The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Kevin Weiss

Local commitment

By

Zephyrhills High senior athlete Cartrell Strong recently committed to play collegiate football at Division II Morehouse College (Atlanta, Georgia). The 5-foot-10, 170-pound Strong — a 2018 Class 5A first-team All-State selection — last season posted 1,709 all-purpose yards and 21 touchdowns, along with 98 tackles, two interceptions, nine passes defensed and three forced fumbles on defense. Strong is also a standout on Zephyrhills’ varsity basketball, and track and field teams.

Dade City outlines priority projects

By

Municipal business in Dade City is proceeding as usual, even as it continues its search for its next city manager.

Dade City finance director Leslie Porter, who’s serving the role of interim city manager, outlined several priority projects for the near term, ranging from personnel issues to facility upgrades to transportation updates, during a Feb. 26 regular commission meeting.

Dade City finance director Leslie Porter is also serving as the city’s interim city manager. (Courtesy of Dade City)

Porter said the city’s human resources department has begun reviewing personnel rules with city staff — looking to update any policies that may need to be tweaked and introduce any new ones that don’t currently exist.

Porter added the department is working to standardize employee evaluations to ensure each city employee has an annual review “so they know where they stand, what they’re doing right and what they can strive to do better.”

Developing a retail strategy is another ongoing priority during the city manager vacancy, Porter said.

The city is currently seeking professional firms for the creation of a retail market analysis and development plan, to help understand the retail landscape in the city’s market and broker potential business prospects.

Request for proposals for that project are due March 7.

From there, Porter said city administration will organize a special workshop or presentation, depending on the number of responses.

“We’ll see how many we have and come up with a game plan,” Porter said.

Porter said amending the city’s water rate ordinance is another objective — with plans to schedule a workshop in early April.

The interim city manager told commissioners she’s had preliminary discussions on water rates with City Attorney Nancy Stuparich and found “there are multiple areas that we feel need to be addressed.”

In 2017, commissioners approved a 2 percent water rate increase and 6.5 percent sewer rate increase each year over the next five years. It marked the first time those rates were raised in eight years.

Porter also noted city staff members are consulting with the Florida Department of Transportation to gain approval to install entrance signs at the city’s north and south apex. They also are working with the state transportation department on various other road projects within city limits.

Meanwhile, the interim city manager received direction from commissioners on a handful of other projects.

Commissioners appeared to be particularly interested in improving the restrooms and concession stand at Mickens Fields.

Multiple citywide projects are set to be addressed by interim city manager Leslie Porter, who’s also the city’s finance director. (File)

They directed Porter to obtain cost estimates on renovating or rebuilding those facilities and to bring that issue up as an agenda item within the next few meetings.

That particular fix-up project has come to the forefront of late with the Dade City Youth League’s Mickens Wildcats planning to use the football field this year.

The fields are located at 14318 Canal St.

“We owe it to that community to have (upgrades) out there, whether it’s for that group or for somebody else,” Mayor Camille Hernandez said.

“(Even) if the Wildcats aren’t coming, those bathrooms and that concession stand are in need of desperate repair and rehab, so either way we need to do it.”

Commissioner Scott Black concurred: “If we want that to be a viable ball field well into the future, we need to have those facilities there.”

The city previously obtained quotes on the Mickens Field repairs about a year-and-a-half ago, but no action was taken at the time, Porter said.

Elsewhere, commissioners advised Porter to gather real estate appraisals on the former police department building on Pasco Avenue, which has sat vacant since 2015.

Some possible options include selling the property, or demolishing the building and selling the lot.

The mayor called the vacant building an “eyesore” to the community.

“We want to put our best foot forward and that’s not our best foot forward over there,” Hernandez said. “Keeping status quo over there just like that and doing nothing is not an option.”

Also during the meeting, Hernandez thanked Porter for “keeping the ship sailing” by stepping into the interim city manager role.

Longtime Dade City manager Billy Poe left his post on Feb. 7, taking a similar position with the City of Zephyrhills. He announced his exit from Dade City in November.

The commission named Poe’s replacement in January, but were unable to come to a contract agreement last month.

