• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to secondary sidebar
  • About Us
  • Videos
  • Online E-Editions
  • Social Media
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
  • Advertising
  • Local Jobs
  • Puzzles & Games
  • Circulation Request

The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Lutz since 1964 and Pasco since 1981.
Proud to be independently owned.

  • Home
  • News
    • Land O’ Lakes
    • Lutz
    • Wesley Chapel/New Tampa
    • Zephyrhills/East Pasco
    • Business Digest
    • Senior Parks
    • Nature Notes
    • Featured Stories
    • Photos of the Week
  • Sports
    • Land O’ Lakes
    • Lutz
    • Wesley Chapel/New Tampa
    • Zephyrhills and East Pasco
    • Check This Out
  • Education
  • Pets/Wildlife
  • Health
    • Health Events
    • Health News
  • What’s Happening
  • Closer Look
  • Homes
  • Obits

Ethan Forrester

Land O’ Lakes seeks new football coach

January 22, 2020 By Kevin Weiss

Land O’ Lakes High School athletics department underwent a search for a new head football coach in 2018.

The school again is heading back to the drawing board to find the next leader of its varsity football program, a mere two years later.

Chad Walker, who coached the Gators in 2018 and 2019, resigned from his post to become the head football coach at Cambridge Christian School in Tampa; the private school made the announcement official earlier this month.

Chad Walker resigned from Land O’ Lakes High School to become the head football coach at Cambridge Christian School in Tampa. The Gators program went a combined 9-11 in his two seasons. (Courtesy of Cambridge Christian School Athletics)

Walker’s exit from Land O’ Lakes marks the only varsity head football coaching vacancy in Pasco County this offseason.

Walker undoubtedly has big shoes to fill at his latest stop. He replaces Bob Dare, who in 11 seasons steered Cambridge Christian to five straight playoff appearances, including a trip to the 2A state title game in 2015. Dare also is Cambridge’s all-time winningest football coach, with 72 victories. Walker takes over a team that went 8-3 last season and reached the 2A regional semifinals, losing to Admiral Farragut.

Walker’s tenure at Land O’ Lakes was somewhat of a mixed bag, after he replaced former coach Brian Wachtel, who held the post for seven seasons from 2011 to 2017.

In Walker’s first season in 2018, the Gators went 7-3, narrowly missing the playoffs, but achieving its first winning campaign since 2013, restoring some confidence in the historic program.

Perhaps just as important that year, the Gators finally supplanted crosstown foe Sunlake High in the annual “Butter Bowl” rivalry game — the first such victory in eight years. (Land O’ Lakes did win the Butter Bowl game in 2011, but it was later forfeited due to recruiting violations.)

The 2018 team also saw wins over Citrus, Cypress Creek, Lakeland Christian, Pasco, Anclote and Fivay high schools, respectively.

Walker’s second season was a reversal of fortune, though.

The 2019 team slumped to a 2-8 mark, its only wins coming against Freedom and Zephyrhills Christian schools. And, most of the team’s losses were blowouts, with a 31-point loss, three 40-plus point losses and two 50-plus point losses, among others. All told, the Gators were outscored 137-363.

The Land O’ Lakes Gators varsity football team went 2-8 in 2019. (File)

The letdown season was a bit surprising, as the team returned All-Conference quarterback Ethan Forrester and added a couple of prominent assistant coaches, including former NFL players Aveion Cason and Kelvin Kinney. The team, however, graduated about two dozen seniors from the prior season, including eight All-Conference selections.

Walker joined Land O’ Lakes as a 33-year-old with a background as a veteran college football assistant, with stops at Division I FCS, Division II and Division III levels. He was an All-Conference tight end at Division I FCS Lafayette College in Pennsylvania, then parlayed that into a professional stint in NFL Italy and the European Federation of American Football. While at Land O’ Lakes, he worked for Tampa-based Applied Science and Performance Institute (ASPI), which provides advanced training and development to college and pro football players and other athletes.

The next leader of the Gators’ program will become the sixth football coach in school history. Besides Walker and Wachtel, previous head coaches were Matt Kitchie, John Benedetto and Dan Sikes.

For many years, Land O’ Lakes had one of the top football programs in Pasco County, earning a string of 14 straight playoff appearances from 1997 to 2009 under coaches Benedetto and Kitchie.

But, the team hasn’t made the playoffs since, as recent success of other programs in the county — as well as an ever-challenging district — have made winning consistently a tall task.

The team will have to groom a new starting quarterback with the graduation of Forrester, but the bulk of the roster is expected to return in 2020.

Published January 22, 2020

Filed Under: Land O' Lakes Sports, Local Sports Tagged With: Applied Science and Performance Institute, Aveion Cason, Bob Dare, Brian Wachtel, Cambridge Christian School, Chad Walker, Dan Sikes, Ethan Forrester, European Federation of American Football, John Benedetto, Kelvin Kinney, Lafayette College, Land O' Lakes High School, Matt Kitchie, NFL Italy, Sunlake High School

Prep football midseason review

October 2, 2019 By Kevin Weiss

The 2019 Florida high school football regular season has reached the midway point. Here’s a closer look at how teams and players are faring from The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

The Gaither Cowboys are off to a blistering 5-0 start and are ranked among the state’s top 10 teams in Class 6A.
(Courtesy of Gaither Athletics)

Perfect performers
At the midway mark, there are three programs sporting undefeated records — Academy at the Lakes, Gaither and Steinbrenner. What do each have in common? Potent offenses backed by efficient, veteran quarterback play.

