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Football Countdown: No. 10 TBT Eager To Continue Climb

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By BILL WARD

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 19, 2008

The Tribune begins its countdown of the top-10 Hillsborough County football teams. Today: No. 10 Tampa Bay Tech. The rankings were compiled in a vote by the Tribune's four staffers who cover high school football and News Channel 8's Dan Lucas.

TAMPA - After putting a resounding end to an 0-22 streak last season with a 6-4 mark, Tampa Bay Tech is poised to take the next step under second-year coach C.C. Culpepper. The Titans' goal this fall: Make the playoffs and go deep into the postseason.

But playing in arguably the toughest Class 4A division in the state - District 11 - will make that a formidable task. That district includes two-time state champion Armwood, traditional state power Hillsborough and a Middleton team accustomed to being in the postseason. And Freedom, which also has made big strides, is part of 4A-11.

"If you can win that district, you can go to the state semifinals, without a doubt," Culpepper said. "We preach that to the kids all the time. You'll hear a coach out here at least once a day say, 'There's 16 games to the state finals in Orlando.'"

Culpepper believes his players have the confidence to play with any team. And with bruising junior fullback Maurice Hagens in the backfield, Tampa Bay Tech has proven it.

Hagens rushed for 1,362 yards and 10 TDs on 214 carries last season and returns with talent around him. Among his supporting cast is junior Darius Anderson, who, as a running back and receiver, is a dual threat and has the kind of speed to make him a breakaway runner.

A new wrinkle to TBT's offense is quarterback Angel Rodriguez, who transferred from Wiregrass Ranch. Rodriguez gives the Titans a strong passing game and allows them to spread the offense. It also takes the pressure off Hagens, who says he often saw eight defenders waiting for him along the line of scrimmage.

TBT, which began last season 4-0, also returns a solid defense and enough depth to seamlessly replace the starters it lost.

"We're definitely taking the next step up," Hagens said. "We've worked really hard for this. We want the playoffs."

KICKOFF CLASSIC: Aug. 29 vs. Plant City

SEASON OPENER: Sept. 5 at Bloomingdale

Reporter Bill Ward can be reached at (813) 259-7456

or wward@tampatrib.com

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