Special to The Laker/Lutz News

By Kyle LoJacono

Sunlake is in uncharted waters.

The sixth-year program is coming off its first postseason berth following a trip to the regional semifinals.

Now, instead of trying to establish themselves, the Seahawks will get everyone’s best shot, which is something coach Bill Browning won’t let them forget.

“They’ve been reminded of it, and they’ll continue to be reminded,” said Browning, a 23-year veteran head coach. “The winning is still kind of new. It’s just been the last two seasons, and we certainly don’t want complacency to set in.”

Browning doesn’t expect that to be an issue considering how close the squad was to a regional finals berth, falling 21-14 at Gainesville.

“There was some disappointment walking off the field when we didn’t beat them,” Browning said. “I think that’s motivation for a lot of the guys to get back into that situation.”

Browning, the only coach in program history, has experience in this setup. He led Springstead to its first playoff berth in 1993. He said the key to consistent success is setting the bar high.

That doesn’t seem to be a problem for Sunlake.

“We’re still a little bit selfish,” said center Aaron Protch. “Last year wasn’t enough for us. Our goal every year is to do better than the year before. We’re going in wanting to take it all. We really do want it, and we’ve been working our butts off for it. I’ve never seen a group of guys work like this. We really want to get past the second round. We’re prepared to sacrifice for it.”

Protch is the only returning starter on the offensive line. He moves to center from guard where his experience can be better utilized.

The offensive line has been one of the program’s strengths, literally and figuratively. Last year’s center, Nate McCoole, won the Class 2A state unlimited state weightlifting championship.

While none of the current linemen are benching at McCoole’s level, all five are putting up more than 300 pounds.

“Our strength has actually gone up,” said Protch, who benches 350. “Nate is the strongest kid in the state, but just because he’s gone doesn’t mean we’re not still strong anymore.”

The offensive skills positions were also hit by graduation, including losing leading receiver Jamal Jones (557 yards, 12 touchdowns) and top three rushers in Jerome Samuels (536 yards, six scores), Rashaud Daniels (478 yards, four scores) and Mike Lopez (300 yards, four scores).

Sunlake returns receivers Eddie Burgos (369 yards, five touchdowns) and Ricardo Williams (237 yards, two touchdowns). Burgos said the squad still has plenty of playmakers.

“People always talk about what are we going to do without Jamal and Rashaud,” Burgos said. “Last year we were one team. We weren’t a single player, and this year is going to be the exact same.”

Another player looking to step up is quarterback Josh Zifer, who replaces Cameron Stoltz (1,735 yards, 28 touchdowns).

Zifer was a junior varsity quarterback at Pasco and got into several games for Sunlake last year, but he is still looking for his first varsity start. One of his greatest assets is his quickness.

“What I see from him that we haven’t seen in a lot of quarterbacks is pure speed,” Protch said. “In the pocket and out of the pocket it’s for real. He’s got the second fastest time behind Eddie (Burgos) in the 40(-yard dash). He’s fast, and when you bring that in we can run a lot more quarterback draws that really go far. In the past we had heavy-hitting quarterbacks. Now we’ve got one who moves like a wide receiver, which he played some last year.”

Zifer participated in the several passing camps this summer to improve his quarterback skills.

“It’s helped me do things like read defenses better by identifying things like cover 2 or cover 3,” Zifer said. “I’m also learning where to put the ball where only your guy can catch it. There’s a lot of openings in coverages that you learn.”

Browning said the defensive backs like Burgos and Joe Jean-Baptiste have stepped up, but other positions are still open.

There are fewer question marks up front.

“The defensive line we’ve got Nick Hoffman, Travis Manecke and Will Alvarez, and they should be as good as any defensive line in the area,” Browning said. “Linebacker wise we’ve got Ray Busbee back, we get a kid named Ben Wood back, who played the year before and is a very good linebacker. We also get Brogan Ronske back, who couldn’t play much last year because of some health reasons, and Brogan is going to be huge for us at outside linebacker. … Defensively, it remains to be seen, but we very well may be better than last year.”

 

Sunlake schedule

All games start at 7:30 p.m. Home games played at 3023 Sunlake Blvd., Land O’ Lakes.

Kickoff classic Aug. 23 at Fivay

Aug. 31 at Hudson

Sept. 7 vs. Wiregrass Ranch

Sept. 14 Bye

Sept. 21 at Springstead*

Sept. 28 vs. Mitchell*

Oct. 5 vs. Nature Coast*

Oct. 12 at Hernando*

Oct. 19 at Land O’ Lakes*

Oct. 26 vs. River Ridge *

Nov. 2 vs. Central*

Nov. 9 at Gulf

*Denotes district contest

 

2011 Seahawks (10-2)

Hudson W 48-0

Wiregrass Ranch W 36-0

Springstead W 49-16

Mitchell W 35-7

Nature Coast W 13-8

Hernando L 22-7

Land O’ Lakes W 21-10

River Ridge W 20-13

Central W 42-0

Gulf W 54-7

Ocala Vanguard* W 22-21

Gainesville* L 21-14

*Playoffs

 

By Kyle LoJacono

Expectations aren’t something Gaither football has been used to in recent years.

