The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Kevin Weiss

Area football games rescheduled

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With Hurricane Irma wiping out athletic events for schools in Hillsborough and Pasco counties for the week of Sept. 11, many anticipated Friday night football contests already have been rescheduled, or played, in some cases.

In Pasco, a few local schools didn’t waste much time agreeing to make up games on Sept. 18, including the Zephyrhills High squad, which traveled to Ridgewood High, and Wesley Chapel High’s team, which hosted Fivay High. Zephyrhills Christian Academy was set to host St. John’s Lutheran, but the latter forfeited the game.

High school football contests seldom are played on Mondays, but Florida High School Athletic Association permitted practices on Sept. 17 with the approval of each individual school and/or school district, giving coaches an additional day to work with players.

Other Pasco County schools in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area scheduled to play on Sept. 15 have since pushed contests back a week to Sept. 22:

  • Land O’ Lakes at Sunlake (7:30 p.m.)
  • Bishop McLaughlin at Ocala Christian (7 p.m.)
  • Cypress Creek at Pasco (7:30 p.m.)

Public schools in Hillsborough, meanwhile, will make up the Sept. 15 slate of games beginning Oct. 2. It marked the second straight week public schools in Hillsborough cancelled games.

The county’s public schools were closed all last week due to Hurricane Irma, and the district did not permit teams to resume practice until Sept. 18.

The following games scheduled for Sept. 15 in our coverage area that will have to be made up on a Monday in October include:

  • Steinbrenner at Manatee
  • Freedom at Gaither
  • Wharton at Leto
  • Wiregrass Ranch at Sickles

With regard to the FHSAA’s new playoff point system for football, as originally planned, total points will be determined by dividing points earned by games. If a school somehow falls below the eight-game minimum requirements, FHSAA executive director George Tomyn may waive the minimum game requirement on a case-by-case basis.

The new system, passed last September, bases football postseason berths on a points system in Class A-4A. The new format, beginning this season, is designed to reward teams for winning records and strength of schedule.

In the FHSAA’s biggest four classes (5A-8A), the district champion still automatically qualifies for regionals, with the remaining 16 spots decided by points.

Winning Wiregrass
Wiregrass Ranch High is one program hoping to keep its momentum in between a two-week layoff from football games.

Under third-year head coach Mark Kantor, the Bulls are off to its first 3-0 start in school history.

Mark Kantor has guided Wiregrass Ranch to its first 3-0 start in school history. (File)

Coincidentally, Kantor — who previously coached three seasons at Hudson High and compiled a 15-13 mark — now has the most wins in Wiregrass Ranch history, with 12; the school’s football program was launched in 2007.

Just one other public school in Pasco remains undefeated — Mitchell High (3-0).

The Bulls have been tested early on, battling to one-possession victories over Zephyrhills, Wesley Chapel and Sunlake high schools. And, despite several key departures in the offseason, the Bulls may be stronger than last year’s 7-3 District 8-7A runner-up squad. Junior quarterback Grant Sessums, the leading passer in the county (504 yards, four touchdowns, one interception, 57 percent completion rate), has lived up to preseason billing, as has senior cornerback/Penn State University commit Jordan Miner (13 tackles, two interceptions). The Bulls have also received breakout contributions from a pair of sophomore linebackers in Dylan Ridolph (31 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, four sacks) and Nick Gaziano (30 tackles, three tackles for loss, forced fumble).

Prior to the 2017-2018 school year, Wiregrass Ranch saw three of its top players — cornerback Shamaur McDowell, athlete Raymond Woodie III, tailback Da Da McGee — transfer elsewhere.

The Bulls host Wharton (1-1) on Friday at 7:30 p.m.

The Sunlake Seahawks were one of 87 high school programs that attended the USF-Illinois game on Sept. 15. (Courtesy of Sunlake High School)

Generous gesture
In the wake of Hurricane Irma’s impact on Florida, the University of South Florida (USF) provided complimentary admission to last Friday’s football game vs. Illinois to first responders and their families, as well as to Florida high school football teams, many of which have had their games cancelled as a result of the storm.

Eighty-seven high school teams, such as Steinbrenner and Sunlake, took up the offer. Even schools as far as Orlando, Lakeland and Vero Beach showed up.

