Port Charlotte (FL) football getting over the hump behind improved play

Pirates looking to reach playoffs after just missing out in 2021

PORT CHARLOTTE, FLORIDA – Missing out on the Class 5A postseason in 2021 for the Port Charlotte Pirates was a tough miss for the program, but head coach Jordan Ingman heads into season No. 11 with more goals in mind.

One of those goals for the Pirates is to make the playoffs this time around in what is a new district and classification in 2022. Port Charlotte will be in Class 3A-Suburban, District 13 with Braden River, Southeast and Parrish Community. The Pirates defeated Southeast during the regular season in 2021 and didn’t face either Braden River or Parrish Community last year.

The off-season workout program has been what Ingman has really been harping on players about when it comes to getting better, as the team’s motto has been "no shortcuts." In a competitive district with teams also looking to make the playoffs, Port Charlotte will have to improve upon its 5-4 record from a year ago in order to be in contention for a district crown.

“(The spring) was great for our guys last year we started nine sophomores and one freshman,” Ingman said. “So that performance gave them some confidence going into the summer.”

Port Charlotte will have a senior starting quarterback at the helm of the offense in 6-foot-1, 185-pound Bryce Eaton. Eaton was the team’s starter last season, as he ended up completing 100-of-187 passes for 1,316 yards and 12 touchdowns against just eight interceptions. Eaton will look to improve on the yards and touchdowns behind an experienced offensive skill unit.

“Bryce Eaton is our senior quarterback and is going into his second year as the starter,” Ingman said. “The game has slowed down for him and he has shown confidence and command of the offense.”

Though the team lost leading receiver Alex Perry (558 yards in 2021) due to graduation, there’s plenty returning around Eaton for the offense to once again be effective. Running back Edd Guerrier rushed for 936 yards on 115 attempts, scoring 11 touchdowns will be key to the Pirates’ running game. Along with receivers Guerrier (13 catches, 158 yards in 2021) and Jamal Streeter Jr. (14 catches, 189 yards in 2021), Port Charlotte has one of the most potent units in Charlotte County.

The regular season slate of games for Port Charlotte will be a tough campaign considering it’s littered with some of southwest Florida’s top programs. The Pirates will start the preseason on the road versus Dunbar and then open up the season at home versus Bishop Verot. Port Charthen faces off against rival Charlotte before facing Gulf Coast, Ida Baker and Manatee.

“Our goals are very simple,” Ingman added. “Every single day do everything we can to maximize our potential.”

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