We tell you everything you need to know about the 2023 Pedro Menendez football team, including roster changes and what fans can expect from the Falcons this season.
2022 Stats
Overall Record: 5-5
Points Scored: 185
Points Allowed: 176
Key Losses
Fortunately for the Falcons and their fans, they aren’t losing a lot from the 2022 squad, with just a few seniors graduating. One of those key players who will not return is ATH Noah Lawless, who did a little bit of everything during his career at Menendez. He played quarterback, including two years ago when he stepped in at the position for much of the season following an injury to the starter. He also played running back, receiver, and wherever he was needed on defense. Lawless is one player who will be missed in many areas. Former DB/WR standout Julian Quintero has transferred for his final season, and he too will be missed.
Who’s Back
The Falcons will welcome back several younger players from the 2022 season, including sophomore QB Reeve Power, who saw a good bit of time developing his talents in spring practice and this summer in 7 on 7 passing camps. Receivers who have been working on their skills since last season include Zack Sina, Reid Whittaker, and Ryland Vabolis. Two-way senior standout Jason Watson, who will also see time at cornerback, is expected to emerge as one of the team leaders in 2023.
Junior Joseph Soto is heading into his third year as a starting linebacker, and he will also see time at running back. He has been among the team’s top defensive players in his career with the Falcons; look for #32 to be in on a lot of action for Menendez this year. Seniors Trey Pate and Gideon Collins will be counted on by new head coach Anthony Rivers as team leaders in the locker room and on the field. Pate will line up at center and guard, while Collins will return to the defensive backfield and also see time at RB.
What to Expect
The Falcons are hoping Rivers can get the program back to the state playoffs, where Menendez found itself in five of the past eight seasons, including a streak of four straight seasons of postseason play from 2017 to 2020. The Falcons won the District 5 5-A Championship in 2019.
Rivers hasn’t had much time to focus on the past; he was hired in early April and has been busy just trying to get everyone in the right place to help this team be successful in 2023. The Falcons finished 3-1 in district play last season, just one game behind district champion St. Augustine. They finished ahead of Clay, Matanzas and Gainesville, so with another solid season against their district foes and a good showing against the rest of the schedule, this could be a successful debut for Rivers and his Pedro Menendez football team in 2023.
Prediction
6-5 and a run at the district championship in 2023.
Game to Watch
September 15 at St. Augustine.
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