“It’s all about us giving back,” USF head coach Charlie Strong said, during a press conference last week. “We want to make sure that everyone is working to give back and get their life (together). It’s going to take a while, we know that. When things happen, we just want to make sure people understand that we do understand. We’re not going through what they’re going through, but we can help them get through what they’re going through.”

Another offer for local standout
Cameron Smith, arguably one of the top defensive players in Pasco County, recently picked up a scholarship offer from Ursinus College, a Division III program in Collegeville, Pennsylvania. The latest offer is one of several for the Pasco High senior linebacker, who also holds offers from Albright College (Reading, Pennsylvania), Warner University (Lake Wales), Webber international (Babson Park) and West Virginia State University (Institute, West Virginia).

Pasco High senior linebacker Cameron Smith has added his growing list of scholarship offers. (File)

Smith, a 2016 SAC First-Team All-Conference selection, currently leads the Pirates in tackles with 12.

Here’s a running list of other known players from our coverage area in Pasco County to have at least one scholarship offer:

  • Dylan Gonzalez, Academy at the Lakes, senior linebacker
  • Tylor Winn, Land O’ Lakes, senior wide receiver
  • Adam Jarvis, Sunlake, senior linebacker
  • Isaiah Bolden, Wesley Chapel, senior defensive back
  • Chaz Neal, Wesley Chapel, senior defensive end
  • Daniel Biglow, Wiregrass Ranch, senior wide receiver
  • Kwesi Littlejohn, Wiregrass Ranch, senior safety/running back
  • Jordan Miner, Wiregrass Ranch, senior cornerback
  • Devaun Roberts, Wiregrass Ranch, senior tight end/defensive end
  • Adrian Thomas, Wiregrass Ranch, senior wide receiver
  • Charles Harrison III, Zephyrhills, senior quarterback
  • Ja’Quan Sheppard, Zephyrhills, junior wide receiver
  • Sterlin Williams, Zephyrhills, senior defensive lineman
  • Javion Hanner, Zephyrhills Christian, junior running back
  • Calvin Samuel, Zephyrhills Christian, senior running back
  • Alonzo Sampson, Zephyrhills Christian, senior linebacker
  • Evan Miller, Zephyrhills Christian, senior defensive back
  • Javan Smith, Zephyrhills Christian, junior tailback/linebacker
  • Jalen Spencer, Zephyrhills Christian, junior defensive end/linebacker

Published September 20, 2017

Wharton High cross-country shines at local meet

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The Wharton High School boys varsity cross-country team took first place in the Wiregrass Ranch Run with the Bulls Invitational on Sept. 2. Sixteen teams competed.

The Wharton High School boys varsity cross-country team won the Wiregrass Ranch Run with the Bulls Invitational on Sept. 2. (Courtesy of Kyle LoJacono)

The Wildcats placed its top five runners all in the top 20, totaling 44 points, followed by Robinson High (67 points) and Wiregrass Ranch High (98 points). The Wildcats had 10 runners on varsity for the race:

-Junior Tre Rivers: 17:07 (4th place)
-Senior Sahil Deschenes: 17:19 (6th)
-Senior Eric Jurgensmeyer: 17:29 (11th)
-Junior Josue Reyes: 17:59 (15th)
-Senior Frankie Godbold: 18:05 (19th)
-Junior Anthony Stephens: 18:34 (28th)
-Sophomore Jackson Blanchard: 18:43 (31st)
-Senior Dennarius Murphy: 19:04 (43rd)
-Sophomore Eric Rabil: 19:05 (44th)
-Freshman Thomas Walter: 19:18 (52nd)

Meanwhile, the Wharton High girls varsity cross-country team placed third at the meet, tallying 114 points, behind George Jenkins High (52 points) and Seminole Osceola High (69 points). Wharton entered eight runners in the girls varsity race:

-Junior Nicolina Otero: 20:47 (8th)
-Senior Rachel Lettiero: 21:30 (9th)
-Sophomore Nia Rivers: 21:57 (26th)
-Sophomore Jinia Johnson: 22:17 (32nd)
-Sophomore Michelle Sullivan: 22:26 (34th)
-Junior Amanda Brake: 23:06 (43rd)
-Freshman Callie Zack: 24:03 (60th)
-Sophomore Jessica Perez: 24:21 (63rd)

