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Zephyrhills routs Pasco in 9-Mile War

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Different year, same result.

For the second straight year, the Zephyrhills Bulldogs romped the Pasco Pirates in the historic 9-Mile War, winning in a 46-0 road shutout.

Zephyrhills (8-2) dominated on both sides of the ball, racking up 369 yards of total offense, while holding Pasco (0-9) to just 92 yards.

Junior running back Myles Carter set the tone early in the game, scoring Zephyrhills’ first touchdown midway through the first quarter. (Fred Bellet/Photos)
Junior running back Myles Carter set the tone early in the game, scoring Zephyrhills’ first touchdown midway through the first quarter.
(Fred Bellet/Photos)

The Bulldogs, taking advantage of positive field position and several explosive plays from running back Myles Carter and quarterback Charles Harrison III, took a 32-0 lead into halftime.

A running clock ensued once the Bulldogs commanded a 39-0 lead with 9:50 left in the third quarter.

The final touchdown of the game turned out to be the most highlight-worthy: a 90-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter by Elijah Thomas, a 5-foot-6, 150-pound junior tailback.

The rivalry, which dates back to 1941, has historically been one-sided, with Pasco leading the all-time series, 40-19. They previously won seven straight, from 2008-2014.

However, Zephyrhills won last year’s meeting, 50-16, serving as a microcosm for the direction of the two programs the last two seasons.

Junior running back Elijah Thomas had the most explosive play of the game, a 90-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter.
Junior running back Elijah Thomas had the most explosive play of the game, a 90-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter.

The Bulldogs have reached the playoffs for the third straight season, while the Pirates are seeking their first win in a season-finale against Gulf High, also 0-9. The Pirates, coached by Tom McHugh, finished 4-6 in 2015.

Under first-year coach Nick Carroll, the Bulldogs have wrapped up an impressive regular season, despite a youthful roster missing its top player in senior running back Antwione Sims, who’s yet to play in a game this season since tearing his ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) in March.

Prior to the start of the 2016 season, Carroll expressed confidence the team would find other playmakers to fill the void for the loss of the dynamic running back, who set a school-record 2,093 yards in 2015.

They did, thanks to a more prolific aerial attack, and a balanced rushing attack.

A large contingent of Zephyrhills Bulldogs fans made the crosstown drive to Dade City.
A large contingent of Zephyrhills Bulldogs fans made the crosstown drive to Dade City.

Sophomore receivers Tre’ Pavis Mobley (32 receptions, 657 yards, 10 touchdowns) and Jaquan Sheppard (21 receptions, 386 yards, 6 touchdowns) have been key cogs for Harrison III, who’s racked up 1,296 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, and just four interceptions.

Meanwhile, nearly 1,500 rushing yards have been dispersed through a running-back-by-committee approach featuring Thomas, Carter, Harrison III and Sheppard.

The Bulldogs will look to continue their balanced, high-powered offensive attack on Nov. 11, when they face Brooksville Nature Coast (9-0) in the Class 5A regional quarterfinals. Nature Coast averages 44.4 points per game, while Zephyrhills is averaging 35.7 points per game.

One other team in our coverage area has also qualified for the FHSAA (Florida High School Athletic Association) football playoffs. In Class 7A, Wiregrass Ranch (7-2) travels to Lakeland (7-2) on Friday, Nov. 11.

Three Key Game Stats:

  • Quarterback Charles Harrison III: 7-of 16, 144 passing yards; 61 rush yards.
  • Running back Elijah Thomas: four carries, 103 rushing yards.
  • Defensive end Sterlin Williams accounted for three of the team’s 10 sacks.

Three Key Plays:

  • Botched punt snap by Pasco leads to safety for Zephyrhills, cushioning their lead to 17-0 with 5:57 left in the first half.
  • A 30-yard touchdown pass by Harrison III with 1:18 left in the second quarter gives Zephyrhills a 32-0 lead.
  • A 90-yard touchdown run by Thomas, with 8:29 left in the fourth quarter, caps off the 46-0 game.

Zephyrhills Bulldogs Season Recap:
2016 Record: 8-2 (6-1 district)
Aug 26: Wiregrass Ranch (43-8 loss)
Sept. 3: Sunlake (27-15 win)
Sept. 16: Gulf (62-0 win)
Sept. 23: at Fivay (42-6 win)
Sept. 30: at Hudson (39-33 win)
Oct. 8: Ridgewood (71-12 win)
Oct. 14: at River Ridge (31-14 loss)
Oct. 21: Wesley Chapel (28-20 win)
Oct. 28: at Anclote (56-26 win)
Nov. 4 at Pasco (46-0 win)

Published November 9, 2016

Tennis pro wants to grow sport in Pasco

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Jeanette Marcus wants tennis to flourish in east Pasco County.

Marcus, a certified USPTA (United States Professional Tennis Association) instructor, operates the Dade-City based Tennis 4 U/Tennis Para Ti Inc.

The 56-year-old Marcus, a bilingual instructor, offers developmental and intermediate lessons for both youth and adults at her two-acre tennis facility, 35949 Bozeman Road in Dade City.

Jeanette Marcus, left, is shown here with John Isner, one of the top-ranked players on the ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) World Tour. (Courtesy of Jeannette Marcus)
Jeanette Marcus, left, is shown here with John Isner, one of the top-ranked players on the ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) World Tour.
(Courtesy of Jeannette Marcus)

For novices, she teaches the “basics,” including proper racket grip, groundstrokes, serves, singles and doubles strategy, and court etiquette.

For more avid players, she remedies shoddy technique.

Her youngest client is four years old. Her oldest? 89.

“The biggest thing with tennis,” she said, “is you have to have fun.”

Marcus, also a former assistant pro at Lake Jovita, says east Pasco is lacking in public tennis programs and opportunities — especially for underprivileged youth.

“It’s like there’s nothing here,” said Marcus, who moved to Dade City from Lutz about eight years ago. “Pasco is very limited.”

