It’s that time of year once again where shoulder pads are being strapped on, chin straps are being tightened and high school football programs start chomping at the bit to get back onto the field.

Friday nights are just now getting turned up across Southwest Florida as countless talented teams call the region home.

The Breeze is highlighting 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.

Bishop Verot High School

Head Coach: Richie Rode (4th year)

2023 record: 11-2 (3-0 District)

Competes in: 2A District 10

Currently 1-0; next game today visiting Tampa Catholic

With a plethora of stand-out talent, the Vikings are looking to bring home a state championship after falling last year to Booker in the Regional Final, and making it to the Final Four the year before. Head coach Richie Rode is ready to lead his team though an always-grueling schedule, and cross the threshold his team has been so close to attaining since his tenure began.

How do you feel as a program heading into the season?

“We feel pretty confident in our training heading into the season this year. We have to replace some key players from last year, and will be pretty young this year. But we had a great spring and summer developing and growing in the weight room.”

Expectations from the team on and off the field?

“Our expectation is to continue to grow in our culture and development. We strive to get 1% better each day. We have a challenging schedule this year, which will be lots of fun. All we want to do is continue to give relentless effort each week and be very process oriented.”

How do you plan to build off of last season?

“We will definitely use our experience of both the success experienced as well as the disappointing moments we had to learn and grow this year. Last year’s team is last year, however, and doesn’t truly have any bearing on this year. We need to continue to find our identity and build our 2024 version of our best selves and team.”

How would you describe your coaching style/team identity?

“I believe my coaching style is constant and relentless teaching, but one built off of creating trust and relationships. It is of utmost importance to create a trusting environment in which the student-athletes learn and grow and experience four great years. In doing so, and pushing each individual to be the best version of themselves, I believe we can win both on and off the field at a high level. Our team identity this year will be all about extreme ownership, trust and coachability.”

What do you hope to take as a whole from this upcoming season?

“We want to continue to build our culture and brotherhood of trust. We hope to provide each individual with a great overall experience and growth this year.”

Expected challenges?

“Each week presents a new set of challenges, whether it be personal or a new and tough opponent. We look forward to meeting these challenges head on. Our schedule is one of the most difficult in the state and we embrace that opportunity.”

Players to watch this year?

• Carter Smith – quarterback, senior

• DeShon Jenkins – running back, junior

• Marquan Young – wide receiver, junior

• Leo Berman – tight end, senior

• Jack Benaitis – offensive line, senior

• Sonny Tokotaha – offensive line, senior

• Dennis Forte – offensive line, junior

• Ayden Gonzalez – wide receiver, sophomore

• Ryan Peterson – defensive line, senior

• Quinn Enguita – defensive line/linebacker, junior

• Micah Anderson – linebacker, junior

• JJ Bolz – linebacker, junior

• Marquis Young – defensive back, junior

• James Little – defensive back, junior

• Justin Rode – defensive back, junior

• Eli Cochran – defensive back, junior