South Lake High School’s quarterback Tre Kelly is poised to be a breakout star in 2024. South Lake High is gearing up for their first game on Friday night in a preseason contest against Trinity Catholic. Kelly is gearing up for a season that promises to showcase his exceptional talent and leadership on the field. Following an impressive freshman year, the young quarterback’s performance statistics and potential have set high expectations for his sophomore season.

In 2023, he demonstrated remarkable poise and accuracy, throwing only 2 interceptions throughout the season. This impressive stat speaks volumes about his decision-making skills and maturity under pressure, a rare trait for a freshman quarterback. His ability to protect the football and make smart plays has garnered the trust and confidence of his coaches “Tre is a great young player. Takes care of the ball and will be a playmaker for us in 2024,” says head coach Brad Lord.

Kelly threw for 660 yards in his debut season, a solid foundation upon which he aims to build in 2024. With 57 completed passes, his consistency and precision have been evident, showing his capability to connect with his receivers and move the chains effectively. His arm strength and accuracy are complemented by his quick release and ability to read defenses, making him a dual threat to any opposition. Having seen some footage of him this summer, he comes in stronger and more mature than last season. This is to be expected from a sophomore. Kelly is 6’0″ 180lbs.

Scoring 8 touchdowns in his freshman year, Kelly showcased his knack for finding the end zone and executing in the red zone. He has a strong offensive line returning including Dylan Prinzel and Connor Plummer who already has some D1 college offers.

“This off season Tre has been tirelessly working on his mechanics, footwork, and understanding of the game. His commitment to improvement, both physically and mentally, is setting the stage for a standout season,” says coach Brad Lord.

Moreover, his leadership qualities have been shining through. As a freshman, he already commanded the respect of his teammates, and now, as a sophomore, he is stepping into a more prominent leadership role. South Lake High expects to contend for a district championship this year. “I think we can compete for the district this year. We need to do the right things as a team to ensure we can make that happen but I think if we do our jobs anything is possible,” says coach Lord.

South Lake High has a new district in 2024. Lake Minneola High, Forest in Ocala, Davenport and Horizon are on the schedule. Kelly’s freshman year performance was just a glimpse of his potential, and with another year of growth and development, he is ready to make a significant impact on the field. The 2024 season promises to be an exciting journey. South Lake High will no doubt look to improve upon their 2-8 season last year. 2024 brings with it excitement for this program.

Photo Credit – Andrea Rush Photography