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See the full story · 1 sourcesBayside High football opened practice July 28 before the sun rose as the Bears begin preparation for their third season playing in the Sunshine State Athletic Association.
Last year, Bayside reached the SSAA Atlantic state playoffs for the second year in a row. It finished the season 3-8 after losing to eventual state champions American Heritage (Delray Beach) in the first round.
“I think we had a rough year. We went to the playoffs and played a really good American Heritage team down there. They’re heads and shoulders above where we are. That’s kind of our goal to be like them,” Bayside head coach Billy Miller said. “We feel like in our program we learn from adversity. That’s what allows you to grow. When we’re able to do that and apply that to this year, we feel like it’s going to pay dividends for us.”
Miller said he’s been pleased with the offseason program and the work the players have put in. The Bears will be young this season with only a dozen seniors on the roster. Consistency will be the key, according to Miller.
“There were flashes last year where we looked really, really good and then there were times that we just looked like we had never seen a football,” Miller said. “We’ve got to find that consistency and teach kids that come in and stack days. It’s easy to be good one time, but it’s difficult to be good all the time. That’s a learned behavior.”
The Bears are chasing greater offensive production after averaging 10.4 points per game.
“I want to find consistency on offense. Last year, we showed signs but then we would get a penalty and now we’re backed up,” Miller said. “In 2024, we played with the same five offensive linemen the whole year. Last year, it was a different lineup every week. We got to find consistency in that. I feel really good about the coaching staff and the continuity that we’ve been able to do.”
Defensively, the Bears allowed 23 points per game. Miller said he wants the unit to play fast and physical.
“We got some changes. I want to see kids execute by going fast and not playing afraid,” Miller said. “Being great tacklers is something that is hard in high school football because of all the 7-on-7 and stuff like that. That’s my goal for us is just to get physical. I don’t care about the numbers. The only stat that I’m really worried about is winning football games.”
Bayside opens the season Aug. 14 at home against Crescent City. Miller said to reach their goals this season he wants the players to remain coachable and focus on one step at a time.
“You don’t beat teams on a Friday night. You beat them through the summer and they’ve put in the work, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to be done,” Miller said. “That gives you the opportunity to be competitive. Now we’ve got to put it into play, start stacking days and just be consistent every single day.”
Head coach: Billy Miller starts his fourth season as the Bayside head coach.
Postseason history: Bayside posted back-to-back playoff appearances for the first time since 2013-14.
Playoffs: ’24, ‘25 (SSAA); ’06, ’08, ’09, ’10, ’13, ’14, ’20 (FHSAA).
Playoff record: 0-2 (SSAA); 5-7 (FHSAA).
2026 Bayside High schedule
Aug. 14 vs. Crescent City, 7 p.m.
Aug. 21 at Holy Trinity, 7 p.m.
Aug. 28 at Palm Bay, 7 p.m.
Sept. 4 at Hardee, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 25 vs. Space Coast, 7 p.m.
Oct. 2 vs. Boca Raton Christian, 7 p.m.
Oct. 9 vs. Satellite, 7 p.m.
Oct. 16 vs. Okeechobee, 7 p.m.
Oct. 23 at Cocoa Beach, 7 p.m.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Tour of Brevard: Bayside High hopes consistency yields more success
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