First Baptist Coming Back Stronger

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Even though they didn't have the opportunity to defend their 1S state championship this past season, there is nothing but good news for Naples First Baptist Academy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coach <strong>Bill Sparacio's </strong>program, which finished 9-3, including a state semifinal home loss (51-36) to Ocala Trinity Catholic, but even though things didn't end well, 2023 was certainly a year that showed why this program will be a favorite to head back to state in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The very fact that the schedule was a lot tougher this past season was something that was a positive. Losses to state power Fort Myers Bishop Verot and 1M Miami True North Classical Academy only set the table for a year that watched this program win seven straight, including wins over Apopka Wekiva, Englewood Lemon Bay, Naples Golden Gate and Estero.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The other major positive for this team is the amount of experience returning. Losing a few key seniors will sting but bringing back a loaded 2025 (rising senior) class will define the Lions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Among those 2025 prospects coming back include <strong>Andrew Azunque</strong> (WR), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1132395' first='Logan' last='Bartley']</strong> (SS), <strong>Nathan Cox</strong> (DT), <strong>Ethan Crossan </strong>(QB), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1130655' first='Dominick' last='Davis']</strong> (WR), <strong>Darin Donalds</strong> (WR), <strong>Daniel Imburgia</strong> (OT) and offensive lineman <strong>Terry James.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The class will also feature <strong>Deacon Jansen</strong> (DE), <strong>Kervens Lennon</strong> (Slot), <strong>Tom Maloney</strong> (OLB), <strong>D'Angelo Mesidor</strong> (DT), <strong>Latrell Noel</strong> (DB), <strong>Kevin Silva</strong> (DE) and nationally rated receiver <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='826461' first='Winston' last='Watkins']</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>A VERY TALENTED UNDERCLASS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In addition to that rising senior group, look for the Class of 2026 (rising juniors) and 2027 (rising sophomores) to make an impact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That 2026 class will included <strong>Andres DiGrigoli</strong> (SS), <strong>Grant Mitchell</strong> (OC), <strong>Caleb Paul</strong> (DT), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='927717' first='Jayden' last='Petit']</strong> (WR), <strong>Sam Sparacio </strong>(RB) and offensive tackle <strong>Josiah Rodriguez-Zogg</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Leading the way in the 2027 class will be the trio of <strong>James Marcos</strong> (WR), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1682653' first='Pace' last='Phillips']</strong> (TE) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='481735' first='Landon' last='Wolny']</strong> (TE). There is also 2028 quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='689254' first='Brady' last='Quinn']</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>You can also expect some new faces to come in and also raise the bar.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>PHOTO COURTESY OF SBLIVE FLORIDA</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sign For January 21 Stock Risers Camp At: </strong><a>https://events.prepredzone.com/e/946/register/stock-up-showcase-florida</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Statewide Coverage Daily.</strong> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/florida/">https://prepredzone.com/florida/</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>You Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at: <strong><a href="mailto:Floridakids1@aol.com">Floridakids1@aol.com</a>.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->