Nothing could be further from the truth in 2012.

The Cowboys reached the regional finals for just the second time in the program’s 27-year history last year, and their 9-4 record included more wins than the previous three seasons combined.

That was Jason Stokes’ first season coaching the squad. He said the biggest difficulty entering Year 2 is getting the players to understand they are 0-0.

“We try to make everything a competition: the weight room, the 7-on-7s, the practice field,” Stokes said. “That keeps the kids on edge so they know they’re not promised anything.”

Inside linebacker Logan Marshall said Stokes makes sure no one forgets.

“We hear it at least 20 times at each practice,” Marshall said.

The new feel around the program is welcome by Marshall, who was a freshman on the 2009 squad that went 1-9.

“It’s really incredible to winning one game three years ago to nine wins last year,” Marshall said. “It’s been a great experience. Unbelievable with coach Stokes coming in, turning things around.”

Stokes said almost everything about preparing this season has been easier.

“As far as the X’s and O’s, we’re light-years from a year ago,” Stokes said. “We had to make last-second changes when we changed offensive coordinators last season and then in the spring. Right now I feel good about the offense, and the defense is set with coach (Brian) DelValle. Because of that we’re just reviewing and polishing instead of installing.”

Gaither scored 27.2 points per game after Stokes took over play calling in Week 2 last season. He will continue selecting formations with the help of co-offensive coordinator Jim Gee, who was at Chamberlain in 2011.

The Cowboys installed a new offense this spring, a spread option.

Driving that shiny new offense is quarterback Alex McGough.

“(The system) brings out the strengths in our offense,” McGough said. “We can do anything out of it. We pass; we get the ball to all our backs. It gives our receivers one-on-one matchups.”

McGough (1,163 yards, eight touchdowns) said he is also more comfortable at Gaither after transferring from Wesley Chapel last summer.

“Last year at this time I was timid and didn’t really talk to anyone,” McGough said. “Now, these are my guys.”

The offense must find a replacement for its top receiving threat from last year in Carlo Perello (792 yards, eight scores). The line also graduated starting left tackle Matt Finnesy.

Returning are running backs Shug Oyegunle (481 yards, five touchdowns), Vu Le (108 yards, one score) and Jamari Cord (161 yards, two touchdowns). The backfield also has a new addition — Blake transfer Josh Bell.

“The running backs, we motivate each other,” said Bell, who had 257 yards and two scores last year. He added, “Shug is the all-around. He’s strong and fast. Vu is more quick, and all of us have that spark. Jamari is really big and powerful. I think we’re going to give defenses trouble.”

The loaded backfield has McGough energized.

“Our run game is incredible,” McGough said. “I’m the quarterback, but I’d be fine handing the ball off to them every play and feel good about it. They can also come out of the backfield, and I can throw them screens. They can do everything.”

The defensive system is the same, but many of the players operating it have changed.

Gone are linemen Nick Sampson (11.5 sacks, 123 tackles) and Mikhail Reece (5.5 sacks, 87 tackles), defensive backs Tyler McCollum (five interceptions, 52 tackles) and Eddie Pastrana (seven interceptions, 50 tackles) and linebacker Josh Rife (35 tackles).

Also graduated is weakside linebacker Josh Scarberry, who led Hillsborough County last year with 14 sacks while adding 118 tackles and five fumble recoveries. He was named the All-Laker/All-Lutz News Defensive Player of the Year in 2010 and 2011.

The defense returns Marshall, who led all area athletes with 153 tackles while adding two sacks and three fumble recoveries. Also back are inside linebacker Matt Williams (118 tackles, two sacks), lineman Earnest Suttles (80 tackles, five sacks) and defensive back Amani Oruwariye (five interceptions, 31 tackles)

The defense also gets a boost as Dom Neglio moves from running back to weakside linebacker.

“Scarberry, I’ve got to replace his spot, which is a lot of responsibility because he’s a great player,” Neglio said. “The thing is it’s more of a great system with coach DelValle, and we think we can plug in these guys and keep up our defensive dominance.”

McGough said the defense can replicate the performance of the one that allowed only 12.8 points per game last season.

“Every position that we lost, someone has stepped up,” McGough said. “Our corners are doing really good. During practice trying to throw against Amani, he’s the best corner I’ve seen. Our linebackers fill the hole and our D-line is tough. It’s crazy, but the defense looks just as good as last year.”

 

Gaither schedule

All games start at 7:30 p.m. Home games played at 16200 Dale Mabry Highway, Northdale.

Kickoff classic Aug. 24 at Sickles

Sept. 1 at Alonso

Sept. 7 vs. Leto

Sept. 14 at Plant City

Sept. 21 vs. Wiregrass Ranch*

Sept. 28 Bye

Oct. 5 at Steinbrenner*

Oct. 12 vs. East Bay

Oct. 19 at Freedom*

Oct. 26 vs. Chamberlain*

Nov. 2 vs. Tampa Bay Tech*

Nov. 9 at Riverview

*Denotes district contest

 

2011 Cowboys (9-4)

Alonso L 25-14

Leto W 48-3

Plant City L 21-7

Wiregrass Ranch W 39-0

Steinbrenner W 37-7

East Bay W 17-16

Freedom W 37-0

Chamberlain W 27-20

Tampa Bay Tech L 17-14

Riverview W 31-0

Durant* W 38-30

Tampa Bay Tech* W 17-14

Lakeland* L 42-14

*Playoffs

By Kyle LoJacono

Winning has been synonymous with the Pasco football team since Tom McHugh became its coach in 2007.

