Mitchell

At a glance

Coach: Andy Schmitz, eighth season

Class: 7A, District 9

Last season: 11-1, lost in region final

Key players: DT/DE Adrian Divcic, Sr.; S/QB Chris Ferrini, Jr.; DE/FB Tyler Geary, Sr.; DT Tayshawn Sullivan, Jr.; MLB/OG Hunter McFarland, Sr.;  

Schedule

Aug. 27 vs. Fivay, 7:30

Sept. 3 vs. River Ridge, 7:30

Sept. 10 at Wiregrass Ranch, 7:30

Sept. 17 at Leto, 7:30

Sept. 24 at East Lake, 7:30

Oct. 1 vs. Gaither, 7:30

Oct. 8 vs. Hudson, 7:30

Oct. 15 vs. Largo, 7:30

Oct. 22 Bye

Oct. 29 at Sickles, 7:30

Nov. 5 at Wesley Chapel, 7:30

Outlook

The Mustangs have been on the greatest run in school history with seven straight playoff appearances, five straight district titles and the program’s first-ever trip to the region finals last season. Now comes the biggest challenge yet. Mitchell bid farewell to 26 seniors who graduated. The biggest impact is on offense where the Mustangs lose nine of 11 starters, including quarterback Ezra Brennan, who threw for a combined 4,587 yards and 67 touchdowns the past two seasons. Chris Ferrini and Ethan Rice, who will both take snaps as Brennan’s replacement, will each direct an offense that will strive for balance. The strength of this year’s team will be on the defensive line with Adrian Divcic, Tyler Geary and Tayshawn Sullivan all returning.