Sunlake at Wesley Chapel, tonight 7:30

Three things to know

Starting over

Both teams enter their season opener with new coaches. 

Jay Fulmer, who previously coached at Gulf and Ridgewood, takes over the Seahawks. He replaces BJ Hall, who was dismissed in the spring. 

Lawrence Coleman, an assistant at East Lake, was hired by the Wildcats this summer. He takes over for Tony Egan, who went 34-35 in seven seasons. 

Rivalry rebound

This season opening grudge match gives each team a chance to snap lengthy losing streaks. 

Sunake beat Wesley Chapel in last year’s opener, then lost nine straight to close out the season. 

The Wildcats, meanwhile, have lost 12 straight, a streak that dates back to 2021. 

Offensive resurgence 

Expect more big plays – and points – from new stars this year. 

Sunlake,which scored just 42 points all of last season, will count on players with mor prominent roles to provide more production. 

Wesley Chapel averaged 12 points per game a year ago but will rely on a new set of skill players to generate more scoring. 

Player spotlight

LB Kolin Murphy, Jr., Sunlake

As a sophomore last year, Murphy showed promise, registering 56 tackles, two forced fumbles and a sack. His big-play potential will help the Seahawks’ tighten up on defense this year. 

Check it out

Hungry before or after the game? Head to the Beef O’ Brady’s locations in Wesley Chapel (27315 Wesley Chapel Blvd.) and Wiregrass Ranch (1660 Bruce B. Down’s Blvd.)