Football Player of the Week
Since transferring to Ida Baker High, senior Mike Anderson has been able to focus more in the classroom. His improved grades have allowed him to participate in football for the first time with the Bulldogs.
His talent wasn’t much of an issue, even going back to his days playing Pop Warner in Fort Myers
“Everybody thought I would be a good high school player, but I made a mistake not playing my freshman year,” he said. “Then I wasn’t keeping track of my grades and got messed up.”
The Daily Breeze Football Player of the Week has turned it around academically since arriving at Baker last year and has been a big-play specialist on the football field this season.
In the Bulldogs’ 35-28 victory over Fort Myers, Anderson scored on a 39-yard fumble return and caught a touchdown pass.
His fumble return got the Bulldogs going as they rallied from a 28-14 halftime deficit.
The receiver/cornerback also has made a huge impact as a kick returner, consistently giving the Bulldogs good field position.
“He’s not the fastest kid on the team, probably the fifth or sixth fastest,” Baker coach Brian Conn said, “but what he does so well is knowing exactly where the lane is we want him to go through and then hitting it at full speed.”
Anderson began practicing with the Bulldogs last spring, but did not participate in the spring football game. He previously attended South Fort Myers before moving to Cape Coral with his mother, Vanessa.
Conn said he saw Anderson’s athletic ability early on, but was surprised at the leadership skills he brings to the team.
“He has great football ability, but he also brings a good attitude and enthusiasm and fire,” Conn said. “Being a new guy usually you’re kind of quiet and passive, trying to fit in, but he came right out and was a leader.”
Anderson and the Bulldogs (3-1) host American Heritage in a nondistrict game Friday.
Honorable mentions:
Eric Mitchell, junior, Mariner: Mitchell intercepted a pass and scored two rushing touchdowns (75, 15 yards) in the Tritons’ 43-0 win over Estero.
Josh Monteagudo, senior, Cape Coral: The linebacker intercepted a pass and blocked a punt in the Seahawks’ 13-6 win over North Fort Myers.