“I know there’s lots to do on the project side as well as the personnel side, so I appreciate (Porter’s) willingness to do that, to keep us moving forward at this time,” the mayor said.

Applications for the new city manager will be accepted through March 15 at 5 p.m.

Published March 06, 2019

Development projects underway in Zephyrhills

By

Much development is on tap for the city of Zephyrhills — from new commercial and residential properties, to ongoing road construction projects.

Zephyrhills planning director Todd Vande Berg discussed a number of those projects as the guest speaker of the East Pasco Networking Group’s February breakfast meeting.

Among the most ballyhooed is the Sarah Vande Berg Memorial Tennis Center, which will be situated west of Simons Road.

Zephyrhills city planner Todd Vande Berg discussed several city development projects at a recent East Pasco Networking Group breakfast meeting at IHOP in Dade City. (Kevin Weiss)

The speaker said the $3.5 million project is expected to break ground in May or June: “We’re getting real close with the final engineered site plan, as well as the architect plans.”

The facility will include a mix of 11 full-size outdoor clay courts and hard courts, including an exhibition court to attract various United States Tennis Association (USTA) sanctioned tournaments.

It also will feature multiple pickleball and padel courts, racquet sports “becoming more and more popular,” Vande Berg said.

Meanwhile, the indoor portion of the center will include a lobby and seating area, community room, kid’s club room, fitness center, plus “other unique elements,” like cryotherapy and salt room chambers. Additionally, Wesley Chapel-based Buttermilk Provisions restaurant will have an in-house bakery and coffee shop with artisan offerings.

The project is a public-private partnership between the city and Tennis P.R.O and its owner, Pascal Collard, who will operate and manage the tennis facility.

The tennis center is named after Vande Berg’s daughter, a former Zephyrhills High School district champion, who died in an automobile accident at the age of 21 in October 2015.

Much of the project’s funding is being offset by various impact fees and grants, Vande Berg said.

The city planner believes the tennis center could have international draw.

He said the USTA recently inquired about having the facility someday host matches for the Fed Cup, regarded as the premier international team competition in women’s tennis.

“It’s going to be a unique opportunity for all Pasco County and the region,” Vande Berg said of the tennis facility. “It’s going to be a huge deal.”

The speaker also noted some indoor/covered tennis courts could potentially be phased in later, at the discretion of the facility’s management team.

“That would make us very unique in the state of Florida, because there’s only one other facility in the state that offers that,” he said.

Also in the arena of business development, Vande Berg mentioned the city is working on a master plan for its industrial corridor — which encompasses about 4,000 untapped acres of property along the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport — to create a regional hub for light manufacturing companies.

Vande Berg said the master plan ties in with the four-lane extension of State Road 56 to U.S. 301.

The speaker noted Zephyrhills is also pursuing an additional extension to State Road 56 that would link to State Road 39; the city received $1 million in the Florida 2019 budget to fund a planning study for the project.

“One thing that we’ve heard from some manufacturers was, ‘Well, we need access to a four-lane road,’” Vande Berg said, “so that’ll make a big difference.”

Aside from trying to expand its industrial footprint, other commercial projects are in the works in Zephyrhills.

The city is set to get a Chick-Fil-A, Aldi Supermarket, PetSmart, Marriott Fairfield Hotel and Dollar General, along with other businesses.

Florida Medical Clinic is also undergoing a major health care facility expansion along Eiland Boulevard and Simons Road, Vande Berg said.

“There’s a lot going on in Zephyrhills,” the city planner said.

Vande Berg also touched on the city’s residential development, noting thousands of new homes and apartments will be coming online in the next decade.

Some of the larger developments include The District at Abbott’s Square, Zephyr Lakes, Hidden River, and expansions to the Silver Oaks and Silverado communities, while Wire Ranch Apartments and Pretty Pond/Wire Road Apartments are some the larger multifamily units in the works.

“The residential housing is booming,” Vande Berg said. “We have a couple thousand units coming on board and they’re not all retirees. A lot of these homes are single-family, younger families with kids.”