  • Academy at the Lakes is averaging over 39 points per game. Junior quarterback Jalen Brown, a fourth-year starter, has completed 55% of throws for 785 yards, 14 touchdowns and three interceptions. He’s also the team’s leading rusher (445 rush yards, six touchdowns).
  • Gaither is averaging over 38 points per game. Senior quarterback Tony Bartalo, a two-year starter, has completed 63% of throws for 1,320 yards, 19 touchdowns and three interceptions. He currently boasts multiple Division I offers.
  • Steinbrenner is averaging over 48 points per game. Senior quarterback Haden Carlson, a three-year starter, has completed 64% of throws for 783 yards, 12 touchdowns and one interception. He is a FIU (Florida International University) verbal commit.

Also notable: Wiregrass Ranch (5-1) has received stellar quarterback play from sophomore Rocco Becht, who’s posted a 56% completion rate, 936 passing yards, 13 touchdowns and two interceptions.

The Land O’ Lakes Gators went 7-3 last year, but have struggled much of this season with a 1-5 mark thus far. (File)

Surprising struggles
Entering the 2019 season, Land O’ Lakes and Zephyrhills were expected to build off winning seasons and compete for a playoff spot in their respective classifications. But early season struggles has all dampened those hopes for both teams.

  • The Gators finished 7-3 last season — its first winning campaign since 2013. But, they’ve hobbled to a 0-5 start before finally securing a 44-0 win over Freedom last week. A team thin on seniors and an anemic running game has magnified the struggles.
  • One of the most consistent and dominant programs in Pasco County in recent years, the Bulldogs haven’t lost four or more games since 2012 and haven’t missed the postseason since 2013. But after losing 22 seniors from last year’s 11-1 squad, the Bulldogs have shown less bark this season. They lost their first three games, but have begun to show life with recent road wins against Wesley Chapel and Tarpon Springs, respectively.

New coaches finding their way

  • Sunlake has jumped to a respectable 3-3 mark under first-year head coach Trey Burdick, holding his own in assuming the role previously held by one of the county’s winningest coaches in Bill Browning. Under Burdick, the team is on pace to surpass the 4-6 mark the program has had each of the past two seasons. Better yet, Burdick, a longtime assistant under Browning, steered the Seahawks to a 34-23 victory over crosstown rival Land O’ Lakes in the annual ‘Butter Bowl’ showdown.
  • New Pasco head coach Jason Stokes already has led the struggling program to as many wins as it did all of last season. And while the 2-4 mark doesn’t seem all that great, the Pirates have battled hard in one possession losses to Sunlake and Springstead, respectively. With that, this year’s “9-Mile War” rivalry game against Zephyrhills should provide some more intrigue; Zephyrhills has won the past four contests. Stokes is no stranger to being a head coach in the Tampa Bay area — he steered Gaither to three playoff appearances between 2011 to 2016, and also had stints at Bloomingdale and Middleton, respectively.

Stat stuffers
Here’s a look at a top statistical performer from each high school in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area:

Hillsborough County

  • Reggie Johnson II, Carrollwood Day, junior defensive end: 15 tackles, three sacks
  • Hussein Hafiz, Freedom, senior linebacker: 12 tackles (five for loss), three sacks
  • Deveon Knighton, Gaither, senior receiver: 28 receptions, 431 yards, six touchdowns
  • Deon Silas, Steinbrenner, junior tailback: 828 all-purpose yards, 11 touchdowns

Pasco County

  • Adrian Leverette, Academy at the Lakes, junior tailback: 379 scrimmage yards, five touchdowns
  • Jack Miller, Bishop McLaughlin, freshman receiver: 19 receptions, 502 yards, three touchdowns
  • Jehlani Warren, Cypress Creek, senior quarterback: 57% completions, 515 passing yards, five touchdowns, three interceptions
  • Ethan Forrester, Land O’ Lakes, senior quarterback, 39% completions, 790 passing yards, seven touchdowns, four interceptions; 336 rushing touchdowns, five touchdowns
  • Gabriel Barnes, Pasco, junior linebacker: 49 tackles, 20 hurries, three sacks
  • Mark Anderson, Sunlake, junior receiver: 475 all-purpose yards, three touchdowns
  • Brenden Maddox, Wesley Chapel, senior fullback/linebacker: 269 rush yards, four touchdowns; 45 tackles (six for loss)
  • Keith Walker, Wiregrass Ranch, senior receiver: 735 all-purpose yards, 10 touchdowns
  • Tyler Davis, Zephyrhills Christian, senior tailback: 616 rush yards, six touchdowns
  • Zyree Roundtree, junior tailback: 483 rush yards, four touchdowns

Schools in Laker/Lutz News coverage area (and their current 2019 records)

Hillsborough County:

  • Carrollwood Day School Patriots (0-5 overall)
  • Freedom High School Patriots (1-4)
  • Gaither High School Cowboys (5-0)
  • Steinbrenner High School Warriors (5-0)

Pasco County:

