By maria d. french - Archbishop Edward A. McCarthy HS
Photographer: COURTESY PHOTO
Former Miami Dolphins who attended the annual football banquet for 2-time Gold Conference champs Archbishop McCarthy pose with Mavericks Coach Byron Walker, center; from left: Lousaka Polite, James McKnight, Lorenzo Hampton, Trent Gamble, Jeff Faulkner and Donald Brown.
SOUTHWEST RANCHES | Archbishop Edward McCarthy High School’s annual football banquet last month featured the usual awards, trophies, and reflections on the past season.
But when the 11-1 Gold Coast Conference champs gathered with their families Dec. 12 at the Sunrise Civic Center Grand Ballroom, they also heard testimonials from six former Miami Dolphins, who spoke to the young players about the virtues of sacrifice, hard work and faith as it relates to football and success.
The former Dolphins included fullback Lousaka Polite; running back Lorenzo Hampton; receiver James McKnight; defensive backs Trent Gamble and Don Brown; and defensive end Jeff Faulkner.
“It was great having all these professional players come out and speak with our kids about the important attributes that are essential for success in the classroom, on the field and throughout life,” said the team’s head coach, Byron Walker.
The Mavericks were celebrating their second consecutive Gold Coast Championship. Players from both the JV and varsity squads heard the pros’ perspectives on everything from using social media in positive ways to attract college recruiters, to how leadership, hard work and faith will play a role in their development beyond high school. The former Dolphins stressed that forming good habits in high school will help prepare them for college and eventually as future community leaders.
“We really enjoyed the opportunity to share our experiences and ideas with the Maverick football family. I hope that we were able to make a connection with the kids and provide them with some sound advice on how they can achieve their dreams,” said running back Hampton.
Photographer: COURTESY PHOTO
Byron Walker, McCarthy High Mavericks' head football coach, reached 300 career wins this season, a feat only accomplished by five other Florida high school coaches. He has been inducted into the Florida Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
“Never give up, have faith in God and yourself, and don’t let people tell you you’re not good enough or big enough to reach your goals,” added defensive back Gamble.
At the end of the night, the team presented coach Walker with an award, signed by all of the players and coaches, recognizing him as one of only six football coaches in Florida history to reach 300 career victories � a feat he accomplished this season.
“I wouldn’t have had this success without the great kids, assistant coaches and support from some many administrators over the years,” said Walker, who has walked on many high school fields over the decades.
Already in the Florida Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame, Coach Walker has won three state championships, made 24 state play-off appearances, and won 12 Coach of the Year awards.
He passed on his passion for football to his son, Brandon, who led Cooper City into the playoffs for the first time in many years.
“As a father it gives me a great sense of pride to know that Brandon is having success in his own right as a head football coach. He has his own style and coaching philosophy, but I hope someday he reaches the 300 victory mark as well,” Walker said.
Archbishop McCarthy’s football program is looking forward to next season, when they hope to add more wins to Coach Walker’s mark.
“We have some really talented young players on our squad so the future is looking bright,” Walker said.
