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Tribune Two-A-Days: Football Previews
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Published: May 1, 2008
Updated: 05/05/2008 10:40 pm
To satisfy the appetites of our prep football fans, the Tribune offers a look at each football team in Hillsborough County during spring workouts.
Each Two-A-Day capsule includes information such as key player losses, key returners players and key additions for the 2008 team, as well a short explanation of what the team's focus will be during spring practice. It also will include the site and date for the team's spring game and the team's 2008 schedule.
Team are listed alphabetically on this page.
ALONSO
COACH: Mike Heldt
2007 RECORD: 5-5 (1-2 Class 5A-District 6)
KEY LOSSES: LB Mike Frascello, DL Jamal Crook, WR Joe Clarke, DB Dion Price, LB Tyler Russell, RB/DB Chris Frierson (transferred to Chamberlain)
KEY RETURNERS: DT Demonte McAllister, QB CJ Bennett, WR Jonathan Armand, WR Cory Strassberg
SPRING FOCUS: The Ravens lost their leader in sacks (Crook) but McAllister returns as the one of the top recruits in the state. McAllister, who has received offers from Florida State, Florida and USC among many others, creates havoc and sets the tone on a very good defense. Offensively, the Ravens are in year two of a new scheme and look to get more out of their passing game from Bennett. He'll get help from Armand and Strassberg.
JAMBOREE: May 22 vs. Sickles
2008 SCHEDULE: Aug. 29 vs. Countryside (Kickoff Classic); Sept. 5 vs. Robinson; Sept. 12 at Hillsborough; Sept. 19 at Blake; Sept. 26 vs. Leto; Oct. 3 at Freedom; Oct. 10 at King; Oct. 16 vs. Gaither; Oct. 24 vs. Chamberlain; Oct. 31 at Jefferson; Nov. 7 vs. Sickles
Katherine Smith
ARMWOOD
COACH: Sean Callahan
2007 RECORD: 13-1 (4-0 Class 4A-District 11)
KEY LOSSES: RB Eric Smith, OL Matt Patchan, OL Juan Gorostiaga, DL Sergio Joyner, DL Josh Alston
KEY RETURNERS: LB Petey Smith, DL Ryne Giddins, DB Angelo Hadley, QB Mywan Jackson, OL Justin Cabbagestalk, LB Casey Callahan
KEY ADDITION: RB Sirchauncey Holloway
SPRING FOCUS: Coach Callahan will turn his attention to shoring up the Hawks' offensive and defensive lines, which were hit hard by graduation. The Hawks lost three starters on the offensive line and three starters and six regulars on the defensive side. Armwood also must find some new bodies in the secondary, but Callahan said that shouldn't be a problem, as the Hawks have some playmakers waiting in the wings. Armwood also will take some time to install some new offensive packages for Jackson, the quarterback, as Callahan said the Hawks are going to change their offense from years past to take full advantage of Jackson's playmaking abilities.
JAMBOREE: May 22 at Newsome (vs. Durant)
2008 SCHEDULE: Aug. 29 at Lake Gibson (Kickoff Classic); Sept. 5 at Plant; Sept. 12 vs. Wharton; Sept. 19 at Brandon; Sept. 26 at Newsome; Oct. 3 vs. Jefferson; Oct. 10 vs. Tampa Bay Tech; Oct. 16 vs. Plant City; Oct. 24 at Hillsborough; Oct. 31 at Freedom; Nov. 7 vs. Middleton; Nov. 14 open.
Adam Adkins
BERKELEY PREP
COACH: Dominick Ciao
2007 RECORD: 5-5 overall, 0-3 Class 2B-District 6
KEY LOSSES: QB Archie Barnes, RB/DB Nate Greaves, OL/DL Alex Matzkin, P Shea Hughes, OL/DL Nick Myers.
KEY RETURNERS: MLB Keith Bexley, RB Julian Crockett, WR Jordan Crockett, OL/DL Turner Richardson, WR Nick Orobello
SPRING FOCUS: The Buccaneers lose only five starters off last year's squad, but several of them went both ways. And the graduation of Barnes means Ciao and his staff must find a capable replacement quarterback to orchestrate the offense. Heading into spring drills, the Bucs boast several candidates but the job, Ciao says, is by no means locked up by any of them. Berkeley will need to figure out this part of the puzzle first before installing a concrete offensive scheme.
SPRING JAMBOREE: May 16 vs. Lake Highland Prep at home.
2008 SCHEDULE: Aug. 29 vs. Northside Christian School; Sept. 5 vs. Bradenton Prep; Sept. 12 vs. Keswick Christian; Sept. 19 at Wiregrass Ranch; Oct. 3. at Lake Highland Prep; Oct. 10 vs. Clearwater Central Catholic; Oct. 16 vs. Winter Park Trinity Prep; Oct. 24. at Sarasota Cardinal Mooney; Oct. 31. at Fort Myers Evangelical Christian; Nov. 7 vs. Frostproof.
Bill Ward
BLAKE
COACH: Sean Washington
2007 RECORD: 2-8, 1-4 4A-District 10
KEY LOSSES: OL/DL Vittorio Ottaneili, RB Willie Hoops, DB Kevin Lynch, OL/DL Marvin Murphy, WR Terrance Robertson, OL Dontae Davis
KEY RETURNERS: DE Montrey Pride, DE Jeremy Williams, QB Michael McFarland, DB/RB Michael Hankerson, LB Demetrius Delvin, WR/DB John Chandler, RB/DB Tevon Mutchinson
KEY ADDITION: QB Devin Port (played JV last year)
WHAT TO LOOK FOR: The Yellow Jackets return just one starter from last year's offensive line, which was the team's strong point. Washington said he will focus on rebuilding the offensive line during the spring and will try to develop 6-foot-6 quarterback Michael McFarland. McFarland started the season at tight end, but moved to quarterback. Washington said Devin Port, who was the JV starting quarterback last season, will compete for the starting job, which could move McFarland back to his natural position. On defense, Blake returns nine starters, led by defensive end Montrey Pride.
