The East Coast is home to its fair share of exciting teams and teams that want to go deep each year in the playoffs. Will one of these teams see the lights in Orlando come December? Watch as we count down the Top 10 teams for the East Coast region as we head into the season.
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Below is our East Coast Top 10 Preseason Rankings with 2013 records in parenthesis.
1. Cocoa (11-2)
Why: The Tigers have been to state semifinals or to the state finals every single season since 2008 and it does not look like that streak is going to stop any time soon. The Tigers will have a great amount of talent returning including Freshman All-American Bruce Judson and DB/WR Jamal Dean. The lineman are going to be a concern for Cocoa and that is one area that will need to gel quickly before a Week 4 showdown with Lousiville Trinity out of Kentucky.
2. Fort Pierce Central (10-2)
Why: The Cobras are set to play a schedule that will include their first out-of-state opponent. The Cobras which will host Don Bosco Prep out of New Jersey Week 5 plans to use that game as a test for the start of district play against Vero Beach in Week 6. The Cobras do have to find a replacement to fill the shoes of leading QB Sam Vaghn, but a trip to the playoffs should certainly be in the decks once again this season.
3. Vero Beach (9-2)
Why: The Indians might only have seven starters returning, but this is a program that has been known to be towards the top of things no matter how experienced or inexperienced the team might be. Coach Jankowski has seen some great things with his team during the offseason workout and that should give the Indians hope to compete for a playoff spot or even better at winning the district title. Several Division I prospects are on the roster which will also help the Indians out tremendously.
4. Melbourne Central Catholic (11-1)
Why: Brandon Ziarno will be the primary leader for the team after leading the Hustlers to an 11 win season with over 2,400 yards passing. Talent will surround Ziarno and this should have the Hustlers easily in contention for another district championship once again this season. However, the district is filled with solid teams that are all looking for their shot at the same district title the Hustlers are eyeing.
5. Merritt Island (11-1)
Why: The Mustangs have been one of Brevard’s best teams alongside Cocoa over the last few years and it should be no surprise that they are the favorites to win their district once again. Defense has always been one of the strong points of Coach Jeff McLean’s teams, but replacing John Batch in the defensive backfield will not be the easiest task at all.
6. Palm Bay (9-3)
Why: The Pirates will look to build upon things this season and will have RB Sekai Lindsey helping to lead the way. Another player that will be worth keeping an eye on is Dquadre Allen, who is also getting Division I offers like Linsdey. The offensive line should be more experienced for the Pirates which will help them compete for a district title, but issues on defense are a concern that will need to be shored up before district play rolls around.
7. Viera (8-2)
Why: The Viera Hawks have become one of the hottest teams to watch and follow in Brevard County. The Hawks which were just points away from their first-ever playoff berth are looking to do just that this year. The Hawks success is attracting new attention to the program with colleges and players are now showing the efforts that they can be recruited to programs from Viera like any other great program in Brevard County.
8. John Carroll (10-1)
Why: The Golden Rams re-enter district play after two seasons as an independent and member of the Southeastern Football Conference. The Golden Rams will certainly enjoy playing more games closer to home, but the chance to contend for a playoff spot right out of the gate is there. Having leading passer Jordan Watkins back for his senior year is adding a lot of fuel to the fire for an offense that is seeming getting better as time goes on.
9. Space Coast (7-4)
Why: Space Coast made the playoffs only for the second time in school history last season and the Vipers are looking like a team that wants to continue going that route under head coach Jake Owens. Alex Cavender is going to be likely replacing Nick Rittenhouse who had 2,600 plus yards in passing, so that will be a step back for the Vipers, but another trip to the playoffs is certainly now out of the question here.
10. Heritage (12-1)
Why: New head coach Mark Ainsley will have a lot of work to do as he enters his first season at Heritage after spending several years over at Holy Trinity in Melbourne. There will be a lot of younger players who will have to step up in order to keep the Panthers on track this season for another playoff berth with Bayside and South Fork looking to contend for this spots alone in District 6A-14.
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