He inherited a 3-7 team that hadn’t made the playoffs in four seasons. Since then, the Pirates have five straight district titles with a 51-11 combined record, including seven postseason victories.

The 2011 campaign was McHugh’s best at the helm. Pasco completed consecutive perfect regular seasons, along with the program’s first trip to the final four since winning the 1992 Class 3A state championship.

“It was crazy, because going through the season we didn’t really have a tough schedule,” said running back Janarion Grant. “Everybody thought once we got in the playoffs we’d get beat. We had some great games all through, so we showed people what we can do.”

The season ended in heartbreaking fashion, with the Pirates losing a triple-overtime game at Wakulla.

“It was exciting when we got there, but we couldn’t get it done against Wakulla,” said running back David Emmanuel. “We got red in our eyes. We’re taking it really serious.”

McHugh said it won’t be easy to match what was accomplished a year ago after losing 22 seniors.

“We’re just trying to fill in those spots,” McHugh said. “Looking for a quarterback, wide receiver and we lost the whole offensive line and linebackers.”

Quarterback is the biggest question mark. The Pirates lose Jacob Guy, who completed 161-of-228 passes for 2,672 yards, a single-season Pasco County record, with 42 touchdowns to six interceptions

The only returning signal caller who completed a pass last year is Grant Starling (2-of-4 passing, 11 yards). Also vying for the job is Ben Chandler and Jajuan Henry.

Also hurting the passing game is the loss of leading receiver Trey-Dudley Giles, who snagged 53 catches for 1,066 yards and 14 scores. He also provided 1,675 all-purpose yards and 21 total touchdowns, along with three interceptions and 12 passes defensed as a defensive back.

Pasco is fortunate to return Emmanuel and Grant.

“Those two guys are special,” McHugh said. “You only get one Jacob Guy in your life as a coach. In the same way, there’s only one Janarion and one David Emmanuel. It’s nice to have them on the same team at the same time. Saying that, we’ve got some young guys coming up who will do well. It takes seasoning, and we’ll see how long that takes.”

The two running backs have grown up together since meeting on the fields of the Pasco Police Athletic League.

“We’re really comfortable with each other,” Grant said. “We like being back there together. If one person doesn’t have a good game, the other one does.”

Their play complements each other, with 5-foot-11, 185-pound Emmanuel as the power back and the 5-foot-9, 165-pound Grant as the quicker of the two.

“Janarion has always been crazy with his moves,” Emmanuel said. “We’ve been through a lot together. Football has been our life.”

Grant caught 48 passes for 960 yards and 14 touchdowns, while adding 443 rushing yards on 59 carries and another four scores. Emmanuel had a team-high 1,325 yards on 132 carries and 19 touchdowns, while adding 255 yards on 31 catches and another two scores.

Along with workouts and practices, Emmanuel has had a different way to get ready for the season.

“David’s been roofing houses during the summer,” McHugh said. “He worked all day, and then came and did the 7-on-7 stuff at night. He’s a tough kid and he’s been out there in this heat all summer, so that won’t be a problem for him.”

The bruising back has also been working on his endurance to be at top form at the end of games.

“I’m planning on being fully energetic come the fourth quarter when everyone is hurting,” Emmanuel said. “I want to be able to run guys over at the end of the game.”

The backfield is loaded, but McHugh won’t commit to any set offensive.

“I never go into a season looking to have a certain offense,” McHugh said. “We didn’t think we’d throw the ball 40 times a game last year. If that’s what they’re going to give us, then we’ll take it. If they want to cover the pass, then we’ll run.”

The defense will be led by 6-foot-4, 270-pound defensive tackle Joey Ivie (eight sacks, 53 tackles).

“I think we’ll be OK defensively,” McHugh said. “We’ve got Joey Ivie and a couple other guys getting bigger in the weight room. We’ll see.”

So many faces are new, but the returning players see more than their fair share of wins on the horizon.

“We’re really looking forward to having an even better season this year,” Grant said. “We still have really good players and great coaches, so we want to go back to the semifinals and make it to states and win that championship.”

 

Pasco schedule

All games start at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise listed. Home games played at 36850 SR 52, Dade City.

Kickoff classic** Aug. 24 at Hernando

Aug. 31 Bye

Sept. 7 vs. Land O’ Lakes

Sept. 14 at Wiregrass Ranch

Sept. 21 vs. Gulf*

Sept. 28 at Anclote*

Oct. 5 at Wesley Chapel*

Oct. 12 vs. Hudson*

Oct. 19 at Fivay*

Oct. 26 vs. Ridgewood*

Nov. 2 vs. Zephyrhills*

Nov. 9 vs. Delray Beach Village Academy

*Denotes district contest

**Kickoff at 7 p.m.

 

2011 Pirates (13-1)

Calvary Christian W 54-27

Land O’ Lakes W 39-6

Wiregrass Ranch W 53-0

Gulf W 51-0

Anclote W 54-0

Wesley Chapel W 57-12

Hudson W 70-0

Fivay W 59-6

Ridgewood W 52-0

Zephyrhills W 45-0

Alachua Santa Fe* W 21-14

North Marion* W 31-28

Jesuit* W 31-7

Wakulla* L 41-38

*Playoffs

By Jeff Odom

Make every play; finish every snap.

