Perez takes football reins
Steinbrenner promoted Andres Perez to football coach, replacing Floyd Graham who started the program in 2009.
“This is a really exciting time,” said Perez, who was the Warriors’ offensive coordinator. “It’s been a journey for me. We’ve gone through a lot of progressions from not having a lot in the weight room to almost making the playoffs last year. I’m really confident about (the team).”
Perez, 30, spent five seasons at Hillsborough High as the junior varsity coach before accepting the Warriors assistant position when the school opened. He resigned as boys track coach to focus on football full time.
Perez said his friendship with Floyd is remarkable, adding that the former coach has been a long-time “mentor” to him.
“I’m so happy to be given the reins,” Perez said. “(Floyd) is one of the best guys and best friends in the world.”
Perez has been leading the squad during Hillsborough County’s 7-on-7 summer league at Skyway Park each Wednesday and at conditioning and weightlifting sessions since Floyd resigned.
Steinbrenner will look to build on the 2011 campaign when the squad finished 7-3, its first winning season, while narrowly missing a playoff berth.
The Warriors lost their entire starting offensive line to graduation, but returns leading rusher Kendall Pearcey (776 yards, 11 touchdowns), leading receiver John Marc Carrier (305 yards, three touchdowns), leading tackler Logan McKnight (96 tackles, seven sacks) and starting quarterback Curtis Fitch (815 yards, nine touchdowns).
The Warriors kickoff classic preseason game is at home against Newsome on Aug. 24 at 7 p.m. They are scheduled to open up the regular season at Sickles on Aug. 31 at 7:30 p.m.
–Stats as recorded to Maxpreps.com by coaches