—Information courtesy of Kyle LoJacono, cross-country coach at Wharton High

 

Lightning Fan Fest set for Sept. 16

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The Tampa Bay Lightning will host its annual Fan Fest Sept. 16, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Amalie Arena, 401 Channelside Drive in Tampa. Fan Fest, presented by Florida Blue, will be the first chance for fans to see and interact with the 2017-18 Lightning. As in previous years, fans will have the opportunity to watch numerous practices, and get autographs and selfies with Lightning players in training camp. The event also will include food trucks, a merchandise sale, a kids play area, and more. The first 10,000 fans will receive a voucher redeemable for a player interaction at either an autograph or photo station. The public event is free, but guests must get a Fan Fest ticket by visiting NHL.com/lightning/fans/2017-fan-fest.

Local commitment

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Huston Richter, a senior at Steinbrenner High School, has verbally committed to play baseball at Saint Leo University, a Division II program. Richter, a 6-foot lefthander, posted a 2.85 ERA and 45 strikeouts in 51.2 innings, with a 5-2 record in 2016. In June, Saint Leo hired Rick O’ Dette, a former league pitcher, as its new head baseball coach. The Lions roster currently features seven players from The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

Saint Leo runner collects conference honor

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Colett Rampf (Courtesy of Saint Leo University)

Saint Leo senior Colett Rampf opened her final cross-country season with a first place at the Holloway Park Preseason Festival on Sept. 2 in Lakeland, boosting the Lions to a team title and her earning the first Sunshine State Conference Cross Country Runner of the Week honor for 2017.

Rampf posted a time of 10:18.09 in the 3K race (pace of 5:32.3 per mile) to finish first in a field of 116 runners. She led a Saint Leo contingent that finished in the top three, with junior Alyssa Bayliff and senior Lauren Csubak coming in second and third, respectively.

The weekly honor marks Rampf’s 13th SSC Runner of the Week award all-time during her four-year career. Meanwhile, Saint Leo finished with 27 team points, 10 better than second-place finisher, Embry-Riddle (37 points).

The Lions’ next event is Sept. 16, when they travel to Daytona Beach, for the Embry-Riddle Invitational.

Shoes-4-Schools golf tournament set Oct. 6

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Shoes-4-Schools will be hosting its first “Bare Feet 2 Soles” golf tournament on Oct. 6, with a shotgun start at 1 p.m., at Fox Hollow Golf Club, 10050 Robert Trent Jones Parkway in Trinity. Opportunities are available for sponsorships and golfer foursomes. Golfers will be provided with a mixer and light dinner, raffles and goodie bags. Awards will be given to first-place teams and winners of the longest drive, closest to the pin and putting contests. Also, a 2017 Acura ILX provided by Ferman Acura of Tampa will be awarded to the winner of a hole-in-one contest. Shoes-4-Schools is a nonprofit 501 (C) 3 organization created in 2013 for the main purpose of providing footwear for needy school children in Pasco and Hillsborough counties. For information, visit Shoes-4-Schools.org, or call (813) 505-1378.

Cypress Creek football coach earns weekly honor

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Elsewhere in the Pasco County prep football scene, Cypress Creek head football coach Mike Johnson recently earned Tampa Bay Buccaneers Coach of the Week honors for his team’s Week 1 win over Gulf High on Aug. 25 — the school’s inaugural regular season football game.

The honor means Johnson will receive a $2,000 grant to help maintain and upgrade the Cypress Creek football program.

Cypress Creek head football coach Mike Johnson earned the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Coach of the Week honors for his team’s Week 1 win over Gulf High on Aug. 25. (File)

At the conclusion of the season, a Buccaneers High School Coach of the Year will be selected and earn an additional award from the pro franchise.

Candidates are chosen based on coaches that have led their schools to an impressive victory, and demonstrated a commitment to fundamentals, player safety, sportsmanship, academic development and community engagement.

