Sandalwood Appoints Malik Reaves as New Head Football Coach

Sandalwood High School has announced the appointment of Malik Reaves as its new head football coach, aiming to revitalize a program that has faced significant challenges in recent years. Reaves, a former player at Fletcher High School, takes on the task of restoring the Saints to their competitive stature in Florida’s Class 7A football landscape.

Reaves, who previously played at Villanova University, expressed his enthusiasm for the role, emphasizing his commitment to developing student-athletes both on and off the field. “What drew me there is just about me wanting to elevate the kids and develop the kids not just on the field as well as off the field. I know the talent is there, and I’m eager to build that winning culture back,” he stated.

Historically, Sandalwood enjoyed a strong football reputation under former coaches Bob Withrow and Adam Geis, making appearances in the playoffs. However, the program has struggled, with a notable decline following a regional final appearance in 2020. The Saints recorded consecutive 5-5 seasons before experiencing a challenging 0-10 record in 2023. Reaves succeeds Brad Kessel, who posted a dismal 1-19 record during his tenure.

Despite recent hardships, the Saints managed to break a 29-game losing streak in Week 12 with a decisive win against Parker. Reaves believes he can leverage his experience to instill a sense of pride and competitiveness in the program. “I’m at the point where I have enough knowledge and the right tools to be able to contribute and build a powerhouse program,” he noted.

With a strong background in competitive football and a deep understanding of the local landscape, Reaves is poised to guide Sandalwood back to prominence. His previous success against the Saints during his time at Fletcher, where he went 4-0 against them, adds to his credibility as he steps into this pivotal role.

As the high school football season approaches, all eyes will be on Sandalwood to see how Reaves implements his vision and strategies. The community remains hopeful that his leadership will lead to a significant turnaround for the Saints in the coming seasons.