VENICE, Fla (SNN-TV) – We continue our Venice State Title Week coverage, as the Indians surge towards Saturday’s showdown with Lakeland.
Looking to capitalize on recent success, the Indians roll into Saturday’s state championship in Fort Lauderdale on a high note. Despite dropping two of their first three games, the Indians have won eight of their past nine, and have scored at least 20 points in each of those past nine outings. In combination with said hot streak, Venice has its sights set on repeating as state champions and winning its fourth title in program history.
Of course, most recently defeating Apopka, 35-7 last season in Fort Lauderdale, and prior to that defeating Bartram Trail 37-24 for the school’s second ever football championship, and first under Coach John Peacock. We have to rewind 22 years ago, to account for the Indians first state title, coming in the year 2000, when the Indians then led by Nick Coleman, dismantled Dwyer 77-14.
Former Athletic Director and defensive ends coach, Larry Sandburg, reflects on the tough road Venice paved to winning that very first state championship.
“We had some tough games, we played Ely, we played Lakeland. Trying to go week-to-week and put these games together as a coaching staff, Nick [Coleman] did such a great job. He changed so much of the atmosphere around here. He got all of these kids to buy in to weightlifting and the summer workouts.
Sandburg’s replacement, current Athletic Director Pete Dombroski, hopes to add to his winning collection. A victory on Saturday would account for Dombroski’s 3rd football state championship, and his 15th overall, since starting as AD in 2010.
Dombroski implores that the community and the Venice fans drives the team to succeed.
“You know, its just so much fun. You look in the stands and see everybody from the community rooting the kids on, it just brings your community together. Everybody is very proud to wear green and white. Its an exciting where everybody comes together and goes to have a good time, and cheer on the kids.”
Venice will turn DRV PNK Stadium green this Saturday in Fort Lauderdale, with kickoff set for 1pm.
