BATTLE OF THE UNDEFEATED: Cocoa Tigers Travel to Venice in Week 3 Prep Football Action
By Jordan Rocco, Space Coast Daily // September 10, 2021
kickoff set for 7:30 p.m.
BREVARD COUNTY • COCOA, FLORIDA – The Cocoa Tigers will face another challenging matchup when they travel to Venice tonight to take on the Venice Indians, who are the 57th ranked prep football team in the nation, according to MaxPreps.
The Cocoa Tigers (2-0) have had excellent start to their season by garnering two big wins over top-caliber teams in the state of Florida.
In Week 1, the Tigers defeated the Vero Beach Indians 42-41 in a thrilling overtime win after Cocoa successfully converted on a two-point conversion for the win.
In Week 2, the Tigers defeated the Osceola Kowboys 21-20 after a strong defensive stand on the last drive of the game.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
– The Tigers and Indians faced off in 2019, where Venice came out on top 48-31
– The Tigers are led by Head Coach Ryan Schneider
– The Indians are led by Head Coach John Peacock
– Venice recently reclassified from 7A to 8A
– The Tigers finished their 2020 season 10-1 and fell to Cardinal Gibbons of Fort Lauderdale in the State Semifinals
– The Indians finished their 2020 season 10-4 and were defeated by St. Thomas Aquinas 29-8 in the Playoffs
– Both teams are ranked #1 in their conference
COCOA TIGERS IMPACT PLAYERS:
Three-star senior running back O.J. Ross has been delivering video-game like stats in the first two games of the season for the Tigers by rushing for 291 yards with six touchdowns in two games. Ross was responsible for all of the Tigers’ touchdowns against Osceola in Week 2.
Ross has currently fielded over 10 college scholarship offers including from the University of Cincinnati, University of Central Florida, University of Toledo, and the University of Miami.
Four-star cornerback, safety, and wide receiver Cedrick Hawkins, who is the 49th ranked athlete in the state of Florida for the class of 2023 by ‘Rivals’, has been making his presence known for the Tigers’ defense, while being considered one of the main contributors to the Tigers success on defense. He also had a fumble recovery against Osceola.
Hawkins has over 17 college scholarship offers including from the University of Florida, Florida State, Ohio State, University of Miami, and Penn State.
Senior three-star wide receiver Jmariyae Robinson has been the leader of the Tigers’ passing game. Robinson has been showcasing his talents through the first two games of the season with six catches for 180 yards and two touchdowns.
Robinson had two touchdowns against a tough Vero Beach Indians’ defense. He has over nine offers including from the University of Central Florida, Washington State University, University of Toledo, and the University of Cincinnati
Transfers Davin Wydner, and Virgil Marshall, have also been making a major impact for the Tigers on the offensive side of the ball..
Senior three-star quarterback Davin Wydner has thrown for 526 yards and two touchdowns in two games. Wydner has over 11 offers including from the University of South Florida, Appalachian State University, University of Toledo, and the University of Maryland.
Senior three-star athlete and University of Toledo Commit Virgil Marshall has been playing a big part for the Tigers’ defense.
Marshall has had several tackles in the first two games of the season and blocked a field goal against Vero Beach.
The Tigers will have their hands full against the 57th best team in the nation, according to ‘Max Preps’ weekly rankings. Venice is also considered the No. 1 team in class 8A, according to the rankings.
Venice faced off against the Edgewater Eagles last week and won 41-7.
VENICE INDIANS IMPACT PLAYERS:
Senior quarterback Ryan Browne completed 7-for-9 passes through the air, resulting in 125 yards and one touchdown against Edgewater.
Senior wide receiver Omari Hayes and Senior Running Back Damarion Escort each had two touchdowns against Edgewater. Escort, who has a total of three offers, ran for 81 yards off of 14 carries.
Hayes, who has a total of three offers, ran for 15 yards and had four receptions for 39 yards.
Senior wide receiver Jayshon Platt led the team in receiving yards with 67 yards off of two receptions. Platt has a total of two offers.
Senior defensive end and linebacker George Philip had 9 total tackles and 1.5 sacks against Edgewater.
Alongside Philip, is junior four-star defensive end Damon Wilson, who is ranked 30th in the Class of 2023, according to ’24/7 Sports’. Wilson has 15 offers, including offers from the University of Alabama, Clemson University, Florida State University, and the University of Florida.
Junior four-star Safety Elliot Washington II, who is an Under-Armour All-American, plays a huge role for the Indians’ defense.
Washington had six total tackles against Edgewater. Washington has 22 offers and is the 36th ranked player in the Class of 2023, according to ’24/7 Sports.
