Melbourne Central Catholic football coach Stacy Sizemore encourages his players during practice Tuesday afternoon.

Head coaching changes in Brevard County high school football programs are as expected as heat in August. In fact, recent years have seen more than one change per year.

This past off-season was no different, but one of the changes was significant not only for the program it hit but for the face of local coaching. Mike Riazzi coached at Melbourne Central Catholic for a quarter-century and won six district championships.

Stacy Sizemore was named to replace him in early March and came to the school in April. He brought his own record of accomplishment that included guiding Delray Beach American Heritage to a Class 3A runner-up finish in 2014. Prior to his time as the head coach there, he was an assistant for Stallions teams that won state titles in 2009 and 2011.

Most recently, he coached the Canterbury School in Fort Myers.

Sizemore’s coaching career spans 23 years following his playing days in Mississippi, which culminated at the University of Southern Mississippi.

He grew up in Vicksburg, Miss., where his dad completed a 40-year high school football coaching career that included time in Texas. Sizemore is now married and has three children of his own.

Q: Do you have your own philosophy of coaching?

Sizemore: There’s no magic pill. There’s no quick fix. It’s what every coach talks about: hard work. If you’re going to be successful, you’ve got to work hard. Now, hard work doesn’t guarantee you anything, but if you’ll work hard, when the time presents itself, you’re prepared, because you’ve worked hard up to that point. That’s what I’m trying to get these guys to understand. Our philosophy is we’re going to work hard. We’re going to try to outwork our opponent, and we’re going to get better every single day.

Q: What was your knowledge of MCC before you took the job?

Sizemore: I’ve been in Florida since 1993. I’ve always known about MCC, the great tradition here. They’ve always been a winner. What you always hear about the kids is they work hard. What I want to do is build on that foundation that coach Riazzi built. I’ve kept coach (Jim) Ziarno, Bill Swendson, John Colloredo, and then I brought in Larry Laskowski.

Q: Did you know coach Laskowski before?

Sizemore: Coach Ziarno introduced me to him. We’ve developed a relationship, and he’s been a huge help. I think one thing about our staff is we don’t have egos. We’re all in it for the kids. We’re all in it together, and we’re all in it for the kids. These kids see that, and they feed off that.

Q: Did you watch a lot of film on players or do you prefer to form your opinion in person?

Sizemore: I watched film on everybody, but I’m probably a little bit different from others. What I try to do is look at effort. Do they play hard? Everybody is going to make mistakes, be in different schemes and different positions, but I look at effort.

Q: What will MCC fans see in terms of style-of-play differences?

Sizemore: What we want to do is build on what coach Riazzi started. He’s a legend here, and, you know what they say, you don’t want to be the man to follow “the man.” He’s left a great tradition. When I came in, he and I sat down, and he was so gracious. He helped me get acclimated to the school and get acclimated to the kids, meeting with them on a one-on-one basis.

We were here about two or three weeks together. Coach Riazzi really took time to sit down and meet with me. I’ve been at places where I was coming in and the coach that was leaving didn’t want to have anything to do with me. That’s what makes this place special.

Q: You said you’re following a legend, but you’ve had quite a career yourself. What are you most proud of?

Sizemore: You know what? I just feel blessed, blessed to have been around some really good coaches that I’ve been around in my career that have helped to mold me and point me in the right direction. My dad was a high school coach and was a big influence on me. Every coach I’ve worked for, you take something from them. I was a career assistant, almost 19 years before I became a head coach, so it’s been an accumulation of being around really good coaches, about being blessed by them and also being blessed being around some really good players and good kids.

Q: Is your coaching background more on offense or defense?

Sizemore: My background was defense, defensive coordinator. But one thing I’ve always enjoyed is being around offensive coordinators and learning from them. Once you understand what the offense is trying to do to you, then you have an idea of where your weaknesses are. So, I’ve always been defense, but I’ve always studied offenses.

Contact McCallum at 321-242-3698 or bmccallum@floridatoday.com. Follow @Brian_McCallum on Twitter and facebook.com/FLtoday.brianmccallum.

2016 Hustlers schedule

Aug. 19 St. Pete Northside at MCC, 7

Aug. 26 MCC at Father Lopez, 7

Sept. 2 Satellite at MCC, 7

Sept. 9 Cocoa Beach at MCC, 7

Sept. 16 Holy Trinity at MCC, 7

Sept. 23 MCC at Union County, 7

Sept. 30 Miami Calusa Prep at MCC, 7

Oct. 7 MCC at Lakeland Christian, 7:30

Oct. 14 John Carroll at MCC, 7

Oct. 28 MCC at Champagnat, 7:30

Nov. 4 Naples First Baptist at MCC, 7

High school sports | floridatoday.com/sports/high-school-sports/

It started with a challenge to a high school baseball team, and now Benjamin Smalls Ellis Querry has arrived.

Benjamin Smalls Ellis Querry, born July 27, 2016.

The second son of Heritage High School baseball coach Rob Querry and wife, Julia, was born July 27, months after he became famous. The story of his dad’s challenge to his team — “If we win 14 games, I’ll let you name my kid” — spread not only throughout Brevard County but around the country and across the Atlantic Ocean.

The Panthers achieved their 14th win on April 5, defeating Harmony. The players had already chosen the name Benny Smalls, based on two characters, Benny the Jet and Scotty Smalls, from the classic baseball movie The Sandlot.

Oh, Baby! Heritage High wins 14th, tot-naming rights

“Everyone is excited to welcome him. He’s a healthy baby, and we’re all doing well,” Julia Querry said Wednesday. “Big brother Brady is especially proud.”

Winning 14 games guaranteed the first winning season for the Heritage program. It was a high bar for a Panthers baseball team that had posted a 9-16 record in 2015.

Once the coach’s challenge was announced in a FLORIDA TODAY story, it spread to area and then national television. The Querry family and the Heritage players appeared live on NBC’s Today Show on April 2. By that time, they had chosen the name Benjamin Smalls.

Sandlot author David Mickey Evans, who lives in New Smyrna Beach, came to meet the team before a game and presented them with autographed t-shirts. Since the original splash, the Querrys have appeared on NPR, BBC and ESPN.

Contact McCallum at 321-242-3698 or bmccallum@floridatoday.com. Follow @Brian_McCallum on Twitter and facebook.com/FLtoday.brianmccallum.

‘Sandlot’ writer surprises Heritage High baseball team
High school sports | floridatoday.com/sports/high-school-sports/

Two years ago, the schedule for Cocoa Beach’s high school football team included games against Cocoa, Viera, Space Coast and Titusville, every one of them with a bigger roster and a better chance to win.

Cocoa Beach players run through drills during practice Tuesday morning.

Because the school combines junior and senior highs on one campus, the increased enrollment put the Minutemen in Class 4A. However, the realistic pool of varsity-level players was more suited to a lower class.

