The first half all-area team, including the outstanding offensive and defensive players, top athlete and top coach.
With the first half of the season in the books, here’s a look at the top players from the first half of the season.
Celidonio lead the Treasure Coast with 13 touchdown passes, has thrown only two interceptions and helped the Fighting Indians knock off two perennial powers (Venice and Pahokee) on the road. Celidonio arguably could be the area’s most improved player this fall as he has made major strides in his second season under coach Lenny Jankowski. If he stays healthy, Celidonio will break the area’s all-time career passing yards record in the second half of the season.
Grace (No. 11 on the TCPalm Super 11) has been everything the Eagles thought he would be this season. He’s been a ball hawk and lead the team with five interceptions (not including the one he had in the Kickoff Classic). He’s been solid against the run. The Eagles have allowed only two touchdowns in five games this season and Grace is a big reason for their success.
It’s hard to imagine a player opposing coaches are more afraid to see with the ball in his hands. Thompson (No. 6 TCPalm Super 11) is a threat do something great every time he’s on the field and has done it against some big-time opponents. Thompson scored rushing touchdowns against Lake Wales, Cocoa and Martin County. He had two takeaways against both Cocoa and Mainland. Thompson had over 200 kick return yards against Lake Wales and has special teams scores against Lake Wales and Cocoa.
Just look at Treasure Coast’s success during the first half of the season. The Titans have four wins, which is the same number of wins the team had in 2017. That includes a win over a Cocoa team that beat them by 48 points last fall. Treasure Coast has scored 202 points, which is more points than they scored all of last year. Jones spent plenty of time with the offense during the offseason and that unit has responded by breaking the school record for points in a game twice this fall. Tough district games remain, but Jones has the Titans in position to be a playoff team for the third time in four seasons.
Wide receiver: Demarcus Harris (Vero Beach), Jacob Krauza (John Carroll Catholic), Cole Mistretta (St. Lucie West Centennial).