off a 7–3 season and a second-place region finish, he believes the Vandals have the talent and experience to take the next step together. Players to watch: 

Damien Romero (JR RB/MLB) – Romero is expected to be the workhorse of the Vandals’ offense while anchoring the defense at middle linebacker. His versatility and leadership will be critical to Miami’s success.

Jeffery Askew (SR QB/CB) – A senior and returning starter, Askew leads the offense as quarterback and shores up the secondary at cornerback. His experience and poise make him a cornerstone on both sides of the ball.

Hector Mariscal (JR FB/LB) – Known for his physical style of play, Mariscal brings toughness to the running game as a fullback and consistency as a linebacker, where his tackling ability and leadership set the tone defensively.

TIGERS • Coach Brady Hoff

 And at Globe High School, the Tigers are poised for a breakthrough under second-year head coach Brady Hoff, a 25-year coaching veteran determined to guide Globe to its first playoff appearance since 2012 and first winning season since 2015. For Coach Hoff, the energy surrounding the Tigers is undeniable. With only five seniors on the roster, he describes his team as “young, but hungry,” and says the foundation is in place to build on back-to-back 5–5 seasons and make a playoff push. Players to watch: 

Jaeger Franco (SR QB/S) – A three-year starter at quarterback, Franco is the leader of this team. His growth in the offense and ability to contribute on defense make him central to Globe’s playoff hopes.

Corban Bejarano (JR RB/LB) – Returning after an injury, Bejarano is expected to make a major impact on both sides of the ball. His toughness and leadership will anchor the Tigers.

Heber Hansen (JR WR/S) – A standout defender last year, Hansen is now tasked with stepping up on offense. His versatility as a wide receiver and safety makes him one to watch.

Greyson Kruger & Connor Dean (JR OL/DL) – The returning guards bring grit to the offensive line. Kruger doubles as a starting defensive end, while Dean, recovering from injury, will provide leadership in the trenches.

Braden Wager (SO WR/S) – After impressing as a freshman, Wager is ready for a bigger role. As a hybrid receiver/defensive back, his athleticism and ability to cover tough positions will be key.

As kickoff season unfolds across Globe, Miami, and San Carlos, each program enters 2025 with its own storyline. The Globe Miami Team and I  look forward to covering the season as it unfolds and bringing you more local sports coverage this fall.  ~Tory