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prep football

Prep football regular season recap

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With the 2018 prep football regular season coming to a close — and playoffs set to begin — here’s a look at some of the storylines and highlights from schools in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area:

Zephyrhills notches perfect campaign
The 2018 campaign will be one to remember for the Zephyrhills Bulldogs.

Zephyrhills High finished the regular season with an undefeated 10-0 mark. (Courtesy of Zephyrhills High School)

They finished 10-0 and captured their second straight Class 5A, District 8 title — becoming the only public school in Pasco County to finish the regular season undefeated, and, marking the first time the program has had a perfect regular season since 1995.

Meanwhile, the Bulldogs closed the year with a 49-0 shutout of the Pasco Pirates — the largest margin of victory in the long-standing 9-Mile War rivalry game that dates back to 1941.

Of course, the Bulldogs recent success is no fluke.

The program has posted eight straight winning seasons and five playoff appearances under its last two coaches, Nick Carroll and Reggie Roberts. Carroll is now 28-5 through his first three seasons as head coach. That includes 19 straight regular season wins dating back to last season.

Now Zephyrhills hopes for a deeper run in the playoffs than last season, when they lost an emotional 52-49 home contest to Green Cove Springs Clay in the Class 5A regional semifinals. They host Crystal River (8-2) on Friday in the Class 5A regional quarterfinals.

Gaither finishes strong to reach playoffs
Heading into the final week of the regular season, the Gaither Cowboys were on the outside looking in to the Class 7A playoffs. But, a remarkable 21-20 win over Tampa Bay Tech in the regular season finale — as part of a three-game winning streak — propelled them to a No. 6 seed in the Class 7A, Region 2 bracket.

The win gives Gaither (7-3) some momentum in notching its second straight playoff berth, something the Cowboys will need this Friday against Plant (9-1) — a team they haven’t beaten in 10 contests, including a 44-34 loss back on Sept. 21.

But, don’t totally discount the Cowboys, who feature a balanced offensive attack and a dangerous pass rush to hang with many teams.

Land O’ Lakes thrives under new head coach
While the Land O’ Lakes Gators narrowly missed the playoffs, it was undoubtedly a successful  season for first-year head coach Chad Walker.

The Gators (7-3) notched its first winning season since 2013.

And, they finally upended crosstown rival Sunlake in the annual Butter Bowl game — winning for the first time in the series since 2009.

The big question is whether Land O’ Lakes can maintain the newfound success after losing a large senior class that includes a bevy of contributors on offense and defense. Working in the team’s favor, however, is the expected return of junior quarterback Ethan Forrester, who posted a 51.6 completion percentage for 1,252 passing yards and 12 touchdowns (three interceptions).

Local private schools are playoff-bound
It’s been a solid year for private schools in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area, as Carrollwood Day School, Zephyrhills Christian, and Academy at the Lakes (eight-man) each qualified for the playoffs. Carrollwood Day (5-5) and Zephyrhills Christian (7-3) locked up No. 3 seeds in their respective Class 2A regions. Carrollwood Day is making its first playoff appearance since 2015, while Zephyrhills Christian is making its third straight postseason appearance.

Academy at the Lakes (6-0), meanwhile, with one regular season game remaining, has already secured the No. 1 seed in the Florida Christian Association of Private and Parochial Schools (FCAPPS) eight-man playoffs. The defending FCAPPs state champions, Academy at the Lakes, is on a 15-game winning streak.

Sunlake head football coach Bill Browning retires as one of Pasco County’s most accomplished coaches. (FIle)

Farewell to longtime Sunlake coach
After 29 years as a high school football head coach in the North Suncoast, Sunlake’s Bill Browning is hanging up his headset and putting away his playbook. The longtime coach made the announcement over the weekend after the Seahawks wrapped up its second straight 4-6 campaign.

