Team Overview:
Head Coach: David Raley
Previous Season Record: 5-1
’21 – ’22 Season Record: 4-4
District: Sunshine State – Atlantic (8 Man)
LIONS 2023 schedule
8/18 Lions at City of Life Christian Academy Warriors at 7:00 (District) – W (46-0)
8/25 Lions at Calvary Chapel Academy Eagles at 7:00
9/8 Home vs. First Coast Christian Knights at 7:00
9/15 Lions at Geneva Classical Academy Knights at 6:30
9/22 Home vs. Gainesville Christian Community Warriors at 7:00
9/29 Home vs. Real Life Christian Academy Raptors at 7:00
10/7 Lions at Master’s Academy Patriots at 6:00 (District)
10/13 Lions at Merritt Island Christian Cougars at 7:00 (District)
10/20 Home vs. Cornerstone Academy Cougars at 4:00
Players to Watch for:
Trenton Sellers (Sr.), Blake Bandy (Sr.), Caydon Williams (So.)
Newcomers:
Edric Wright (6th grade),
Ryan Shuck (5th grade)
Storylines:
The Lions are coming off a strong 2022 campaign that saw them drop the final game of the season against Gainesville Christian Community. Longtime Head Coach David Raley has orchestrated many successful runs in his roughly decade and a half as the leader of the Lions and is off to another fast start in 2023. HCA has already opened its schedule with a 46-0 shellacking over the Warriors and looks to continue its success despite losing some key pieces. With veteran backs Ethan Higgins and Earl Rich graduated, among others, the team will likely look to replicate some of that production with Senior Trenton Sellers stepping into a similar role. Now in an expanded schedule in a new 8-man division, there are more opportunities for success and more opportunities to be tripped up. Can the younger players step up and earn the school its first undefeated season since 2008 and its second under the long-time head coach?
Game to Watch:
A home tilt with Gainesville Christian Community on September 22. This may not be the same undefeated team that faced the Lions last year, as the Warriors already suffered a loss to open their schedule. Nonetheless, the squad from Brooksville would not mind getting revenge, especially considering the context of last year’s matchup. The only squad to defeat the Lions a season ago, in a 55-54 barnburner no less, Coach Raley and company will have the opportunity to test their mettle at home in this midseason rematch.
Thank you to our high school football kickoff sponsors, Shuayb Dental and 103.9 The Boot