That is the message Wharton football coach David Mitchell wants his players to live up to throughout the 2012 season.

The Wildcats didn’t have the start they envisioned last season, sputtering to a 1-4 record by Week 6. But after a 37-19 loss to 2011 Class 8A state champion Plant, they came together and won four games in a row to make the playoffs.

“We (have to) start off with camaraderie — everybody all on the same page, know their assignments, be more disciplined,” Mitchell said. “As far as a team, we all know our roles; as athletes, we just have to be ahead of the curve because we were behind the curve last year.”

The biggest hole for Wharton comes at running back. Last year, Darius Page ran for 1,385 yards on 205 carries and 13 touchdowns while adding 452 yards from 29 catches and another two scores.

The Wildcats trying to replace the 5-foot-8, 195-pound Page, who signed with Methodist University in North Carolina, are Jeff Keil and Deon Sampson. The duo combined for 156 yards on 29 carries and four scores last year while kicking in 19 catches for another 351 yards.

Wharton does returns plenty of power with highly recruited quarterback Chase Litton, inside linebacker Rocky Enos and Vernon Hargreaves.

Hargreaves, a senior, is rated as the No. 1 defensive back in the country by ESPN. He said it’s time to get back to business.

“I’m excited, just happy to be back out here,” said Hargreaves, who finished with 49 tackles in 2011 and committed to University of Florida this offseason. “We’ve got a good squad coming back out here with most of the same players, but we’re working hard and I think we’ll get back to the playoffs.”

Litton, who finished with 2,056 passing yards and 10 touchdowns, said the team gained a lot of chemistry in the offseason with 7-on-7 tournaments and workouts. The junior said his team can end Plant’s run atop Class 8A-District 6.

“We expect it,” Litton said. “We’re not just going to roll over. We’ve got to expect to beat them and come in to the game confident, not cocky, but just knowing that we can play with them. We can’t just turn over.”

The Wildcats have made the postseason three of the last four years, but Litton said they can’t get complacent and expect the playoffs to just happen.

“We can’t just sit there and be like ‘Oh, we’re Wharton,’” Litton said. “We had a good spring practice. We have a bunch of great athletes coming out, but we can’t expect greatness. We’ve got to go out there and win. We can’t lose close games. We’ve got to beat King, turnaround and beat Sickles. We have to have a winning record going into Plant to give us some confidence against them.”

Mitchell said the offseason tournaments provided a learning experience for the players and hopes that development will continue into the regular season.

“We learned from them, and if we learn from that then carry it over to the season, we’ll be okay,” Mitchell said. “Each guy is different. The quarterback has to learn his timing, receivers have to learn how to adjust to their routes, so it’s a lot of learning, but we’ll see how it carries over.”

Hargreaves agreed and said he is trying to preach to the younger players on the squad that the regular season is where it matters the most.

“Gotta be ready; it’s coming fast,” Hargreaves said. “I’m trying to tell all of the (new players) you think these (practice) days are long days, but next thing you know it’s Friday. Coaches are giving us a little more responsibility, and our leaders are taking care of the players, and I think that will bring us all together.”

 

Wharton schedule

All games start at 7:30 p.m. Home games played at 20150 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., New Tampa.

Kickoff classic Aug. 24 vs. Riverview

Sept. 1 at King

Sept. 7 vs. Sickles

Sept. 14 at Chamberlain

Sept. 21 Bye

Sept. 28 vs. Durant

Oct. 5 vs. Plant*

Oct. 12 at Freedom

Oct. 19 at Bloomingdale*

Oct. 26 at Blake

Nov. 2 vs. Alonso*

Nov. 9 vs. Spoto

*Denotes district contest

 

2011 Wildcats (5-6)

King L 14-6

Sickles L 38-21

Chamberlain W 20-17

Durant L 41-21

Plant L 37-19

Freedom W 28-7

Bloomingdale W 49-24

Blake W 18-6

Alonso W 44-21

Spoto L 35-28

Orlando Dr. Phillips* L 35-14

*Playoffs

By Kyle LoJacono

For the first time in 14 years, Land O’ Lakes football isn’t coming off a playoff appearance.

Not only did the program miss the postseason after going 7-3, but also had to forfeit every game since 2010 after an internal investigation revealed former quarterback Ryan Bird was ineligible when he participated the last two seasons.

The Gators are anxious to wipe away 2011.

“I mean, we’re Land O’ Lakes,” said running back Harrison Wood. “We’re supposed to make the playoffs, and the fans expect us to go to the playoffs. We’re not talking about it much though. We’re just doing the things we need to make it happen.”

