Sunlake, Fulmer Look For A Turnaround
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When Jay Fulmer took over for B.J. Hall after last spring ended, it was a move that Land O’Lakes Sunlake felt would start to turn things around. While winning just once in 2023 was not the start that the veteran…
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Continue ReadingWhen Jay Fulmer took over for B.J. Hall after last spring ended, it was a move that Land O’Lakes Sunlake felt would start to turn things around.
While winning just once in 2023 was not the start that the veteran coach wanted to begin his regime with, but as much as the fans wanted a quick turnaround, this is something that will take time.
Fulmer is used to coaching teams that need that rebuild. At New Port Richey Gulf and Ridgewood he compiled a 47-66 record in 11 seasons.
The Sunlake program has long faced the task of rebuilding almost every year – with Hall and Allen Suber II, but that is something that Fulmer will be out to change with a rising senior class (2025) that is willing to work in the off-season.
With spring about two weeks away, and the summer offering several avenues to improve, there is plenty of optimism.
The 2025 class includes Joshua Barnes Joshua Barnes 6'2" | 210 lbs | DL Sunlake | 2025 FL (DL/OL, 6-2, 205 – 3.24 GPA), Ziv Bennaim (LS, 5-11, 180 – 2.96 GPA), Tony Bonilla (OL, 5-10, 230 – 3.63 GPA), Blake Calzon (DB, 5-10, 155 – 3.12 GPA), Michael Capdevila (LB, 5-10, 195 – 4.0 GPA), and two-way lineman Aidrian Contes (OL/DL, 5-9, 210 – 3.48 GPA).
That group of rising seniors also will feature Joshua DeFazio (OL, 6-7, 250), Brenan Finan (OL, 6-2, 250 – 3.48 GPA), Malachi Gittens-Ampadu (FB, 5-11, 210), Matthew Hopkins (LB, 5-10, 190 – 2.7 GPA), Jace Leslie (DB, 6-0, 165), Nasir Taylor (WR, 5-11, 150 – 3.15 GPA), and offensive lineman Jacob Whitehead (5-11, 260 – 2.82 GPA).
UNDERCLASSMEN WILL BE VITAL TO THE SUCCESS
As the rising senior class will be counted on for experience and leadership, the 2026 group of rising juniors are gifted – with Christian Canarte (OL/DL, 6-4, 280), Julius Cannon (Athlete, 6-0, 160 – 3.55 GPA), Makell King (WR/DB, 5-11, 160 – 3.04 GPA), Trenton Lindsey Trenton Lindsey 6'1" | 230 lbs | LS Land O'Lakes Sunlake | 2026 FL (OL/DL, 6-1, 260 – 3.47 GPA), Matthew Madley (SS, 6-1, 210 – 3.77 GPA), Ace Missbach (WR/RB, 5-9, 160 – 3.63 GPA), Nathaniel Peguero (LB, 5-8, 200 – 2.77 GPA), and quarterback Ty Webster (6-2, 185 – 2.73 GPA).
Even the rising sophomore (2027) class will be exciting as well – with Jaden Donald Jaden Donald 5'10" | 250 lbs | DL Sunlake | 2027 FL (DL, 5-11, 245 – 2.7 GPA), Nathan Marriman (WR/RB, 5-9, 155 – 3.18 GPA), Liam Thomas (TE/K/P, 6-0, 170 – 3.5 GPA), and receiver Jayven Williams (5-11, 180 – 2.66 GPA) ready to contribute.
PHOTO COURTESY OF SUNLAKE FOOTBALL
2025 PROSPECTS TO WATCH. https://prepredzone.com/florida/rankings/2025-rankings/
Statewide Coverage Daily. https://prepredzone.com/florida/
You Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at: Floridakids1@aol.com.