Published March 06, 2019

Land O’ Lakes standout finds home in new pro football league

By

Not too long ago, Shaheed Salmon was making thumping defensive stops as an All-State linebacker all over the gridiron of John Benedetto Stadium at Land O’ Lakes High School.

He’s still doing the same — now, as a professional football player.

The 2014 Land O’ Lakes High graduate is a backup linebacker in the American Alliance of Football’s (AAF) Birmingham Iron franchise.

The league is about the closest level to the NFL as you can get.

Former Land O’ Lakes High standout Shaheed Salmon is now playing professional football in the Alliance of American Football’s Birmingham Iron franchise, where he’s a reserve linebacker. Salmon graduated from Land O’ Lakes in 2014, then went on to star at Division I FCS Samford University. (Courtesy of Birmingham Iron)

It features numerous NFL veteran players and coaches, plus dozens of big names from the college football ranks.

Salmon’s team alone includes one of the league’s most recognizable faces — running back Trent Richardson, a former NFL first round pick and two-time BCS National Champion and All-American at the University of Alabama.

“The competition — it’s great,” Salmon said in a recent interview with The Laker/Lutz News. “You look to your left and you’re playing with someone who played at Alabama, at the highest level, even in the NFL.”

The AAF launched this year by television producer Charlie Ebersol and Hall of Fame NFL general manager Bill Polian.

The eight-team, 10-game season league is an unofficial complement to the NFL by showcasing developing talent.

Play began in February, with games broadcast on CBS, CBS Sports Network, NFL Network and other properties.

Salmon played collegiately at Division I FCS Samford (Homewood, Alabama), where he developed into an All-Conference standout as one of the nation’s most productive tacklers.

Post-college, the 6-foot-2, 227-pound Salmon signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in May.

He was cut three months later after suffering an ankle injury.

Salmon admittedly was unsure what the future held for his football career, as he worked to rehab his injury and get back into playing shape.

“There was definitely a week or two I was kind of confused of what I was going to do next with my path,” Salmon said.

Salmon said he considered entering the Canadian Football League, but “luckily I got a contract to come to the Alliance.”

Salmon made the 52-man Iron squad following a league-wide training camp back in January.

Salmon has, like other AAF players, a non-guaranteed contract worth $250,000 over three years, with additional bonuses tied to performance, statistics and fan engagement.

Shaheed Salmon lettered all four years at Land O’ Lakes, earning All-State, All-Conference and All-County nods. The linebacker registered 261 career tackles and 20.5 sacks, including 117 stops as a senior. (File)

While not NFL money, it’s still a good chunk of change by most standards.

Moreover, Salmon gets to play in a city that’s just a stone’s throw away from his old college stomping grounds.

“You know, I feel real comfortable here in the 205 (area code),” Salmon said, “because I look at the fans and I see a lot of familiar faces, just coming to support me and stuff, so it’s really neat to be back in Birmingham.”

He’s quickly made a name for himself as a pro.

Salmon received some national attention when he made a pivotal play in the Iron’s Week 2, 12-9 win over the Salt Lake City Stallions on Feb. 16.

In a nationally televised broadcast on TNT, Salmon recovered a fumble — forced by teammate Jamar Summers on a punt return — in the end zone near the end of the third quarter, shifting momentum the Iron’s way as it fought back from a deficit.

Recognition followed on national television, sports websites and social media.

Salmon remains humble about the moment.

“I was just grateful for the touchdown. Jamar made an excellent play, and I just kind of did my job and I was at the right place at the right time,” he said.

Besides the fumble recovery for touchdown, Salmon has one assisted tackle through three games, playing mainly in a reserve role.

Like others in the AAF, Salmon dreams of getting to the NFL someday.

The AAF is regarded as a farm system of sorts for the NFL.

In fact, the league has an “NFL out” written into its player contracts, allowing players in the league to sign with an NFL team if given the opportunity.

“That’s everyone’s goal in this league; everyone’s trying to get back to the NFL,” Salmon said.

Salmon acknowledged that widespread goal brings an added layer of competitiveness and intensity to the startup league.

He explained: “Everyone that’s in this league was pretty much told no (by NFL teams), so it kind of makes them hungry, so that everyone’s a competitor.”

