Special to The Laker/Lutz News

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

 

By Kyle LoJacono

It looked like the 2011 Zephyrhills football team had locked up its first playoff berth in five years.

The Bulldogs were up nine points in the fourth quarter at Fivay. A victory would have all but assured the squad of at least the district runner-up spot. Two late touchdowns sandwiching a recovered onside kick gave the Falcons the 48-42 win and the postseason spot.

“I take the blame,” said Zephyrhills coach and school alumnus Reggie Roberts. “It’s my job to prepare them at the end of the game. We learned from that, and the experience just makes you a better football team. I think they’ll feed on that because we want to go farther.”

The returning players are using that disappointment as fuel.

“Every single day we talk about how we lost to Fivay when we should have beaten them,” said sophomore quarterback/linebacker Mikey Smith. “Oh my goodness, everyone wants to get another chance at that. We really want to change that.”

Smith’s mindset is shared by his teammates, which is very different from the feel of the team during Reggie’s first two years at the helm.

“The attitude has changed,” Reggie said. “There were times when I’d walk in the locker room and guys didn’t believe we could win. When someone would score a touchdown, everyone would start hanging their heads thinking it was over. There was no fight. We’ve got a different feeling this year, and they want to fight. That’s a huge difference.”

The Bulldogs do lose leading receiver Adrian Sanchez (225 yards, three touchdowns) and starting quarterback Jamal Roberts (542 yards, six scores) to graduation, but most of the starters return.

The loss of Jamal, who led the team with 1,030 rushing yards on 107 carries and 20 touchdowns, has caused a shift in offensive philosophy. Gone is the run-heavy flexbone system in favor of a balanced attack.

“We have better athletes on our football team, and having a passing game helps us spread the ball around,” Reggie said. “Last year, people prepared mainly to stop Jamal and the running game. I think Mikey Smith is tough; he can run the ball and can throw the ball down the field.”

Smith was the quarterback at Zephyrhills Christian in 2010 when the program won the six-man state championship. He switched to public school football a season ago.

“Last year, it was kind of like a warm-up year for me getting to know everyone and playing at a public school,” Smith said.

Smith is battling with Jarcques Meza for the starting job while also preparing for another season at linebacker, where he forced four fumbles and recovered three while recording 2.5 sacks and 83 tackles. Last year, only defensive back Devon Brockington had more tackles (93) on the squad.

“I expect Brockington and Mikey Smith to go nose to nose in tackles again this year,” Reggie said. “Mikey is playing quarterback, but he’s also one of the best defensive players at Zephyrhills High School.”

The defense is bolstered by the addition of cornerback Jordan Roberts, Jamal’s brother, who only played basketball and ran track before this season.

Zephyrhills also gets back Jaylan Pickett, who started at safety last season before briefly transferring to Armwood.

The depth, new offense and revived pride have Reggie excited about what is possible.

“When we start out the season we’re looking to go 16-0 and win a state championship,” Reggie said. “We’re not settling for anything.”

 

Zephyrhills schedule

All games start at 7:30 p.m. Home games played at 6335 12th St., Zephyrhills.

Kickoff classic Aug. 24 at Central

Aug. 31 at Land O’ Lakes

Sept. 7 vs. Tampa Catholic

Sept. 14 Bye

Sept. 21 vs. Wesley Chapel*

Sept. 28 at Hudson*

Oct. 5 at Gulf*

Oct. 12 vs. Anclote*

Oct. 19 at Ridgewood*

Oct. 26 vs. Fivay*

Nov. 2 at Pasco*

Nov. 9 vs. Wiregrass Ranch

*Denotes district contest

 

2011 Bulldogs (7-3)

Land O’ Lakes L 34-0*

Tampa Catholic L 39-13

Wesley Chapel W 38-16

Hudson W 43-0

Gulf W 41-14

Anclote W 51-16

Ridgewood W 49-0

Fivay L 48-42

Pasco L 45-0

Wiregrass Ranch W 43-14

*Forfeit win

By Kyle LoJacono

Carrollwood Day School (CDS) coach Lane McLaughlin admitted his team was surprised last season.

It was the Patriots’ first year in a district, making them eligible for the Florida High School Athletic Association playoffs. The process was like nothing they’d been a part of before.

“I don’t think they knew what to expect Game 1,” said McLaughlin, who is entering his sixth season. “It was all new to them and to us as coaches.”

