TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Blake Hires Hubbard As Football Coach

ADVERTISEMENT

By NICK WILLIAMS | The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 2, 2009

When he was removed from his coaching duties at Middleton in December, Harry Hubbard was put into an unfamiliar situation.

A longtime football coach, his life was out of place. He wasn't coaching, he couldn't prepare for the next season and didn't know if, or when, he would coach again.

Hubbard said he prayed for an opportunity to coach again, and on Monday, was given that chance when Blake Principal Jacqueline Haynes called to offer him the school's football coaching job.

"I'm excited," Hubbard said. "It's been an experience walking around not coaching. I want to thank Mrs. Haynes and the administration for giving me the opportunity to be the head coach there."

Hubbard replaces former coach Sean Washington, who after three years as coach decided to resign. The Yellow Jackets ended the 2008 season with a 1-9 record.

Although they were outscored 263-70 by opponents, Blake graduated only 11 players and returns a group of young players who played significant roles on this past season's team. Quarterback Eugene Davenport, a 6-foot, 175 pound sophomore, led Blake's offense with 866 passing yards and five touchdowns. He also rushed for 211 yards with one touchdown.

Student-athletes transferring to nearby schools have been detrimental to Blake's program, which has made one playoff appearance since reopening in 1997.

"Coach Hubbard knows Hillsborough County," Haynes said. "He has had winning seasons, he's signed a lot of players (to college) and he can rebuild our program. He's a good fit for us."

Haynes said Hubbard will teach driver's education and physical education.

During his seven years as coach at Middleton, Hubbard earned a 38-33 record. In 2004, he led the program to the Class 4A-Region 3 final.

Hubbard is the second Middleton football coach to accept the position at the rival school. Years ago, former Middleton coach Abe Brown left Middleton to coach at Blake.

Blake will play in a new classification next season, moving down from Class 4A to 3A.

Reporter Nick Williams can be reached at (813) 259-7851.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT