Miramar High party will mark NFL draft

If it happens, his selection would mark the first time a high school quarterback from Broward or Miami-Dade counties is picked in the first round.
Patriot graduate and standout wide receiver Stedman Bailey is projected to be selected in the second or third round of the draft.
To make the occasion, the school will host “MHS 2 NFL” Thursday night in the gymnasium.
“As the principal, I am proud to see Miramar High School continue the tradition of excellence,” said Principal Brian Faso. “This is just another demonstration of how every child’s dreams are possible when great teachers, coaches, volunteers and community members continuously pour into the lives of our students.”
The invitation-only celebration will include games, audience polls and videos. Patriots Head Football Coach Damon Cogdell will speak to the crowd from New York via Skype.
Miramar’s football team has found success in recent years and has become one of Broward County’s premiere football teams. The team won their first state championship in 2009 and recently ended an undefeated regular season as 2011’s state runner-ups.
The Patriots started making their mark when Smith led the Patriots during his senior year to the team’s first State 6A Semi-Finals in 2008. Smith completed 205 of 338 of his passes and threw for 3,089 yards. He also recorded 30 touchdowns and made the Parade All-American team. Another star of the Patriots offense that same year was wide receiver Stedman Bailey, who caught 68 passes for 1,163 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns. Patriot’s Varsity Head Coach and Athletic Director Damon Cogdell, explained what it means for the football program to have players drafted in the NFL.
“It’s an honor to have coached these fine young men and watch their hard work and talent take them to the next level,” Cogdell said. “Our goal at Miramar is not only to teach our players the game of football but we are committed to teach our players academic success, good sportsmanship and teamwork that will not only carry them through each game or season, but one that will ensure the success of our student athletes throughout their lives.” Cogdell is a Miramar High graduate and former star linebacker for  the school. He and Smith have played college football at West Virginia.
According to an announcement from Miramar High, Patriot alumni can be found playing college football at other colleges across the country, including Division 1 programs such as  the University of Miami, Florida Atlantic University, the University of South Florida, the University of Central Florida, Syracuse, Northern Illinois, Minnesota, Utah State and Hawaii.
Former Patriot defensive end Justin Francis, although undrafted, was signed by the New England Patriots last year and was a starter by the end of the season.