November 13, 2024
South Lake High Football Prepare For FHSAA Playoff Game Against Durant
By Kyle Coppola
South Lake High Football Prepare For FHSAA Playoff Game Against Durant
Did you know that just two years ago that South Lake High football had an 0-10 season? They went nearly a full two years without winning a game. Last year a new coaching staff led by head coach Brad Lord instilled a new culture and a belief that this program could be a contender once more at the FHSAA High School football level. While people were skeptical after a 2 win season in 2023, no one will doubt that South Lake High football has officially returned to its former glory.
This season South Lake High School has won 7 games. That would have been unthinkable just two years ago. They also have made the FHSAA Playoffs for the first time since the Covid season in 2020. South Lake also made the FHSAA Playoffs outright in 2018 but lost in the Regional Quarterfinals to Armwood 54-0. They also made the playoffs in 2014. Since the school replaced Clermont High and Groveland High in 1993, they have found moderate success but this is perhaps the best situation the school has ever found its self in within the past two decades.
Sophomore quarterback Tre Kelly hs been terrific all year long. Kelly has thrown for 1,128 yards of offense and has 11 touchdowns. He has been aided by running back Malik Holman who has 1,062 yards and 15 touchdowns. One of the strong points this season has been the rushing attack of South Lake High which they will need in order to compete with Durant. Both teams come in at 7-3 overall.
The defense for South Lake High has been among the best the school has ever had. Senior Kevin Magloire has been a team leader with 74 total tackles while senior Johens Misire has had an incredible year with 87 total tackles and 17.5 tackles for a loss. Junior Jesse Barker Jr. has also been impressive along with Tyson Williams.
Durant who are from Plant City, come in with a high powered offense. They like to ground and pound the ball with running back Emmanuel Lee who is approaching 1,000 yards rushing this year and has 12 touchdowns. Durant’s quarterback Michael Ryan has thrown for over 1,000 yards.
On paper this is going to be an incredible contest. Both programs have the chance to win. While Durant might hold a slight edge over South Lake High, the Eagles will be hungry and looking to extend their season.
We hope Groveland can make the drive down to Plant City on Friday night to cheer on the Eagles! This is so exciting for this team and we hope those road stands are packed with Silver and White! Go Eagles!
Kyle Coppola was born in Newton, Massachusetts and received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communications from Curry College in 2016. After traveling to Florida on a family vacation, he decided he could not get enough of the warm weather and made the move from snowy Massachusetts to central Florida 8 years ago.
For the last decade Kyle has gained valuable experience in social media content creation, marketing and sales, writing, video production, sports announcing and even broadcasting for local radio stations, such as FM 102.9 in The Villages and FM 91.5 in Massachusetts. Every year he volunteers at The Villages Charter High School as a play-by-play sports announcer for the football games as well as a public address announcer for the basketball games, including the annual Battle at The Villages Tournament.
Outside the office Kyle is a husband and father to two beautiful girls along with their cat. In his spare time he likes to spend time with his family, travel, play golf and swim. He is also a huge sports junkie and even bigger motorsports fan and loves to attend racing events when he can.
