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Hurricanes Moving Forward

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By BART O'CONNELL Tribune correspondent

The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 21, 2008

SHADY HILLS - Marty Williams came up with an idea to help Bishop McLaughlin's football players forget about a dismal 2007 season.

The Hurricanes coach planned to buy a coffin, bury it on the field and place a headstone in the ground that would read "2007 Season." But when he thought about how upset he would get each time he walked by it, he ditched the plan.

That's how difficult the 1-8 season was for the Hurricanes, who struggled not just with losing, but keeping their spirits high and staying healthy (they had 18 players on the roster by season's end).

Turns out, Bishop McLaughlin's recently completed spring practices did wonders to plant that infamous season 6 feet under. The Hurricanes had 26 players, including 16 seniors-to-be, out at practice. Williams described the ability to have 11-on-11 practices with one word.

"Heaven," he said.

And the players, including Ryan Beeble, Bobby Emmino and Jeff Pope, are looking forward to something other than getting stuffed on a run up the middle, a common occurrence in Bishop McLaughlin's Wishbone offense from last year.

"We were just too small, I think," said Pope, who played quarterback last season but is back to his natural receiver spot. "Just ridiculous, especially when they knew where we were going."

With the addition of 6-foot-4 basketball star Devin Towson and Freedom High transfer Steven Clarke, the Hurricanes have competition at quarterback. They also have placed many of their top athletes, including Beeble, at receiver.

The result should be more of a passing offense under new offensive coordinator Chris Throckmartin, a member of the school's faculty who held the same position at schools in Michigan. Four- and five-receiver looks were the norm in the Hurricanes' 12 practices before exams, which started for the juniors this week.

"We're not as predictable, and we're going to be a lot different from last year," said Beeble, Bishop McLaughlin's fastest player and a multi-regional qualifier in track. "We're going to have more strengths."

Towson should give the Hurricanes a pocket presence, and he has an excellent arm, according to the players. Clarke can play receiver and linebacker if Towson wins the quarterback job. In addition, the offensive line is better, and the running backs, including Emmino, should be improved as a result.

The Hurricanes also changed their defense to a four-lineman, four-linebacker (4-4) look, led by Emmino. But because of the improved offense, "You won't be seeing as much of it," Emmino said.

Bishop McLaughlin will compete as an independent in 2008. The schedule includes matchups against area teams Hernando Christian, Carrollwood Day, Canterbury and Lakeland Santa Fe Catholic.

"We're just looking to compete," Williams said. "We know what we are. If we can win a few games, that would be a success. At least I'm not in survival mode anymore."

Beeble has some other goals in mind.

"I want to improve on our record from two years ago 5-5, and I want to get more people to pay attention to the football team. Get more people out to see the games."

Correspondent Bart O'Connell can be reached at boconnell@pop.tampatrib.com.

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