- April 18, 2024
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FBCA football's new head coach Bob Drewes. Photo by Ray Boone
Tackle football was first introduced to First Baptist Christian Academy in the fall of 2017, and former head coach Charlie Washington was there to lead the Crusaders in their inaugural season.
Washington stepped down from that position in July 2019, and FBCA’s athletics department was in search of the next person for the job.
Enter Bob Drewes.
“I don’t think I’m a drill sergeant. I try to be laidback with the guys. But at the same time, I’m still easing my way into it. I still haven’t found my niche yet.”
BOB DREWES, Crusaders head coach
Drewes, who played football all throughout high school, moved to Flagler County from Islamorada in March. His wife teaches second grade at First Baptist, and she was the one who let him know about the open coaching position.
“The opportunity came along,” Drewes said, “and I jumped right in.”
He was hired three weeks ago as the school’s physical education teacher. But the transition into coaching the Crusaders’ eight-man football team has been a slow one.
Headmaster Dr. Jason Harrison, who has more than 20 years of football coaching experience, filled in as the coach while Drewes got up to speed.
“It’s still good for me,” said Harrison, who also coaches the Crusaders’ wrestling team. “I enjoy [coaching football]. But it’s more of a time issue than probably anything.”
The Crusaders played their first game of the season on Aug. 23 against Duval Charter, losing 42-6 to the two-time state champions.
Since his hiring, Drewes has been to three practices, a junior varsity game and a varsity game, “offering his two cents when necessary.”
The plan is for him to take sole possession over the team — which has 25 players, half of whom are 8th and 9th graders — in the next few weeks.
The Crusaders’ next game is on Friday, Sept. 13, against Lakeside Christian.
“Everyone here is super nice and very helpful, and it’s been a very easy transition for me,” Drewes said. “I’m looking forward to just bonding with the kids and making relationships with them — mentoring them not just in football but in life.”
