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Land O' Lakes Gators

Sunlake keeps ‘Butter Bowl’ streak alive

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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

Land O’ Lakes High softball wins state title

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They finally did it.

On May 20, the Land O’ Lakes High Gators unseated powerhouse Plantation American Heritage 3-1, claiming the Class 6A Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSSA) softball championship at Historic Dodgertown in Vero Beach.

The achievement marks the first fastpitch title for Land O’Lakes (29-3) and the first for a Pasco County program since Ridgewood High won in 1992.

On May 20, the Land O’ Lakes High Gators defeated Plantation American Heritage 3-1, claiming the Class 6A Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) softball championship at Historic Dodgertown in Vero Beach. The win marks the first fastpitch title for Land O’ Lakes (29-3) and the first for a Pasco County program since Ridgewood High won in 1992.
(Courtesy of Edwin Rodriguez, Land O’ Lakes Gators varsity softball)

Making the victory even sweeter: The Gators downed the same team that eliminated them in last year’s state semifinals.

And, it wasn’t the first time this postseason Land O’ Lakes exacted revenge.

The Gators twice beat Wesley Chapel High School — in districts and regionals —after the Wildcats bested them during an April 4 regular season game (2-0 loss).

Besides payback, the championship shows the Gators — in recent years one of the region’s premier softball program — can dethrone a state dynasty; American Heritage (25-4) was making its fourth straight championship game appearance and was trying to win its eighth title overall.

Likewise impressive, the Gators won in comeback fashion.

Trailing 1-0 in the bottom of the sixth inning, Land O’Lakes found timely hitting —base hits by Callie Turner and Tia Williams  — and benefitted from Patriot mistakes — hit by pitch, wild pitch— to build the lead for good.

Meanwhile, Turner, the team’s sophomore ace, kept the game within reach from the outset, pitching like she has all season long.

The University of Tennessee commit fired a complete game, allowing just five hits and striking out eight against a potent Patriots lineup (.447 team average, 24 home runs).

The Gators’ championship win culminated a pair of close playoff games.

The day before, on May 19, Land O’ Lakes edged North Fort Myers High 2-0 in the state semifinals.

And, on May 12, the Gators narrowly beat Springstead High 2-0 in the region finals.

For followers of Land O’ Lakes varsity softball, the championship isn’t an utter shock.

But, it’s likely eye-opening after last year’s graduation of Shannon Saile, one of the program’s all-time great pitchers.

Saile — now a freshman standout at Florida International University — amassed 517 strikeouts and a career 1.76 ERA in four seasons. She also compiled 41 wins, 31 complete games, 11 shutouts and five no-hitters in her prep career.

Moreover, Gators head coach Mitch Wilkins this season had to replace two key bats in then-seniors Tayler Holt (.347 average) and Kendall Tipton (.311 average).

No matter.

Projecting forward, a state title repeat in 2018 isn’t out of the question.

Armed with Turner (0.21 ERA, 249 strikeouts) and a budding star in sophomore Shelby Westbrook (2.10 ERA, 58 strikeouts in 43.1 innings), pitching won’t be an issue.

Hitting shouldn’t be a problem, either.

The Gators do lose centerfielder Jessie McCallister (.358 average, 17 RBIs) and outfielder Lexi Turner (.293 average, 19 RBIs).

But, the team returns just about everyone else, including sluggers Tia Williams (.444 average, 24 RBIs), Ashley Smith (.390 average, four home runs, 30 RBIs) and Brianna Lindner (.352 average, two home runs, 22 RBIs).

Not to be overlooked, Wilkins’ mentoring should provide a steadying force, too.

After a 13-13 mark in 2014, the team has since gone a combined 80-9 under Wilkins.

Published May 24, 2017

Area spring football preview: Pasco County

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Spring football practices are underway for high schools across the state. While the first games of the 2016 season are still several months away, Florida high schools are allowed a maximum of 20 practice sessions between April 25 to May 31, according to FHSAA (Florida High School Athletic Association) guidelines.

 

Here’s a look at what schools in our coverage area are working with:

Land O’ Lakes High School
Coach: Brian Wachtel (6th year)
2015 Record: 3-7                

The Land O' Lakes Gators are looking to avoid a third straight losing season. A more manageable season in 2016 should help. (File photos)
The Land O’ Lakes Gators are looking to avoid a third straight losing season. A more manageable season in 2016 should help.
(File photos)

Last season was rough for the Gators, who failed to win a home game at “The Swamp,” and were shutout by their primary rival in Sunlake High. Playing five consecutive road games didn’t help the cause, either. To relive their magical 8-2 season back in 2013, the Gators must find some consistent play at the quarterback position, whether that is from rising senior Spencer Childress or rising junior Jude May. Though the team loses their top two rushers from last season in Rashawn Kindell (526 yards rushing, 5.7 yards per carry) and Tommy Farmer (417 yards, 7 TDs), the Gators may have a breakout candidate in tailback Quintin Smith, who’ll be a senior. On defense, the Gators return standout safety Justin Kren, a capable tackler (51 solo tackles) and ballhawk (five interceptions).

