The Rays Reporter

There is a specific sound that signals the end of the school year and the beginning of a new journey. The rhythmic thud of tackling dummies and the sharp whistle of Coach Jason Mensing echoing across the practice fields. Spring Football is officially back at Lemon Bay, and the energy on the gridiron is palpable.

Looking Back at 2025

To understand where we’re going, we have to look at where we’ve been. Last year was a season of grit and growth for the Manta Rays. We finished the 2025 campaign with a 4-6 record, navigating a challenging 3A schedule.

While the win-loss column doesn’t always tell the whole story, it’s the fuel for this spring. We saw flashes of absolute brilliance, like the 52-0 shutout of East Lee County and the 51-7 dominant win over North Port. The goal this spring is to turn those flashes into a consistent, four-quarter identity.

Building the 2026 Mantas

Spring ball is less about the scoreboard and more about the “Manta Mentality.” Here is how the team is building for the fall:

• Establishing the Core: With several key seniors graduating, the next 20 days are vital for our rising juniors and seniors to step into leadership roles. We’re looking for the next vocal leaders in the locker room and the “lead-by-example” grinders on the field.
• Developing Depth: Coach Mensing and the staff are focusing heavily on the fundamentals—the footwork, the pad level, and the playbook. This is the time when a freshman can catch a coach’s eye and earn a spot on the Friday night roster.
• Physicality & Speed: If you walk past the weight room these days, you’ll see the “Iron Mantas” in full effect. The focus this spring is on explosive speed and the “Manta Strength” that allows us to win those late-game battles in the trenches.

Why Spring Matters

For our athletes, this isn’t “off-season” work; it’s the preseason. The work done in the Florida heat this May will be the difference between a close loss and a playoff-clinching win come October.

Note to the Community: Keep an eye on the schedule for the upcoming Spring Blue & Orange Game. It’s your first chance to see the new-look Rays in action before we head into the summer grind.