Johnson, in his first year as a varsity head coach, has no seniors on the roster, as only underclassmen from Wesley Chapel and Wiregrass high schools were rezoned to Cypress Creek. The school, at 8701 Old Pasco Road, has about 1,500 students in grades six through 11 this year.

The first-year program also was at a disadvantage when it had limited participation in spring drills and no spring game, as most players were occupied with other sports and activities at their former schools.

Johnson previously coached at Stuart Middle School and served as an offensive line coach at Wesley Chapel High School, under former head coach Ben Alford.

Johnson, who also was a former defensive back at Division III Eureka College in Illinois, bases his coaching foundation on what he refers to as the “5Cs”— Commitment, Consistency, Courage, Communication and Compassion.

Published September 13, 2017

Pasco Pirates off to solid start

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Just a few weeks into the regular season, the Pasco High football team already has surpassed its win total from all of last season.

In fact, they’ve doubled it.

Pasco High head coach Tom McHugh, in his 11th season, has a career mark of 83-35, which includes a string of seven straight playoff appearances from 2007 to 2013. (File)

The 2016 season was unpleasant for the Pirates, losing nine straight games until they beat Gulf High — a struggling program that’s now lost 22 straight regular season games — in the season finale.

The 1-9 record was its worst since 1978, when Jimmy Sessoms coached the team.

The struggling campaign was a surprise to many, considering the Pirates often have been one of the county’s upper-tier programs under longtime head coach Tom McHugh.

McHugh, in his 11th season, has a career mark of 83-35, which includes a string of seven straight playoff appearances from 2007 to 2013.

Additionally, under McHugh, the Pirates have produced some of the county’s top players who have gone on to collegiate and professional careers, including, defensive tackle Joey Ivie (University of Florida/Dallas Cowboys, defensive back Josh Johnson (Purdue University/Canadian Football League/Jacksonville Jaguars), athlete Janarion Grant (Rutgers University) and defensive back Jayvaughn Myers (Auburn University).

Yet, perhaps the biggest disappointment to the Pirates’ faithful wasn’t the abysmal 1-9 record, but its devastating 46-0 home loss to Zephyrhills High in the annual 9-Mile War — oftentimes a one-sided affair in which Pasco High claims the all-time series record 40-19.

This season, however, appears to be a strong contrast to last year.

The Pasco High Pirates have rebounded from last year’s dismal 1-9 mark. The 2017 squad features 17 seniors, including middle linebacker Cameron Smith. (Courtesy of Tom Ketchum)

The Pirates handily won its first two contests over both Hudson High (22-10) and Gulf High (46-0), and proved dominant in its preseason game, a 36-18 victory over Ridgewood High.

And, unlike the 2016 season, the Pirates have a bevy of experienced depth, both on offense and defense. This year’s roster features 19 seniors. Last year’s had just seven.

Besides a steady, game-managing presence at quarterback in junior Doug Crawford, the Pirates display an explosive rushing attack currently averaging more than 200 yards per game — thanks to a trio of runners in senior Jaleel Hansberry, and juniors Early Knight and Jacquez Mobley.

The defense, too, has shown an ability to create pressure and limit opposing yardage, early on.

It also doesn’t hurt that the Pirates have three reigning All-Sunshine Athletic Conference players in senior offensive lineman/defensive tackle Camron Craig, senior middle linebacker Cameron Smith and senior defensive lineman Cody Mercer.

The Pirates, meanwhile, have several winnable games on their 2017 slate.

In addition to facing upstart Cypress Creek Middle High at home, the Pirates should match up well against Superior Collegiate Academy, along with district foes Sunlake— which appears to be in a rebuilding year — and Land O’ Lakes high schools.

But, contests against the likes of Mitchell, Springstead and Zephyrhills high schools should determine how good this team is.

And, how far it will go.

 

–Stats compiled by Maxpreps.com

Published September 13, 2017

Land O’ Lakes jail unveils educational tablet program

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Miguel Perez just wants to better educate himself as he awaits trial on racketeering charges at the Land O’ Lakes Detention Center.

The 53-year-old inmate has an added tool to do that, thanks to the jail’s new tablet program.

Last month, the Land O’ Lakes Detention Center distributed more than 200 Google Nexus 7 tablets to be shared among nearly 1,700 inmates. The tablets, secure and unable to connect to the Internet, come preloaded with various learning and spiritual applications, such as Kahn Academy and Calm. Inmate Doney Bedford shows some of its features. (Kevin Weiss)

Last month, the detention center distributed over 200 Google Nexus 7 tablets to be shared among nearly 1,700 inmates.

Its primary focus is on education and rehabilitation.

The tablets, secure and unable to connect to the Internet, come preloaded with various learning and spiritual applications, such as Kahn Academy and Calm.

Kahn Academy features in-depth reading material, interactive videos, virtual museum tours and TED Talks, as well as GED prep education, math, engineering, humanities, economics, science and college career prep studies; Calm helps inmates deal with substance abuse, anxiety and emotional trauma.

“There’s just so much in there — algebra, physics, economics, biology,” Perez said. “It goes from ‘A to Z.’”

The tablets, equipped with protective hard shell cases, were donated to the jail by Telmate, a leading provider of secure inmate communication systems, at no cost to Pasco County taxpayers. Other county jail systems in the state, including Flagler and Walton counties, have implemented similar educational tablet programs.

Perez, like others, has been glued to a tablet since they were delivered Aug. 17.

“It is amazing; I really love it,” Perez said. “Instead of wasting time playing cards or doing nothing or walking around moping, you can actually do something with your mind and your life.”

He added: “We’ve made a mistake  — whatever we’ve done — so it gives us the option to fix it…and move forward in a positive manner.”

Inmate Miguel Perez shows off a Google Nexus 7 tablet. The 53-year-old, who’s awaiting trial on racketeering charges, enjoys studying economic concepts through the Kahn Academy app. ‘I think it’s amazing because it gives (inmates) an opportunity…to better themselves,’ he said.

Besides learning apps, the tablets come equipped with a law library and inmate staff requests. There are also email capabilities, for a small commissary fee.

The tablets also have pre-downloaded religious texts, including the Bible and Koran.

That feature is especially meaningful to 46-year-old inmate Doney Bedford, who’s awaiting trial on drug possession charges. He aspires to become a theologian, as he receives credits for college education through mail-in correspondence courses.

“It’s got every possible translation of the Bible, it’s got the Koran, it’s got Aramaic Hebrew, and the history of the Bible. It’s an endless supply of information,” Bedford explained.

Bedford also uses the tablet to dive into subjects like ancient Egyptian history, which helps him to effectively use his jail time.

“When you have something like this, to educate yourself, it just broadens your horizons,” Bedford said.

“These resources are very, very good for us, so that way we can learn to better ourselves and become better, productive men of society,” he added.

Another inmate, 31-year-old Christopher Murgatroyd, says the tablets have even eased tensions within his housing unit.

“The pod detention is less since they’ve came in,” Murgatroyd, a combat veteran incarcerated on charges of driving on a suspended license and first-time driving under the influence.

“It’s serving more than one purpose, actually; education really helps a lot.”

Pasco County Sheriff ChrisNocco emphasized the importance of the tablet initiative, especially for detention centers where inmates have shorter stays before they’re reintegrated into society. ‘If you don’t give them the opportunity to succeed, then they’re going to be right back in here again,’ he said.

Inmates get access to the tablets in their cells, and anytime outside of lockdown, said Maj. Stacey Jenkins, who supervises the Security Services Section of the Court Services Bureau at the Sheriff’s Office. Each is assigned a unique pin number and login into tablets via facial recognition technology.

Some inmates, however, will not have access to the tablets, including those in disciplinary confinement or in the medical wing.

“Every shift change (tablets) are going to have to be accounted for by the deputies,” Jenkins said.

Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco emphasized the importance of the tablet initiative, especially for detention centers where inmates have shorter stays before they’re reintegrated into society.

The jail’s average stay is 67 days. That includes those held without bond or unable to post bail set by the courts, those being transferred from other states or counties while awaiting trial in Pasco County, or those found guilty and sentenced to serve less than one year.

Said Nocco: “I know a lot of times citizens and maybe some of our members are going to be like, ‘I can’t believe we’re giving inmates tablets.’ Well, a lot of these people are going to go back into the community. If you don’t give them the opportunity to succeed, then they’re going to be right back in here again.”

