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Alonso High School

Gaither alum selected in NFL Draft

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Before he became a big-time college football standout at Penn State, Amani Oruwariye could be seen locking down wide receivers on Friday nights at Ron Allen Field at Gaither High School.

Now, Oruwariye is advancing on to the sport’s biggest stage — the National Football League (NFL).

The Penn State defensive back and 2014 Gaither graduate was selected in the fifth round (146th overall) by the Detroit Lions in the 2019 NFL Draft, which wrapped up on April 27.

Before he was an All-Big Ten cornerback at Penn State, Amani Oruwariye was a three-year letterman at Gaither High School. He graduated from the local high school in 2014. (Courtesy of Gaither High athletics)

Oruwariye joins the latest in a growing line of Gaither products to be drafted into the NFL.

He’s also the second athlete drafted from the local high school in as many years.

Former Gaither/Florida International University quarterback Alex McGough was selected in the seventh round by the Seattle Seahawks in last year’s NFL Draft.

As a fifth-round choice, Oruwariye is believed to be the local high school’s highest NFL draftee.

Other known Gaither alums drafted into the NFL include J.R. Russell (seventh round in 2005) and Carlton Mitchell (sixth round in 2010). Current Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Anthony Chickillo (sixth round in 2015) attended Gaither his freshman and sophomore years before transferring to Alonso High School.

Oruwariye was a three-year letterman at Gaither under former head coach Jason Stokes, and finished his career with 121 tackles and 12 interceptions. His senior year he was named team MVP, earned first-team all-district honors and was invited to play in the Hillsborough County All-Star Game. Various recruiting services ranked him a three-star prospect and top 100 recruit in the state of Florida.

Oruwariye lived up to that billing and more at the Division I FBS college ranks.

After redshirting his freshman season at Penn State, the 6-foot-2, 205-pound defensive back went on to play in 48 career games and develop into a two-time All-Big Ten Conference selection.

He tallied eight career interceptions, 20 pass breakups and 108 total tackles in his Penn State career.

His best season came in 2018 as a redshirt senior — leading the Nittany Lions with 12 pass breakups and tied for the team lead with three interceptions, to go along with 51 tackles (two for loss) in 13 starts.

The yearlong performance earned him first team all-conference honors and a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, given to the top defensive back in college football.

The 23-year-old Oruwariye was initially projected by many draft experts to go higher in the draft, given his combination of size, length, athleticism and production at the cornerback position, to go along with an impressive showing at the NFL combine that saw him post a 4.47 40-yard dash, 36.5-inch vertical jump, 16 reps on the 225-pound bench press and 10 feet in the standing broad jump.

In a media conference call following his selection, Oruwariye highlighted his physical gifts, which he figures to translate to the sport’s most competitive level.

“(My size) just allows me to match up with bigger receivers,” Oruwariye said. “It allows me to use my body to my abilities and really dominate at the line of scrimmage, and go up with receivers and make plays on the ball. There’s a lot of strengths that my size brings, and I’m hoping to implement them into my game.”

Although he wasn’t selected as early as anticipated, Oruwariye said he was happy to be given an opportunity, but still is out to prove wrong the other NFL organizations that passed on him.

Oruwariye put it like this: “I knew my time would come, my opportunity would come, so I’m not going to sit there and dwell on what didn’t happen and what should’ve happened. I’m just going to make the other 31 teams that didn’t draft me pay when my opportunity comes and just hold my standard. I’m going to work hard regardless of where I’m picked. It doesn’t matter what day, when, where — I’m going to work hard. That’s just how I am, that’s my standard.”

Oruwariye is expected to report to the Lions three-day rookie minicamp, which runs May 12 through May 14.

He is expected to sign a multiyear contract worth nearly $3 million in total value.

Published May 08, 2019

Prep football mid-season review

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With the midway point of the 2017 prep football season recently passing by, here’s a look at some noteworthy teams and players in The Laker/Lutz News coverage.

