New Smyrna Beach Making Major Strides
When his New Smyrna Beach football team broke out of the gate with three wins in the first four games, head coach John Wilkinson felt that his team turned the corner – ahead of schedule. With wins over Daytona Beach…
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Continue ReadingWhen his New Smyrna Beach football team broke out of the gate with three wins in the first four games, head coach John Wilkinson felt that his team turned the corner – ahead of schedule.
With wins over Daytona Beach Father Lopez (28-13), Deltona Pine Ridge (49-0) and Eustis (47-9), things were moving along much the way the Barracudas hoped – even in a season that was dictated by the pandemic.
While a 30-8 loss to Port Orange Spruce Creek was a slap of reality, it was a learning experience, and one that this program would bounce back from.
Sitting 3-1 after the first games, this was a program that was looking good, but then losses to Daytona Beach Seabreeze, Daytona Beach Mainland, Harmony and Palm Coast Matanzas, had this team taking a step back.
While that 7-6 setback to Matanzas could have gone either way, the Barracudas finished off strong with a 21-0 win over Winter Springs.
What this team is looking to do in the off-season is to become more consistent, and that could end up being the difference between a winning and losing season.
THIS TEAM WILL WORK HARD
With six rising seniors (2022) who are ready to give this program a boost, the Barracudas will be in good shape.
Offensive standouts such as linemen Aidan Dailey (6-3, 245) and Chance Tressler (6-2, 240), tight end/H-Back Cooper Wilkinson (6-3. 225) and fullback Cole Billings are al solid. Wilkinson (3.93 GPA) and Billings (3.64) have also paved the way in the classroom.
Defensively, the Class of 2022 boasts linebacker Cole Stratton (5-11, 190) and defensive lineman Austin Mitchum, a 6-0, 215-pounder.
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE FUTURE
As the program continues to build toward a yearly playoff participant, the underclassmen will be vital – and with six Class of 2023 rising juniors and one Class of 2024 rising sophomore, there is reason to feel confident.
The Class of 2023 has offensive standouts such as Malakai Hudson (RB, 5-10, 170) and athlete Jvonte Hayward (5-10, 160).
Defensively, linebackers Cayden Baker (6-0, 175) and Braden Sullivan (6-0, 195), and linemen Dylon York (5-10, 240) and Derek Pell (6-3, 245).
Class of 2024 offensive lineman Brayden King (6-4, 235) has a chance to be very special.
You Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at: Foridakids1@aol.com. We are also on Social Media on @PrepRedzonefl.