We tell you everything you need to know about the 2024 Bartram Trail football team in this preview, including roster changes and what fans can expect from the Bears this season.
2023 Stats
- Overall Record: 8-5
- Points Scored: 418
- Points Allowed: 388
Key Losses
Head coach Cory Johns said the Bears were hit hard on the defensive side by graduation.
“We lost every starter from our 2023 defense,” Johns said.
Those losses include edge rusher Mikey Matos, a Second Team All-County selection from 2023 who had four sacks as a rush specialist for the Bears last season. He will continue his football career at Shorter University.
Bartram Trail’s secondary will be impacted by the loss of safety Sergio Lanzas and cornerback Julian Porter, who were both Second Team All-County selections last season.
Linebacker Caden Baldwin is another top player from the Bears’ defensive unit who will be missed this season. He was a First Team selection on the 2023 All-County squad.
Kicker and punter Liam Pardon is also gone. He was a weapon for the Bears, connecting on 45 of 56 field goal attempts in his high school football career.
Who’s Back
Returning to lead the Bartram Trail offense this season will be quarterback Jaden Weatherly. The junior started three games in 2023 and ended the season with 328 yards passing with three touchdowns. He also rushed 27 times for 135 yards. He’ll replace former quarterback Riley Trujillo, who is now at UCF.
Weatherly will have two big-time weapons joining him once again on this year’s offense in sophomore tight end Connor Winn and junior running back Arthur Lewis. Both players have received numerous college offers and will have a major impact on the Bartram Trail offense in 2024.
Lewis is a threat in both the run game and as a receiver out of the backfield. He’s collected 478 yards rushing and 508 yards receiving over the past two seasons.
Winn caught three touchdowns in his freshman season last year, and he’ll only get better as he matures over the next three seasons.
Returning to anchor the offensive line will be center Zach Marshall.
What to Expect
Despite there being so many new faces on the Bears defense this season, Johns said he thinks this year’s team has a chance to be very good.
“I think we could have one of the best teams ever here at Bartram Trail even with there being 11 new guys on the defense,” the head coach said.
All that talent returning at the skill positions should more than offset any expected struggles with inexperience this year.
Look for the Bears to have one of the more explosive offenses on the First Coast this year.
Prediction
11-4 overall record
Game to Watch
Sept. 6 at Ware County
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