Since then, the school has become an FHSAA independent, meaning it is not a member of a district and can compile a schedule completely of its own design. This year, the scheduling transition has been completed, and the big-school bullies have been replaced by opponents including Halifax Academy, Cornerstone Charter and Jordan Christian.

“I definitely think we have the chance to compete in every game,” quarterback Mitchell Machock said Wednesday. “In years past, you play the Cocoas and Vieras of the world and you’re going to have to play a great game and they’re going to have to have an off night for you to have a chance.”

Coach David Lowe’s team has been practicing with a roster numbering in the mid-20s, which will be more aligned with the teams on the schedule. The good news for Lowe and his Minutemen is that none of them will be playing every play of the game.

“We’re not a team of numbers,” running back David Demeter said. “I think the schedule fits our team perfectly. Every game is not an easy win, but every game is a game we can win.”

Among the biggest threats to the team being competitive is anything that would keep more players on the field longer.

“Injuries will kill us,” Lowe said.

Not every opponent is new. Tradition has called the Sept. 9 game against Melbourne Central Catholic to be retained. The Hustlers and Minutemen have what is likely the county’s top public-private rivalry.

The season will again end with a short drive down A1A. Cocoa Beach and Satellite will play their 12th Beach Bowl game on Nov. 4. The Minutemen have won six of the 11 contests under that tite.

That game will continue to hold emotional impact for both teams and typically has been competitive regardless of the relative strength of the programs. While a win there has sometimes salvaged an otherwise-disappointing year, 2016 should hold promise for the Minutemen from the first week of the season.

“When you look down at the schedule and you see a physical mismatch, you know you’re going to have to play a perfect game,” Lowe said. “For us to have success would completely change the whole atmosphere of the school. It would be good for the kids, good for the program, and good for school morale.”

Contact McCallum at 321-242-3698 or bmccallum@floridatoday.com. Follow @Brian_McCallum on Twitter and facebook.com/FLtoday.brianmccallum.

Heritage High’s ‘Sandlot’ baby, Benjamin Smalls, enters world

2016 Minutemen Schedule

Aug. 26 Cocoa Beach at Deltona Trinity Christian, 7

Sept. 2 Pine Ridge vs. Cocoa Beach, 7

Sept. 9 Cocoa Beach at MCC, 7

Sept. 16 Ormond Bch Halifax Academy at Cocoa Beach, 7

Sept. 23 Clearwater Acad. Int’l at Cocoa Beach, 7

Oct. 7 Cocoa Beach at Cornerstone Charter 6

Oct. 14 Jordan Christian at Cocoa Beach, 7

Oct. 21 Father Lopez at Cocoa Beach, 7

Oct. 28 Cocoa Beach at Warner Christian, 7

Nov. 4 Cocoa Beach at Satellite, 7

High school sports | floridatoday.com/sports/high-school-sports/

Nate Hooks has the look of a coach who can’t wait to put his team on the field against an opponent.

His Holy Trinity team finished as the District 6-3A runner-up last season, beating crosstown rival Melbourne Central Catholic in the regular season. A roster loaded with eighth- and ninth-graders a year ago is now heavy with ninth- and 10th-graders.

And, according to Hooks, they are speedy and talented.

“We’re fast, and we have more athletes than we’ve had,” he said. “The roster is still small, but that comes every year.”

Hooks is working with about 22 for now, just enough to hold a full scrimmage. Among that number are some proven performers who may get even more opportunities to show their stuff in 2016. The hope is that, if indeed the FHSAA playoff system changes next year and 3A teams no longer compete in districts, it will be the Tigers who leave with the last trophy.

Q&A: New MCC football coach Stacy Sizemore

‘We’re training and preparing to compete for a district championship,” Hooks said. “The thing with our district is, if you lose one, you’re in trouble.”

Holy Trinity and MCC play in one of the state’s three-team districts. The Hustlers and John Carroll, the defending champion, both have new head coaches, so there is uncertainty about what the Tigers will face, but what is certain is that they will face both of them on the road.

Outside the district, Hooks has what he called a “bumped up” schedule. The opener is against a team from California, and there is a road game in Georgia.

That will expose some skill-position talent to new eyes. The first player likely to turn heads will be Jashaun Corbin. Now a junior,  he led the county with 1,865 rushing yards last season, and he caught 19 passes for 345 more yards.

While he’ll be a threat to line up in several positions, some young additions to the backfield could allow him to showcase his receiving ability more often.

Holy Trinity’s Jake Lang catches a lateral during practice Friday afternoon.

Ditto for Joc Perry. One of two seniors, Perry started at quarterback last year and still managed to shine at linebacker. With transfer Jordan Wojciechowski potentially starting under center, Perry will be more of a receiver this year alongside the other senior, Tay Griffin.

Hooks’ description of the defense mirrors that of the offensive skill players: fast.

“That has to be our theme, speed, The defense, believe it or not, could be the best unit.” Then he paused, considered the returners on the roster, and pivoted. “Or maybe special teams. Who are they going to kick the ball to?”

New schedule boosts Cocoa Beach football hopes

Perry, one of the candidates to return some kicks, agreed about what versatility will do for the Tigers.

“Having different people who are athletes, it’ll be hard to key on one person,” he said. “That will mean more opportunity for big plays.”

Contact McCallum at 321-242-3698 or bmccallum@floridatoday.com. Follow facebook.com/FLtoday.brianmccallum and @Brian_McCallum on Twitter.

2016 Tigers Schedule

Aug. 19 Holy Trinity at Satellite jamboree, 7

Aug. 26 Eureka, Calif., St. Bernard’s at Holy Trinity, 7

Sept. 2 Jacksonville Harvest Comm. at Holy Trinity, 7

Sept. 9 Coral Springs Christian at Holy Trinity, 7

Sept. 16 Holy Trinity at MCC, 7

Sept. 30 Deltona Trinity Christian at Holy Trinity, 7

Oct. 7 Holy Trinity at Eau Gallie, 7

Oct. 14 Village Academy at Holy Trinity, 7

Oct. 22 Holy Trinity at Savannah, Ga., Memorial Day, 2

Oct. 28 Holy Trinity at John Carroll, 7

Nov. 4 Warner Christian at Holy Trinity, 7

High school sports | floridatoday.com/sports/high-school-sports/

Five Brevard County high school football programs have won state championships, and seven have appeared in title games.

Members of the Eau Gallie High football team go through drills during practice Thursday afternoon.

Some are among the most consistent in Florida at making the playoffs.

For Eau Gallie, that has not been the case. In a county where it’s tough to show improvement, the Commodores have battled to string together wins. Whether you’ve noticed it or not, the needle is pointed up.

The team has had three seasons in a row at or above .500, something that had not happened for nearly two decades. It last happened from 1994 through ’98, and that last season, 10th-grader Tim Powers played left tackle.

