When Brian Sheridan was named the new American Heritage-Delray coach in December 2019, he could not have imagined the circumstances his first season would start under.
The first-year head coach saw his first spring practices canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, and as the outbreak persisted through the summer, his first fall practice and season were delayed. But American Heritage-Delray is one of the private schools starting their season this month, and Sheridan is working to keep his players and staff safe he during the pandemic.
“It’s been great getting back on the field after such a long delay,” Sheridan said. “We are very fortunate considering many programs still aren’t practicing. I am just happy for the kids. They deserve to play.”
With public school programs in South Florida still on hold, putting together a schedule has been one of the more challenging aspects of organizing a football season this year. Sheridan put together a schedule filled primarily with other South Florida private schools.
The Stallions open their season on Sept. 11 with a home game against Fort Myers Bishop Verot and will later play Benjamin, Calvary Christian, Cardinal Newman, Chaminade-Madonna, Hialeah Champagnat and Clewiston.
“Scheduling has been a definite challenge,” Sheridan said. “Finding those schools who have been given the green light to play, with openings in their schedule hasn’t been easy. Right now we have seven games and we are happy with that.”
Sheridan has been reminding his players of the importance of sticking to COVID-19 prevention protocols. Coaches, players and staff are all required to wear masks, equipment is frequently sanitized and groups of players and coaches are limited to 10 people, Sheridan said.
“The toughest part has been keeping everyone safe,” he said. “Ensuring they players keep their masks on, social distance, and take this pandemic seriously off the field away from football has been a challenge. You really have to educate your players about the seriousness of COVID-19.”
American Heritage-Delray is not Sheridan’s first head-coaching position. He was the head coach at Union (New Jersey) High from 2007-11. He was also a defensive coordinator for Chaminade-Madonna and University School before joining the Heritage staff.
Sheridan takes over a team that finished last season 5-6 and ended the year with a first-round playoff exit. But this year’s Stallions are poised to be maybe the top team in Palm Beach County that is starting this month.
Sophomore quarterback Dylan Rizk, the younger brother of former Heritage quarterback and current Miami Hurricane Ryan Rizk, holds an offer from Kentucky, and he has a big-time target in wide receiver and FAU commit Brandon Schabert. Earl Miller Jr., a South Dakota commit, and Kalem Michel lead the defense.
“Both sides of the ball are looking real good right now,” Rizk said. “We’ve got a lot of new transfers. Everyone’s looking real good. The young kids are finally showing out, so it’s going to be a great year.”
