The Somerset Academy Canyons Middle School football program recently won its inaugural game in school history as they earned a 14-0 victory against Clewiston on Aug. 29 in Boynton Beach.
Alex Gonzalez, a former assistant who is in his second year as head coach of the school’s varsity team, currently runs the middle school football program. He is joined by offensive assistant coach Dillon Fahie and defensive assistant coach Mike Berkowitz.
“When I took over as head coach of the varsity team, I had a vision and goal for the school to also establish a developmental feeder middle school program that is going to develop into our system and culture,” Gonzalez said. “We were able to plan this for more than a year in advance and we received support from Athletic Director Michael Feierstein, our school administration, parents and the community. The West Boynton Football League was a main supporter and donated helmets and shoulder pads.”
Quarterback Kurt Chery, an eighth-grader, rushed for a touchdown in the second quarter for the first score of the season. Somerset Academy Canyons led 6-0 before pulling away in the fourth quarter. Charles “CJ” Frederick, a sixth-grader, recovered a fumble in the end zone for a defensive touchdown. Running back Ethan Hook, a seventh-grader, converted a two-point conversion run. Hook stepped up to help lead the defense at linebacker. Wide receiver Jayden St. Fort, an eighth-grader, also has made an impact for the Cougars offense.
“It was everything I envisioned when we were able to get on the field as a team for our first game,” Gonzalez said. “We looked very good on offense and defense. I was pleased with how everything occurred. It’s great to share the vision and receive the support from the school. The kids still have a lot to learn. The middle school football program has a bright future.”
Somerset Academy Canyons is the only public charter school in Palm Beach County to field a middle school football team. They have six scheduled games, including matchups with Boca Raton Christian, Calvary Christian Academy, Clewiston, Somerset Academy Silver Palms and True North Classical Academy.
The Cougars middle school football program has the opportunity to stretch with the varsity players during practice. They separate to another side of the field for drills.
“It’s the same philosophy on offense and defense,” Gonzalez said. “It’s just not as advanced. We make sure they understand the basics right now and they continue to learn and develop.”
The Cougars junior varsity team, which consists of players in ninth and 10th grade, have five scheduled games for the 2022 season. Gonzalez has selected a few players from the eighth grade who are physically and mentally ready to also participate on the squad. The junior varsity team delivered a strong performance in the season opener with a 32-0 victory against Pompano Beach on Aug. 31.
The Cougars varsity team won its season opener for the first time in school history with a 27-13 victory against Glades Day on Aug. 26. The varsity team is led by standout sophomore wide receiver and defensive back Waden Charles. The Cougars have several impact players, including senior quarterback Quincy Rowe, senior running back David Duong, senior offensive and defensive lineman Ty Robbins, senior linebacker Trajan Johnson, sophomore linebacker Marco Saberson and freshman wide receiver and safety Denairius Gray.
“It feels tremendous personally and very rewarding to get our first win to start a season,” Gonzalez said. “We have put in a lot of work and our team was able to rise to the occasion.”
