Bloomingdale

At a glance

Coach: Jacob Coulson, third season

Class: 7A, District 11

Last season: 12-2, lost in state semifinals

Key players: DE/OLB La’montrae Banks, Sr.; RB Brycnn Bennett, Sr.; CB/WR Christian Bodnar, Jr.; OG Isaiah Lowery, Jr.; RB/MLB Ollie Manhertz, Sr.; 

Schedule

Aug. 27 at Gaither

Sept. 3 vs. Newsome

Sept. 10 at Jesuit

Sept. 17 vs. Lennard

Sept. 24 Bye

Oct. 1 at East Bay

Oct. 8 at Plant City

Oct. 15 vs. Armwood

Oct. 22 vs. Palmetto

Oct. 29 at Bradenton Manatee

Nov. 5 vs. Hillsborough

Outlook

Since taking over in 2019, Jacob Coulson has gone a combined 21-5 with appearances in the region semifinals and the state semifinals. Now comes the tough part. Coulson bid farewell to 30 seniors who graduated, many of whom played significant roles in helping Bloomingdale continue its rise in statewide prominence. Gone are quarterback Tre Simmons, who accounted for more than 3,000 yards and 35 touchdowns last season, as well as receiver Agiye Hall, an Alabama signee who had more than 1,000 yards receiving and 13 touchdowns. Charles Coney, a transfer from Tampa Bay Tech, takes over at quarterback, at least through the first few weeks. On defense, the Bulls lost their top nine tacklers from a year ago. That’s a lot to replace. But the talent is not completely depleted. Bryce Bennett, who had 364 yards rushing and four touchdowns last season, should have an even bigger role in the offense. There are young playmakers on the other side of the ball who also are ready to make an impact, such as La’Montrae Banks, who had 14 tackles last season. Bloomingdale will be tested throughout the season. There are seven games against teams that made at least the region semifinals a year ago.