Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Football – Unbeaten Carrollwood Day Prep is atop division

October 28, 2009 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Patriots have come far in just four years

By Kyle LoJacono

Staff writer

CARROLLWOOD — Carrollwood Day School did not even have a high school five years ago, much less a football team.

Carrollwood Day Prep is learning fast in its second season of 11-man football. The Patriots, pictured at the line of scrimmage against Winter Haven All Saint’s, won that homecoming game 54-0. Photo by Kyle LoJacono.

Now, the team can’t lose.

The Patriots are at the top of the Independent division in just their second season of traditional 11-man football. They started out as a six-man program, moving from a losing season to winning the six-man State Football Championship in their second year.

“We made some changes in the offseason that I think really helped,” senior Matt Monteilh said. “It was the first time we had a weight program that helped us get bigger and faster.”

“Plus, more kids came to the school so we had more talent on the team. I felt good about this year. I thought we could make a turnaround, but I didn’t think we would start this well.”

Monteilh has been at Carrollwood Day Prep since his freshman year in 2006 when the team went 0-10 in six-man football. The Patriots have come a long way in just four seasons, starting 6-0 and outscoring their opponents 206-22 so far. They also have had three shutouts in four home games.

The team is led by the first senior class in school history. Standouts include quarterback Billy Embody, running back/free safety Darius Bing, lineman Sarge Patel, kicker Brian Warren, and Monteilh, a wide receiver/defensive back who also returns kicks.

Bing, Embody and Monteilh are co-captains for good reasons.

Embody had 732 passing yards and 12 touchdowns with one interception through six games. Bing added 534 rushing yards, 265 receiving yards and 10 scores. Monteilh brought in eight catches for 154 yards, 191 rushing yards and 263 return yards.

On defense, Monteilh and Bing combined for 59 tackles and two interceptions.

This season has not just been about the seniors, though.

“Andy Embody (wide receiver/defensive back) has moved up and really helped us,” Monteilh said. “Markeith Kilgo has also helped us at defensive end and linebacker. Chance Furman is just so strong and has helped us on the line.

“We also have a great coaching staff that has gotten us to buy into their system.”

The Patriots are far removed from that first 0-10 season.

“It’s like we’ve been climbing a mountain,” Monteilh said. “We were at that low starting point and we looked up and saw where we wanted to be. You know you have to put in hard work to get to the top of that mountain…But I look at where we are and where we started, and I am proud of how far we have come.”

This season has been something special for coach Lane McLaughlin too.

“It has been a dream to watch this group of seniors come up through the ranks these last few years,” McLaughlin said. “Now we have to just keep working hard and finish this season strong. With hard work and some luck we may be able to do something special here, because these young men can really play.”

Carrollwood Day Prep schedule/results

Opponents                                   Location               Result        Score

Cambridge                                   Carrollwood            W             37-0

Master’s Academy                            Oviedo                 W             39-7

St. John Lutheran                           Ocala                  W             21-15

Hernando Christian Academy                  Carrollwood            W             55-0

Winter Haven All Saints’ Academy            Carrollwood            W             54-0

First Academy                               Leesburg               W             1-0 (forfeit)

Naples First Baptist Academy                Carrollwood          Oct. 23         56-7

Bishop McLaughlin Catholic                  Spring Hill          Nov. 6

Canterbury                                  Carrollwood          Nov. 13

Pet of the week

October 28, 2009 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Chooie is a 5-year-old Shih-Tzu. He enjoys playing with his doggie friends and trying to steal their food. He loves to chase his chew toys. Chooie likes to hide under the bed and snore the day away. He is patient and gentle and likes to sit near his owner Fotini Vasquez’s 1-year-old baby girl when she plays. Chooie is ready for Halloween in his Captain Jack Sparrow costume. He and his proud owner live in Wesley Chapel.

Cricket is a 6-year-old male Yorkie. He is fearless and loves to play with all the dogs in the neighborhood, no matter how big or small. His best friend is Buddy Brubaker across the street. Swimming in the family pool to retrieve his bone is his favorite thing to do! Cricket loves chicken and popcorn, and hugs and kisses but on his terms as Yorkies can be quite independent. He loves to cuddle when he’s sleepy, and his favorite holiday is Halloween. Though he likes his daddy, his momma, Tina Marie Schmidt, of Lutz, is his favorite parent.

Light shed on drinking and driving

October 28, 2009 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

“When you’re driving down the highway at night
And you’re feelin’ that Wild Turkey’s bite
You might get taken to the jailhouse and find,
You’ve been arrested for driving while blind.”

— “Arrested for Driving While Blind,” ZZ Top

By Randall Grantham

Community Columnist

As the holiday season approaches, along with the associated office parties and get-togethers, many of us may find ourselves on the road with a few drinks under our belt.

