Tough Schedule Helps Cocoa
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After a tough loss in the state title game last year to Fort Lauderdale, Cocoa head football coach Ryan Schneider felt that his team benefitted from playing a rugged schedule and could have easily beaten Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons. With…
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Continue ReadingAfter a tough loss in the state title game last year to Fort Lauderdale, Cocoa head football coach Ryan Schneider felt that his team benefitted from playing a rugged schedule and could have easily beaten Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons.
With that loss fresh in his mind, the one-time UCF standout quarterback started to put his schedule together for 2022.
While local programs such as Melbourne, Palm Bay and the annual BBQ Bowl against Rockledge were automatic, he wanted to keep that schedule competitive – and with national powerhouse Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, where he was an Offensive Coordinator, Orlando Jones and Sanford Seminole, he was set to play some impressive teams.
While they lost in overtime to Sanford Seminole, dropped a tough one to Jones and felt the wrath of St. Thomas Aquinas, it got the Tigers ready.
Riding a seven-game winning streak, this team takes to the road once again tonight (7:00) against unbeaten Tallahassee Florida High at Gene Cox Stadium in Tallahassee, this team believes they can bring home a 2S state crown.
This year has watched a strong senior class lead the way – like state passing leader Blake Boda Blake Boda 6'4" | 190 lbs | QB Cocoa | 2023 FL (6-4, 185), who came from Daytona Beach Seabreeze and ended up throwing for 4,000 yards and establishing himself as one of the best in the state.
But Boda wasn’t the only show for this team. Other Class of 2023 prospects also made an impression. Players such as Alan Bailey (RB, 5-8, 186), Anthony Bridgewater (RB, 6-0, 205), Kyon Calhoun (WR, 6-5, 185), Caleb Dobbs Caleb Dobbs 6'2" | 160 lbs | DB Cocoa | 2023 FL (DB, 6-0, 160), D’Andrevius Dorsey (DL, 6-0, 265), Jaden Edgecombe (WR, 5-10, 170), Cedrick Hawkins (S, 6-0, 175), Jordan Holmes Jordan Holmes 6'2" | 160 lbs | DB Cocoa | 2023 FL (DB, 6-2, 175), Rodennique Pratt (OL, 6-2, 265), Alex Ramirez (PK, 6-0, 215) and defensive back Jameer Smith (6-1, 175).
THE TIGERS HAVE A BRIGHT FUTURE
As good as this team was this season, you can expect to see things remain the same for the future – with Class of 2024 juniors C.J. Bragg C.J. Bragg 5'11" | 175 lbs | ATH Cocoa | 2024 FL (Athlete, 5-11, 165), Jaden Brown (Slot, 5-6, 140), Joshua Brown (OLB, 5-11, 175), Nathan Chaisson OLB, 5-11, 180), game-changer DayDay Farmer (WR, 6-0, 170), standout Samadrae Hawkins Samadrae Hawkins 5'11" | 220 lbs | LB Cocoa | 2024 FL (LB, 5-11, 225), Jonathan Joiner Jr. (OT, 6-2, 275), Jamez Nunnally (OG, 6-2, 230), Dai’veon Parham (Edge, 6-3, 205), Da’Varrius Robertson (DL, 6-1, 267) and offensive lineman Messiah Robinson (OL, 6-3, 260).
Other juniors who have made an impression include Mao Saito (PK, 6-0, 177), Damian Seymour (OL, 6-4, 320), Jayshawn Smith (WR, 6-1, 180), Xavier Solis (OL, 6-3, 315), Ryder Varis (WR, 6-0, 185), Cedric Walker (DT, 6-3, 260) and defensive lineman Loren Ward (6-3, 270).
Class of 2025 sophomores Jayvan Boggs Jayvan Boggs 6'0" | 180 lbs | WR Cocoa | 2025 State FL (WR, 6-1, 178), Nathan Chaisson (DB, 5-11, 180), Malachi Coney (RB, 5-9, 185), Jaquez Henderson (DB, 5-11, 175), Javion Hilson (DE, 6-5, 230), Jaquez Joiner Jaquez Joiner 6'3" | 265 lbs | OL Cocoa | 2025 State FL (CB, 6-0, 170), Don’Tavian Sloan (RB), Xadrian Smith (DE, 5-11, 235) and receiver Nicholas Teeler (WR, 5-8, 160) are solid. So are Class of 2026 freshmen C.J. Hester (WR, 6-1, 175) and Tremain Wells (DL, 5-9, 240).
COCOA TIGERS (10-3)
ORANDO JONES, L 29-19
Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, L 42-14
COCOA SPACE COAST, W 76-0
Melbourne, W 44-3
Sanford Seminole, L 35-29 (OT)
TITUSVILLE, W 47-0
Titusville Astronaut, W 56-0
Palm Bay, W 35-0
ROCKLEDGE. W 28-20
DUNNELLON, W 52-6
PALM BAY, W 49-3
Bushnell South Sumter, W 35-7
Starke Bradford County, W 31-21
You Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at: Floridakids1@aol.com.