Venice Loading Up Again

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the Venice Indians and head coach <strong>John Peacock </strong>left Bragg Memorial Stadium in the 4S state title game in Tallahassee, there was a feeling that 2024's ending would indeed be different.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This football program finished the year 12-3, and for the second consecutive season, came in second to Lakeland.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While the 60-48 loss was exciting, it was in no way what this program expected when the 2023 season came to an end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Instead of being remembered for being part of a game that combined for over 100 points and over 1,100 total offensive yards, the Indians would much rather have left Tallahassee as a state champion.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As they start the off-season, the objective will be the same as the FHSAA came up with a new format that would once again put this program up against some tough competition and several obstacles to returning to the title game for the third straight year, but as they always do, this team will find a way to field a more than competitive team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we know – not just with Venice – but with every program in the state – the roster will change from what it is now.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With that said, the Indians head into January with some quality talent coming back.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Among those rising seniors (2025) are <strong>Merrick Borrelli</strong> (SS), <strong>Kyni Brantley</strong> (CB), <strong>Brody Cleary</strong> (OL), <strong>Malakai Corbett</strong> (WR), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='827400' first='Ryan' last='Downes']</strong> (QB), <strong>Eli Jones</strong> (DE), <strong>Keehan LaVell</strong> (WR), <strong>Shamar Littles</strong> (DE) and offensive center <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='827413' first='Matthew' last='Locicero']</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In addition, look for three-year standout <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='748997' first='Ryan' last='Matulevich']</strong> (WR), <strong>Keshawn Reid</strong> (DT), <strong>Tanner Ruh</strong> (OLB), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='830576' first='Jackson' last='Scott'] </strong>(TE), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1205509' first='Anthony' last='Tanaka']</strong> (OT), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='992858' first='Jamarice' last='Wilder']</strong> (RB) and linebacker <strong>Ben Zarkiewicz</strong> are ready to step up and take leadership roles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>UNDERCLASSMEN ARE ALWAYS IMPORTANT FOR DEPTH</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The signature of a Peacock-coached team is to always have plenty of depth, and with a rising junior (2026) class, the off-season begins with <strong>Asharri Charles</strong> (DE), <strong>Brock Hupp</strong> (OT), <strong>Amari Jackson</strong> (P), <strong>Kane Judson</strong> (OLB), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1632458' first='Layne' last='Kisovic']</strong> (DB) and offensive tackle <strong>Roman Mock</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rising sophomores (2027) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1224591' first='Dillon' last='Bryant']</strong> (DE) and running back <strong>Dorian Irving-Jones</strong> are very talented.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As this program adds players, we will keep up updated.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>PHOTO COURTESY OF SBLIVE</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 -->