Now the head coach, Powers has seen the program take step after step toward winning. He believes the Commodores have reached another mile marker.

“We’ve got 32 guys who can be legitimate varsity players. They can fit into a two-deep with no drop-off,” he said. “For the first time in my eight years, we’ve got competition for each spot.”

But there are areas that are stronger than others, and the 2016 team will be led by an offensive line that returned four starters from a 5-5 squad.

“We all trust each other,” said one of them, P.J. Smith. “We work together well.”

Receiver Cordell Dzara is the only other returnee on the offense, but quarterback Jack Gallo has come up through the program and played third base for the baseball team. His promotion represented another step in the process: building consistently from within.

“We had a quality JV team,” Powers said. “We had guys that played at a high level and grew, got experience.”

Sophomore Jared Baker has filled another receiver position and a spot in the secondary, joining six returning defensive starters.

“We lost some skill guys, but we feel like we’ve replaced guys, and that’s where a lot of that JV experience comes in,” Powers said. “We’re finally getting the program where we’re grooming our own depth, year-to-year.”

He estimated the number of quality varsity-level talent on the roster has doubled in three years.

Another aspect of the transformation has aided that. When Smith came to Eau Gallie as a freshman, being a football player was not seen the way it is now by the student body.

Holy Trinity football talent has Tigers eager

“I think people actually believe in us now,” he said. “My freshman year, they just saw that legacy beginning. Now they want to be part of the football team.”

Contact McCallum at 321-242-3698 or bmccallum@floridatoday.com. Follow facebook.com/FLtoday.brianmccallum and @Brian_McCallum on Twitter.

2016 Commodores Schedule

Aug. 19 Viera at Eau Gallie, 7

Aug. 26 Satellite at Eau Gallie, 7

Sept. 2 Astronaut at Eau Gallie, 7

Sept. 9 Eau Gallie at Rockledge, 7

Sept. 16 Eau Gallie at Heritage, 7

Sept. 30 Eau Gallie at Bayside, 7

Oct. 7 Holy Trinity at Eau Gallie, 7

Oct. 14 Jensen Beach at Eau Gallie, 7

Oct. 21 Eau Gallie at Okeechobee, 7

Oct. 28 Sebastian River at Eau Gallie, 7

Nov. 4 Melbourne at Eau Gallie, 7

High school sports | floridatoday.com/sports/high-school-sports/

Don’t be misled by the fact that a principal was named head football coach at Merritt Island Christian.

Merritt Island Christian Head Football coach Jamie Bopp talks with his players during Wednesday’s practice held at the Deen Athletic Training Facility on Merritt Island.

Jamie Bopp,36, didn’t come to Brevard County to be a principal. A native of Fort Wayne, Ind., and a 2003 graduate of Wabash College in his home state, he was named to the honorable mention list of the Hewlett Packard All-America team in 2001 as an offensive lineman.

A connection between his college coach and former MIC athletic director and football coach John Jensen brought him to Brevard. Now 12 years at MIC, Bopp has been a history and P.E. teacher as well as a coach, serving as boys basketball coach and, for 10 years, an assistant with the football team.

When he was named principal, he took two years away from helping with football while he “learned the ropes” running the school. He returned this year as head coach in his dual role.

“The world says you can’t be a principal and a head football coach at the same time, but there’s a need there,” he said.

Bopp talked about his new job and his background on the first official day of practice.

Q: Do you have a philosophy about coaching and leading people? 

Bopp: As a leader, there’s a quote I love: “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” I want the people that I lead to know that I care about them as people first and foremost. I love these kids that we coach as people, first and foremost. I love these kids, love coaching them. Love these coaches, love what they’re about. They just have a heart for the Lord, a heart for this ministry, a heart for these kids and a passion for the game.

Heritage High’s ‘Sandlot’ baby, Benjamin Smalls, enters world

On our coaching staff we have a principal, a P.E. teacher, a plumber, a pastor, a policeman and a pilot. A pretty interesting squad, so you have all these men coming from different walks of life that are bonded by their relationship with God, their passion for the game and their passion for this ministry here. What an awesome group that I get to help be a part of. It’s a fun time just working with them. I tell our players this all the time: God used football in my life to build relationships, life-changing relationships and to teach me life lessons. You learn so many life lessons that I apply to my life as a husband, as a father, as a principal, obviously as a coach and any role that I’m asked to play, about being part of something that’s bigger than yourself, and you have a role and responsibility to others by you doing your job and us doing our job collectively.

Q: How did you get from Indiana to Florida?

Bopp: I wouldn’t be at Merritt Island Christian School if it wasn’t for football. When I was in college, I was working to become certified to become a teacher. I had realized God was calling me into teaching and coaching. My college coach, Chris Creighton (current head coach at Eastern Michigan) knew John Jensen. John made that call up to Crawfordsville, Ind., and said, “Hey, we need a guy,” and coach Creighton said, “Hey, we got a guy.” I flew down and interviewed and was offered a teaching and coaching position. I probably would have never considered it had it not been an opportunity to coach football.

I never thought I’d be a principal. When I grew up, I didn’t hang (posters of) high school principals on my wall. I was hanging  athletes and stuff like that. Playing football introduced me to coaching, which introduced me to teaching, which got me here.

Q: What is your football background?

Bopp: I played offensive line. I played with my hand in the dirt all 15 years. I was blessed and fortunate to be named all-state two years in a row. My junior year, we fell short in the state semifinal. We would have played against Rex Grossman in the state final, which would have been fun.

I went to Wabash College, and I tore up my knee before my senior season started. I think I was making football a really big priority. I think God was showing me you can still have an impact but as a coach. I went to coach as a grad assistant at Whitter College in L.A. I was coaching some guys that were older than me, which was interesting. I stayed there a year and came back to Indiana.

Q: How do you win at Merritt Island Christian?

Bopp: I try to keep it real simple. I think people can make football more complicated than it needs to be. We’re really emphasizing the fundamentals. We started today, the first day of practice, on the turnover circuit, learning how to recover a fumble, learning how to catch a ball in the air at your high point, learning to be aggressive at getting the ball. The philosophy there is that if we have the ball, that’s a good thing, right? The other team doesn’t have the ball. Offensive, defense, special teams, we want the ball.

That’s one of the philosophies: we want to win the turnover battle. Special teams is another area. It can be a game-changing thing and an area that people sometimes forget. We want to be strong and sound in our special teams.

Defensively, we want to be a team that gets to the ball. We want to emphasize being a swarming defense. Offensively, things that we really talk about are being rock solid protecting the ball and being block-solid.

