Despite the dejection on the field after the Falcons fell, 35-14, to Orlando Christian Prep on Nov. 17 in the Sunshine State Athletic Conference Independent State Championship Game, the 2018 season might go down as SSES’s most noteworthy. It was a year that proved that Head Coach Tod Creneti and his staff have created a sustainable program. Few outside their own locker room expected these Falcons to go 10-2 and advance to their fourth straight state title game. With the graduation of uniquely talented players including Fred Billy, Demetrius Davis, Chase and Sydney Brown, SSES figured to struggle. Instead, new stars emerged, led by sophomore running back D.J. Clark (pictured), who rushed for nearly 1,500 yards and 19 touchdowns, and junior offensive/defensive lineman Dylan Davis. Although they weren’t able to capture the school’s third consecutive SSAC state title, the 2018 Falcons capped off a four-year run in which Saint Stephen’s is 41-5, with multiple division and conference crowns. Despite losing more than 90-percent of their offensive production from the previous year, the Falcons still averaged 35 points while allowing just 11 per game. Davis led the postseason awards list by collecting first-team honors on both the Florida Athletic Coaches Association All-District 16 team and the Sunshine State Athletic Conference All-Conference team. Clark and senior offensive lineman Dalton Francis were also chosen SSAC first team. Sophomore safety Calvin Sauerbeck was second-team all-conference. Creneti took the top honors as All-Star Coach in District 16 (Sarasota and Manatee counties) and was named the SSAC Coral League Coach of the Year.