JAMBOREE OPPONENT: May 22 vs. Plant (at Jefferson)
2008 SCHEDULE: Sept. 5 at Jesuit; Sept. 12 vs. Plant City; Sept. 19 vs. Alonso; Sept. 26 at Chamberlain; Oct. 3 vs. Middleton; Oct. 10 at Plant; Oct. 16 at Brandon; Oct. 24 vs. Jefferson; Oct. 31 at Sickles; Nov. 7 vs. Leto; Nov. 14 open.
Nick Williams
BLOOMINGDALE
COACH: Jason Stokes
2007 RECORD: 2-8, 0-4 5A-District 7
KEY LOSSES: RB/DB Jahmaal Jones, LB D'Marcus Reid, OL Jerry Clark
KEY RETURNERS: QB Joe Alvarez, LB C.J. Curran, WR Greg LaClair, RB Derrick Johnson, DB Justin Mann, WR Jordan Fry
SPRING FOCUS: With a new coach comes new systems, and implementing those, of course, will be a priority for the Bulls this spring. Priority No. 1, however, will be to establish a new attitude, according to Stokes. The coach is still trying to get to know his players, but he's made it clear he wants his team to become much more physical and to play with some "nastiness." The Bulls benefit with the return of several key offensive and defensive players, including two-time all-conference pick Curran. The biggest battle to watch this spring will be at quarterback, where incumbent Alvarez will be pushed by Spoto transfer Anthony Beko.
JAMBOREE: May 22 at Brandon (vs. Brandon)
2008 SCHEDULE: Aug. 29 vs. Riverview (Kickoff Classic); Sept. 5 vs. Tampa Bay Tech; Sept. 12 vs. Spoto; Sept. 19 at King; Sept. 26 vs. Plant City; Oct. 3 at Sickles; Oct. 10 OPEN; Oct. 16 vs. Leto; Oct. 24 vs. East Bay; Oct. 31 at Brandon; Nov. 7 at Newsome; Nov. 14 at Durant
Adam Adkins
BRANDON
COACH: John Lima
2007 RECORD: 7-4, 4-0 5A-District 7
KEY LOSSES: RB/LB Samir Baker, RB Marquel Gilmore, LB Wale Agbede, QB Tracy Burr, TE Adam Gieseking, DB Tyrone Comer, WR Javoris Lucas, WR Jeremy Tillman, DL Westly Williams, OL David Mosley
KEY RETURNERS: OL Danny Gonzalez, OL Ben Harrison, OL Chaz Austin, LB/RB Deandre Bowers, DB Sean Watson, DB Dominique Lee, LB Ron Suggs
SPRING FOCUS: Hit hard by graduation - losing 29 seniors - the Eagles have a lot of question marks this spring. Shoring up the holes on offense will be a big priority, as replacements must be found at every skill position. Bowers is penciled in for the tailback job, while a handful of players are vying for the quarterback spot. A staff overhaul has the Eagles with new coordinators on each side of the ball, and some new wrinkles are being inserted to the base packages on both sides.
JAMBOREE: May 22 at Brandon (vs. Bloomingdale)
2008 SCHEDULE: Aug. 29 at Sickles (Kickoff Classic); Sept. 5 at Middleton; Sept. 12 vs. King; Sept. 19 vs. Armwood; Sept. 26 at East Bay; Oct. 3 at Durant; Oct. 10 at Newsome; Oct. 16 vs. Blake; Oct. 24 OPEN; Oct. 31 vs. Bloomingdale; Nov. 7 vs. Plant City; Nov. 14 at Riverview
Adam Adkins
CAMBRIDGE CHRISTIAN
COACH: Rick Shears
2007 RECORD: 6-4 (3-2 Class 1B-District 6)
KEY LOSSES: RB Taylor Cabral, LB Erik Shears, OL/DL Jake Hunter, WR/LB Josh Lockwood
KEY RETURNERS: QB Etienne Turner, DB/RB Micah Lewis, WR Dixon Phillips, DB/WR Ryan Campbell
SPRING FOCUS: The Lancers are going to be short-handed because the baseball team is still in the playoffs. Shears also serves as the school's baseball coach, and eight baseball players also play football. Carl Smith and Steve Lewis will handle the coaching duties in Shears' absence, and their primary focus will be finding some linebackers; Cambridge must replace all three starters. Otherwise, the team is in good shape, with six offensive starters and five defensive starters set to return. Micah Lewis (out for spring; knee) has been penciled in to replace Cabral, Hillsborough County's rushing leader in 2007, for next season, but Chris Brown could play himself into the mix with an impressive spring.
SPRING GAME: May 24 at Indian Rocks Christian
2008 SCHEDULE: Aug. 29 at Winter Haven All Saints' (Kickoff Classic); Sept. 5 vs. Jacksonville Univ. Christian; Sept. 12 vs. Bradenton Christian; Sept. 19 at Lakeland Santa Fe Catholic; Sept. 26 at Bradenton Prep; Oct. 3 vs. Keswick Christian; Oct. 11 at Sarasota Out-of-Door; Oct. 17 vs. South Daytona Warner Christian; Oct. 24 at Leesburg First Academy; Nov. 1 vs. Calvary Christian; Nov. 7 at Lake Wales Vanguard; Nov. 14 open.
Adam Adkins
CARROLLWOOD DAY SCHOOL PREP
COACH: Lane McLaughlin
2007 RECORD: 10-3, Florida Christian Association of Private and Parochial Schools Six-Man Football League; won 6-on-6 state football championship.
KEY LOSSES: None
KEY RETURNERS: RB/DB Darrius Bing; WR/DB Matt Monteihl; QB Billy Embody; FS Chris Tufts; OL/DL Mack Djulbegovic.