One problem, Marcus said, is the lack of public tennis courts throughout east Pasco.

“When you get into central Pasco and east Pasco, the parks (department) doesn’t recognize putting the money in courts,” she said. “Dade City has two courts, Wesley Chapel has four courts and Zephyrhills has five courts.”

The absence of USTA (United States Tennis Association)-sanctioned programming and leagues, too, is another issue.

“You’ve got to be a member at all these (country) clubs to be able to play on a league,” Marcus said. “A lot of the kids that I teach can’t join a country club.

If you cannot afford to pay a membership at a country club, you don’t have an opportunity to play.”

Despite living in Dade City, Marcus — along with fellow tennis buddies — often travels to Hillsborough County to find open courts.

“Lutz has well-maintained courts, they have lights, and there’s always somebody on them,” said Marcus, who also drives to Hillsborough Community College and Davis Islands for matches.

She added: “I’ve been working for years trying to get a new tennis center to east Pasco.”

Her wish may soon be a reality.

In Zephyrhills, plans are underway to construct a 10-court tennis facility on 4.7 acres of land at the District at Abbott’s Square.

The estimated $1.9 million project will likely be funded over the next two fiscal years, according to Todd Vande Berg, planning director for the city of Zephyrhills.

Half the courts will have Har-Tru, a brand of clay surfaces, Vande Berg said.

“A lot of facilities are going more towards the soft courts versus the hard courts,” the planning director said. “It’s so much easier on the body — the joints.”

The facility, Vande Berg added, will open the door for additional tennis opportunities and events, including USTA-sanctioned tournaments.

“The goal is to develop comprehensive tennis programs, and have memberships and league play,” he said.

The forthcoming project has Marcus excited.

“When Zephyrhills builds this, it’s going to be nice,” she said. “You’ve got to have a court where your kids can practice on.”

One request of hers is roofing.

“The rain is a very frustrating thing,” Marcus said. “I don’t consider tennis to be an outdoor sport anymore. Our big, big events — the U.S. Open in New York, the French Open, Wimbledon — they’ve all had to make indoor courts.”

Vande Berg said partially covered courts are a possibility if partnerships are forged between local steel and aluminum companies.

“It would really be a windfall, especially in Florida with the rain that we get,” he said. “There would be demand. …There’s a cost, but there’s a real opportunity there.”

Funding options for the tennis facility include recreation impact fees, Penny for Pasco, various USTA grants, and partnerships with Pasco County Parks and Recreation and Pasco County Tourism.

Published November 2, 2016

Freedom golf reaches 3A state tourney

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For the second time in school history, the Freedom High varsity boys golf team has reached the state tournament.

Collectively strong postseason performances were enough to earn an FHSAA 3A tournament berth, the program’s first since 2013.

The Patriots captured their fourth consecutive district title on Oct. 10, and followed up with a second-place regional finish on Oct. 17 at Lansbrook Golf Club in Palm Harbor.

The Freedom High School varsity boys golf team reached states for the second time in school history. From left: Cy Storlien, Nick Mitchell, coach Michael Passarelli, Tyler Bray, Sam Smith and Cooper Smith. (Courtesy of Freedom High School)
The Freedom High School varsity boys golf team reached states for the second time in school history. From left: Cy Storlien, Nick Mitchell, coach Michael Passarelli, Tyler Bray, Sam Smith and Cooper Smith.
(Courtesy of Freedom High School)

“It’s a pretty big achievement,” said Nick Mitchell, one of the team’s three seniors. “We’re really glad we achieved the goal that we set last year, knowing that we had a really high-caliber team for this year.

“We’ve definitely gotten more comfortable during the season,” he added.

Fellow senior Tyler Bray—the lone holdover from the 2013 state team — believes that this 2016 squad will have an improved showing over the team three years ago, when the the Patriots finished last (out of 16 teams) at the two-day, 36-hole tournament.

“This year, we’ve had some really good players, and I feel like this team is better than that team,” Bray said.

Michael Passarelli, Freedom’s golf coach, said the group’s success lies in its consistency since August.

“They’ve been playing well all year,” Passarelli said. “What we’ve finally done at the end of the year is we kind of put it (all) together.

“They’ve improved, and they’ve stayed within themselves.”

The 3A state tournament, which runs through Oct. 26, is played at the El Campeon Course at the Mission Inn Resort & Club in Orlando.

The highly regarded course, which features elevation changes of more than 85 feet, often proves challenging for even elite golfers.

The course, Passarelli said, differs from others the team has played this season.

“The thing that separates it from what we play is the elevation difference,” he said. “You’re shooting uphill, you’re shooting downhill, and the greens are tough and fast. There are really no courses around (Tampa Bay) that we have played that come anything close to what you see there.”

He added: “You can’t have a specific strategy when some guys are hitting 50, 60 or 70 yards longer than others. It’s going to be very different for some of these kids.”

Mitchell, who played the course over the summer, noted El Campeon has a “pretty tough layout.”

“It’s pretty high-rated, a very positional course,” Mitchell said. “Distance and short game are definitely key.”

Trying to “not shoot to a number” is also crucial, Passarelli said.

“That’s the biggest thing that we worked on,” he said. “It’s just hit your next shot and that’s it.

“We looked at the scores from all the regional contenders, and they know they can play with any of them. But, you can’t control what the other guys do.”

Perhaps most important is enjoying the overall experience.

“It’s about having fun. That’s seriously a big part of this as well,” said Passarelli. “Last time we went (to states), we kind of got beat up.”

He added: “If they’re relaxed, they’ll play well.”

