East Lake has the talent to compete in 2022

The Eagles return senior quarterback Jake Bechtel and a slew of talent around him on offense

TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA – Last season’s 4-6 record for the East Lake Eagles football program was the first time a Bob Hudson coached team had finished below the .500 mark since 2008.

That’s 12 seasons in a row, for those counting, that the Eagles had not finished any worse than at 5-5 and now East Lake is looking to right the wrongs. The wrongs being a sub-par 2021 campaign and having a winning season in 2022, and the Eagles certainly have the talent to pull it off.

Yes, it always seemingly starts off at the quarterback position for East Lake and that’s where senior Jake Bechtel enters the frame. Bechtel last season for the Eagles completed 100-of-186 passes for 1,214 yards and seven touchdowns against just four interceptions. The senior enters this upcoming season with higher aspirations when it comes down to yardage and touchdowns. 

East Lake quarterback Jake Bechtel / Photo by Alex Walworth

Bechtel won’t have all the offense to shoulder on him, however, with the welcoming of a new piece to the offense in Palm Harbor University transfer Luke Yoder. Yoder comes over from the Hurricanes as a potentially pivotal piece to the Eagles’ offense, as he has rushed for 1,851 yards and scored 15 touchdowns between the last two seasons at Palm Harbor.

Watch my junior season highlights! 1600+ rushing yards and 14 touchdowns - https://t.co/ooqbGGXK7b

— Luke Yoder (@LukeYoder2023) November 10, 2021

Adding Yoder to an already potent offense has those around the program seeing more firepower and balance when it comes to throwing and running the ball. It’s not just the Bechtel and Yoder show, though, with a bevy of other skill players in the mix to touch the ball. Last year’s starter at running back, Tilan McGee, is back to run the ball as well coming off a 792-yard season.

Pairing Yoder and McGee in the backfield gives East Lake one of the top 1-2 duos when it comes to running backs. Returning wide receiver David Avant was the leading yard-getter for East Lake in 2021 after catching 29 catches for 359 yards. Joining Avant in the receiving corps is Brandon Grimms, who has an offer from Saint Mary of the Woods College.

The offensive line will be a strength for the Eagles, as they return Austin Huff and Aiden Byrne up front. Huff has received attention from numerous colleges and Byrne has had himself a strong summer. Defensive back Amari Ray is back after making 20 tackles and intercepting three passes in 2021. Along with Ray is outside linebacker/safety Caleb Coburn, who made 87 tackles last season.

Thankful to announce I have received my first official offer from Keiser University! ⁦@eastlakefball⁩ ⁦@keiserfootball⁩ ⁦@NickVagnoneKU⁩ ⁦@coachSocha⁩ pic.twitter.com/SL6dxV0B9M

— Caleb Coburn (@CalebCoburn14) June 18, 2022

East Lake’s 2022 schedule will be one of the stronger ones throughout the area, as the Eagles start things off against Lake Gibson on the road and then the following week travel to Trinity to face always tough Mitchell. Other tough matchups include Pinellas Park, Boca Ciega, Steinbrenner, Sickles and Clearwater.

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