Sunlake High School has come a long way since head coach Bill Browning led the Seahawks onto the field for their inaugural season back in 2007.
They started out by losing 21 out of their first 22 games, and didn’t win a district contest until their third season.
(Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)
Now they’re enjoying a run, which includes two playoff appearances and just five regular season losses in the past four years. They have playoff appearances, plenty of wins, and a reputation as a tough team to beat in Class 6A-District 6.
But something’s missing.
In all that time, the Seahawks have never won a district title. Three times in their history — including last year — they lost just one game during the regular season, but that game was to the eventual district champion.
And the players want that title for themselves in 2014.
“We’re planning on doing that this year,” said Austin Yeloushan, a senior who plays middle linebacker and tight end. “We’ve been working hard in the weight room.” The team also got in a good deal of game experience against quality opponents at a recent football camp at Stetson University, he said. Those performances give Sunlake confidence heading into their first game, an Aug. 29 road tilt against the talented Pasco Pirates.
While it’s not the only thing on his mind, Browning also wants to see a district title on the team’s resume.
“It’s missing right now, but it really just provides more motivation for us,” he said.
Since last year’s losses were so close — the total time remaining when their opponents took the lead was less than one minute for both games combined — Browning feels the Seahawks are on the right path.
To continue, Sunlake will have to overcome some heavy losses due to graduating seniors. Their defense will be retooled, with nine out of last year’s 11 starters gone from the team.
But Yeloushan, one of the two remaining starters from last year’s defense, believes the changes in personnel won’t hold them back. In fact, he expects them to surprise their opponents with their ability once the games start, and that includes contributing on the scoreboard.
“I think a lot of defensive touchdowns are going to happen this year. We have a lot of playmakers,” Yeloushan said.
Sunlake’s running game should continue to be a strong point, with star running back Nathan Johnson returning for duty. Johnson is ready to build on last year’s successful season — in more than 250 attempts, he lost just one fumble. But Browning believes a good running game is about more than a skilled runner in the backfield.
“He’d be the first one to tell you that the offensive line will be key, of course, in determining the kind of season he has,” Browning said.
Turns out, that’s exactly what Johnson said.
“I love my offensive line. I had 1,500 yards last year, and I couldn’t have gotten any of that without them,” he said.
While the line lost two starters from last season, Johnson believes their replacements are actually better players, and is excited to see what they can accomplish in 2014.
While Sunlake might be considered a run-first team, Browning said they have enough skill at quarterback and receiver to avoid being one-dimensional. The team will welcome back quarterback Dayton Feidon, who went down with an injury last October.
The coach also expects big things from returning receiver Nick Valdes, who has had an impressive offseason.
While Browning can look back at his tenure at Sunlake and note the considerable progress, it’s not in his nature to be happy just winning a lot of games and having a respectable finish each year.
“You always want to take it to the next step,” he said. “As a coach and as a competitor, you’re never satisfied where you’re at.”
SUNLAKE SEAHAWKS
LAST YEAR: 9-2
3-1 in district play
Second place in Class 6A-District 6, lost in first round of playoffs
KEY RETURNING PLAYERS
Austin Yeloushan, middle linebacker/tight end
Logan Wolfe, outside linebacker and fullback
Nick Valdes, wide receiver
PLAYER TO WATCH
Nathan Johnson, running back
“He was our workhorse last year. Very rarely goes down on first contact. A physical football player.” – Coach Bill Browning
2014 Seahawks Schedule
8/29 – at Pasco
9/5 – River Ridge
9/12 – at Anclote
9/19 – Springstead
9/26 – Ridgewood
10/3 – at Mitchell
10/10 – at Wesley Chapel
10/17 – at Land O’ Lakes
10/31 – Fivay
11/7 – Zephyrhills
Published August 6, 2014
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