KEY ADDITION: DB/RB Jon "Deuce" Gruden (Jon Gruden's son)
WHAT TO LOOK FOR: The Patriots will begin their inaugural season as an 11-man, FHSAA sanctioned independent program in 2008. Because the offense was focused on passing during 6-on-6 competition, McLaughlin will try to develop a running game and a solid offensive line this spring. Bing, who rushed for more than 1,200 yards last season, will return to the starting tailback spot while Djulbegovic will look to lead the line. Junior quarterback Embody (2,700 yards, 33 TDs, 5 INTs last season) will be the play-caller.
JAMBOREE OPPONENT: May 22 at Canterbury
2008 SCHEDULE: Aug. 29 (Kickoff Classic) vs. Cambridge and Winter Haven All Saints' at All Saints'; Sept. 5 vs. Leesburg First Academy; Sept. 12 vs. Sarasota Out-of-Door Academy; Sept. 19 at Moore Haven; Sept. 26 at Hernando Christian Academy; Oct. 3 vs. Mount Dora Bible; Oct. 10 at Bradenton St. Stephen's; Oct. 17 open; Oct. 24 at Bradenton Christian; Oct. 31 vs. Bishop McLaughlin; Nov. 7 at Canterbury.
Nick Williams
CHAMBERLAIN
COACH: Billy Turner
2007 RECORD: 9-4 overall, 3-0 Class 5A-District 6, advanced to 5A region final
KEY LOSSES: DB Justin Bell, DB Deven Persaud, OL Austin Chatman, WR Fred Sykes, WR Francisco Llanos, OL Zach Ford
KEY RETURNERS: QB Dontae Aycock, RB Kenny Allen, DL Dontavious Pyron, DL Eric Hammond, RB Lamond Scott, K/P Austin Pullaro
KEY ADDITIONS: WR Ed Williams (transfer from Jefferson), WR Anthony Williams (transfer from Jefferson), OL D'Angelo Vidal (transfer from King), DB Rico Valdes (transfer from Jefferson)
WHAT TO LOOK FOR: With the presence of a new coordinator, the Chiefs will implement a new defense this spring. Not to worry, though, because Chamberlain certainly has the personnel to make it work. The Chiefs will try to mix in a spread offense to utilize their talented receiving core. The triple option remains the bread and butter of the offense.
JAMBOREE: Thursday at Middleton (vs. Hillsborough).
2008 SCHEDULE: Aug. 29 (Kickoff Classic) at Jesuit; Sept. 5 at Gaither; Sept. 12 vs. Middleton; Sept. 19 at Hillsborough; Sept. 26 vs. Blake; Oct. 3 at East Bay; Oct. 10 vs. Sickles; Oct. 16 vs. Jefferson; Oct. 24 at Alonso; Oct. 31 at Plant; Nov. 7 vs. King; Nov. 14 Open.
Nick Williams
DURANT
COACH: Mike Gottman
2007 RECORD: 5-5, 1-2 6A-District 6
KEY LOSSES: LB Eric Councill, QB Jeremy Fussell, TE Royce Rose, P/K Evan Kelly, OL David Zanato
KEY RETURNERS: RB Ryan Rice, OL Cole Gilliam, DB Ruben Garcia, LB Billy Whitcomb, RB Marshon Shoemake, DL Austin Devall, DB John Hicks
SPRING FOCUS: The Cougars' most pressing needs this spring will be finding a new signal-caller and some bodies to block for him up front. Daniel Coan and Steven Vanvaerenbergh are in a battle for the starting quarterback job.Filling the gap left on the line may prove more challenging, but the Cougars return their top two rushers from last season, including 1,000-yard rusher Rice. Durant also must replace its leading tackler (Councill) but returns eight starters on defense.
JAMBOREE: May 22 at Newsome (vs. Armwood)
2008 SCHEDULE: Aug. 29 at Gaither (Kickoff Classic); Sept. 5 vs. Plant City; Sept. 12 at East Bay; Sept. 19 at Newsome; Sept. 26 vs. King; Oct. 3 vs. Brandon; Oct. 10 at Sarasota; Oct. 16 at Freedom; Oct. 24 at Sarasota Riverview; Oct. 31 OPEN; Nov. 7 vs. Riverview; Nov. 14 vs. Bloomingdale
Adam Adkins
EAST BAY
COACH: Brian Thornton
2007 RECORD: 5-5 (2-2 Class 5A-District 7)
KEY LOSSES: QB Rex Ballanger, RB Ryan Stubbs, FB JoJo Ross, DB Mike Roberti, OL Matt Brown.
KEY RETURNERS: RB Chaz Burrows, DE Will White, DL Dontavious Fleming, C Jake Anaya, OT Dalton McClure, K Forest Meredith, P Justin Hawk.
KEY ADDITIONS: QB Jhyree Harris (late move-in, played basketball for East Bay this season).
SPRING FOCUS: Thornton has a solid group of players who return with experience but he says there are several "loose ends" that still need to be nailed down, including the starting QB spot. The athletic Harris (6-1, 170), who runs 4.5 for the 40-yard dash, appears to have the inside track but he will need to learn the Indians' wishbone option offense. It's an offense they've used to reach the playoffs five out of the past seven seasons and keeping that sort of continuity, Thornton says, is a key to their success.
JAMBOREE: May 22 at Brandon (vs. Riverview).
2008 SCHEDULE: Aug. 29 at King (Kickoff Classic); Sept. 5 at Riverview; Sept. 12 vs. Durant; Sept. 19 at Wharton; Sept. 26 vs. Brandon; Oct. 3 vs. Chamberlain; Oct. 10 at Plant City; Oct. 24 at Bloomingdale; Oct. 31 vs. Newsome; Nov. 7 vs. Freedom; Nov. 14 at Spoto.
