Fort Myers Football Builds New Identity

Monday marked the start of high school football season, with practices officially starting across Southwest Florida.

Fort Myers is coming off one of their best seasons in recent history. The Green Wave compiled a perfect 10-0 record in the regular season, followed by a trip to the third round of the state playoffs.

But the Green Wave graduated 24 seniors from that team, including a senior quarterback who was also a captain (Dylan DeGroot), a work-horse running back (Terrance Moore), and most of their offensive line that helped Moore rush for over 1400 yards.

Coach Sammy Sirianni said this time of year when his team needs to establish its new identity.

“I came up last week and cleaned out the case of last year, all the pictures down from last year,” said Sirianni.

In the spring, several players could be seen wearing the “Undefeated” t-shirts made for the previous season. On Monday’s first fall practice, none of the players were wearing that shirt.

“Last year’s team will always have a special place in my heart, but you have to turn the page,” said Sirianni.

Running back/receiver and all-around athlete Darrian Felix should have an expanded role in the Fort Myers offense this year. The junior put on 20 pounds of “good weight” since last season. Felix already got offers from several schools including Miami and West Virginia.

Coach Sirianni calls Felix a “Percy Harvin-type player” and one of the best he’s seen in years.