Restore Lakes. That’s the motto that Palm Beach Lakes’ Head Coach Turmarian “TMO” Moreland brought to his alma mater three years ago.
“I’m a graduate of 2001, I spent my childhood being raised partly in Belle Glade and West Palm. I remember the days of Coach Bolinder where Lakes was one of the best programs not just in Palm Beach but South Florida year in and year out.” Coach TMo shared. “When I speak of Restoring Lakes I’m referring to those days of the 90’s when it was consistent success year in and year out and it starts with building a “Program” foundational bricks day by day.”
Over the years, the foundation for the restoration was set. Rebuilds like this don’t happen over night, it takes a plan. Coach TMo reflects on that journey by saying:
“When I got here as the Head Coach, Lakes was probably the worst program in the state. I remember them losing a game to Palm Beach Central 80-0 and Tallahassee Lincoln 78-0.” Coach Moreland said with a shudder. “We changed everything. From updating the equipment, to updating the facilities and organizing an off-season plan.”
Coach would go onto expand on said off-season plans, sharing:
“We brought back our wrestling program so that the young men are with us year round between that and track. The 2027 class was our first group of freshmen. We started this with them. Now, we have two 2027 athletes with Power 4 offers, one being ranked one of the top players in the entire country at his position. But it’s not just those two. We have a talented 2027 group with ton of potential but also 2028 and 2029. So we have seen the change with the rise of the skill level in our program.”
As Coach TMo stated, Palm Beach Lakes boasts a deep rising junior class, all of which possess the chip on their shoulders in order to be great. I spoke with three of those young men, QB Julian Ayala, WR Ryan Ferdinand and ATH Turmarian “Lil TMo” Moreland Jr. Moreland Jr has been part of the Lakes rebuild throughout his high school career, while Ayala and Ferdinand called Lakes their home during spring ball.
Throughout the spring and into the summer, all three of these guys made influential decisions that have grown their game in some shape of form.
“This off season I attacked the weight room, focusing on getting bigger, faster, stronger. On top of that, I can confidently say this is the most locked in I’ve been while watching film. As much as I focused on getting stronger, I also focused on being a student of the game.” Moreland Jr. stated.
“I would say Coach TMo’s hands-on approach has really helped me understand the nuances of the offense, while strengthening our trust.” Ayala shared. “There’s a lot of things that are truly starting to click for me. My reads, my timing, reading the defense and anticipating the coverages. It’s my first year as a starter. I will be prepared to lead this team no matter what.”
“The biggest thing I worked on was building trust with Julian. We’d stay after practice throwing for hours while building a connection on and off the field as well. He’s my brother and I’m excited to play ball with him.” Ferdinand said.
This off-season, Palm Beach Lakes began turning heads on the summer 7v7 circuit for their absolutely explosive offense. Julian Ayala and Ryan Ferdinand were an unstoppable duo at the Keiser, Florida Atlantic, FIU and Miami camps. It honestly looked like every drive would end in 6, and they did it in style.
Headed into 2025, Palm Beach Lakes is prepared to surprise any unsuspecting victim. The Rams are no longer a ‘trap game’ or that school you schedule for homecoming, they’re the real deal and should be treated as such.
Since I’ve began covering Palm Beach County High School Football, there’s been at least one school that shocks the world and changes the landscape of our area. Be forewarned, every year the crystal ball proves me right. My prediction for this year is Palm Beach Lakes High School.
