Jacksonville Fl- Atlantic Coast won its first regular season game of the season, and it was head Coach Step Durham’s first win as new head coach of the program. Durham led his alma-mater to a 14-6 victory on the road versus Terry Parker Friday night, signaling that the program was taking a major step in the right direction.
After an 0-10 season last year, Atlantic Coast made a change at head coach. They decided to bring in Step Durham, a former stand-out player at Atlantic Coast who went on to play college football at Georgia Tech, and then professional football with the Kansas City Chiefs. Durham was head coach at Wolfson high school before taking the job at Atlantic Coast. He was instrumental in changing the culture of a program achieving a winning season for the first time since 2019.
Durham has brought a professional approach, with a player’s perspective to the perfect program. A program with incredibly talented athletes on its roster. He’s challenged those same talented players to “build trust with one another and be resilient” – Step Durham That showed Friday night against the Braves.
One of those talented players is quarterback Sean Speed, a 6 foot 2 senior quarterback, whom we listed as a “QB to watch” in our new Quarterback Club story. He tossed a 15-yard touchdown pass to Rico Walker to seal the victory Friday night. Speed would lead his team to a come from behind victory as his team trailed 6-0 at halftime.
The Stingray’s first score was a 15-yard touchdown run by senior Jorge Schiable. Coast showed in its victory balance, possessing the ability to run the ball, and pass the ball when needed in crucial down and distance situations.
Defensively, Atlantic Coast only gave up 6-points in their opener. Several players made key impactful game changing plays. An interception by junior Nico Evans prevented a potential game breaking touchdown by Terry Parker. Coast also had a fumble recovery in the game.
A big play by linebacker Darian Gant, who sealed the edge of the defense preventing a first down and sealed the win for the Stingrays.
With the win, Atlantic Coast snapped an 11-game losing streak, dating back to a 2021 playoff loss to Niceville. With this big win on the road, the Stingrays are one step closer to returning to the playoffs.