Best team: Zephyrhills High Bulldogs (6-1 overall, 5-0 district)

The Zephyrhills Bulldogs have been dominant under second-year head coach Nick Carroll. (File)

Aside from an early season hiccup to Wiregrass Ranch (31-to-29 loss), the Bulldogs have planted themselves as one of the top — and most electrifying— teams in the Tampa Bay area, under second-year head coach Nick Carroll. Look no further than its balanced, yet potent offense, which is averaging 49 points and nearly 400 total yards per game.

And, Zephyrhills now stands alone at the top of District 8-5A after securing a 38-35 win over River Ridge on Oct. 13 — ending the Knights’ 23-game district win steak that spanned back to 2013.

Meanwhile, the Bulldogs’ toughest remaining game is an Oct. 20 road matchup against Wesley Chapel (6-2 overall), which has won two straight games since the departure of its top player, senior cornerback Isaiah Bolden. (Bolden was dismissed from the team on Oct. 4 due to undisclosed reasons).

Should Zephyrhills win two more contests this season, it will mark the fourth consecutive year the program has won eight games.

Consideration for best team also given to: Gaither Cowboys, Wesley Chapel High Wildcats, Wiregrass Ranch Bulls, Zephyrhills Christian Warriors

 

Biggest surprise: Gaither High Cowboys (5-2 overall, 4-1 district)

The Gaither High Cowboys are looking for their first winning season since 2014. (Courtesy of Gaither High football)

The Cowboys have utilized an explosive running game (280 rushing yards per game, 7.7 yards per carry) and suffocating defense (13 points per game allowed) to become one of the toughest teams to face in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area. Quite a feat, considering the Cowboys entered the season with just five seniors for first-year head coach Kirk Karsen.

Expectations this season were relatively tame, moreover, following the graduations of two Division I talents — linebackers Decalon Brooks and Estefano Feliciano — and top offensive playmaker in TJ Williams. Standout quarterback Gavin Denboer’s offseason transfer to Alonso High School didn’t help the team’s preseason outlook, either.

Though several of Gaither’s wins have come against struggling teams, the Cowboys quieted doubters after a convincing 23-13 win over Wiregrass Ranch on Oct. 6. In that game, the Cowboys rushed for a combined 259 yards, while garnering four sacks and forcing three turnovers.

With three regular season games remaining, the Cowboys look to secure its first winning season since 2014.

Consideration for biggest surprise also given to: Pasco High Pirates

 

Biggest slide: Sunlake High Seahawks (3-4 overall, 2-1 district)
While Sunlake was expected to be in rebuilding mode this season, it’s still startling to see a losing

Sunlake running back Bryant Beacham has been a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing season for the Seawhawks. (File)

record attached to the historically dominant program, under longtime head coach Bill Browning.

The Seahawks have had to mold a new quarterback and several starters, both on defense and at multiple skill positions.

A brutal regular season schedule hasn’t offered many favors, either.

Sunlake’s first three contests were against Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills and Wiregrass Ranch high schools — who have a combined 18-4 overall record.

And, it doesn’t get any easier, with road dates remaining against Mitchell High (7-0 overall) and River Ridge High(4-3 overall).

The Seahawks, meanwhile, will need to win two of its last three games to prevent suffering its first losing season since 2009. From 2010 to 2016, the Seahawks went a combined 60-16.

Disappointing season aside, Seahwawks fans have been able to witness one of the county’s top offensive playmakers, in running back Bryant Beacham. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound senior is averaging over 100 yards per game to go along with nine rushing touchdowns. He’s also on pace to become the program’s first single-season 1,000-yard rusher since 2014, when then-senior Nathan Johnson tallied 1,088 yards.

 

Five who’ve shined:

  • Charles Harrison III, senior quarterback, Zephyrhills High Bulldogs
    The three-year starter is arguably the county’s top signal-caller, tossing 21 touchdowns with just five interceptions, to go with a 62 percent completion rate.
  • Jordan Miner, senior cornerback/wide receiver, Wiregrass Ranch High Bulls
    The Penn State signee and four-star prospect has lived up to the hype as a jack-of-all-trades, making key contributions on offense (424 yards), defense (25 tackles, two interceptions, seven passes defensed) and special teams (125 return yards).
  • Austen Wittish, senior linebacker, Wesley Chapel High Wildcats
    The 6-foot, 195-pound inside linebacker ranks among the state’s top tacklers (104 total tackles), to go along with five sacks.
  • Darrion Robinson, sophomore wide receiver, Pasco High Pirates
    The young 5-foot-11 wideout has quickly developed into one of the county’s most productive receivers, tallying 17 receptions for 412 yards and eight touchdowns.
  • Jeromy Reid, junior running back, Gaither High Cowboys
    The 5-foot-11, 190-pound tailback is having a breakout campaign, pacing all of District 8-7A with 863 rushing yards (123 yards per game, 9.5 yards per carry) and six touchdowns.Team records:
    The Laker/Lutz News coverage area includes the following schools from Hillsborough and Pasco counties:

