Merritt Island Mustangs
2015: 8-4, 1st in 5A District 14
Head Coach: Jeff McLean, 10th season (76-30)
Key Returners: S Quentin Ashley, QB James Batch (1,573 yds passing, 778 yds rushing), K/P Mason Denaburg (2nd team all-state selection as punter), CB Sean Diggs, DL Brandon Montanez, WR Deben Peterson (58 receptions), DE Cooper Wilson
The Scoop: The Mustangs have reached the postseason each of the last eight seasons and are currently on a five year district championship streak. Despite the success, the Mustangs have lost in the 2nd round of the playoffs for the past six years. Quarterback James Batch, a Harvard commit is a dual threat for Merritt Island and will rely on the six other starters that return on offense.
Quotable: “There’s a bunch of seniors who think about what happened last year playing Bishop Moore, we’re still upset about that and we’re going to make a big difference from last year.” - Diggs
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It’s a feeling Merritt Island is tired of experiencing, losing to Bishop Moore in the playoffs.
“It’s a little bit heartbreaking to be honest,” said defensive end Cooper Wilson. “We really are determined now, working hard in the offseason trying to get better everyday so it doesn’t happen again.”
“Losing to the same team twice in the second round, it’s alright,” said cornerback Sean Diggs. “We’re going to get them next year.”
The Hornets ended the Mustangs season 49-28 last year and 10-0 the year before. But a solid core of seniors led by quarterback James Batch a Harvard commit has the team feeling positive about replacing Taquan Pratt, the leading rusher last season.
“I’m just as good as my teammates are,” said quarterback James Batch. “It’s the team as a whole. Everyone has their job and we’re going to have to do our job throughout the game.”
“Anytime you have an experienced quarterback that’s a confidence builder,” said Heritage head coach Jeff McLean.
Merritt Island takes pride in their hard nosed style of defense and return six starters on that side of the ball that gave up 19 points a game last season.
“We’re a lot more athletic than a lot of people think,” said nose guard Brandon Montanez. “A lot of us going two ways, both ways on the ball just getting after it.”
The playoffs and the Mustangs seemingly go hand in hand, they’re a five time defending district champ and have reached the postseason eight straight seasons. Now it’s time to take the next step and make it past the second round.
“We definitely want to make it farther,” said Wilson. “For me and I know for the team, district champs, it’s not enough, we want to win more.”
“Our seniors this year are really focused on bringing the lower guys to standard so we can be better next year too,” said Diggs.
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2016 Schedule
8/26 @ Heritage
9/2 @ Lake Wales
9/9 Viera
9/16 Space Coast
9/23 Port St. Lucie
9/30 @ Satellite
10/14 Titusville
10/21 @ Palm Bay
10/28 @ Rockledge
11/4 Calusa Prep