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Pinellas County Football Capsules: Week 1

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By Lee Diekemper

Tribune correspondent

Published: September 4, 2008

Updated: 09/03/2008 11:54 am

East Lake at Largo

A potential battle of the ex-Countryside quarterbacks Ryan Eppes (now Largo's starting quarterback) and Blake Robles (who left East Lake for Countryside and in a roundabout way found his way back at East Lake).

East Lake coach Bob Hudson has stated San Shaffer, not Robles, will start at quarterback for the visiting Eagles.

Quarterbacks aside, this is a big test to begin the season. Largo may be as good as last year's team that advanced to the Class 5A state semifinals. East Lake is annually a force in North Pinellas County.

Northeast at St. Petersburg

Fans of the running game will like this matchup as both teams possess solid rushing attacks with coaches who are fond of running. Northeast has talented running back Juarez Wynn where St. Petersburg may have its best team in years led by fullback Ben Sams who ran for 200 yards in the kickoff classic against Robinson.

With both teams so fond of running the ball, don't be late for this game or you may miss the first half.

Boca Ciega at Dunedin

With the possible exception of Largo, Dunedin is likely the most loaded team in Pinellas County. Darius Bellamy (USF commitment) is the top returning running back in the county. If that's not enough to give a defensive coordinator a restless night's sleep, consider Dunedin now has Kim Howard in the same backfield (two years ago he teamed with former Largo standout Brynn Harvey as a potent one-two punch).

Also, Dunedin has a decent quarterback in former Countryside signal-caller Ryan Singer behind an experienced offensive line.

The visiting Pirates will need a monster game from Rivals.com three-star defensive lineman Julius Forte.

Gibbs at Lakewood

Few coaches made a bigger impact on Pinellas County teams last year than Yusuf Shakir, who took over Gibbs in 2007. Right away his team made a statement with a 21-9 win over Countryside. The Gladiators were inches away from handing Largo a loss late in the season.

Don't be surprised if the Gladiators continue to climb the ladder in Shakir's second season. Quarterback Josh Rembert has several weapons to throw to and the Gladiators' defense returns eight starters.

Lakewood is adjusting to first-year coach Cory Moore who last year was the tight ends coach at Kentucky State. Moore has a trio of talented offensive players in quarterback Jacquez Jenkins, running back Bernard Reedy and wide receiver Victor Perkins.

Clearwater at Seminole

A battle of two of the deans of Pinellas County football coaches, Clearwater's Tom Bostic and Seminole's Sam Roper. The hosts Warhawks are looking for their first win since Nov. 3, 2006.

Clearwater will be tough to crack the losing streak against. Boston believes he may have his best defensive unit in some years. Offensively, look for Clearwater to use a bit more running than passing which is quite a change in recent years. Consider first-year starting quarterback Nick Gimbrone threw only three passes last year: an incompletion, an interception and a touchdown.

Countryside at Pinellas Park

It's mentor vs. pupil, Countryside's John Davis vs. Pinellas Park's Matt Lance. While Lance has all but worked miracles in a virtual no-win situation at Pinellas Park, he'll have to work some magic for his team to overcome Countryside. Davis is looking to avenge his first non-playoff season as a head coach in 12 years.

With the exception of Bellamy, Countryside's Dawrence Roberts could be the best running back in the county.

Dixie Hollins at Osceola

The visiting Rebels could have a shot at the playoffs with some good skill position players, including versatile quarterback Josh Brown who is being courted by Iowa, Indiana, Louisville, USF and Wake Forest among others, wide receiver Gerard Atkins, running back James Worthen.

While Osceola coach George Palmer frets that his team isn't good enough, he always seems to have the Warriors in the playoffs if not knocking on the playoff door.

Tarpon Springs at Palm Harbor University High

With all the talk about Countryside quarterbacks, both current and former, throughout the county, Tarpon Springs' Danny Reyes may be the best of them all. The Spongers return quite a few players from a squad that barely missed the playoffs, including a deep receiver crew and six of seven starters among linebackers and defensive backs. Missing the playoffs shouldn't happen this season.

Palm Harbor meanwhile is still smarting from losing some linemen to Tampa Catholic just before two-a-days began.

Miami Bay Point at Clearwater Central Catholic

Clearwater Central Catholic has the longest-running streak of playoff appearances at 13 seasons. This year might be a challenge, not because of a down year but because CCC's district is so strong. Once again the Marauders are deep and talented, led by speedy running back Micah Poole, Virginia commitment tight end Paul Freedman and super sophomore safety Nick Newton.

St. Petersburg Catholic at Orlando Lake Highland Prep

With a postseason ban lifted, the visiting Barons have lofty goals this season. It helps when you have a solid running back like Keelyan Bryant running behind Florida commitment offensive lineman Jon Halapio. Then there's speedy wide receiver Julian Smith to keep defenses honest.

Indian Rocks Christian at Keswick Christian

The Golden Eagles squeaked into the postseason last year, but this could be their breakout year. IRC totaled over 3,000 yards of offense and will be led by talented running backs Jonny Sitton, Ethan Englebert and Lou Mason; all three pushed the 1,000-yard plateau. Now if the Golden Eagles can find some offensive linemen.

Keswick has only lost three regular-season games in the past three years, including an undefeated regular season in 2007. But the Crusaders lost a massive amount of two- and three-year starters to graduation, 14 seniors total.

Northside Christian at Calvary Christian

The Mustangs will have an uphill battle, not just with a brutal schedule but with a new coach (Andre Dobson) and a lot of holes to fill from a 7-3 team last year that didn't make the playoffs.

Calvary Christian may be a darkhorse team. With quite a few returning starters from a 5-5 team, Rivera had a few additional skill position players transfer in. Thomas Hooten (6-4, 295) leads a veteran and big offensive line. Big things are expected from quarterback Buddy Adzima.

Lakeland Christian at Admiral Farragut

The host Blue Jackets could be returning to their glory years. They have skill position players back from last year and a decent line with three-year starter A.J. Augustine at center. Expect a lot of offensive highlights.

Fort Meade at Shorecrest Prep

The spread offense has come to Shorecrest. The Chargers move 1,000-yard rusher Hunter Tremaine to quarterback to run the spread. If the Chargers learn the offense quickly, it could be potent. What better team to test the spread against than state power Fort Meade?

Canterbury at Miami Northwest Christian

Coming off its two winning seasons for a total of eight wins in its last 14 games the Crusaders are hoping to win the most games in a season (six) as Canterbury enters its fifth season of football. Good luck without any returning offensive skill position starters.

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