Bill Ward
FREEDOM
COACH: Marquel Blackwell
2007 RECORD: 1-9 overall, 1-3 Class 4A-District 11
KEY LOSSES: WR Larry Thompson, DB Scott Peek, P Cass Couey, RB Kari Gallespie, LB Justin Raymond, OL/DL Rolando Fines
KEY RETURNERS: QB Josh Grady, OL/DL Carl Saunders, OL/DL Coril Joseph, WR Mark Cionci, LB Keith Lewis
KEY ADDITIONS: OT Jahari Moore (didn't play last season)
SPRING FOCUS: Freedom will be young, with Blackwell saying the average age of the team heading into spring is 15.5. With the loss of Gallespie and Brae Davis to graduation, the running back spot will be wide open. A positive for Freedom is the return of Grady, who as a freshman last year earned the starting spot at midseason and will be the play-caller for the Patriots this season. Freedom needs a number of skill players, especially receivers, to emerge during the spring. Keep in mind that Blackwell was a quarterback at USF.
SPRING JAMBOREE: May 23 at King (vs. King)
2008 SCHEDULE: Sept. 5 at Wharton, Sept. 12 Open, Sept. 19 vs. Gaither, Sept. 26 vs. Tampa Bay Tech, Oct. 3 vs. Alonso, Oct. 10 at Hillsborough, Oct. 16 vs. Durant, Oct. 24 at Middleton, Oct. 31 vs. Armwood, Nov. 7 at East Bay, Nov. 14 at Plant City.
Nick Williams
GAITHER
COACH: Mark Kantor
2007 RECORD: 8-4 (3-0 Class 5A-District 5)
KEY LOSSES: WR Alan Sampson (transferred to Plant), DB Zach Henderson, LB Mike Whitescarver, K Nick Cattoi, OL Spencer Cavalieri, OL Chris Cardon
KEY RETURNERS: RB Jarvis Giles, TE Justin Lattimore, LB Yemi Oyegunle, RB Cary White, WR Dylan Fisher, QB Kamren Hawkins
SPRING FOCUS: The Cowboys return six starters on offense and four on defense. In an effort to take pressure off Giles, one of the county's leading rushers, Kantor will attempt to get more offensive players involved, especially in the passing game. New defensive coordinator Brian DelValle will be looking for someone to step up and replace playmakers Henderson and Whitescarver.
JAMBOREE: May 22 at Middleton (vs. Middleton)
2008 SCHEDULE: Aug. 29 vs. Durant (Kickoff Classic); Sept. 5 vs. Chamberlain; Sept. 12 vs. Plant; Sept. 19 at Freedom; Sept..26 at Jefferson; Oct. 3 vs. Jesuit; Oct. 10 vs. Mitchell; Oct. 16 at Alonso; Oct. 24 at Wesley Chapel; Oct. 31 vs. Hillsborough; Nov. 7 at Wharton
Katherine Smith
HILLSBOROUGH
COACH: Earl Garcia
2007 RECORD: 9-3 overall, 3-1 Class 4A-District 11; advanced to 4A region semifinals
KEY LOSSES: DL Moses McCray, LB Marc Thomas, RB Iziah Wyche, SS Erik Fennell, DB Chuck Grace, DB Andreas Ashwood, OL Charlie Hughlett
KEY RETURNERS: RB Lindsey Lamar, QB Tarean Austin, DB Nate Singletary, WR Colby Walden, WR Terrence Mitchell, WR Charles Lovett, OL Darrin Baker
KEY ADDITIONS: OL Chris Platts (transfer from Jefferson), RB Antonio Chow (transfer from Tampa Bay Tech) DB/RB Daryel Scott (transfer from Robinson).
WHAT TO LOOK FOR: The Terriers lost experience on defense but return nine starters on offense. Coach Garcia plans to shake up the offense a tad, given the speed at the receiver position and the progression of 6-foot-3 junior quarterback Tarean Austin. "It's not going to look like your grandmother's Hillsborough," Garcia joked. Garcia had his youngest team ever last year, and he said he wants to focus on the fundamentals during the spring to develop the younger players.
JAMBOREE: Thursday at Middleton (vs. Chamberlain)
2008 SCHEDULE: Aug. 29 (Kickoff Classic) vs. Lakewood; Sept. 5 at Jefferson; Sept. 12 vs. Alonso; Sept. 19 vs. Chamberlain; Sept. 26 at Middleton; Oct. 3 vs. Riverview; Oct. 10 vs. Freedom; Oct. 16 at Plant; Oct. 24 vs. Armwood; Oct. 31 at Gaither; Nov. 7 at Tampa Bay Tech; Nov. 14 Open
Nick Williams
JEFFERSON
COACH: Mike Fenton
2007 RECORD: 5-7 overall, 2-1 Class 4A-District 10
KEY LOSSES: QB Zack Grossi; LB Gorby Loreus; DE/TE Max Holloway; RB/DB Darrell Young; RB Jamil Crews; LB Troy Wolfe; OL Sebastian Cadavid; WR Anthony Williams (transferred to Chamberlain)
KEY RETURNERS: QB Quentin Williams; LB Chadwick Loreus; RB Mark Winters
SPRING FOCUS: The Dragons lost a lot of key players from last year's playoff team. This certainly will be a rebuilding year, starting with the quarterback. Williams, the junior-varsity starter as a freshman last season, takes over for Grossi, who was second only to Plant's Aaron Murray in Hillsborough County last season with 2,317 passing yards. In the third season of a defensive scheme that has served Jefferson well, there are several holes to fill, beginning with Loreus and Holloway, two of the top defenders in the county.
JAMBOREE: May 22 vs. Robinson
2008 SCHEDULE: Sept. 5 vs. Hillsborough; Sept. 12 at Robinson; Sept. 19 open; Sept. 26 vs. Gaither; Oct. 3 at Armwood; Oct. 10 vs. Leto; Oct. 16 at Chamberlain; Oct. 24 at Blake; Oct. 31 vs. Alonso; Nov. 7 vs. Plant; Nov. 14 at Middleton.
