We tell you everything you need to know about the 2024 Beachside High School football team in this preview, including roster changes and what fans can expect from the Barracudas this season.
2023 Stats
- Overall Record: 9-1
- Points Scored: 442
- Points Allowed:102
Key Losses
Beachside loses its top three linebackers, who were also the team’s top tacklers, from last year’s team.
Eddie “JR” Craig was the team’s leader with 119 tackles, including 19 tackles for loss and four sacks.
Will Dudley was second in tackles on the team with 110 tackles, including 13 tackles for loss and five sacks.
The third leading tackler who will be missed is Alex Kinchen, who had 73 tackles on the season, including 10 tackles for loss and two fumble recoveries. He, along with his two linebacker teammates, tied for the team lead in interceptions with four picks each.
All three are also getting the chance to play collegiately, with Craig headed to American International College in Massachusetts, Dudley to Monroe College in New Jersey, and Kinchen to River City Community College.
Who’s Back
The Barracudas return starting quarterback Eddie Jordan, a junior.
Jordan will be throwing to a pair of receivers whom head coach Pete Duffy called his Twin Towers. They are wideouts Zach Duncan, a 6-foot-6 senior, and Maddox Hunstad, a 6-foot-5 junior. Duncan is a transfer from Alabama, while Hunstad missed all of last season after breaking his collarbone in preparation for the 2023 season-opener.
Another key player who missed all of last season with an injury is senior defensive end Nigel Eldridge. Duffy said Eldridge is recovered and ready to go.
“He (Eldridge) has had a really good offseason,” Duffy said.
Eldridge is committed to Georgia Southern.
A big-time returner for Beachside is kicker and punter Owen Carey. Kohl’s has Carey ranked as the No. 13 kicker in the country for the Class of 2026 with a rating of 4.5 stars.
What to Expect
After spending its first two seasons playing in the independent freelance district with other new programs, Beachside moves to District 3 in Class 5A for the 2024 season.
“This will be our third season of football, and we will be joining a tougher district with a much tougher schedule,” Duffy said.
Things will be more challenging this year, but the Barracudas have a lot of talent returning in 2024, especially on offense.
“I think that’s where we will be really good this year, but we lose all of our back seven (defensive backfield and linebackers) on defense,” said Duffy, who arrived three years ago from California to start the football program at Beachside.
Game to Watch
Season-opener on Aug. 16 versus Atlantic Coast
Prediction
Beachside remains competitive and finishes 7-3.