Pasco County High School
Coach: Tom McHugh (9th year)
2015 Record: 4-6

A difficult schedule and some tough breaks steered the Pirates into a losing 2015 season. Despite starting the year 3-0, Pasco High ran into some tough competition in the middle of the season, losing four straight games to North Marion, Jesuit, Mitchell and Sunlake high schools. A heartbreaking 44-43 overtime loss to Springstead High added fuel to the fire. While the win-loss total doesn’t show it, the Pirates were loaded with talent, including cornerback Jayvauhn Myers (Auburn signee), offensive lineman Jamal Mention (Coffeyville (Kansas) Community College signee) and tight end Nick Bryant (Middle Tennessee signee). Coach McHugh must find a way to replace those productive players, and find a reliable quarterback after Michael Penix Jr. transferred to Tampa Bay Tech.

Sunlake High School
Coach: Bill Browning (9th year)
2015 Record: 8-3

The Sunlake Seahawks are looking to have their seventh straight winning season. To do so, Coach Bill Browning will have to replace several starters on the offensive line.
The Sunlake Seahawks are looking to have their seventh straight winning season. To do so, Coach Bill Browning will have to replace several starters on the offensive line.

Another year, another terrific record. That’s been the narrative for the Seahawks over the past six seasons under the leadership of head coach Bill Browning. Since 2010, the team has a combined record of 53-13. Though the team returns several players at the skill positions, one of the big questions leading into the season is how the team will fare on the offensive line, with the departures of Bryce Cooley (Angelo State signee), Joe Russum (Black Hills State signee) and Leo Baez (Bluefield College). If the Seahawks can create cohesion and provide enough protection in the trenches for standout pro-style quarterback Justin Hall (1,729 yards, 17 TDs, 3 INTs), they should be in store for another winning season.

Wesley Chapel High School
Coach: Anthony Egan (1st year)
2015 record: 2-8

The Wildcats have suffered four straight losing seasons, and now it’s up to first-year head coach Anthony Egan — a former River Ridge High assistant — to turn the program around. Luckily for Egan, the cupboard isn’t bare. Signal-caller Jacob Thomas (44 percent completion, 1,825 yards, 17 TDs, 13 INTs) returns as well as pass-catchers Ben Goins (31 receptions, 403 yards) and Devin Singletary (23 receptions, 240 yards). On defense, the Wildcats return their top three tacklers in Marcus Gillott, Ellrie Allen and Christian Austin. To improve their record, the Wildcats must find a way to develop a consistent rushing attack (rushers averaged just 2.6 yards per carry) and they must win close games (the team lost three games by seven points or fewer in 2015.)

Wiregrass Ranch High School
Coach: Mark Kantor (2nd year)
2015 record: 2-8

Coach Mark Kantor embarks on year two of what is perhaps a long-term rebuilding job. Prior to Kantor’s hiring in 2015, the Bulls had three coaches in four years, combining for an 8-32 record during that span. To improve in 2016, the Bulls must find a way to stay healthy (19 season-ending injuries were suffered in 2015) and significantly improve on offense. The team averaged just 10.6 points per game in 2015, and was shutout in half of their games. If the Bulls can’t muster up better production from the quarterback position, it’ll be tough to secure a winning record.

Zephyrhills High School
Coach: Nick Carroll (1st year)
2015 record: 8-3

The Bulldogs notched their fourth straight winning season in 2015, but they’ll enter the 2016 season with a new head coach in Nick Carroll, a former Sunlake High assistant. Carroll will try to duplicate the success of former coach Reggie Roberts, but will have a challenge on his hands. Running back Antwione Sims, the team’s leading offensive playmaker, tore his ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) over a month ago, and will likely miss several games in 2016. Additionally, Carroll must find a way to get Bulldogs players to gel, and learn the style of offense and defense he’s implementing. Carroll expects several incoming freshmen and sophomores to make an impact in his first season.

Zephyrhills Christian Academy
Coach: Mike Smith (2nd year, 11-man)
2015 Record: 4-4    

The Warriors had a respectable 2015 season, if you consider it was their first season playing 11-man football after they dominated the 6-man ranks for several years. However, the team may be in for a setback in 2016, as they’ll be without their top offensive player, wide receiver Issac Johnson (62 receptions, 1,013 yards), and top defensive player, defensive lineman J’ Won Pickett. Both Johnson (Iowa Western Community College) and Pickett (Minnesota State Community College) are playing football at junior colleges next season. The Warriors will also have to develop a new quarterback with the impending graduation of Matthew Iovine, an accurate passer (67 percent completion, 1,475 yards). Being without last year’s quarterback and top receiver may open the door to additional carries for returning running backs such as John Emmanual, Dwight Thomas and Mykh’ael Chavis.

