By:  J. Daniel Pearson

“Who’s That?  Wow! Unbelievable.”

That was just a few of the comments that could be heard during Poinciana’s spring football game as incoming junior transfer quarterback Kamari Lewis dazzled the crowd with electrifying runs and passes – piling up more than 300 yards in total offense in his first game with the Eagles.

What should really scare opponents is that head coach Taron Mallard says the game was not even representative of Lewis’ potential.  “We did a crappy job of blocking for him and we were having trouble with the shotgun snaps all night,” the second-year coach says about Lewis’ performance.  “When we correct those things, he’s going to be a lot better.  He’s really a dynamic athlete.”

Poinciana, which is coming off an 8-3 mark and just their second winning season in the school’s 31-year history, is looking to build on the momentum of that season.  And although the Eagles lost about 90 percent of their offense, Mallard says enough talent remains for Poinciana continue on a positive path.

That talent includes Chance Frazier, a junior and the most experienced wide receiver returning.  “He’s a tremendous player and a potential D-1 recruit next year,” Mallard says.  “I am convinced he could a starter for just about any team in the area.”

And while leading ball carrier Ernest Nunn has graduated, senior Sean Abdul is a player who has waited his turn.   Most key linemen, including De’antae Burbank and Ricardo Sanchez, return.

While last year’s success, which included the school’s first bowl win, tying the school record for wins in a season, and a perfect 5-0 mark against county opposition –including wins over St. Cloud and Harmony, Mallard made it clear that his team was not concerned about the past and is only looking ahead.

“Part of building a program is not looking at the past,” Mallard said.  “Each season is a new schedule, a new team and new opportunities and that’s how we are approaching things.  We are nowhere close to the program we want to become.”

Getting back into a district is an immediate goal for Mallard.  “Our kids want to play for district and regional championships and you can’t do that as an independent.  I understand why the decision was made, but we want to get back in a district as quickly as possible,”

For now, Poinciana will play a competitive schedule that includes the same five county teams, as well as two of the three teams that defeated them last year.  A tough Kickoff Classic exhibition against Orlando Christian Prep is also included.  “It’s a good schedule that we are looking forward to attacking,” Mallard noted.  “Our tougher games are spaced out on the schedule.”

Mallard added that Poinciana’s turnaround last year was simple to explain.  “As coaches, we created expectations and what was required to meet those expectations.  Our players bought into that.   More importantly, we became a family and part of being a family was taking care of each other and pulling together toward a common goal.  As we head into year two, I think it’s important to note that not one kid transferred out to another school.  The players we have want to be here and very few schools in the region can say that.”

Poinciana
Head Coach:  Taron Mallard
Independent
2024 Record:   8-3

8/15 v. Orlando Christian (Kickoff Classic) at Austin Tindall 7 p.m.

8/22 Celebration 7 p.m.

8/29 Harmony 7 p.m.

9/5 St. Cloud 7 p.m.

9/12 at Evans 7 p.m.

9/19 Haines City 7:30 p.m.

10/3 at Lake Region 7:30 p.m.

10/10 Auburndale 7:30 p.m.

10/17 at Gateway 7 p.m.

10/24 Liberty 7 p.m.

10/31 Timber Creek 7 p.m.

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