With 24 seniors on the roster, the Destin High Sharks have plenty of experience that will be stepping on the field when the Friday night light season begins.
“One thing we’ve got this year is a lot of experience,” said Destin High head coach E.G. Green.
The Sharks have 55 players on the roster with 24 of those seniors.
“They’ve all played, and they are ready to go,” Green said of the senior Sharks.
“We’ve had a great off season and a great spring. They are working hard. They are a good team,” Green said as he watched them on the practice field on July 28, in 90-degree weather.
Leading the way for the Sharks this year will be senior quarterback Kellen Ramsey.
“He’s going to have a really good year,” Green said of Ramsey.
“It’s his show. He is definitely going to lead us to the promise land,” Green said.
Green talked of other standouts to look for on the gridiron
“Nate Sills … he’s going to be everywhere this year,” Green said. Sills will be playing defense, offense, special teams and some running back.
He spoke highly of Donnie Couitt, also a senior, who will be playing running back and defensive back.
“We’ve got great receivers in Chase Wandrick, Cam Kerns and Jayden Phillips,” Green said of the three seniors.
Joe Orsua, a senior, will be back at tight end.
“We pretty much have seniors across the board,” Green said.
“The offensive line is pretty good with Parker Yates (senior) and some editions with Josh Koonce and Kynlee Cuchens,” Green said.
Some of the guys on the line are 6-foot-4 and weigh between 260 and 300 pounds.
“We’re big up front,” Green said.
As for defense, “Our defense is always going to be able to fly around and hit people,” Green said.
Coach Green noted such players as Brody Hipp and Tristan May at linebacker and on junior Eli O’Brian at free safety.
“We’ve got some pieces and they are working together well. They love each other and they care about each other,” Green said.
“We’re excited this year,” he said.
One of the reasons for the excitement is that the Sharks get a chance to play in the district.
Last year, by the time they reached eligibility to play in the Florida High School Athletic Association, the schedules had been made, and the teams that were in their district were not on their schedule.
A chance to play for the district, “that’s helped the morale … they see some light at the end of the tunnel,” Green said.
Destin will be playing in Class 2A District 1 with Freeport, Pensacola Catholic and Walton High.
“I’m excited. I just pray we stay healthy,” Green said.
“One thing we’ve got this year is a lot of experience and they are kind of taking ownership. The team is getting close to being player led,” Green said.
The coaches are still pushing the players, but for the most part, “It’s each one, teach one,” Green said.
“They are doing a great job of taking ownership. They want to do something special for the community.
“I’m excited for them,” Green said.
The Sharks kick off the season on the road at Arnold High on Panama City Beach on Aug. 14. The first home game is Aug. 21 against the Port St. Joe Tiger Sharks.
This article originally appeared on The Destin Log: Destin High Sharks look to senior talent for success on football field
Reporting by Tina Harbuck, The Destin Log / The Destin Log
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Tina Harbuck, The Destin Log | USA TODAY Network