Q&A: New MCC football coach Stacy Sizemore

The stats that I emphasize are: are we getting first downs, are we finishing drives and getting points and are we taking care of the football. Those are the big things that I really emphasize. I won’t get caught up in who’s leading in rushing and passing. You’re talking to an offensive lineman that had none of those stats.  It’s all of us collectively doing that, but if we’re taking care of the football, getting those first downs and finishing with points, if we’re getting to the ball on defense, I think we’re putting ourselves in position to be the best we can be.

I’m telling these kids every day, our biggest opponent this season is us. I want us to get out of our own way and have the courage. To me, that’s a life lesson. We can’t really control our opponents, but I don’t want us to play up or down to an opponent. I want us to have the courage to go out there and lay it on the line, give our best and let God take care of the rest.

Q: Do you have a team goal?

Bopp: If we can have a winning record, I think that would be a positive thing for this program. We haven’t had that for a while. I just want to see these guys take steps forward and get better every week. Those fundamental things: the blocking, the tackling; those are things we’re going to emphasize all year. If we do those things well, we’ll be in a position to compete in every game.

Contact McCallum at 321-242-3698 or bmccallum@floridatoday.com. Follow facebook.com/FLtoday.brianmccallum and @Brian_McCallum on Twitter.

2016 Cougars Schedule

Aug. 19 MIC at Auburndale Triumph Christian, 7

Aug. 26 MIC at Warner Christian, 7

Sept. 1 Orlando Christian Prep at MIC, 7

Sept. 9 MIC at Santa Fe Catholic, 7

Sept. 16 Int’l Community at MIC, 7

Sept. 30 MIC at Faith Christian, 7

Oct. 7 Ormond Beach Halifax Acad. at MIC, 7

Oct. 14 MIC at Oviedo Master’s, 7

Oct. 21 Jupiter Christian at MIC, 7

Oct. 28 SSAC opponent TBD at MIC, 7

Nov. 4 SSAC opponent & site TBD, 7

High school sports | floridatoday.com/sports/high-school-sports/

As the Satellite High football team prepared to begin its second week of practice on Monday, third-year head coach Mark Carstens reflected on the positive changes he’s seen since he took over the program.

Members of the Satellite High football team go through tackling drills during practice Thursday afternoon.

“Chemistry, leadership development and depth,” he said. “To me, those are three key things that we really had to focus on.”

He identified the team’s chemistry as the best the Scorpions have had in his time at the school, and yet, he found himself uncertain of what 2016 holds.

“Last year I had a better feel for the team’s identity,” he said.

As for what it faces, he knows all he needs to know. Satellite will play a “brutal” schedule that begins with four road games in the first five weeks.

And then it really gets tough.

MORE: Scorps spread patriotism in July

“The first five weeks are going to be quite the challenge. We just have to be positive and do what we do,” he said. But then, Carstens focused on a second half that will include the powers of District 14-5A, Merritt Island and Palm Bay, along with Rockledge and Space Coast teams that appear to be improved.

“We have to have success on the front end of our schedule,” he said. “All the teams are better, big, fast and strong. We’ve just got to be mentally tough and execute.”

There are tools that give him hope. Carstens said the roster has grown and will make it easier to avoid having to use the same players on both sides of the ball.

Carstens’ offensive plan is to be fast-paced, while the defense is more of a question mark.

“The defense is going to be pretty good,” he said. “I just don’t know how good. It’s going to take finding the right combination of kids.”

The most experience belongs to the offensive and defensive backfield, and there are athletes there, best exemplified by returning quarterback Noah Mumme, who won the Class 2A boys pole vault since he last played football. Mumme will still be used at quarterback but will share time there with the athletic Alex Nicks as the two are moved around to keep defenses off balance.

Look for Zach Switzer to be a “workhorse running back.” Returnee Luis Morris and newcomer Grant Thompson are expected to be top receivers.

New schedule boosts Cocoa Beach football hopes

Defensively, Carstens described Dillon Fogle as “a force” at defensive tackle. Cornerback Erik Askeland was among Brevard County’s leaders in interceptions last season, with four. Strong safety Caden Larkin also returns.

“We’ve got a lot more depth than we’ve had in the past,” he said. “Depth everywhere, which is nice.”

Contact McCallum at 321-242-3698 or bmccallum@floridatoday.com. Follow facebook.com/FLtoday.brianmccallum and @Brian_McCallum on Twitter.

2016 Scorpions football schedule

Aug. 26 Satellite at Eau Gallie, 7

Sept. 2 Satellite at MCC, 7

Sept. 9 Satellite at Astronaut, 7

Sept. 16 Titusville at Satellite, 7

Sept. 23 Satellite at Bayside, 7

Sept. 30 Merritt Island at Satellite, 7

Oct. 14 Satellite at Rockledge, 7

Oct. 21 Satellite at Space Coast, 7

Oct. 28 Palm Bay at Satellite, 7

Nov. 4 Cocoa Beach at Satellite, 7

High school sports | floridatoday.com/sports/high-school-sports/

Wills Kable stuck his head into the office of Melbourne High head football coach Scott Grish and staked his claim: “We are going to have a much better season this year.”

Melbourne football players go through drills in preparation for the upcoming season.

The 2015 season and its lone victory was not a joy ride for the Bulldogs, their coaches or fans. Having qualified for the playoffs five of the previous six years, a certain expectation had been established, and it became apparent early in the season that rough times were ahead.

“When it went wrong, everything went wrong,” Grish said. “Every game that we lost control of, turnovers and special teams seemed to accelerate the problem.”

Grish, his staff and his players are aware of what happened. They have talked about it, but they’ve also made changes, and the consensus seems to be that things are back on track.

“We corrected it at the end, and those last four games, we were competing,” he said. In fact, the team had a chance to force a tie for a playoff spot in Week 10. It was the end of a season when five opponents went on to qualify for the playoffs.

The same schedule has presented itself for 2016, and that can be viewed two ways. On one hand, five of those teams are coming off playoff seasons. On the other, it presents a perfect opportunity for the Bulldogs to prove they’re back.

There are positive signs.

Grish made a decision to change the program’s off-season training to include more conditioning with its weightlifting. So when bad weather descended on Tom McIntyre Stadium before Tuesday’s practice was scheduled to end, the team already had a summer full of conditioning in the bank.

“They didn’t do that last year, running after lifting,” Grish said. “A day like today, where we cut their conditioning short, I’m not as worried about it.”

He hopes that will offset a diminished roster, expected to be about 55 varsity players in grades 10 through 12. There may be a need for five or six two-way players.

More significant to Grish is the type of players with that challenge. Melbourne has long lacked explosive skill players, something Grish knew well from having been the team’s defensive coordinator under previous coach Todd Wilson. While his defense returned seven starters, he has more offensive skill talent than he can remember.

Because he’ll touch the ball with every snap, quarterback Nick Nescio will be as significant as any of them. A two-year starter at safety, Nescio may have the arm to stretch defenses more to Grish’s liking, even if it isn’t a pass-happy attack.

