BELLE GLADE – The Glades Central Raiders varsity football program has a hidden gem.
Andrew Simeton Jr., a running back from the Class of 2025, is ready to stake his claim as a formidable asset to his team in multiple ways. In fact, the senior-to-be showed flashes of his potential this past season in nine games played.
Here are Simeton’s statistics from 2023:
RUSHING
•65 carries
•245 yards
RECEIVING
•9 catches
•78 yards
TOTAL YARDS: 323
BEST INDIVIDUAL GAME: Week 9 vs. Suncoast in 41-3 home win
•12 carries for 99 yards
•16-yard reception
•115 total yards
Simeton reflected on his best game this past season against Suncoast.
“Man that game was fun,” Simeton said. “All week we were talking about going out there and winning for the seniors on homecoming. So you know even though we were playing Suncoast, I couldn’t let up. I went into this game making sure I was prepared mentally and making sure I make the right reads. I would say that is one thing you would notice for sure if you watch my game film against them. I came out there not letting up and doing my best to secure the win.”
Simeton reflected back on his junior season as a whole.
“I feel like my junior season was okay, but not good as it could have been,” Simeton said. “I would say I know I could’ve done better. I also try to take into consideration that it was my first year playing varsity football. I feel like my stats aren’t up there, but the plays I made will show you that you can rely on me. I contributed to the team in many ways: from first downs, to big runs that would get us in the red zone to score. As a player I just do what I am told to do. To say the least though, I really loved getting back on the field after sitting out my sophomore year.”
Simeton is happy with the offseason installation of Omar Haugabook as Glades Central’s latest head coach.
“Coach Haugabook being the new head coach is nice,” Simeton said. “He installs a lot of discipline and routine. He brings structure. He teaches the team to not only be great football players, but great young men as well.”
Simeton reflected on the Glades Central Spring Jamboree that took place on Friday, May 17, which resulted in two wins for the home team (Game 1 – 21-0 win over Park Vista; Game 2 – 7-0 win over Wellington).
“I would say my spring games went decent,” Simeton said. “The first game against Park Vista was better I would say. But overall my run game was decent. Of course there’s more to work on since that was just spring.”
Simeton had more to say about the two Glades Central spring jamboree games.
“With catches, there weren’t any,” Simeton said. “But the reasoning for that is because our QB (Taj Barnes) did a great job getting through his reads fast enough and getting the ball out. Therefore, he didn’t have to go with his last read which is the RB (me & Ar’Maud Stinfort). With blocking, honestly there wasn’t much to do because our offensive linemen did an amazing job with pass protection. All I had to do was clean up if anyone came free.”
Moving from a successful spring outing to the summer months of June and July, Simeton is excited about what will come soon.
“My offseason plans are to work hard and don’t give up,” Simeton said. “I want to show everything coach is teaching whenever we go to these camps and participate in these 7-on-7’s. Coach would tell us the 3 W’s: Want, Work, Win. We already want it. This offseason me and the team will be putting in the work. On those Fridays, we will win.”
Simeton shared his aspirations for his upcoming senior year at Glades Central.
“My individual goals are to be a 1,000-yard back and to continue working on my overall development into a better player from last season,” Simeton said. “The team goal is simple. We want to go all the way.”
PHOTO CREDITS: Jamarrion Green
Muck City Media Enterprises 
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