  • Academy at the Lakes Wildcats (eight-man) (4-0 overall)
  • Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School Hurricanes (1-5)
  • Cypress Creek Middle High School Coyotes (2-3)
  • Land O’ Lakes High School Gators (1-5)
  • Pasco High School Pirates (2-4)
  • Sunlake High School Seahawks (3-3)
  • Wesley Chapel High School Wildcats (2-3)
  • Wiregrass Ranch High School Bulls (5-1)
  • Zephyrhills Christian Academy Warriors (3-2)
  • Zephyrhills High School Bulldogs (2-3)

Published October 2, 2019

Filed Under: Land O' Lakes Sports, Local Sports, Lutz Sports, Wesley Chapel/New Tampa Sports, Zephyrhills and East Pasco Sports Tagged With: 9-Mile War, Academy at the Lakes, Adrian Leverette, Bill Browning, Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School, Bloomington, Brenden Maddox, Butter Bowl, Carrollwood Day School, Cypress Creek Middle High School, Deon Silas, Deveon Knighton, Ethan Forrester, Florida, Florida International University, Freedom High School, Gabriel Barnes, Gaither High School, Haden Carlson, Hillsborough County, Hussein Hafiz, Jack Miller, Jalen Brown, Jason Stokes, Jehlani Warren, Keith Walker, Land O' Lakes High School, Mark Anderson, Middleton, Pasco County, Pasco High School, Reggie Johnson II, Rocco Becht, Steinbrenner High School, Sunlake High School, Tampa Bay, The Laker/Lutz News, Tony Bartalo, Trey Burdick, Tyler Davis, Wesley Chapel High School, Wiregrass Ranch High School, Zephyrhills Christian Academy, Zephyrhills High School, Zyree Roundtree

Spring football preview for area teams

April 25, 2018 By Kevin Weiss

Spring football practices are underway at high schools across the state — though the first games of the 2018 season remain several months away.

Florida high schools are allowed a maximum of 20 practice sessions from April 23 to May 31, according to Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) guidelines.

Here are five points to consider as spring practices ramp up:

How does Academy at the Lakes follow last year’s championship season?
The Academy at the Lakes Wildcats capped off a remarkable 11-1 season by winning the school’s first-ever eight-man state football championship.

Academy at the Lakes won the FCAPPS (Florida Christian Association of Private and Parochial Schools) eight-man state title en route to an 11-1 season in 2017. (File)

What will they do for an encore?
For starters, the Wildcats will need to manage without running back/linebacker Daniel Gonzalez, one of the most dominant two-way players in the Florida 8-man ranks. Besides rushing for more than 1,000 yards and scoring 25 total touchdowns, the team captain was equally dominant on defense with138 total tackles and 7.5 sacks. Gonzalez isn’t the only significant departure. The Wildcats also must find reinforcements for other All-State players including wideout Isaiah Smith, kicker Zachary Moore and All-Conference center Evan Lutz.

But, the cupboard isn’t totally bare on either side of the ball.

Key returnees include sophomore quarterback Jalen Brown (684 passing yards, 19 total touchdowns, one interception); senior tailback Jamaal Johnson (725 scrimmage yards, nine total touchdowns); and a pair of All-State honorees in senior defensive lineman Dylan Price (98 total tackles, 15.5 sacks) and sophomore offensive lineman Andrew Kilfoyl.

Also working in the Academy’s favor is the return of head coach Shawn Brown, who was recently named Florida Christian Association of Private and Parochial Schools (FCAPPS) Football Coach of the Year. Many of his assistants are expected to return, too.

Chad Walker, a former college coach, is Land O’ Lakes High’s new varsity football coach.
(File)

Can Land O’ Lakes turn the corner with its new coaching staff?
With new head coach Chad Walker in place, Land O’ Lakes hopes to reverse its streak of four consecutive losing seasons. Even at just 34, Walker brings a wealth of experience as a former college coach and professional player in Europe — knowledge he’ll use to try to inject excitement to one of the county’s most historic programs.

The Gators — coming off a 4-5 mark last year under former coach Brian Wachtel — won’t require a complete rebuild; they likely will feature some different schemes and wrinkles under the new coaching staff. Working in the program’s favor is a sizable senior class that includes 1,000-yard running back Kyle Leivas, leading pass catcher Nate Howard (14 receptions, 202 yards, one touchdown), and top defender Myron Bloom (76 total tacklers, five tackles for loss, two sacks). The role of quarterback, however, remains a question because of Ethan Forrester’s transfer to Wharton High School. Forrester, a rising junior, threw for nearly 800 yards along with five touchdowns and seven interceptions.

Will Cypress Creek show improvements in the program’s second year?
First-year sports programs typically struggle.

Cypress Creek High went 0-10 in their inaugural football season in 2017. (Courtesy of Cypress Creek Football)

Such was the case with newer Pasco County programs like both Sunlake and Wiregrass Ranch high schools back in 2007, when those programs went 0-10 and 1-9, respectively.

The same was true, more recently, for Cypress Creek, which completed its inaugural slate of 10 games without a single win. A new, young coaching staff combined with a senior-free roster and a mix of challenging opponents made Year One a long one, in which the Coyotes failed to score in seven games.

But, don’t be surprised to see the tide to shift a little in 2018 under second-year head coach Mike Johnson. He’ll finally have a large group of seniors at his disposal, including a talented pair of offensive playmakers in Devin Santana (10 receptions, 134 yards) and 6-foot-4 target Trevor Maxwell (10 receptions, 75 yards). Of course, development at the quarterback spot will be key. Rising junior Jehlani Warren completed just 37 percent of his passes and threw seven interceptions last season.