Katherine Smith
JESUIT
COACH: Joe Ross
2007 RECORD: 5-5 overall, 2-2 Class 3A-District 11
KEY LOSSES: QB Mitch Pfeiffer; K Adam Perhosky; WR Ryan Mitchell; RB Chris Kavouklis; C Andy Ratchford; OL Phil Smith; DB William Horan; LB Alex Telarik.
KEY RETURNERS: TE John Plasencia; WR Erick McGriff; RB Greg Dupell; LB PJ Hobson; K Tyler Feely; RB Robbie Garcia; DL Daryl Bellucia; LB Mike Price.
SPRING FOCUS: The Tigers will definitely have a new look to their offense. Losing the leading rusher and two of their bigger linemen can force a change of scheme. Jesuit does return one of the top tight ends in the county, Plasencia, and emerging wide receiver McGriff, the team's leading receiver last season. One of the more athletic players on the team, Plasencia also pulls double duty on defense and was second to Hobson in tackles.
JAMBOREE: May 22 vs. Leto (at Alonso)
2008 SCHEDULE: Aug. 29 vs. Chamberlain (Kickoff Classic); Sept. 5 vs. Blake; Sept. 12 vs. Newsome; Sept. 19 at St. Petersburg Catholic; Sept. 26 vs. Robinson; Oct. 3 at Gaither; Oct. 10 at Sarasota Booker; Oct. 17 open; Oct. 24 vs. Palmetto; Oct. 31 at Spoto; Nov. 7 vs. Kathleen; Nov. 14 at Tampa Catholic
Katherine Smith
KING
COACH: Alvin Davis
2007 RECORD: 2-8 (0-3 Class 5A-District 6)
KEY LOSSES: K/P Daniel Zychlinski, OL/DL Dominique Carswell, DB Jarrel Livingston.
KEY RETURNERS: QB/WR Keith Graham, RB/FS Donovan Celerin, FB/TB Rodney Pugh, MLB C.D. Wooten, OL/DE Corey Stultz.
KEY ADDITION: OT/DT Srdjan Simic.
SPRING FOCUS: First-year coach Davis brings plenty of experience with him from Pinellas County, including a stint at Gibbs. He'll try to install a wide-open spread offense, but for now, he says the emphasis is on discipline and teaching his players to become dedicated student-athletes. Graham was the QB last season, but Davis has moved him to receiver and brought in a "very mobile" freshman Reese Sturgis. Celerin was one of the county rushing leaders until an ankle injury.
JAMBOREE: Friday at King (vs. Freedom)
2008 SCHEDULE: Sept. 29 vs. East Bay (Kickoff Classic); Sept. 5 at Lennard; Sept. 12 at Brandon; Sept. 19 vs. Bloomingdale; Sept. 26 at Durant; Oct. 3 OPEN; Oct. 10 vs. Alonso; Oct. 16 vs. Robinson; Oct. 24 at Sickles; Oct. 31 vs. Leto; Nov. 7 at Chamberlain; Nov. 14 at Tampa Bay Tech.
Bill Ward
LENNARD
COACH: George Edington
2007 RECORD: 1-9 (1-2 Class 2A-District 5)
KEY LOSSES: RB/FS Jesse Jackson, DL Taylor Collore.
KEY RETURNERS: QB Andrew Burdick, WR Blake Kennedy, RB Tevin Abboney, LB Terrance Johnson, WR/DN Brandon Stephens, OL Dalton Diehl.
SPRING FOCUS: Heading into his first season as head coach, Edington says one of his squad's priorities is to become stronger and faster. "We played our first season of varsity last year, and when it came to the strength and speed of the game at that level, those two things were real eye-openers for us," Edington said. As a result, the Longhorns couldn't match up with many teams on its schedule, which included 2A state runner-up Tampa Catholic and one of the area's most improved squads, Class 4A Tampa Bay Tech. Edington says his team has hit the weight room, and to help it take on some of the more physical squads, it will continue to use the spread offense. A team loaded with receivers, including standout Kennedy (52 receptions, 821 yards, 9 TDs), Lennard should be able to make strides this fall.
JAMBOREE: May 23 at home (vs. Tampa Catholic and Spoto)
2008 SCHEDULE: Aug. 29 at Newsome (Kickoff Classic); Sept. 5 vs. King; Sept. 12 vs. Sickles; Sept. 19 at Spoto; Sept. 26 at St. Petersburg Catholic; Oct. 3 at Leto; Oct. 10 vs. Fort Myers Bishop Verot; Oct. 16 vs. Tampa Bay Tech; Oct. 24 at Lake Placid; Oct. 31 vs. Tampa Catholic; Nov. 7 at Mulberry.
Bill Ward
LETO
COACH: Hugh Dehnert
2007 RECORD: 3-7, 0-3 Class 4A-District 10
KEY LOSSES: DE James Guyton, LB Alex Calle, CB Marquis Nedd, LB Don Wise, LB Errol Keith
KEY CONTRIBUTORS: RB/DB Jeremy Deering, QB Brandon Toombs, LB Christian Calle, LB Louis Herrera, WR Antwon Howard, LB Georges Louis
SPRING FOCUS: The Falcons averaged nearly 15 penalties per game last season. Coach Dehnert will place an emphasis on cleaning up the penalties. Dehnert also will focus on rebuilding a defense that lost several starters, including Guyton, who was one of Hillsborough County's leaders in sacks last season with 20. On the offensive side, Dehnert expects big things from Deering, who led the team with 705 rushing yards and four touchdowns last year. Deering, who Dehnert describes as the most athletic high school player he's ever coached, will become more of a focal point on the offense.
