SEBASTIAN — Two Sebastian River High School football players are drawing early attention this season for their growth on the field and steady influence in the locker room.
Safety Leroy White and offensive lineman Andrew Montalvo have logged years in the program and enter the year with clear roles and high expectations from their coaches.
Leroy White #8
White is a 6-foot-2, 190-pound junior who is making his first start at safety. He has played football for 11 years and plans to attend Florida Atlantic University after high school.
“I’ve been playing football for 11 years,” White said. “Football has taught me discipline and how to keep my composure. It also taught me how to be more confident in myself and that I can push myself every day to be better than what I was yesterday.”
He dedicated the season to family and coaches.
“I dedicate this season to my mom, siblings, and coach Perry for believing in me when nobody else did. All of them motivated me and made me realize who I’m doing it for. I would also give a huge shout-out to my dad, who has been cheering for me behind the scenes. It’s amazing that I made my family so proud, and I won’t stop till I make it not just for me but for them,” White told Sebastian Daily.
Coach Perry described White’s fit in the defense.
“This season marks Leroy’s first year as a starting safety for our defense,” Perry stated. “At 6’2” and 190 lbs, Leroy possesses ideal size for the position. He has the physical tools to match up with tight ends and shed blocks from offensive linemen. Due to his aggressive nature, he will be called upon to enforce the alley, which is critical to our run defense. Consequently, he plays a vital role in our run fits, particularly when it comes to tackling in space,” he added.
Perry said today’s spread offenses and RPO packages will place heavy coverage demands on White.
“Modern high school offenses rely heavily on spread concepts and run-pass options (RPOs), which will require Leroy to handle complex coverage responsibilities. He displays a smooth backpedal and an efficient crossover run, allowing him to gain depth while keeping his eyes locked on the quarterback,” Perry stated.
“As he takes the next step in his development, Leroy will be expected to lead our pre-snap communication—recognizing offensive shifts, calling out adjustments, and setting coverage alignments for the cornerbacks. We also anticipate him elevating his playmaking ability by tracking the ball in the air, high-pointing it at its apex, and creating turnovers by securing interceptions rather than just knocking passes down for us this year, he added.
Coach Bass, who has coached White since little league, noted the long-term growth.
“He shows up ready to work and willing to do whatever the team needs him to do,” Bass told Sebastian Daily. “Coaching Leroy in little league football to now in high school, he’s really grown as a football player and young man.”
Andrew Montalvo #58
Montalvo is entering his second year as a starting offensive guard. The senior carries a 3.3 GPA and has played since third grade. He has lined up at left guard, right guard, right tackle and left tackle. After graduation, he plans to attend college, continue playing football and earn a degree in sports management and business.
“The coaches have helped me build confidence and shown guidance throughout the years of playing football,” Montalvo said.
Football taught him several lessons.
“Football has taught me discipline, being a team player, always putting the team first; it also has taught me accountability and learning how to get back up after a tough loss,” Montalvo stated.
He singled out a former coach for lasting influence.
“I want to honor Coach Harris. Although you are no longer coaching, the impact you had on me has never gone away. Thank you for pushing me to be better and inspiring me to keep working,” he added.
Montalvo also thanked Coach Perry and his mother.
“I want to thank Coach Perry for believing in me and allowing me to start practicing with the high school football team back in 2020. I was only 11 years old, and being given the opportunity to practice alongside high school athletes was something I’ll never forget. At that age, I didn’t fully understand how special that opportunity was, but looking back, I realize how much it meant and how much it helped shape me into the person and athlete I am today. Thank you, Coach Perry, for being a role model to me.”
Montalvo also spoke directly to his mother.
“To my mom, thank you for always being there for me. You have never once missed a game, and no matter what, you have always been there in the stands, cheering me on and supporting me. You have been my number one fan from the very beginning. Through every win, every loss, every good moment, and every challenge, you have always believed in me and encouraged me to keep going. I’m so grateful for all the sacrifices you’ve made, the love you’ve given me, and the support you continue to show me. Knowing that you’re always there means more to me than words can explain. Mom, I love you so much, and I appreciate you more than you’ll ever know.”
Coach Perry expects Montalvo to raise the standard of the offensive line.
“Andrew is entering his second year as a starting offensive guard,” Perry said. “We expect him to take the next step in his development and elevate the rest of the offensive line along with him.”
“He possesses the ability to strike directly through the defender’s breastplate, establish inside hand leverage, and consistently move the line of scrimmage. His footwork at the point of attack has become significantly more effective, and he displays great speed when pulling across the formation to kick out defenders,” Perry added.
Perry said Montalvo’s agility should help him create running lanes and finish blocks.
“With his agility, we expect him to cleanly disengage from down-linemen, execute accurate strikes on linebackers and defensive backs in space, and open up clear running lanes. As with all our offensive linemen, he is expected to drive through the whistle with the intent to finish defenders on the ground.”
Coach Matt highlighted attitude and effort.
“Andrew always has a good attitude and gives great effort,” Matt said. “Those are characteristic qualities that will make him successful playing football and beyond high school.”
Coach Green pointed to leadership.
“Andrew has been a great part of the O line,” Green said. “He has stepped up as a leader on and off the field. He is one of those guys you can count on to do his part, and he will push others to do the same. I am excited to see what he does this year and how he will leave the o-line better than he found it.”
Both White and Montalvo enter the 2026 season with defined roles and clear expectations from their coaches.
Sebastian River High School Sharks 2026 Football Schedule
- Monday, Aug. 24 – at University (Orange City), 6:00 p.m. (Non-district)
- Friday, Aug. 28 – vs. Viera, 7:00 p.m. (Non-district)
- Friday, Sept. 4 – vs. Tohopekaliga, 7:00 p.m. (Non-district)
- Thursday, Sept. 10 – at Jensen Beach, 7:00 p.m. (District)
- Friday, Sept. 18 – at South Fork, 7:00 p.m. (Non-district)
- Friday, Oct. 2 – vs. Heritage (Palm Bay), 7:00 p.m. (District)
- Friday, Oct. 9 – at Legacy, 7:00 p.m. (District)
- Friday, Oct. 16 – at Westwood (Fort Pierce), 7:00 p.m. (District)
- Friday, Oct. 23 – at Port St. Lucie, 7:00 p.m. (District)
- Friday, Oct. 30 – vs. Harmony, 7:00 p.m. (Non-district)
Tickets can be purchased here or at the gate entrance.
