The South Lake High School Eagles are setting the stage for an exciting 2025 football season under the guidance of Head Coach Brad Lord. It has only been a few years at the helm, but Lord has brought energy, discipline, and a clear vision to the program as the Eagles aim to build on their strong 2024 campaign.
Last year, South Lake finished with a 7-4 record and went undefeated in 6A District 2 play (4-0), showcasing the progress made under Lord’s leadership. Now, with a wealth of returning talent on both sides of the ball and a hunger for growth, the Eagles are poised to soar even higher.
A Strong Core Returns – South Lake returns an impressive 17 starters—8 on offense, 9 on defense—and both specialists, offering a rare level of experience and continuity.
Offensively, all eyes will be on junior quarterback Tre Kelly (Class of 2027), who brings two years of varsity experience and impressive stats to the table: over 1,200 passing yards, 6 touchdowns through the air, and 300 rushing yards with 7 scores on the ground. Kelly will be flanked by standout running back Malik Holman (Class of 2026), who racked up over 1,100 rushing yards in 2024. Key playmakers like wide receivers Keydrick Powell, Tyger Darden, and tight end Isaiah Desir return, giving Kelly plenty of targets. Anchoring the offensive line are veterans Dylan Prinzel, Christian Taylor, and Blayton Rush—all from the Class of 2026.
Defensively, the Eagles return a stacked unit led by senior linemen Jesse Barker Jr. and Murphy Connelly, both known for their relentless pressure. The linebacker corps of Tyson Williams and Jayson Vasquez will be central to South Lake’s defensive scheme. The secondary boasts athleticism and depth with Rome Mckinnond, Joseph Robinson, Julian White, and two-way star Tyger Darden.
On special teams, kicker Chris Mckenna and punter Zaide Nance both return. Mckenna is known as one of the strongest legs in Central Florida, while Nance averaged an impressive 38 yards per punt in 2024.
Rising Stars and Depth Development – Several players with varsity experience last season are expected to take on larger roles, including Andrew Carter, Landon Coning, Brian Bedingfield, and Quoy Nelson. Meanwhile, newcomers such as Markel Jenkins, Isaiah Pina, Ahvioume Scott, and Graham Carroll are making waves in offseason workouts and catching the attention of the coaching staff.
On defense, young talents like Cory Scott, Jariah Powe, Iancarlo Passalaqua, and Andrew Boris are showing promise in spring practices and 7-on-7 competitions.
Keys to Success – Coach Lord emphasizes the importance of offensive diversity heading into the new season. “We need to get the ball into the hands of our playmakers in space,” he said. “Football IQ, discipline, and building depth at all positions will be a major focus for us this spring.”
The Eagles will rely on their experienced veterans to mentor younger teammates and foster a culture of accountability. “If we tackle, block, execute, and stay disciplined, we believe we can compete with anyone,” said Lord.
Spring Game Preview – South Lake will test its mettle against a powerhouse opponent in South Sumter on May 16 at 7:30 PM in the spring game. It’s a crucial opportunity to evaluate progress, build chemistry, and set the tone for the fall.
As Coach Lord puts it: “The spring is about learning. We have to learn, be disciplined, and committed. Our veterans must lead the way for our younger players and set the standard.”
With strong leadership, returning stars, and a hunger to grow, the South Lake Eagles are preparing for a season that could turn heads across Central Florida.
