Sunshine State and Independent outlook for the 2023 high school football season
All Saints and Santa Fe Catholic were two very good programs in 2022 and are trying get back to that status if not better. Ambassadors Christian Academy and Jordan Christian Preparatory were young programs and are trying to be substantially better.
The Saints last year were second in the Sunshine State Bay (8-Man) District thanks to a 4-1 record while going 9-2 overall, only behind Donahue Catholic. Santa Fe was third in the Sunshine Freelance District thanks to a 1-0 record and a 6-2 overall record, only behind Oak Hall and Lake Highland Prep.
Meanwhile, Ambassadors and Jordan Christian Prep in the Freelance District in 2022 were second and 10th in the district respectively, with Ambassadors Christian going 3-0 in the district and 3-7 overall, while Jordan Christian went 1-3 in the district and 1-9 overall.
But the 2022 season is long gone, and coaches are jockeying for position in 2023. Below are the district previews for those four teams.
All Saints Academy
Head Coach: Stuart Weiss, seventh year (44-16)
Coaching Staff: David Graham, Julian Madrigal, Chad Moore and Jason Smith.
2022 Record: 9-2
Key (Player) Losses: Daunte Giles, Yohance Love, Jr. Josh Shaffer
Top Returning Players:
Magnus Darrington, 6 feet 172 pounds (WR/DB;12th)
Aiden Barfield, 5-10 175 (LB/RB; 12th)
Reece Holmes, 5-10 175 (WR/LB 12th)
Tre Bell, (5-11, 160; QB/DB)
Claudarius Bell, (6-0; 165; WR/DB 10th)
JJ Paul, (5-9 155; LB/RB 12th)
Miguel Diaz, (5-9, 150; LB/TE)
Offensive Outlook: All Saints has several offensive returners headed into the season but will be breaking in a new signal caller with freshman Tre Bell, who is replacing last year’s starter Daunte Giles at quarterback. Once again, All Saints is blessed to be able to have speed at skill positions and will be looking to utilize it by playing smart and playing fast. Having essentially the same offensive system in place for multiple years will help All Saints as they make a return to an 11-man football after three years in eight man.
Defensive Outlook: All Saints' defense has been known for playing an attacking, smart defensive scheme that creates lots of turnover opportunities for the Saints over the last several years. Last year, All Saints had one of the stingiest scoring defenses in the SSAC (8 man).
Season/District Outlook: All Saints will be looking to build on past success as they return to 11-man play in the SSAC, which is larger and stronger than ever before. This has raised the competitive level more than usual as the Saints face some very solid teams week in and week out in 2023. There are no easy weeks on All Saints schedule.
2022 dominance: All Saints football steamrolls No. 2 Master's Academy 40-0
Who's who: Gallery: Football action in Polk County from Friday night
More: 'It's like your baby': The main reason Ridge head football coach Richard Tate keeps going
Santa Fe Catholic
Head Coach: Clint Miller, fourth year (27-5)
Coaching Staff: Chris Diaz (DC), Lance Gilliam (Assistant Coach), and Clinton Miller (OL/DL)
2022 Record: 6-2
Key (Player) Losses: Santa Fe lost a great Mike LB, Justin Freedland. He led the team in tackles and made all calls on defense.
Top Returning Players: Julian Franzino (5-8, 185; RB 12) has tremendous speed and vision. Jayden McPherson (5-9, 150; WR/DB senior) is an amazing athlete and very versatile. Riley Cooper (6-1, 280; OL/DL sophomore) is totally dominant, leading the team in pancake blocks as a true freshman last year.
Newcomers to Watch:
Conor Herrera (5-8; QB senior) who will be starting for the first time. He looked great in the spring and in 7-on-7 over the summer.
Offensive Outlook: Santa Fe hopes to be more balanced this year, as the team is much improved at the QB position over last year.
Defensive Outlook: Santa Fe has many new starters who are eager to learn and improve.
Season/District Outlook: Although the schedule is much more difficult than last year, if Santa Fe stays healthy, it's reasonable that the squad can have a good season and compete in the playoffs.
Jordan Christian Prep
Head Coach: Mario Bargaineer
Coaching Staff: Terence Pittman and Elijah Briggs.
2022 Record: 2-8
Last Time in Playoffs: 2018
Home Field: Feltrim Sports Complex
Key Losses: Kaden Griner
Players to Watch: Byran Moore Jr. (12), Chris Bellew (12), Jay Wilkins (11th), Stephen Bell (9th), Jacori Weaks (9th).
Key Game: West Oaks Academy
Scouting Report:
Offense: Jordan can potentially be explosive with their athletes. The line this year is super smart and understands how to move people.
Defense: Jordan will be athletic and sure tacklers we will run to the ball.
Outlook:
Jordan's team is going to be small but athletic. The schedule is short this year due to numbers, but Jordan's coaches and players are up for the schedule, as they play some tough games. But Jordan will give it everything they have for four quarters.
Ambassador's Christian Academy
Head Coach: Eryk Anglin Sr.
Coaching Staff: Mari Ward, Clarence Freemon and Pepe Bayonne.
2022 Record: 4-6
Last Time in Playoffs: small team champs
Home Field: Feltrim Sports
Key Losses: Anthony Chaney and Marquavious Easton.
Players to Watch: Julian Massorattee (6-1; QB/DE senior), Eryk Anglin Jr. (6 feet, 200; LB/TE sophomore), Jaydon Moore (5-10,185; RB/Safety) and Willie Barber (5-10,195(RB/LB) senior.
Key Game: Fort Meade, Lakeland Christian and Victory Christian.
Scouting Report: This year Ambassadors will be very aggressive, and they will take on a power approach to the game. The Stallions are young but have a lot of skill on the field.
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: All Saints, Santa Fe, Jordan Christian, Ambassadors prepare for 2023
