With the dismantling of two-time Sunshine State Athletic Affiliation state champion The Grasp’s Academy, there may very well be a brand new king atop the SSAA this season.
TMA head coach Garrett Kruczek grew to become head coach at Lake Brantley, and with him went a number of affect gamers, most notably standout quarterback Jackson Stecher. A number of others additionally departed, together with star operating again O’Shea Faison, who’s now at Lake Mary.
One of many subsequent groups in line to be the favourite for the championship can be Mount Dora Christian Academy.
Not so quick, says MDCA coach Kolby Tackett, who’s going into his sixth season. The Bulldogs have been 9-3 final season, shedding twice to Jacksonville’s Christ’s Church Academy, The opposite loss was to nemesis TMA.
“I don’t know that we might be the favourite,” Tackett mentioned. “I like our group. I wouldn’t say there are any tremendous, tremendous stars. However there are numerous good soccer gamers who do what they’re alleged to do. They’re a enjoyable group and there are not any divas.
“I’m most proud that since I’ve been again we haven’t misplaced a single child to switch.”
Tackett is in his second profitable stint at MDCA. He left the college to coach at Oviedo in 2019, after which was head coach at Center Tennessee Christian College for 2 seasons earlier than returning to Mount Dora.
MDCA depends closely on the precision of its single-wing offense. Seniors Blake Banks and Nate Abbott plus sophomore Isaac Farling will rotate within the fullback-quarterback place, with star junior offensive lineman Ben Glass paving the best way.
Tackett can also be excited concerning the protection, with Seminole switch Roberto Castillo II anchoring at center linebacker. Banks additionally performs protection as one of many high safeties within the space.
“I inform them every single day we’re not adequate to speak concerning the future,” Tackett mentioned. “Like, ‘In the event you guys assume you can begin planning for November proper now, you’re gonna go 0-10.’ We now have to be actually good at present. We are able to’t sit up for tomorrow. I feel the children are excited and there’s a window, however we additionally misplaced numerous good gamers from final 12 months, so we’ll see how we stack up.”
The Geneva College, with veteran coach Dave Langdon on the helm, strikes into the 11-man division after taking part in 8-man soccer for its first two seasons. Geneva has a monster of a defensive finish to be careful for in 6-foot-5, 256-pound sophomore Duke Carpenter.
Outdoors the SSAA, Poinciana equaled its report for wins (8) as an impartial in 2024. The Eagles nonetheless have some depth points however gained dynamic quarterback Kamari Lewis as a switch.
Sunshine State Athletic Convention
Cornerstone Constitution Geese
Coach: Alan Lambert (sixth 12 months; 15-23).
2024: 7-4 in SSAC
Religion Christian Lions
Coach: Robert Mahoney (1st 12 months, 0-0; profession 5-11).
2024: 4-7 in SSAC.
Basis Academy Lions
Coach: Daniel ‘DJ’ White (1st 12 months, 0-0).
2024: 5-5 in SSAA.
Geneva College Knights
Coach: Dave Langdon (third 12 months, 10-14; 103-138 profession).
2024: 7-5 in SSAA 8-man soccer.
Lake Highland Prep Highlanders
Coach: Ben Bullock (ninth 12 months, 48-26; profession 69-37).
2024: 6-3 in SSAA.
Grasp’s Academy Eagles
Coach: Bailey Grainer (*third 12 months, 9-9); profession 20-18).
2024: 11-1, SSAA league champ.
Mount Dora Christian Bulldogs
Coach: Kolby Tackett (sixth 12 months; 37-18; profession 59-29).
2024: 8-3, SSAA playoffs
Orangewood Christian Rams
Coach: Carey Metts (fifth 12 months; 17-24).
2024: 6-5 in SSAA.
Trinity Prep Saints
Coach: Brian Kells (third 12 months, 2-17; profession 53-63).
2024: 1-9 in SSAA.
Umatilla Bulldogs
Coach: Eric Samuels (third 12 months, 8-13).
2024: 6-5 in SSAA.
Windermere Prep Lakers
Coach: James Hamilton (2nd 12 months, 2-7).
2024: 2-7 in SSAC.
Different Independents
Central Florida Christian Academy Eagles
Coach: Kevin Blackman (third 12 months; 3-12).
2024: 3-6, impartial.
Gateway Panthers
Coach: Marlin Roberts (seventeenth 12 months, 60-100).
2024: 4-6, impartial.
Liberty Chargers
Coach: Janko Beras (1st 12 months, 0-0).
2024: 2-7, impartial.
Poinciana Eagles
Coach: Tarron Mallard (2nd 12 months; 8-3).
2024: 8-3, bowl win.
West Oaks Flame
Coach: Victor Floyd (tenth 12 months, 34-56; profession 64-107).
2024: 3-6, impartial.
