BOYNTON BEACH – After three games played in the regular season, Markiis Griffiths is getting into a groove at Somerset Academy Canyons.
The 2026 athlete from Belle Glade (Fla.) has been a stalwart on the defensive side of the ball for the Cougars (2-1). He has registered the following statistics to date:
•15 total tackles
•1 tackle for loss
Best individual game so far: Week 2 against Somerset Academy in 26-21 win with six tackles
In Week 1 against Santaluces (27-21 road loss), the 5-foot-10, 170-pound athlete recorded four tackles. And in Week 3 against Key West (20-14 home win), the Muckstepper posted five tackles and one tackle for loss.
Griffiths spoke on his performance against Santaluces.
“For the Santaluces game, I liked that I was locked in and focused on what was actually going on in front of me,” Griffiths said. “I wasn’t distracted by anything. I was actually locked in and I was getting to the ball on every play. I feel that I could’ve played harder and put more effort up, but I feel I’ve bounced back from my lack of effort in Week 1 with Weeks 2 and 3.”
Griffiths on his performance against Key West.
“The Key West game was kind of the same,” Griffiths said. “I was locked in and focused, but my effort was there on every play. I knew what I came there to do that game and I executed my plan efficiently. I feel that I could’ve had no missed tackles because I did have some, and they were because of me lacking a little bit with my assignment and technique. But I locked in and did my assignemt and technique better and it showed.”
After Week 3, Griffiths received his first college offer from Minnesota North College (Vermillon). This momentous occasion took place this past Monday morning (Sept. 9).
“It feels amazing,” Griffiths said. “I have a coach that is looking at me and loving what he is seeing from my performance. Coach Busby loved my performance so much that he decided to offer me to his college.”
Markiis Griffiths joined his older brother and teammate Markwan Griffiths in getting an offer from Vermillon College. Markwan received his offer from the school on Aug. 5.
So with that being said, the Griffiths brothers are playing together for the third straight year – the last two years being at Seminole Ridge.
Markiis on being teamed up with Markwan at both Seminole Ridge and Somerset Academy Canyons:
“It feels amazing that I get to ride out with my brother for his last season,” Markiis said. “I want to make sure that this season we show everyone what we are really made of.”
Markiis shared his journey from the Muck to the coast.
“I left Belle Glade my sixth grade year for middle school and I stayed in Wellington,” Markiis said. “And then I moved to Loxahatchee my eighth grade year.”
Markiis on what being from the Muck means to him:
“It means that I was raised in the Muck,” Markiis said. “But even though I don’t live there currently, I still have the Muck in me.”
Markiis is very happy at Somerset Academy Canyons. A big reason for that is head coach Alex Gonzalez.
“Coach Gonzo is an amazing coach,” Markiis said. “He always makes sure that we are on top of our game, whether it is in the classroom or on the field. He is always pushing us to our limits to make us become the best version of ourselves. And my overall experience at Somerset Canyons has been amazing. Right when I got here, they made me feel like I was already a part of the family.”
Markiis shared his junior season aspirations, which will continue with his team’s Week 4 game tonight (Sept. 13; 7 p.m.) for homecoming against Inlet Grove (1–1).
“My individual goals for this season are to make plays and be there when the team needs me,” Markiis said. “I want at least 60 tackles and four interceptions. My team goal for this season is to make it to and win states. That’s been the goal since summertime for the whole team.”
PHOTO CREDITS: Alex Muniz and Lauren Hall
Muck City Media Enterprises 
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