The MDCA Football program will look and feel much different this year. The Bulldogs have been to the state title game the last three years in a row. Last year they narrowly lost to Lake Highland Prep. That game just so happened to be coach Mike Kintz’s last game as head coach of MDCA. Coach Kintz led the Bulldogs to three consecutive Sunshine Athletic Conference State Championship appearances. Coach Kintz has accepted a coaching position at North Paulding High School in Georgia.  That opened the door for coach Kolby Tackett to return to MDCA.

(Coach Kolby Tackett middle got to meet his players and coaching staff for the 2023 season.)

Kolby Tackett MDCA Football New Head Coach

We had the chance to talk to MDCA athletic director Megan Ziegelhofer and she said “I will tell you from an Athletic Director’s standpoint, there is a buzz surrounding this group of coaches and athletes that is infectious. They are high energy, hard working, dedicated, and focused on their goals.” Ziegelhofer went on to say “Everything from top to bottom is planned out, organized, and running like a well oiled machine. I am thrilled to have Coach Tackett here leading this group of men and coaches. His passionate and outgoing coaching style mixed with his love for the Lord makes him perfect for MDCA. I am ready for some Friday Night Lights!”

 Linebacker Connor Calfy Will Help The Defense Immensely

The School has some really good players returning including Owen Draves who just committed to Army. He also had offers from Air Force, Lindenwood & Stetson to name a few. Taylor Cline, Connor Calfy and Dean Schaefer all have offers as well so we will see what their future looks like as the year progresses. Connor Calfy in particular should have a tremendous year at the MLB and OLB position. Calfy is 5’11 195lbs and he is quick. He runs a 4.65 in the 40 yard dash. He can also bench press 275lbs and squats 400lbs. Calfy should have a monster season this year. The MDCA defense should be one of the best in the conference.

Owen Draves Committed To Army!

Meanwhile Owen Draves is headed to Army. The 6’5 255lb Offensive Lineman has been impressing scouts. He also had an offer from Air Force but chose to Commit to the Army. Draves will be a terrific pass blocker in 2023. Draves will help MDCA in so many ways including run blocking as a guard. He pulls incredibly fast for a guard and opens up holes for his running backs to squeak through. He is an awesome athlete to watch and MDCA will rely on him a lot this upcoming year. We also are thankful to his commitment to serve in our nations Armed Forces.

New Coaching Staff Adjusting Well

Coach Tackett said of his staff “We have a new staff but we also retained a few coaches from the old staff. I appreciate all our coaches so much for buying in and investing their time!” I asked coach Tackett if they have any stadium upgrades planned and he said “Our goal is to build a new field house at the stadium that will house locker rooms, a weight room, and coaches offices. We are getting the ball rolling to raise the funds to complete this project in the near future.”

Matt Carr Will Be On Of MDCA’s Top Cornerback’s

(Matt Carr returns this season and will be one of the top cornerbacks in Lake & Sumter County.)

Matt Carr was a stellar cornerback last year. He returns for his Senior year. Hits like these are common place with Matt Carr. He had 37 total tackles last year while 18 of them were solo. Opposing quarterbacks didn’t like to throw the ball into any players that Carr was covering. He wound up making 18 tackles last year when the ball did come his way. Carr has shown vast improvement the last year or two. He went from playing in only 6 games total his Freshman and Sophomore years and only making 7 tackles in that time to well over 37 last year. Look for Carr to have his best season by far in 2023!

MDCA going for 4 straight State Championship appearances!

(Preston Smith has been one of the standout offensive lineman for Mount Dora Christian Academy. We look forward to seeing how this year goes for him.)

I also got the chance to ask Tackertt how the off-season training is going and he says “It’s been going great! We had a great turnout in the spring and that has carried over to the summer! These kids are motivated and excited to get better everyday.” MDCA plays in the Sunshine Athletic Conference State Championship which only plays 8 regular season games opposed to the traditional 10 that most of the FHSAA schools play.

I was told by MDCA Athletic Director Megan Ziegelhofer that the reason MDCA only plays 8 regular season games is done on purpose. The schools are each allowed a full week break before the playoffs called a bye week. This allows extra time for the players to rest. This is actually a nice feature of the conference. Although it may not work for the FHSAA, I can see it working in a smaller conference like the Sunshine Athletic Conference.

Although things will certainly be new this year in more ways than one, MDCA should be the clear favorite to make a run at another state championship in 2023. All the ingredients are there for a successful season. Now we will see how MDCA is able to execute its gameplan when they take on their rivals Mount Dora High in the Battle of Mount Dora on August 25th at 7pm at Mount Dora High.

Taylor Cline Is One Solid Athlete

Taylor Cline plays multiple positions for MDCA. It will be interesting to see how they utilize him this year. He can play QB, WR, Safety and is well rounded as far as positions goes. Cline likely should be the favorite to play quarterback this season. We will of course know more as the season gets going but look for Cline to have a standout year. He has every chance to have 2023 be his best season yet.

Although things will certainly be new this year in more ways than one, MDCA should be the clear favorite to make a run at another state championship in 2023. All the ingredients are there for a successful season. Now we will see how MDCA is able to execute its gameplan when they take on their rivals Mount Dora High in the Battle of Mount Dora on August 25th at 7pm at Mount Dora High.

The game against Mount Dora High will be one of the few Natural Grass games on the schedule for MDCA who play most games on Artificial Turf including home games. Mud and grass is what the game was built upon so it will be nice to see some grass stains on the jerseys and pants to begin the season.

God, Family & Friday Night Lights Football. There is nothing better. Best of luck Bulldogs in 2023!

Photos Provided By:

Megan Ziegelhofer

MDCA