We tell you everything you need to know about the 2023 Ponte Vedra football team, including roster changes and what fans can expect from the Sharks this season.
2022 Stats
- Overall Record: 5-5
- Points Scored: 246
- Points Allowed: 233
Key Losses
The Sharks will miss several key players from the 2022 squad, starting with DE Layne Swafford, who leaves with 83 tackles, including 7 sacks over the past two seasons. He signed with Florida in the offseason. His defensive mate at linebacker, Trooper Price, was the team’s leading tackler last season with 114 total tackles, and he came away with 2 INT last year. He is taking his defensive talent to Colgate University.
The receiving corps has some talent coming back but will be without Wyatt Rogers, who has graduated. Rogers had an outstanding career as a Sharks receiver and kick returner, hauling in 62 passes for 978 yards and 4 TDs over the last three seasons. He also averaged 22.4 yards as a kick returner on the Sharks special teams unit. He’s headed to Stetson University to continue his football career.
Ponte Vedra sends more two graduates to play college football, with LS Billy Boss heading to Utica and Xavier Agate going to the United States Merchant Marine Academy. Also, DL Kingston Kamal is at SE Missouri State University to continue his career.
Who’s Back
According to head coach Steve Price, the Sharks bring back QB Ben Burk, a three-year starter at the position. Burk is one of the best dual-threat QBs in the First Coast area, and his talent and experience is a huge plus for the Sharks. He’ll be taking snaps from another top talent in the area as Michigan commit Jake Guarnera, who previously played at left tackler, will move to center.
Another experienced returnee on the offensive line is three-year starter Jovanni Mackenzie at OG. Brian Case is back at RB, and Burk will have an experienced group of returning receivers to thow to in Cole Madson, Griffin Owen, Ryan Smith, and Landon Okla. The latter has several major college offers, including Maryland, Cincinnati, and Pittsburgh.
The defense has a lot of experience returning, including Zac Martus, Ridge Richardson, and Joe Mahoney in the defensive backfield. The Sharks linebacker corps has three-star LB Maddux Babin, and he’ll line up behind an experienced defensive line that includes Ryker Kemp, Ed Houston, and Nick Grieco.
What to Expect
There is a chance for Price and his 2023 Ponte Vedra football team to break through and really make some noise, as this year’s edition of the Sharks is full of potential. They have solid talent and multi-year starters returning in every area of the team, including at quarterback with Burk, the three-year starter. Both lines of scrimmage are loaded with experienced talent, the defensive backfield is skilled, and the Sharks have two of the best linebackers in the state. Several of these 2023 players will be playing on Saturdays next season.
Ponte Vedra looked pretty good in its spring game win over Beachside, scoring 22 points in the first half alone. Steve Price is starting his third season at Ponte Vedra, and Sharks fans are hoping he can take this talented 2023 football team deep into the state playoffs. They certainly have the roster to get there.
Prediction
8-4 overall record as Price gets the Sharks program rolling in year 3 of his tenure.
Game to Watch
Flagler Palm Coast on September 29 is an important district game for the Sharks.
Want to get the latest news and opinions in the Florida high school sports world before anyone else? Subscribe to our email newsletter!
