Preview: Canterbury starting fresh in 2019 with a new head coach, quarterback

Alex Martin
The News-Press

After winning a Sunshine State Athletic Conference FCS Championship, Canterbury has a new head coach.

After a 7-3 season, former head coach Tariq Humes remained on staff as former Estero High standout Andrew Layton took the reins during the offseason.

Layton recognizes that depth may be an issue. Canterbury only has 30 players listed on its varsity roster. That means multiple athletes will be playing both ways. 

Canterbury School’s Konner Barrett, shown here scoring a touchdown last year, has transferred to Gulf Coast.

The Cougars lost their leading passer, Nick Perez, to Bishop Verot. His potential successor and last year's leading rusher, Konner Barrett, transferred to Gulf Coast. The Southwest Florida weather has forced Canterbury to cancel or delay practices, impeding the progress of new players.

"We are in Florida, so everyone who plays football understands that you make lemonade out of lemons," Layton said. "Weather is always an issue but we make due, and our team understands that we have to be able to adjust to whatever comes our way."

More:Canterbury School players join hundreds at UWF football combine to improve recruiting

Cougars Facts

Coach: Andrew Layton (1st year)

District: Sunshine State Athletic Conference FCS

Last year: 7-3, won Sunshine State Athletic Conference FCS Championship over Legacy Charter, 43-7

Strengths: This Canterbury team is young and tight-knit. In practice, the team has been picking things up quickly, and asking the right questions, according to Layton.

Weaknesses: The Cougars lost their quarterback of the future in Konner Barrett to Gulf Coast, and senior signal caller Nick Perez to Bishop Verot. Canterbury is expected to have six players at most playing both ways this season. With a new coach and many new faces, how well will the Cougars adjust after bringing home an SSAC FCS title last season?

Schedule: Aug. 23 — at Sarasota-Out-of-Door, 7 p.m.; Aug. 30 — Mount Dora Christian, 7 p.m.; Sept. 6 — OPEN; Sept. 13 — at CSN, 7 p.m.; Sept. 20 — SFCA, 7 p.m.; Sept. 27 — St. Petersburg-Shorecrest Prep, 7 p.m.; Oct. 4 — Marco Island, 7 p.m.; Oct. 11 — at Boca Christian, 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 18 — at Bradenton Christian, 7 p.m.

Follow News-Press Sports Writer Alex Martin on Twitter: @NP_AlexMartinFor more coverage of sports in Southwest Florida, follow newspresssports on Instagram, and @nphssports on Twitter.