New Head Bobby Clayton has his hands full trying to turn around the Gulf Breeze program. Even though they are 6A, the Dolphins only have 40 athletes out for football. Coach Clayton is very familiar with the program, since he attended and played for the Dolphins. Having coached in the Pensacola area for over 15 years he believes Gulf Breeze can be a program to be reckoned with in time.
One of the strengths for the Dolphins this upcoming year is the offensive leaders are all returning. Quarterback Tyler Phelps 1161 yds. passing, Running Back Tristan Covell 604 yds. rushing, and Receiver Cole Sheppard with 77 receptions, 820 yards, 12 TDs. On the offensive line they have veteran John Learned and Dimiti Pejic setting the wall so Phelps will have time to distribute the ball. With this experience at these key positions Coach Clayton feels like he can get it started.
Five defensive starters return from last year. Defensive linemen Liam Gessler and Matthew Hawkins, linebacker Logan Green, and defensive backs Walter Yates III and interception leader Matthew Demahey. The plan for this year is to get all 11 defenders flying to the ball.
Coach Clayton feels like his senior leadership and the team’s hard work will show results this Fall. It will be the first step in changing the culture of the program and getting the players to believe they can win. He also wants instill a level of competition in the Dolphins where they will finish plays and not give up.
On a another note, Coach Clayton wants to see his alma mater become a playoff contender each year and more Gulf Breeze students come out for the team.
Gulf Breeze Dolphins
Written by Arnold Gamber
