Merritt Island Christian player Isaac McCarver hits the sled during practice held at the Deen Athletic Training Facility on Merritt Island.

Overview

Jamie Bopp, the Merritt Island Christian principal, is a former collegiate offensive lineman and a football guy. He takes over as head coach and plans to bring a fundamental approach to the program, starting with winning the turnover battle and maintaining drives. Of 18 players, 10 are seniors, so the leadership is there.

Key Players

Tim Whitley, a senior running back and linebacker, is one of the main leaders of the team. Mac Scott was a key contributor at receiver and defensive back last year. Steven Williams emerged as a ball carrier in the spring and looks to return from injury.

Up front, Isaac McCarver and Tony Pratt lead on both sides of the ball and are seniors.

Keys to Success

The first thing the Cougars did when August practice began was to work on turnovers. Bopp has emphasized maintaining possession through ball control and ball handling while also working to take possession away from opponents through special teams play and alert hands on defense.

He has also set out to improve the group’s image of themselves as a team that can compete with any opponent.

Q&A: Merritt Island Christian football coach Jamie Bopp

About the Schedule

Merritt Island Christian plays in the Sunshine State Athletic Conference while maintaining FHSAA membership. With just 18 players, the Cougars will need to focus on themselves as much as any opponent.

Coaching Staff

Jamie Bopp takes over as head coach.

Offensive coordinator: Bopp

Defensive coordinator: Shane McMillan

Assistant coaches: Dean Sawyer, Casey Bratsch, Darrell Gordon, Matt Mellone

Forecast

Bopp’s initial goal is to turn the team into a winner. Whether that happens this year remains to be seen. The numbers still provide a challenge, but an increase from three wins would be a positive step.

Brian McCallum, FLORIDA TODAY

2016 Schedule

Aug. 26 at Warner Christian 7

Sept. 1 Orlando Christian Prep 7

Sept. 9 at Santa Fe Catholic 7

Sept. 16 Int’l Community 7

Sept. 30 at Faith Christian 7

Oct. 7 Ormond Beach Halifax Acad. 7

Oct. 14 at Oviedo Master’s 7

Oct. 21 Jupiter Christian at MIC 7

Oct. 28 SSAC opponent TBD at MIC 7

Nov. 4 SSAC opponent & site TBD 7

2015 Results

at Orlando Christian Prep L, 34-8

at Vero Beach Master’s W, 54-21

Christ’s Church L, 26-13

Faith Christian W, 29-14

Landmark Christian W, 51-8

at International Community L, 28-0

atLake Mary Prep L, 14-8

Santa Fe Catholic L, 48-0

St. Edward’s L, 48-6

High school sports | floridatoday.com/sports/high-school-sports/

Returning Letterwinners

Alec Armstrong        QB/DB     Sr.

Postseason history

The Cougars played two playoff games before becoming independent.

Playoff seasons: ’05, ’08

Playoff record: 0-2