MIDDLEBURG - Middleburg High has been on a run of championships lately thanks a little to departed athletic director John Stilianou, the fire plus of Clay High sports for nearly two decades of strong athletic programs, and secondarily thanks to girls softball coach Ashley Houston who banked on Stilianou's influence to win the school's first state team title.

That in itself, altered the psyche of the Middleburg hallways toward sports and then Stilianou got Ryan Wolfe to come to Middleburg football. Near genius.

Wolfe, an offensive wizard in many places around the county, got his shot to lead the dormant Bronco program and has lit its fire with an 0-10 meet the team first year, a 5-5 this is my team second year followed by a region playoff berth; we are here, last year. The playoff berth was the only Clay County team to go one more game.

Preseason for Wolfe this year will probably focus on just which quarterback; Mason Zwilling and Carson Stewart, both capable, will take the reigns of Wolfe's high-octane stable of speed aplomb; Jaden Boyd, Jaydan Jenkins, Errick Fryer, Jarren Rozier that can burn grass quickly.

Defense is solid for Middleburg led by nearly the entire squad returning to their spots; Austin Cruce LB, Tucker Cody DE, BJ Carter DE, Kendric O'Neal DT, Luke Wheeler.

With Episcopal the target for preseason, Wolfe will face off against a well-coached team with stellar athletes; 8-3 last year, with seasons of 6-5, 7-3 and 10-2 in 2019, with the latter under head coach Mark Brunell, former QB for Jacksonville Jaguars.

Episcopal will be under new leadership with a senior quarterback gone (1327 YDs/16TDs), a senior running back gone (1072 YDs/7TDs) and a senior receiver (52 catches/10TDs) gone. gh School in their opener.