Salmon’s more immediate target, however, isn’t on the NFL.

Instead, it’s striving to do the best he can for the Iron.

“I’m just trying to perfect myself in this defense that we’re playing in,” he said. “I’m just focused right now on this team.”

Meantime, Salmon reflects fondly on his days at Land O’ Lakes.

He lettered in football all four years, collecting 261 career tackles and 20.5 sacks, including 117 stops as a senior in 2013.

The pro footballer said his favorite year as a Gator was as a wide-eyed freshman on varsity in 2010.

(That team finished 9-2, but later had all its wins forfeited after being found guilty of recruiting violations by the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA).)

“I was on varsity, so it was just an exciting feeling (as a freshman),” Salmon said. “We were pretty good, too, so I just soaked up all the knowledge I could from the older guys and stuff, so that experience was pretty cool.”

Salmon can next be seen in action March 9, when the Iron hosts the Orlando Apollos. Game start is scheduled for 2 p.m., ET on B/R Live. The game can be streamed online at Live.bleacherreport.com.

Published March 6, 2019

Stellar hoops season ends for Land O’ Lakes

By

The Land O’ Lakes High varsity boys basketball team’s banner season — and hopeful bid for a state finals appearance — has come to a close.

After winning a district championship and then dismantling King High 62-35 in the regional quarterfinals, the Gators fell at home to Hillsborough High 52-36 in the Class 7A regional semifinals, on Feb. 26.

The defeat ends what was one of the best hoops seasons ever for Land O’ Lakes, who finish the 2018-2019 season with a 24-3 record and a 7-0 district mark, under longtime coach Dave Puhlaski.

The Land O’ Lakes High boys basketball team finished the 2018-2019 season with a district title and a 24-3 record. (Courtesy of Land O’ Lakes High Athletics)

Land O’ Lakes last surpassed the 20-win plateau during the 2011-2012 season — when they went 22-7 and also won a district crown.

The Gators entered the playoff contest against Hillsborough on a 16-game winning streak.

Their last defeat had come on Jan. 1, a 72-65 overtime loss to Wildwood Middle High in the Greg O’ Connell New Year’s Shootout tournament; the team’s other loss was against Wesley Chapel High 57-53, on Dec. 21.

But, the Terriers’ (27-2) size and experience proved too much for Land O’ Lakes, with a roster featuring nine seniors and six players 6-foot-5 or taller.

Land O’ Lakes shot 29 percent from the field and had just two players in double figures, as standout junior guards Chase Farmer and Mehki Perry scored 11 points apiece.

(Hillsborough went on to qualify for the state final four after beating Auburndale High 75-71 in the Class 7A regional final on March 1.)

Disappointing defeat aside, the Gators again figure to be one of the area’s top contenders next season.

The team expects to return its top four scorers, including Farmer (19.1 ppg) and Perry (14.1 ppg), and leading rebounder, 6-foot-5 post Brett Gwinn (6.6 ppg, 8.4 rpg).

Meantime, another local school hoping for a state finals appearance also saw its season come to an end.

The Freedom High boys basketball team fell to Wharton High 69-51 in the Class 8A regional semifinals, on Feb. 26.

The Patriots finished the season with a 25-4 record and 12-2 district mark.

Unlike Land O’ Lakes however, the Patriots may be in for some rebuilding next year, as the team loses nine seniors, including its top five scorers and rebounders.

2018-2019 Land O’ Lakes High varsity boys basketball

  • Myron Bloom, senior
  • Jerry Cribbs, freshman
  • Levi Downing, junior
  • Emmanuel Durojaiye, senior
  • Chase Farmer, junior
  • Brett Gwinn, junior
  • Justin Knowles, senior
  • Dayvion Luqman, junior
  • Aleks Marczak, senior
  • Jerry Peace, junior
  • Mekhi Perry, junior
  • Nate Santana, sophomore
  • AJ Smith, junior
  • Dave Puhlaski, Head coach, 30th year

Published March 06, 2019

Summit addresses mental health challenges

By

Overcoming mental health and substance abuse issues in local communities seems a daunting undertaking — but offering a helping hand and a shoulder to lean on may be a good place to start.