“We’ve spread formations out to get defenders out of the box,” he said. “We’re going to try to do a little better coaching offensively so we can be a little better at what we want to do.”

He has some physical linebacker-fullback types who can take advantage of that in the middle of the field, and he believes he has some elusive runners who can get outside. What he doesn’t want is more of the turnover trouble and anemic offense of 2015.

“We have to play field-position football, and then we can compete. Hopefully our defense can take it from there.”

Q&A: New MCC football coach Stacy Sizemore

But one thing will be key from the first snap of the season.

“We need to get off the bat and win football games and build kids’ confidence,” Grish said. “We need to win football games.”

Contact McCallum at 321-242-3698 or bmccallum@floridatoday.com. Follow facebook.com/FLtoday.brianmccallum and @Brian_McCallum on Twitter.

2016 Bulldogs schedule

Aug. 26 Centennial, 7 p.m.

Sept. 2 Spruce Creek, 7

Sept. 16 St. Augustine, 7

Sept.23 at Palm Bay, 7

Sept. 30 at Viera, 7

Oct. 7 Heritage, 7

Oct. 14 South Fork, 7

Oct. 21 Bayside, 7

Oct. 28 at Martin County, 7

Nov. 4 at Eau Gallie, 7

High school sports | floridatoday.com/sports/high-school-sports/

Bayside High got its first football win on Aug. 1, when Mike Nahl showed up for practice.

Bayside High head coach Mike Nahl speaks with a player during practice Wednesday in Palm Bay.

It had been a while, actually, since the last victory. The Bears were winless last season, when the team played under its fourth head coach in four seasons.

When Nahl look the job six days before practice started in 2015, it marked the third year in a row a new head coach took over in June or July. Nahl didn’t know the bulk of his players or his fellow coaches. When the team opens this season, he will have spent a full year with the program.

“The biggest thing is this is the first consistent winter and summer that any of these kids have seen,” Nahl said Wednesday. “They didn’t have that trust, and I think that’s going to go a long way.”

Nahl’s decision to stay went a long way with principal Christine Moore. She had undertaken those summer coaching searches and wasn’t eager for another one. When she saw the second-year coach on the first day of school, she approached him and offered a hug.

“More than anything, it meant the world for me to have kids be able to put their trust in somebody,” she said. “You can tell the difference, kind of a different vibe and feel to the team. I’m going to say optimism and confidence, and it’s absolutely nice to see.”

For Nahl, it’s nice to see five returning offensive linemen who each have played in at least 15 games. Two are juniors, and three are seniors, including left tackle Auston Boystack and center Danny Hollibaugh.

They will play a role both in protecting new quarterback Jordan Mcilvain and in what will be the team’s offensive focus: running the ball. Also key to that task will be backs who have seen action there: Joel Dorjuste, Sheridon Archer and Derrin Chandler.

Among key defensive returnees are defensive ends Darnell Jordan and Jamel Malcolm.

Despite that experience and some key returning players at other positions, there is one basic challenge the Bears must overcome to affect the season record.

“The biggest thing we have to get over is nobody on this team knows how to win yet,” he said.

Nahl will be the main teacher for learning how to finish that job. He had a simple answer when asked why he decided to continue in the one he accepted a year ago.

Melbourne High wants to create new football memories

“Because I said I would. I see a future here,” he said. “The talent’s here. We just have to change the culture. I think this can become a powerhouse, but it’s going to take time.”

Contact McCallum at 321-242-3698 or bmccallum@floridatoday.com. Follow facebook.com/FLtoday.brianmccallum and @Brian_McCalllum on Twitter.

2016 Bears Schedule

Aug. 26 at Lowndes, Ga., 7

Sept. 2 at Palm Bay, 7

Sept. 16 Jensen Beach, 7

Sept. 23 Satellite, 7

Sept. 30 Eau Gallie, 7

Oct. 7 at Sebastian River, 7

Oct. 14 Okeechobee, 7

Oct. 21 at Melbourne, 7

Oct. 28 Heritage, 7

Nov. 3 at Ft. Pierce Central, 7

High school sports | floridatoday.com/sports/high-school-sports/

When Space Coast led Merritt Island by a touchdown with 3:36 to play in the third quarter last Sept. 18 in Port St. John, it appeared the District 14-5A race might not go the way most high school football fans in Brevard County had expected.

Space Coast football players run through some drills during practice Thursday.

The Vipers were playing the physical brand of football they set out to play, and the district standings were on the verge of being scrambled. But it didn’t end that way. Merritt Island rebounded, and Space Coast missed an opportunity.

Six weeks later, the Vipers were home again, this time against rival Titusville in another district game. It went double overtime, and the Terriers went home with the win.

Since last season, head coach Jake Owens has been stressing something to his players.

“We’ve got to finish. We’ve got to finish games,” he said. “We really had the (Merritt Island) game under control. We didn’t finish that game.”

When Owens took receiver Jason Browning to a television interview recently and his senior receiver was asked about the team’s emphasis for 2016, the coach knew his message had gotten through.

“We’ve got to finish,” Browning said.

The question now is how does a team make that happen. Is it taught by the coaching staff, or is it learned through game experience?

“I think it’s a little bit of both,” Owens said. “One thing we’re excited about is we have 15 to 16 guys that went through that last year. They went through those games that we didn’t finish.”

Capitalizing on opportunities requires both an attitude and crunch-time execution. In that Merritt Island game, a mistake on fourth-and-goal at the 1-yard line cost the team a scoring opportunity.

“We go back and look at specific plays on specific drives,” Owens said. “Whether it was offense or defense, we just didn’t finish drives. We’ve got to make the big plays when we have an opportunity to make them.”

It isn’t that the Vipers didn’t do it at all. They won at Rockledge in a nailbiter, 29-28, and they made enough plays in the season finale to beat a surging Astronaut team.

And Space Coast had a winning season, finishing 5-4 overall, meaning the players who returned this year have something to build on.

Satellite football sees progress despite challenges

“I feel like this group has that mentality, because like I said, half of them went through it,” Owens said. “I’m excited where this program is. We’ve come a long way.”

Next step: finishing what they’ve started.

Contact McCallum at 321-242-3698 or bmccallum@floridatoday.com. Follow facebook.com/FLtoday.brianmccallum and @Brian_McCallum on Twitter.

2016 Vipers Schedule

Aug. 26 Space Coast at Tavares, 7

Sept. 2 Space Coast at Lake Howell, 7

Sept. 9 St. Cloud at Space Coast, 7

Sept. 16 Space Coast at Merritt Island, 7

Sept. 23 Poinciana at Space Coast, 7

Sept. 30 Rockledge at Space Coast, 7

Oct. 14 Palm Bay at Space Coast, 7

Oct. 21 Satellite at Space Coast, 7

Oct. 28 Space Coast at Titusville, 7

Nov. 4 Space Coast vs. Astronaut, 7

High school sports | floridatoday.com/sports/high-school-sports/

In Bruce Judson’s first game for the Cocoa High football team, he took the field as a ninth-grader playing in front of 5,000 fans at the University of Maryland’s Byrd Stadium against Washington D.C. Gonzaga.

