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Football Countdown: Expectations High In '08 For No. 5 Tampa Catholic

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By BILL WARD

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 24, 2008

The Tribune is counting down the top 10 football teams in Hillsborough County. 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.

Reaching the state championship can cause all sorts of things to happen to a prep football program.

Anything less than a return to that high-profile stage could be viewed as a letdown, but the achievement also raises effort and expectations. It can also put coaches and players under a microscope, but at the same time attract support - financial and otherwise - from fans and alumni.

So how do the Crusaders - No. 5 in the Tribune rankings - get back to that Class 2A title game?

Coach Bob Henriquez apologizes in advance for any cliches, but it will require doing the same thing as last season - taking it one step, and one game, at a time.

"We really have to go back to the beginning and take each game in and of itself," said Henriquez, a Tampa Catholic graduate. "Certainly, it's easier to reload and rebuild from a winning season, and from the kind of success we had and yes, there are some great expectations. But the expectations should be those you put on yourself, and that is to be successful, and the kids are working really hard."

The Crusaders will need to put in a lot of overtime if they hope to match last year's school-best 11-3 record.

The Crusaders lost the entire starting offensive line, the top two tacklers and their sack leader. Among those graduates were the team's emotional leaders.

The good news for Tampa Catholic is it returns loads of skill players, including junior all-state quarterback Christian Green, wide receiver Kenny Broadnax and running back Henry McCloud. The Crusaders also have receiver/quarterback D.J. Williams, the son of former NFL star Doug Williams.

If Henriquez can find replacements on the offensive line and linebackers to support standout senior defensive end Brandon Green, TC might meet or exceed its own expectations for 2008.

KICKOFF CLASSIC: Friday vs. Naples Lely

SEASON OPENER: Sept. 5 vs. Ocala Trinity Catholic

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