Freedom boys golf roster:
Tyler Bray, senior (4-year letterman, 2014 District 3A-10 champion, 2015 District runner-up)
Nick Mitchell, senior (3-year letterman)
Cooper Smith, freshman
Sam Smith, senior (2-year letterman)
Cy Storlien, junior (3-year letterman, 2015 District 3A-10 champion, 2016 District 3A-10 champion)

District results at Hunter’s Green Golf & Country Club
Freedom Patriots team score: 309 (first place)
Individual scores:
Cy Storlien-73
Tyler Bray-77
Cooper Smith-77
Sam Smith-82
Nick Mitchell-83

Regional results at Lansbrook Golf Club in Palm Harbor
Freedom Patriots team score: 313 (second place)
Individual scores:
Cy Storlien-73
Cooper Smith-77
Tyler Bray-82
Nick Mitchell-81
Sam Smith-83

Other locals: Gaither freshman Tyler Wilkes is competing in the 3A state golf tournament as an individual. Wilkes won the Class 3A, Region 4 tournament on Oct. 17, shooting a 72.  Wesley Chapel High’s Ben Wolfman (senior) and Sunlake High’s Travis Wells (senior) will compete in the Class 2A state golf tournament on Nov. 1 and Nov. 2.

Published October 26, 2016

Record 3-point shooter adds new challenges

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Justin Dargahi, a record-holding three-point shooter, has added a few new challenges for 2016 and beyond.

First: Turn around the struggling Gaither High girls varsity basketball program.

Next: Set the world record for most three pointers made by a pair, in one minute.

Dargahi — the Guinness World Record for the most 3s made from NBA range (23 feet, 9 inches) in one minute (26) — first hopes to bring some cache to the Gaither High’s girls basketball program.

It won’t be easy for the former Land O’ Lakes High girls head JV (junior varsity) coach.

The Cowboys—which went a combined 5-38 the last two seasons—have had six straight losing seasons.

Yet, that doesn’t deter Dargahi, who will be the program’s fourth head coach in six years, once tryouts begin Oct. 24.

“I’m definitely looking forward to the challenge,” he said. “I love proving people wrong.”

He relishes it.

“You have room to improve. If you take over a great team, what are you trying to accomplish?” he said.

“Hopefully, we can increase our win total a lot just this coming year alone.”

It will be tough, he acknowledged, considering Gaither High plays in a highly competitive eight-team district (Class 8A, District 8).

It’s one stacked with perennial prep powerhouses in Wiregrass Ranch, Plant, Freedom and Steinbrenner high schools.

“It’s hard to win and advance anywhere when you have four or five great teams out of eight,” said Dargahi. “Luckily, we have a good three weeks of practice before the first game (Nov. 15).

His blueprint starts with building around junior Janae Lyle, the team’s top returning player (7.6 points per game, 4.9 rebounds per game, 1.9 steals per game).

“It is a lot of specifying toward your players’ talents,” said Dargahi, a former basketball player at Cambridge Christian School. “I refuse to go into the first game not having specified positions.”

It also includes implementing a pressure man-to-man defense to help close out one-possession games.

“I love pressing,” he said. “I love getting steals, turnovers. That’s how you score points,” he said.

“I think the best (coaching) aspect is game management,” he added.

When not on the sidelines, meanwhile, Dargahi will be spending ample time at the three-point line. The new Gaither coach is teaming up with Teddy Dupay — a former Florida Gators basketball standout (1998-2001) and current boys basketball coach at Cambridge Christian School — to break the Guinness World Record for most three-pointers made by a pair in one minute.

The current record is 19, set by Harlem Globetrotters’ Cheese Chisholm and Ant Atkinson. The previous record (15) was set by NBA all-stars Kevin Durant (Golden State Warriors) and Dirk Nowitzki (Dallas Mavericks).

Though Dargahi hasn’t set an official attempt date, he figures it will “definitely be before Thanksgiving (Nov. 24).”

Dargahi, who claims he makes anywhere from 75 percent to 80 percent of attempted 3-pointers, said the feat largely boils down to each participant making 10 shots. It’s possible, he said, considering both his and Dupay’s shooting prowess. (Dupay ranks 10th all-time in Florida Gators history for career 3-point field goals made with 188.)

“We’re both very confident with our shooting,” Dargahi said. “The good thing about this record — both shooters have to be awesome. You can’t have one guy carry it.”

But the difficulty, he said, lies in get enough shots up in 60 seconds.

“I don’t even know how many shots we can get up, to be honest. I’m guessing 25 to 30, at the most,” said Dargahi.

The strategy, he added, will include court positioning — the wings or the top-of-the-key — and conserving energy across multiple attempts.

“I think we’ll at least try it for an hour, or an hour-and-a half,” Dargahi said.

Perhaps one aspect working in the duo’s favor: home court advantage.

“I’ve shot more balls at Cambridge than any other gym,” he said. “There’s a little bit of a comfort zone.”

Additionally, Dargahi has been approved by Guinness to attempt world records for most individual free throws in one minute (51) and most individual three-pointers in two minutes (44).

“The free throw one is tough,” Dargahi said. “I just tried it once just to see, and I didn’t even get up 51 shots. I definitely have to speed it up to shoot. If I could get up just 55 (shots), I like my chances.”

Published Oct. 19, 2016

 

 

 

 

 

Cattlewomen prepare for 2016 Savage Race

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A group of Florida cattlewomen are gearing up for one of the most challenging endurance competitions around.

Cattlewomen Beth Hunt, Reyna Hallworth and Ashley Hughes have joined forces with others to create “Team Beef.”

A group of Florida cattlewomen have formed Team Beef to complete the 2016 Savage Race. From left: Reyna Hallworth, Ashley Hughes and Beth Hunt. (Courtesy of Florida Cattlewomen Inc.)
A group of Florida cattlewomen have formed Team Beef to complete the 2016 Savage Race. From left: Reyna Hallworth, Ashley Hughes and Beth Hunt.
(Courtesy of Florida Cattlewomen Inc.)

The goal: Complete the 2016 Savage Race, and encourage others to join the challenge.

The race — set for Oct. 22-23 at the Little Everglades Ranch in Dade City — is grueling. The 7.5-mile course features 25 military-style obstacles scattered throughout a humid, swampy terrain.

The event, in its third year in Dade City, is expected to attract 10,000 racers and 3,000 spectators from all over Florida.

