East Bay’s defense shut out Robinson in the second half, and the offense scored 20 unanswered points to deliver a 20-12 comeback win in a preseason Kickoff Classic.

The Indians trailed 12-0 at the break. Second-year head coach DeAndra Simmons told the Osprey Observer his defense carried the team, calling them the “big brothers” of the squad. The unit held Robinson scoreless over the final two quarters while the offense found its rhythm.

“I've laid my hat on the 'East Bay Way,' just a blue-collar approach,” Simmons said. “We are going to hit you in the mouth on defense, and on offense we are going to establish the run, then from there we are going to spread you out and show our athletes.”

That spread look is new. East Bay ran a wing-T, run-heavy system before Simmons arrived. He installed a spread offense with read-option principles in 2025, his first season, along with up-tempo concepts and more diverse blocking schemes. The passing game caused growing pains last year, but Simmons said the Robinson game showed glimpses of progress.

According to the Osprey Observer, the defense returns all of its starters from a 2025 squad that posted shutouts against Leto (57-0) and Spoto (50-0). Linebacker Dorian Edwards, listed as a Class of 2027 prospect on recruiting sites, headlines the unit. Seniors Michael Walker, Shawn Daniels and Marquis Thornton anchor the secondary, and Cole Sharpless, a Class of 2027 transfer from Strawberry Crest, adds depth up front.

At quarterback, junior Jeremiah Argo holds the starting job for now, but junior Cannon Farragut is pushing him. Simmons described Farragut as having “true SEC size” and the body type of Cam Newton. An official starter is expected within the first two weeks of the regular season.

East Bay also brought back a familiar face. Former longtime head coach Mike Gottman returned to the staff as offensive line coach after retiring. Simmons, a Memphis, Tennessee, native and former offensive guard at the University of Memphis, said Gottman has been a mentor and a guide to South Shore and Hillsborough County football.

The Indians finished 5-5 in 2025, missing the playoffs for the first time in four years, according to the Observer News. They moved from 5A District 8 to 4A District 9 this season, where Jesuit (11-2 in 2025) looms as the top challenger.

East Bay opens the regular season Friday, Aug. 21, at home against crosstown rival Riverview with the Cherry Cup on the line. Riverview claimed the trophy last season. The Indians then travel to Chamberlain on Friday, Aug. 28, before road games at Gibbs (Sept. 4) and Hillsborough (Thursday, Sept. 10).