North Port (FL) football taking it step by step to get better

A new turf field and independent schedule give the Bobcats hope and room to grow

NORTH PORT, FL – Seven head coaches since the program’s inaugural season has been the story for the North Port Bobcats, but one that has started to turnaround.

Former North Port offensive lineman Garon Belser came onto the scene as the team’s head coach for the 2021 campaign and has started to create some stability for a program that’s seen a lot of turnover at the top. Belser, a former Fairmont State offensive lineman, went 2-8 in his first season but sees optimism from a strong spring.

“Our spring was great in the fact that we were able to get reps for many of our young players throughout our scrimmages and spring game,” Belser said. “We will be a youth driven team but they showed they have the want and drive to improve and develop.

“Our biggest improvement has been the commitment to the weight room. My first season that was the most glaring issue to me was the lack of an established weight and conditioning program. Our guys are understanding that if they truly want to improve their chance of winning games, they must commit more time to that area.”

Belser’s team won’t lack for effort, but more on the varsity playing experience side as the Bobcats don’t return many players with a lot of field time. Some of the players Belser points to that will be key this fall are quarterback Evan Burger, wide receiver/cornerback Kristian Francis, offensive lineman Justin Benner and wide receiver/safety Mike Prince.

A couple of underclassmen that should be contributors also are Isaac Smith and Tayler Akers, who both play at running back and linebacker. The Bobcats will not be taking part in the newly established metro-suburban state series, as they will play the 2022 season as an independent program. Belser believes it gives the program a chance to grow and have the Bobcats play against programs they can compete with.

“The new district we were aligned to was not conducive to being able to make this program grow,” Belser said. “We chose to go the independent route for the next two seasons so we can play against competition that’s more appropriate to where we are at as a program. Once we learn how to win consistently and build a true culture we will re-join our district more prepared for the level of talent we would be seeing.”

Though North Port won’t be playing in a traditional district, there’s some excitement when it comes to new facilities at the school. The school has unveiled a new turf field for the upcoming 2022 season and this particular Bobcats’ squad will be the first team to hit the new artificial grass. With changes coming in good waves for the program, Belser believes it’s a sign of things to come.

“The field is truly a catalyst to the level of excitement that is being generated at our school,” Belser added. “The players are foaming at the mouth for it to be completely finished so they can get on the surface. It gives not only our guys something to be proud of, it also shows our community that there is visible change happening at North Port High School. It’s been a long time coming for this school and I’m thankful that our guys get to experience it.”

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