Browning built the Seahawks program from scratch in 2007, turning it into one of Pasco County’s most dominant programs across the last decade, with a string of seven straight winning seasons. Browning now retires as the seventh-most winningest coach in Pasco County history (73). Prior to Sunlake, Browning coached a combined 17 years for Springstead and Hernando high schools, racking up a combined 92 wins— second all-time among Hernando County coaches.

Browning at Sunlake
2018: 4-6
2017: 4-6
2016: 7-3
2015: 8-3 (district runner-up)
2014: 9-3 (district champion)
2013: 9-2 (district runner-up)
2012: 8-2
2011: 10-2 (district runner-up)
2010: 9-1
2009: 4-6
2008: 1-9
2007: 0-10

Stat Stuffers
A look at some individual players who shined during the 2018 regular season

Dylan Ridolph

Doug Crawford, Zephyrhills, senior quarterback: Ranked among the region’s most efficient signal-callers, with a 72.3 completion percentage for 1,010 yards and 17 touchdowns (three interceptions).

Dylan Ridolph, Wiregrass Ranch, junior linebacker: Leads the state with 20 sacks, to go along with 77 total tackles and 30 tackles for loss.

Kyle Benedict, Carrollwood Day School, senior receiver: Extremely productive wideout tallied 42 catches for 742 yards and six touchdowns. Has over 116 career receptions for over 2,000 yards in four years on varsity.

Kyle Leivas

Kyle Leivas, Land O’ Lakes, senior tailback: Posted 2,180 all-purpose yards and 17 total touchdowns. Also eclipsed the 1,000-yard rushing mark for the second time with 1,252 rushing yards on 6.8 yards per carry.

Kavbion Marbra, Zephyrhills Christian, athlete: Seven interceptions is tied for fourth-most in the state.

Nyhohn Moody, Zephyrhills Christian, senior linebacker: Tackling machine ranks fifth in the state with 132 stops. Also has six tackles for loss and a sack.

Schools in The Laker/Lutz News Coverage Area (and their 2018 regular season records)

Hillsborough County:
Carrollwood Day School Patriots (Class 2A-Region 3): 5-5 overall, 2-2 district

Freedom High School Patriots (Class 7A-Region 8): 4-6 overall, district 2-4

Gaither High School Cowboys (Class 7A-Region 8): 7-3 overall, 4-2 district

Steinbrenner High School Warriors (Class 8A-Region 6): 5-5 overall, 4-2 district

Pasco County:
Academy at the Lakes Wildcats (eight-man Florida Christian Region 2): 6-0 overall, 6-0 district (One regular season game remaining)

Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School Hurricanes (Independent-Sunshine State Athletic Conference (SSAC): 4-5, 4-1 district

Cypress Creek Middle High School Coyotes (Class 4A-Region 3): 3-7 overall, 1-0 district

Land O’ Lakes High School Gators (Class 6A-Region 6): 7-3 overall, 2-2 district

Pasco High School Pirates (Class 6A-Region 6): 2-8 overall, 0-4 district

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

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

Wiregrass Ranch High School Bulls (Class 7A-Region 8): 7-3 overall, 4-2 district

Zephyrhills High School Bulldogs (Class 5A-Region 8): 10-0 overall, 6-0 district

Zephyrhills Christian Academy Warriors (Class 2A-Region 2): 7-3 overall, 1-0 district

FHSAA football playoff pairings for local schools
All kickoff times are set for Nov. 9 at 7:30 p.m.

Class 7A
Region 2 Quarterfinals

No. 6 Gaither (7-3) at No. 3 Plant (9-1)

No. 8 Wiregrass Ranch (7-3) at No. 1 Lakeland (10-0)

Class 5A
Region 2 Quarterfinals

No. 7 Crystal River (8-2) at No. 2 Zephyrhills (10-0)

Class 2A
Region 2 Quarterfinals

No. 6 St. Francis Catholic Gainesville (4-5) at No. 3 Zephyrhills Christian (7-3)

Region 3 Quarterfinals
No. 6 Southwest Florida Christian (2-8) at No. 3 Carrollwood Day School (5-5)

Published November 7, 2018

High school football kickoff week

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Jonesing for the return of high school football?

