Aubrey Rogers, Canterbury, Gateway Charter, LaBelle, Oasis, Marco 2023 football previews

The News-Press and Naples Daily News will get you ready for the coming high school football season. Here are team previews for the Collier and Lee County teams competing as FHSAA independents in 2023.

Aubrey Rogers

Coach: J.J. Everage (first season)

Last year: N/A

Overview: Everage is no stranger to building programs. Most recently, when he took the Lely job, he inherited a program that hadn’t won more than two games in three years. But after his first year at the helm, the Trojans finished above .500 for half of Everage’s tenure. This year is a bit different though, as Everage gets a blank canvas and some of the nicest facilities in Collier County at Southwest Florida's newest high school. “I’ve always gone in and rebuilt programs,” Everage said. “But I’ve never started one from the ground up and that is exciting.” Additionally, Everage’s 40-man roster is comprised mostly of underclassmen. To most programs, that may be seen as an additional hurdle, but for the Patriots, it just makes their runway to success even longer. Freshman wide receiver Romeo Sararo has emerged as an important cog to the Patriot’s future success. “[Sararo] earned the respect of all the players because they saw how athletic he is, just a phenomenal athlete,” Everage said. “He’s football quick, he’s got great hands, and he runs great routes.” At quarterback, sophomore Barron Collier transfer Dom Ardezzone has earned the starting spot, but it is not written in stone. Everage plans to gradually give freshman Cade DiLoreto more time under center as the year goes on, so watch for how the two compete as the season plays out. The upperclassmen are small in number but will have a big impact on the team as they look to establish a culture. Senior Gulf Coast transfer Jack Trittler is expected to leave his mark at wide receiver and strong safety, while Darian Alvarez-Garcia will also play both sides of the ball at linebacker and offensive line. “We’ve got some good upperclassmen,” Everage said. “They’re small in numbers, they kind of are the minority, but they’re good.”

Season outlook: This year is all about building a foundation. While every team’s goal is to beat whoever is in front of them, Everage and Co.’s vision goes much further than that. “We’re not quite all the way there yet, to where we can consider ourselves Aubrey Rogers Patriots,” Everage said. “But we’re getting close. The main thing this year is that we build the culture and the pride of the program.”

Schedule: Aug. 25 vs. Somerset Academy; Sept. 1 at Florida Christian; Sept 8 at Delray Beach American Heritage; Sept. 15 at St. Stephen’s; Sept. 22 vs. Evangelical Christian; Sept. 29 vs. SFA Academy; Oct. 6 at SFCA; Oct. 13 vs. Joaquin Garcia; Oct. 20 at Canterbury; Oct. 27 at East Lee County

More: Community School of Naples, ECS, First Baptist, St. John Neumann, SFCA 2023 football previews

Canterbury

Coach: Vince Camarca (first season)

Last year: 5-2, made SSAC playoffs (lost to Lake Highland Prep in SSAC quarterfinal)

Overview: After going 5-2 in the SSAC last season, the Cougars have a different look this year. Vince Camarca, who has been on the coaching staff for eight years, replaced Stacy Sizemore as head coach. The team had eight seniors graduate and other players, including standout Leroy Roker, transfer to Bishop Verot. “That’s a lot of offense to make up for,” Camarca said. As a result, Canterbury is determined to be less one-dimensional on offense, with plans to incorporate a larger cast of players, including speedster AZ Levatte. On defense, the team returns a deep linebacking core led by Griffin Curran. Despite the need to replace much of last season’s offensive production, Camarca said the team returns the best offensive line in his time with the Cougars.

Season outlook: The Cougars have proven their ability to compete well in the SSAC, putting up winning records for eight consecutive seasons. The schedule, opening with a test at home against St. John Neumann, will give the team a solid chance to make it nine. The team is especially looking forward to their Week 2 matchup against SFCA, a team now led by former Canterbury assistant coach Roy Stabler. Despite the past success, Camarca said being overlooked suits the team just fine. “Canterbury – they like to be underestimated,” he said. “We’re OK with it. They can underestimate us all they want. “

