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Top 10: Experience is key for Tampa Catholic

Tribune photo by BILL WARD

Tampa Catholic senior quarterback Christian Green is looking to lead his squad back to the state finals.

By BILL WARD | TBO.com

Published: August 21, 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 voted on by the Tribune's four staffers who cover prep football.

Holding the No. 6 spot is the county's lone private school to crack the Tribune's top 10, Class 2B Tampa Catholic. There are plenty of reasons why the Crusaders are held in such high regard, including their experience, tradition, talent level and a solid coaching staff under 14-year veteran Bob Henriquez.

A state finalist in 2007, Tampa Catholic's roster is dotted with athletes who, as sophomores, played key roles in that memorable season. Among them are quarterback Christian Green and running back Hank McCloud, two players who last season each produced more than 1,200 yards of passing and rushing, respectively. Also playing key roles on the '07 squad were center Kevin White, defensive back Jeremi Wilkes and linebacker Brandon Mendoza

As important as Green and McCloud are to the TC attack, it's the Crusaders' offensive line that should be one of the most consistent components of their team. Anchored by 6-foot-6, 290-pound Chaz Green, TC's O-line has developed into a seasoned unit ready to pave the way for what just might be the most potent offense in the school's history.

Giving the squad multiple threats are receivers Jordan Jones, Austin Aikens and D. J. Williams, the son of former Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Washington Redskins star quarterback Doug Williams. Like his dad, the 6-2, 175-pound Williams also owns a strong arm and can play quarterback for the Crusaders.

A key addition to TC's roster is junior Hunter Joyer. Already a nationally-ranked weight lifter (he has bench-pressed 485 pounds and squats more than 500), the 5-11, 245-pound Joyer adds a new dimension to the Crusaders' offense at fullback. Not only is he a standout pass blocker, his quick feet and good vision makes him a viable part of the running game. Joyer is also slated to play linebacker, a spot the team took a serious hit following the graduation of last year's class.

It's that front seven that gives Henriquez and his defensive coordinator, David Lewis, one of their primary concerns entering the 2009 campaign. TC could use several of its linemen from offense to play on the defensive side of the ball, but two-way duty is a difficult task to achieve for a team hoping to play deep into December.

Henriquez says one of his other worries is "expectations versus performance." The word is out this TC team is loaded with talent and should go far. But Henriquez says all that means nothing unless his team can achieve its goals.

"It's not like we're going to sneak up on anyone," Henriquez said. "Everyone knows what we have this year. It's up to us to perform like we're capable of performing."

Kickoff Classic: Aug. 28 at Naples Lely.

Season Opener: Sept. 4 at Groveland South Lake

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