Another potential bonus from the program, Nocco added, is the possibility of gaining intelligence regarding ongoing criminal activity outside jail cells.

“We gain a lot of information through these tablets. We know who’s putting money into their accounts, we know who they’re talking to, and we can read their emails,” Nocco explained.

“A lot of information that we gain is from people in here, of criminal operations that still may be going on in the streets. We’re gaining that from a firsthand knowledge, and then we’re able to react to it very quickly and be proactive on the street, whereas a lot of times this information falls through the cracks.”

Meanwhile, jail officials say more apps will be loaded over time. Many will still center on education and self-help.

Perez, for one, believes an app that teaches basic life skills “would be very helpful” for fellow inmates.

“Some guys here can’t even reconcile a bank account or fill out a job application,” he said.

“Some of them could benefit from an app that could teach a basic work skill, or just teach them about doing the right thing, getting up on time, going to work,” he said.

Published September 6, 2017

The Laker/Lutz News prep football season outlook

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The 2017 high school football season is finally underway. As the games unfold, here’s a look at some of the teams and players to watch in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area:

Teams to Watch:

Steinbrenner head coach Andres Perez-Reinaldo is looking for his third straight winning season. (File)

Steinbrenner High Warriors

Coach: Andres Perez-Reinaldo (sixth year)

Despite some key departures from last year’s 5-4 squad — including starting quarterback Colin Wray’s defection to Clearwater Central Catholic— the Warriors look primed for a third straight winning season. That was evident in their Aug. 28 season opener, a 19-0 road shutout of Freedom High School. If that game is any indication, Steinbrenner features a strong running game led by senior Dionte Waldron and freshman Deon Silas, and big-play receivers in senior Brandon Garcia and sophomore Aidan Bitter. The Warriors have no shortage of playmakers on defense, either. Besides the return of a pair of tackling machines in senior linebacker/safety Charles Stephens (99 tackles in 2016) and senior defensive tackle Juan Batista (87 total tackles in 2016), the Warriors have others — including senior end Cade Murray and junior linebacker Logan Kilburn— capable of making stops behind the line of scrimmage.

The Warriors still need to find a steady, reliable presence at quarterback, especially with difficult matchups remaining against the likes of Jesuit, Bradenton Manatee, Sarasota Riverview and Tampa Catholic high schools.

 

 

 

Sunlake has seven straight winning seasons under head coach Bill Browning. (Courtesy of Tom Ketchum, PascoCountyfb.com)

Sunlake High Seahawks

Coach: Bill Browning (11th year)

It’s tough to doubt the Sunlake Seahawks and its run of seven straight winning seasons — each with at least seven victories. However, the consistent program may be in for a slight rebuilding campaign after losing numerous contributors on offense and defense from last year’s 7-3 squad. Besides developing a new quarterback in either senior Ryan Kasper or junior Hunter Watts, dynamic playmakers on offense also need to emerge. Similar questions remain on defense, as the Seahawks replace three of its top four tacklers from last season. Meanwhile, Sunlake’s schedule doesn’t get any easier, with matchups against Wiregrass Ranch, Springstead, Brooksville Central and River Ridge high schools.

 

Wiregrass Ranch looks to be one of the top teams in Pasco County. (Courtesy of Tom Ketchum, PascoCountyfb.com)

Wiregrass Ranch High Bulls

Coach: Mark Kantor (third year)

Wiregrass Ranch appears to be one of the top teams in the Tampa Bay area, even after a tumultuous offseason that saw three of its top players — cornerback Shamaur McDowell, athlete Raymond Woodie III, tailback Da Da McGee — transfer elsewhere. The team’s strength was evident in the Bulls memorable 31-29 season-opening victory over Zephyrhills High, where their talent and moxie reigned supreme. Junior quarterback Grant Sessums, in his first year as a starter, could emerge to become one of the county’s most productive signal-callers, especially with a senior-laden group of pass-catchers, in A.J. Brown, Devaun Roberts and Daniel Biglow. Establishing a capable running game also could go a long way in Sessums’ and Wiregrass’ success. The Bulls, meanwhile, return one of the region’s top players in versatile, ball-hawking cornerback Jordan Miner, a Penn State University commit. Besides roaming the defensive backfield, the 6-foot-1, 180-pound athlete also is utilized on offense and kickoff returns.

