By: Matt Rothman
Coral Springs Charter wide receiver Mason Phillips is not one of the top players in the District but is among the best in Florida.
Phillips, a senior, reached 1,000 receiving yards through nine games and is only 17 yards away from passing former teammate Reynald Fleurival, with 1,084 yards in 2018.
“Since freshman year, I’ve been dreaming about reaching this milestone since watching one of my former teammates do the same thing,” Phillips said. “However, it couldn’t be done without my coaches, offensive line, and quarterback. The glory goes to them.”
Phillips saw limited action in ninth grade, recording one catch for six yards. Then, as a sophomore, he caught 14 passes, including a 68-yard pass for his first high school points. He finished with 151 yards and only had the chance to play six games during the 2020 season due to COVID-19.
With 1,067 receiving yards, Phillips is currently sixth in Florida and has scored eight touchdowns to help CSC reach a 5-4. However, Phillips has yet to decide where he wants to play in college and is open to all divisions throughout the country.
Phillips has always been an athletic kid. He played on the varsity baseball team under Head Coach Charlie Fine and began playing flag football in elementary school in Coral Springs. Eventually, he transitioned into tackle football in middle school for the Parkland Rangers Pop Warner team.
Along with the support from his parents and girlfriend Katelyn Bilz, former coach Matt Garris and wide receiver coach Kevin O’Shea have become father figures teaching him many life lessons that are bigger than football, according to Phillips.
He has now established great chemistry with Chris Haire, who is in his first season as Head Coach and has worked with Phillips for the last seven years. Phillips also played under coaches A.J. Miller, Garrison Swain, Matt Horn, and Shawn Swain.
“It’s just been a true pleasure to coach and I have been lucky enough to watch him grow through the Panther Football Program,” Coach Haire said. “I couldn’t be anymore proud of the young man and football player he has become, he so deserving of the season he is having.”
Up next, Phillips and the rest of his team will be back in action on Thursday, November 4, when the Panthers take on North Broward Preparatory School at 6:30 p.m. The Eagles are 2-6 and are coming off a loss in their last game to La Salle High School in Miami.
“I’ve been through so many ups and downs with blood, sweat, and tears that it made this program feel like family,” Phillips added. “I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.”
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