At least that’s what a group of educators and faith-based leaders asserted at a recent mental health summit at Pasco-Hernando State College’s (PHSC) Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, in Wesley Chapel.

Pasco-Hernando State College hosted a mental health summit on Feb. 18 at its Porter Campus in Wesley Chapel. It featured a panel discussion between educators and faith leaders in the community. (Kevin Weiss)

The state college’s Bridging Faith and Mental Health Communities Summit brought together dozens of faith-based leaders, public and private clinical agencies, students, educators and community members. They discussed ongoing problems and solutions on topics such as depression, suicide and substance abuse, wellness and recovery.

A plenary panel discussion addressed those topics head-on.

University of South Florida philosophy and religious studies professor Garrett Potts tried to pinpoint the root of mental health issues.

He suggested that depression and addiction have been exacerbated because there’s “a crisis of meaning” and “a loss of hope” in society and culture today.

And, as a result, he said, people have turned to drugs and alcohol, as a coping mechanism.

The panelist advised that if you think someone may be suffering from substance abuse or a mental health crisis, empathy and guidance without judgement can go a long way.

“We have to be able to sort of lay our cards on the table and say, ‘Hey, I’m with you,’” Potts said.

“Try at all costs to avoid the shame cycle that our fellow addicts and sufferers are already stuck in. They don’t need any more shame than they’re already placing on themselves.”

He added, “A lot of times, what you hear with individuals who are struggling with suicide, is they’ve found themselves in a place where they’re isolated. Either something they’re struggling with is stigmatized to the point that they don’t feel loved, or they feel like no one around them cares about them or can help them.”

Another panelist, Dr. Eddie Williams, director of PHSC’s behavioral health department, pointed out those dealing with depression and suicide “often disengage from everybody” in their personal and social life, and in the workplace.

Williams underscored the importance of reaching out before a particular mental illness worsens.

A decreased functioning in everyday life and a general feeling of sadness are some warning signs to watch out for, he said.

“We need to make sure that person gets reconnected,” Williams said, “to let them know that they’re loved and understood.”

He added: “Don’t take no for an answer, if you start to see someone disengaging from life. Sometimes, it just takes that one act of courage and that could save someone’s life.”

Williams also observed those who’ve successfully recovered from substance abuse or mental illness must “give it back and try to help someone else reach that level of recovery.”

Williams added: “You’ve got to have that support from people who’ve been in similar situations.”

Pastor Doug Zipperer, of Shady Hills’ United Methodist Church, called for more fellowship and outreach groups.

He mentioned organizations like Alcoholics Anonymous do a good job of bringing people together and helping each other, so they’re not fighting mental health and addiction battles alone.

Zipperer put it like this: “The words and encouragement and counsel of a real close friend is probably more lasting than hours of clinical counseling or the professional help of somebody they don’t trust.”

Another panelist, Taiwan Simmons, the co-founder of Inside Reach Ministries in Wesley Chapel, suggested there’s not a one-size-fits-all answer to people struggling with mental health issues and substance abuse.

Offering care and affection to loved ones may not be enough, Simmons said.

Still, the panelist said there’s a responsibility to reach out to those dealing with those troubles — even in the face of getting rejected by that person.

“We have people who are hurting,” he said. “They need our prayer, they need our support, they need our attention, they need our encouragement.

“You have to be engaged and you have to empower not just yourself, but the people around you,” he said.

The panel also included Imam Hassan Sultan, CEO of the Muslim Connection; Ryan Morris, PHSC student government president; and, John Mitten, Hernando County commissioner and PHSC board trustee.

Along with the panel discussion, the event also included breakout sessions focused on suicide, and substance abuse awareness and prevention.

In addition to the state college, community partners involved in the summit included the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Pasco Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention, BayCare Behavioral Health – Community Health Activation Team (CHAT), American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Take Stock in Children, James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, Moffitt Cancer Center and Pasco Aware.

Published February 27, 2019

Heart defect doesn’t stop local teen

By

Samuel Mazzeo’s life changed forever, during a P.E. class at Cypress Creek Middle High.

He was playing football with classmates on the school’s field when, suddenly, he collapsed.

