A Look Back – 2008 Seniors
Let’s go back four years ago. The Venice Indian Football program was a little different then it is now. Imagine Dri Archer as a freshmen, smaller in size, maybe not quite sure of his capabilities. Imagine Billy Nagle and Mike Lopez. Two big freshmen who didn’t know how to use their size, didn’t “get it” yet, not as tough. For a moment picture James Auxier, his hair shorter and he was minus the club hand. Ethan Mix had short hair too. Gerald Oriol was a bigger kid, he completely transformed his body the same with Jamie Owen.
It’s easier for some of us to sit back and remember. We’ve watched them grow up and mature into the young men that they are now. Back then Coach Peacock was still the Defensive Coordinator, and Coach Skelton had just begun to give these guys their first taste of Venice Football.
There are 22 seniors, 22 special kids that slowly have come into their own and are determined to leave their mark on the history of Venice Football.
Their freshmen year was 2005. The Varsity Indians had snuck into the playoffs, upset and undefeated Ft. Myers team and lost to the Largo Packers. For some of those freshmen, they got to experience a little of that. Their sophomore year they watched as the Indians went a 1-9. As juniors they helped lay the foundation of a new era in Venice Football, and helped capture the first district championship in three years.
We fast forward four years later, and these seniors are leading the way to what could be a back-to-back district championship and an undefeated season thus far with a win tonight.
The timid, awkward freshmen from four years ago are putting up improbable numbers. The same Archer who some said was too small to play as a freshmen, is turning heads with his speed and elusiveness. Our offensive line has begun to play up to their potential. Our defense at times are playing lights out, and we have quite a few leaders.
We can only imagine what the future holds for this group. Could anyone have pictured this four years ago? Time has gone by fast, and will continue to do so. These seniors are already three years and seven games into their high school careers. Coach Peacock says that they are only guaranteed ten games their senior season. Ten. What they do tonight will determine if they get one more.
Tonight the Indians square off against Manatee. Last year Venice played spoiler to the Canes’ undefeated season, as they went into Joe Kinnan Stadium to capture the District Championship. Manatee is out for blood, and looks to return the favor. Venice is 7-0, and is just coming off a major win against Charlotte High last week. Look for Venice to stay up emotionally and use that momentum tonight. Manatee is a very good team, with lots of talent and great coaching, as well as a rich football history of their own.
Let’s go back four years ago. The Venice Indian Football program was a little different then it is now. Imagine Dri Archer as a freshmen, smaller in size, maybe not quite sure of his capabilities. Imagine Billy Nagle and Mike Lopez. Two big freshmen who didn’t know how to use their size, didn’t “get it” yet, not as tough. For a moment picture James Auxier, his hair shorter and he was minus the club hand. Ethan Mix had short hair too. Gerald Oriol was a bigger kid, he completely transformed his body the same with Jamie Owen.
It’s easier for some of us to sit back and remember. We’ve watched them grow up and mature into the young men that they are now. Back then Coach Peacock was still the Defensive Coordinator, and Coach Skelton had just begun to give these guys their first taste of Venice Football.
There are 22 seniors, 22 special kids that slowly have come into their own and are determined to leave their mark on the history of Venice Football.
Their freshmen year was 2005. The Varsity Indians had snuck into the playoffs, upset and undefeated Ft. Myers team and lost to the Largo Packers. For some of those freshmen, they got to experience a little of that. Their sophomore year they watched as the Indians went a 1-9. As juniors they helped lay the foundation of a new era in Venice Football, and helped capture the first district championship in three years.
We fast forward four years later, and these seniors are leading the way to what could be a back-to-back district championship and an undefeated season thus far with a win tonight.
The timid, awkward freshmen from four years ago are putting up improbable numbers. The same Archer who some said was too small to play as a freshmen, is turning heads with his speed and elusiveness. Our offensive line has begun to play up to their potential. Our defense at times are playing lights out, and we have quite a few leaders.
We can only imagine what the future holds for this group. Could anyone have pictured this four years ago? Time has gone by fast, and will continue to do so. These seniors are already three years and seven games into their high school careers. Coach Peacock says that they are only guaranteed ten games their senior season. Ten. What they do tonight will determine if they get one more.
Tonight the Indians square off against Manatee. Last year Venice played spoiler to the Canes’ undefeated season, as they went into Joe Kinnan Stadium to capture the District Championship. Manatee is out for blood, and looks to return the favor. Venice is 7-0, and is just coming off a major win against Charlotte High last week. Look for Venice to stay up emotionally and use that momentum tonight. Manatee is a very good team, with lots of talent and great coaching, as well as a rich football history of their own.
