Underrated Matchup Tonight In Punta Gorda
While the spotlight will fall in several locations this evening across the state of Florida, one place that many want to check out will be in Punta Gorda.
At 7:30, the unbeaten (3-0) Charlotte Tarpons will play host to one of Florida’s underrated and underexposed programs in the Lehigh Lightning.
The Tarpons are 3-0 after beating Arcadia DeSoto, 39-0, Sarasota, 24-14 and Bradenton Braden River, 35-21 last week.
Senior quarterback John Busha has been coming up huge for first year head coach Wade Taylor and his program – and will be ready for this impressive program from Lee County.
After shutting down Cape Coral Island Coast in the opening, the Lightning are anxious to get back to action – with a lot of young prospects, but extremely athletic and very talented.
Seniors Omarion Cooper Omarion Cooper 6'1" | 175 lbs | DB Lehigh | 2021 State FL (CB) and Jake Chaney Jake Chaney 6'0" | 210 lbs | LB Lehigh | 2021 FL (LB) are gifted. So is sophomore running back Richard Young, who may be the best the nation!
This is a game that could really give us a chance to see which team is ready for top-flight competition – and it promises to be a very exciting matchup.
THE TARPONS FILE
SCHOOL: Punta Gorda Charlotte Tarpons
HEAD COACH: Wade Taylor
2020 RECORD: 3-0
CLASSIFICATION: 6A
TARPONS TO WATCH
2022 – Tyler Amaral, K
2023 – Brayan Augustin, RB/DB
2021 – John Busha, QB
2022 – Nelson Daniels, LB
2021 – Kyle Daum, OL
2021 – Niqueu Graham, WR/S
2023 – John Gamble, WR
2023 – Avant Harris, CB
2022 – Tyler Jewell, OT
2022 – Keon Jones, DB/WR
2021 – Tai’Viahn Kelly, CB
2022 – Jacob Manomat, S
2022 – Troi McClary, RB/Slot
2021 – Jaden Opalach, LB
2022 – Justus Pagan, RB
2021 – Ethan Redden, CB/WR
2021 – Devin Spivey, LB
2023 – Se’Korey Thomas, RB
2023 – Connor Trim, LB
2021 – Isaac White, RB
THE LIGHTNING FILE
SCHOOL: Lehigh Acres Lehigh Lightning
HEAD COACH: James Chaney
2020 RECORD: 1-0
CLASSIFICATION: 7A
LIGHTNING TO WATCH
2023 – Gerral Blue, LB
2021 – Jimmie Braxton, RB
2023 – Jaheim Buchanon, T
2021 – Durand Bundy, QB
2021 – Markel Carter, S
2021 – Marvel Carter, S
2021 – Omarion Cooper Omarion Cooper 6'1" | 175 lbs | DB Lehigh | 2021 State FL , CB
2021 – Jake Chaney Jake Chaney 6'0" | 210 lbs | LB Lehigh | 2021 FL , LB
2023 – Tyre Cunningham, LB
2021 – Tar’varish Dawson, WR
2021 – Tre’Von Dixon, RB
2023 – Jeffrey Estimond, CB
2021 – Dequaveon Fuller Dequaveon Fuller 5'11" | 210 lbs | LB Lehigh | 2021 FL , DE
2022 – Nick Garcia, G
2022 – Alex Gonzalez, WR
2022 – Aidan Gousby, WR
2023 – Byron Harris, QB/WR
2022 – Deandre Joseph, CB
2022 – Michael Marrero, WR
2023 – Tristen Smith, CB
2021 – Antwoine Thomas, CB
2022 – Alexander Young, LB
2023 – Richard Young, RB
SCHEDULE IS PACKED WITH KEY MATCHUPS
In addition to the Charlotte-Lehigh matchup, there are some impressive contests on tap for this week:
You Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at: Foridakids1@aol.com. We are also on Social Media on @PrepRedzonefl.