    Hillsborough:
    Carrollwood Day School Patriots (Class 2A-Region 3): (2-3 overall, 1-1 district)

    Freedom High School Patriots (Class 7A-Region 8): (2-5 overall, 1-3 district)

    Gaither High School Cowboys (Class 7A-Region 8): (5-2 overall, 4-1 district)

    Steinbrenner High School Warriors (Class 8A-Region 6): (2-5 overall, 1-3 district)

    Wharton High School Wildcats (Class 7A-Region 8): (2-5 overall, 1-3 district)

    Pasco:
    Academy at the Lakes Wildcats (8-man-Florida Christian Region 2): (5-1 overall, 5-0 district)

    Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School Hurricanes (Independent-Sunshine State Athletic Conference (SSAC): (3-4 overall, 2-2 district)

    Cypress Creek Middle High School Coyotes (Class 4A-Region 3): (1-6 overall, 0-0 district)

    Land O’ Lakes High School Gators (Class 6A-Region 6): (2-4 overall, 0-2 district)

    Pasco High School Pirates (Class 6A-Region 6): (4-4 overall, 0-2 district)

    Sunlake High School Seahawks (Class 6A-Region 6): (3-4 overall, 2-1 district)

    Wesley Chapel High School Wildcats (Class 5A-Region 8): (6-2 overall, 4-1 district)

    Wiregrass Ranch High School Bulls (Class 7A-Region 8): (6-1 overall, 3-1 district)

    Zephyrhills High School Bulldogs (Class 5A-Region 8): (6-1 overall, 5-0 district)

    Zephyrhills Christian Academy Warriors (Class 2A-Region 2): (6-1-1 overall, 0-1 district)

–Stats compiled from Maxpreps.com—

Published Oct. 18, 2017

Locals fare well in 2017 MLB Draft

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Dreams of playing professional baseball are about to come true for several local athletes.

The 2017 Major League Baseball (MLB) Draft wrapped up on June 14, and several baseball players with ties to The Laker/Lutz News Coverage Area were selected.

The first-year player draft is Major League Baseball’s primary mechanism for assigning amateur baseball players, from high schools, colleges and other amateur baseball clubs, to its 30 teams — which offer up millions of dollars in signing bonuses to its top draftees.

There were 40 rounds and 1,205 picks in total, over the three-day draft.

Of those picks, 135 were from the state of Florida, second to only California, which produced 192 selections.

Remarkably, four former Steinbrenner High School players were selected — Kevin Merrell (first round), Patrick Morris (14th round), Josh Falk (17th round) and CJ Van Eyk (19th round).

The draft was also kind to Odessa natives — Bishop McLaughlin product Nate Pearson (first round) and Alonso High’s Jordan Butler (33rd round).

Other local talent selected included Sunlake High right-hander Tommy Mace (14th round) and Bishop McLaughlin outfielder Paul Coumoulos (40th round).

Just two players with local ties were selected in last year’s draft: Saint Leo’s Troy Sieber was picked in the 24th round by the Houston Astros, while Gaither High’s Camryn Williams was picked in the 39th round by the Seattle Mariners. Sieber, a first baseman, is currently assigned to the Greeneville Astros, a rookie-level affiliate in Tennessee. Williams, a shortstop, opted to hold off a pro career to attend Dallas Baptist University, in Texas. He’ll again be draft-eligible in 2019.

