Brandon Brown is just the current headliner when it comes to Eau Gallie High football talent. The LSU commit anchors the Commodores defensive line but is surrounded by other impressive players all over the roster.
The core of the lineup that won the school’s first district championship ever returns. A regional quarterfinal postseason exit just gives the players a reason to do that and more in 2024.
“The biggest thing I could say about this team is we have experience, a lot of guys have played a lot of varsity snaps in their career,” head coach Chris Sands said. “We didn’t lose much. It’s all the same kids, so basically all those kids are one year better.”
At least three players will be key on both sides of the ball: junior DB/WR Xavier Lherisse, senior LB/RB Emmanuel Small and DB/WR Jay Latson, who also came at quarterback down the stretch last year. Lherisse has become a coveted college recruit as a turnover creator, nine interceptions and three forced fumbles last year.
Linebacker Caden Davis led the defensive stats with 138 tackles a year ago, and Ray Berry returns alongside him, after a 100-tackle season. Senior rusher Josh Roberts (four sacks a year ago) has risen up recruiting charts, and senior A.J. Forehand is another hot property
The key addition is at quarterback, where former MCC starter Joseph Allen takes over for his senior season.
“He’s so polished for such a young age,” Sands said. “Obviously, he can make every throw, but he’s mentally polished as well.”
For the Hustlers, Allen passed for 2,174 yards, 29 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Senior Mauze Pitts anchors the line in front of him.
Head coach: Chris Sands returns for his seventh season running the Commodores program.
Returning stat leaders: Tay Welch 114 rushes-1,353 yards, 11 TDs; Mekhi Biggs 22 rec.-235 yards, 2 TDs; Emmanuel Small 103 tkls, 21 TFL, five sacks; Caden Davis 138 tkls.; Xavier Lherisse 9 Ints, 3 forced fumbles; Brandon Brown 40 tkls., four sacks; Josh Roberts, 74 tkls, four sacks; Rayshaan Berry 100 tkls.
2024 Eau Gallie schedule
Aug. 23 Vero Beach
Aug. 30 at Rockledge
Sep. 6 at Heritage
Sep. 13 at Satellite
Sep. 20 Orange City University
Sep. 27 at Titusville
Oct. 11 Merritt Island
Oct. 18 Palm Bay
Oct. 25 at Tallahassee Lincoln
Nov. 1 Melbourne
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Eau Gallie High Tour of Brevard 2024 high school football preview
