- October 6, 2024
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Preseason high school practice started July 29 with kickoff classics just over two weeks away. Here's a look at some players who can make their mark this season.
NEWCOMER TO WATCH: Wylie Connor, sophomore running back, linebacker. While some other freshmen were called up to varsity at the end of last season, Connor remained on JV. Now it’s his time to battle for a position, coach Matt Forrest said. “If he progresses like we think he can, he can give us a solid rushing attack,” Forrest said.
MOST IMPROVED OVER SPRING AND SUMMER: Senior Jeffrey Powell transitioned from wide receiver to defensive back during the spring. “We felt it was a chance for him to get on the field more consistently, and he’s taken advantage of that and has done really well in the offseason,” Forrest said. “We expect him to compete in the secondary.”
YEAR 5: “When I took this job, I looked for it to be longtime destination, to plant some roots and build something special,” Forrest said. “Now it’s Year 5 and our first big roster changeover (the Pirates return just three starters on offense and three on defense.) We’re starting new. It’s an exciting time for me, our staff and our players. We’re 21-20 and we felt like we had some successful seasons. I’m excited to see the process continue with a different core of players.”
KICKOFF CLASSIC: Aug. 16, at Orange City University, 7 p.m.
SEASON OPENER: Aug. 23, home vs. Bishop Kenny, 7 p.m.
NEWCOMER TO WATCH: Dylan Tocci, senior transfer from Father Lopez. The nickelback/slotback/running back has lots of talent and a great attitude, first-year coach Mike Klein said. “He’ll probably find his way onto the field in all phases of the game,” Klein said. Tocci was a member of the Orlando Top 100 Showcase for special teams as a long snapper.
MOST IMPROVED OVER SPRING AND SUMMER: Junior Zachary Voltaire broke his hand early in the spring. He returned in the summer and now has a chance to be the starting quarterback in a revamped offense. “We like him so much, his leadership and intangibles,” Klein said. “He’s been playing quarterback along with cornerback the latter part of the summer, and doing a great job in both positions.”
QB COMPETITION: The Sandcrabs have had to pivot after senior Hayden Hayes transferred to FPC. Voltaire and Jayce Gainer are battling for the starting spot. Seabreeze, which has a new offensive coordinator in veteran coach Doug Pettit, is transitioning to a spread-option offense.
KICKOFF CLASSIC: Aug. 16, home vs. Astronaut, 7 p.m.
SEASON OPENER: Aug 22, home vs. Spruce Creek, 7 p.m.
NEWCOMER TO WATCH: Senior wide receiver Jameil Patrick transferred from DeLand. The last two years, Patrick played behind Javon Ross, who tallied over 1,900 yards rushing and receiving last season. “He comes from the talented Patrick family,” Mainland first-year coach Jerrime “Squatty” Bell said.
MOST IMPROVED OVER SPRING AND SUMMER: Junior quarterback Sebastian Johnson grew into his own during the 7 on 7 season, Bell said. Junior Cole Walker, who transferred from FPC, could also see time at quarterback.
PRESEASON QUESTION: Bell said he is looking forward to see how the young offensive line jells. Three offensive linemen — Chevin Davis, Ayden Lewis and Tab Bostic — finished in the top five group at the UCF big man camp. They are all sophomores.
KICKOFF CLASSIC: Aug. 16, at Eau Gallie, 7 p.m.
SEASON OPENER: Aug. 23, home vs. University, 7 p.m.
NEWCOMER TO WATCH: Senior quarterback Hayden Hayes. Coach Daniel Fish said the Seabreeze transfer has a 4.0-plus GPA and two college offers. “He’s a great leader on and off the field,” Fish said. “The team really gravitates towards him and are excited about him leading our team. He brings experience and toughness to the position. He’s everything you want in a quarterback and in a human being.”
MOST IMPROVED OVER SPRING AND SUMMER: Will Roberts and Nolan Caliendo. Roberts is a junior wide receiver who has earned a starting spot. “We expect him to be a playmaker. He is one of our most explosive guys on offense,” Fish said. Nolan Caliendo is a freshman wide receiver and the younger brother of senior tight end Roman Caliendo. “He’s already a great route runner and possesses some of the best ball skills on the entire team. He will be a name to know in the years to come,” Fish said.
PLAYMAKERS: The Sandcrabs will continue to rely on prolific running back Marcus Mitchell on offense and defensive end Colby Cronk, a North Carolina State commit, on defense. With receiver Mikhail Zysek, outside linebacker Corinthians Watson and tight end Romas Caliendo among the returning players, the Bulldogs should be much improved this season.
KICKOFF CLASSIC: Aug. 16, home vs. Deltona, 7 p.m.
SEASON OPENER: Aug. 30 at Lake Howell, 7 p.m. The Bulldogs start the season with a bye after Atlantic canceled the Aug. 23 game, and then play 10 games without a break.
