VENICE — John Peacock is always looking for ways to evolve Venice football. Sure, the three-time state title winner is on the cusp of his 19th season and has been to four Class 7A state championships in the last five years, but the head coach rejects complacency.
So, Venice began spring practice on Wednesday, April 15, over a week earlier than most programs. He has two quarterback additions — sophomore Noah Patton and junior Terrell Jones — one of whom could become Venice’s starting signal caller in the fall. And, instead of working with varsity alone, Peacock has also included junior varsity for the first time in Venice’s spring football history after falling short in last year’s playoffs.
“In the past, we’ve kind of missed on some guys that we’ve put on JV that started for us at the end of the year after we brought them up,” Peacock said. “So, we’re trying to make sure we don’t miss on anybody.”
There are no predetermined rosters this year. No player is tied to a single position. Everyone has an equal opportunity.
Peacock recognizes there could be a piece that pushes Venice to a better start, an improved record, or even a fifth state title. And he wants all eyes searching for that potential.
In 2025, for the first time in four seasons, Venice didn’t reach the championship, falling to Lake Mary’s in the Class 7A semifinals. And five months later, Peacock has disrupted his typical spring schedule.
“We’re trying to figure out who we need to put in the varsity room and who we need to put in the JV room,” Peacock said. “And that’s really the main objective: to make sure we have kids playing the right side of the ball, playing in the best position they’re equipped for.”
Along with not knowing what team they’re on, players don’t know who’s starting and who isn’t, especially in the quarterback room. Patton, who arrived to Venice in January after playing at IMG Academy, is 6-foot-3, 190 pounds. As a backup, Patton passed for 109 yards last year, completing nine of his 11 total passes and scoring one touchdown.
Jones came in March from Poinciana High School in Kissimmee. The 5-foot-9 quarterback went 21-for-36, passing for 269 yards and two touchdowns. Jones also added 111 rushing yards and a score.
The two were on display, trading reps as Peacock ran various drills that tested anything from handoffs to deep passes.
“They both did well,” Peacock said. “I think it’s going to take them a little bit of time. They’re both quarterbacks so they got to learn an awful lot of information in a short period of time. Today, being their first time out with the ball, it’s only going to get better every day.”
Peacock wouldn’t describe the added quarterbacks and players as a “challenge” for his staff. He said it’s “just different.”
So, with the difference, how did the first day go?
“It actually went a little bit smoother than I thought,” Peacock said. “I thought it was going to be a lot worse than it was, but we have some really good pieces. Just got to figure out where to put them all.”
The head coach knows it’s going to become harder as spring practice continues and decision time inches closer.
“Everybody’s excited the first day,” Peacock said with a laugh. “Day eight, we’ll see how excited we are.”
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Venice shakes up spring football with early start, new QBs and JV addition
Reporting by Emma Moon, Sarasota Herald-Tribune / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