Can Zephyrhills continue winning without Charles Harrison III?
Whoever is named Zephyrhills High’s next starting quarterback no doubt has big shoes to fill.

The Zephyrhills High Bulldogs must replace graduating quarterback and three-year starter Charles Harrison III. (File)

For the past three years, the Bulldogs were fortunate to have one the county’s most prolific athletes under center in Charles Harrison III. He guided the Bulldogs to three consecutive playoffs appearances, including its first 10-win season in more than 20 years. Along with his on-field leadership, Bulldogs fans won’t soon forget the left-handed quarterback’s flashy playmaking ability with his arm and legs. That was most evident in last season, when Harrison III tallied 47 total touchdowns and more than 3,100 yards — numbers good enough to earn him Sunshine Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year.

He won’t be the only major departure from the defending District 8-5A champions, however. The Bulldogs also lose 1,000-yard rusher Elijah Thomas and several key defenders, including Zac Masci, Myles Carter and Sterlin Williams.

Even so, don’t be surprised if Zephyrhills finds a way to notch an eighth-straight winning season. Besides a steadying coaching presence in third-year head coach Nick Carroll, the Bulldogs have arguably the county’s most talented and explosive receiving corps in Ja’Quan Sheppard, Tre’Pavis Mobley, Cartrell Strong and Tyrese Wigfall. Both Sheppard and Strong hold Division I FBS offers.

Is Pasco in store for a winning season?
The Pasco High Pirates are looking to avoid a fourth-consecutive losing season. They were on track early in 2017 winning their first two contests. But, they ended the season on a six-game losing streak — including a 42-13 sour defeat to crosstown rival Zephyrhills in the season finale.

Pasco High is looking to avoid a fourth-straight losing season in 2018.
(Courtesy of Pasco High Football)

On the surface, the Pirates have the offensive talent to find more success this time around. Experienced senior quarterback Dylan Wood should have ample help with senior running backs Early Knight (778 yards, six touchdowns) and Jacquez Mobley (551 scrimmage yards, four touchdowns), along with one of the county’s most lethal receiving threats in junior wideout Darrion Robinson (25 receptions, 577 yards, eight touchdowns) — who’s also a threat in the defensive secondary (four interceptions, three passes defensed).

Defense as a whole, however, could once again pose issues as the Pirates graduate its top 11 tacklers from last season, including All-Conference linebacker Cameron Smith. The Pirates allowed nearly 30 points per game last season.

A challenging 2018 schedule won’t help matters, either. Just three if its 10 opponents (Gulf, Cypress Creek, Sunlake) had losing campaigns a year ago.

Five players to watch:

  • Chris Butash, quarterback, Carrollwood Day School, senior
  • Dylan Ridolph, linebacker, Wiregrass Ranch, junior
  • Jeromy Reid, running back, Gaither, senior
  • Deon Silas, running back, Steinbrenner, sophomore
  • Javion Hanner, running back/cornerback, Zephyrhills Christian Academy, senior

Schools in Laker/Lutz News Coverage Area (and their 2017 records)
Hillsborough County:

  • Carrollwood Day School Patriots (Class 2A-Region 3): (2-7 overall, 1-2 district)
  • Freedom High School Patriots (Class 7A-Region 8): (3-6 overall, 2-4 district)
  • Gaither High School Cowboys (Class 7A-Region 8): (7-4 overall, 5-1 district)
  • Steinbrenner High School Warriors (Class 8A-Region 6): (2-7 overall, 1-5 district)

Pasco County:

  • Academy at the Lakes Wildcats (8-man-Florida Christian Region 2): (11-1 overall, 7-0 district)
  • Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School Hurricanes (Independent-Sunshine State Athletic Conference (SSAC): (3-7 overall, 2-2 district)
  • Cypress Creek Middle High School Coyotes (Class 4A-Region 3): (0-11 overall, 0-0 district)
  • Land O’ Lakes High School Gators (Class 6A-Region 6): (4-5 overall, 1-3 district)
  • Pasco High School Pirates (Class 6A-Region 6): (4-7 overall, 0-4 district)
  • Sunlake High School Seahawks (Class 6A-Region 6): (4-6 overall, 2-2 district)
  • Wesley Chapel High School Wildcats (Class 5A-Region 8): (6-4 overall, 4-3 district)
  • Wiregrass Ranch High School Bulls (Class 7A-Region 8): (9-3 overall, 4-2 district)
  • Zephyrhills High School Bulldogs (Class 5A-Region 8): (10-2 overall, 7-0 district)
  • Zephyrhills Christian Academy Warriors (Class 2A-Region 2): (8-3 overall, 0-1 district)

Spring game schedule
May 17
Zephyrhills Christian Academy at Cypress Creek, 7 p.m.
Lecanto at Land O’ Lakes, 7 p.m.
Mitchell at Wesley Chapel 7 p.m.
Zephyrhills at East Ridge, 7 p.m.
Jamboree: Alonso, Gaither, Steinbrenner at Sickles, 6 p.m.
Jamboree: Freedom, Hillsborough, King at Wharton, 6 p.m.

