Palm Bay football celebrates 200th win with Burke
It has been quite a season for the Palm Bay football team, though that is far from unusual for the consistent program.
Through the years, the Pirates have won a pair of state championships, been ranked highly not only in the state of Florida but in the nation and have made the playoffs 19 of the last 20 years.
That kind of consistency is not only rarely found in football, and it's not just rarely found in sports. It's rarely found in anything.
The run began in 1996, and the common denominator has been head coach Dan Burke. With a 27-10 win over Merritt Island on Friday, his 2016 team has added another district championship, a 20th playoff appearance and the 200th win at Palm Bay for Burke.
"I have found the best thing about getting older is that the memories pile up, and you really can choose the memories that give you the most pleasure and bring a laugh or smile to your face," he said. "Age brings some wisdom, and you hope not to commit the same mistakes twice."
Vote for this week's Athlete of the Week
One theme of Burke's coaching has been to focus his players on what is in front of them: "play the next play."
The next play for the Pirates will come at Satellite on Friday. Week 10 of the regular season will be the final chance for teams in Brevard County and around the state to clinch playoff spots and district titles. Palm Bay is 7-0 overall and was ranked fourth in Class 5A last week in a poll of Florida sports writers compiled by the Associated Press.
Because Palm bay improved to 4-0 in District 14-5A play with the defeat of the Mustangs, the Pirates can't be caught for first place in the district standings. They will open the regional playoffs at home on Nov. 11 against an opponent from District 13.
Just as Burke consistently reminds his players to share credit with their teammates, he distributed praise to the players, assistant coaches and administrators who have helped along the journey.
"Football is the greatest team game, and nothing happens without a great support staff and talented, hard-working players," he said. Then he pivoted to what is in front of the Pirates. "We have a game next Friday, plus the next Friday, and the next Friday. We will prepare the best we can and play the next play as hard as we can."
Make your picks for Week 10 2016
Melbourne-Heritage to be made up Tuesday
The Oct. 7 non-district football game between Melbourne and Heritage will be played on Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Tom McIntyre Stadium.
The Bulldogs are coming off a 27-7 win over Bayside, while the Panthers defeated Jensen Beach, 22-13.
Satellite to honor military
When Satellite hosts Palm Bay for both teams' final District 14-5A game of the year on Friday, the United States Military will be the theme of the night. All active duty and retired military personnel with an I.D. will be admitted to the game free.
At halftime, a giant American flag will be presented while the Scorps band plays the anthems of the branches of service. Active duty personnel will be honored along with Thomas P. Stafford, NASA astronaut from Satellite Beach.
MIC gets final two opponents
Sunshine State Athletic Conference teams play their final two games against opponents based on their finish in division standings. On Friday, Merritt Island Christian got the word about its final two games.
The Cougars (0-6) will host Bishop Snyder on Friday at home and then play Berean Christian, also at home, on Nov. 3.
Contact McCallum at 321-242-3698 or bmccallum@floridatoday.com. Follow facebook.com/FLtoday.brianmccallum and @Brian_McCallum on Twitter.
High school sports | floridatoday.com/sports/high-school-sports/