Merritt Island Brings Back Past Glory

While it’s been a while since Merritt Island High brought home a football state title, the respect is still there – some 40 years later. While the Mustangs haven’t been ultra-competitive on the football field through the years, with the opening of several new schools, those who played and attended this landmark will certainly be “Mustangs For Life”. But as anyone will tell you, tradition is nice, but winning is also important in the balance between producing future leaders and top-flight athletes, and it took one of the finest alumni the school has had to restore that pride. When the Mustangs square off with No. 3 Satellite at home on Friday night in the 5A-Region 2 finals, they will do it as a once beaten (11-1) No. 1 seed. Under the direction of one time Merritt Island and University of Miami standout, <strong>Hurlie Brown </strong>has become the modern-day face of this community. Someone who left, but came back to raise a family, build a business and lead the Mustangs back to the glory days – when there were just five schools on the entire Space Coast. <strong>SENIORS ARE HUGE IN THE SUCCESS</strong> When he came back to coach his alma mater, Brown started to build with youngsters who would one day become those leaders, and this senior group (2022) have been huge in getting this team to this point. Prospects such as nationally-rated kicker and solid quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="108659" first="Brady" last="Denaburg"],</strong> who has been amazing – making an impact while setting a positive example for the younger players. In addition, talented student/athletes such as <strong>Julius Bennett</strong> (WR/CB, 5-9, 150), <strong>John Mark Buccio</strong> (WR/FS, 6-2, 175), <strong>Logan Cody</strong> (SS), <strong>Bryson Davis</strong> (OL/DE), <strong>Bobby Ives</strong> (OL/DL, 6-1.5, 217), <strong>Bridger Koby </strong>(WR/TE, 6-3, 180), <strong>Maddox Moss</strong> (LB, 5-11, 185), <strong>Thomas Norton</strong> (LB, 5-8, 170) and receiver/defensive back <strong>Dylan Peterson</strong> (6-1.5, 175). The Class of 2022 also boasts <strong>Aaron Sessions</strong> (LB, 6-0, 210), <strong>Dominic Shields</strong> (RB/Slot, 5-10, 145), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50038" first="Devin" last="Smith"]</strong> (DE/LB, 6-0, 185), <strong>Blair Watson</strong> (DB), <strong>Jacob Woods</strong> (LB, 5-10, 190) and offensive lineman <strong>Zane Zwack</strong>. <strong>PROMISING UNDERCLASS IS READY</strong> While the seniors have truly been a blessing for the Mustangs, the group of underclassmen that this program has is also a solid group – with Class of 2023 juniors <strong>Jason Birchfield </strong>(LS), <strong>Elijah Edwards</strong> (RB), <strong>Chris Lee</strong> (TE/DL/OLB), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="128798" first="Sean" last="Mayo"]</strong> (CB) and running back <strong>D.J. Stewart</strong> leading the way. Also, Class of 2024 sophomores <strong>Gabe Arnold</strong> (DL), <strong>C.J. Bragg</strong> (QB), <strong>Quay McFadden</strong> (DL) and receiver <strong>Ryder Varis</strong> have already shown what they can do. <strong>PHOTO COURTESY OF MERRITT ISLAND QUARTERBACK CLUB</strong> <strong>TRACKING FLORIDA: Teams Look At 2021 Season. </strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2021/03/tracking-florida-teams-look-at-2021-season/"><strong>https://prepredzone.com/2021/03/tracking-florida-teams-look-at-2021-season/</strong></a> <strong><em>You Can Contact [player_tooltip player_id="111610" first="Larry" last="Blustein"] with prospect or team information at: </em></strong><a href="mailto:Floridakids1@aol.com"><strong><em>Floridakids1@aol.com</em></strong></a><strong><em>.</em></strong>