Hughes, executive director of the Florida Beef Council, completed the race— “a huge physical challenge”— in 2012. Her advice: Push through and finish strong.

“Your adrenaline runs so high,” Hughes, 32, said, “because you know it’s going to be challenging, and you know it’s going to be hard, and you just pray that you have the stamina to be able to make it through.”

She added: “It really is an awesome opportunity for Team Beef to show that we completed this.”

Though the women are training individually, their objective is to stay together throughout the course, and finish as a unit.

“We need to stay together,” said Hunt, president Florida Cattlewomen Inc.

“The accountability factor is huge,” added Hallworth, a former beef extension scientist for the University of Florida.

To prepare for the race, Hallworth — now a stay-at-home mother of three — is following a six-week conditioning program that incorporates jogging, sprints and an assortment of body-weight exercises.

“Sometimes, I can work a workout into my daily routine, sometimes I have to do it on the side of a soccer field during (youth) soccer practice,” Hallworth explained.

“It’s not easy for any of us, but it is a priority.”

Finding the time, Hunt said, is key.

The 2016 Savage Race is set for Oct. 22 to Oct. 23 at the Little Everglades Ranch in Dade City. The 7.5-mile course features 25 military-style obstacles scattered throughout a humid, swampy terrain. The event is expected to attract 10,000 racers and 3,000 spectators from all over Florida. (Courtesy of SavageRace.org)
The 2016 Savage Race is set for Oct. 22 to Oct. 23 at the Little Everglades Ranch in Dade City. The 7.5-mile course features 25 military-style obstacles scattered throughout a humid, swampy terrain. The event is expected to attract 10,000 racers and 3,000 spectators from all over Florida.
(Courtesy of SavageRace.org)

Hunt, who’s participated in several 5K runs and obstacle races, said incorporating daily 45-minute workouts helps build endurance for the looming event.

“Even if it’s getting outside and walking a couple of blocks,” said Hunt, “and working in some other strength training or air squats.”

“Getting out the door is step No. 1,” Hughes agreed. “If you can get your shoes on and get your running clothes on, you’re halfway there.”

She continued: “You have to train hard to be able to accomplish that (race), but always make sure to listen to your body…if something doesn’t feel right.”

Yet, perhaps the Savage Race’s largest obstacle isn’t even physical.

“I think the biggest aspect,” Hallworth said, “is getting over the mental hurdle.”

Hallworth, who suffers from bursitis in her left foot and also broke her shoulder a few years ago, added: “My circumstances aren’t going to define whether or not I can do this.”

To fuel — and replenish — their bodies, the group turns to none other than lean beef during meal times.

“Protein is such an incredible recovery,” Hughes said, “because you’re literally burning your muscles as you’re training.”

“You get 50 percent of your daily recommended (protein) value from 3 ounces of beef, and at a low caloric cost,” she added.

Although the lengthy trek is intimidating, Hughes said the Savage Race is “acceptable to everyone.”

“Even though the Savage Race is hard, you can do it at your pace. You can do it slowly, you can walk it if you need to, you don’t have to come out there like an elite athlete,” Hughes explained.

But, she noted prospective race-goers need ample preparation time.

“If you’re doing a straight-from-the-couch kind of program, give yourself a good couple of months, or a good eight weeks,” explained Hughes. “For people who are already in shape, (give) at least four to six weeks.”

For more information on the Florida Cattlewomen, visit FloridaCattlewomen.org.

For information on the 2016 Savage Race, visit SavageRace.com.

Published October 12, 2016

New girls basketball coach joins Land O’ Lakes High

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Unforeseen circumstances have forced Land O’ Lakes High School to hire its second girls varsity basketball coach in three months.

Marcus Ludwig, a former Wharton High boys junior varsity coach, was named the Gators coach on Sept. 19. Ludwig, 33, replaces Ed Mullikin, who was hired in late June.

Marcus Ludwig, a former Wharton High boys junior varsity coach, was named the Land O’ Lakes High Gators coach on Sept. 19. Ludwig, 33, replaces Ed Mullikin, who was hired in late June. (Courtesy of Marcus Ludwig)
Marcus Ludwig, a former Wharton High boys junior varsity coach, was named the Land O’ Lakes High Gators coach on Sept. 19. Ludwig, 33, replaces Ed Mullikin, who was hired in late June.
(Courtesy of Marcus Ludwig)

Mullikin was initially set to replace Phyllis Crain, who guided the Gators to regional championships in 2014 and 2015, and compiled an 85-50 record in five seasons.

But, according to Karen Coss, the school’s athletic director, Mullikin opted to remain in his home state of Kentucky just before the start of the 2016-2017 school year.

The basketball season kicks off later this month, on Oct. 24. Yet, Ludwig doesn’t view his late hiring as a disadvantage in getting equipped for his first season as Gators coach.

“The one thing I’ve been blessed with is I’ve worked with a lot of great coaches,” said Ludwig, “and I’ve had five-plus years experience coaching at different levels, so I was already able to prepare myself.”

Ludwig, a native of Syracuse, New York, said he’ll have plenty of time over the next month to get acquainted with the inner workings of the Gators’ program, and its players.

Since his hiring, Ludwig has held two open gyms. About a dozen girls showed up each time, but Ludwig expects to see a larger turnout once the fall sports season ends.

Though he hasn’t fully evaluated how the varsity roster will shape up, the Gators coach already has a general in-game philosophy in place. Success, Luwig said, will be dictated by defensive play and turning games into proverbial chess matches.

“I’m very strategic when it comes to defenses and defensive schemes,” Ludwig explained.

“What I tend to do is challenge them…to have a mental toughness when it comes to the defensive part of basketball,” he said.

He continued: “If it allows the other team to get out of their ordinary or regular routine, then you’re kind of winning a battle already, because it’s making the other team overthink things.”

Ludwig noted that philosophy comes in handy once the Gators face quicker, more athletic opponents.

“You’re going to have to be mentally tough and outthink your opponent,” he said.