Cocoa High School QB Bruce Judson throws to an open receiver during practice Tuesday afternoon.

The stage has always been bright for the Tigers quarterback. Judson started traveling to football camps as a fifth-grader, spreading his name to the point that, before he ever enrolled at Cocoa, he had already made a splash on the internet.

In Pop Warner, he rotated between quarterback and running back. At about the age of 12, he began to focus on playing quarterback. When he arrived at Cocoa, Judson weighed 170 pounds. Now 200 pounds and visibly leaner than he was last season, the 5-foot-9 player said he is bigger, stronger and even faster than he was three years ago.

In 2015, Judson produced 2,104 yards of total offense as he and the Tigers went 10-3. Though they advanced to a ninth-consecutive state semifinal game, the state final again eluded them.

On Friday, he talked about the recruiting process that led him to commit to the University of South Florida in late July, what he hopes that means for his teammates and what he expects for the Tigers this season.

Q: What have you learned as a person from football and from your time playing at Cocoa?

Judson: Character. Always carry yourself the way you want people to see you. Coach (John Wilkinson) always praises great character. Be on time. Lay it on the line for your brothers. Last year I played with broken ribs, and every game I laid it on the line for my teammates.

… I’m not really trying to step into Chevelle Buie’s shoes, because he was probably one of the greatest to ever play here, but that’s why I’m trying to work so hard. That’s why I work so hard and push the other guys. We’re trying to get back to where it was when he was here. We’re trying to win a state championship like coach Wilk always preaches.

The ’08, ’09 and ’10 team got this for us. Since then, we haven’t finished the job like they did. They finished the job. Since I’ve been here, I’ve been getting stopped short from finishing the job, and I know if I finish the job, there will be another run at Cocoa. That’s what I came here to do.

Q: What signs do you see from this team that makes you think it can take that step?

Judson: This team kind of reminds me of my sophomore year. The defense is nasty, fast, physical, hit you in the mouth every play. I just feel like we have to get in a little better shape, because we’re playing some really decent teams. As I sit back and really look, the last couple of years, we didn’t have a field goal kicker. Now I see our kicking game getting really strong. The offensive line, we have a lot of returning starters. I’m confident in this team.

Q: As you considered colleges, what were you looking for?

Judson: I’m looking for a program that’s going to come recruit (Cocoa). Great coaching staff. Somewhere I can go build my own legacy, not follow the pack. I really wanted to separate and go my own way.

Florida was one of my top schools, but I felt (Cocoa grads) Chauncey (Gardner) and Jawaan (Taylor) went there at the perfect time. Jamel (Dean) is going to have a lot of success at Auburn, probably will make a name for himself. Jawaan is already making a name for himself. Chauncey has proved himself. These are guys I played with. Tarean (Folston) went off to Notre Dame. James (Folston Jr.) is at Pitt. I decided to go to USF to build my own brand, help more kids from this area to come there.

I wanted to have a great relationship with the coaching staff. I wanted my parents to have a relationship with the head coach. I can have a great relationship with my position coach, but it’s up to the head coach to decide, “I’m going to put Bruce here,” or “I don’t think Bruce is ready. I’m going with this guy.”

Q: Are there one or two things about your game that you want to improve by the end of the year?

Judson: I’m really trying to be a vocal leader. I’m trying to lead my team, not just by example. If I want to become a Division I quarterback and play at that level, I have to carry myself that way. That’s what I’ve been working on. I’m really trying to make people remember my name when I leave here.

Heritage High’s ‘Sandlot’ baby, Benjamin Smalls, enters world

Q: What pro sports do you watch, and who are your favorite teams?

Judson: In the NFL, my favorite team is the Cowboys, but when I watch football, I’m always watching where the quarterback is looking, looking at coverages, look how the corners are playing. I always look at what the slot’s doing, what the wideouts are doing, how to elevate my game.

Contact McCallum at 321-242-3698 or bmccallum@floridatoday.com. Follow facebook.com/FLtoday.brianmccallum and @Brian_McCallum on Twitter.

2016 Tigers Schedule

Aug. 28 Jacksonville Trinity Christian at Cocoa, 2

Sept. 2 Cocoa at Las Vegas Bishop Gorman, 10

Sept. 16 Lake Highland Prep at Cocoa, 7

Sept. 23 Cocoa at Viera, 7

Sept. 30 Kansas City Rockhurst at Cocoa, 7

Oct. 7 Daytona Beach Mainland at Cocoa, 7

Oct. 14 Orlando Jones at Cocoa, 7

Oct. 21 Cocoa at Astronaut, 7

Oct. 28 Cocoa at Pt. Orange Atlantic, 7

Nov. 4 Rockledge at Cocoa, 7

High school sports | floridatoday.com/sports/high-school-sports/

Titusville football head coach Wayne Lawrence has been working with his team in the mid-August heat to prepare for a tough upcoming season. Lawrence has the keys to making the Terriers a winning team, but it’s all about putting them into play.

Titusville High’s Head Coach Wayne Lawrence works with his offensive line players as they run through some drills during Tuesday afternoon practice held at Titusville High School as they get ready for the upcoming season.

“I feel confident. Like I’ve been saying all along, it’s about your interior play,” Lawrence said. “We’re loaded with skill guys. We’ve got athletes all over the field, but it’s your interior play where you win football games.”

“We’re trying to make sure that those guys are playing at the level we expect from them,” Lawrence said.

Once the building blocks of interior play have been assembled, Lawrence said winning isn’t all that complicated.

“Football’s a simple game. We make it as complex as it is. It’s really simple,” Lawrence said. “Whoever owns the line of scrimmage wins the game. If my offensive line is constantly owning the line of scrimmage, pushing the defensive line back two or three yards, and it’s happening consistently, we have a greater chance of winning the game.”

Building a good game on the interior requires one essential component, according to Lawrence, and that’s chemistry.

Lawrence said the five guys on the offensive line need to be in sync at all times if the team wants to win football games. For Lawrence, it’s all about “getting them to buy into the system that we have and getting them to work together that’s the obstacle. And you gotta find the right five guys to work together. I’m looking to see which guys really came around from spring and which guys are really gonna be that unit.”

On the interior of the defensive side, Lawrence says there’s abounding skill to give Titusville an advantage even when the Terriers don’t have the ball. Leading the defense should again be linebacker Bobby Bruce, who made 127 tackles last season and was named first-team All-Space Coast.

