High school football season kicks off tonight
New coaches in charge for Island Coast, Cape High
It’s that time of year once again where shoulder pads are being strapped, chin straps are being tightened and high school football programs start chomping at the bit to get back onto the field.
Friday nights are about to get turned up across Southwest Florida as countless talented teams call the region home.
The Breeze will highlight West Zone and other local teams leading into the regular season to give fans an early look at their favorite team. We sat down with each head coach and select players a series of questions on what they expect from their program.
Look for continued coverage of local high school programs in The Breeze in upcoming editions as we continue the journey to Friday nights where the lights shine the brightest.
Island Coast High School
Head Coach: Chris Burnett (1st year)
2021 record: 2-8
Competes in 3S District 14
First regular season game: Aug. 26 vs Bonita Springs at home. 7 p.m.
The Gators had a rough go last season after a 2020-21 campaign that saw two playoff victories. First-year head coach Chris Burnett takes over for Elgin Hicks, and will rely on senior leadership to steer things in the right direction. It will be interesting to see if the offense can move the chains without playmakers from last season. This season starts a new chapter for the Gators.
How do you feel as a program heading into the season?
“I feel blessed to have such a great group of people and coaches around me, who call and give me sound advice. Having worked under Coach Elgin Hicks has definitely helped my coaching career. Knowing the team, I had a better idea of the strengths and weaknesses we needed to work on for the current season.”
Expectations from the team on and off the field?
“Hard work, creating a family atmosphere and discipline.”
How do you plan to build off of last season?
“To continue to create a family atmosphere and shine light on the great kids and opportunities at Island Coast High School.”
How would you describe your coaching style/team identity?
“My coaching style would be energetic, direct and having good communication with the players. We want our team identity to be ‘strength in unity.'”
What do you hope to take as a whole from this upcoming season?
“I hope that we learn as a team to keep our composure in tough times. And that I create a friendly environment for all athletes to do their best and be their best.”
Expected challenges?
“Our expected challenges are our offensive identity, and keeping our key players healthy throughout the season.”
Players to watch this year?
– Ofil Ramos – Defensive end/wide receiver (senior)
– Joshua Anderson – Quarterback (senior)
– Jason Richardson – Wide receiver/free safety (senior)
– Bruno Montrond – Center/wide receiver (senior)
– Gervais Leaphart – Running back (sophomore)
– Matt Berry – Offensive Line/long snapper (senior)
– Glenn Green – Wide receiver/strong safety (senior)
– Brendan Cruz – Offensive Line
Cape Coral High School
Head Coach: Larry Gary (1st year back; was last head coach at Cape in 2017)
2021 record: 3-7
Competes in: 3S District 14
First regular season game: Aug. 26
vs. Ida Baker at home. 7 p.m.
Long-time Lee County football coach Larry Gary is out of retirement and returns to the helm of a Seahawks football program he coached from 2012 to 2017. Viewing himself as an interim coach, Gary hopes to right the ship of a Cape program that has shown spurts of promise since his departure. Young playmakers on the offensive side of the ball started to shine through last season. Will the new staff, including alum Isaac Harvin, reinvigorate the Seahawks? Stay tuned.
How do you feel as a program heading into the season?
“I’m trying to get some stability back in the program. The kids are going through another change in philosophy, and I’m trying to make it simple for them, yet effective.”
Expectations from the team on and off the field?
“We’re going to try and be smarter and out-work others. All of the kids work hard, and we’re trying to get them to compete in practice. And now we’re going that. We’ve got to get the complaining out of the way and move forward. We want to take on the mentality of refusing to lose. Everybody’s goal is to win. But our goal is to out-work people. That’s what it takes to earn wins. That starts in practice and the weight room.
How do you plan to build off of last season?
“I want them to get better every game. We don’t want to go into the game thinking about wins and losses. You’ve got to do your job to the best of your ability. And win or lose, you’re still a winner in my book. We’ve got to grind and do the work.
How would you describe your coaching style/team identity?
“My style is to get the kids a little more disciplined – disciplined meaning understanding what we’re trying to implement on offense, defense and special teams. We’re going to have to out-energize teams. Our goal is to expend more energy on the field than our opponents.”
What do you hope to take as a whole from this upcoming season?
“I want them number one to be more committed and compete to the best of their ability. There’s no ease in winning a district or a championship – it’s all hard work.”
Expected challenges?
“The challenge is going to be the offensive and defensive lines. That’s what wins ballgames.”
Players to watch this year?
– Damien Miranda – Running back/outside linebacker (senior)
– Justin Czerniak – Running back/quarterback (junior)
– Maddox Howerton – Tight end/defensive end (junior)
– Nick Brown – Tackle/guard (senior)
– Dereon Thomas – (sophomore)
– Joshua Kelley – (junior)
— Connect with Associate Sports Editor CJ Haddad on Twitter: @haddad_cj
To reach CJ HADDAD, please email cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com