Here’s a look at all the Friday night matchups for teams in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area. All Week 1 games are at 7:30 p.m., Aug. 24, unless otherwise noted.

Hillsborough County

St. Petersburg Catholic Barons at Carrollwood Day Patriots (7 p.m.) — Both teams come off losing seasons, but the Patriots feature a large senior class and one of the area’s top quarterbacks in senior Chris Butash.

Freedom Patriots at Steinbrenner Warriors — The Warriors have reigned supreme in this matchup the last three years (and hold the series lead 4-1). However, the Patriots will have arguably the best player on the field in senior receiver/safety Jeremiah Ashe, who boasts over a dozen Division I FBS scholarship offers.

Gaither Cowboys at Chamberlain Chiefs — The Cowboys’ strong running attack (262.5 yards per game in 2017) will be imperative to keep the Chiefs offense and senior quarterback Tyler Riddell off the field; Riddell, a University of Akron commit, threw for 30 touchdowns and just four interceptions last season.

Pasco County

Bishop McLaughlin Catholic Hurricanes at Shorecrest Prep Chargers (7 p.m.) — Last time these teams met was in 2013, where the Hurricanes were shut out 40-0. The Hurricanes should have better luck this time around, with Shorecrest Prep coming off a 1-6 campaign.

Cypress Creek Coyotes at Gulf Buccaneers — The Coyotes are seeking its first official win in program history after it was forced to forfeit its 12-0 victory against Gulf last season.

Coming off a 10-2 mark, the Zephyrhills Bulldogs and head coach Nick Carroll, right, figure to again be one of Pasco County’s top teams this fall. They play Wiregrass Ranch on Friday at 7:30 p.m. (File)

Land O’ Lakes Gators at Citrus Hurricanes — Gators first-year head coach Chad Walker faces a relatively manageable test against a Hurricanes squad that has just six seniors and is without several key contributors from last season.

Pasco Pirates at Hudson Cobras — Pasco won last year’s matchup 22-10 and holds the overall series lead, 6-2. A victory here would be a good start for the Pirates, who are seeking their first winning season since 2014.

Sunlake Seahawks at Wesley Chapel Wildcats — Wesley Chapel handily beat Sunlake last year (42-24). Doing so again likely won’t be as easy, as the Wildcats have lost some of the county’s top offensive and defensive players from 2017, including Isaiah Bolden, Dexter Leverett, Malik Melvin and Austin Wittish.

Wiregrass Ranch Bulls at Zephyrhills Bulldogs — Two of Pasco County’s top squads square off in what should be an exciting, back-and-forth affair. Adding fuel to the fire: Former Zephyrhills head coach Reggie Roberts is now an assistant at Wiregrass Ranch.

Later Week 1 games:

North Florida Christian (Tallahassee) at Zephyrhills Christian Warriors (Aug. 31, 7:30 p.m.) — A good barometer for both teams coming off eight-win seasons and appearances in the FHSAA Class 2A playoffs.

Donahue Catholic Shamrocks (Ave Maria) at Academy at the Lakes Wildcats (Sept. 7, 7 p.m.) — The defending FCAPPS eight-man state champions shouldn’t have much trouble against the visiting Shamrocks; the Wildcats won last year’s contest 36-0.

Compiled by Kevin Weiss

Published August 22, 2018

Prep football primer

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With high school football practices in full swing and games beginning Aug. 24, here’s a look at teams, players and games to watch as the 2018 season unfolds, for programs in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

Teams to watch:

Academy at the Lakes will aim to defend its FCAPPS eight-man state title. (File)

Academy at the Lakes Wildcats
The defending Florida Christian Association of Private and Parochial Schools’ (FCAPPs) eight-man champions — who also went 11-1 — appear to be in line for another solid campaign, even with the exodus of a handful of top players such as running back/linebacker Daniel Gonzalez, receiver Isaiah Smith and defensive back Jordan Oladokun, who transferred to Gaither High School for his sophomore season.

