VERO BEACH — The Vero Beach Fighting Indians football team hit the practice fields Tuesday after their return to the classroom. Vero Beach will host the Palm Bay Pirates Friday night for their annual kickoff classic game.
Vero Beach head football coach is in his 3rd year as head coach of the Fighting Indians who had an overall record of 9-2 last season. The Pirates finished with an overall record of 8-5 last season. Second year quarterback Dalton Stokes took all of the snaps under center during Tuesday’s practice at Vero Beach High.
Stokes completed 207 of 314 passes for 2514 yards and 25 touchdowns last season. Returning at the key receiving positions will be Seniors Javonte Bagley, Jimmy Williamson, and Will Dawkins. Bagley caught 39 passes last season for 550 yards and 7 touchdowns. Williamson had 59 receptions for 549 yards and 8 touchdowns. Dawkins caught 39 passes for 660 yards and 4 touchdowns. In the backfield Senior Roosevelt Spruill will handle most of the rushing duties for Vero Beach again this year. Spruill had 66 carries for 398 yards and 1 touchdown last season.
On the defensive side of the ball Vero Beach has some huge holes to fill especially at linebacker and in the secondary. Vero Beach lost the athleticism of Sean Paul and the devastating punch of Dravious Wright in the secondary to graduation. Both players went to play at the college level. The main anchor to the defense this season will be 5-9 200lb senior defensive lineman Johnathan Gallo. Gallo has been a leader on the team dating back to last season and the Fighting Indians need his natural leadership ability to pull the young defense together.
Sophomore Defensive End Patrick Bethel who transferred over to Vero Beach this year from Sebastian River has been getting some serious practice time and with his 6-3 240lb physique he will be an intimidating force on the front line. The question is will his lack of experience and the roar of 3,000 fans rattles his cage. That question will be answered Friday night at the Citrus Bowl.