May 18
Hernando at Sunlake, 7 p.m.
Wiregrass Ranch at Tampa Catholic, 7p.m.
Pasco at Fivay, 7 p.m.

May 19
Carrollwood Day at Bishop McLaughlin, 1 p.m.

May 24
Jamboree: Lakeside Christian, Solid Rock, Academy at the Lakes at Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, 6 p.m.

Published April 25, 2018

Filed Under: Local Sports Tagged With: Academy at the Lakes, Andrew Kilfoyl, Brian Wachtel, Cartrell Strong, Chad Walker, Charles Harrison III, Chris Butash, Cypress Creek Middle High School, Daniel Gonzalez, Darrion Robinson, Deon Silas, Devin Santana, Dylan Price, Dylan Ridolph, Dylan Wood, Early Knight, Elijah Thomas, Ethan Forrester, Evan Lutz, Florida Christian Association of Private and Parochial Schools, Florida High School Athletic Association, Isaiah Smith, Ja’quan Sheppard, Jacquez Mobley, Jalen Brown, Jamaal Johnson, Javion Hanner, Jehlani Warren, Jeromy Reid, Kyle Leivas, Land O' Lakes High School, Mike Johnson, Myles Carter, Myron Bloom, Nate Howard, Nick Carroll, Pasco High School, Shawn Brown, Sterlin Williams, Sunlake High School, Sunshine Athletic Conference, Tre’pavis Mobley, Trevor Maxwell, Tyrese Wigfall, Wharton High School, Wiregrass Ranch High School, Zac Masci, Zachary Moore, Zephyrhills High School

New Land O’ Lakes football coach embraces program’s traditions

February 21, 2018 By Kevin Weiss

Chad Walker, a veteran college football assistant, is bringing his experience to Land O’ Lakes High as its new head varsity football coach.

He is replacing Brian Wachtel, who resigned in November after a combined 25-42 mark in seven seasons. His only winning season was in 2013, when the team went 8-3.

Walker, was among 40 applicants for the position.

The Pennsylvania native was selected from a field of 11 applicants interviewed for the job, according to Land O’ Lakes High School athletic director Michael Frump.

Chad Walker has been named Land O’ Lakes High School’s new varsity head football coach. The 33-year-old has a decade of coaching experience, primarily at the postsecondary level. (Courtesy of Chad Walker)

At 33, Walker is relatively young. But, he doesn’t lack experience. He’s coached at the postsecondary level for about a decade.

His stops include Division II Pace University in New York, where he served as offensive coordinator/quarterback coach; Bridgton Academy in Maine, as head coach; Division III Kenyon College in Ohio, as offensive coordinator and offensive line coach; Division I FCS Lafayette College, coaching linebackers, tight ends and special teams; and Randolph-Macon College in Virginia, as defensive line coach.

Several of those roles required rebuilding and transforming losing programs into stable ones, Walker said.

He looks to do the same at Land O’ Lakes.

“I coached at Kenyon College, where we hadn’t won a game in four years. Pace University, the same sort of thing. So, I’ve always been a part of these turnaround jobs. I’ve really kind of learned what works, what doesn’t work,” Walker said in a recent interview with The Laker/Lutz News.

Walker’s playing career also is notable.

Groomed as a tight end, he earned four varsity letters at Lafayette from 2002 to 2005 and was a Patriot League All-Conference selection in 2005.

He later played professionally for two years in NFL Italy as a player/coach and the European Federation of American Football in Sweden. A knee injury ended his playing career and routed him to coaching.

“Football’s my passion,” Walker said.

For the past year, Walker has served as director of football operations/quarterback coach at Tampa-based Applied Science and Performance Institute (ASPI), which provides advanced training to elite athletes and pro football hopefuls. He now is overseeing logistics for nearly 50 football players, as they gear up for the NFL Combine.

At APSI, he’s gotten to work alongside former Tampa Bay Buccaneers like Yo Murphy, Reidel Anthony, Booger McFarland, Todd Washington and others.

“Being around these former NFL players, seeing how they relate to the guys, seeing as how they coach on the field during position drills and different things — it’s really continued to help me grow, not only in the football side of things, but also in life,” Walker said.

While he balances his duties at APSI, Walker has been familiarizing himself with the Gators program.

He’s met with current and prospective players and assistant coaches, and has observed offseason workouts and weightlifting sessions.

He’s also spent time watching film of the 2017 season, evaluating returning players and their skillsets, while scouting team opponents.

He’s also in the process of filling out the rest of his coaching staff.

“One thing that caught my eye about Land O’ Lakes was the tradition,” Walker said. “Obviously, there’s some things to be done, but there’s some tools in place,” he added.

Walker becomes Land O’ Lakes’ fifth head football coach since the program started in 1975. In addition to Wachtel, previous head coaches were Matt Kitchie, John Benedetto and Dan Sikes.

For many years, Land O’ Lakes had one of the top football programs in Pasco County, earning a string of 14 straight playoff appearances from 1997 to 2009 under coaches Benedetto and Kitchie.

However, the recent success of other programs in the county — as well as an ever-challenging district — have made winning consistently a tall task.

Despite taking over a Gators program in the midst of four straight losing seasons—and a 4-5 mark in 2017— Walker is optimistic about the future.

Said Walker, “I don’t necessarily think there’s an overhaul that needs to be done or a complete cultural change because I do think there’s a foundation there that you currently don’t see at a lot of places when people talk about, ‘Well, there hasn’t been success in the past.’