Nobody approves of drunk driving, and I’m definitely not condoning it, but there’s drunk driving and there’s driving after you’ve had a couple of drinks. One is a crime, the other isn’t. A mistaken assumption by law enforcement can cost a person’s money, job, car and even liberty.

This column attempts to shed some light on what goes on after a person is stopped and the police believe that he or she may have imbibed a bit too much. I’m not attempting to tell you how to beat the rap here (although that is my day job). I’m simply trying to educate some people whose only prior involvement with law enforcement is a call for donations from the Police Benevolent Association.

DUI is the only “crime of degree” I can think of. In other words, it’s not necessarily illegal to drive after one, two, three or even more drinks depending on the individual’s size, eating habits and time span. It becomes illegal only when the person’s “normal faculties” are impaired.

This makes the DUI law unique. It’s illegal to possess even a minute amount of drugs. It’s a crime to steal just a little bit of money. And just putting your hand a little bit inside a car is a burglary. But to be guilty of DUI, your ability to see, hear, walk, talk, make judgments or act in emergencies must be impaired because of your consumption of alcohol (or drugs).

It’s not illegal to drive exhausted, or to drive distracted (by the cell phone, your cigarette or your sandwich), but I have represented many people who have gotten pulled over because they swerved while flicking the ash or looking at their cell phone. If you have a smell of alcohol when stopped, there’s a good chance the officer will investigate further.

His investigation usually starts with a few “casual” questions, like, “Have you been drinking?” Unless you tell him you single-handedly killed the keg, your answer won’t matter much because they’ve already decided that you have been drinking or they wouldn’t ask.

Next come the “stupid human tricks.” In an attempt to test your “normal” faculties, you will be asked to do a series of physical exercises that you’ve never done before: youch the tip of your nose repeatedly with the tip of your finger while standing feet together, eyes closed (no peeking) and head back; walk an imaginary straight line, heel-to-toe for nine steps and pirouette to return on the same invisible line; stand on your head and spout BB’s. (I made the last one up.) These tasks all seemed designed to make you look like a fool, if not drunk.

You don’t have to take these tests, but if you don’t, you’ll probably be arrested on the spot.

Also, you may do good enough to have the cop let you go. And be aware, there’s probably a camera in the police car filming you and a wireless microphone on his uniform. So be careful what you say, “I couldn’t do this if I was sober.” That is not something I like to hear.

After the field sobriety exercises (they’re not allowed to call them tests), you’re either sent on your way or hauled off in cuffs. If the cop says the last exercise he wants you to do is put your hands behind your back, it doesn’t look good.

The breath test is next. Whether to take this test or not is your call. It won’t make a difference that night, because you’re already under arrest when they ask you to take it and they can’t “unarrest” you, even if you blow .00.

If you refuse the test, your license is suspended on the spot. If you take it and blow .08 or over, your license is suspended on the spot. If you take it and pass, you may keep your license. But if you take it and fail you can use your little-known right to have an independent blood test done at your expense.

Every situation is different. Make your own decisions, but this is what you can expect. Be careful and be safe.

Swampfest locks up events

October 28, 2009 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

swampfest_web_headerb

By Steve Lee

Sports Editor

LAND O’ LAKES — Shows and events for the second Swampfest, a benefit for Land O’ Lakes High’s Athletic Booster Club, are lining up.

Swampfest is scheduled from Nov. 6 to 8 at the Land O’ Lakes Community Center off US 41. Admission is free.

Wade Shows, a midway that had long been part of the Land O’ Lakes Chamber of Commerce-sponsored Flapjack Festival, will be the showcase for Swampfest. It also was part of the first Swampfest that took place last February at Land O’ Lakes High’s Gator Stadium.

Rides for the midway cost $12 in advance or $20 at the gate.

Among the other Swampfest highlights are: Florida Championship Wrestling; pancakes served by Sunlake High volunteers; laser tag by Xtreme Adventures; and an antique car show.

Vendors and sponsors are still being accepted. For further details, visit www.lolswampfest.com.

Zephyrhills Explorers serve while they learn

October 28, 2009 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

By Gary Hatrick

Laker Correspondent

ZEPHYRHILLS — Police Explorers Post 520 is keeping a busy schedule of community service in Zephyrhills this fall.

Students in the law enforcement training program are fixtures at local events. By patrolling high school football games at Bulldog Stadium, as well as the Harvest Festival and Veterans Day Parade in November, they give police officers additional sets of eyes and ears.

Plus, Explorers will man an information booth at the Harvest Festival and march in the Veterans Day Parade.

As for other upcoming events, Explorers will mentor Cub Scouts to help them earn a community service badges. They will set up a bicycle safety course behind the Zephyrhills Police Department and teach the scouts about fingerprinting, personal safety and home safety.

