OKEECHOBEE – There has been a steady level of progress made on the gridiron by Matthew May.
The Okeechobee linebacker (Class of 2026) had a solid sophomore campaign in nine games played. Here are the following statistics to support this claim:
DEFENSE
•39 total tackles (24 solo, 15 assist)
•2 forced fumbles
•1 fumble recovery
•1 interception
SPECIAL TEAMS
•16 punts
•500 yards of punting
•Longest punt: 61 yards
BEST INDIVIDUAL GAME: Week 7 vs. Immokalee in 42-22 home loss with 9 total tackles (5 solo, 4 assist) and 1 forced fumble
The 6-foot, 190-pound linebacker reflected on his sophomore season with the Okeechobee Brahmans.
“One thing I love about last season was it was just a fun season,” May said. “Defensive wise, we were making stops coming up with big plays on almost every drive against a lot of these teams we played last season. Going in 6-4 after going 1-9 the season before was also really fun. Actually seeing the stuff our coaches were telling us would come true was one of the best things to see.”
May did not stop there.
“I love the group of seniors we had last season,” May continued. “But I wish we would’ve gotten more subs in and out for them. We could have made that happen throughout the bigger games where we had blowouts. It would have been for the younger kids to get experience, as we lack that now this season.”
For the spring football jamboree (Thursday, May 23 in Immokalee), it proved to be a learning experience of sorts for May, as he recorded three tackles in Game 1 against Immokalee (28-0 loss) and four tackles in Game 2 against East Lee County (14-0 loss).
Okeechobee quarterback/athlete Christopher Evans (Class of 2026) spoke on May’s effect on the team from the spring jamboree and other games played.
“His game is full speed ahead,” Evans said of May. “Whether going downhill to attack a block or laterally to chase a play down, he is very productive and has a high football IQ. He’s the leader of the defense and brings everything together. He’s hardworking and always looks to get better no matter what and is willing to play whatever position to help the team succeed. He’s unselfish and just always comes ready to work. With a great linebacker in the middle like Matthew, he makes his teammates’ jobs easier.”
May sees room to grow from this outcome, as he is looking forward to the summer offseason months of June and July.
“My goal for the summer is to get back into linebacker shape and gain the muscle back I lost when I broke my hand,” May said. “I just want to be the fastest and strongest on the team, while pushing the whole team to put in the work and buy into what the coaches have going on.”
To wrap it up for now, May shared his ultimate aspirations for his upcoming junior season.
“A goal I have for my self is to have 50-60 tackles next season with 7+ turnovers,” May said. “A team goal we have is to win the district title this upcoming year.”
We will follow May’s progress throughout this year and beyond. Stay tuned for more updates.
PHOTO CREDITS: Big Lake Athletes
Muck City Media Enterprises 
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