The talent cupboard isn’t completely bare, with a roster that includes a combined 17 juniors and seniors. Along with FCAPPS Coach of the Year Shawn Brown, the Wildcats return a handful of All-Conference or All-State players in sophomore quarterback Jalen Brown, sophomore offensive lineman Andrew Kilfoyl and senior defensive lineman Dylan Price. Also expect significant contributions from senior tailback Jamaal Johnson (1,093 all-purpose yards, nine touchdowns) and senior tight end/defensive end Tioma Stepanets (221 yards, four touchdowns; 52 tackles, four sacks).

New Land O’ Lakes head coach Chad Walker looks to steer the Gators to its first winning season since 2013.

Land O’ Lakes High Gators
The Gators will look to secure its first winning season since 2013, under new head coach Chad Walker. The 34-year-old played professional football in Italy and Sweden, and spent several years as a college assistant, before delving into the high school coaching ranks. Walker inherits a sizable roster that includes 1,000-yard rusher Kyle Leivas and leading tackler Myron Bloom (76 tackles, five tackles for loss). Aside from those senior standouts, the Gators must find consistent quarterback play and additional offensive contributors.

The schedule doesn’t offer a ton of favors for the new Gators coaching staff. A tough district slate includes Mitchell and Springstead, along with other formidable opponents, such as Anclote, Hernando, and Lakeland Christian — each of which had winning seasons last year.

Wiregrass Ranch High Bulls
Wiregrass Ranch will have to move on from having one of the county’s most highly recruited football prospects in years — defensive back Jordan Miner, now at Penn State — plus a bevy of top contributors on offense such as 1,000-yard rusher Adrian Thomas, now at Division III Thiel College (Greenville, Pennsylvania).

The Bulls, however, should have enough reinforcements in place for a third straight winning season, after going 9-3 last year and 7-4 in 2016 under head coach Mark Kantor.

Incumbent quarterback Grant Sessums returns for his senior year after throwing for 1,483 yards, eight touchdowns and nine interceptions. Other key returnees include senior receiver/defensive back Dorien Green, senior defensive lineman Kasean Ridgel, and junior linebacker Dylan Ridolph, who tallied 89 tackles, and led the team in sacks (15) and tackles for loss (23). Also expect contributions from several up-and-coming players who’ll move up from a junior varsity team that went 6-1 last season.

Coming off a 10-2 mark and District 8-5A crown, Zephyrhills High could be in store for another dominant season.

Zephyrhills High Bulldogs
Zephyrhills fans will have to get used to rooting for a new quarterback, following the graduation of Charles Harrison III — who became one of the county’s most prolific signal callers in his three years as a starter.

Luckily for the Bulldogs, whoever takes snaps certainly won’t lack throwing options, with arguably the region’s top receiving corps — seniors Ja’Quan Sheppard (35 catches, 797 yards, 13 touchdowns), Tre’ Pavis Mobley (41 receptions, 640 yards, 10 touchdowns) Cartrell Strong (25 receptions, 410 yards, four touchdowns) and Tyreese Wigfall (15 receptions, 286 yards, seven touchdowns). Another constant is third-year head coach Nick Carroll, who’s tactfully built off the sustained success of former coach Reggie Roberts, going 10-2 and 8-3 his first two seasons, respectfully. With a collection of Division I and college talent, don’t be surprised if the program secures its eighth straight winning season. Last year the Bulldogs outscored opponents by a margin of 562-209 and went undefeated in District 8-5A. That included several blowouts against the likes of Sunlake (36-7), Ridgewood (59-7), Fivay (70-0), Gulf (70-0), Hudson (63-0) and Pasco (43-13).