During the recent Halloween Howl, Explorers manned several booths and gave away eight cases of bicycle helmets, along with free reflective trick or treat bags full of goodies

The Explorers program is an offshoot of the Boy Scouts of America, under the umbrella of the BSA Learning for Life Program. According to Lori Tindall, Community Service/Crime Prevention Supervisor at ZPD, the program provides vocational training for young people interested in law enforcement and similar careers.

Next month, the post will receive instructions on the growth and dangers of methamphetamine labs from a Drug Enforcement Administration agent. That educational seminar also will highlight the dangers and detection of counterfeit money, and include presentations on scams and identity theft, along with home and personal safety crime prevention.

The Explorers program is for 13-year-olds and in the eighth grade through age 21. Good citizenship and good grades are hallmarks of the program, Tindall noted.

“You have to maintain a 2.0 or better grade-point average, and you have to take part in things,” Tindall said. “You can’t just show up for fun stuff.”

Physical training is also a part of the Explorer experience.

A good percentage of Explorers go into law enforcement Tindall said. In fact, several have come back to serve in Zephyrhills.

“Michael Rhoden is now an assistant advisor for the Explorer Post 520,” Tindall pointed out. “He was Explorer of the Year at the post in 1994. He has worked here at ZPD for many years as a communications officer, and is also our trainer in the dispatch division.”

Other former explorers on the ZPD force include Captain Robert McKinney and Sergeant Mike Kirk.

Recent Zephyrhills graduate and police academy student Dan Crowley recently told Tindall that his Explorer training gave him an edge that put him head and shoulders above those who were not Explorers.

“I know it makes the kids feel good and I know it makes a difference,” Tindall said. “It’s a good way for them to understand as teenagers that the world doesn’t really revolve around them and for them to reach out and help.”

National soccer tourney comes to Wesley Chapel

October 28, 2009 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

By Steve Lee

Sports Editor

WESLEY CHAPEL — The Kohl’s U.S. Youth Soccer American Cup has tabbed Wesley Chapel District Park for an Oct. 31-Nov. 1 tournament.

The recreational series will feature about 1,500 boys and girls on 85 teams competing in Under-8 to Under-14 divisions. Teams come from Region III, which consists of eight southeastern states including Florida.

“It’s an honor for Wesley Chapel to be hosting such a high-level tournament,” said Vicky King, the Land O’ Lakes High girls soccer coach who also has coached and refereed throughout Pasco and Hillsborough counties.

Kohl’s American Cup began in 2000 to showcase recreational-level players and promote fait play. The focus is on equal playing time with participation taking precedence over competition.

The tourney is not nearly as competitive as the Sun Bowl, a series for high-level players that takes place each December throughout the Tampa Bay region. The Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex and Ed Radice Sports Complex in northern Hillsborough have hosted Sun Bowl games.

Kohl’s American Cup is a series of 70 tourneys played thoughout the nation from February through December. Players must be registered with a U.S. Soccer State Association recreational league to be eligible.

Wesley Chapel District Park is located at 7727 Boyette Road. Admission is free.

From the fairway

October 28, 2009 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Locals aim for tour

By Derek Highley

Golf Columnist

The Professional Golf Association Tour season is pretty much over. A couple of local pros, however, are on a quest to make the tour by completing three stages of Q-School.

Land O’ Lakes’ Brennan Webb, who heads to Q-School for the sixth time, will draw from last year’s positive experience when he advanced to the final stage to make the Nationwide Tour, the PGA’s feeder system. Brennan is in South Carolina this month to compete in the first stage.

Jake Halligan, an assistant pro at Plantation Palms in Land O Lakes and a Saint Leo graduate, headed to Texas for his first attempt a Q-School.

I have had the pleasure of playing golf with Webb and Halligan, but when it comes to Q-School it is more then just skill-level being tested. The grueling three-stage, 14-round pressure-cooker tests a player’s stamina, nerve and will.

Webb has experience and the knowledge that his game is good enough to play at the highest level. He also has the pressure of playing professionally for a career. It is how he supports his family. Anything less then securing his Nationwide Tour playing privileges again will be a setback.

Halligan, on the other hand, is not as experienced so he can approach the first stage with less pressure. By advancing through pre-qualifying and competing in the first stage he has already achieved success. The experience will help as he continues to build his resume. Anything that happens now is a bonus.

I wish both the best of luck as they head off to their respective stage sites and hope to follow them along all the way to the final stage, set for Dec. 2-7 at Bear Lakes Country Club in West Palm Beach.

A third player, Zephyrhills resident Travis Hampshire who golfed at Purdue, also is competing in the first stage. I don’t know Travis personally, but I wish him well.

