Rockledge Will Rely On Experience

Within days after losing to eventual 5A state champion Plantation American Heritage in the state playoffs, Rockledge head coach<strong> Wayne Younger </strong>and his staff looked at the 2021 season with plenty of optimism. Despite losing to American Heritage (26-14) and rival Cocoa, 45-34, the Raiders had some talented underclassmen ready to look past the 7-2 record and concentrate on the season ahead. <img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-113782" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/02/OntheSideline-Logo-10-300x188.jpg" alt="Rockledge Raiders" width="300" height="188" />Wins over Palm Bay (41-0), Melbourne (40-0), Bayside (35-7), Heritage (54-7), Viera (41-18) and Estero (62-0), gave this team plenty of confidence as they look ahead. <strong>CLASS OF 2022 HAS THE EXPERIENCE</strong> Once again in 2020, the Raiders came close, and much of the success was on the shoulders of the junior class, where several prospects stepped up. Among those who are expected to lead the way in 2021 are offensive standouts such as receivers <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50010" first="Rian" last="Black"] </strong>(6-1, 190) and <strong>Caleb Schlacter</strong> (6-4, 200), quarterback <strong>Callum Wither</strong> (6-4, 210) running back <strong>Lavatus Watkins </strong>(5-9, 180) and lineman <strong>Lucas Diaz.</strong> Black, who has played a key role every year, has offers from dozens of programs – including Miami, Pitt, Indiana, Purdue and Penn State to name a few. Withers has Central Michigan, Ohio, Buffalo and Bowling Green to name a few. Defensively, there is lineman <strong>Andrew Diaz</strong> – as well as athletes <strong>Virgil Marshall </strong>(6-0, 195) and <strong>Daryl Smith.</strong> Marshall has interest from South Carolina, UCF, FIU, Kentucky and FAU for starters. <strong>THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT WITH 2023 STANDOUTS</strong> As gifted are the Raiders are with some rising seniors, the 2023 class is also stacked with talent – on both sides of the ball. Defensive backs <strong>Phineas Allen</strong> (5-10, 175) and <strong>T.J. Neal</strong> (5-11, 170) are solid. So is linebacker <strong>Anthony Bridgewater </strong>(5-11, 205). On the offensive side of the ball, linemen <strong>Teddy Smith</strong> (6-4, 295) and <strong>Bryce Lovett</strong> (6-5, 290) lead an impressive group. Receiver <strong>Elijah Lowder </strong>(6-1, 170) and running back <strong>Jody Maynard</strong> (5-9, 185) add to this team as well. Allen has offers from UMass and Central Michigan – while Kentucky has been on Lovett. <strong>PHOTO COURTESY OF XavierJEdwards XJE Productions</strong> <strong>Y<em>ou Can Contact [player_tooltip player_id="111610" first="Larry" last="Blustein"] with prospect or team information at: Foridakids1@aol.com. We are also on Social Media on @PrepRedzonefl.</em></strong>