“I want to be that type of team that if anybody steps on the court with us, they technically don’t know what we’re going to do as far as our defensive schemes.”

Though Ludwig didn’t divulge the types of schemes the Gators will deploy, he said defensive sets will be dictated by the skillsets of the 10 players on the court.

“No. 1 is definitely personnel — who is on the court, what type of team you’re playing, what are their strengths — and trying to take away my opponents strengths.”

Moreover, the Gators’ defense, Ludwig said, will complement its offense.

“We’ll have our basic set plays,” he said, “but, our best offense is going to come from our defense.”

Also of note: Ludwig has retained Alison Washburn, a former Sunlake High basketball player, as an assistant coach.

“She was a part of the team during the summer of this year, so she’s been a big help,” Ludwig said. “She’s given me the inside-out on some of the players and what to expect when it comes to coaching at the school, and in this league (Class 7A, District 8).”

Land O’ Lakes is coming off a 14-11 (2-4 district) mark in 2016. The new coaching staff will have to replace five seniors from last year’s squad, including top scorers Makela Canada (12.4 points per game) and Gabby Mills (11.4 points per game).

Scoring consistently often plagued the 2015-2016 squad. Though the Gators averaged 40 points per game, the team scored 20 points or fewer in four games.

Junior Lily Lazar is the team’s top returning scorer (5.3 points per game).

Key Losses
Makala Canada (12.4 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 3.7 assists per game, 1.9 steals per game)
Gabby Mills (11.4 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 2.1 blocks per game)
Breana Barnes (5.0 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 1.9 assists per game)

Key Returnees
Lily Lazar (5.3 PPG, 5.8 RPG)
Destiny Rodriguez (3.0 PPG, 1.5 RPG)
Niya Darby (1.8 PPG, 2.6 RPG)

-Stats via Maxpreps.com

Published October 5, 2016

Wesley Chapel’s first-year coach finds early football success

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If the first four games are any indication, the Wesley Chapel High School Wildcats are on pace to have their first winning season since 2011.

Beyond that, the Wildcats (4-0)—the lone undefeated team in Pasco County— have the makings of a team capable of finding triumphs not seen since the early ‘00s, when the team was coached by John Castelamare.

First-year head coach Anthony Egan, far left, teaches the finer points of an offensive play during a Wildcats practice. (Courtesy of Wesley Chapel High football)
First-year head coach Anthony Egan, far left, teaches the finer points of an offensive play during a Wildcats practice.
(Courtesy of Wesley Chapel High football)

The Wildcats went a combined 35-8 from 2001 to 2004, and brought home three district championships.

In recent years, Wesley Chapel has been a bottom-feeder in Pasco County. Since their 6-4 season five years ago, the Wildcats went a combined 7-33 from 2012-2015.

But, under first-year coach Anthony Egan, the Wildcats’ recent struggles appear to be a distant memory.

Egan, a former offensive/defensive line coach at River Ridge High School in New Port Richey, has guided the team to instant success—including a 50-0 thrashing of Gulf High School on Sept. 23.

While many might be surprised by the Wildcats’ blazing start, don’t count Egan as one of them.

“Once I got here and we started to put in the work, I knew we had a good group of guys,” the Wildcats coach said. “We were working our butts off in the weight room, and everything that we’ve asked them to do, they’ve been very good at making sure they get it done.

“I knew they would be a lot better football team than they were last year, and the year before.”

The team’s individual talent is better, too, starting with junior running back Dexter Leverett, who sat out last season after transferring from Eastside High School in Taylors, South Carolina.

The 5-foot-9, 163-pound playmaker ranks 11th in the state in rushing yards (684), averaging 8.6 yards per carry.

“He’s got it all,” Egan said. “He’s a power back, he’s explosive, and he’s got that top-end speed—the kid runs a 4.53 40 (yard dash). He’s just a really quick kid…and he can make cuts in the open field.”

Complementing Leverett is junior tailback Malik Melvin (202 yards, four touchdowns) and senior fullback Ellrie Allen (53 yards, two TDs).

“We like all our running backs,” Egan said. “Dexter’s just a guy in the spring that really stood out to us.

“We just have a multi-facet approach back there, and we’ve got three guys that can really tote it pretty well for us right now.”

Seeing the depth in the backfield allowed Egan to seamlessly transition from a spread offense to a power-run game over the course of the team’s offseason.

The move has paid off, with the Wildcats averaging an eye-popping 292 rushing yards per game.

“We saw the athletes we had and said, ‘We’ve got to focus more on the run game and get this line blocking’… and it’s paying dividends right now on offense,” Egan said.

The Wildcats’ defense, too, has quickly made significant strides.

In 2015, the Wildcats—under former coach Tico Hernandez—allowed 30.2 points per game. Through four games in 2016, the unit has surrendered just 11.5 points per game.

“Defensively, I saw a lot of issues (from 2015) on film with tackling and pursuit, so…we drill the heck out of that every day,” Egan explained. “We preach intensity, tackling, pursuit, and the guys really work hard at that.

“We don’t see many breakaway runs,” the coach added. “We’ve been able to get good angles on guys and make tackles, and limit those (would-be) 60-yard touchdowns to 15-yard plays.”

Two key cogs shoring up that side of the ball are a pair of juniors in highly touted defensive back Isaiah Bolden and middle linebacker Austen Wittish.

Bolden, a transfer from Bartram Trail High School in Jacksonville, is a consensus four-star recruit, boasting more than 20 Division I college offers.

Bolden’s range and pure athleticism Egan said, is a major deterrent to opposing quarterbacks in throwing to his side of the field.

“If he gets his hands on the ball, he’s gone,” Egan said. “It’s kind of passer beware—if you’re going to throw it over there to that guy, there’s a good chance he gets his hands on it and makes a huge play for us.”

Meanwhile, Wittish—who notched 14 tackles against Ridgewood on Sept. 16—was praised by Egan for his ability to shed blocks and fill gaps to limit opposing running games.

“He…just has a good nose for the football,” Egan said.

