New Coach, New Direction For Lake Gibson

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There was a stretch – roughly around 10 years ago for a decade – when the Lake Gibson football team compiled a 69-25 record that included district and regional titles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Braves had been a program that many looked up to and were in the state playoff mix just about every year under <strong>Doug and Keith Demyer.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Even though they started to turn the corner with a few successful coaches, this program has had a tough time getting things back together again, posting a 13-19 record the past three seasons. But that may be changing as <strong>Jeff George </strong>comes over from Davenport, a program he started in 2021.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At the recent Central Florida Media Days, George and his players talked about the work they put in during the off-season and what it will take to put the Braves back in the spotlight.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lakeland Lake Gibson Braves</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>HEAD COACH: </strong>Jeff George</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DISTRICT: </strong>6-5A</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 RECORD: </strong>4-7</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 SCHEDULE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8/22 - @Plant City Durant</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8/29 – Haines City</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>9/12 – Dunnellon</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>9/19 – Lake Minneola</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>9/26 – Lakeland</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>10/3 - @Bartow</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>10/10 - @Lakeland Kathleen</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>10/17 – Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>10/24 - @Sebring</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>10/31 - @DeLand</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>PROSPECTS TO WATCH</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 – Elijah Byers, DT, 6'3, 310. </strong>A run stopper who has picked up pass rush skills. He is big and strong and continues to learn. Has a chance to be very special.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a>https://www.hudl.com/profile/17764306/Elijah-Byers</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 – [player_tooltip player_id='1141192' first='Cason' last='Dash'], CB/Athlete, 6'1, 180. </strong>A versatile two-way performer who has speed and plenty of athleticism. In addition to making an impact as a receiver and defensive secondary performer, he is also an impressive kick returner.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a>https://www.hudl.com/profile/17760599/Cason-Dash</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2027 – [player_tooltip player_id='1597326' first='Mason' last='Desandolo'], DE/LB/Athlete, 6'1, 190 – 4.0 GPA. </strong>Here is a physical talent that will do anything it takes to help his team win. A sure tackler that will get to the passer and track down a ball carrier with surprising speed. He is also a force on the special teams. Wrestler for a state-rated program.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a>https://www.hudl.com/profile/19662194/Mason-Desandolo</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 – Derrick McBride, Jr., WR, 6'3, 190. </strong>Talk about a difference maker and impact player. Here is a receiver, who can turn a game around quickly with his speed and knowledge of running patterns. He is one of those elite prospects that creates mismatches with his speed and ability to catch the ball in traffic.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a>https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17983372/66fda9e735593adebaa952b7</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2027 – [player_tooltip player_id='1687626' first='Malachi' last='Moore'], LB, 6'0, 215 – 4.0 GPA. Track &amp; Field. </strong>With the season getting ready to unfold, here is a junior that will be one of the best in Polk County. He is a true football player that plays with passion and will impact the defense with his ability to come off the edge as well as drop back into coverage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TAPE: <a>https://www.hudl.com/profile/20755725/Malachi-Moore</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Statewide Coverage Daily.</strong> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/florida/"><strong>https://prepredzone.com/florida/</strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class of 2027 Ranking: <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/06/updated-2027-florida-rankings/">https://prepredzone.com/2025/06/updated-2027-florida-rankings/</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>You Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at:</strong> Floridakids1@aol.com.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>COACHES, PLAYERS: Do You Have A Subscription? Contact us for a savings code so you can see what everyone has been talking about!</strong> Floridakids1@aol.com.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->