Schedule: Aug. 25 vs. St. John Neumann; Sept. 1 at SFCA; Sept. 8 vs. Oasis; Sept. 15 at Seven Rivers Christian; Sept. 29 at St. Stephen's; Oct. 6 vs. Glades Day; Oct. 13 at Community School; Oct. 20 vs. Aubrey Rogers

Gateway Charter

Coach: Ben Daley (sixth season)

Last year: 3-5, made SSAC playoffs (won SSAC AAAA State Championship over Harvest Community)

Overview: Despite finishing the regular season with just one win, the Griffins rallied for the biggest two wins in program history in last year’s playoffs, including a SSAC State Championship win over Harvest Community. Gateway Charter also has a new home field, which opened late last year. "We won the SSAC last year, but the record didn't really show it," Daley said. "We're trying to get that respect back from Lee County, so we're coming in grinding in silence." Highlighting the key returners is senior linebacker Tavian Villareal, who tallied 47 total tackles last year and will be an important cog in the system again this year. On offense, Juan Ibarra is beginning to emerge victorious from his QB1 battle with Najeh White. White will most likely move to running back next to senior Marco Tomas and eighth-grader Chance Reeves, a trio that excites Daley. "We have a good situation at running back, we've got good problems," he said. "It's running back by committee right now, but it's great because we usually don't have that depth back there."

Season outlook: Despite winning a ring last year, the Griffins feel they have more to prove. The ultimate goal is another championship for Daley and crew, but they want a winning record to go along with it this time. With a great mix of young talent and experienced upperclassmen, Gateway Charter is optimistic to achieve that goal this season and will have to compensate in other areas after losing running back Laz Rogers (1,315 yards, 9 TDs) to East Lee County.

Schedule: Aug. 24 vs. Oasis; Sept. 1 at St. John Neumann; Sept. 9 vs. Trinity Prep; Sept. 15 vs. LaBelle; Sept. 22 at Moore Haven; Oct. 6 vs. Evangelical Christian; Oct. 13 vs. Tradition Prep; Oct. 20 at Marathon

LaBelle

Head Coach: Maurice McClain (second season)

Last Year: 4-4 (FHSAA Independent)

Overview: LaBelle has a solid core of talent and with those key starters playing both sides of the ball, McClain and his staff are emphasizing the importance of being in shape. It was a need the Cowboys have been aware of since their spring game loss to Evangelical Christian, and they have spent the summer accordingly. “We had a really good turnout in the weight room,” McClain said. “But it’s mainly just a commitment to the program and trusting the process. Trusting what we’ve laid out there for them as far as strength and conditioning and educating yourself to the game.” Senior running back and workhorse Isaac Santamaria returns for LaBelle, who led the team with 1,013 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. This year Santamaria will also play cornerback, so Immokalee transfer Darian Robinson will be stepping in to shoulder some of the load in the backfield. Robinson will also play two sides of the ball and has emerged as a leader among the linebackers. “We’ve got Darian, who is a nice back,” McClain said. “He kind of reminds me of my son, but a lot quicker. His vision is a lot better, he’s a little faster, but he’s a power back. He runs behind his pad level really well, he’s going to help us out.” Another adjustment being made is senior Nathan Alvarado’s move to safety. Last year, Alvarado tallied 44 total tackles and one interception as a cornerback. The defense brings back plenty of talent, which is especially intriguing since the Cowboys allowed their opponents to score more than seven points in just half of their games.

Season Outlook: The Cowboys have put in the work this summer, and want this year’s record to reflect it. With McClain getting a second year with a lot of returning talent, they’ve put themselves in a position to do just that. “As far as benchmarks for us, I’m looking for us to at least finish over .500,” McClain said. “You know last year we finished at that, and my goal this year is to get over that, and to try to get a few of these guys the opportunity to play at the next level. And since we have such a big senior group, my biggest goal is to just get them to graduate, that’s it.” With a strong defense and athletes who can play both sides of the ball, LaBelle’s biggest hurdle will be staying healthy. If everyone stays upright, the Cowboys will have few issues achieving their goal.

