Umatilla, Fla. –If you would have told me two years ago that Umatilla High football would have the opportunity to play in a championship football game, I wouldn’t have believed you. But that was then, and this is now. In a remarkable turnaround season, the Umatilla High Bulldogs are set to face Space Coast High in the Sunshine State Athletic Association (SSAA) Atlantic Division semifinals this Friday evening, with a chance to advance to the championship game on the line. The semifinal matchup is a pivotal moment for Umatilla, who managed only two wins last season but have surged to playoff contention under second year head coach Eric Samuels and a fresh athletic conference they joined this year.

(Bryce Norflee is the team’s top wide out with 8 touchdowns. Tyler Pounders a junior also has 7 touchdowns. The Bulldogs will need every yard they can get against Space Coast.)

This resurgence has been powered by the dynamic offensive duo of running back Dallas Cottle and quarterback Josh Wilson. Cottle has consistently provided the Bulldogs with a powerful ground attack, while Wilson’s leadership and playmaking ability have ignited the offense and kept defenses on their heels. Both players have been instrumental in Umatilla’s success this season, providing crucial yardage and key plays when the team needed them most. Bryce Norflee and others have helped out in big ways.

“I feel we match up well with Space Coast. We have a great plan on both sides of the ball. It’s going to come down to who is the most physical, most disciplined team Friday night. It’s also going to come down to what defense can get stops and get the offense the ball more,” says head coach Eric Samuels.

(Umatilla Head Coach Eric Samuels is a former alumni who played at Vanderbilt and the pros. This has been a fantastic turnaround season for the Bulldogs.)

The Bulldogs’ turnaround is a testament to the influence of head coach Eric Samuels, a former Umatilla player who returned to lead his alma mater two years ago. Since stepping into the role, Samuels has inspired a new culture within the program, emphasizing resilience, discipline, and team unity. His leadership has energized the players and the community, creating an atmosphere of optimism and pride around Umatilla football. Umatilla has some of the most passionate fans, student body and community members in Lake County. There’s such a buzz within the community right now and that’s great for everyone.

(Quarterback Josh Wilson has thrown for 2,203 yards, 24 touchdowns and has been a big time leader for this Umatilla High team.)

While they don’t play in the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) the Sunshine State Athletic Association (SSAA) has provided many schools an opportunity at an alternative conference and the chance to play for a championship. This has proven to be highly successful and the SSAA continues to add schools every year. Umatilla joined MDCA, First Academy-Leesburg and Liberty Christian Prep as members in Lake County. In fact only 6 Lake County 11-man football programs remain in the FHSAA.

Space Coast also joined the SSAA two years ago after many challenging seasons in the FHSAA. The program has found success like Umatilla High has. These former FHSAA opponents will no doubt bring it with their seasons on the line on Friday Evening. Space Coast comes into the game 8-3 on the year. They are the favorites and for good reason. Space Coast has not given up a single offensive point since Sepember 27th against Cocoa Beach! That’s nearly a full month and a half without giving up points.

Umatilla will need to break that trend if they want to move onto the championship. It should be an awesome contest. The game is Friday night at Space Coast High School with the game scheduled to start at 7:00pm.