“I think Coach Wachtel laid a pretty sturdy foundation with that, and now it’s just to try and take it to the next level, and obviously get guys to buy into what my philosophy is and what our foundation’s going to be, and just learn to compete and to grow,” Walker said.

Part of that starts with encouraging more Land O’ Lakes athletes — such as the school’s basketball players — to join the football team.

“There are definitely athletes in the school right now I think can benefit not only the football program, but could benefit them as well,” Walker said, adding he went to see a Gators varsity basketball game within the first few weeks of being hired.

The new coach is mum on the types of schemes he plans to implement on offense and defense, but described it as “something that I’ve been successful with, and something I think the kids will enjoy as well.”

He added: “At the end of the day, it’s about the kids and bringing back some excitement in the Land O’ Lakes football program. We’re going to be, I think, fun to watch on Friday evenings.”

Playbooks aside, the Gators should have budding talent to work with — on both sides of the ball — in 2018.

Leading rusher Kyle Leivas, who tallied 1,050 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2017, is expected to return for his senior season, teaming up with a promising quarterback, Ethan Forrester, who will be a junior this season.

On defense, the Gators are expected to return its top three tacklers in linebackers Myron Bloom (76 tackles, two sacks) and Clayton Hendriksen (75 tackles, 1.5 sacks), and safety Nate Howard (66 tackles, one interception).

Meanwhile, Walker’s experiences — especially as a college coach — may yield additional recruiting and scholarship opportunities for some of those Land O’ Lakes players.

“I do think one thing that is beneficial that I do bring to the high school level is the understanding of recruiting,” the new Gators coach said.

That includes such things as “how to market yourself to a college coach” and “how to market yourself to an admissions office academically,” he said.

There are also other things that need to be addressed, including community service and “growing yourself as a young man to put yourself in the right position,” Walker said.

NOTE: Spring practices begin in Florida on April 23; the first allowable day of contact practices is April 28.

Published February 21, 2018

Filed Under: Land O' Lakes Sports, Local Sports Tagged With: Applied Science and Performance Institute, Booger McFarland, Brian Wachtel, Bridgton Academy, Chad Walker, Clayton Hendriksen, Dan Sikes, Ethan Forrester, European Federation of American Football, John Benedetto, Kenyon College, Kyle Leivas, Lafayette College, Land O' Lakes High School, Matt Kitchie, Michael Frump, Myron Bloom, Nate Howard, NFL, Pace University, Patriot League All-Conference, Randolph-Macon College, Reidel Anthony, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Todd Washington, Yo Murphy

Land O’ Lakes High head football coach resigns

November 15, 2017 By Kevin Weiss

Land O’ Lakes High School’s varsity football program will have a new leader in 2018.

Brian Wachtel, the Gators head coach since 2011, stepped down following the team’s final regular season game on Nov. 3 — a 36-6 win over Fivay High School.

Wachtel, 39, announced his decision to principal Ric Mellin prior to the game.

Land O’ Lakes athletic director Michael Frump said the school will advertise the coaching vacancy after the Thanksgiving holiday

Brian Wachtel has stepped down as Land O’ Lakes High’s varsity football coach. A search for his replacement will begin after the Thanksgiving break. (Courtesy of Land O’ Lakes High School)

The Gators finished the 2017 season 4-5 overall, with a 1-3 district mark.

Wachtel’s entire seven-year run offered mixed results.

He posted just one winning season (8-2 in 2013) and a combined 25-42 record — including an 0-10 mark in 2011 where games were forfeited as a result of an ineligible player.

The Gators also failed to register a victory over rival Sunlake High School in the annual “Butter Bowl” during that period.

Wachtel came to Land O’ Lakes with considerable fanfare in 2011, after posting a 13-7 record in two seasons at Mitchell High School. His career as a coach began nearly 15 years ago as an assistant at his alma mater River Ridge High School, where he quickly rose up the ranks in the profession.

Land O’ Lakes historically has fielded one of the top football programs in Pasco County, earning a string of 14 straight playoff appearances from 1997 to 2009 under coaches John Benedetto and Matt Kitchie.

However, the recent success of other programs in the county and an ever-challenging district made winning consistently a tall task.

While the Gators win-loss column left much to be desired, Wachtel and his staff mentored several athletes who advanced to the college ranks, at the NCAA Division I, II and III, and NAIA levels. Among them is Samford University’s Shaheed Salmon, a preseason FCS All-American who’s quickly developed into one of the nation’s most productive linebackers.

Additionally, Wachtel this year coached five players who’ve been selected to the Pasco County Senior East-West Classic—wide receiver Taylor Winn, offensive tackle Justin Collier, offensive guard Guston Farr, defensive tackle Xavier Arroyo and linebacker Matt Geiger.

Projecting forward, the Gators next coach should have budding talent to work with — on both sides of the ball — in 2018.

Leading rusher Kyle Leivas, who tallied 1,050 yards and 12 touchdowns this season, is expected to return for his senior season, teaming up with a promising quarterback Ethan Forrester, who will be a junior next year.

And, that’s not all.

The Gators defense is expected to return its top three tacklers in linebackers Myron Bloom (76 tackles, two sacks) and Clayton Hendriksen (75 tackles, 1.5 sacks), and safety Nate Howard (66 tackles, one interception).

