Written by: Coach Rob (@KaufmanRobert)
Coach Garrett Kruczek won back-to-back state championships at The Master’s Academy and has now taken his talents to Lake Brantley High School. During the past two seasons, Coach Kruczek has led The Master’s Academy to a 20–3 record, two state championships, and two Coach of the Year awards. During that time, he coached Class of 2028 superstar Jackson Stecher, who in 19 games went 203–264 for 3,886 yards, 53 touchdowns, and only 5 interceptions. Jackson is already an elite prospect, and his trajectory should lead him to nationwide recognition.
Tonight’s game (9/5) was against a very solid Oviedo program that entered with a 1–1 record, while Lake Brantley came in 2–0. Tonight my primary focus was on Lake Brantley.
Offensive Identity
Lake Brantley was fun to watch on offense. They are a no-huddle team that plays the game at their own pace, it’s not a hurry-up offense. Most of the night, they controlled the ball. Their opening drive chewed nearly seven minutes off the clock and ended with a touchdown.
I don’t have percentages, but I’d estimate they motion, shift, or trade on 90% of their snaps. On one possession, they lined up in a shotgun full house/diamond formation, shifted to a spread set, and then motioned the slot WR across the field. That’s impressive coaching; installing, signaling, and running the play without a penalty is outstanding. I’ve run a similar style myself, though I used traditional play calls to relay the play.
Coaching Background
I moved to Orlando from San Antonio, and within my coaching circle I knew someone from Middle Tennessee Christian who faced Coach Kruczek and his Master’s Academy program. He had nothing but respect when he spoke about the team.
When I found out Coach Kruczek moved to Lake Brantley which placed him in district with elite competition, it immediately sparked my interest even further. Then in the Kick-Off Classic, they beat a very good Melbourne Central Catholic team. This staff, system, and group of players have a legitimate program and it is only going to skyrocket from here.
A coach that stood out was WR Coach Nate Kyei-Donkor. His energy was contagious, his unit was impressive, and he was fired up the entire game. You could see him discussing and demonstrating releases in-between possessions and during time-outs. It made me want to grab a helmet or a clipboard. Put me in, Coach!
Standout Athletes
QB Jackson Stecher (c/o 2028)
Elite play processing both pre-snap and post snap. When I watched him I thought of a true Gunslinger like Wyatt Earp or Doc Holiday in Tombstone. He made big time throws, and my favorite was an in-rhythm deep out from the middle of the field. For me that is one of the top evaluation throws you can make on a QB. Near opposite hash, to throw a timing 15 yard out is Outstanding. His footwork in the pocket is impressive with his eyes down field the whole time. He slides all directions in the pocket, even evading pressure by rolling with his back to the defense, resetting, and delivered a strike down the field. A free rusher in his face was not a problem, it looked like there was zero panic in his body language. Ball placement is in the upper echelon of what you want from a High School QB. Very precise and had full control of the offense. I don’t remember seeing anything from under center, so I could not evaluate his drops and footwork from under center. His mesh with the RB seemed flawless. Threw the ball at all depths of the defense. He had a couple of Touchdowns with his legs. I cannot wait to see them in district play. With Notre Dame commit Noah Grubs leaving district and Jackson entering, it has the feel of the AFC East with Brady out and Allen in. If this seems embellished then please look at Noah Grubs #’s and accomplishments and then the same for Jackson. That game will be a must-see.
RB Curtis Dewberry III (c/o 2026)
1 word = Electric. On the ground he was dynamic and if he had an ounce of daylight he was off to the races. Scored the team’s first 2 touchdowns on the ground and then caught a 2-point conversion out of the backfield on a beautifully designed play. In open space he is a nightmare. Scored on s Kick-off return, as soon as the ball hit the ground, I knew it was 6. If you are out of your lane on special teams or do not maintain rush lane integrity on defense, he is 15 yards down the field in the blink of an eye. He is special and jumps off the field when you are watching. Great balance on contact, can lower the shoulder, burst in confine spaces makes it hard to get a good angle. Willing to run between the tackles and get dirty yards. A nightmare matchup for a linebacker in space, ability to make defenders miss and creates his own yards. Great hands and the ability to run multiple routes.
TE/DE Aidan Greer (c/o 2026)
It was fun to watch Aidan play tonight. He played what felt like 80% of all offensive and defensive plays. As a TE he was one of Jackson’s favorite target today. He consistently showed up on offense both in the run and in the pass game. To play both TE and DE in a game is beyond impressive. On defense he had multiple collisions on every play and Offensively he was the motion man the majority of snaps. It felt like he was double digits in catches. I would assume he was around 120 yards receiving today. It felt like he made at least 2 catches per offensive series. his hands were reliable, ran to and through contact. He knew the whole menu on offense and the motions, shifts and trades were mostly him. On defense he was equally as impressive. It felt like he had 2-3 sacks, multiple tackles for loss and solo’s. You couldn’t watch this game and not see his production. Strength and Conditioning is through the roof.
LB Emir Brinson (c/o 2027)
Emir’s energy and passion you could see in his play. Pre snap he was communicating with the Defensive Coordinator, getting player’s lined up, confirming the call with the DC and then making a play. He play’s fast, you can tell above the shoulders he has a great understanding of what the offense wants to do. You watch him pre snap on special teams and you can see the passion as he is getting himself and his teammates hyped. Lake Brantley doesn’t punt often, but when they were a player short he signaled to the sideline to bring the player on.
Other Notable Players from Tonight’s Game
- RT Tequan Mechanic
- LB Caleb Reed
- WR Jacob McDonald
- WR Davon Washington
- CB Bryson Green
- CB Trenston Davis
