A Fresh Start for the Minutemen
Cocoa Beach Jr./Sr. High School’s football program opened fall practice on July 31, marking the first step toward a 2024 campaign that blends youthful energy with a core group of seniors.
Head coach Ted Kimmey, now in his third year, says the roster looks stronger than anticipated and that the players have embraced the work ethic required for a turnaround.
The Minutemen will run a triple‑option offense this season, a scheme Kimmey believes will give them a tactical edge by forcing defenses into difficult assignments.
Senior quarterback Ryan Rogers, who led the team in rushing with 295 yards and two touchdowns last year, will take the snap and guide the new scheme, while linebacker Charlie Grissom, who topped the returners with 71 tackles, will anchor a revamped defense.
A new defensive coordinator, Maxx Amato, has installed a system the coaches call the “sand sharks” philosophy, emphasizing chaos creation and exploiting match‑ups. The defensive line, featuring seniors Xavier Gouker and Xander Meachem, is expected to be a particular strength.
The season opener is set for August 14 at home against Bronson, a game that could provide the first postseason berth for the program since 2023. Players and staff say they want to make their school and community proud before the seniors graduate.
Beyond the field, the team’s schedule includes a demanding slate that was the toughest in over a decade, but the coaching staff remains confident that the new schemes will help them stay competitive in each contest.