The Wildcats don’t appear to show signs of slowing down, especially considering how the rest of their schedule lines up.

With its next two games against Fivay (0-4) and Hudson (2-1), the Wildcats have an opportunity to remain undefeated going into their bye week on Oct. 14.

To do so, Egan said the team must continue to dominate games from start to finish.

“We want to make sure we set the bar high,” he said, “and keep playing to that level.”

Winning Wildcats
A look at Wesley Chapel’s wins so far:

  • 13-3 road win against Land O’ Lakes High (Aug. 26)
  • 34-21 home win against Pasco High (Sept. 9)
  • 42-22 home win against Ridgewood High (Sept. 16)
  • 50-0 road win against Gulf High (Sept. 23)

Q&A with Coach Anthony Egan
What’s the transition been like going from an assistant to a head coach?
“Being the head guy in charge has its big benefits and its…challenges to the job. It’s a ton of responsibility—paperwork, fundraising—a lot of things…you’re in charge of. It’s been very challenging at times, but, the risk is worth the reward. Everything that we’re doing out there, and all the time that the kids are putting in and giving it back to us, it makes it worth it.”

How has senior quarterback Jacob Thomas adjusted from a spread-oriented offense to a run-based offense?
“He’s bought into everything we’re trying to do. He’s getting the touchdowns and stats. He’s getting the yardage; he’s just not having to throw 40 times. …He’s all on board with throwing the ball five times (per game) for two or three touchdowns.”

Are you comfortable with the team’s depth through the remainder of the season?
“Right now, we’ve got guys in certain positions that we’ve got good depth at, and we’re a little thin in other places. We’re always trying to rectify that. We don’t want to sell the farm, so to speak, and bring up our (junior varsity players), but we’ve got a lot of depth down there—kids that can come up and help us right away. But, they’re freshman, and we want to make sure that they’re getting their reps. “In the program, we have plenty of depth, but week-to-week, we’re kind of stretched thin sometimes. …By the end of the season, when we bring some of these guys up, we’ll have plenty of depth.”

Published September 28, 2016

 

Recapping week 4 in area prep football

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Another week of high school football is in the books, as teams approach the midway point of the season. Here’s a look at how the teams in our coverage area fared in Week 4:

Pasco County

 

(Courtesy of Sunlake High)
The Sunlake Seahawks defeated Land O’ Lakes 21-3 to retain bragging rights in the annual ‘Butter Bowl.’ (Courtesy of Sunlake High)

 

Sunlake 21, Land O’ Lakes 3
Recap: The “Butter Bowl” was once again a one-sided affair as the Sunlake Seahawks defeated the Land O’ Lakes Gators 21-3, marking the Seahawks fifth straight regular season win over the Gators. Equipped with a 7-3 halftime lead, Sunlake (3-1) pulled away from the Gators (0-3) with touchdowns in the third and fourth quarters.

Key Stats: The Seahawks racked up 539 all-purpose yards compared to the Gators’ 187 yards. Additionally, Seahawks had two 100-yard rushers in seniors Justin Metzger (124 yards) and Kevis Warren (111 yards, 1 TD), and a 100-yard receiver in senior Tyler Peretti (7 receptions, 142 yards).

Next up: Sunlake has a home game against Lakewood Ranch (0-3) on Sept. 23; Land O’ Lakes has a bye before facing Lakeland Christian (4-0) on Sept. 30.

Zephyrhills 62, Gulf 0
Recap: The first year of the Nick Carroll Era is going swimmingly for the Zephyrhills Bulldogs, as the first-year head coach guided his team to a 62-0 pounding over Gulf High. The Bulldogs (2-1) led 47-0 at the half, before a running clock was put into effect for the entirety of the second half. The win follows the Bulldogs’ surprising win over Sunlake (27-15) on Sept. 3.

Key Stats: Bulldogs junior quarterback Charles Harrison III completed 10 of 14 passes for 117 yards and four touchdowns. Defensively, Bulldogs freshman linebacker Ja’varrius Wilson tallied up three sacks.

Next up: Zephyrhills travels to Fivay (0-3) on Sept. 23.

Wesley Chapel 42, Ridgewood 22
Recap: Under first-year coach Anthony Egan, the Wesley Chapel Wildcats (3-0) already has more wins than it did in each of the last two seasons. Despite looking sloppy with penalties early on, the Wildcats shored up their miscues to build a 29-8 lead at halftime. In the second half, the game was put out of reach underneath the speedy legs of junior tailbacks Dexter Leverett (224 yards, 2 TDs) and Malik Melvin (119 yards, 2 TDs).

Key Stats: The Wildcats compiled 394 rushing yards as a team, averaging a whopping 10.1 yards per carry.

Next up: Wesley Chapel heads to Gulf (0-2) on Sept. 23.

Sickles 30, Wiregrass Ranch, 29 (Overtime)
Recap: A two-point conversion call in overtime by Wiregrass Ranch head coach Mark Kantor ended up backfiring, as the Bulls (1-2) fell to Sickles High in front of its home crowd. Cantor called an inside run to junior tailback Chase Oliver, a bruising 220-pounder, who was stuffed at the goal line, sealing the win for Sickles.

Wiregrass led 23-20 halfway through the fourth quarter, before Sickles kicked a field goal to force the extra period, then lead for good on a 16-yard touchdown pass in overtime.

Key Stats: The loss notwithstanding, Wiregrass senior quarterback Chris Faddoul made an impact with his arm and legs. Faddoul threw for 113 yards and a TD, rushed for 91 yards, and kicked a 30-yard field goal.

Next up: Wiregrass Ranch has a road contest against Leto (0-3) on Sept. 23.

Hillsborough County

 

gaither-rgb
Gaither High tailback T.J. Wiliams (32) accounted for all three of the Cowboys’ touchdowns in their 16-7 victory over Wharton on Sept. 16. (Courtesy of Gaither High)

Gaither 19, Wharton 7
Recap: Buoyed by the punishing running style of senior tailback T.J. Williams, the Gaither Cowboys (2-2) notched a home win against the Wharton Wildcats (1-2), snapping a two-game losing streak. The Cowboys never trailed, getting on the scoreboard first thanks to a 15-yard TD run by Williams in the second quarter.

