UMATILLA, Fla. — Umatilla High School quarterback Josh Wilson has the Bulldogs off to a promising 2-2 start under second-year head coach Eric Samuels. The 6-foot, 180-pound senior has been a driving force behind the team’s success, racking up 872 passing yards and completing 52 of 87 attempts with nine touchdowns through the first three games.

(Wilson runs the ball against MDCA who are among the favorites to win the SSAC State Championship this year.)

Wilson, known for his poise and accuracy, has developed a strong connection with senior wide receiver Bryce Norflee. The duo has already combined for three touchdowns, with Norflee amassing 279 receiving yards on 17 catches. Norflee is averaging 16.4 yards per catch, serving as a key target in Umatilla’s aerial attack.

Tyler Pounders has also been a reliable contributor for the Bulldogs, recording 182 receiving yards and two touchdowns. The offense suffered a blow when sophomore wideout John Brake went down with a collarbone injury against MDCA last week cutting short what had the potential to be a breakout season for the young receiver. He will be one to watch in the coming years.

(It’s only been four games but Wilson is already getting close to 1,000 yards passing on the season. He also has 9 touchdowns in just four games.)

Wilson, who also maintains a 3.3 GPA, has been instrumental in guiding Umatilla’s offense. One of the most exciting things is that Umatilla High is once again winning football games. The move to the Sunshine State Athletic Conference from the FHSAA is designed to help Umatilla High stabilize the football program which had struggled for many years in the FHSAA.

Players and parents have praised the move and it’s allowed players like Josh Wilson and Bryce Norflee to show what they are capable of. Josh Wilson has been a joy to watch this season. The Bulldogs will have to work hard to win the games they need to in order to make a run in the SSAC Playoffs.