Pitcher Nate Pearson (Toronto Blue Jays-first round, 28th pick)

Nate Pearson, an Odessa native, was drafted 28th overall by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 2017 MLB Draft. Pearson graduated from Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School in 2015. (Courtesy of College of Central Florida)

The Odessa native graduated from Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School in 2015, where he was one of the top pitchers in the state (1.24 career ERA). He attended Florida International University as a freshman, then transferred to College of Central Florida in Ocala. In his lone season there, he posted a 1.56 ERA and 118 strikeouts in 81 innings, and was named JUCO Pitcher of the Year by Perfect Game.

An imposing 6-foot-6, 245-pound right-hander, Pearson is lauded for a blistering fastball, which touches 101 miles per hour.

Baseball America ranked him as the state’s second best draft prospect, just behind University of Florida ace Alex Faedo.

Based on his draft position, Pearson could receive a signing bonus upwards of $2.3 million.

Kevin Merrell (Oakland Athletics-first round, 33rd pick)

University of South Florida shortstop and Steinbrenner High alum Kevin Merrell was selected 33rd overall by the Oakland Athletics in the 2017 MLB Draft. Merrell graduated from Steinbrenner in 2014, where he was a four-year letter winner for head baseball coach John Crumbley; he also lettered in golf and track. (Courtesy of University of South Florida)

The Steinbrenner High product and University of South Florida shortstop is widely viewed as the fastest college player in the 2017 draft class. On his high school track team, the 6-foot-1, 189-pound Merrell ran a 10.6-second, 100-yard dash. Those wheels translated well to the baseball diamond, where he stole 56 bases in his three-year college career, eighth-most in program history. Besides pure speed, the left-handed hitter boasts an elite bat, posting a career .353 average, and becoming the only player in South Florida history to lead the team in hitting three-straight seasons.

He also showed power in 2017, slugging seven home runs and 15 extra-base hits.

Merrell’s on-field performance earned him several end-of-year accolades, including 2017 American Athletic Conference First Team and 2017 Baseball America Second Team All-American.

Meanwhile, he was ranked as the state’s seventh best draft prospect and 51st overall, according to Baseball America.

Based on his draft position, Merrell is slotted to receive a signing bonus upwards of $2 million.

Tommy Mace (Cincinnati Reds—12th round, 347th pick)
One of the most effective prep arms in the Tampa Bay area, Mace tallied a 1.29 ERA and 92 strikeouts in 70.2 innings, with an 8-2 record in 11 appearances — and helped guide Sunlake High to the Class 7A regional finals.

A lanky 6-foot-7, 200-pound right-hander, Mace has developed a consistent 90 mph fastball, along with a tight curveball and usable changeup. Previously a University of Kentucky commit, Mace has since elected to play baseball at the University of Florida. If he temporarily forgoes a pro career, he’ll be draft-eligible again in three years, likely improving his draft stock.

Should he sign with Toronto, it could mark solid draft value at pick No. 347 for the pro club, as Baseball America ranked Mace the state’s 12th best draft prospect and 88th overall.

Patrick Morris (Toronto Blue Jays—14th round, 429th pick)
A power-hitting, left-handed first baseman, Morris possessed extra-base and home run power the past two seasons at Steinbrenner High, racking up eight home runs, 17 doubles and 43 RBIs cumulatively. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound Morris also was a solid pitcher, posting a career 2.71 ERA, with 82 strikeouts in 95.2 innings.

Baseball America ranked Morris as the state’s 89th best draft prospect. He is a Florida Atlantic University commit.

Josh Falk (Oakland Athletics—17th round, 501st pick)

Josh Falk, a University of Pittsburgh pitching standout, attended Steinbrenner and Bishop McLaughlin Catholic high schools. He was selected by the Oakland Athletics in the 17th round of the 2017 MLB Draft. (Courtesy of University of Pittsburgh)

Falk began his prep career at Steinbrenner High, and then transferred to Bishop McLaughlin, where he graduated in 2013. He started his college career at Hillsborough Community College, before winding up at the University of Pittsburgh, where he developed into the pitching staff’s ace. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound right-hander finished the season with a 3.92 ERA, with a record of 3-7 in 14 appearances. He also ranked among ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference) leaders in innings (85), strikeouts (75) and batting average against (.228). Falk, who faced elite competition at Pitt, can locate all three of his pitches for strikes, which includes an effective breaking ball.