Second-year Gators coach Brian Wachtel said the players are soaking up everything thrown at them, which is made easier after spending a year with his system.

“They’re like sponges,” Wachtel said. “They’ve just been absorbing everything. Just from a continuity standpoint, they get everything. They know what we want to do and they know what we expect. It’s been a very good progression so far, and I think we’re about to take that next step to great.”

There has been some adjusting to Wachtel’s staff as two longtime Land O’ Lakes assistants stepped away from the sidelines following the spring.

Bill Gebauer started with the program when the school opened in 1975. Rock Ridgeway has been with Gators football since 1992, but will still lead the school’s girls track team while taking over the boys golf squad this year.

“Coach Gebauer and Ridgeway have done an amazing job with this football program,” Wachtel said. “They’ve been in it forever, and if they want to come back, we’d love them back because just being around those guys with all those years of experience and prospective on things was exciting.”

Big adjustments are also being made on both sides of the ball as the Gators lost 19 seniors. Among the departures are starting quarterback Ryan Bird (1,793 yards, 12 touchdowns), leading tackler Jackson Cannon (89 tackles, 3.5 sacks), top two receivers in Wesley Moore (522 yards, one touchdown) and Kent Taylor (480 yards, five touchdowns) and one of the squad’s top defensive backs in Nico Watts (six interceptions).

“There are a lot of guys who are ready to step up to the plate,” Wachtel said. “A lot of guys got experience last year. We did lose a large group of seniors, but the guys behind them got quality playing time.”

Wood returns after leading Land O’ Lakes in rushing last year with 789 yards on 141 carries and 10 touchdowns, while catching 18 balls for 159 yards and another two scores.

“(Wood) can run, he can catch and he’s going to block,” said quarterback Ethan Weilant. “He does everything we need and he’s a complete running back. The offense is kind of centered around him because he just makes things work.”

Along with physical development, Wood said he’s trying to set a good example as a returning starter.

“If I’m being lazy then they’re going to think that’s OK,” Wood said. “Last year I felt we didn’t have a lot of leadership, which led to some losses. I don’t think that’s going to be a problem this year.”

As for the new quarterback, Weilant did get playing time last year as a freshman, including starting in Land O’ Lakes’ 52-3 victory over district rival Central. He totaled 171 passing yards and two touchdowns, while adding 105 yards on 14 carries and another two scores.

“Here’s a ninth-grade quarterback who won a game last year and came into the spring game like he’d never had left the field,” Wachtel said. “He’s wanting to get better, and he’s not just working when we’re practicing but working on his own time. He wants to make himself phenomenal.”

The offense has picked up help from the defense, as defensive end Shaheed Salmon and linebacker Kyle Forchion will see time at fullback and tight end, respectively. Another plus is the return of many of the big boys up front.

“I’m excited with the offensive line and defensive line being mostly all back,” Wachtel said. “Those guys know what’s going on, plus they’ve been killing themselves in the weight room and running.”

 

Land O’ Lakes schedule

All games start at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise listed. Home games played at 20325 Gator Lane, Land O’ Lakes.

Kickoff classic Aug. 24 vs. Anclote

Aug. 31 vs. Zephyrhills

Sept. 7 at Pasco

Sept. 14 Bye

Sept. 21 at Hernando*

Sept. 28 vs. Springstead*

Oct. 5 vs. Mitchell*

Oct. 12 at Nature Coast*

Oct. 19 vs. Sunlake*

Oct. 26 at Central*

Nov. 2 vs. River Ridge*

Nov. 9 at Wesley Chapel

*Denotes district contest

 

2011 Gators (0-10)*

Zephyrhills W 36-21

Pasco L 39-6

Hernando L 28-7

Springstead W 35-14

Mitchell W 48-28

Nature Coast W 17-15

Sunlake L 21-10

Central W 52-3

River Ridge W 21-20

Wesley Chapel W 32-12

*Forfeited seven wins

 

By Jeff Odom

When Todd Donohoe accepted the job to become the Freedom football team’s fourth coach in five seasons, he wanted to make sure he created one thing — stability.

It’s a term not many on the Patriots have felt during the last few seasons. But after he filled the spot vacated by Tchecoy Blount, who was dismissed after going 6-14 in two seasons, Donohoe instilled a team-first philosophy and charismatic attitude toward the squad.

Plenty of players have bought in.

“The first priority here was establishing a good staff, and I was fortunate having been at Crest to bring some of these guys over,” said Donohoe, who started the football program at Strawberry Crest in 2009. “I feel like we’re a leg up on that, and obviously getting the kids on page of what we want to do too.”

Defensive back/running back Nate Godwin (43 tackles, one interception) said when Donohoe first spoke to the team, he knew something was different about his new coach. He added the bond and communication among players quickly grew, and the team became one instead of seeing one another as individuals.

“Last year, I didn’t feel like we had a lot of chemistry, and that’s really what hurt us because we didn’t play as a team,” said Godwin, who ran for 227 yards and three touchdowns last season. “This year, we’re working out before practice everyday, and we’ll even work out in pads with (Donohoe). Talk is the biggest thing, because you might be the greatest athlete on the field, but if you can’t talk and let another person know where you’re gonna be, you can’t be a good team.”