The teenager had gone into cardiac arrest.

School officials, luckily, were on hand to quickly come to his aid.

He was revived with CPR and a defibrillator. He received medical care at John Hopkins All Children’s Hospital and AdventHealth Wesley Chapel.

After months of recovery and an internal pacemaker, Mazzeo has been cleared to participate in shot put and discus events on Cypress Creek Middle High’s varsity track and field team. He previously participated on the school’s football, basketball and weightlifting teams. (Courtesy of Lona Mazzeo)

Mazzeo had been suffering from a rare, genetic heart disease called arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia, or ARVD for short.

It occurs when the heart muscle of the right ventricle is replaced by fat or fibrous tissue, so the right ventricle is dilated and contracts poorly; the condition was never diagnosed during physicals or regular check-ups.

The condition weakens the heart’s ability to pump blood.

The scary episode happened on Feb. 23, 2018.

“I don’t remember anything at all,” said the 17-year-old Mazzeo. “I tell my stories from what my friends and my family and the doctors told me what happened.”

Family and friends recently celebrated the day’s one-year anniversary, which is now described as Mazzeo’s “first birthday.”

“It’s crazy to think that actually happened a year ago, but I’m still happy and lucky I’m still here,” Mazzeo said. “I’m starting to realize, ‘Wow, it’s already been a whole year since basically my life completely changed.’”

Mazzeo now has a pacemaker implanted into his chest.

He doesn’t look like someone with a heart condition.

The teen measures at 6-foot-5 and 240-plus pounds — packed into a sturdy, imposing frame.

Doctors told him he’s no longer able to play competitive sports, however.

Other strenuous forms of exercise are also off-limits — aside from brisk walks, light weight-training and the occasional swim.

The realization was humbling for a multi-sport athlete who participated on Cypress Creek’s football, basketball and weightlifting teams — and who had dreams of playing college football.

“It was a little tough at first,” Mazzeo said of the diagnosis and its limitations. “The first few months were rough, and I realized that football was no more. I honestly didn’t think that would ever happen to me. I’ve always been a healthy, active kid. I almost felt invincible, playing football…and then that happens and you’re just like, ‘Wow.’”

As months passed, Mazzeo learned to accept his new, altered lifestyle.

“I wouldn’t say I’m fine with it, but I’m not mad about it,” Mazzeo said. “I’m better now. It’s a lot easier to move on with.”

A few things eased the transition.

Though unable to don a helmet and pads ever again, Mazzeo was able to be involved with the Cypress Creek varsity football team in another capacity — as a student assistant coach.

It’s a role he grew to embrace.

“As the season went on and progressed, I found out that I loved to coach,” Mazzeo said. “It’s something that’s really rewarding to see the progress from the start of the season to the end of the season, just watching the guys improve and watching them get wins.”

Mazzeo has even been asked to return next season as a paid assistant, once he graduates high school.

He sees it as a possible future career path.

“I do miss playing football a lot, especially during the last past season, but getting the opportunity to coach was something that I never would’ve expected to happen,” Mazzeo said. “It was a good opportunity to do and, obviously it still kept me close with the team and close with everybody.”

Mazzeo found a niche in another sport, also.

He recently was cleared by his cardiologist to participate on the school’s varsity track and field team as a shot put and discus thrower; the movements were deemed low-impact enough for someone with a pacemaker.

Given his size and strength, Mazzeo has shown to be a natural at both.

At a recent quad meet, he placed sixth overall in shot put (10.55 meters) and ninth overall in discus (25.77 meters), respectively.

“I’m happy I was cleared to do shot and discus,” said Mazzeo.

Besides his continued involvement in sports, Mazzeo also is working to raise awareness about heart health throughout school.

He encourages his classmates to get heart screenings and to understand the importance of learning CPR.

“I think it’s good to get screened, to get tested for just anything in general,” Mazzeo said. “Even if you’re an athlete, you never know.”

Meantime, Mazzeo remains thankful the incident took place at school.

He sometimes reflects he could’ve been any place alone when his heart stopped.