Key injuries added to the obstacles, including losing safety Nate Lewis to multiple torn knee ligaments suffered in Week 5 against Admiral Farragut.

“Nate is our best tackler,” McLaughlin said. “We’re not a really good tackling team, so losing him really hurt. … I was proud of our effort. We lost four games, but three were on the last play of the game and one was by eight points.”

Lewis was cleared to play two months ago. His return bolsters the defense while also allowing Robert Davis to focus on playing offense.

Davis, a running back/defensive back, had 1,832 yards on 138 carries with 25 touchdowns last season. He sits 1,966 yards from breaking the Hillsborough County career rushing record.

Davis worked on his speed this offseason and was recently clocked at 4.28 seconds in the 40-yard dash, but he is more excited about the offensive line in front of him than his own quickness.

“That’s going to be our biggest key this year is our line,” Davis said. “They’re getting bigger and stronger every day. They’re in the weight room all day this summer, and when I come out in the afternoon they’re already there flipping tires.”

Another weapon for CDS is wide receiver Andy Embody (554 yards, seven touchdowns) and running back Elias Earley (132 yards, two touchdowns), who will likely miss the first game after breaking his collarbone during a summer 7-on-7 tournament.

“Andy might be the best player in our district,” McLaughlin said. “He caught three touchdowns, threw a touchdown pass and returned an interception for a touchdown in the spring game. We’re also excited to have Elias Earley back.”

The biggest question comes at quarterback. The Patriots lost two-year starter Deuce Gruden to graduation. The former signal caller, who became the first player in program history to sign with a college when he inked with Lafayette, completed 74-of-144 passes for 1,466 yards and 17 touchdowns last season while adding 507 yards on 105 carries and four scores.

Dominiq Sicardo was CDS’ quarterback in the spring game, but Robinson transfer Vidal Woodruf has taken the majority of reps during the summer 7-on-7 season and early fall practices.

McLaughlin predicts the 2012 squad will be the program’s best.

“Our first goal is to win the first game,” McLaughlin said. “Our second goal is to get into the playoffs. Our main goal is to win the district.”

 

CDS schedule

Homes games start at 4 p.m., away contests at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Home games played at 1515 West Bearss Ave., Lake Magdalene.

Kickoff classic Aug. 24 vs. Orlando Christian Prep

Aug. 31 vs. North Port Imagine School

Sept. 7 vs. Keswick Christian*

Sept. 14 at Northside Christian*

Sept. 21 at Shorecrest Prep

Sept. 28 at Admiral Farragut*

Oct. 5 vs. Canterbury*

Oct. 12** at Bradenton Christian*

Oct. 19 vs. Cambridge Christian*

Oct. 26 vs. Indian Rocks Christian *

Nov. 2 at Calvary Christian*

Nov. 9 Bye

*Denotes district contest

**Kickoff at 7 p.m.

 

2011 Patriots (6-4)

Father Lopez Catholic W 57-12

Keswick Christian L 30-27

Northside Christian W 61-14

Shorecrest Prep W 47-10

Admiral Farragut L 49-41

Canterbury L 26-20

Bradenton Christian W 33-17

Cambridge Christian W 54-35

Indian Rocks Christian L 58-55

Calvary Christian W 28-21

By Kyle LoJacono

The 2011 Pasco-Hernando Community College (PHCC) volleyball team went 31-11, won a regional title and was one of 16 teams to qualify for the national tournament.

The season would rank among the best for most programs, but the Conquistadors were out for more. They wanted to win consecutive National Junior College Athletics Association (NJCAA) Division II championships but lost their first two matches at the tournament.

“After we went to nationals and lost, terribly, I feel like that was a big hit to all of us,” said 5-foot-10 sophomore outside hitter Victoria Ashley, the team captain. “We were expecting, yeah national champs Round 2. We were all so excited, but we did not show up when we went to nationals. That’s something that we need to be aware of and train harder this year.”

A difficulty in the quest to repeat was losing nine-year PHCC coach Kim Whitney for a month during the season because of the birth of her child.

“It was a tough year to coach with having the baby and being out,” Whitney said. “Thankfully I had the two assistants I had (Jason Kucera and Staci Elias). It would have been really hard not having them on board. They did a great job taking over that time I was out. … The girls took on a lot of the leadership role to push themselves enough to get back to regionals and win regionals again and get back to nationals.”

