4 Questions With Union County Football Coach Andrew Thomas
We spoke with Union County football coach Andrew Thomas to get his thoughts on this season.
Q: What was the path, from player to coach, that brought you to Union County?
A: “I only played high school ball. I have been coaching since college and full time as teacher and coach going on 22 years now, as head coach in football from Trenton (five years), TR Miller, AL (two), Trinity Catholic (two), Union (one).”
Q: Last year was a challenge for every player and coach throughout Florida high school sports with COVID-related issues. How was your program affected?
A: “For the most part it was normal for us. Fortunately, in a rural school, we didn’t see as many restrictions. There were some times we lost a few kids for a week for contact tracing, but for most part not too off the norm.”
Q: What are your thoughts on the FHSSA’s recent rule change on realignment? How does that affect your scheduling moving forward?
A: “The realignment dropped some bigger schools into 1A, but our region had a few changes. It is what it is, so we have to go win on the field.”
Q: What are your expectations for the upcoming season for your team?
A: “We have a team that is young but with some key guys with experience returning. We have several holes to fill on both sides from graduation and injuries that are concerning.”
“A lot will depend on how fast our youth can grow. I believe we will be a stronger team as a whole, but the LB and DBs on defense are inexperienced. We will rely on Martin and Malcolm Odum and hopefully get Trevor Holtzendorf back early, but that’s uncertain as he recovers from a knee injury.”
“The DL will be the most experienced bunch on defense with Curran Webb and Marcus Strong anchoring that. On offense we lack a lot of depth at RB and WR. Manny Covey is the only experience returning, and he is currently a sophomore.”
“OL should be improved as they all return and will rely heavily on our QB, AJ Cortese, who will only be a junior.”
Written by: Phil Jones
