Editor's note: This is the first installment of a three-part “Coaches Confidential” series.
With the Florida high school football regular season less than a month away, how do Volusia-Flagler coaches view the upcoming campaign?
The Daytona Beach News-Journal sought out those answers, polling 10 of the local leaders and granting them anonymity at Florida Citrus Sports High School Football Media Days last week. They offered their thoughts on the top teams and best players in the area.
Today’s question is, which Volusia-Flagler team is the best in the area entering 2024?
Here are the responses:
Spruce Creek Hawks
The Hawks went 7-4 and fell to DeLand in the first round of the 4S playoffs in 2023. Under coach Andy Price, they bring back the majority of their starters, including Georgia Tech-bound defensive lineman Derry Norris and Pitt-bound wide receiver Tony Kinsler . They also welcomed some high-impact transfers.
“They have a lot returning. Their d-line is going to be stout. Their secondary is going to be really good. Quarterback is going to help them. I think, by far, they'll be the best team.”
“I think Creek is going to go far this year. They're loaded everywhere. They have Jacob Lohman in addition to two other really good quarterbacks. They're deep at every position. This is a good year for them to really make a great run in the playoffs.”
“More Division I guys on the team, deeper, more talented, more returners than anybody locally. It's a situation where more guys have been at one program for four years. Not the whole transfer here and there. They have a lot of in-house guys.”
“They just got Jacob Lohman, Denali Campbell — two great additions. They added Trell Edwards to the backfield, Freddie Wilson to the d-line. They're just loaded.”
“They're well-coached. They're tough. They got some transfers and a lot of guys back. And they beat Mainland in the spring.”
“Going (and winning) that spring game against Mainland. It's tough (to beat Spruce Creek) when you can't run the football against them.”
Mainland Buccaneers
The Bucs ranked as the area’s best team in 2023, claiming the second state championship in program history. Their final record was 14-1. While they graduated several college recruits and feature a new head coach, they still possess big-time prospects like UCF-committed defensive lineman Christian Hudson and linebacker Dennis King III while also maintaining their streak of 30 straight playoff appearances.
“The reigning state champs. They've got to be the team to beat in the area, for sure. I love Price, but I'm not ready to give him that yet.”
“It’s still Mainland.”
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University Titans
The Titans enjoyed the best season in school history, going 10-2 and losing to DeLand in the Region 3-4S semifinals last year. It was their first campaign under head coach Justin Roberts. This fall, they return most of their offensive starters, including quarterback Malachi Walters, who paced the area in passing yards and touchdowns in 2023.
“They bring everybody back. Coach Roberts is a good coach. He's done a great job after walking into a really good situation. Great fundraising out there. Great support from the town. I think, if they stay healthy, they can run the table — if they can stay healthy. They've got Mainland Week 1. We'll find out early.”
“They return a lot of key players. At the key positions, from the quarterback standpoint and skill position standpoints, I like them.”
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Coaches Confidential: Volusia-Flagler football coaches talk best team ahead of 2024 season
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