The Patriots stumbled to open their 2011 schedule. They lost the first five regular season games and won just two contests, a 19-13 victory against winless Wiregrass Ranch and 14-7 against 1-9 Chamberlain.

However, linebacker/tight end Isaac Tanner (75 tackles, seven sacks) doesn’t believe the statistics show how good the team actually was. He said that Class 7A-District 7 is wide-open this year.

“I know a lot of guys from those other schools, and a lot have gotten some really good athletes and some guys that can make things happen,” Tanner said. “It’s going to be fun to play against them and see who’s the better man at the end of the day.”

One of the most unsettled positions last year was quarterback. Jon Economou, who signed to play at Becker College in Boston, started the season as the No. 1 signal caller, but Taylor King took over midway through the season.

King (526 yards, one touchdown) is back, and Donohoe said he has the “inside track” at being the starter, but he is getting competition from GaDerrius Kelley and Wharton transfer DJ Grant.

While still unsettled at quarterback, Donohoe said he is excited to begin the rebuilding process and get Freedom back into playoff contention, but he doesn’t want to surprise people around the county with just a second- or third-place finish. He wants the school’s first football district championship.

“You know, why not be a playoff team right away?” Donohoe said. “We don’t want to be cocky or anything like that, we just want to go out and do the best that we can do. There’s no reason why we can’t be (at playoff level). Our kids work hard, and after 2-8 last year we better be a heck of a lot better than that or all of this work will definitely be a reflection of us not getting it done.”

 

Freedom schedule

All games start at 7:30 p.m. Home games played at 17410 Commerce Park Blvd., New Tampa.

Kickoff classic Aug. 24 vs. Strawberry Crest

Sept. 1 vs. Durant

Sept. 7 at Plant City

Sept. 14 at Brandon

Sept. 21 vs. Steinbrenner*

Sept. 28 vs. Alonso

Oct. 5 at Chamberlain*

Oct. 12 vs. Wharton

Oct. 19 vs. Gaither*

Oct. 26 at Tampa Bay Tech*

Nov. 2 at Wiregrass Ranch*

Nov. 9 Bye

*Denotes district contest

 

2011 Patriots (2-8)

Durant L 36-0

Plant City L 29-7

Brandon L 29-22

Steinbrenner L 13-6

Alonso L 38-0

Chamberlain W 14-7

Wharton L 28-7

Gaither L 37-0

Tampa Bay Tech L 69-0

Wiregrass Ranch W 19-13

 

By Kyle LoJacono

Wesley Chapel is battling numbers.

The Wildcats lost 19 seniors, 11 who signed to play in college, and bring back a small handful of veterans.

To complicate matters, Wesley Chapel has only 32 players on the varsity roster. Third-year coach Ben Alford said they are combating the youth and lack of depth with an uncomplicated plan.

“We want it to be so simple that if I bring my 4-year-old out there he could know what’s going on,” Alford said. “It has to be that way because if first string goes down, we need our second and third string to come in and not miss a beat.”

Alford is also putting renewed emphasis on playing flawlessly.

“Last year we had a lot more athletes and depth, so we could be sloppy and win ball games,” Alford said. “This year we can’t.”

The Wildcats have shown they can win with that game plan as illustrated by their spring jamboree. They beat cross-town rival Wiregrass Ranch 20-7 and lost a 10-0 struggle with Sunlake, a playoff team from last year.

“I thought we looked really structured in the spring game,” Alford said. “We didn’t have any 12 man in the huddle or other silly penalties. The kids did what they needed to. We had only 25 kids. Sunlake and Wiregrass each had almost 80. We hung with Sunlake like we should have and we beat Wiregrass.”

That contest built confidence.

“A lot of people thought we couldn’t win because of the numbers that we had,” said cornerback Kuadiel Gomez. “We showed that we can stick with any team no matter how many people they have.”

While many of the players are new, the signal caller is the same — Ty Tanner.

Ty began last season as a wide receiver/kicker, but moved under center in Week 5. His older brother Keegan, who signed to play at Stetson University, was the quarterback before going to cornerback/wide receiver.

“Ty makes plays, Ty is a competitor and Ty hates to lose,” Alford said. “No matter what it is, he doesn’t like to lose. … If he throws two times but we win the ball game, he’s fine with that because it’s what we need to win.”

Ty ended the year with 815 yards on 51-of-96 passing and nine touchdowns with 249 yards on 69 carries and six scores. He participated in the DeBartolo Sports University’s quarterback camp this summer at Saddlebrook Resort to further his skills

“I’ve gotten so much better from doing that camp,” Ty said. “I didn’t have good footwork before, and that’s big a thing with quarterbacks. The main thing we did was learn how to throw the ball, look at your target and use your feet.”

Tanner said he now thinks about every step when dropping back. He also spends 30 minutes to one hour each day on footwork. His teammates have noticed the change.

“I can tell he’s matured a lot as a quarterback,” said lineman Hunter Robinson. “I feel that now that Keegan is gone he doesn’t have the idol, and he feels like he has to step up. You can tell he wants to do everything right.”

