Mitchell (Fla.) football getting back to the basics after region final run

Regardless of whomever wins the starting role will have huge shoes to fill as Thomas won three playoff games as Mitchell’s starter and a lot of the Mustangs’ offense is predicated on solid quarterback play.

Behind center isn’t the only void the team is currently facing as wide receivers Bryce Backus and RJ Peabody both graduate this spring, leaving Schmitz and his staff searching for the new wave of playmakers out wide. The Mustangs’ head coach knows a lot of ‘headline’ name guys will be gone, but he sees plenty of experience also returning as well.

“We obviously graduated a lot of talent and a lot of experience, but we’ve got a really good, hard-working group of kids here that really like each other,” Schmitz said.

“We lost the guys that kind of made the headlines, with Cayden and Bryce and RJ, you know, but, there’s guys here that have been major contributors. Cody Connor was a major contributor on both sides of the ball last year. Nolan Keirns as a defensive tackle had a heck of a year. Anthony Mirabeli came on at the end of the year and was a really good football player for us. Robert Dunning at free safety and a little bit of running back. There’s guys here that have done it at the varsity level and have done on a team that made it to the regional finals.”

One thing that hasn’t changed whatsoever for Mitchell is the type of numbers they see on an annual basis, with Schmitz’s squad hovering around 70 participants and he expects another 30 to join via its freshmen class when late July rolls around.

Heading into his 14th year as a head coach, Schmitz has seen a lot during his time out of Pasco County, Florida but the expectations haven’t wavered at any point in time. Playing in a new district with the likes of Gaither, East Lake and Largo, Mitchell will have their hands full in trying to get back into the postseason.

At the end of many of their first spring practices, Mitchell concludes with running a fundamental pursuit drill with every player on the team taking part in some way, shape or form. It’s getting back to the basics for the Mustangs as they have a group that will feature new stars, but its the goals remain the same.

“I’ve always said the goal is always the same here. The goal is to win a district championship and advance (in the playoffs),” Schmitz added. “Anything that we do after that. Obviously, you never want to put a cap on what you’re trying to do or anything, but you know, winning the district and advancing in the playoffs is always the standard here. That doesn’t change regardless of who graduated or who’s coming back or whatever. I really like this group of kids.”

More about James W. Mitchell High School

James W. Mitchell High School in New Port Richey, FL, offers a diverse educational experience with a focus on academic excellence and athletic achievement. As a part of the Pasco County School District, it provides a range of extracurricular activities and sports programs, including football and basketball, fostering both academic and athletic growth among its students.

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