August 19, 2024
Josh Wilson and Bryce Norflee Propel Umatilla to 27-14 Win Against Stanton
By Kyle Coppola
Josh Wilson and Bryce Norflee Propel Umatilla to 27-14 Win Against Stanton
UMATILLA, FL – Bryce Norflee put on a dazzling performance Friday night, leading Umatilla High School to a 27-14 victory over Stanton with a standout display of receiving skills. Norflee, the standout wide receiver, racked up 120 yards and caught two touchdown passes on just six receptions, showcasing his playmaking ability and chemistry with quarterback Josh Wilson.
Wilson, despite facing some challenges, had a notable game, throwing for 283 yards with 22 attempts and 14 completions. His partnership with Norflee was the highlight of the evening.
From the opening whistle, it was clear that Norflee was going to have an impact. Both players looked in tune. Norflee is coming off a big season with First Academy-Leesburg. He opened many eyes last year as just a freshman. This season he’s even more mature and he is poised to dominate in 2024.
Wilson’s performance was just as promising and his ability to connect with Norflee when it mattered most were crucial. Despite three interceptions, Wilson’s arm strength and accuracy shone through as he made several key throws early in the first quarter to put Umatilla up 21-0.
(Head coach Eric Samuels is now in his second year at Umatilla High. He is a former Alumni and played in the SEC for Vanderbilt. Samuels also played in the CFL.)
Head coach Eric Samuels has to be pleased with his team’s performance. Samuels enters his second year as Umatilla High’s head football coach. Samuels is a former alumni and played for Vanderbilt and professionally in the CFL.
Although just a preseason contest, the win builds momentum for the remainder of the season. With players like Norflee and Wilson leading the charge, the team is looking much improved over last season. Umatilla High will work hard to make the SSAC playoffs in 2024 and contend for a state championship.
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.
