Kotis hoping to bring stability, winning back to Tarpon Springs

Tarpon Springs Spongers

2015: 2-8, 1-2 District (#3 in Class 5A District 9)

Last Playoff Appearance: 2014

Head Coach: George Kotis, 29-16 Record in 4 seasons (2006- 5-6, District Runner-Up; 2007- 6-4; 2008- 8-3 District Runner-Up; 2009- 10-3 District Champions) * Mike Lube went 2-8 in his lone season as head coach in 2015)

Key Returners:

Jerome Fowler – QB / WR (31 completions, 63 attempts, 425 Yards, 3 Touchdowns, 2 Interceptions / 12 Receptions, 212 yards, 2 Touchdowns – 2015 Season)

Justice Parham – QB (79 completions, 141 attempts, 985 Yards, 4 Touchdowns, 6 Interceptions / 29 carries for 108 yards, 2 touchdowns – 2015 Season)

Dearrian Wright – RB (81 carries for 504 yards, 6 touchdowns – 2015 Season)

Quotable: On the Offensive Line…”It’s the only thing that’s important.  I played offensive line.  And, I understand that none of it works without someone to protect and open the holes.  It’s not rocket science by any means.  But, if we become dominant up front, then we’ll become a dominant team.” – George Kotis

The Scoop: Tarpon Springs football has had its ups and downs over the years, with a number of coaching changes, transfers, and, particularly, the departure of Coach George Kotis.  Kotis took the Spongers to the playoffs in 2006, 2008, and 2009 before leaving the sidelines.  After much contemplation, Kotis agreed to coach again and is a welcomed return to the Sponger sidelines for a community and a team that are eager to return to the top. 

The Story:  

The Tarpon Springs High School football program has had seven coaching changes since 2004.  After their worst season in 50 years, Tarpon Springs decided to make yet another change this season.  But, this time they transitioned the leadership role back to a familiar face; George Kotis. Kotis said he came back because of his love for Tarpon football more than anything.

“That's really the bottom line. My family was all in and that would've been the only thing keeping me away. So, I'm back. I'm well aware that losing in this town is not an option. But we put it on our kids that it's not the most important thing because we truly believe as soon as you make the teenager into a man, you're gonna win”.

Kotis says he likes the fact that the Spongers have never taken a step backwards. Quarterback / Wide Receiver Jerome Fowler said “it's all because of my coach.  Kotis is like a whole other level. He can do college coaching if he wanted to, you feel me? He's a great coach and the team is getting better because of it”.

Quarterback Justice Parham says he's looking forward to the season because he's grown a lot under Kotis, who lets him play to his strengths. 

“Letting me play quarterback, wide receiver, and a little bit of corner also.  It helped me get quicker.  Since I'm a quarterback, I know how to read a defense.  So, it's easy for me on corner”. 

Tarpon Springs may not be a worst-to-first story this season. But, with Kotis back, expect to see the Spongers bring their motto to life with their renewed commitment to an old tradition of winning.  

2016 Schedule