Robinson is among Wesley Chapel’s few experienced players. He split time between offensive tackle and defensive end in 2011, but will have to play both ways this season.

“In the weight room I’ve been working hard, and I’ve not been taking breaks in conditioning to get ready,” Robinson said. “Last year I’d get tired on the field, and I’d hate being there because I wanted to play. I just want to stay in there the whole time.”

The Wildcats get a boost from Gomez’s return. He missed the final six games last year after needing surgery to repair a broken pinky. They also benefit from returning every coach.

“Last year I had a whole new staff, so we had to start all over,” Alford said. “Now we’re comfortable with each other, and the players know what to expect because all the coaches are back.”

 

Wesley Chapel schedule

All games start at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise listed. Home games played at 30651 Wells Road, Wesley Chapel.

Kickoff classic** Aug. 23 vs. South Sumter

Aug. 31 at Wiregrass Ranch

Sept. 7 vs. Orlando First Academy

Sept. 14 Bye

Sept. 21 at Zephyrhills*

Sept. 28 vs. Fivay*

Oct. 5 vs. Pasco*

Oct. 12 at Ridgewood*

Oct. 19 at Hudson*

Oct. 26 vs. Anclote *

Nov. 2 vs. Gulf*

Nov. 9 vs. Land O’ Lakes

*Denotes district contest

**Kickoff at 7 p.m.

 

2011 Wildcats (6-4)

Wiregrass Ranch W 20-6

St. Petersburg Catholic W 26-14

Zephyrhills L 38-16

Fivay L 23-14

Pasco L 57-12

Ridgewood W 40-0

Hudson W 34-7

Anclote L 13-0

Gulf W 35-7

Land O’ Lakes* L 32-12

*Forfeit win

 

By Jeff Odom

Ask any player on the Steinbrenner football team which loss they want to have back and each one will say the same game — a 37-7 defeat to district rival Gaither.

The Warriors had high hopes to hoist a Class 7A-District 7 championship last season, but losses to 7A-9 champion Tampa Bay Tech and the runner-up Cowboys squandered their chance at the program’s first playoff berth.

Now, the squad is confident it can take the next step and capture a trophy to put in the school’s trophy case.

“You can just see it in how the guys have played at the (7-on-7) tournaments and stuff,” said halfback Kendall Pearcey. “We have that togetherness about us that is going to propel us far this year. We’re not focused on what kind of team (the opponent) has, we’re just focused on getting where we have to go and not letting anyone get in the way of that.”

Steinbrenner went through its first major change during the offseason, as the only coach in program history, Floyd Graham, resigned to care for family in Alabama. The Warriors didn’t have to look far for its new leader.

Offensive coordinator Andres Perez, who had been with the program since the school opened in 2009, was promoted to coach. He said there wasn’t much to get used to in the new role, aside from the minutes on his cell phone going up.

“It’s the magnitude of phone calls and issues that arise day in and day out, and you kind of go from worrying about just the X’s and O’s to worrying about every kid and every situation,” Perez said. “You try to prevent anything that could possibly go wrong.”

Steinbrenner went 7-3, the program’s first winning season, and finished No. 3 in the final district standings with a much better record than Freedom (2-8), Chamberlain (1-9) and Wiregrass Ranch (0-10). Perez said 7A-7 is much closer than last year both talent wise and playoff potential.

“I’ll tell you that teams like Chamberlain are dangerous,” Perez said. “That was the best 1-9 team I’ve ever seen. They gave us a heck of a game and Freedom is doing good things. They’re competitive with skilled guys, and they’ve got new leadership with (coach Todd Donohoe), and he’s getting those kids to play. Bottom line, this district is going to really even out. … I just hope to be at the top of that.”

The Warriors lost every starting offensive lineman to graduation but do have a number of key returning players, such as defensive back Trey Johnson (three passes defensed, three fumble recoveries) and linebacker Logan McKnight (96 tackles, seven sacks).

The offense brings back most of its top playmakers, such as Pearcey, who ran for a team-high 776 yards on 98 carries and 11 touchdowns in 2011. He also earned All-Laker/All-Lutz News Football Offensive Player of the Year honors.

The backfield also gets a boost from the return of fullback Jake Carroll, who returns after suffering a torn ACL in the loss to Gaither in Week 5. Two-year starting quarterback Curtis Fitch (815 yards, nine touchdowns) is also back, along with leading receiver Jon Marc Carrier (305 yards, three scores).

Last year, the Warriors used the run-heavy wing-t offense, racking up 187.6 rushing yards per game to only 91.7 through the air. The style was based on Graham’s preference controlling the ball. Perez will likely utilize a more pass-happy version of the spread option.

“Coach Graham really took Perez under his wing and showed him the ropes of being a head coach, but one difference is (Perez) likes to throw the ball more, so I’m looking forward to that,” Carrier said.

Fitch agreed with Carrier and said while the team may look young, it has all of the pieces in place to compete for the district crown.

“We know what it takes now, because we’ve been doing this for the last couple seasons,” Fitch said. “I think this summer we really just proved that we want to be the champion.”

 

Steinbrenner schedule

All games start at 7:30 p.m. Home games played at 5575 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road, Lutz.