Zephyrhills is seeking their fourth straight playoff appearance. (Courtesy of Tom Ketchum, PascoCountyfb.com)

Zephyrhills High Bulldogs

Coach: Nick Carroll (second year)

One of the county’s most successful programs of late, Zephyrhills has the talent and depth to secure a fourth straight playoff appearance. It all starts with senior dual-threat quarterback Charles Harrison III, the county’s top returning signal-caller (2,038 total yards, 26 total touchdowns, five interceptions in 2016). And, there’s no lack of weapons at Harrison’s disposal, with the return of leading rusher Elijah Thomas (649 yards, five touchdowns) and leading receivers Tre’Pavis Mobley (39 catches, 802 yards, 11 touchdowns) and Ja’quan Sheppard (25 catches, 443 yards, six touchdowns).

Defensively, the Bulldogs return two of their top pass rushers from 2016 — Sterlin Williams (8.5 sacks) and Ja’varrius Wilson (eight sacks)— along with senior middle linebacker Zac Masci (66 tackles, 2.5 sacks) and senior safety Myles Carter (25 tackles, five tackles for loss, two interceptions).

Meanwhile, the rest of the season sets up relatively nicely for the Bulldogs, with manageable matchups against teams like Ridgewood, Fivay, Gulf, Anclote and Pasco high schools.

 

Zephyrhills Christian is looking to build off last season’s 7-2 mark. (Courtesy of Zephyrhills Christian Academy)

Zephyrhills Christian Academy Warriors

Coach: Mike Smith (third year, 11-man)

The Warriors are proving last season’s 7-2 mark wasn’t a fluke, especially after downing Bishop McLaughlin 35-6 in its Aug. 25 home opener. The Warriors, competing in Class 2A for the first time, feature one of the county’s most prolific ground attacks, led by seniors Calvin Samuel (695 yards, seven touchdowns in 2016) and Alonzo Sampson, and Pasco High transfer Javion Hanner — each capable of explosive plays. The Warriors, too, feature a handful of impact players on defense, anchored by 300-pound sophomore defensive lineman Malik Jones and 215-pound junior linebacker/defensive end Jalen Spencer. One of the more intriguing tests for the Warriors will be on Oct. 13, when they face Carrollwood Day School at home.

Wesley Chapel returns several key pieces from last season’s 7-2 squad. (Courtesy of Tom Ketchum, PascoCountyfb.com)

Wesley Chapel High School Wildcats

Coach: Tony Egan (second year)

Besides having arguably the county’s top do-everything athlete in Isaiah Bolden (University of Oregon commit), the Wildcats have several pieces returning to a team that won its first seven games in 2016, before faltering down the stretch with road losses to Zephyrhills and River Ridge high schools.

It has a potent running game led by 1,000-yard rusher Dexter Leverett and Malik Melvin (358 yards, seven touchdowns).

With Bolden returning at cornerback, the Wildcats defense also features several other standouts, including inside linebacker Austen Wittish (93 tackles in 2016) and 6-foot-7 defensive end/Florida State University commit Chaz Neal.

The looming question is finding consistency at quarterback following the graduation of two-year starter Jacob Thomas.

Players to Watch:

 

Isaiah Bolden

Athlete — Isaiah Bolden, Wesley Chapel High senior

The 6-foot-3, 185-pound versatile athlete might be the top football prospect in all of Pasco County. The University of Oregon commit — with nearly 30 other scholarship offers— is a consensus four-star recruit widely regarded as one of nation’s top 20 cornerback prospects for the Class of 2018. Besides roaming the defensive backfield, Wesley Chapel High coaches utilize Bolden as a quarterback, punter and return man. He’ll also sometimes line up at running back and receiver.

 

 

Jordan Miner

Cornerback — Jordan Miner, Wiregrass Ranch High senior

Like Bolden, Miner is another a blue chip, four-star cornerback committed to a high-profile college program (Penn State University). Nationally, the 6-foot-1, 180-pound Miner is ranked among the top 30 corners for the 2018 recruiting class, where he’s lauded for his quickness, physicality and ball skills. He’s also an impact player on special teams, as he averaged 33 yards per kick return in 2016.

