football Archive

They are the unsung heroes who are often referred to as grunts or “Big Uglies.” These men embody the definition of team players.  

They are the men that anchor the offensive line.

The countdown to the start of the 2024 high school football season is underway.

Teams officially start practice July 29 with Kickoff Classics on Aug. 16 and the start of the regular season Aug. 23.

Anyone thinking that Baker football coach Matt Brunson would wait until his official start date of July 8 to start working with the Gators doesn’t know Brunson. Brunson was reintroduced as the top Gator on May 16 at the Maroon and White game. He was on the field Monday when the Gators opened their summer workout.

It’s said the biggest jump in improvement most college athletes make happens in their second year. If that’s the case for Kayleb Wagner, the former record-setting Baker running back, he could be set for an impressive fall his second go around at Southern Illinois University.

The Crestview football team wraps up spring practice Thursday night when the Bulldogs travel to DeFuniak Springs to take on the Walton Braves led by former Bulldog assistant coach Keith White.

Baker School principal had an easy job Thursday night as he stood on the field at Doug Griffith Memorial Stadium following the football team’s Maroon and White scrimmage introducing Matt Brunson as the next Gator head football coach. “I have the task of introducing a man that needs no introduction,” he said. “He’s the only person associated with every Baker state championship in football.”

It’s been a busy month for Baker School principal Mike Martello and athletic director John Carlisle.

In addition to their normal day-to-day activities as the school year ends, they’ve been heading a search committee for the next Gator football coach.

It has been about a month since Baker School announced it was parting ways with head football coach Barry Gardner on April 18. Led by athletic director John Carlisle, the school has since been in search for the next man to lead the storied program.

Spring football 2024 will be over for Crestview in a week.

The Bulldogs will travel the 25 miles east on Interstate 10 to play the Walton Braves led by former Crestview assistant coach and head boys basketball coach Keith White.

Crestview football coach Thomas Grant and his staff are having to mix and match their offensive talent this spring. And while there are many unknown players trying to get the attention of the coaching staff, that’s not the case for rising senior Karson Kolmetz.