Published November 15, 2017

Filed Under: Land O' Lakes Sports, Local Sports Tagged With: Brian Wachtel, Clayton Hendriksen, Ethan Forrester, Fivay High School, Guston Farr, John Benedetto, Justin Collier, Kyle Leivas, Land O' Lakes High School, Matt Geiger, Matt Kitchie, Michael Frump, Mitchell High School, Myron Bloom, Nate Howard, Ric Mellin, River Ridge High School, Samford University, Shaheed Salmon, Sunlake High School, Taylor Winn, Xavier Arroyo

Sunlake keeps ‘Butter Bowl’ streak alive

September 27, 2017 By Kevin Weiss

It wasn’t easy, but the Sunlake Seahawks secured its first win of the season — and maintained its dominance over the Land O’ Lakes Gators in the 11th annual “Butter Bowl” rivalry game, with a 37-20 victory.

Senior running back Bryant Beacham helped guide Sunlake to a comeback victory over Land O’ Lakes High, rushing for 143 yards and two touchdowns. (Courtesy of Tom Ketchum)

The Sept. 22 road win marks the Seahawks’ (1-3) eighth straight victory over the Gators (1-2) since the series began in 2007.

Trailing 14-3 midway through the third quarter, the Seahawks battled back with a potent rushing attack and key special teams plays, rallying to a 27-0 run.

Sunlake entered halftime with a 3-0 lead, but quickly surrendered two straight scores early in the third quarter — both touchdown runs by Gators running back Kyle Leivas.

Undeterred, the Seahawks answered with four consecutive touchdowns, taking advantage of solid field position to set up scoring drives.

The tide of the game shifted once Sunlake fullback Grant Henderson ripped off a 37-yard kick return to create an easy scoring opportunity at the Land O’ Lakes’ 25 yard line.

Minutes later, Sunlake defensive lineman Trent Shorey blocked a punt that was recovered by tailback Bryant Beacham, setting up a 16-14 lead early in the fourth quarter.

Despite a 37-20 loss, Land O’ Lakes sophomore quarterback Ethan Forrester showed promise, throwing for 243 yards and two touchdowns.

The Seahawks didn’t trail again.

Besides a dominant first-half defense and timely special teams plays, the Seahawks combined for over 300 rushing yards and five touchdowns, including two apiece by Beacham and Henderson.

Though it wasn’t enough, the Gators received a standout performance from sophomore quarterback Ethan Forrester, who threw for 243 yards and one touchdown on just 11 completions. He’s thrown for 439 yards through three games.

Next up: Sunlake travels to Springstead (2-1), while Land O’ Lakes travels to Cypress Creek. Both games are Sept. 29 at 7:30 p.m.

Key Stats:
Land O’ Lakes
Quarterback Ethan Forrester: 234 yards, one touchdown, 44 percent completion percentage

Tailback Kyle Levias: 130 all-purpose yards, two touchdowns

Wide Receiver Taylor Winn: 87 yards, three receptions, one touchdown

Safety/Wide Receiver Nate Howard: 13 total tackles; 70 yards on three receptions

Sunlake
Quarterback Hunter Watts: 45 yards passing, 88 yards rushing, one touchdown

Tailback Bryant Beacham: 143 yards on 17 carries, two touchdowns

Fullback Grant Henderson: 61 all-purpose yards, two touchdowns

Kicker Grant Presson: 32-yard field goal, four-of-five PATs (Point-after touchdowns)

Butter Bowl series history
Sunlake leads 8-3
2017: Sunlake 37, Land O’ Lakes 20
2016: Sunlake 21, Land O’ Lakes 3
2015: Sunlake 34, Land O’ Lakes 0
2014: Sunlake 42, Land O’ Lakes 14
2013: Sunlake 38, Land O’ Lakes 21
2012: Sunlake 18, Land O’ Lakes 6
2011: Sunlake (Land O’ Lakes forfeit due to recruiting violations)
2010: Sunlake 29, Land O’ Lakes 21
2009: Land O’ Lakes 42, Sunlake, 14
2008: Land O’ Lakes 28, Sunlake 0
2007: Land O’ Lakes 26, Sunlake 0

-Stats compiled using Maxpreps.com-

Published September 27, 2017

Filed Under: Land O' Lakes Sports, Local Sports Tagged With: Bryant Beacham, Butter Bowl, Ethan Forrester, Grant Henderson, Grant Presson, Hunter Watts, Kyle Leivas, Land O' Lakes Gators, Land O' Lakes High School, Nate Howard, Sunlake High School, Sunlake Seahawks, Taylor Winn, Trent Shorey

Primary Sidebar

Plaza Mexico

Foodie Friday Gallery

Search

Sponsored Content

Avalon Applauds… Norah Catlin

February 23, 2021 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

CONGRATULATIONS to Norah Catlin, for being applauded by Avalon Park Wesley Chapel. Catlin, a senior at Wiregrass Ranch … [Read More...] about Avalon Applauds… Norah Catlin

More Posts from this Category

Archives

What’s Happening

‘Aladdin jr.’

