Spring time means the dawn of a new season and for The South Lake High Eagles football team, that means one thing: preparation. Coach Brad Lord, now in his second year at the helm, is determined to mold his team into a force to be reckoned with when they come out of the tunnel in August.

“We must outwork our opponents in every aspect of the game, In the classroom, in the community, in the weight room, and on the field. That’s how we’ll become a good football team.” says Brad Lord. South Lake is coming off a 2 win season but don’t let that fool you. South Lake went 0-10 just two years ago. Winning football games meant a lot to this program last year. Now they they come into 2024, stronge, faster and know coach Brad Lord’s system.

(Last year Kevens Charles #6 was the running back and handled a majority of the teams offensive duties. Charles has since graduated so South Lake will need to fill the running back position.)

The Eagles have a solid foundation of returning starters, both on offense and defense. Tre Kelly, the young quarterback with a knack for precision, is poised to lead the charge. With Marcel Walker’s electrifying kickoff returns and the sturdy presence of Connor Plummer and Blayton Rush on the offensive line, South Lake is ready to soar.

(Former South Lake Head coach Mark Woolum returns as South Lake High’s offensive coordinator in 2024.)

But it’s not just about the returning players. Coach Lord has his eye on the newcomers, eager to see the impact they will make. Keydrick Powell, Jackson Warren, Elias Roche, and the others are welcomed into the fold, ready to leave their mark. How they will be utilized in 2024 will be unique as these are highly athletic young men. Former head coach Mark Woolum is also returning to South Lake High and will become the new offensive coordinator.

The spring game against Foundation Academy looms large on the horizon. It’s more than just a scrimmage; it’s a test, a measuring stick for how far the Eagles have come. Coach Lord will also get to compete against his former school that he coached for so many years. It will be fun to see coach Lord try and beat a program that he worked so hard to build and is currently in good hands. Coach Lord knows the challenge ahead. “Foundation Academy will be ready to go, but so will we. This game will show us where we stand, what we’re capable of headed into the summer months.” says coach Lord.

(South Lake High School is always a beautiful place to watch a Friday Night Football game. We can’t wait to see scenes like these once again come August.)

As the days pass and practices intensify, the Eagles embrace the grind. Rome McKinnond, Joseph Robinson, and the rest of the team push themselves to the limit, hungry for success. On defense, Johens Misere, Tyson Williams, and the others have been working hard in the off-season to hone their skills. South Lake has a lot to prove in 2024. This is a team that finally has some direction and stability after years of uncertainty within the program.

When South Lake High does take the field on May 24th at 7pm at Foundation Academy once again under the Friday night lights, the 2024 season will be upon us. The only thing we wish was that August was not so far away! But regardless this is about giving a taste of what is to come. “Spring practice is all about work. Players and coaches need to embrace the process. Football in Florida is a year-round thing. When you’re not working, someone else is.” says coach Brad Lord who took inspiration from Allen Iverson who came up with that quote a few years ago.

(South Lake have been working hard in the off-season to make improvements to the team. They have come a long way from an 0-10 season in 2022. Last year in 2023, there was much to build upon and South Lake did win games last year which ended one of Lake County’s longest losing streaks which was great to see.)