“He’s just our unequivocal alpha male on the football team. He’s the enforcer. He’s the guy that makes things happen. He brings explosive pop when he engages on contact,” Lawrence said. 

Jared Bovian will be contributing as a defensive tackle in addition to the offensive line. According to Lawrence, he’s already received six scholarship offers, and it’s going to be up to him to play “iron man football,” where he’ll have to tough it out on offense and defense.

Space Coast Vipers want to finish what they’ve started

On a team full of skilled and athletic players — and he specifically mentioned receiver RaShean Lynn and running back Dontavious Marcus — Lawrence believes that controlling the interior will control the line of scrimmage. And making that incremental crawl up the field will add to the Terriers win column.

“I’d rather look at the game inside out instead of outside in,” Lawrence said. “For us it’s about that play.”

2016 Terriers Schedule

Aug. 26 Sebastian River at Titusville, 7

Sept. 2 Lake Brantley at Titusville, 7

Sept. 9 Titusville at New Smyrna Beach, 7

Sept. 16 Titusville at Satellite, 7

Sept. 23 Astronaut at Titusville, 7

Sept. 30 Titusville at Palm Bay, 7

Oct. 14 Titusville at Merritt Island, 7

Oct. 21 Rockledge at Titusville, 7

Oct. 28 Space Coast at Titusville, 7

Nov. 3 Titusville at Treasure Coast, 7

High school sports | floridatoday.com/sports/high-school-sports/

Cue the annual rotation at Merritt Island: something more than 20 seniors graduate, most of them key contributors to another district championship football team. Then another large group of 12th-graders moves into those spots, almost seamlessly.

Merritt Island High’s lineman run blocking drills during Thursday’s practice as they get ready for the upcoming season.

Well, the first half has repeated itself. A senior-heavy Mustangs team won the District 14-5A title and eventually walked across the graduation stage.

The question this year is whether replacing them will be so automatic. Losses came at several of football’s most crucial positions and perhaps in ways unseen in recent memory on the island.

Offensive captain and center Bailey Herring along with defensive captain Peter Demorat, a defensive end with 10.5 sacks in 2015, are both gone. Both were three-year starters.

There is also a hole to be filled at running back, and — this is where it gets unusual for Merritt Island — every starting linebacker position.

Q&A: Cocoa football QB Bruce Judson

In a program built on defense, that’s a concern.

“We’ve always had one back,” head coach Jeff McLean said Monday of his linebacking corps. “Someone’s got to step up. We’ve moved some people around, but we haven’t had a chance to get some consistency, consistency from a lot of kids that need some consistency.”

That’s consistency in practicing as a group. A handful of injuries have prevented it, but there is promise to be found.

Noah Valletutti, a starter at offensive tackle last year, will add duties at linebacker. Andrew Beardall, like Valletutti a younger brother to a previous Mustangs standout, could be another future star at linebacker.

And there are areas with stability. Depite the graduation of Herring, the other four offensive linemen returned. Three of four defensive linemen returned, too, and so did starting quarterback Jimmy Batch, who has been both a threat to run or throw.

Space Coast Vipers want to finish what they’ve started

He’ll have big targets in 6-foot-4 duo Jake Martin at receiver and Connor Allen at tight end. Deben Peterson, the county’s returning leader in regular season receptions with 41, returned. Mason Denaburg, one of Brevard County’s more reliable kickers, joined him, as did three of four in the secondary.

Contact McCallum at 321-242-3698 or bmccallum@floridatoday.com. Follow facebook.com/FLtoday.brianmccallum and @Brian_McCallum on Twitter.

2016 Mustangs Schedule

Aug. 26 Merritt Island at Heritage, 7

Sept. 2 Merritt Island at Lake Wales, 7:30

Sept. 9 Viera at Merritt Island, 7

Sept. 16 Space Coast at Merritt Island, 7

Sept. 23 Port St. Lucie at Merritt Island, 7

Sept. 30 Merritt Island at Satellite, 7

Oct. 14 Titusville at Merritt Island, 7

Oct. 21 Merritt Island at Palm Bay, 7

Oct. 28 Merritt Island at Rockledge, 7

Nov. 4 Merritt Island at Seminole, 7

High school sports | floridatoday.com/sports/high-school-sports/

The Heritage Panthers have hit the reset button.

In many cases, teams do so because of previous sub-par seasons. That’s not the case with Heritage, following three consecutive district championships.

But coaches and players are “kind of starting at scratch,” as head coach Mark Ainsley put it, after losses from last year’s team that are primarily due to graduation.

Astronaut seeks back-to-black playoff berths

Ainsley said well over half of the team that finished the 2015 season was comprised of seniors and that the majority of this year’s team will be freshmen and sophomores to start, though he does at least count 11 seniors and 7 juniors on the roster.

“It’s obviously going to be a lot different look of a team,” Ainsley said. “I’m excited about what they can do. We’re going to be young, and I think we’ll look different.”

The Panthers’ plan to overcome those losses seems to involved good old-fashioned hard work.

“We don’t have the expectations mentally nor physically, but it’s also new, and so the mistakes that the teams in the past might have made, I don’t think this group is necessarily going to make. It is more of a grind group,” Ainsley said. “They don’t stop. The work ethic I saw this summer in the weight room was probably the best I’ve seen in 10, 11 years. They don’t mind getting after it.”

What also encouraged Ainsley is that much of the new commitment is coming directly from players.

“We’ve definitely grown together more as a team, definitely learning how to grind more,” said senior offensive lineman Joseph Lopez.

“It’s more player-led. The coaches have taken a step back,” Ainsley added. “We’re a much more disciplined crew already than we have been.”

Space Coast Vipers want to finish what they’ve started

In addition to the rejuvenated work ethic, Ainsley hinted that the team could look different in its schematic approach on offensive, while working to improve defensively as part of the transition.

“The offense is getting a little bit of a re-haul so to speak.” Ainsley said.

Wide receiver-safety Brian Nieves summed up in two words what might be in store for opposing defenses in 2016: “Go fast.”

Contact Bonanno at 321-242-3662, cbonanno@floridatoday.com or follow Chris on Twitter @FTChrisBonanno. 

2016 Panthers Schedule

Aug. 26 Merritt Island at Heritage, 7

Sept. 2 Littleton (Colo.) Dakota Ridge vs. Heritage at Disney WWS, 8

Sept. 16 Eau Gallie at Heritage, 7

Sept. 23 Kissimmee Osceola at Heritage, 7:30

Sept. 30 Heritage at Okeechobee, 7

Oct. 7 Heritage at Melbourne, 7

Oct. 14 Heritage at Sebastian River, 7

Oct. 21 Jensen Beach vs. Heritage, 7

Oct. 28 Heritage at Bayside, 7

Nov. 4 Palm Bay at Heritage, 7

Throughout the tenure of Palm Bay head football coach Dan Burke, few Florida high school teams have delivered as consistently in the category of playoff qualification: making it 19 times in 20 seasons.