“I’m very fortunate that it happened in the right place, with the right people around to help me,” Mazzeo said. “Because I work out at home, I work out at the gym, usually there’s no one with me or there’s no medical devices around, so I’m very lucky and fortunate it happened here at school.”

Published February 27, 2019

Locals named to All-State football teams

By

Athletes within The Laker/Lutz News coverage were well-represented on the FloridaHSFootball.com’s All-State teams for the 2018 season.

Zephyrhills High School senior athlete Cartrell Strong was named Class 5A first-team All-State. Four other Bulldogs also made the All-State team. (Courtesy of Zephyrhills High Athletics)

In total, 24 players from nine local schools in Hillsborough and Pasco counties were named first-team, second-team, third-team or honorable mention for their respective classifications.

The All-State teams were compiled by FloridaHSFootball.com, along with the consideration of coaches nominations and consultation of all-area/all-county teams and members of the media from around the state.

Zephyrhills High School and Zephyrhills Christian Academy were most represented among local schools, with five selections apiece to the Class 5A and Class 2A All-State teams, respectively.

Zephyrhills High — which went undefeated in the regular season and reached the Class 5A regional semifinals — had two first-team selections (senior defensive tackle Samuel Bergeron, senior returner/athlete Cartrell Strong), a second-team selection (senior utility Tre’ Pavis Mobley), and two honorable mentions (senior quarterback Doug Crawford and junior offensive guard Demetris Wright).

Senior tailback Javion Hanner was one of five football players from Zephyrhills Christian Academy selected to the Class 2A All-State team. (Courtesy of Zephyrhills Christian Academy Athletics)

Bergeron, though undersized at 5-feet-9 and 192 pounds, registered big numbers with 104 total tackles, 35 tackles for loss, 15 sacks, 21 hurries and eight forced fumbles.

The same can be said for fellow Bulldogs first-teamer, Strong.

The 5-foot-10, 170-pound returner/athlete finished the 2018 campaign with 1,709 all-purpose yards and 21 touchdowns.

Also a defensive standout at cornerback/safety, Strong added 98 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, two interceptions, nine passes defensed and three forced fumbles.

Mobley, the Bulldogs second-teamer, also generated impressive numbers on each side of the ball.

The 6-foot-2, 190-pound athlete registered 51 tackles, four interceptions and four passes defensed on defense, and 759 all-purpose yards and seven touchdowns on offense.

Senior quarterback Chris Butash was one of three football players from Carrollwood Day School named to the Class 2A All-State team. (Courtesy of Carrollwood Day School Athletics)

He also served as the team’s kickoff specialist, where he averaged nearly 39 yards per kick and had three touchbacks.

Zephyrhills Christian — which finished with a 7-4 mark and reached the Class 2A regional semifinals — had two first-team selections (senior utility Javion Hanner, senior cornerback Kavbion Marbra) and three second-team selections (junior offensive guard Malik Jones, senior defensive end Jalen Spencer, senior outside linebacker Nyjohn Moody).

The 5-foot-9, 188-pound Hanner posted 1,408 scrimmage yards and nine touchdowns in 10 games played. His 1,201 rushing yards ranked sixth in all of Class 2A.

Marbra’s nine interceptions and Moody’s 162 total tackles each ranked first among all Class 2A players; those numbers ranked third (tied) and fourth among all classes statewide, respectively.

Wiregrass Ranch junior linebacker Dylan Ridolph was a Class 7A first-team All-State pick. His 22 sacks were second-most in the state, among all classifications. (File)

Spencer, who played in seven games, ranked eighth in 2A in tackles per game (11.3).

Other schools in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area also had multiple selections on the All-State list.

Steinbrenner had four selections to the Class 8A All-State team.

Senior middle linebacker Logan Kilburn (132 tackles, 8.5 sacks) was a second-team selection, while junior offensive tackles Matthew Adcock, junior punter Cameron Brown and sophomore returner Deon Silas were third-team picks.

Silas tallied 1,198 all-purpose yards and 10 touchdowns.

Brown averaged 35.6 yards per punt, including a long of 53 yards, and 15 punts inside the opposing 20-yard line.

And, in addition to Zephyrhills Christian, Carrollwood Day School had three representatives on the Class 2A All-State team.

