- April 18, 2024
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Pirates coach Don Mathews talks to his team after the 7-on-7 scrimmage. Photo by Ray Boone
Matanzas quarterback Demontre Neely launches a pass downfield. Photo by Ray Boone
Matanzas' Donovan Try prepares to play defense during a 7-on-7 against St. Joseph's. Photo by Ray Boone
The Pirates' David Evans attempts to haul in a pass for a touchdown. Photo by Ray Boone
Matanzas' Gage Winecoff defends a pass against St. Joseph's. Photo by Ray Boone
Matanzas' Gage Winecoff (left) and Chad Rawlings defend a pass against St. Joseph's. Photo by Ray Boone
The Pirates' Rex Robich catches a pass for a touchdown. Photo by Ray Boone
Matanzas’ varsity football team competed in its first, and only, 7-on-7 scrimmage of the summer when the Pirates traveled up to St. Augustine on the morning of Wednesday, June 5, to square off against Seabreeze, St. Joseph’s Academy and Pedro Menendez on the practice fields at Pedro Menendez High School.
"We're going to keep working with our guys. We're going to get faster and stronger."
Demontre Neely, Pirates quarterback
The Pirates struggled for much of the day but were able to find somewhat of a rhythm. The defense brought down several interceptions throughout the day, including during a goal line stand against St. Joseph’s in their last game of the day. And rising senior quarterback Demontre Neely was able to connect on several impressive touchdown passes, including a 40-yarder to rising junior tight end Rex Robich.
“We want to compete, get better and help each other out,” Neely said after the scrimmage. “We want to see what each of us can do. We trust each other a bit better now because we know each other’s ability.”
Neely and fellow rising senior Skyelar Williams-Michaud are both leaders for the Pirates — and they will continue to set an example for the younger guys on the roster throughout the remainder of summer practice.
Williams-Michaud the young guys to get in the weight room.
“One thing they don’t like to do is lift weights,” said Williams-Michaud, who placed fourth in the Class 2A state weightlifting meet on April 12. “It all starts in the weight room, and you got to keep grinding every day.”
