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<p>After beating Jacksonville Ed White to bring the month of September to an end, head coach <strong>Tyler Murray</strong> and his Merritt Island Mustang football team sat at 5-1 and looking good in the race for a state playoff spot.</p>
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<p>Even though this team would advance to the post season they would have to do it as a third-place finisher in the district, and going on the road to play Titusville, they would lose to the Terriers for the second time in the season.</p>
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<p>While 7-4 was disappointing after a promising start, this team was in every game, losing twice to Titusville, 17-14, district champion Eau Gallie (27-20) and DeLand (35-28).</p>
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<p>When the season came to an end and this program headed into the off-season, there was a sense that with the talent coming back and the same schedule, this could be the year that this program rises to the top of the district and being at home for the playoffs.</p>
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<p><strong>Merritt Island Mustangs</strong></p>
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<p><strong>HEAD COACH: </strong>Tyler Murray</p>
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<p><strong>DISTRICT: </strong>8-3A</p>
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<p><strong>2024 RECORD: </strong>7-4<strong></strong></p>
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<p><strong>2025 SCHEDULE</strong></p>
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<p>8/22 – Cocoa</p>
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<p>8/29 – Melbourne</p>
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<p>9/5 - @DeLand</p>
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<p>9/12 – Palm Bay</p>
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<p>9/19 – St. Cloud</p>
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<p>9/26 - @Jacksonville Ed White</p>
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<p>10/10 – Eau Gallie</p>
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<p>10/17 - @Eau Gallie</p>
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<p>10/24 - @Tampa Carrollwood Day</p>
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<p>10/31 - @Viera</p>
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<p></p>
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<p><strong>PLENTY TO BE OPTIMISTIC ABOUT AT MEDIA DAY</strong></p>
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<p>With media and recruiting services asking the questions, this program brought some quality prospects who joined Coach Murray on stage at the Central Florida Media Days at Camping World Stadium:</p>
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<p><strong>2026 – Ethan Holt, S, 6'1, 165. </strong>Another very active player in the defensive secondary who enjoyed a banner year with 45 total tackles, four pass breakups, several key open field tackles and two tackles for loss.</p>
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<p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17615822/Ethan-holt" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/17615822/Ethan-holt</a></strong></p>
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<p><strong>2026 – Devonte Peterson, DB/Athlete, 5'11, 155. </strong>One of the top performers on the defensive side of the ball, finishing with 39 total tackles, 15 pass break ups and came up with three key interceptions.</p>
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<p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/15118693/Devonte-Peterson" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/15118693/Devonte-Peterson</a></strong></p>
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<p><strong>2026 – Alex Schafer, DL/OC, 6'2, 260 – 4.3 GPA. </strong>This two-way prospect showed his skills on both sides of the ball. On offense, he recorded 30 plus pancake blocks. Defensively, he was impressive with six quarterback sacks. High academic student who has elite schools watching.</p>
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<p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17615837/Alex-Schafer" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/17615837/Alex-Schafer</a></strong></p>
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<p><strong>2027 – DeShaun Thomas, TE/LB, 6'3, 230. </strong>With offers from schools such as Syracuse, Marshall, FIU, USF and Jacksonville State to name a few, he had a tremendous 2024 season with 29 catches for over 400 yards. Also, can play on the defensive side of the ball – 3.4 GPA. Three-sport athlete.</p>
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<p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19707874/672fc20aee297d02d41b6ab0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19707874/672fc20aee297d02d41b6ab0</a></strong></p>
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<p><strong>2027 – Kevin Verpaele, QB, 6'2, 190. W</strong>ith an offer from Jacksonville State among many others, this junior Mustang legacy is coming off an 1,800-yard, 14 touchdown season. He is a three-sport athlete who is one of the emerging stars of the Space Coast.</p>
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<p><strong>TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/20138189/Kevin-Verpaele" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.hudl.com/profile/20138189/Kevin-Verpaele</a></strong></p>
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<p></p>
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<p><strong>Statewide Coverage Daily.</strong> <strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/florida/">https://prepredzone.com/florida/</a></strong></p>
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<p><strong>You Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at:</strong> Floridakids1@aol.com.</p>
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<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>
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<p></p>
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After beating Jacksonville Ed White to bring the month of September to an end, head coach Tyler Murray and his Merritt Island Mustang football team sat at 5-1 and looking good in the race for a state playoff spot.
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