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Football Countdown: Chamberlain Returns Plenty Of Firepower

Tribune photo by CHRIS URSO

Chamberlain quarterback Dontae Aycock looks down field during the first half against Hillsborough Friday, Sept. 14, 2007 in Tampa.

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By NICK WILLIAMS | The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 26, 2008

The Tribune is counting down the top 10 football teams in Hillsborough County. Today: No. 3 Chamberlain. 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.

Excited, motivated and determined are some of the words used by players and coaches at Chamberlain to describe their feelings about this season.

After falling short of a state semifinal appearance by one play last year, the Chiefs are confident they can repeat and improve on their 2007 postseason run.

"The kids that are on our team that were here last year, they saw how close we were and I think on paper, we're as good as we were last year," Coach Billy Turner said.

Senior quarterback Dontae Aycock, one of the top prospects in the nation, who led the team with nearly 1,000 passing and rushing yards last season, will be the primary weapon for the Chiefs. Lining up with Aycock in the triple-option formation will be running backs Kenny Allen, a three-year varsity starter, and Lamond Scott, a two-year starter.

Jefferson transfers and receivers Anthony Williams and Ed Williams (no relation), will allow the Chiefs to open up its offense in the spread formation. D'Angelo Vidal, a transfer from King, and Justin McDowell will lead the offensive line.

Chamberlain's defense was a bit of a surprise in 2007, even to Turner. The unit posted four shutout victories and returns defensive tackles Dontavious Pyron, an all-county first-team and FACA all-area selection in 2007, and 6-foot-3, 300 pound junior Eric Hammond. A transfer from California, Donovan Lee, will hold the linebacker position with James Wilder and DeAndre Hall.

The secondary, Chamberlain's strongest unit last season, is revamped with the addition of Jefferson transfer Rico Valdez.

Reporter Nick Williams can be reached at (813) 865-4848 or nwilliams@tampatrib.com.

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