JAMBOREE: at Alonso, with Sickles and Jesuit, May 22
2008 SCHEDULE: Aug. 29 Spoto (Kickoff Classic); Sept..5 Sickles; Sept. 12 at Tampa Bay Tech; Sept. 19 Robinson; Sept. 26 at Alonso; Oct. 3 Lennard; Oct. 10 at Jefferson; Oct. 16 at Bloomingdale; Oct. 24 Plant; Oct. 31 at King; Nov. 7 at Blake; Nov..14 open
Katherine Smith
MIDDLETON
COACH: Harry Hubbard
2007 RECORD: 6-4 overall, 1-3 Class 4A-District 11
KEY LOSSES: RB Carlton Jones, QB De'Andre Presley, WR Jeremy Blount, DB Jarryd Reid, SS Trey Parker, FB Garrett Jones
KEY RETURNERS: DL Andreal Coleman, OL Luis Polanco; DB Travis Buie; WR Justin Sanders; DB Ernest Mingo; LB/FB Greg Hickman
KEY ADDITIONS: RB Rodney Johnson (transfer from Hillsborough)
WHAT TO LOOK FOR: The Tigers return plenty of power on the offensive and defensive lines, led by Coleman (6-3, 270) and Polanco (6-3, 260). Middleton lost significant talent at the skill positions in Jones and Blount, as well as two-year starting quarterback Presley. Taking over as play-caller will be junior Ricky Mann, and Hubbard is expecting Johnson or Hickman to take over as the featured back. Hubbard wants to develop a winning attitude and give the young players enough experience to take over starting positions in the fall.
JAMBOREE OPPONENT: May 22 vs. Gaither at Middleton
2008 SCHEDULE: Sept. 5 vs. Brandon; Sept. 12 at Chamberlain; Sept. 19 at Plant; Sept. 26 vs. Hillsborough; Oct. 3 vs. Blake (At Raymond James Stadium); Oct. 10 Open; Oct. 16 vs. Wharton; Oct. 24 vs. Freedom; Oct. 31 at Tampa Bay Tech; Nov. 7 at Armwood; Nov. 14 vs. Jefferson.
Nick Williams
NEWSOME
COACH: Kenneth Hiscock
2007 RECORD: 5-5, 1-3 Class 5A-District 7
KEY LOSSES: QB Kyle Parker, RB Andrew Philbert, DB/WR Brett Lively, DB Rubin Rumph, K Vinny Zacarrio, LB/HB Abe Kazbour, DB/WR Rex Warren, LB Ryan Gerena, OL/DL Milton Figueroa, OL/DL Melvin Carver
KEY CONTRIBUTORS: FB Conner Powers, LB/OL Trent Cornwell, LB Dan Jackson
SPRING FOCUS: The Wolves graduated more than 35 seniors from their roster, so they'll be young this year. They lose leading scorer, Zacarrio, but retain freshman fullback Powers, one of the county's most explosive backs in the first half of last season. Powers led the team with 344 yards and three touchdowns. Someone will need to step up to replace starting quarterback Parker, while defensively the Wolves lost a lot of linemen. Newsome will also need to learn how to sustain a winning attitude. After getting off to a 4-1 start, the Wolves faded, losing four of the last five games.
JAMBOREE: Host school, with Durant, Plant City and Armwood, May 22
2008 SCHEDULE: Aug. 29 Lennard (Kickoff Classic); Sept. 5 at Spoto; Sept. 12 at Jesuit; Sept. 19 Durant; Sept..26 Armwood; Oct. 3 at Robinson; Oct. 10 Brandon; Oct. 16 Riverview; Oct. 24 at Plant City; Oct. 31 at East Bay; Nov. 7 Bloomingdale; Nov. 14 open
Katherine Smith
PLANT
COACH: Robert Weiner
2007 RECORD: 11-2 (3-0 Class 4A-District 10)
KEY LOSSES: OL Austin Bliss, LB Chris Breit, WR Cornelius Gallon, DL Tyler Evans, RB Lovell Jackson, OL Rhonne Sanderson, DL Jamar Williams, WR Derek Winter
KEY RETURNERS: QB Aaron Murray, DB Hunter Baldwin, LB Mike Mirabella, DL Austin Clark, C Frank Nicholas, FB Chris Hesson
KEY ADDITIONS: TE Orson Charles (transfer from Riverview), WR Alan Sampson (transfer from Gaither)
SPRING FOCUS: Led by Murray and playmakers Gallon and Winter, the Panthers outscored opponents by 300 points last season, averaging 39 points per game. Gallon and Winter are two of the 16 starters Plant must replace. The six remaining starters, which include the defense's three leading tacklers, will get help from newcomers Charles and Sampson.
JAMBOREE: May 22 at Jefferson (vs. Blake)
2008 SCHEDULE: Aug. 29 vs. Wharton (Kickoff Classic); Sept..5 vs. Armwood; Sept. 12 at Gaither; Sept. 19 Middleton; Sept. 26 at Riverview; Oct. 10 vs. Blake; Oct. 16 vs. Hillsborough; Oct. 24 at Leto; Oct. 31 vs. Chamberlain; Nov. 7 at Jefferson; Nov. 14 at Robinson
Katherine Smith
PLANT CITY
COACH: Jason Strunk
2007 RECORD: 6-5, 3-1 5A-District 7
KEY LOSSES: RB Keith Dawson, OL Mark Popek, DB Willie Haynes, DL Arsenio Durant, K John Dupree, RB Sirchauncey Holloway (transferred to Armwood)
KEY RETURNERS: DL Denzel Drone, DB/RB Duran Lowe, QB Clint Stearns, WR Cortez Hargrett, LB Travis Vollick, OL Eddie Rosenbaum
SPRING FOCUS: Assistant Wayne Ward, the lone holdover from former Coach Kevin Kelley's staff, has been running things as Strunk, hired in April, is still in Pennsylvania. The Raiders have some things to do this spring, none more pressing than finding a new backfield as the team's top two rushers from 2007 are gone. Newcomer Sharod Hardnett and Lowe, whom Ward called the team's best athlete, are getting the bulk of the work there. The Raiders plan to tweak the playbook on both sides of the ball, implementing Strunk's systems, but Ward said they're keeping things very simple right now. Former Tampa Catholic star Kenny Kelly is coaching quarterbacks, which could aid the improvement of rising senior Stearns, a two-year starter.