Kickoff classic Aug. 24 vs. Newsome

Sept. 1 at Sickles

Sept. 7 at East Bay

Sept. 14 vs. Strawberry Crest

Sept. 21 at Freedom*

Sept. 28 Bye

Oct. 5 vs. Gaither*

Oct. 12 vs. Riverview

Oct. 19 at Tampa Bay Tech*

Oct. 26 vs. Wiregrass Ranch*

Nov. 2 vs. Chamberlain*

Nov. 9 at Middleton

*Denotes district contest

 

2011 Warriors (7-3)

Sickles L 10-0

East Bay W 20-14

Strawberry Crest W 28-0

Freedom W 13-6

Gaither L 37-7

Riverview W 53-0

Tampa Bay Tech L 35-25

Wiregrass Ranch W 56-0

Chamberlain W 34-27

Middleton W 43-0

By Kyle LoJacono

Two years ago, the Wiregrass Ranch football team made program history with its first winning season, first district championship and first playoff berth.

Unfortunately for the Bulls, 2011 was historic for the opposite reason — they went winless.

Players and coaches are looking for a quick turnaround to 2010 form.

“We want to prove to everyone that we aren’t the same team we were last year,” said wide receiver/cornerback Jake Day. “It didn’t go the way we wanted it to, but we’ve learned a lot and worked to get better every day since then.”

Fifth-year Wiregrass Ranch coach Jeremy Shobe said it was difficult to replace the 49 combined seniors the program lost from the 2009 and 2010 seasons, but is more hopeful this year.

“I feel like we’ve got more optimism and more confidence,” Shobe said. “The progression we’ve had from a passing standpoint has been huge. We’ve still got a lot of things to work on, but we’re starting to click to be where we need to be.”

Part of that feeling is the fact that the Bulls return some of their standouts from last season. Among those are 2011 leading rusher Eli Galvan (317 yards, one touchdown) and leading receiver Ryan Shea (191 yards, one score).

The squad also gains a dual threat in Day, who was Wiregrass Ranch’s Game 1 starter at quarterback a season ago. He missed several games with concussions, but completed 14-of-58 passes for 226 yards and two scores.

Day, who played cornerback for the Bulls’ district title team, doesn’t mind moving out from under center.

“As long as I’m on the field and helping the team win,” Day said. “Wherever they want me I’ll play.”

Day has also worked with the new top quarterback, Shane Bucenell, who was the junior varsity (JV) signal caller a year ago.

“Me and Jake are good friends now,” Bucenell said. “He’s taught me a lot about what he learned last year and told me how to avoid some of the mistakes he made.”

Shobe said Day’s willingness to play wherever while mentoring Bucenell has helped the team take major strides.

“I couldn’t ask for anything more from Jake Day,” Shobe said. “He’s a phenomenal player. He can go and play at the next level at almost any position on offense and defense. He’s one of the best athletes I’ve ever been around.

Wiregrass Ranch’s offense last year was run-heavy, taking advantage of Day’s ability to take off with the ball. The 6-foot, 180-pound Bucenell is more of a prototypical quarterback, which has opened up the playbook.

“That’s going to be huge, because everyone expected us to run every play last year,” said the 5-foot-11, 165-pound Day. “They loaded up to stop the run. Now we’re just going to throw it right over the top of them.

“Our passing game has tremendously improved,” Day continued. “When we started the summer in 7 on 7 we’d score maybe one touchdown a game. By the end we’re scoring every drive. … I have complete faith in (Bucenell). I think he’s going to have a great year.”

Shobe said Bucenell will be able to turn heads quickly.

“There’s not many 10th-graders in this area who have the tools that he has,” Shobe said. “You’re going to see his name for a long time to come.”

Bucenell said going through several camps and the North Suncoast 7 on 7 Passing League has helped him develop timing with his new receivers. That, plus determination to get back to the program’s winning ways has the quarterback excited about 2012.

“We’ve been putting in a lot of work in practice and during this summer,” Bucenell said. “The wide receivers are working hard; the offensive line is working hard. We’re looking a lot better than we did last year, definitely.”

 

Wiregrass Ranch schedule

All games start at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise listed. Home games played at 2909 Mansfield Blvd., Wesley Chapel.

Kickoff classic** Aug. 24 at Mitchell

Aug. 31 vs. Wesley Chapel

Sept. 7 at Sunlake

Sept. 14 vs. Pasco

Sept. 21 at Gaither*

Sept. 28 Bye

Oct. 5 vs. Tampa Bay Tech*

Oct. 12 vs. Countryside

Oct. 19 at Chamberlain*

Oct. 26 at Steinbrenner*

Nov. 2 vs. Freedom*

Nov. 9 at Zephyrhills

*Denotes district contest

**Kickoff at 7 p.m.

 

2011 Bulls (0-10)

Wesley Chapel L 20-6

Sunlake L 36-0

Pasco L 53-0

Gaither L 39-0

Tampa Bay Tech L 46-7

Countryside L 66-6

Chamberlain L 32-0

Steinbrenner L 56-0

Freedom L 19-13

Zephyrhills L 43-14