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Top 10: Talented juniors cause for Newsome's optimism

By ADAM ADKINS | The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 19, 2009

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Which football team has been the most surprising this year?

The Tampa Tribune is counting down the top 10 football teams in Hillsborough County. The rankings were compiled by The Tribune's four staffers who cover high school football.

Newsome, tied for seventh, is coming off the best season in school history and the program's first playoff appearance. There's plenty of reason for optimism this season with the talent returning for the Wolves, led by a deep and experienced junior class.

While there are some seniors expected to play vital roles this season – defensive back Niko Anthony, defensive lineman Shawn Boone, running back Darnell Tucker and quarterback Matt Klenke, among others – the Class of 2011 is the cause for most of the excitement at the seventh-year program in Lithia, according to Coach Ken Hiscock. Among that group is standout fullback Conner Powers, a starter since his freshman season with more than 2,000 career rushing yards already to his credit, and linebacker Joe Worth, a cog in the middle of the Wolves defense whom Hiscock calls the clear leader of this year's squad.

There are some holes to fill, however. The offensive and defensive lines are the biggest question marks, though Hiscock said both had looked good through the first week of practice. And the Wolves must find replacements for graduated linemen Conor O'Neal and Frank Marin, linebacker Trent Cornwell and do-everything man Kyle Copack, players who were not only extremely talented on the field, but extremely valuable as leaders in the locker room.

"Those guys are going to be hard to replace," Hiscock said, "but the kids that we have now I think are willing to and know and understand that they have big shoes to fill, and they're going to step in and do it."

Kickoff Classic: Aug. 28 at Spoto
Season Opener: Sept. 4 vs. Armwood

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