Venice off to a "Speedy" start.
The Venice Indians have charged out of the gates this season starting 3-0 (4-0 if you count their kick-off classic) and the wins have been convincing against solid competition. They defeated Plant in their kick-off classic. Next they knocked off Camden County (Georgia) 46-17 in a resounding home victory, followed by another lopsided 42-7 blowout over Manatee, a team Venice had not beaten in ten previous tries. Last Friday the Indians ran away from North Port 56-0.
Venice runs an uptempo offense which has lead to the officials running the second half clock. The attack is paced by explosive running back Matthew "Speedy" LaRoche who has already racked up 644 yards on just 47 carries for an incredible 13.7 yards per carry and eight touchdowns. When asked why his star back has been so successful this season his coach shot straight from the hip.
"His name says it all, he's just faster than everybody," opined Peacock. "It's not like we're playing slow teams either, we played a Plant team that has a corner who just committed to Southern Cal, another corner that has over thirty offers, a linebacker who is committed to Indiana, and a defensive end who was offered by Alabama. We're not playing slouches, he's just faster than everybody."
LaRoche isn't the only weapon in the armory for coach Peacock.
"I wouldn't say he is the focal point, well he is the focal point I should say that," laughed the head coach, "But it's not like he's getting the ball 30 times a game, we run close to 70 plays a game, we play with tempo and he's only getting the ball 18 times a game."
Junior quarterback Bryce Carpenter and junior wide receiver Jaivon Heiligh also help keep Venice's torrid pace, along with senior tight end Aaron Hackett and junior power back Courtney Doss. Carpenter didn't get off to the fast start he would have hoped to throwing the ball this year, partly due to playing in rain slogged conditions, but he put together an impressive game against North Port last Friday, completing 10 of his 15 passes for 242 yards and three touchdowns. Carpenter also does a lot of damage with his legs, pilling up 195 yards rushing on 22 carries and 3 touchdowns. Jaivon Heiligh is Carpenter's favorite target and the junior has caught 11 passes for 209 yards and 4 scores so far.
On defense coach Peacock had a lot of praise for his unit as a whole, but he specifically highlighted two transfers from North Port, namely defensive tackle Tyrone Barber and defensive back Jeremy Trebbles. He also spoke of a surprise contributor who has made an impact and bolstered the Indians' linebacker unit.
"I knew we would be pretty good on defense because we returned eight guys. We have the two transfers that really filled in two voids. Then we have Drue Streich, who is playing outside linebacker, who has really filled in well and he has been one of the surprises. He is one of the new guys that didn't start for us last year. He has been doing everything they have been asked to do as far as coaching, he's a tough player that is changing the game for us." said Peacock.
Before the start of the season, Peacock told us he would have been content with a 2-2 split over the first four games. His team's unblemished start isn't necessarily a surprise to him but he didn't expect the results his team has produced.
"I really thought we would have to match Manatee score for score. I thought they were gonna be explosive and do the things they do but our defense just played well," admitted Peacock.
While he says there are some things that need to be improved, specifically offensive line assignments and the defense swarming the ball, Coach Peacock has been very pleased so far, and after the Manatee win he gave his team a day off on Monday.
"I told the coaches to not come in, I didn't want to see them, just go home and whatever you want to do go do it," joked Peacock.
The day off was well deserved and the Indians went back to business as usually afterwards, which is evident after dominating North Port 56-0 on the road.
Venice will face Coral Reef before taking on a tough Sarasota team the week after.