The Vipers of Varela were no match for coach Ed Holly’s Hurricanes in their preseason classic on Aug. 16. The 3:30 game, scheduled early due to lack of lighting at Varela, ended in just three quarters due to a lightning delay and both schools’ agreement that the additional quarter wasn’t likely to change the decision on the scoreboard. That decision, a 12-0 win for Coral Shores, is a great indicator for the upcoming ’Canes football season.
Heading into the game, Holly knew it would not be a cakewalk. “They were 7-3 last year, so we knew it was going to be a battle,” he said. Despite the shutout score, Holly contends it was a fairly close game. “It was back and forth,” he said. “We got some breaks and our kids played hard.”
One of the hardest workers on the Hurricane roster is senior AJ Putetti. Known for his hustle and will, Putetti ran 16 times for 129 yards and 1 touchdown last week, and has put in work in the offseason in hopes of making his senior season something special.
Jhonathan Mesa is another of Holly’s workhorses. Mesa ran for the other ’Canes TD last week, and found his stride as a junior at the running back position.
Returning for his third season as the Hurricanes’ play-caller is senior Yemcel Moreno. Moreno shouldered an early leadership role as a sophomore, taking the snaps like a long-seasoned veteran. He continued to shine as a junior before succumbing to a season-ending knee injury. He willed himself healthy in time for the spring game only to reinjure the knee, making for a questionable return so soon this season.
Not only has Moreno returned, but he looks strong at QB. “We’re taking it easy bringing him back to full speed,” Holly said of his quarterback, but it is unlikely the characteristically relentless Moreno plans on taking anything easy.
Coral Shores’ defense came up big in the preseason, shutting out the Vipers and racking up a slew of tackles. Jarmoris Davis had 6 solo tackles and an assist to start his senior season with style. Fellow senior Eddie Holly’s commitment to teamwork was apparent with 8 assists and a solo tackle. Rounding out the senior defensive standouts was Connor Dixon, who wrecked the Vipers’ offense with 4 solo tackles, 3 assists, 2 tackles for loss and a pass breakup to his credit.
Coach Holly feels that leadership is a strength for his team this year. With a strong core who have played for three years together, his seniors know what to do and have earned the respect of not only their coach, but also the rest of the team.
As the current seniors did the past few seasons, the underclassmen are stepping up their game and earning playing time and experience for Coral Shores. Holly named juniors Austin Vogt, Luis Ramirez and Glade Harrelson as players to keep an eye on. Vogt will use his speed at wide receiver while Harrelson plays tackle and defensive end. Ramirez is a resourceful linebacker and has good hands, making him a threat at wide receiver as well. Sophomore Sterling Keefe gives the ’Canes a backup at quarterback and is stepping up as a free safety, while classmate Andrew Connolly is quickly becoming dependable on the line.
Holly will need all hands on deck – perhaps – this week against Somerset South Homestead. Last season, Coral Shores won the matchup 45-14, but smaller charter schools tend to unload and reload rosters yearly, especially when a new head coach takes the helm, which is the case with South Homestead this fall.
“We’re playing a team who had no kickoff classic and no spring game, so we don’t entirely know what to expect,” Holly explained. “We’re just going to put our base defense and offense in and make adjustments. We will just do what we do and hopefully figure them out in the first quarter.”
Holly’s Hurricanes participate in the Florida Independent Football Conference, playing for a conference championship rather than a state title. This season, the conference shook things up a bit. “Whoever wins the regular season wins the conference championship this year,” Holly said, making every game all the more important for Coral Shores. ’Canes fans can come check out this year’s team Friday, Aug. 23 at 7 p.m. in Islamorada.