JAMBOREE: Thursday at Newsome (vs. Newsome)
2008 SCHEDULE: Aug. 29 vs. Tampa Bay Tech (Kickoff Classic); Sept. 5 at Durant; Sept. 12 at Blake; Sept. 19 vs. Riverview; Sept. 26 at Bloomingdale; Oct. 3 vs. Wharton; Oct. 10 vs. East Bay; Oct. 16 at Armwood; Oct. 24 vs. Newsome; Oct. 31 OPEN; Nov. 7 at Brandon; Nov. 14 vs. Freedom
Adam Adkins
RIVERVIEW
COACH: Dan O'Regan
2007 RECORD: 5-5, 1-2 6A-District 6
KEY LOSSES: RB Jahleel Addae, RB John Green, DL Quincy Barr, DL Jamaul Butts, LB Tamaha Halaufia, DL Roman Rodriguez, OL Rashaun Byrd, TE Orson Charles (transferred to Plant)
KEY RETURNERS: QB Alex O'Regan, OL Ryan Gascon, RB Eric Lampe, LB Devin Ray
SPRING FOCUS: The Sharks' most pressing needs are in the offensive backfield and defensive line, as well as finding someone to handle the kicking duties. Coach O'Regan believes he has players capable of stepping up. Lampe (61 yards, one TD in 2007), James Saunders (JV rushing leader in 2007) and Ronnie Johnson (Armwood transfer) will look to prove their worth at running back. Gascon will get a look on the defensive line, as will offensive linemen Joel Urena and Chad Foster.
JAMBOREE: May 22 at Brandon (vs. East Bay)
2008 SCHEDULE: Aug. 29 at Bloomingdale (Kickoff Classic); Sept. 5 vs. East Bay; Sept. 12 OPEN; Sept. 19 at Plant City; Sept. 26 vs. Plant; Oct. 3 at Hillsborough; Oct. 10 vs. Sarasota Riverview; Oct. 16 at Newsome; Oct. 24 vs. Sarasota; Oct. 31 vs. Wharton; Nov. 7 at Durant; Nov. 14 vs. Brandon
Adam Adkins
ROBINSON
COACH: Mike DePue
2007 RECORD: 1-9 overall, 1-3 in Class 3A-District 11
KEY LOSSES: QB Justin Le, WR Imani Wade, LB Ellis St. John, DB Andrew Hall.
KEY RETURNERS: OL Mike Newman, RB David Canchola, DL Quinton Preston, QB A.J. Phillips, WR/SS Mike Hawthorne, FS/WR Zack Kirk, OL Andrew Meddaugh.
KEY ADDITIONS: LB Justin Baldwin (transfer from Middleton), LB Gerald Gesmond (move-in from Texas), RB Steve Baker (JV last season), RB Bob Smith (position switch).
SPRING FOCUS: DePue says it's time to "get back the old Robinson swagger and develop that winning attitude again." Specifically, DePue wants to develop an offensive line that can better protect the quarterback. With the help of $17,000 in new weight room equipment, DePue says the Knights are well on their way to one of his primary goals: getting stronger. To that end, he says they have turned in their best winter workouts ever. Phillips takes over at QB and the rushing duties will likely be "by committee" early on.
SPRING JAMBOREE: May 22 at Jefferson (vs. Jefferson).
2008 SCHEDULE: Sept. 5 at Alonso; Sept. 12 vs. Jefferson; Sept. 19 at Leto; Sept. 26 at Jesuit; Oct. 3 vs. Newsome; Oct. 10 vs. Palmetto; Oct. 16 at King; Oct. 31 at Sarasota Booker; Nov. 7 vs. Spoto; Nov. 14 vs. Plant.
Bill Ward
SICKLES
COACH: Pat O'Brien
2007 RECORD: 7-4 overall, 2-1 Class 5A-District 6
KEY LOSSES: RB Josh Mendez, P Corey Page, DL/FB Mike Mastermaker; DL/OL Kyle Blum, DB Craig Plastic
KEY RETURNERS: QB Cullen O'Brien, DL Eric Taris, FB Andrew Early; OL/DL Xander Morehouse; S Scott O'Donaghue; DB Joey Looney; DB Joe McFadden
WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Coming off the best season in program history, the Gryphons need to replace an offensive line that helped the team reach the region quarterfinals. Cullen O'Brien, the coach's son, should emerge as one of the top QBs in the county, but the Sickles offense will need to find a replacement at running back for Mendez. On defense, Sickles has a solid secondary returning. Coach O'Brien said the players need to develop a consistent work ethic during spring workouts.
JAMBOREE OPPONENT: May 22 at Alonso
2008 SCHEDULE: Aug. 29 (Kickoff Classic) vs. Brandon; Sept. 5 at Leto; Sept. 12 at Lennard; Sept. 19 Tampa Bay Tech; Sept. 26 at Wharton; Oct. 3 vs. Bloomingdale; Oct. 10 at Chamberlain; Oct. 16 Spoto; Oct. 24 vs. King; Oct. 31 vs. Blake; Nov. 7 at Alonso; Nov. 14 Open
Nick Williams
SPOTO
COACH: Scott Palmer (has resigned, effective end of spring)
2007 RECORD: 3-7 overall, 0-4 Class 3A-District 11
KEY LOSSES: OL/DL Davonte Davis, LB Brandon Gallon, OL/LB Donshay Inmon
KEY RETURNERS: RB Ramondo Purcell, QB Jamar Burns, OL/DL Sergio Robinson, OL/DL Orlando Hernandez, LB Brandon Jenkins
SPRING FOCUS: Even though Palmer is on his way out, the Spartans, coming off their first varsity season, are putting in the necessary work. They've tweaked the offense a bit this spring by going to a spread-style set in order to take advantage of the speed and playmaking abilities of Purcell and Burns, as the team is thin on linemen. The Spartans were very young last year and lost only nine seniors, so the new coach should inherit a good core of returners who gained a lot of experience. Palmer is hoping to leave on a good note, but he's also trying to keep things interesting during the spring session by letting the players have a lot of fun.