Key Stats: Williams scored three times—including a highlight-reel 89-yard reception—en route to 124 total yards on 10 touches.

Next up: Gaither travels to Sickles on Sept. 23; Wharton has a home matchup against Freedom on Sept. 23.

Freedom 3, Spoto 0
Recap: A 39-yard boot in the second quarter by Freedom’s Noah Tenney was the lone score in this defensive tug-of-war. Freedom’s defense stymied Spoto, holding them to 178 total yards, including just a single passing yard. Freedom (2-1) has looked solid defensively for two consecutive weeks after limiting Alonso High to just eight points on Sept. 9

Key Stats: The Patriots forced four turnovers, including two fumble recoveries by senior Carlos Rodicio.

Next up: Freedom has a road conference game against Wharton on Sept. 23.

Sarasota Riverview 20, Steinbrenner 19
Recap: Key mistakes and missed opportunities, in part, caused the Warriors to fall short in this non-conference road game. The Warriors (1-2) led Sarasota Riverview 19-6 at the half, but a bevy of turnovers and three-and-outs gave Riverview ample field position to orchestrate two impressive scoring drives in the second half.

Key Stats: Steinbrenner’s Josh Harris rushed for 102 yards on 24 carries, but also fumbled three times. Senior wideout Brett Bitter hauled in two TD catches.

Next up: Steinbrenner faces Tampa Riverview (2-1) at home on Sept. 23.

Seffner Christian 27, Carrollwood Day 6
Recap: With the score 7-6 after the first quarter, the game was in reach for Carrollwood Day. But, the Patriots (1-3) were unable to answer as Seffner Christian scored touchdowns in each of the following three quarters. The Patriots (1-3) have now lost three straight games, scoring just 13 combined points in the process.

Key Stats: The Patriots struggled defensively, allowing over 423 total yards of offense (217 passing, 206 yards rushing). In their last three games, the Patriots have been outscored by a 118-to-13 margin.

Next up: The Patriots have a bye before facing Northside Christian (3-1) on the road on Sept. 30.

–Stats and information compiled via MaxPreps.com.

Published September 21, 2016

‘Baseball Ranch’ opens in Wesley Chapel

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A new baseball and softball performance academy has sprung up in Wesley Chapel.

The RockStar Baseball & Softball Ranch, which had its grand opening on Sept. 10, is owned and operated by Ryan Pryor, a former varsity assistant coach at Bishop McLaughlin and Wiregrass Ranch high schools.

Ryan Pryor is the owner and operator of the RockStar Baseball & Softball Ranch, 8931 Elkmont Lane in Wesley Chapel. He is a former assistant varsity coach at Bishop McLaughlin and Wiregrass Ranch high schools. (Photos courtesy of Ryan Pryor)
Ryan Pryor is the owner and operator of the RockStar Baseball & Softball Ranch, 8931 Elkmont Lane in Wesley Chapel. He is a former assistant varsity coach at Bishop McLaughlin and Wiregrass Ranch high schools.
(Photos courtesy of Ryan Pryor)

Situated on a five-acre property off of Old Pasco Road and Hadlock Drive, the indoor/outdoor ranch is equipped with several training amenities. It has six batting cages and machines; a pitching arena with five bullpens; various drill fields and ranges; and, 300-foot long toss/throwing lanes.

Pryor, who initially began training players out of his garage several years ago, refers to the ranch as an “old-school” training environment.

That philosophy starts in the “fit pit,” where players utilize medicine balls and flip tires for total body strength and conditioning workouts.

“They’re swinging hammers, they’ve got (water) pails they’re lifting, they’re doing movements…to do the things they need to play this game, because they don’t do that anymore,” explained Pryor. “They’re playing more because of the culture of travel ball and tournaments, and (focusing) less on the physical side — they don’t climb trees, they don’t ride bicycles, they’re not using their shoulders.”

Because of that, Pryor noted “throwing injuries have quadrupled over the last 30 years.”

Pryor, who compiled a 123-34 record in five years as an assistant high school coach, said the ultimate goal of the ranch is to “bridge the gap” between a player’s potential and his current performance.

Pryor, also a former collegiate baseball player at Fresno State University in California, said he doesn’t just seek out the top talent to develop. Instead, he assists those who’ve either been cut from teams, or the types of players who are “always stuck in right field.”

“I take a lot of those kinds of kids that aren’t in the mainstream, and I develop them,” he said. “I take kids that can’t walk and chew bubblegum, and turn them into really good talent, for them to basically reach their full potential.”

He also noted: “I see things in kids that other coaches don’t see in them.”

Throughout the year, the membership-driven ranch will feature age-specific classes, clinics, team practice opportunities, coaching workshops and advanced high school boot camps.

Private lessons and video evaluations also are available.

The RockStar Baseball & Softball Ranch provides instruction and training to youth ages 6 to 18.
The RockStar Baseball & Softball Ranch provides instruction and training to youth ages 6 to 18.

One noteworthy ranch feature is the expanded use of wiffle ball drills for live batting practice.

Pryor explained wiffle balls help collect useful data on a particular hitter’s strengths and weaknesses.

“It shows the spin—backspin, topspin, sidespin,” he said.

“It gives you the spread,” he said. “Are they missing the ball? Are they popping up? Are they hitting ground balls? Are they hitting the top of the ball?”

In terms of teaching, Pryor said he benchmarks instruction “at the major league standard and works it backwards” to each specific age group, from ages 6 to 18.

“I’m going to provide them with the tools, and the training they need,” said Pryor. “We’re speeding up the process.”

His key slogan is: “See it, Do it, Repeat it, Play it.”

“See it and do it at the ranch, repeat it at home with the parents, and play it in the games in various leagues,” he elaborated.

