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Gibbs High School Shines at Local Football Jamboree

Players showcase their skills during a competitive high school football jamboree in St. Petersburg.

News Summary

A recent high school football jamboree in St. Petersburg featured Gibbs High School, Sunlake, and Sarasota. Gibbs made headlines with new player Mike Broxton showcasing his skills, while their overall performance included impressive wins against both rival teams, setting a strong tone for the upcoming season.

St. Petersburg, Florida – A high school football jamboree held on Friday night showcased the talent and skills of three teams from different counties: Gibbs High School, Sunlake, and Sarasota. The event served as an early preview for the upcoming 2025 football season, with Gibbs High School making an impressive debut, particularly highlighted by new player Mike Broxton.

Initially, Gibbs was scheduled to face Sarasota, but due to Pasco County backing out, the Seahawks, representing Gibbs High School, were able to join the jamboree and compete against both Sunlake and Sarasota.

In the matches played during the jamboree, the results concluded with:

Sunlake defeated Sarasota 14-0.
Gibbs defeated Sunlake 13-3.
Gibbs defeated Sarasota 20-0.

Mike Broxton, a noteworthy player at 6-foot-10, made his debut on the football field at this jamboree, showcasing his versatility as both a tight end and wide receiver. His performance included impressive speed and exceptional catching ability as he made several key receptions and demonstrated effective running skills. His presence added a significant height advantage to the Gibbs offense, which also featured other tall players, including quarterbacks and receivers standing at 6-foot-5.

The Seahawks’ offense was led by quarterback Calvin Jordan and receiver Javier Thomas, both measuring 6-foot-5, indicating a strong aerial attack complemented by the physicality of Broxton. Running back Mario McCants also stood out, poised to be a key player in Pinellas County this season.

Sunlake faced its own challenges during the jamboree as head coach Jay Fulmer had to adapt to the absence of leading rusher Nathan Merriman. Nonetheless, quarterback Hayes McGuire rose to the occasion, demonstrating solid throwing and running capabilities throughout the event.

Another notable player from Sunlake was offensive lineman Christian Canarte, recognized as one of the evening’s best players. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 320 pounds, Canarte has recently received a scholarship offer from Howard University, highlighting the promising prospects on Sunlake’s roster.

Sarasota also displayed talent with quarterback Hudson West, who is 6-foot-5 and caught attention for his poise and decision-making in the pocket. West has received interest from several schools, including offers from North Alabama and Toledo, indicating a potential bright future for him in college football.

This jamboree not only provided an opportunity for teams to compete early in the season but also allowed players to showcase their skills and gain recognition. The performances of Gibbs, Sunlake, and Sarasota set the stage for what promises to be an exciting high school football season ahead.