Published May 4, 2016

 

In Print: Pasco’s day without public transit

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Unless you were heading to the post office or bank on Monday, chances are you probably didn’t realize the nation celebrated Columbus Day this past week.

There were no riders at bus stops on Monday. Although Pasco County was technically open on Columbus Day, many departments — including Pasco County Public Transportation — were closed for employee training. (Michael Hinman/Staff Photo)
There were no riders at bus stops on Monday. Although Pasco County was technically open on Columbus Day, many departments — including Pasco County Public Transportation — were closed for employee training. (Michael Hinman/Staff Photo)

The holiday, meant to recognize explorer Christopher Columbus and his trip to North America in the 15th century, is technically a federal holiday, but not really recognized as one that closes many businesses or schools. Except for Pasco County government.

Not that county workers weren’t on the clock Monday — they just were not available to provide services to residents, instead taking part in a twice-yearly training and appreciation day. And it also meant that people who did need to go to work — especially those who depend on public transportation — were looking for other ways to get there Monday.

“We don’t have the opportunity to train our work units as a team,” Pasco County administrator Michele Baker told reporter Michael Hinman. “The only way to give good training and to improve our customer service, and improve the level of service to our customers, is to do a timeout.”

Columbus Day was a day when bus ridership was historically low, Baker said. It’s important to have drivers and other workers with the bus lines attend the training, because they don’t typically get it otherwise.

But not everyone fully supports shutting down the bus lines on a work day. Erika Remsberg, who is running against Mike Moore for Pasco County Commission, worried about how it might affect people who need a ride to their job.

“The extend of those consequences may not be realizes or assessed,” Remsberg said. “My hope is this is such a critical training event that it will increase productivity (and) customer service more than it will hurt the folks who will lose a day’s pay, delay their (medical) treatment, or prevent them from getting groceries for their families.”

What do riders think who tried to catch the bus on Monday? Find out in this week’s print edition of The Laker/Lutz News, now available throughout Pasco and northern Hillsborough counties, and also online with our free e-edition by clicking here.

October is a month where it’s easy to find pink, as many people work together to raise money to help fight breast cancer. While the medical condition is primarily associated with women, breast cancer can be a problem among men, too.

Kriss Bowles knows, because 10 years ago, she lost her husband to breast cancer.

“He’d lay in a recliner to sleep,” Bowles told reporter B.C. Manion about her husband, Brock. “I would sit there and watch him sleep, and wonder what was going through his mind. Because he knew he was dying.”

Male breast cancer can be even more dangerous than it should be, primarily because it’s not common enough to require annual exams. But also because male breast cancer carries a stigma for many that checking for it would make men less “macho.”

What can men do to protect themselves from breast cancer? Find out in this week’s print edition of The Laker/Lutz News, available on newsstands and in driveways right now, or through our online e-edition by clicking here.

It’s a new rivalry, but one a lot of people are paying attention to. On Friday, the Land O’ Lakes Gators host the Sunlake Seahawks in high school football’s Battle on U.S. 41, or pretty close.

Sunlake is coming in with a very strong 6-1 record, and looking to make a trip to the postseason. The Gators, at 3-3, are poised to play spoiler — especially as Land O’ Lakes remains the top-scoring team in the district, despite its record.

But what can fans expect come Friday? Well, for started, no one taking anything for granted.

“Land O’ Lakes has a good football team,” Sunlake head coach Bill Browning told reporter Michael Murillo. “They obviously have a very good throwing game, so we have to be able to get lined up right, and be able to defend the pass against them.”

What’s worse, this is a game where everyone knows everyone else. No scouts are needed to see where the strengths and weaknesses are for both Sunlake and Land O’ Lakes.

“All the players know each other,” Browning said. “We’re right in each other’s backyard. It makes for a great rivalry game.”

Who has the edge? Draw your own conclusions after reading the full story, found in the sports section of this week’s print edition of The Laker/Lutz News. And if you can’t wait to get your copy, check out the free online e-edition right here.

And finally, photojournalist Fred Bellet has some great pictures to share from the recent Peace Week at Pasco-Hernando State College. See what happens when Tibetan monks get a hold of colored sand in a beautiful yet spiritual display, which can be found on the front of this week’s B-Section. See it online by clicking here.

All of these stories and more can be found in this week’s The Laker/Lutz News, available in newsstands throughout east and central Pasco County as well as northern Hillsborough County. Find out what has your community talking this week by getting your local news straight from the only source you need.

If The Laker/Lutz News is not coming to your door, call us to see where you can get your copy at (813) 909-2800, or read our free e-edition by clicking here.