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