 

John Dixon

Defensive Back — John Dixon, Wharton High junior

The 5-foot-11, 170-pound Dixon is quickly hopping on the radar of some of the nation’s premier college programs. His junior season just underway, Dixon already boasts offers from the likes of Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Ohio State, Tennessee, South Carolina, South Florida and Maryland universities. Multiple recruiting outlets — like 247Sports and ESPN.com— rank Dixon as a four-star prospect and one of the nation’s top 25 cornerback prospects for the 2019 class. Dixon tallied 44 tackles and two interceptions in 2016.

Ja’quan Sheppard

Receiver — Ja’quan Sheppard, Zephyrhills High junior

One of Zephyrhills High’s many offensive playmakers, the 6-foot-2, 176-pound Sheppard is a dynamic threat, both as a receiver (25 catches, 443 yards, six touchdowns in 2016) and ball carrier (325 yards, five touchdowns). Besides having reliable hands, Sheppard has shown the capability for chunk plays of 40 yards and 50 yards. He currently has an offer from Samford University, a Division I Football Championship Series (FCS) program in Homewood, Alabama.

 

Dexter Leverett

Running back/defensive back — Dexter Leverett, Wesley Chapel High senior

The 5-foot-10, 170-pound Leverett was Pasco County’s third-leading rusher in 2016, tallying 1,254 yards and 10 touchdowns on just 165 carries (7.6 yards per carry). And, he displayed consistency, with nine games of at least 100 yards.

Wesley Chapel head coach Tony Egan summed up Leverett’s rushing ability in an interview last season: “He’s got it all. He’s a power back, he’s explosive, and he’s got that top-end speed—the kid runs a 4.53 40 (yard dash). He’s just a really quick kid…and he can make cuts in the open field.”

Leverett is not just an offensive star. He’s also a key cog on defense, where he posted 75 total tackles last season.

Ten more to watch:

Athlete — Calvin Samuel, Zephyrhills Christian Academy senior

Cornerback — A.J. Hampton, Wharton High senior

Linebacker — Myron Bloom, Land O’ Lakes High junior

Linebacker— Adam Jarvis, Sunlake High senior

Linebacker— Matthew Wood, Gaither High senior

Offensive Tackle — Donovan Jennings, Gaither High senior

Offensive Tackle — Lavel Dumont, Wharton High senior

Quarterback — Charles Harrison III, Zephyrhills High senior

Running back/Linebacker — Dylan Gonzalez, Academy at the Lakes senior

Wide Receiver — Tre’Pavis Mobley, Zephyrhills High junior

Statistics compiled by MaxPreps.com

The Laker/Lutz News coverage area includes the following schools from Hillsborough and Pasco counties:

Hillsborough:
Carrollwood Day School Patriots (Class 2A-Region 3)

Freedom High School Patriots (Class 7A-Region 8)

Gaither High School Cowboys (Class 7A-Region 8)

Steinbrenner High School Warriors (Class 8A-Region 6)

Wharton High School Wildcats (Class 7A-Region 8)

Pasco:
Academy at the Lakes Wildcats (8-man-Florida Christian Region 2)

Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School Hurricanes (Independent-Sunshine State Athletic Conference (SSAC)

Cypress Creek Middle High School Coyotes (Class 4A-Region 3)

Land O’ Lakes High School Gators (Class 6A-Region 6)

Pasco High School Pirates (Class 6A-Region 6)

Sunlake High School Seahawks (Class 6A-Region 6)

Wesley Chapel High School Wildcats (Class 5A-Region 8)

Wiregrass Ranch High School Bulls (Class 7A-Region 8)

Zephyrhills High School Bulldogs (Class 5A-Region 8)

Zephyrhills Christian Academy Warriors (Class 2A-Region 2)

What’s New?
The Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) passed a new system last September that bases football postseason berths on a points system in Class A-4A. The new format, beginning this season, is designed to reward teams for winning records and strength of schedule.
In the FHSAA’s biggest four classes (5A-8A), the district champion still automatically qualifies for regionals, with the remaining 16 spots decided by points.

Published September 6, 2017