- November 5, 2024
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The sun wasn’t up for long, but the Matanzas Pirates football team was already out on the field for practice Thursday morning as it gears up for another season.
Thursday was the first day teams could practice in full pads, and the intensity was definitely upped a few notches on the soggy Matanzas practice fields.
Several times, coaches had to repeatedly blow the whistle to indicate the play was over, although players kept hitting and tackling each other.
“It’s exciting for the players and it’s important to set the tone for being physical,” Pirates coach Keith Lagocki said after practice. “Our kids can't wait for pads.”
Lagocki reiterated Thursday what he said during spring practices.
“So far, this group is the tightest team we have ever had,” he said. “The kids are very excited about this year.”
Spring and summer workouts have been grueling on players and coaches. It’s been a long time since a real game has been played, but that’s about to change when the season begins later this month.
The Pirates open their season 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 23, at home against Eagles View. The Pirates will then host crosstown Flagler Palm Coast 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 31.
COLLEGE TIME
This fall, 12 former Matanzas High School football players will put on their helmets and hit the field, but not for the Pirates. Twelve players that have graduated from Matanzas will be playing college ball.
Those players, and their schools, are as follows:
Mike Esposito and Zack Helm, Jacksonville University
Brandon Smith, Cumberland University
Jay Jones, Eastern Michigan University
Christian Benvenuto, Georgia State University
Shawn White, U.S. Naval Academy
Dorian Stanard, Missouri Valley College
Jason Cowles, Methodist
Nikko Bembry, Albany State University
Randall Navanugraha and Kurt Grimes, Marietta College
Josh Russell, Hudson Valley Community College
