Quarterback Florentino Lopez of Monarch High School Makes College Commitment

by Matt Rothman April 15, 2026

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Florentino Lopez of the Monarch High School Football Team. {Monarch Football}

Florentino Lopez has established himself as one of the top quarterbacks in Monarch High School history, and now he is set to take the next step.

Lopez has officially committed to play college football at Winston-Salem State University, a decision he said felt right immediately, where he will join teammate Dasean Miller.

“I could see myself growing there, not just as an athlete but as a person, and that feeling is what really locked it in for me,” Lopez said. “I want to be somewhere that pushes me and gives me an opportunity to display my talents, and this school does that.”

Lopez began playing football at the age of five and competed with several youth programs, including the Northwest Broward Raiders, Fort Lauderdale Hurricanes, Pembroke Pines Optimist, and the Pasadena Panthers.

His high school journey started early, when he made varsity as an eighth grader at Dillard High School. He went on to spend his next two seasons at McArthur High School before transferring to Monarch, where he flourished during his junior and senior years as a dynamic dual-threat quarterback.

During his time with the Knights, Lopez helped lead the team to back-to-back District Championships. As a junior, he rushed for 496 yards and three touchdowns while adding four passing scores. He took a significant leap as a senior, rushing for 546 yards and 10 touchdowns while throwing for 2,753 yards and 22 touchdowns.

“Playing high school football at Monarch and having the success I’ve had feels rewarding, but it also keeps me grounded,” Lopez added. “It feels bigger than just me. My success reflects my team, my coaches, and the people who pushed me. That’s what makes it meaningful.”

Lopez will now compete at the Division II level in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA). Winston-Salem State Rams football is coming off a 4-6 season and has won 10 conference championships, with their most recent title coming in 2016.

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Matt Rothman

Matt Rothman is a 2018 graduate from Florida Gulf Coast University receiving his bachelor’s degree in journalism and then graduated from the University of Florida as a graduate student.