Venice 49 Naples 28

[KeemD321]

4 hours ago, VeniceIndianFan said:

He will probably be more of a blocker/screen receiver than anything else. Venice really doesn’t have much of a passing game, so if the idea of Charles Lester, Ryan Matulevich, Jamarice Wilder, and Griffin Gisotti lining up out wide means that we can see some lighter boxes for our running backs to operate, we’re all for it. 

Charles Lester is a solid receiving threat as well

[Ray Icaza]

3 minutes ago, VeniceIndianFan said:

Hope so too, but he will likely be called upon to block more than anything else. How has Osceola looked in earlier practices? Are they living up to your expectations so far? 

As usual, expectations are high but as previously alluded success will depend on development of several young but talented players.  They are definitely dedicated and working extremely hard so pleased with that aspect.  KOC vs APK and the first 3 games vs Treasure Coast, Seminole and Jones will provide them the tough challenge of gaining experience in matchups that should be considered toss-ups.  Offensively we should be fine early on whereas the growth will be on the defensive side.  Hopefully they will be up to speed when we play Lakeland in game #4 and Rockledge game #5 both at home.   Don't want to count my chickens before they hatch. 

[VeniceIndianFan]

On 6/5/2023 at 4:24 PM, Ray Icaza said:

As usual, expectations are high but as previously alluded success will depend on development of several young but talented players.  They are definitely dedicated and working extremely hard so pleased with that aspect.  KOC vs APK and the first 3 games vs Treasure Coast, Seminole and Jones will provide them the tough challenge of gaining experience in matchups that should be considered toss-ups.  Offensively we should be fine early on whereas the growth will be on the defensive side.  Hopefully they will be up to speed when we play Lakeland in game #4 and Rockledge game #5 both at home.   Don't want to count my chickens before they hatch. 

As goes the offensive line, so goes the offense! Looks like an 8-2 season with a top 3 seed in 4S for Osceola incoming. Keep up this success and maybe we’ll be able to play “Kowboys and Indians” in round 4 of the playoffs! 

[VeniceIndianFan]

On 6/5/2023 at 4:24 PM, Ray Icaza said:

As usual, expectations are high but as previously alluded success will depend on development of several young but talented players.  They are definitely dedicated and working extremely hard so pleased with that aspect.  KOC vs APK and the first 3 games vs Treasure Coast, Seminole and Jones will provide them the tough challenge of gaining experience in matchups that should be considered toss-ups.  Offensively we should be fine early on whereas the growth will be on the defensive side.  Hopefully they will be up to speed when we play Lakeland in game #4 and Rockledge game #5 both at home.   Don't want to count my chickens before they hatch. 

 

[VeniceIndianFan]

Venice is hiring Denzel Nickerson to be their passing game coordinator/ assistant wide receiver coach.

[Ray Icaza]

53 minutes ago, VeniceIndianFan said:

As goes the offensive line, so goes the offense! Looks like an 8-2 season with a top 3 seed in 4S for Osceola incoming. Keep up this success and maybe we’ll be able to play “Kowboys and Indians” in round 4 of the playoffs! 

Thanks for the kind words but all we currently have is "POTENTIAL" and a lot needs to happen before we start envisioning a deep playoff run.  Odds of getting into the playoffs are pretty good but I believe seeding can have an impact on how far you go and I have little faith in the system based on history.  Exhibit #1 was last year with us having to travel to Vero Beach, which didn't affect the outcome but reflects the calculus.  Despite seeding them higher, we thumped them at their place 31-7 and very well could have been even more one-sided.  Does make me wonder. 

[VeniceIndianFan]

2 hours ago, Ray Icaza said:

Thanks for the kind words but all we currently have is "POTENTIAL" and a lot needs to happen before we start envisioning a deep playoff run.  Odds of getting into the playoffs are pretty good but I believe seeding can have an impact on how far you go and I have little faith in the system based on history.  Exhibit #1 was last year with us having to travel to Vero Beach, which didn't affect the outcome but reflects the calculus.  Despite seeding them higher, we thumped them at their place 31-7 and very well could have been even more one-sided.  Does make me wonder. 

Vero Beach, like last year, will not possess the physical maturity on its defensive line needed to challenge Osceola at the line of scrimmage and stop their fierce rushing attack. Their only hope at winning that region against your Kowboys is that their offense is able to get them to 35 points and their defense does just enough to hold you to 28. This is a dream. Treasure Coast is not dynamic enough offensively to score  enough points to win a shootout. As long as your offense can get you 17 points in either of these meetings with TC (and lord knows they are far more than capable of doing so,) Osceola should be a strong favorite to win their region and meet Venice/Manatee/Lakeland/Buccholz etc. in round 4.