Keep An Eye On The Improving Estero Football Program

In the days following the first-round state playoff game loss to Naples Lely, Estero head football coach Darren Nelson and his staff reflected on the 7-4 season.   While there were a few games that could of gone either way, the very fact that this program won four of the final games of the year and advanced for the post season was reason enough to believe that this program had finally turned the corner.   Narrow losses to state semifinalist Fort Myers Riverdale and a two-point setback in the district title game against Fort Myers Cypress Lake had this team believing that 2026 would be the year that things fell into place.   With the return of rising seniors (2027) Nathan Watters (OLB), quarterback Maddox Stewart and versatile (OLB/TE) Griffen Steggeman – along with rising junior (2028) [player_tooltip player_id='2204778' first='Aiden' last='Soerens'] (TE/OLB) would give this team the edge they had been searching for.   The rising senior class will be loaded with playmakers and experience – while there are several Class of 2028 standouts ready to make an impact.   CLASS OF 2027   [player_tooltip player_id='2209562' first='Josh' last='Bolz'], OL/LS, 6'1, 250 -  3.78 GPA.   THE SCOOP: 1st year starter. Quarterback of OL. Excellent communicator, ability to find leverage, good balance. First to ball placement (tempo offense. Consistent snapper.   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19559024/69334635ba6c7ff6347eb205">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19559024/69334635ba6c7ff6347eb205</a>   [player_tooltip player_id='2109948' first='Leonidas' last='Govedaris'], RB/TE/LB, 6'1, 200 - 3.23 GPA.   THE SCOOP: Transfered from Bonita Springs. Athletic & Versatile LB.    TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20368383/68da01139205bad6cb070d6a">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20368383/68da01139205bad6cb070d6a</a>   Andrew Parkinson, WR/RET/K/DB, 5'9, 140 -3.92 GPA. Track & Field.   THE SCOOP: Has lined up everywhere - 36 Catches, 474 Yards, 3 TD's; 38 yards rushing, 1 TD. Smart player that is reliable no matter where he lines up, good route running, makes sound cuts, good YAC. Kicker ability, good return skills.   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19603712/691b62b0406287e287777c4a">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19603712/691b62b0406287e287777c4a</a>   Griffen Steggeman, WR/TE/DB/OLB, 6'3, 195 - 3.59 GPA. Basketball.   THE SCOOP: 2-year starter, (2024- Corner) (2025- OLB), 83 tackles, 4 TFL's, 1 INT, 9 PBU's, 1 FF. Played all special teams, Long, big frame, will be a big kid who can run, smart.   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19570457/690e10886266919891318478">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19570457/690e10886266919891318478</a>   Maddox Stewart, QB, 6'0, 190 - 3.68 GPA. Track & Field.   THE SCOOP: 2-year starter; 5146 Passing Yards, 62% Completion, 56 TD's, 15 INT, 132 Carries, 490 Yards, 7 TD's. Broke school record for TD passes in a season/career, yards in season; Ability to go through progressions, processes information quickly, extends plays to throw and run, understands defenses, fast release, got better as season went on. 1st Team All-Area. High character & work ethic.   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19559013/691ba7d69828924d7f7a7445">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19559013/691ba7d69828924d7f7a7445</a>   Brendan Walsh, OL/DL, 6'0, 220 - 2.97.   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20368424/694716192a0820d889a9d1e3">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20368424/694716192a0820d889a9d1e3</a>   THE SCOOP: Transfered from Bonita Springs. High motor and energy. Great teammate.   Nathan Watters, RB/TE/ILB/OLB, 5'11, 185 - 2.94 GPA. Track & Field.   THE SCOOP: 1st year starter; 103 carries, 566 yards, 12 TD's, 11 catches, 156 yards, 2 TD's. Great hands, played on special teams, physical frame, smart, good hands, physical with ball in his hands. TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19559010/691dc53dda75fadc2015b2b0">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19559010/691dc53dda75fadc2015b2b0</a>     AWAITING SPRING/SUMMER VIDEO   Alex Lioce, OL/DL, 6'3, 235 - 2.78 GPA.   THE SCOOP: 1st year starter. Physical at the point of attack. Balance and good hip explosion. Quick feet and fast feet. Hyper athletic. Quick to second level.   [player_tooltip player_id='2210935' first='Lucas' last='Taramasco'], OL/DL, 6'0, 280 - 3.11 GPA.   THE SCOOP: 1st year starter. Physical when making first contact.      CLASS OF 2028   [player_tooltip player_id='2109937' first='Lucas' last='Cuspian'], WR/DB, 6'0, 160 - 3.05 GPA. Track & Field.   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/23073879/693c19016435a5b055e8574c">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/23073879/693c19016435a5b055e8574c</a>   Townson Green, RB/LB, 5'8,155  - 3.74 GPA.   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22699291/68374145692c722537bd1920">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22699291/68374145692c722537bd1920</a>   Jeremiah Pugh, OL/DL, 5'11, 255 - 3.57 GPA. Wrestling.   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22839185/6977a91a6b510df375171717">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22839185/6977a91a6b510df375171717</a>   [player_tooltip player_id='2204778' first='Aiden' last='Soerens'], TE/WR/LB, 6'3, 190 -3.26 GPA. Basketball.   THE SCOOP: Tight End (9 catches, 120 yards, 4 TD's). High end receiving ability. YAC ability. Got better as blocker as year went on.   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22650480/690d15ef197f9dd5bd813873">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22650480/690d15ef197f9dd5bd813873</a>   Jackson Woss, WR/DB, 5'10, 135 - 3.09. Track & Field.   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22649504/68dac890cb3ac431ba598f28">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22649504/68dac890cb3ac431ba598f28</a>   Lincoln Zadach, WR/DB, 6'2, 180 - 3.1 GPA. Basketball. Track & Field.   THE SCOOP: Starter at Corner. Played in rotation at WR (12 catches, 159 yards, 1 TD, 19 tackles, 1 INT, 3 PD, 1 FF). Very long, rangy & athletic. Can play both man and zone. Return ability. YAC threat. HIGH potential. D1 prospect.   TAPE: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22798032/68cec9508408f61899ac7ebb">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22798032/68cec9508408f61899ac7ebb</a>   2025 ESTERO WILDCATS   Fort Myers Riverdale, L 21-16   Naples Aubrey Rogers, W 56-10   Lehigh East Lee County, W 49-7   Naples Barron Collier, W 29-7   Cape Coral, L 34-21   Fort Myers Cypress Lake, L 25-23   Englewood Lemon Bay, W 42-22   Cape Coral Mariner, W 28-0   Cape Coral Island Coast, W 49-0   Bonita Springs, W 60-0   STATE PLAYOFFS   Naples Lely, L 52-26       Prep Redzone Florida Class of 2028 Spring Ranking Features Nearly 500 Prospects. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/05/prz-florida-2028-spring-ranking-features-nearly-500-prospects/">https://prepredzone.com/2026/05/prz-florida-2028-spring-ranking-features-nearly-500-prospects/</a>   Statewide Coverage Daily. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/florida/">https://prepredzone.com/florida/</a>   You Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at: <a>Floridakids1@aol.com</a>.   COACHES, PLAYERS: Do You Have A Subscription? Contact us for a savings code so you can see what everyone has been talking about! <a>Floridakids1@aol.com</a>.

In the days following the first-round state playoff game loss to Naples Lely, Estero head football coach Darren Nelson and his staff reflected on the 7-4 season.