Cocoa Tigers Selected to Play in Second Annual Freedom Bowl in Georgia Labor Day Weekend

By  //  January 11, 2019

Tiger's Freedom Bowl Opponent to be named

ABOVE VIDEO:  The Wekiva Mustangs Football team from Apopka, Florida wrapped up the 2018 Freedom Bowl with a 28-14 win over North Gwinnett Football Association. Five of the six Florida teams won in the inaugural event last Labor Day Weekend. 

BREVARD COUNTY • COCOA, FLORIDA – Brevard County’s football powerhouse, the Cocoa Tigers, have been invited to play with the rest of the nation’s powerhouses in the second annual Freedom Bowl this coming Labor Day Weekend (Aug. 29-31) in Milton, Georgia.

The Freedom Bowl is an invitation-only high school football showcase which debuted last year on Labor Day Weekend on the campus of Milton High School, which is located about 30 miles north of Atlanta.

The event brings together a dozen high profile programs from football hotbeds around the country like Alabama, Florida, and Georgia to compete in six games over three days in the heart of Atlanta’s championship-laden high school football homestead.

The winner of each game earns a coveted Freedom Bowl Championship trophy, which is a replica Navy Seal paddle.

In his first season with the Tigers, head coach Ryan Schneider led Cocoa to a 10-4 finish and an appearance in the FHSAA Class 4A State championship game.

The winner of each game earns a coveted Freedom Bowl Championship trophy, which is a replica Navy Seal paddle wrapped.

However, Cocoa fell short for the second straight year to the Raines Vikings at Camping World Stadium, this year by a score of 27-13.

The organizers of the Freedom Bowl want only the best of the best in high school football and the Cocoa Tigers have certainly proven to be that over the past 17 years.

This past year marked the 16th consecutive season the Tigers reached the playoffs and 12th straight year Cocoa reached the state semifinal or finals. The Tigers are 40-16 all-time in postseason play with four state championships to their credit.

The Freedom Bowl platform aims to raise awareness for veterans with proceeds from the event benefiting wounded service men, women and their families. Likewise, the three-day event will educate and inspire participants on character, leadership and teamwork skills on and off the field.

Coaches and athletes will be afforded the opportunity to visit with former and current members of the U.S. Military who either currently serve or have served in leadership roles.

Meanwhile, participants will have the chance to interact with both active and former service members who have been wounded while serving America in harm’s way.

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Last year, six Florida teams competed in the game. American Heritage Plantation, Mainland, Cardinal Gibbons, Stoneman Douglas, Chaminade Madonna, and Wekiva combined to post a 4-2 record vs. teams from other states.

Last year, six Florida teams competed in the game. American Heritage Plantation, Mainland, Cardinal Gibbons, Stoneman Douglas, Chaminade Madonna, and Wekiva combined to post a 4-2 record vs. teams from other states.

The two Florida teams to lose were Cardinal Gibbons and Mainland. However, Cardinal Gibbons would go onto to win the Class 5A state championship this past December.

This year, the three-day event will take place August 29-31 and once again be held at Milton High School. The Tigers opponent has not yet been named.

Stay tuned to Space Coast Daily for updates surrounding the 2019 Atlanta Freedom Bowl.

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