- November 26, 2024
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Coach Mike Fries and the Sandcrabs Photo courtesy of Holly Cassidy
A new head coach. New quarterback. New season. No problem. The Seabreeze Sandcrabs began their new season with a 42-0 shutout win over the Atlantic Sharks on Tuesday, March 21, in Port Orange.
The Sandcrabs (1-0) were thought to have lost too much talent last season to compete this year. They lost head coach Brian Hillman and quarterback McKenzie Bowlus, who led the Sandcrabs to three straight district champions and picked up three straight Bright House Player of the Year Awards.
If Tuesday evening was any indication of its future, Seabreeze will have another four years of plenty.
First-year head coach Michael Fries (frēz) showed he already possessed a wealth of knowledge of the game by outsmarting the Sharks with offensive trick plays and a stingy defensive scheme. He also set up freshman quarterback Bailey McQuarrie to complete 22 of 26 of her passes for four passing touchdowns and touchdown run in her debut.
“It felt amazing to know that I helped put those points on the board, when I thought I might mess up,” McQuarrie said. “My coaches and teammates believed and never gave up on me, even on my off days. I am so thankful that I have this chance this season with such a great coaching staff and teammates.”
“The poise our freshman QB showed throughout the game was absolutely amazing,” Fries said. “I'm so impressed with the girls’ focus and determination to improve every day. They truly earned this win. To sum it all up, it feels great.”
The Sandcrabs hope to keep their momentum going when they play Matanzas at 5 p.m. Thursday, March 23, at Matanzas.
