Palmetto Ridge Is A Surprise No Longer

It was simply put – the best year in school history. In a season where the pandemic pretty much dictated the way things would be, Naples Palmetto Ridge and head coach <strong>Chris Toukonen</strong> defied the odds and finished 9-1. You could tell from the beginning of the season that the Bears weren’t just going to buzz around without some noise. If beating longtime area powerhouse Naples in the opener, 38-0, which was the worst loss the Golden Eagles have suffered in decades, wasn’t a head-turner, maybe the stretch of three more games against Naples Lely (16-0), Immokalee (63-0) and Naples Golden Gate (31-0) were. Running their scoreless streak to 24 quarters, this defense had now started to wake people up across the state. With wins over Naples Barron Collier (58-13), Fort Myers Bishop Verot (28-24) in a tight game and Port Charlotte (34-13), the Bears headed into the playoffs with plenty of optimism as they beat Punta Gorda Charlotte (28-7), but watched their magical season come to an end the following week against Fort Myers Dunbar (12-9). &nbsp; As many are believing that this was a one-year deal – like many programs that have a solid run and then do not have the pipeline built. This program is certainly prepared for the future – with rising seniors (2022) who are ready to lead. Using this past season as experience. Among those Class of 2022 prospects include <strong>Ronald Ballard</strong> (DL, 5-11, 230), <strong>Gary Barthelemy</strong> (DB, 5-11, 165 – 3.2 GPA), <strong>Zach Bragg</strong> (LB, 5-9, 190 – 3.2 GPA), <strong>Zach Caron </strong>(OL, 5-11, 205 – 5-9, 190 – 3.7 GPA), <strong>Caleb Cousins</strong> (TE, 6-3, 220 – 3.35 GPA) and impressive offensive lineman <strong>Jayllan Eduoard</strong> (5-11, 240 – 3.7 GPA). Also, there are <strong>Qidrian Ellismond</strong> (RB/LB, 5-7, 165 – 2.5 GPA), <strong>Nathanial Mendez</strong> (WR/DB), <strong>Brennan Van Hoeke</strong> (DL, 5-6, 145 – 2.9 GPA) and defensive lineman <strong>Payton Wood</strong> (6-2, 220 – 2.75 GPA). <strong>THE FUTURE HOLDS SOME QUALITY PROSPECTS</strong> Starting with the Class of 2023, here is a program that truly figures to make some noise. Enough gifted prospects will look to fill in the blanks from a trail-blazing and talented senior class that departs at the end of the school years. Among those rising juniors will be talented and state-rated running back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="128063" first="Jaden" last="Booker"]</strong> (5-10, 215 – 2.76 GPA), <strong>Hosea Booker</strong> (QB, 5-11, 175 – 2.5 GPA), <strong>Austin Foye</strong> (OL, 5-11, 255 – 3.21 GPA), <strong>Gregorio Herrera</strong> (LB, 5-10, 190), <strong>Donovan Sealy</strong> (WR/OLB, 6-2, 195 – 3.9 GPA) and versatile tight end/ defensive back <strong>Robert Summers</strong> (6-1, 195 – 3.1 GPA). The Class of 2024 looks to fuel this program as well – with all-around standout <strong>Kensley Faustin</strong> (WR/DB, 5-11, 160 – 3.7 GPA), <strong>Peyton Hale</strong> (DB, 5-11, 155) and <strong>Zarion Pierre</strong> (WR/DB, 5-9, 155). While the 9-1 season would be something that most football programs would take in a second, the Palmetto Ridge feels that they have moved beyond that and would like to continue to win and make an impact. <strong><em>You Can Contact [player_tooltip player_id="111610" first="Larry" last="Blustein"] with prospect or team information at: Floridakids1@aol.com. We are also on Social Media on @PrepRedzonefl.</em></strong>