“Within a year or two, (my trainees) are passing everybody because they become more technically sound — they’re able to just move better, take better angles, and understand the concept (of the game) better.”

At the ranch, Pryor said he won’t just teach baseball lessons, but will instill life lessons, too.

Responsibility, for instance, is a major focal point.

“There’s a lot of life lessons out here,” explained Pryor. “The kids are responsible for their own water — and we hold them accountable for that kind of stuff.

“Throughout all of our training, that’s the kind of stuff that we teach out here: getting kids to be better people, and own up to their responsibilities and do what they’re capable of in their own control,” Pryor said.

For more information, visit RockStarBaseballRanch.com.

To reach Ryan Pryor, email , or call (813) 992-1030.

RockStar Baseball Ranch
Some of the features of the RockStar Baseball Ranch:

  • Five-acre indoor/outdoor property
  • Hitting stables with six batting cages and machines
  • Pitching arena with five bullpens
  • Long-toss throwing lanes
  • Practice drill fields
  • Golf-style batting tee ranges
  • Outfield range
  • Strength and conditioning corral
  • Full video evaluations

Published September 14, 2016

Several Pasco County schools to get lacrosse programs

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Students at several high schools in Pasco County soon will be offered a new sport to play.

The Pasco County Lacrosse Alliance (PCLA), a nonprofit organization, recently announced an agreement with Pasco County Schools to manage the transition of high school boys and girls lacrosse from a club sport to a Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA)-sanctioned sport, beginning with the 2018 spring season.

In 2014, several Hillsborough County public schools became Florida High School Athletic Association-sanctioned in lacrosse. (Courtesy of HIllsborough County Public Schools)
In 2014, several Hillsborough County public schools became Florida High School Athletic Association-sanctioned in lacrosse.
(Courtesy of HIllsborough County Public Schools)

For the upcoming 2017 season — slated to begin in February — the high school teams will play at the club level in the Florida Gulf Coast Lacrosse League, a subsidiary of US Lacrosse, the sport’s national governing body.

The initial three-year contract between the PCLA and the Pasco County School Board has targeted the following schools for initial Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) certification: Anclote, Land O’ Lakes, Mitchell, Sunlake, Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills and GGG high schools. GGG is the yet-unnamed high school in Wesley Chapel.

The agreement is similar to a three-year pilot program approved for 10 schools in Hillsborough County in 2014.

Essentially, it calls for the PCLA to manage operational costs (uniforms, protective equipment, refs, travel, coaching stipends), while participating schools provide field access and gate workers.

David Mazursky, president of the PCLA, estimates equipment and operational costs for the lacrosse organization will total about $15,000 per school. Whatever funds aren’t covered through sponsorships will trickle down to players in a “pay-for-play” model.

According to its website, the PCLA is looking to set the registration fee in the same arena as Hillsborough County’s, which decreased from $390 to $320 over the past three years.

Eight Pasco County high schools are set to have lacrosse as a Florida High School Athletic Association-sanctioned sport for boys and girls, beginning with the 2018 season. This season will be played at the club level. (Courtesy of FHSAA)
Eight Pasco County high schools are set to have lacrosse as a Florida High School Athletic Association-sanctioned sport for boys and girls, beginning with the 2018 season. This season will be played at the club level.
(Courtesy of FHSAA)

“We’ll have to charge a fee because there’s costs for transportation, referees, and when you become FHSAA, the head coach has to be a paid position,” Mazursky said.

Certain equipment — uniforms, helmets, protective gear — will be loaned to players. Other types of gear — stick, cleats, socks, gloves — will have to be furnished by players.

Ideally, every school’s boys and girls team will have enough participants to reach the FHSAA-limit of 25 players, Mazursky said.

“I actually don’t think we’re going to have any problem getting enough kids,” he said. “I think you might get a lot of football players that want to do something in between the spring and fall football,” he said. “You’ll get kids that don’t make the soccer team or don’t make the basketball team.”

The biggest challenge, he said, is funding, in general, and then finding and locking in corporate sponsorships to help keep registration fees low.

To help transition first-time players, the PCLA is hosting a series of free player clinics from September through December. The first clinic is Sept. 18 at 8 a.m., at Seven Springs Middle School, 2441 Little Road in New Port Richey.

“The goal of the clinics is for kids who haven’t played to really understand what the game is, and really get them hooked on it,” he said.

“I’m sure we’ll be able to do that,” he added.

In Florida, the sport has grown rapidly over the past several years. According to the National Federation of High Schools, the state saw a 70 percent increase in participation to 8,603 players from 2008 to 2013.

The Pasco County Lacrosse Alliance (PCLA) is a nonprofit organization working with Pasco County Public Schools to manage the transition of high school boys and girls lacrosse from a club sport to a Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA)-sanctioned sport, beginning with the 2018 spring season. (Courtesy of Pasco County Lacrosse Alliance)
The Pasco County Lacrosse Alliance (PCLA) is a nonprofit organization working with Pasco County Public Schools to manage the transition of high school boys and girls lacrosse from a club sport to a Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA)-sanctioned sport, beginning with the 2018 spring season.
(Courtesy of Pasco County Lacrosse Alliance)

Moreover, about 150 Florida schools are currently sanctioned to play for state titles in both girls and boys lacrosse.

“The exposure has been much better,” Mazursky said. “As we get it into more high schools…it’ll grow from just purely a club program to something more prominent.”

The PCLA president noted that transitioning from a club sport to an FHSAA-sanctioned sport is critical to expanding lacrosse’s reach to adolescents in the area.

“There’s a lot of interest at the youth level, but when kids realize they don’t have a high school sport, then they quit,” he said. “As a club sport, you don’t feel like part of the high school — you’re not in the yearbook, you don’t get a (varsity) letter.”

Note: Parents and students can go to PascoLax.org for more information. Donations to help fund lacrosse for one of the selected teams of choice can be made at: PascoLax.org/donations-per-team.html.
Companies interested in sponsoring their local schools can contact Eric Handman at  for more information.

Published September 7, 2016