Fivay (FL) football ready to prove all the naysayers wrong in 2022

Falcons are aiming for their first ever district championship as new head coach Tyrone Hendrix leads the way

HUDSON, FL – The confidence level at Fivay High School is at an all-time high when it comes down to football.

Reason for that newfound belief is because of the mentality brought by new Falcons head coach Tyrone Hendrix, who comes to the school after coaching recently at Dartmouth College. Hendrix, who formerly played his high school ball at Mitchell High School, knows Pasco County very well and is more than prepared for the challenge.

“We have one goal this 2022 season and some will laugh because it’s never been done here at Fivay,” Hendrix said. “But our soul goal is to win the district championship. It is a realistic goal it can be done and it will be done. We respect every team in our district but we like ourselves each and every Friday night we step on the field. We don’t feel like we’re playing 'over our heads' in any game this season.”

Fivay showed some of the potential that Hendrix sees in its spring game against neighboring rival Hudson. The Falcons played to a 6-6 tie versus the Cobras, whom they share the ‘Backyard Brawl’ rivalry. Some players to watch for from Fivay this season would be River Ridge transfer Julius Quinones, running backs Ty Wilson, David Williams and safety Sebation Ortiz.

The spring game performance boosted summer workout numbers, as the Falcons have averaged around 35 players each day. Though Fivay impressed many with its toughness and will to win, Hendrix didn’t come away from the spring believing they performed well in the game itself.

“I don’t think we performed well at all in the spring,” Hendrix said. “But that game gave us a huge boost heading into the summer. We’ve had around 35 guys everyday this summer. That’s a great start from the 14 we started with day one.”

Coming from an Ivy League university to a high school job in Pasco County has it’s differences, but not as many as you would think according to Hendrix. The biggest separation between the two would be resources, as Fivay is hoping to prove that in 2022, the Falcons will be a step above everyone in Pasco County.

“In my opinion the biggest difference in college and high school football is resources,” Hendrix added. “Show me a good team and I’ll show you a team with good resources and administration and athletic department support.”

Andy Villamarzo can be reached at andyvillamarzo@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @Andy_Villamarzo.