Fivay
Coach: Chris Taylor (fifth season, 18-18; 10th overall, 42-45)
Last season: 4-6
Class/district: 6A-6
Colors: Red, blue and white
Stadium: Unnamed. 12115 Chicago Ave., Hudson, FL 34669
Playoff history: 2011
Last appearance: Lost 28-0 to Citra North Marion.
Season schedule
Aug. 29vs. Ridgewood, 7:30
Sept. 5vs. Pasco, 7:30
Sept. 19at Lecanto, 7:30
Sept. 26vs. Anclote, 7:30
Oct. 3at Springstead, 7:30
Oct. 10at Gulf, 7:30
Oct. 17vs. Mitchell, 7:30
Oct. 24vs. Land O’Lakes, 7:30
Oct. 31at Sunlake, 7:30
Nov. 7at Hudson, 7:30
Mark your calendar
Fivay at Springstead, Oct. 3: The first district game comes a month into the season. This will be a tough test against the defending district champs, and the Falcons will find out just how competitive they will be in the district. After this game, three of the next four games are against league opponents.
Huddle highlights
Good news: Fivay has an experienced offensive line that includes seniors Mark Maynes, Cody Reeves, Cole Weinhauer, Mark Duncan and Josh Root. With an offense that has a new starting quarterback and new runnings backs, the line will be key. “It all starts with those guys. As they go, we go,” coach Chris Taylor said.
Graduated ground game: Returning running backs gained 96 of the Falcons’ 1,560 yards last season. That’s only 16 percent of the total rushing yards. The early part of the season will be an open tryout to find a starting running back. Until then, it will be running back by committee.
Uphill battle: Fivay was the only team in 6A-6 with a losing record last season. Since moving to 6A, the Falcons are still looking for their first district win. That could be difficult again, as Springstead, Sunlake, Land O’Lakes and Mitchell remain competitive.
Going both ways: The Falcons have 32 players on the varsity roster, so many will play both ways. Taylor said there are 50 players on the junior varsity squad, so the future seems bright. But this season, Fivay must stay healthy in order to survive until the end.
Known quantities
WR Trenton Soto, Sr.: Soto had 627 yards receiving and seven touchdowns last season to lead the Falcons. He’ll be the main target and could even get carries as a back.
WR/RB Christian Coleman, Sr.: Coleman was second behind Soto in receiving yards with 491. He gives the Falcons a good one-two punch at receiver.
FB/LB Nick Manglaris, Jr.: Taylor believes Manglaris is the toughest player on the team. He became the starting fullback midway through last season. He’ll also lead the defense.
OL/DL Mark Maynes, Sr.: At 6-foot-4, 270 pounds, Maynes is one of the Falcons’ biggest linemen. The line will be key this season and Maynes could be the leader.
Up-and-comers
QB Cyler Doran, So.: Doran takes over as the starter and Taylor said he will ease him into the position. “We won’t ask him to win games for us,” Taylor said.
RB Josh Jones, Jr.: With no true starting running back returning, Jones is in the mix to get the most carries. He only carried six times last season, so he’ll get thrown into the fire.
CB Mario Leverette, Sr.: A baseball player, Leverette is back playing football. He is a good athlete who could have a big senior year.
WR/DB Zachary Burgarella, Sr.: In his first year as a full-time starter, Burgarella will see action on both sides of the ball.
Coach’s corner
“We have to worry about trying to get better each week. Our district is so tough that we have to take it week by week. I think four of the toughest teams in the whole area are in our district.” — Taylor