There is no doubting the up-and-coming talent on the Island Coast High football team. Still, in the Gators’ first varsity season, the team consists largely of freshmen and sophomores, so coaches are giving the young players the opportunity to play different positions.

In Friday’s 28-0 win over St. Petersburg Shorecrest Prep, sophomore Nelson Candelario got the nod at starting quarterback, a position he had never played before, except for a few reps during spring practice.

“It was different, really different,” Candelario said of the experience. “I’m not used to throwing the ball much.”

The Daily Breeze Football Player of the Week was up to the task. In the second quarter, Candelario threw a pair of touchdown passes to Aaron Lynch, allowing the Gators to build a commanding 21-0 halftime lead.

The Gators (2-1) won for the first time at home, with Candelario responding well to the position change. He started the season at running back, in addition to being a key player on the defensive side at cornerback.

In their first victory of the season at Sarasota Out-of-Door Academy, the Gators primarily ran the ball behind their offensive line.

With Candelario under center Friday, the offense showcased more balance.

“Honestly, I didn’t think we were going to throw the ball in those situations, but it worked out for the best,” he said.

Candelario is in his fourth season playing football. Originally from Philadelphia, he started out playing Pop Warner and then was a member of the Gators’ freshman team that went 7-1 last season.

At first, he was skeptical about attending Island Coast.

“I didn’t know anything about the school,” he said. “I was thinking about transferring, but I like it a lot better now.”

Candelario said the team is growing well together.

“Everybody has each other’s back,” he added.



Honorable mentions:



Spencer Boyd, Cape Coral: Boyd had 140 all-purpose yards and scored two touchdowns in the Seahawks’ loss to Dunbar.



Tre Boston, North Fort Myers: Boston caught three touchdown passes, including a 70-yarder, in North’s loss at Riverdale.