High school football: Previewing the teams from Fort Pierce for the 2023 season
John Carroll Catholic, Fort Pierce Westwood and Fort Pierce Central will enter a new season moving in different directions competing in their respective classifications.
The Rams broke through with a state semifinal appearance in Class 1S but after a number of seniors departing as well as standouts that transferred out of the program, head coach Mickey Groody and his staff will need to retool the pieces they do have.
For the Panthers, it was an up and down 2022 with flashes of brilliance and with a talented core that has grown up over the summer, head coach Chris Kokell thinks he has a team that can beat anyone on their schedule and more.
Central head coach Mike Watkins also had a young group last season that has made big strides in the offseason and the Cobras will need to see the improvement they expect to compete in a loaded District 12-4S.
John Carroll Catholic
With so much experience and star power removed from both sides of the ball, the Rams will need new names to step up in 2023.
One name that is back who will bring needed leadership is senior offensive lineman Otis Ingram, who could also see some time on the defensive line. Junior Alberto Rodriguez also returns on the offensive line for John Carroll Catholic.
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It will be a three-headed monster in the backfield as seniors Johnny Raneri and Joshua Reynolds along with junior Micah Coleman expected to spread the wealth getting touches on offense. Junior Jax VanName had a strong preseason performance against Holy Trinity at quarterback and fellow junior Jackson Gravlee also could see time under center.
Senior Jaden Mackey, Coleman and sophomore Pat Silas will all be in the mix at wide receiver with playing time up for grabs and keep an eye on freshman Jaydien Pittman, who had an impressive touchdown run in the preseason.
Junior Cole Bates at linebacker is going to be counted on to lead the defense and fellow junior Drew Negerbohn on the defensive line is one returner on a unit that has few of them.
Junior D'Angelo Bonilla, sophomore Nate Jackson and Raneri will have their imprints on the defense but the Rams will need production by committee from many players who have limited varsity experience.
Schedule: Aug. 24 vs. Benjamin, Sept. 1 vs Calvary Christian, Sept. 8 at Zephyrhills Christian, Sept. 15 at King's Academy, Sept. 22 at Bishop Moore, Sept. 29 at Seminole Ridge, Oct. 7 vs. Joaquin Garcia, Oct. 13 at Cardinal Mooney, Oct. 20 at Victory Christian, Oct. 27 vs. True North, BYE
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Fort Pierce Westwood
An 0-4 end to the season last year to go 5-5 was a bitter pill to swallow for the Panthers but served as motivation for the program to get to work in the offseason.
With a nucleus of seniors to build around particularly on defense, Fort Pierce Westwood will lean on stars Jaylyn Monds and Braylon Vincent who will be two-way standouts that can each be game changers.
Defensive lineman Chris Pierre in the heart of the defense can wreck games and sophomore Cameron Gooden is a budding star in the making off the edge.
A host of sophomores will be relied upon offensively with quarterback EJ Weathers, wide receivers Traveon Townsend and Jordan Crutchfield names to watch as well as junior wide receiver Colton Foster, senior running back Kevin Ryals and senior slot receiver Jacob Mills.
Junior Javian Gardner is a breakout candidate on the area and will play all over the Panther defense, seniors Todd Jackson and Rhashod Brown will be used in a variety of roles on both sides of the ball and sophomore Aldarius Elmore at linebacker and sophomore Jabari Monds in the secondary are young players hungry to make a name for themselves.
Senior offensive lineman Dwayne Chaney comes in from Centennial as a Division I prospect who will provide experience and leadership up front.
Schedule: Aug. 25 vs. Royal Palm Beach, Aug. 31 vs. South Fork, Sept. 8 at Inlet Grove, Sept. 15 at Vero Beach, BYE, Sept. 28 vs. Okeechobee, Oct. 5 vs. Moore Haven, Oct. 13 at Sebring, Oct. 20 at Fort Pierce Central, OCt. 27 vs. Port St. Lucie, Nov. 3 vs. Boca Raton
Fort Pierce Central
The Cobras were stout on defense in 2022 but a 2-8 record was frustrating with three losses coming by 10 points or less.
There is reason for Fort Pierce Central to be optimistic the offense will be much improved in 2023. Vero Beach transfer Jake Whiteley brings experience in big games to the table and is likely to start the season as the featured option under center. Returner Railly Rodriguez is also capable of moving the ball through the air and junior Anthony LaMattina will be a threat with his legs.
Senior Jemar Paul at wide receiver may be one of the most underrated players in the area and names like seniors Chandler Perceval and James Smith, sophomores Schneider Simeus, Exavier Stinson and Jamario Moody as well as rising freshman KJ Davis all will be counted on for production.
John Carroll Catholic transfer Chauncey Williams will be a needed piece in the secondary, with Perceval and Paul joining him and senior linebacker Jamarion Davis is as sure a tackler as it comes in the area.
On the defensive line, seniors Devyn Ingle and Elliot Kernizan return to the fold and junior DJ Thomas as well as sophomore Tyrone Johnson both were names Watkins pointed out as ones to watch.
Other names to keep an eye on are junior running back Gio Rivera-Alan, junior offensive lineman Jacob Peterson and junior kicker Tyler Mondo for the Cobras.
Schedule: Aug. 24 vs. Jensen Beach, BYE, Sept. 8 at Bayside, Sept. 15 vs. Centennial, Sept. 22 vs. Palm Bay, Sept. 29 vs. Vero Beach, Oct. 6 vs. Heritage, Oct. 13 at Treasure Coast, Oct. 20 vs. Fort Pierce Westwood, Oct. 27 at Martin County, Nov. 3 at Sebring
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: John Carroll, Westwood and Central football previews for 2023
