- November 5, 2024
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Forty-six players dressed for Matanzas’ May 22 spring game against Fleming Island. But due to injury and eligibility issues, just 33 played in the double-digit, shutout loss. And for first-year coach Robert Ripley, that’s a big problem.
“When you put the first-team offense and then the first-team defense out there and only four people change, that’s going to put a damper on how you do things,” Ripley said.
Despite the lopsided score (32-0 in the third quarter), Ripley saw the Pirates hold their own during the early going; Fleming Island didn’t get on the board until the final seconds of the first quarter. Matanzas, on the other hand, strung together a six play drive with its first possession.
Matanzas’ quarterbacking duo of starter Ian Hubbs and freshman Noah Hoffman went a combined 5 of 12 passing.
“I felt like our quarterbacks did everything they could,” Ripley said. “They did not hurt us; they did not turn the ball over in regard to throwing interceptions. We had some backfield mechanic issues with handing the ball off, but I think those were some courage issues.”
Additionally, the live action gave Ripley and his staff a chance to evaluate and reassess their options at each position.
“One of the things we realized is that our depth at running back has to change,” he said. “We’re going to have to get more miles out of Matt Esposito at the running back position.”
Ripley said the defensive line performed well as a unit, but that the offensive line (made up of five rising sophomores) struggled at times with alignment.
“There are still some things that we didn’t understand schematically, and there are some things we didn’t do well in regards to competing,” Ripley said.
With spring ball now in the rear view and three months before Matanzas faces another opponent, Ripley eyes safety in numbers.
“Our No. 1 goal right now is to get eligible,” he said. “These next three months are going to make or break our program for this season.”
