5 takeaways from MCC 2023 high school football season
Expectations for Melbourne Central Catholic football this year seemed a bit high back in early August.
The team was coming off a 2-8 season, but it turned out the Hustlers were one of the better teams in the FHSAA's Class 1S.
While a 38-14 loss at home in the Region 2-1S ended the high school football season for MCC, it was a banner year for the team and promising for the future.
Here's a look back:
Farmer helped build expectations
When receiver DayDay Farmer joined new MCC head coach Nate Hooks with the Hustlers, it gave instant credibility to Hooks' powerful optimism.
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A mid-September injury during the loss at Viera caused Farmer to miss half the regular season, but he made a splash on his return, including a 100-yard interception return against Halifax Academy in the regular-season finale.
He had led the Class 2S state champion Cocoa Tigers in receiving as a junior, with 63 catches for 938 yards and 10 touchdowns. His shortened senior year ended with 14 catches for 279 yards and three scores, but he was a bright spot defensively late, and he showed that versatility and team leadership against a strong Ocala Trinity Catholic team on Friday.
Farmer's presence boosts others
With Farmer out of the lineup or drawing defensive attention when playing, other Hustlers benefitted. Junior receiver Ramel Hernandez became a big-play star, catching 41 passes for 894 yards and 13 scores. State long jump champion Justin Woulard led the team's receiving overall, with 46 receptions for 437 yards and eight touchdowns.
Seniors played a role in MCC success
Brian Osterle proved you don't have to weigh more than 200 pounds to make a difference in high school football. The 5-foot-9, 160-pound senior rushed for 934 yards and eight touchdowns, and he made 61 tackles on defense. Against Trinity Catholic on Friday, he sprinted from the end and swatted away a field goal attempt.
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Teammate Robert Trebnik recorded the second-most tackles on the team, with 75, and he recorded 9.5 sacks.
Future looks promising for Hustlers football
In addition to Hernandez and Woulard, there were other non-seniors who are eligible to play again next season. Junior Ezra Engle led the defense with 77 stops, and Noah Ostrander followed Trebnik with 61. Ninth-grader Joseph Allen threw 29 touchdown passes as the starting quarterback.
Program navigates suspension
When the FHSAA suspended head coach Nate Hooks after a 4-2 start, assistant Knox Robinson took over during games and kept the Hustlers moving forward. MCC won five games in a row, clinched the District 4-1S championship and advanced to the regional final.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: 5 takeaways from MCC 2023 high school football season