Schedule: Aug. 25 vs. Glades Day; Sept. 1 at Bayshore; Sept. 8 vs. St. John Neumann; Sept. 15 vs. Gateway Charter; Sept. 22 at Florida Christian; Sept. 29 vs. North Port; Oct. 6 at Bridgeport Academy; Oct. 13 vs. St. Petersburg Catholic; Oct. 20 at Avon Park; Oct. 27 vs. Indian Rocks Christian

Marco Island

Head Coach: Lew Montgomery (third season)

Last year: 0-5

Overview: It is a new day for Marco Island Academy football. After seeing last season cut short post-Ian, the Manta Rays have rallied in incredible fashion. Last year, Montgomery finished last year with less than 17 players. But so far in camp, he’s got that many just at the offensive line thanks to the new facilities on campus. “Upgrades isn’t even a word I could use because it really was nonexistent compared to what we have now,” Montgomery said. “Last year I practiced in the outfield of a local baseball field, and this year I'm on my own full turf field. And the weight room on-site has been the game-changer.” With new locker rooms, weight rooms, and a field, the Manta Rays begin the year with nearly 40 players. Among those new faces is sophomore Matthew Asbell, who has the coaching staff excited early. While Asbell is a first-year player, he has already become a leader on the defense and will be key from the linebacker slot while Jack Cartwright returns for his junior campaign at defensive end. Naples transfer and sophomore athlete Ryan Winterick will be a favorite choice on offense, so expect to see him anywhere from wideout to under center. What may be most exciting about the team's trajectory is its youth. As a squad with just one senior and a shiny new facility, there is a real opportunity to build something special. “When I met with the parents before we started, I let them know we have a lot to prove,” Montgomery said. “We’ve got to start with proving it to ourselves. But then we also have to prove it to our competition, to the football community, and everyone else. That we are worthy of being called a program and being put on their game schedules.”

Season Outlook: The Manta Rays are young and get this year to set a new standard for their program. All the facilities’ additions will be a major contributing factor to success and player retention, and the underclassmen-heavy squad will benefit from a year to figure it all out together. Not one player has left camp, but more are coming every day because the word is out - this year is going to be fun. This is a program that has been winless for five seasons, but now has the tools to try and make sure the streak ends.

Schedule: Aug. 25 at Boca Raton Christian; Sept. 8 vs. Gateway Charter; Sept. 15 at Glades Day; Sept. 22 vs. Warner Christian; Sept. 29 at Keswick Christian; Oct. 6 vs. Bradenton Christian; Oct. 20 vs. Bayshore

Oasis

Coach: Jason Grain (third season)

Last year: 2-5, missed SSAC playoffs

Overview: After finishing last year with just two wins, Oasis is looking to lay a foundation with 15 returning upperclassmen, which is nearly half the roster. For the third year in a row, there is continuity in the coaching staff and the players. "For us, it's been a huge benefit. We haven't had a starter leave prematurely in the last two years," Grain said. "Now we've got juniors and seniors who are third-year varsity players for us. So at that point, the biggest benefit is muscle memory. Now we're in the mindset that we have worked to win, and now we have to expect to win because of the veteran nature of the team." This year, the Sharks are looking to put it all together. Leading the veterans is junior quarterback Parker Smith, who has earned the QB1 spot once again for the 2023 season. Smith finished last year with 788 passing yards on a 44% completion rate, with seven touchdowns and seven interceptions. "We're really excited that he's made a jump in his game, especially from a mental aspect," Grain said. Leading the line is senior tackle Carson Monville, who earned his first Division I offer this summer from Stetson.

Season outlook: Oasis is looking to improve on last year’s record, and has the benefit of a roster full of players who know exactly what improvements need to be made. With such a large portion of the squad being upperclassmen with varsity experience, the Sharks can put together a winning season in the SSAC.

Schedule: Aug. 18 vs. St. John Neumann; Aug. 24 at Gateway Charter; Sept. 1 vs. Out-of-Door; Sept. 8: at Canterbury; Sept. 15 at Community School of Naples; Sept. 22 at SFCA; Sept. 28 at Bradenton Christian; Oct. 13 at Santa Fe Catholic; Oct. 20. vs. St. Stephen’s

Follow Southwest Florida Sports Writer Nick Wilson on Twitter: @wilson32nick. For the best sports coverage in Southwest Florida, follow @newspresssports and @ndnprepzone on Instagram.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: 2023 Football Previews: Aubrey Rogers, Canterbury, Gateway Charter, LaBelle, Oasis, Marco