Palm Bay High QB Stuart Brown rolls out to pass during practice Wednesday.

Since Brevard County began opening schools further south in 1998, first Bayside and later Heritage, the Pirates have maintained dominance over their neighbors, beating them in 20 of 21 meetings.

One place Palm Bay has fallen short the last three years is finishing on the top line of the district standings, and that’s something Burke would like to see improve.

“One thing our team takes great pride in is defending our turf against rival schools,” he said. “Brevard County is a long county, and these guys take pride in running things in the south end. We need to find a way to make this generation of Pirates understand that the district games require the same fierce display of pride.”

At times, Palm Bay has come up short in terms of sheer numbers and depth. In fact, Burke recalled last year’s playoff game against eventual state champion Bishop Moore, when top receiver Dez Arthur had to fill in at linebacker.

“With a physical team like that, it will take its toll eventually,” he said. “Knowing they are in our bracket and there are other physical teams in our district, we have learned to try to have players go one way if at all possible. The spring game was the first time we had no player play both ways in quite some time.”

While Palm Bay has traditionally had versatile players able to move to different roles, they’ve also demonstrated their abilities when able to focus on one job.

One particularly deep area for the team this year will be the backfield. In addition to returning starter Stuart Brown at quarterback, backs Tyrese Lyons and Tyshaun Rolle have displayed speed and power appropriate for their roles, and they’ll be joined by some newcomers who can contribute. Rolle can also play tight end.

Heritage football working harder, playing faster

Arthur is back and has produced in just about every offensive skill position on the team. Along the offensive line, senior leadership will come from Darius Rogers.

Defensively, Mitchell Cook was a strong pass rusher in 2015, and Javonn Roberson led the county in interceptions with seven. Lineman Demetrius Harris has been consistent up front.

The Pirates will get a look at their 2016 team before any other in Brevard County. They host Santaluces Thursday at 7 p.m., while most local teams play their preseason games on Friday.

Contact McCallum at 321-242-3698 or bmccallum@floridatoday.com. Follow facebook.com/FLtoday.brianmccallum and @Brian_McCallum on Twitter.

2016 Pirates Schedule

Aug. 25 Columbine, Colo. vs. Palm Bay at Disney WWS, 5

Sept. 2 Bayside at Palm Bay, 7

Sept. 16 Palm Bay at Rockledge, 7

Sept. 23 Melbourne at Palm Bay, 7

Sept. 30 Titusville at Palm Bay, 7

Oct. 7 Viera at Palm Bay, 7

Oct. 14 Palm Bay at Space Coast, 7

Oct. 21 Merritt Island at Palm Bay, 7

Oct. 28 Palm Bay at Satellite, 7

Nov. 4 Palm Bay at Heritage, 7

High school sports | floridatoday.com/sports/high-school-sports/

Football practice at Viera High School.

Scores from Brevard County and Treasure Coast football games:

​Please refresh this page for updates.

Football practice at Viera High School.

Scores from Brevard County and Treasure Coast football games:

Please refresh this page for updates.

Rockledge High’s E.J. Krajewski and Christian Abeln want to be known as the kind of offensive linemen opposing defenses don’t want any part of.

“We pride ourselves on being the downhill players on the team,” Krajewski said. “We want to be feared when we turn the corner on pulling plays. We love hitting people.”

Rockledge High players runs drills during Monday afternoon practice held at Rockledge High School as they get ready for the up coming football season.

By the time their Rockledge careers are over, Krajewski, Abeln and the rest of the Raiders seniors want to be known for something else, too. They want to be the team that brings the program back to prominence.

“I don’t really look at it as turning the corner,” Krajewski said. “I look at it as restoring what was once here, living up to the expectations. We’ve got a lot of great young players such as Laquentin Hastie, Jalen Mitchell and Jesson Walker and Antoine Green.

“They’re all physical underclassmen that impacted last year. They’re all getting a year (older) and growing with us. It’s going to be a major improvement.”

And, of course, it all starts up front.

Quadrean Turpin starts at left tackle with Krajewski at right guard, Tristan Love at center, Abeln at right guard and Michael Cooper is the right tackle.

“They’re big, physical guys,” coach Wayne Younger said. “We’re expecting — if we can stay healthy — that we’ll be pretty good up front this year. We’ve got some young backup O-linemen behind them that we’re expecting things in the future from.”

While Krajewski and Abeln provide the power, Love is the smart, savvy guy who knows where everybody is supposed to be on a given play. Abeln called him a “human playbook.”

After going 2-8 as sophomores and 4-6 in 2015, the Raiders are rolling into this year on a wave of confidence.

Part of that is due to an offseason of hard work. They dedicated themselves in the weight room. They ran every day. They focused on doing all the little things good teams don’t overlook.

“It’s kind of like they spent less time teaching the game and more developing it,” Abeln said.

That has the Raiders excited about kicking off the season with Friday’s preseason game at Melbourne. Krajewski said there is a different feeling among the Raiders this season.

“It’s like a chip on our shoulder, because we’ve got something to prove, that’s for sure,” he said. “Something to prove. I’m tired of being the joke of the county. I want to be on top of the county. We have a good shot this year.”

Q&A: Cocoa football QB Bruce Judson

Making the postseason will be a big challenge for the Raiders, who are in the same district with Merritt Island and Palm Bay. But for the first time in a long time, that mountain doesn’t seem as big as it used to.

“We want to be good,” Krajewski said. “We want to restore what we used to have. That’s what’s going to get us (there) this year – the want to, and the willing to. (We’re) willing to go the extra mile.”

2016 Raiders Schedule

Aug. 26 Viera at Rockledge, 7

Sept. 9 Eau Gallie at Rockledge, 7

Sept. 16 Palm Bay at Rockledge, 7

Sept. 23 Rockledge at Tallahassee Godby, 7

Sept. 30 Rockledge at Space Coast, 7

Oct. 7 Rockledge at Astronaut, 7

Oct. 14 Satellite at Rockledge, 7

Oct. 21 Rockledge at Titusville, 7

Oct. 28 Merritt Island at Rockledge, 7

Nov. 4 Rockledge at Cocoa, 7

High school sports | floridatoday.com/sports/high-school-sports/

The Palm Bay defense held Santaluces out of the end zone three times on Thursday with the Chiefs inside the 3. On fourth-and-goal at the 1, the Pirates forced the turnover on downs as you’ll see in this video.

At halftime, Palm Bay led, 19-0, in the preseason high school football game.

On Friday, the rest of Brevard County’s teams will play their preseason games.

In other news, Florida sports writers voted on high school football rankings this week. Cocoa, Viera, Heritage, Palm Bay and Holy Trinity all got votes.

Tigers, Hawks ranked in preseason football polls