Whitney’s absence became apparent when the Conquistadors reached nationals.

“At regionals, they were good, decent teams, but they were nothing like at nationals,” Ashley said. “I think we were all taken aback a little bit.”

Whitney added, “I think it was hard for them because we weren’t as prepared as I’d hoped they’d be. We had a lot of new girls, like we do every year. It was hard to get them to understand what the level of play was going to be. We lost both of our matches, but finishing in the top 16 is really good considering what we went through. I think it was a successful season.”

Whitney has the team going to the Owens Express Classic Tournament in Ohio, which draws most of the top national programs.

“They’re going to get an early look at the type of team we need to be training to beat,” Whitney said. “That was something I really took into learning from last year. I want the 10 new girls to get prepared to experience that level and understand what we’re working toward.”

Ashley added that having Whitney the entire season is a huge addition.

“It’s going to help us 100 percent,” said Ashley, who led the squad with 417 kills and 50 aces last year. “Even when she returned last year we kind of struggled and lost the first couple of matches, plus the intensity at practice was completely different.”

The squad’s leader is back fulltime, but Whitney still has the challenge of incorporating many new faces to the two-year program. She said it’s difficult to have such turnover with the squad, but added it does keep a constant stream of young players fighting to leave their own mark.

“From the start last year we wanted to win and to go to nationals,” said 5-foot-9 sophomore setter Michelle Wanek. “I don’t think it was pressure because I wasn’t on that team that won. Me and the other sophomores are just trying to make our own history, so I wouldn’t call it pressure. It’s more like wanting to do the same thing and have our own banner.”

Whitney said every season is the same to her regardless of what’s been accomplished.

“Yeah, we won a national championship the year before; I know that, but at the same time we’re focusing on this group,” Whitney said. “We start over every year. In the back of our minds we know what we want to do. It’s my job to get them focused on now, each practice and then each match.”

The Conquistadors start the regular season at home Aug. 24 in a tri-match against St. Petersburg College and Lake Sumter Community College at noon and 2 p.m., respectively.

 

PHCC volleyball roster

No. Player Year Position

1 Sara Wright So. L

2 Victoria Ashley* So. OH

3 Natascha Stafford So. OH

4 Jessica Amador Fr. L

5 Sofia Gruchalla-Wesierski Fr. OH

6 Lea Burbridge Fr. DS/OH

7 Cierra McQueen Fr. OH

8 Michelle Bulnes Fr. MH

9 Jessi Shapiro Fr. S

10 Michelle Wanek So. S

12 Taylor Crosse Fr. DS/OH

13 Savannah Stona So. MH

14 Altonia Taylor Fr. MH

15 Johanna Ray Fr. MH

*Team captain

By Kyle LoJacono

Bishop McLaughlin volleyball reached new heights last season.

The Hurricanes went 16-9, made the playoffs for the first time and won a postseason contest.

For fourth-year ‘Canes coach Doug Chinchar, the banner season was years in the making.

“Our first year we were bad,” Chinchar said. “We won two matches that year, and we were the third worst team in America. We beat the first and second worst teams in America.”

Chinchar, a setter/outside hitter at Ohio State University, coached at Academy of the Holy Names for seven years before retiring because he and his wife Sarah had two small kids.

When Sarah Regan, his boss at academy, became principal at Bishop she asked Chinchar to help find a coach.

“I said sure, and it ended up with me being the coach,” Chinchar said. He added, “We promised the school when we came we’d be here until our kids graduated, and they’re 4 and 6.”

Chinchar and Sarah, who set the career assists record while playing at the University of South Florida, worked to make the Hurricanes better, but they got a boost when Jess Johnson transferred from Land O’ Lakes in 2010. The outside hitter led all area athletes with 403 kills last season before signing with Norfolk State University.

“She took a big chance coming here,” Chinchar said. “When we left academy we had four or five kids going full ride to college every year. Jess was the first girl from our school to get a Division I scholarship and the first volleyball player to sign.”

The ‘Canes must replace Johnson, but Chinchar believes the overall talent this year can offset the loss.

“She was a lot of the offense, but we gained kids at a lot of other positions,” Chinchar said. “So, instead of being able to score at one or two positions, now we can score from four or five. Our passing will be better, our setting will be better, and the great thing is all these kids come back next year. We’re very young. We’ll win a bunch and we’ll lose some matches, but whoever beats us is going to be playing really well that night.”

