Bayside Looks To Turn The Corner

When <strong>Corey Broomfield</strong> came back to coach his alma mater, he realized the task that would be in front of him. With an improving Space Coast area following the lead of Cocoa and Rockledge, programs like Bayside (Palm Bay/Melbourne) felt that they could generate enough talent to not only compete and win. With other schools such as one time power Palm Bay, Viera and Eau Gallie starting to play winning football and attracting talent, there was certainly no reason why the Bears couldn’t do much of the same. Even during a frustrating 4-6 Covid season, there were some ups and downs – and while losses came to Viera, Eau Gallie, Rockledge, Cocoa and Bradenton Southeast in the state playoffs, there were those wins. Victories over Melbourne, Palm Bay, Heritage and a surprising win over Tampa Plant in the playoffs. Those wins – coupled with the fact that the Bears have plenty of senior talent, there is optimism as the 2021 season is upon us. Among that group of 2022 seniors includes recent Melbourne Central Catholic transfer <strong>Vincent Clark</strong> (DE, 6-5, 240) along with <strong>Justus Durant</strong> (RB, 5-9, 165), <strong>Naheam Feyijinmi</strong> (OLB, 5-10, 190), <strong>Jordan Gonzalez </strong>(DE, 5-11, 190), Omar Jones (RB, 5-9, 185), <strong>Kareem Parker</strong> (OC, 6-3, 300) and running back <strong>Jay Rock</strong> (5-8, 165). Bayside will also look to <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50220" first="Alex" last="Williams"] III</strong> (CB, 5-10, 175). <strong>UNDERCLASSMEN TO THE RESCUE</strong> In addition to those gifted seniors, Coach Broomfield and the Bears also have a promising group of 2023 juniors – such as <strong>Paul Bergnagene</strong> (TE/DE, 6-3, 205), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="128694" first="Albert" last="Brown"]</strong> (OLB, 6-2, 180), <strong>Braxton Fabien</strong> (OLB, 5-8, 160), <strong>Cory Harper</strong> (WR), <strong>Junior Leblanc </strong>(CB, 5-11, 170), <strong>Victor Merritt (</strong>WR, 5-9, 185) and linebacker <strong>Hunter Mucha </strong>(5-11, 165). The group of juniors also feature <strong>Michael Parkes</strong> (WR, 6-0, 160), <strong>Chase Perri</strong> (LB/FB, 5-10, 180) and <strong>Justice Young</strong> (LS/DL, 6-1, 195). Keep an eye on the Class of 2024 sophomores – which will include <strong>Adam Kissayi</strong> (QB, 6-7, 190), <strong>Damien Laguna</strong> (OL, 5-11, 230), <strong>Garrett Louks</strong> (QB, 5-6, 140) and promising running back <strong>Adonis Mancini </strong>(5-11, 195). <strong>TRACKING FLORIDA: Teams Look At 2021 Season. </strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2021/03/tracking-florida-teams-look-at-2021-season/">https://prepredzone.com/2021/03/tracking-florida-teams-look-at-2021-season/</a> <strong>PHOTO COURTESY OF BAYSIDE HIGH FOOTBALL</strong> <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>