FL Preseason Previews: Florida Christian, St. John's Country Day, Walton, Eau Gallie
January 7, 2020
Leading up to the start of the high school season, we will count down the Top 25 preseason teams every day as part of our comprehensive season coverage. Prior to that, we will break down some other teams across the state and what to watch for.
Team: Florida Christian
2019 Record: 20-9
FHSAA Class: 3A
Head Coach: Chris Brigman
Playoff Run: District Champions / Regional Final
Returning Starters: 10
Outlook
Florida Christian returns three senior arms on the mound including FIU commit Matthew Fernandez. Biggest returning bat is senior catcher Carlos Perez (Miami). Solid defensive team up the middle.
Team: St John’s Country Day
2019 Record: 20-8
FHSAA Class: 2A
Head Coach: Tom Lucas
Playoff Run: Regional Runner-Up
Returning Starters: 11
Outlook
In 2020 the Spartans will look to improve on their district title and playoff run to the regional finals by using a strong pitching staff that features 3 D-1 arms. Jace Thomas and Anthony Porrazo will also be key contributors to the staff that last season had an ERA of 2.33. They are extremely athletic with speed in all 9 starters that will make them very dangerous on the bases. The strength of the team will be throwing strikes from the mound as they have one of the top defenses in the state with 3 of the 4 infield starters being college commits. SJCDS will play a very demanding schedule that should test them and prepare them to meet some of the best in the state in the playoffs.
Team: Walton
2019 Record: 19-11
FHSAA Class: 3A
Head Coach: Jerry Harless
Playoff Run: Elite 8
Returning Starters: 12
Outlook
Walton has 7 returning starters that made history for the school last year by winning the first playoff game since 1956. Guys have worked hard in the off season getting stronger and working on weaknesses, hoping to make another deep run into the playoffs.
Team: Eau Gallie
2019 Record: 25-5
FHSAA Class: 5A
Head Coach: Bob Collins
Playoff Run: Regional Finals
Returning Starters: 11
Outlook
Eau Gallie has a good mix of talented seniors down to freshman on varsity this year. Pitchers such as Trey Jackson, Michael O’Keefe, Bubba Hagen and relievers Kevin Mars and Garett Wiles will be huge for us. The team should hit better with two FSU commits, Deamez Ross and Riley Jackson, and Sean Williams catching who signed with Palm Beach Atlantic University. Need to play strong defense and execute on offense.