We tell you everything you need to know about the 2025 Stratford Academy football team in this preview, including roster changes and what fans can expect from the Eagles this season.
2024 Season Stats
- Overall Record: 7-4
- Points Scored: 355
- Points Allowed: 188
Key Roster Losses
Head football coach Paul Carroll is heading into his second season at Stratford Academy, and he’ll be without some key members of last year’s seven-win team.
“Brooks Garner was our H-back on offense and our Mike LB on defense, and he never came out of the game,” Carroll said of one of his top players not returning. “He was our leader on defense with over 140 tackles last year, and he was a very smart player. He was our school valedictorian.”
Two other players Carroll said will be missed are dual-threat quarterback Connor Fitzpatrick and cornerback and wide receiver Tyler Burnett. In 2024 Fitzpatrick had 1,470 yards passing with 18 TDs along with 533 yards rushing and nine more TDs. Burnett had 29 tackles and two interceptions last season.
Key Players Returning
Returning to the Eagles in 2025 is junior Jett Johnston, a player Carroll described as explosive and their QB on defense. Johnston will play wide receiver and free safety again this year.
“He’s a guy that we must find ways to get the ball in his hands as much as possible this year,” Carroll said of Johnston.
Senior Tyler Stephens is a player who is tough as nails, according to Carroll.
“(Stephens) played the entire season with a broken leg last season,” Carroll said. “It was a non-weight bearing bone, so he toughed it out.”
Stephens will play at running back and defensive back in 2025, and he currently has a college offer from the University of West Georgia.
Senior Chase Spencer, who played at defensive end last season, will be moved to linebacker this year, according to Carroll.
Also returning are defensive end and tight end Maddox Whitehead, a senior, and offensive and defensive lineman Thomas Gregory, a junior.
“Both of those guys are old school linemen who play a very physical style,” Carroll said of Whitefield and Gregory.
Junior possession receiver George Dunn and sophomore quarterback Tucker Johnston return.
What to Expect From the Stratford Academy Eagles in 2025
Carroll said he isn’t sure what to expect from his 2025 Stratford squad right now.
“We just weren’t able to do much of anything this spring due to so many of our key players involved with other sports, so this summer will be very important for us,” Carroll said.
He said he really wants to work on the spread offense with sophomore QB Tucker Johnston and make sure he’s comfortable running the offense.
“We are still trying to figure out what we’re good at,” Carroll said, also noting that it’s important for the team to capitalize on last year’s quarterfinals finish. “We’ve got to take that next step forward this season and win that last game of the year.”
2025 Season Prediction
Carroll and his Eagles make another deep run in the playoffs and finish 9-3 overall.
Game to Watch
Sept. 19 versus Brookstone