Senior linebacker Logan Kilburn was one of four Steinbrenner High School football players selected to the Class 8A All-State team. (Courtesy of Steinbrenner High School Athletics)

Senior quarterback Chris Butash (2,466 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, eight interceptions) and senior wide receiver Kyle Benedict (843 yards on 49 receptions, six touchdowns) were second-team offensive selections, while junior athlete Shelton Quarles Jr., was named honorable mention.

Gaither (Class 7A) and Land O’ Lakes (6A) each had two All-State selections.

Wiregrass Ranch (7A), Sunlake (6A) and Wesley Chapel (5A) each had one representative, for  their respective classifications.

There were no All-State representatives in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area from Classes 4A, 3A or 1A.

2018 FloridaHSFootball.com All-State teams

Class 8A
Logan Kilburn, Steinbrenner, senior, linebacker (second-team defense)
Matthew Adcock, Steinbrenner, junior, offensive tackle (third-team offense)
Cameron Brown, Steinbrenner, junior, punter, (third-team special teams)
Deon Silas, Steinbrenner, sophomore, returner (third-team special teams)

Class 7A
Dylan Ridolph, Wiregrass Ranch, junior, linebacker (first-team defense)
Jordan Oladokun, Gaither, sophomore, cornerback (second-team defense)
Brysen Roth, Gaither, senior, linebacker (honorable mention)

Class 6A
Kyle Leivas, Land O’ Lakes, senior, running back (honorable mention)
Collin Corrao, Land O’ Lakes, senior, kicker (honorable mention)
Clark Cooley, Sunlake, senior, punter (honorable mention)

Class 5A
Samuel Bergeron, Zephyrhills, senior, defensive tackle (first team defense)
Cartrell Strong, Zephyrhills, senior, returner (first-team special teams)
Tre’ Pavis Mobley, Zephyrhills, senior, utility (second-team defense)
Doug Crawford, Zephyrhills, senior, quarterback (honorable mention)
Demetris Wright, Zephyrhills, junior, offensive guard (honorable mention)
Jelani Vassell, Wesley Chapel, junior, utility (honorable mention)

Class 2A
Javion Hanner, Zephyrhills Christian, senior, utility (first-team offense)
Kavbion Marbra, Zephyrhills Christian, senior, cornerback (first-team defense)
Chris Butash, Carrollwood Day, senior, quarterback (second-team offense)
Kyle Benedict, Carrollwood Day, senior, wide receiver (second-team offense)
Malik Jones, Zephyrhills Christian, junior, offensive guard (second-team offense)
Jalen Spencer, Zephyrhills Christian, senior, defensive end (second-team defense)
Nyjohn Moody, Zephyrhills Christian, senior, outside linebacker (second-team defense)
Shelton Quarles Jr., Carrollwood Day, junior, athlete (honorable mention)

Published February 27, 2019

Local commitments & signings

By

Myron Bloom (Courtesy of Land O’ Lakes High Athletics)

Land O’ Lakes High senior linebacker Myron Bloom committed to play college football at Division II Limestone College (Gaffney, South Carolina). The first-team All-Pasco defensive stalwart’s 122 tackles last season were tops on the team and seventh among all Class 6A players.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Morgan Boudreau (Courtesy of Sunlake High Athletics)

Sunlake High senior right-handed pitcher Morgan Boudreau has signed to play college softball at NJCAA Division I University of South Carolina-Sumter. Boudreau last season posted a 7-0 record with a 1.00 earned run average and 44 strikeouts in 42 innings pitched.

Hefty hauls

By

(Courtesy of John Medvid)

Allan Dorman, left, and Kristofer Sampson teamed to win first place at the South Pasco Bassmasters’ (SPBM) February tournament, hauling in five bass for a total weight of 26.24 pounds on the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes. Their haul also included the biggest bass of the tournament, weighing 7.44 pounds. The duo caught their fish around docks and submerged grass using Rat-L-Traps and assorted June bug and watermelon red plastic baits. The next tournament is March 16 at East Lake Tohopekaliga, in Osceola County. For information, visit SouthPascoBassmasters.com.