CJ Van Eyk (New York Mets—19th round, 577th pick)

Steinbrenner High’s CJ Van Eyk was selected by the New York Mets in the 19th round of the 2017 MLB Draft. (File)

A highly touted prospect, Van Eyk possibly dropped in the draft due to medical and signability concerns as a firm Florida State University commit. This past season at Steinbrenner, Van Eyk threw just 38.1 innings and was shut down in April with arm soreness. In his limited action, however, the 6-foot-2, 195-pound righty was virtually unhittable, posting a 0.73 ERA and 56 strikeouts. Besides a blazing 95-mph fastball, Van Eyk possesses a devastating curveball and effective changeup.

Last summer, the Steinbrenner star jumped onto the national radar, as a member of the USA Baseball 18 and under team’s pitching staff, helping the squad win gold at the Pan American Championships.

Also in 2016, he led Steinbrenner to its first state baseball title and was crowned the Florida Dairy Farmers’ Class 8A Player of the Year.

Baseball America ranked Van Eyk as the state’s 18th best draft prospect and 109th overall.

Some believe he could develop into a future first-round selection after seasoning at Florida State.

Jordan Butler (New York Yankees—34th round, 1,022nd pick)
The Odessa native starred at Alonso High for three years, morphing into one of the state’s top two-way high school players. On the mound this past season, the 6-foot-2, 195-pound southpaw registered a miniscule 0.85 ERA and 122 strikeouts in 82 innings, with a record of 9-2. At the plate, he hit .451, with eight home runs and 35 RBIs.

Butler will likely forgo a pro contract to attend the University of Florida, where he can raise his draft stock.

Baseball America ranked Butler as the state’s 41st best prospect and 251st overall.

Also of note: he was a teammate of Van Eyk on the USA Baseball 18 and under squad last summer.

Paul Coumoulos (Philadelphia Phillies—40th round, 1,193rd pick)
A four-year varsity player at Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School, Coumoulos proved one of the best pure hitters in Pasco County each season. In 104 career games, the 6-foot, 205-pound outfielder posted a career .378 batting average, .471 on-base percentage, 21 doubles and 62 RBIs. Also a capable runner, Coumoulos racked up 31 steals on 33 attempts in his career.

He is a College of Central Florida commit.

Published June 21, 2017

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

Week 1 prep football roundup

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The first week of the regular season for high school football kicked off on Aug. 26. Here’s a look at how teams in our coverage area fared under the lights on Friday night.

Pasco County results:

Wesley Chapel High first-year coach Anthony Egan got his first career win on Aug. 26. (File Photo)
Wesley Chapel High first-year coach Anthony Egan got his first career win on Aug. 26.
(File Photo)

Wesley Chapel 13, Land O’ Lakes 3
The skinny: New Wildcats coach Anthony Egan notched his first career win in a close road game against Land O’ Lakes High School. Up-and-coming quarterback Jacob Thomas, threw a 75-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter to swing the momentum in the Wildcats favor. Junior running back Ian Leverett added a game-high 145 rushing yards on 26 carries. Despite the game’s outcome, Land O’ Lakes sophomore quarterback Jude May had a solid showing, completing 65 percent of his pass attempts for 157 yards.
Next up: Wesley Chapel travels to Wiregrass Ranch on Sept. 2 for a 7:30 p.m., kickoff; Land O’ Lakes faces River Ridge in a nonconference matchup.

 

Wiregrass Ranch, led by second-year coach Mark Kantor, could be one of the most dangerous teams to face in Pasco County. (File Photo)
Wiregrass Ranch, led by second-year coach Mark Kantor, could be one of the most dangerous teams to face in Pasco County.
(File Photo)

Wiregrass Ranch 43, Zephyrhills 8
The skinny: Nick Carroll’s first regular season game as Zephyrhills High School head coach didn’t go as planned with the Bulldogs’ defense surrendering 429 yards of total offense to Wiregrass Ranch High. Now fully healthy, expect Wiregrass Ranch to surprise opponents with a potent running attack and lockdown secondary. It will be interesting to see how the Bulldogs respond this week against Sunlake High, where Carroll was an assistant coach for the past nine seasons.
Next up: Wiregrass Ranch faces Wesley Chapel on Sept. 2 at 7:30 p.m.; Zephyrhills has another home game against Sunlake.

