Sickles

At a glance

Coach: Kyle Jolly, first season

Class: 4, District 6 (Metro)

Last season: 5-6

Key players: LB Rufus Ferguson, Jr.; DB Jordan Henderson, Sr.; ATH/WR Isaiah Hudson, Jr.; DE Declan McAdams, Sr.; OT Augi Reynolds, Sr.; QB Brandon Royal, Jr.

Schedule

Aug. 19 vs. Blake, 7:30 (preseason)

Aug. 26 vs. Jefferson, 7:30

Sept. 2 at Newsome, 7:30

Sept. 9 at East Bay, 7:30

Sept. 16 vs. Alonso, 7:30

Sept. 23 at King, 7:30

Sept. 30 at Palm Harbor University, 7:30

Oct. 7 vs. Durant, 7:30

Oct. 14 vs. East Lake, 7:30

Oct. 21 at Middleton, 7:30

Oct. 28 vs. Steinbrenner, 7:30

Nov. 4 Bye

Outlook

In the offseason, Kyle Jolly was hired to take over for Patrick Murphy, who left after six seasons. On offense, Jolly has the luxury of having Brandon Royal returning at quarterback. Last year, Royal threw for 2,035 yards and 25 touchdowns, The Gryphons lost their top three leading receivers (Javohn Thomas, Jakari Williams and David Pomales), all of whom graduated. That trio accounted for all 25 of Royal’s touchdown passes a year ago. The biggest weapon on offense is Isaiah Hudson, who led the rushing last season with 219 yards. Sickles will try to maximize Hudson’s playmaking abilities by using him in a variety of ways. The top returning offensive lineman is Augi Reynolds. On defense, linebacker Rufus Ferguson (64 tackles), defensive end Declan McAdams (64 tackles, one sack) will be the leaders.