Springstead is excited to get 2023 QB Ayden Ferguson (6’ 195 lbs) back behind center this spring. Ferguson missed most of the 2021 season due to injury. The lefty is a great leader who will be able to hurt opponents with his arm and his legs. He will have plenty of weapons at his disposal also.
2023 OLB Madden Buratczuk (6’2” 190 lbs) might be Springstead’s hidden gem. He is a physical specimen who really started understanding what he was capable of late in his junior season. He finished with 57 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble, and 1 recovery. His speed and physicality are impressive and help him cause disruption in opposing backfields. He is a kid who loves the weight room so he is notably bigger and stronger heading into spring. He will definitely catch the eye of any recruiters who make their way out into Spring Hill.
2023 ATH Luca Garguilo (5’10” 145 lbs) is a two-way contributor who will be busy this spring. He had 28 tackles, 3 interceptions, a forced fumble, a recovery, and 154 total yards as a junior. He is a solid all-around football player and another leader for the Eagles. His work-ethic and energy set an example for the rest of the team.
As far as underclassmen go, 2024 RB Derrick Chiarella, 2025 RB Connor McCazzio, and 2025 QB/ATH Tyree Davis are some names to make note of going forward. These young players have the tools that can allow them to be special if they keep taking care of business on the field and in the classroom. Overall, there is a lot of optimism at Springstead. This spring is huge for development of this young team. In the fall, the Eagles have a tough new district to look forward to. Newly formed District 6 in 4S Region 2 groups them with Wiregrass Ranch, Mitchell, Land O’ Lakes, and Sunlake.