Zephyrhills Christian Academy’s Malik Jones (Courtesy of Zephyrhills Christian Academy)

Zephyrhills Christian Academy
The Warriors have transitioned to 11-man football under head coach Mike Smith, going 8-3-1, 7-2 and 4-4 the past three years, respectively. Now coming off a playoff appearance in the Class 2A ranks, the team figures to have another big season, as 24 of its 27 players are juniors or seniors. Among that senior group, on offense, is starting quarterback Jacoby Braxton, leading receiver Kavbion Marbra, and Javion Hanner, who tallied over 1,000 all-purpose yards and led all skill players with 10 touchdowns. Meanwhile, on defense, most contributors return to a unit that last season allowed fewer than nine points per game and racked up 51 sacks and 16 interceptions. Among the standouts are Marbra (five interceptions at cornerback) and defensive end/linebacker Jalen Spencer (21 sacks). The team’s second-leading tackler from last season, Eugene Davis (94 total tackles), also returns.

Five more players to watch:

Chris Butash, quarterback, Carrollwood Day School, senior
The skinny: Butash, who lives in Wesley Chapel and formerly attended Academy at the Lakes, is coming off a season where he threw for 2,088 yards and 18 touchdowns/15 interceptions, and rushed for 570 yards and six touchdowns. Verbal commit to Division I FCS Holy Cross (Worcester, Massachusetts).

Darrion Robinson, receiver, Pasco High School, junior
The skinny: Coming off a breakout season where he caught 25 balls for 577 yards and eight touchdowns. His 23.1 yards per reception ranked tops in Pasco County.

Malik Jones, offensive/defensive lineman, Zephyrhills Christian Academy, junior
The skinny: The 6-foot-3, 300-pound lineman is an intimidating force on both sides of the trenches, particularly on defense posting 60 tackles, 20 tackles for loss and four sacks last season. A multisport athlete, Jones is also one of the state’s top heavyweight wrestlers, finishing third at the 2018 FHSAA Class 1A State Championship in March. Holds a scholarship offer from Division III Mount Union (Alliance, Ohio).

Freedom High’s Jeremiah Ashe (Courtesy of Freedom High School)

Jeremiah Ashe, receiver/safety, Freedom High School, senior
The skinny: Formidable two-way player that snagged six interceptions on defense, while posting 945 all-purpose yards and eight touchdowns on offense. Claims over a dozen Division I FBS offers, including Cincinnati, South Florida and Rutgers universities.

Jeromy Reid, running back, Gaither High School, senior
The skinny: Rushed for 1,110 yards and nine touchdowns last season. Tallied five 100-yard games, including a monstrous 267-yard, two touchdown performance against Brandon High early last season. Holds Division I FBS offers from Western Kentucky and South Florida universities.

Games to watch:

Wiregrass Ranch at Zephyrhills  (Aug. 24, 7:30 p.m.) — Two of Pasco County’s top squads last year square off in the first week of the 2018 season.

Sunlake at Land O’ Lakes (Sept. 14, 7:30 p.m.) — The annual “Butter Bowl” rivalry has been one-sided of late — Sunlake has won eight straight (including one via forfeit in 2011) — but Land O’ Lakes figures to be more competitive with the matchup on its home turf and the Seahawks coming off an uncharacteristic losing season (4-6 in 2017).

Zephyrhills at Pasco (Nov. 2, 7:30 p.m.) — The annual 9-Mile War may be more heated after Pasco head coach Tom McHugh this summer accused Zephyrhills’ coaches of recruiting improprieties, based on a July letter sent to Pasco County athletic director Matt Wicks. While the Pirates lead the all-time series 40-20, Zephyrhills has won the past three contests by a combined 138-29.

Zephyrhills Christian at Victory Christian (Lakeland) (Oct. 5, 7 p.m.) — The Warriors seek to avenge its 12-0 loss in the first round of last year’s FHSAA Class 2A playoffs.

Gaither at Wiregrass Ranch (Oct. 5, 7:30 p.m.) — Matchup could decide the District 8-7A runner-up — as it has the past two years — assuming Plant High repeats as district champs.

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 (eight-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

Published August 15, 2018