Rain washes out Fort Myers Green Wave's look at new head coach

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK)—Fort Myers High School football's first test of the season was postponed due to rain.

The Green Wave was set to host a four-team Week Zero scrimmage. The field was ready, but the bleachers remained empty as rain washed out the game.

The scrimmage would have been the first chance to see new Head Coach Joey Mendes lead his team in action. Mendes is taking over for legendary Coach Sam Sirianni Jr., who led the program for roughly 40 years.

"You just enjoy the moment, you know, to come in and lead after somebody that's done it for what 40 years now," Mendes said.

At last week's media day, Mendes told WINK News reporter Lauren Halpern he isn't trying to reinvent the Green Wave—he's trying to keep its identity alive.

"When I went to school there, it was you bleed green. You love green," Mendes said.

That message is already resonating with players. Senior Dion Hodge said the new coach's connection to the school matters.

"He was once a Green Wave. He's there to make sure that we can all get off to college, and also teach us how to be proper men in the real world as well," Hodge said.

Players say the change has taken some adjustment, but the goal hasn't changed. Senior Kamarien McKay said the team is focused on proving Fort Myers football remains strong.

"Show everybody that Fort Myers is still all Fort Myers. Yeah, ain't nothing changed for real. Just new coaches, new players," McKay said.

The goal is to win, get to the playoffs and move forward together.

"When you go out there on the field, you guys all play for Fort Myers, not your individual self," Mendes said.

Week one starts next Friday, and WINK News will have coverage all season long.