Atlantic’s hopes flow despite inexperience

DELRAY BEACH — Atlantic football coach T.J. Jackson made one thing clear Monday afternoon: Anyone not ready to play for one of the area’s top teams needed to look in the mirror and leave.

“It all goes back to discipline.,” Jackson said after the team’s first day of practice. “We’re tired, but it’s mental. We need to focus on the techniques, fundamentals, and work on our mental focus.”

Though Atlantic is coming off an appearance in the 2017 Class 8A State championship game, where the Eagles lost 17-7 to Orlando Dr. Phillips, they’re a much different team this summer. The Eagles graduated quarterback Antoine Williams, senior running back Shelley Singletary, and wide receivers Corey Gammage, Cadarius Gaskin and Oyeh Lurry-Davis. Atlantic also tragically lost rising senior defensive back Marc’Allan Derac, who died in May following a dirtbike accident in Greenacres. Derac had multiple Division I offers and was expected to headline a strong Eagles defense in 2018.

“I think the team rallied around what happened,” Jackson said. “It’s awful. We’re (still) trying to keep our spirits up.”

Much of Monday’s practice was spent working with the team’s younger players on basic fundamentals and conditioning. The often-reserved Jackson was visibly frustrated with some freshman during a sprinting drill at the end of practice.

“We’re young, we know it’s going to take some time and effort,” Jackson said.

That’s not to say the Eagles lack talent entering this season. Senior defensive back Kael Williams is viewed as a breakout candidate, and three-star recruit Henry Bryant, still only a junior, is growing into one of the area’s top defensive tackles.

Bryant currently holds offers from multiple Power Five programs and attended a Louisville camp this summer. With freshmen already gravitating toward him at practice, Bryant said he’s not feeling any increased pressure to lead and mentor his new teammates.

“I’m definitely gonna be that guy,” said Bryant. “I don’t see (any) pressure because we still got a lot of talent this year, also. We’re gonna bring it again this year.”

Williams has simple advice for any Eagles who want to show they belong on the team.

“Just pay attention more and get more reps,” he said. “I need to teach the young guys so they can be better than me. (Our mood) is not to lose.”

PALM BEACH POST The first day of practice for many Florida teams, including Wellington (left), was welcomed. For Atlantic, its coach touched on discipline.