East Lake

At a glance

Coach: Bob Hudson, 20th season

Class: 4, District 6 (Metro)

Last season: 4-6

Key players: OG/OT Devonne Barry, Sr.; QB Jake Bechtel, Sr.; OG/DT Aiden Byrne, Jr.; LB Caleb Coburn, Sr.; TE/LS Brock Couch, Sr.; DL Myles Dixit, Sr.; LB/RB Gunner Fodor, Jr.; CB/S Brandon Grimm, Sr.; OT Austin Huff, Sr.; S Nick Mirabella, DE Ben Padinske, Jr.; WR/CB Amari Ray, Sr.; WR/CB Ryui Rivers, Sr.; MLB Kaleb Rosiek, Sr.; OT/NG Conner Thomas, Sr.;  RB/LB Luke Yoder, Sr.

Schedule

Aug. 26 at Lake Gibson, 7:30

Sept. 2 at Mitchell, 7:30

Sept. 9 at Pinellas Park, 7:30

Sept. 16 vs. Boca Ciega, 7:30

Sept. 23 vs. Tarpon Springs, 7:30

Sept. 30 at Steinbrenner, 7:30

Oct. 7 Bye

Oct. 14 at Sickles, 7:30

Oct. 21 vs. Clearwater, 7:30

Oct. 28 vs. Palm Harbor University, 7:30

Nov. 4 at Countryside, 7:30

Outlook

After struggling through most of last season, the Eagles started to put things late in the year with wins over Alonso (35-26) and Countryside (35-14) in their final two games. That momentum carried over to last week’s preseason game with East Lake cruising to a 42-14 win over Auburndale. Those results give the Eagles plenty of optimism that they can turn things around. Jake Bechtel, a second-year starter at quarterback, had to adjust to some changes in personnel at the skill positions with running back Ti’lan McGee and receiver David Avant both transferring to Clearwater. But East Lake did pick up running back Luke Yoder, a 1,600 yard rusher who transferred from Palm Harbor University. Amari Ray and Ryui Rivers are the top two receiving targets. The offensive line is a veteran unti, led by Austin Huff and Devonne Barry. Defensively, the top returners are lineman Myles Dixit (33 tackles, 4 ½ sacks), linebackers Caleb Coburn (87 tackles 6 ½ sacks), Kaleb Rosiek (43 tackles 1 ½ sacks), safety Nick Mirabella (43 tackles) and Ray (team-leading three interceptions).