TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

No. 1 Hawks Welcome Prestige, Will Avoid Preseason Hype

Tribune photo by JIM REED

Armwood High School football players Mywan Jackson, left, and Rob Jones.

ADVERTISEMENT

By ADAM ADKINS | The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 28, 2008

The Tampa Tribune has been counting down the top 10 football teams in Hillsborough County. Today: No. 1 Armwood. 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.

SEFFNER - Armwood coach Sean Callahan insists the greatest pressure on his team comes from what the Hawks put on themselves. That may be true, but the Hawks certainly have a few additional contributing factors to add to that this season.

Preseason hype tends to do as much, and the Hawks - The Tampa Tribune's No. 1 team - have certainly garnered their fair share. Several preseason national polls included the 2008 Hawks, including Rivals.com, which listed Armwood at No. 2; and USA Today, which listed Armwood at No. 8. But the prestige that comes with the pressure is worth it.

"We want to be recognized as that," Callahan said, "so we welcome it."

On paper, the recognition is well-deserved. Armwood returns substantial talent on both sides of the ball from last year's state semifinal squad. Among the key seniors returning are defensive lineman Ryne Giddins, linebacker Petey Smith, linebacker Casey Callahan, safety Angelo Hadley, quarterback Mywan Jackson and offensive tackle Justin Cabbagestalk, each of whom are considered among the area's best at their respective positions.

While the rankings may be nice, the only thing that will satisfy the Hawks is hoisting a trophy above their heads in Orlando on Dec. 20, the date of the Class 4A state championship. It's a scene that has eluded the program since winning consecutive state titles in 2003-04.

The Hawks know if that goal is to be accomplished, they'll have to put all the hype on the back burner and concentrate solely at the task at hand.

"We've just got to take slow," Giddins said. "Like when you start out in preschool. Start out with your ABCs and your 123s. We've got to come out real slow with it and just continue to bust our butts at the snap of the ball."

KICKOFF CLASSIC: Friday at Lake Gibson

SEASON OPENER: Sept. 5 at Plant

Reporter Adam Adkins can be reached at (813) 657-4533 or aadkins@tampatrib.com.

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT

• Sign up now - it's free!
• Post Your Photos