A big addition is 6-foot sophomore middle hitter Alyssa Mathis, who transferred from Land O’ Lakes.

“I’m really excited because I think coming here I’ll be able to show what I can do,” Mathis said. “I want to play in college, so I think playing here will let me play with some other really good players.”

The Hurricanes also return key players like 5-foot-7 junior outside hitter Laura Vien, who has been on the squad since her freshmen year. Also back is sophomore libero Casey McColl.

“Starting as a freshman, I was just really scared,” McColl said. “Once I got used to it, I felt more comfortable.”

Chinchar said the experience gained in 2011 is invaluable for the ‘Canes.

“Last year, the girls didn’t really know how to win,” Chinchar said. “Now we’re learning how to win. Now the expectations are that we’re going to win some matches, and we are.”

Bishop still has a big obstacle to the program’s first district championship in the form of Tampa Prep.

The Terrapins went 17-11 last season, including straight-set victories over the ‘Canes in the regular season, in the Class 3A-District 8 final and in the regional semifinals. Tampa Prep has also won 15 state championships and has made the postseason the last 12 years.

The Terrapins have the tradition, but the Hurricanes are determined to make their own history.

“I think our goal is to beat Tampa Prep, and I think we can either do it this year or get very close,” Vien said. “I’m really excited to be able to say that.”

Bishop opens the regular season at home against Academy at the Lakes on Aug. 27 at 6 p.m. The 3A-8 tournament is at Seffner Christian Oct. 22 to 25, with the championship match on Oct. 25 at 6:30 p.m.

 

Bishop McLaughlin roster

Player Pos. Yr.

Jenny Astell DS So.

Brooke Bailey S/OH Fr.

Leah DeMarco DS Sr.

Aileen Hnatiuk OH Jr.

Alexis Karpondinis OH So.

Alyssa Mathias MH So.

Casey McColl L So.

Karli Mezo RH So.

Sara Morrison S Jr.

Hannah Nyberg MH Sr.

Christie Petruzzelli OH So.

Malika Saffore S Jr.

Laura Vien OH Jr.

By Kyle LoJacono

Freedom athletic director Eli Thomas didn’t have to look far to replace the only boys soccer coach in the school’s 10-year history.

Thomas announced Aug. 13 that Charlie Haueter will lead the Patriots program. He replaces Dennis Derflinger, who resigned in early July to enter Hillsborough County’s assistant principals program. Derflinger will remain the school’s flag football coach.

Haueter, an English teacher at Freedom, joined Derflinger’s staff for the 2010-11 season.

“I learned a great deal from Dennis as his assistant, the greatest attribute I think being patience,” Haueter said. “He showed me over the course of two seasons that you must be patient as the players develop and grow from practice to practice, game to game, season to season.

Haueter grew up in Tampa and played soccer at King High and Rollins College.

“I have been playing soccer my entire life, even participating in tournaments overseas and going as far back as playing with Black Watch (Soccer Club) in 1983,” Haueter said. “I knew that coaching was one of the draws to starting my career as a teacher, and it was always my goal to take over a successful program, which I have definitely found here at Freedom.”

Derflinger’s teams went 111-64-19 in nine years with seven winning seasons, seven playoff appearances and four district titles. The Patriots also reached the Class 5A state championship game in 2009, falling 2-1 to Palm Harbor University.

“I am hoping to continue the success our soccer program has always had at Freedom and have a strong belief that we can get back to the state finals,” Haueter said.

The Patriots lose nine seniors from last year’s squad that went 12-6-1 and made the postseason as a district runner-up before falling to Lakeland George Jenkins in the regional quarterfinals. Freedom was later given credit for winning the playoff game because Jenkins used an ineligible player.

Haueter said it won’t be easy to replace those seniors, especially because players on his squad play for seven different clubs, which is a large number for a high school team.

Haueter said it’s a big challenge getting the student-athletes to come together to represent Freedom, but predicts the example set by last year’s graduating class and his own relationship with the players will make the transition easier.

“We are hoping that the positive examples set by those seniors and our late season run to the regional (tournament) will inspire our young core of players to pull together as the unit I know they can become,” Haueter said. He added, “What I hope to build with this new younger group of players is an attractive brand of soccer that focuses on the cohesive unit of the team: everyone attacking together, everyone defending together.”