JAMBOREE: Friday at Lennard (vs. Lennard and Tampa Catholic)
2008 SCHEDULE: Aug. 29 at Leto (Kickoff Classic); Sept. 5 vs. Newsome; Sept 12 at Bloomingdale; Sept. 19 vs. Lennard; Sept. 26 at Palmetto; Oct. 3 at Tampa Bay Tech; Oct. 10 open; Oct. 16 at Sickles; Oct. 24 vs. Sarasota Booker; Oct. 31 vs. Jesuit; Nov. 7 at Robinson; Nov. 14 vs. East Bay
Adam Adkins
TAMPA BAY TECH
COACH: C.C.Culpepper
2007 RECORD: 6-4 (1-3 Class 4A-District 11)
KEY LOSSES: QB Mario Tucker, LB Delon Thomas, FS Jermaine Williams, OL Patrick Smoot, DL Antonio Hayes.
KEY RETURNERS: FB Maurice Hagens, DB/KR Antonio Wallace, DL Frankie Fernandez, LB Marquise Mulkey, WR C.J. Jackson, WB Darius Anderson, OG Jordan Diehm.
KEY ADDITIONS: QB Angel Rodriguez (transfer from Wiregrass Ranch), C Ian Sarginson (transfer from Gaither).
SPRING FOCUS: After last season's 6-4 record, Culpepper says the Titans got "over the hump" of a previous combined record of 0-22. Now, he says, it's time for TBT to join the ranks of some of the area's top programs, like district rivals Armwood, Hillsborough and Middleton. To do that, he says he and his staff are stressing "the little things," like starts and stances. The Titans also will continue to focus on discipline and consistency. Returning standouts like Hagens (214 carries, 1,362 yards and 10 TDs) at running back and return specialist Wallace will help in both regards. The addition of Rodriguez and the rise of Jonathan Williams have created a competitive atmosphere for the starting QB spot, a position Culpepper expects to produce a lot more passing yards this season.
JAMBOREE: May 23 at King (vs. Wharton)
2008 SCHEDULE: Aug. 29 at Plant City (Kickoff Classic); Sept. 5 at Bloomingdale; Sept. 12 vs. Leto; Sept. 19 at Sickles; Sept. 26 at Freedom; Oct. 3 vs. Spoto; Oct. 10 at Armwood; Oct. 16 at Lennard; Oct. 31 vs. Middleton; Nov. 7 vs. Hillsborough; Nov. 14 vs. King.
Bill Ward
TAMPA CATHOLIC
COACH: Bob Henriquez
2007 RECORD: 11-3-0 (5-0 Class 2A-District 5, 2A state runner-up)
KEY LOSSES: RB Drew Zink, DE Marco Mendoza, WR Eric Gerken, LB P.J. Briody, LB Will Greaves, OL Trevor Funk.
KEY RETURNERS: QB Christian Green, RB Henry McCloud, LB A.J. Mulkey, WR Kenny Broadnax, DB Jeremi Wilkes, DE Brandon Green, DL David Gamble.
KEY ADDITIONS: QB/WR D.J. Williams (son of former Bucs quarterback Doug Williams)
SPRING FOCUS: Henriquez says his biggest concern is the graduation of his entire offensive line and team leaders, as well as a lack of depth at linebacker. With plenty of skill payers and the bulk of their secondary returning, the Crusaders should once again be among the elite 2A programs in the state. Henriquez says the arrival of D.J. Williams to the roster affords the team some options in terms of where Green can play. For now, Green is the starting QB. But at some point during the season, Henriquez envisions being able to plug him into other spots to keep the opposition guessing.
JAMBOREE: May 23 at Lennard (vs. Lennard and Spoto)
2008 SCHEDULE: Aug. 29 vs. Naples Lely (Kickoff Classic); Sept. 5 vs. Ocala Trinity Catholic; Sept. 12 at Clearwater Central Catholic; Sept. 19 at Sarasota Cardinal Mooney; Sept. 26 at Lake Placid; Oct. 10 at St. Petersburg Catholic; Oct. 17 vs. Jacksonville Trinity Christian Academy; Oct. 24 vs. Mulberry; Oct. 31 at Lennard; Nov. 7 vs. Fort Myers Bishop Verot; Nov. 14 vs. Jesuit.
Bill Ward
WHARTON
COACH: David Mitchell
2007 RECORD: 5-6 overall, 2-1 Class 5A-District 5
KEY LOSSES: LB Josh Powell, TE Andreas Shields, DE Aaron Afree, DB/WR Dominique White, LB Xavier Fareed, RB LaDre Watkins, RB Marquis Thomas
KEY RETURNERS: QB Andrew Clifford, DB/RB Jairus Jones, RB Shane McEwen, OL Hunter Stout, WR Khiry White, OL Chase Boswell, WR Brent Holloway
SPRING FOCUS: While its defense was reliable last season, the offense was inconsistent. The Wildcats struggled to put points on the board (averaging 17.7 per game) and had more than four players in the rotation at running back. They have six running backs going into spring workouts, and all are underclassmen. Typically a run-first team, Wharton has a definite air attack with Clifford and will look to use his arm, but the Wildcats need to find receivers to make it work. All but one member of the offensive line is returning. Defensively, Wharton will have to rebuild at linebacker.
SPRING JAMBOREE: May 23 at King (vs. Tampa Bay Tech)
2008 SCHEDULE: Aug. 29 at Plant (Kickoff Classic); Sept. 5 vs. Freedom; Sept. 12 at Armwood; Sept. 19 vs. East Bay, Sept. 26 vs. Sickles, Oct. 3 at Plant City, Oct. 10 vs. Wesley Chapel; Oct. 16 at Middleton, Oct. 24 at Mitchell; Oct. 31 at Riverview; Nov. 7 vs. Gaither; Nov. 14 Open.
Nick Williams
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