Live Oak Theatre is now selling tickets for its Acorn Theatre production of “Aladdin jr.” Performances will be March 18 through March 28, at the Carol and Frank Morsani Center for the Arts, 21030 Cortez Blvd., in Brooksville. Seats are $15 for adults and $8 for children ages 13 and younger, when accompanied by an adult. For show times and tickets, visit LiveOakTheatre.square.site, email , or call 352-593-0027. … [Read More...] about ‘Aladdin jr.’

03/05/2021 – Apple Pie Bombs

The Pasco County Library Cooperative will offer “Foodie Feast: Apple Pie Bombs” on March 5. Participants can learn how to make tasty, apple pie bombs. Watch the prerecorded video between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., online at Facebook.com/hughembrylibrary or Facebook.com/newriverlibrary. For information, call 352-567-3576, or email Danielle Lee at . … [Read More...] about 03/05/2021 – Apple Pie Bombs

03/06/2021 – Bridal Trunk Show

The Gulfside Hospice New Port Richey Thrift Shoppe, 6117 State Road 54, will host a Bridal Trunk Show on March 6 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. There will be more than 250 dresses to choose from, starting at $29.99 and many brand new. Admission is free, but limited spots are available to allow for social distancing. Brides must register online in advance, by March 3, at bit.ly/NPR-Bridal-Trunk-Show. All proceeds from the shop go to help hospice patients in Pasco County. For questions, contact Jeremi Sliger at , or call 727-842-7262. … [Read More...] about 03/06/2021 – Bridal Trunk Show

03/11/2021 – Economic security

The Pasco Unit of the League of Women Voters of Hillsborough County will sponsor a panel discussion on “Economic Security in Pasco County During the COVID Outbreak” on March 11 at 7 p.m. Panelists will include Brian Hoben, community services director, Pasco County Public Services; Marcy Esbjerg, director of community development, Pasco County Public Services; Don Anderson, CEO, Pasco Homeless Coalition; and, Mike Bishop, director, Stakeholder Engagement, Pasco Economic Development Council. For information on how to register, email . … [Read More...] about 03/11/2021 – Economic security

03/13/2021 – ‘Grease’ event

T-Mobile will sponsor “Grease is the Word” on March 13 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. There will be a sing-along contest pitting Pasco County Fire Rescue against the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, a free movie “under the stars,” and a classic car show with prizes. There also will be food trucks and games. Admission is free. … [Read More...] about 03/13/2021 – ‘Grease’ event

03/13/2021 – Exhibitors needed

Demene Benjamin and UrEsteem will host “UrSelf: A Dabble in Self-Care” on March 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. Exhibitors can be anyone who has a product or service to promote physical, mental and social health, including physical and massage therapists; counselors; churches; nail techs/hairstylists; yoga/pilates/exercise; or natural products. For information, call 813-334-6006, or email . … [Read More...] about 03/13/2021 – Exhibitors needed

More of What's Happening

Follow us on Twitter

The Laker/Lutz NewsFollow

The Laker/Lutz News
LakerLutzNewsThe Laker/Lutz News@LakerLutzNews·
11h

This week in SPORTS: Sports agency in Lutz building reputation, clientele. https://buff.ly/3qZDdpc

Reply on Twitter 1366070716072943616Retweet on Twitter 1366070716072943616Like on Twitter 1366070716072943616Twitter 1366070716072943616
LakerLutzNewsThe Laker/Lutz News@LakerLutzNews·
27 Feb

Pasco board looks to put pause on multifamily. https://buff.ly/2MtqP1Z

Reply on Twitter 1365708311912415237Retweet on Twitter 1365708311912415237Like on Twitter 13657083119124152371Twitter 1365708311912415237
LakerLutzNewsThe Laker/Lutz News@LakerLutzNews·
26 Feb

Grove Theater now open in Wesley Chapel. https://buff.ly/2Nye3zP

Reply on Twitter 1365346133065814018Retweet on Twitter 1365346133065814018Like on Twitter 1365346133065814018Twitter 1365346133065814018
Load More...

 

 

Where to pick up The Laker and Lutz News

Top Stories

Grove Theater now open in Wesley Chapel

Pasco board looks to put pause on multifamily

An entertainment venue in downtown Zephyrhills?

Ash Wednesday events vary, across region

State testing should not be punitive, board members say

Retiring ‘Old Glory’ with dignity

SWFMD executive director wins geology alumni award

Perils on Pasco roads continue to climb

New fire truck welcomed with a ‘push-in’ ceremony

Efforts underway to help deputy’s family

PHSC panel seeks solutions on racial equity, social justice

Celebrating one life, saving another

Two Rivers will offer places to live, work, play

Secondary Sidebar

More Stories

Check out our other stories for the week

Grove Theater now open in Wesley Chapel

Pasco board looks to put pause on multifamily

An entertainment venue in downtown Zephyrhills?

Ash Wednesday events vary, across region

State testing should not be punitive, board members say

Retiring ‘Old Glory’ with dignity

SWFMD executive director wins geology alumni award

Perils on Pasco roads continue to climb

New fire truck welcomed with a ‘push-in’ ceremony

Efforts underway to help deputy’s family

PHSC panel seeks solutions on racial equity, social justice

Celebrating one life, saving another

Two Rivers will offer places to live, work, play

Sports Stories

Sports agency in Lutz building reputation, clientele

Conference champs!

1,000-point club

Locals athletes ink with colleges on National Signing Day

Seniors keep active at East Pasco Family YMCA

Copyright © 2021 Community News Publications Inc.

   