You can track these players play online at www.pgatour.com/qschool also visit Brennan’s website at www.brennanwebb.com.

Derek Highley is a PGA member and managing partner of Global Golf Marketing. Call him at (813) 310-5122, or e-mail Derek @globalgolfmarketing.com.

Athlete of the Week

October 28, 2009 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Land O’ Lakes Vipers

The Land O’ Lakes Vipers won the USSSA Wood Bat Tournament Oct. 16-18 at Leesburg by going undefeated (4-0) in the 11-year-old division. The roster included: (bottom, left to right) Kolby Stoltz, Colden Peeples, Blake Carroll and Patrick Herbert; (middle, left to right) Darin Kilfoyl, Jake Metrosky, Troy Klemm, Jake Stearns, Ethan Nuebling, Carter Fish and Max Law; (top, left to right) coaches Doug Klemm, Dave Herbert and Mike Peeples.

Girls Golf – Pasco finally lands first district championship

October 28, 2009 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Mitchell wins in 2A-12

By Steve Lee

Sports Editor

DADE CITY — Try as they might, Pasco girls golf teams never won a district crown — until Oct. 19 in Bushnell.

The Pirates can finally put up a championship banner in the school gym after winning the Class A, District 8 crown at Shady Brook in Sumterville.

Zephyrhills’ Sarah Baniszewski, putting on Hole 8 at Silverado, placed fifth in the Class 2A, District 6 tournament. Photo by Tammy Sue Struble.

“It’s a big thing for them” Pasco athletic director Jim Ward said. “They’re really excited about it. You’re talking about a program we’re not used to having in that position, and now we do. This is huge.”

Kellianne May won individual medalist honors with a round of 92 to lead Pasco. Runner-up Spencer Valdespino, of Bishop McLaughlin, finished three strokes back while Pasco’s Mary Kassabaum, Victoria Bryant and Tori Norris also earned points.

Megan Van Etten, her sister Rebecca, Emma Fivecoat, Victoria Kinny and Kristen Pitts led Mitchell to the 2A-12 title at Meadow Oaks.

Rebecca, a sophomore, shot a team-leading 69 as the tourney runner-up. Three-time Sunshine Athletic Conference champion Megan, a senior, carded a 72.

The Mustangs are coached by Scott Schmitz, that school’s former football coach who resigned after last season, but is in his first year with the girls golf program.

At Silverado, Zephyrhills senior Sarah Baniszewski shot a 90 to place fifth in the 2A-6 tourney and advance to regionals.

In A-9 at Plantation Palms, Saddlebrook’s Lauren Riechle won with a round of 90 while Academy of the Lakes’ Ellen Crowley was eight strokes back as the runner-up.

Steinbrenner’s Alex Milan won the A-14 crown at Cheval.

Gaither was the runner-up in 2A-10 at Silver Dollar in Odessa. Wharton also the 2A-11 runner-up at Heritage Isles in Tampa.

Boys Golf – Bulls, ’Canes are district runners-up

October 28, 2009 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Saddlebrook takes A-9 title

By Steve Lee

Sports Editor

WESLEY CHAPEL — Individual medalist Dylan Larson shot a 74 to lead Wiregrass Ranch to the runner-up spot in the Class 2A, District 6 tournament at El Diablo in Citrus Springs.

Larson, who carded a 35 on the back nine, was joined by teammates Nick Stutt, Logan Harrison, Chris Kluender and Ronnie Segal. The Bulls are coming off their first Sunshine Athletic Conference championship.

Sunlake’s Donald Eubank qualified for regionals with an 84.

Bishop McLaughlin was the runner-up and Pasco took third in A-8 at Hernando Oaks.

Bishop McLaughlin’s Kentaro Toyota, a junior who shot a 77, was the individual medalist in that tourney. Scoring for the Pirates were Winston Johnson, Stephen Lavelle, Austin Riddaugh, Jaxon Moore and Eric Clayton.

Host Saddlebrook won the A-9 tourney with the Spartans’ top player, Alex Bensahel earning individualist honors by shooting a 73. Teammate Adam Chowdhari was one stroke back as the runner-up.

Also scoring for the Spartans were Arthur Edelman and Seokil Kim. The team is bidding for its first state title since winning it all back-to-back in 2002 and 2003.

Wesley Chapel was the runner-up and Academy at the Lakes placed third. Top five finishers for the Wildcats were Jacob Fleck and Brandon Mumaw.

Leading the way for Academy at the Lakes was Jason Giglio.

In the 2A-12 tourney at Fox Hollow in Trinity, Ridgewood’s Austin Padova was the county’s lone representative to qualify for regionals.

Chamberlain’s Gary Bufflington was the individual medalist in 2A-10 at Temple Terrace. Gaither, led by Jimmy Stanger, placed third.