Sunlake 62, Gulf, 0
The skinny: Sunlake High School once again has the makings of another dominant season after demoralizing Gulf High on the road. Sunlake tailback Justin Metzger scored three touchdowns, while two-way standout Cris Galdos racked up 162 all-purpose yards. Sunlake’s defense held Gulf to just 10 total yards. Junior middle linebacker Adam Jarvis led the Seahawks in tackles with five.
Next up: Sunlake has a road game against Zephyrhills on Sept. 2 at 7:30 p.m.

Victory Christian 29, Pasco, 19
The skinny: The Pasco High School Pirates couldn’t avenge a second quarter where they allowed 21 points to a solid Victory Christian Academy squad. But, this week’s game against Gulf High provides them a chance to even up their record, and build some confidence in early September before the schedule becomes tougher.
Next up: Pasco has a home game against Gulf High on Sept. 2 at 7:30 p.m.

Hillsborough County results:

 

Carrollwood Day delivered a convincing win for new interim coach Mark Jones.(Courtesy of Carrollwood Day School)
Carrollwood Day delivered a convincing win for new interim coach Mark Jones.(Courtesy of Carrollwood Day School)

Carrollwood Day 64, Avant Garde Academy, 0
The skinny: Carrollwood Day School interim head coach Mark Jones earned his first win as the Patriots demolished Avant Garde Academy in Kissimmee. Jones, a 36-year-old former NFL receiver/kick returner, took over as interim coach on Aug. 16, after former CDS coach Lane McLaughlin was let go by athletic director Baker Mabry.
Next up: CDS Prep faces Grapevine Christian Academy (Texas) in Orlando on Sept. 2 at 5 p.m.

 

East Bay, 34, Freedom 13
The skinny: Missed opportunities and a lifeless fourth quarter prevented the Freedom High School Patriots from getting a victory for new coach Floyd Graham. The score was 13-7 late in the third quarter, but a Freedom botched snap and ensuing East Bay touchdown put the game out of reach.
Next up: Freedom has a bye week before a road slate against Alonso High on Sept. 9.

 

The Gaither High Cowboys may be in store for a huge 2016 season after a convincing win over Steinbrenner High, a team that went 9-2 last year. (Courtesy of Gaither High)
The Gaither High Cowboys may be in store for a huge 2016 season after a convincing win over Steinbrenner High, a team that went 9-2 last year.
(Courtesy of Gaither High)

Gaither 42, Steinbrenner 10
The skinny: Gaither High School forced six turnovers and held Steinbrenner High to just 113 yards of total offense in an eye-opening home victory. Gaither’s Trentyn Jackson was a force all night, scoring three touchdowns on an 80-yard interception return, a 31-yard reception and a 9-yard run. After a rough 2015 season, Gaither junior quarterback Gavin DenBoer shined, completing 9 of 15 passes for 220 yards and two touchdowns. Gaither senior linebacker DeCalon Brooks paced the Cowboys with 9 tackles.
Meanwhile, one of the few bright spots for Steinbrenner was the performance of senior outside linebacker Dane Coleman (12 tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack).
Next up: Gaither travels to Bloomingdale High on Sept. 2 at 7:30 p.m.; Steinbrenner travels to Blake.

 

Solid showings on both sides of the ball propelled Wharton High in the first game of the season. (Courtesy of Wharton High)
Solid showings on both sides of the ball propelled Wharton High in the first game of the season.
(Courtesy of Wharton High)

Wharton 39, King 0
The skinny: Wharton High School’s running duo Randy Haynes Jr. (93 yards on, two touchdowns) and Shannon King (76 yards, two touchdowns) proved too powerful for the King High Lions in this nonconference contest. On defense, Wharton forced a turnover or a three-and-out on nine of the Lions’ 12 drives.
Next up: Wharton has a home game against Robinson High on Sept. 2 at 7:30 p.m.

 

 

–Stats and information compiled from Maxpreps.com.

Published August 31, 2016