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Shawn Brown

Academy at the Lakes football aims for third state crown

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The Academy at the Lakes (AATL) Wildcats varsity football team undoubtedly feels it has a target on its back in 2019.

And, why not, when you consider the team has won 20 consecutive games en route to back-to-back eight-man state titles in 2017 and 2018.

Academy at the Lakes junior quarterback Jalen Brown returns for his fourth season as a starter. Last season he posted a 58% completion rate, 1,105 passing yards, 28 total touchdowns and seven interceptions, to go along with a team-leading 672 rushing yards. (File)

But, it’s something the team is used to of late, players insist, even back to when the program was mired through three straight losing seasons from 2014 to 2016.

“We’ve had a target on our back since we were 2-8 (in 2016),” said junior quarterback and fourth-year starter Jalen Brown. “Ever since we were not that good, everyone’s wanted to beat us, but now I think if they beat us, it just means more.”

“Everybody’s impact game this year is us,” said senior defensive end/left guard Elijah Freedman. “Everybody wants to come get a piece of us, because we never had any respect in the past. We were that team that everybody was hoping to play to get that easy win, and now we’re the team that everybody’s coming after to try and take down.”

The team’s quest for a third straight title may prove to be its most hardy.

This season, the Wildcats will play in a new eight-man league within the Sunshine State Athletic Conference (SSAC) after the Florida Christian Association of Private and Parochial Schools (FCAPPS) all but folded its eight-man offerings this offseason. The new SSAC league features 14 teams across three divisions, meaning a regular season facing almost entirely new competition.

Their first regular season game is Sept. 6 against Duval Charter.

The Wildcats enter the league relatively thin on numbers, even for eight-man, with 22 players.

Making matters tougher, projected starting tailback/fullback Sean Saccomanno suffered a broken leg in a 20-18 preseason win over Lakeside Christian on Aug. 23.

Academy at the Lakes Wildcats football coach Shawn Brown

Wildcats head coach Shawn Brown acknowledged the junior’s loss to injury “is huge” for the team and “will hurt a little bit,” but noted adjustments will be made, possibly by incorporating more spread looks and quarterback designed runs.

Said coach Brown, “Hopefully some other kids step up to play running back, I think (junior running back) Adrian Leverette could play a little bit. I don’t know if he can handle 20 reps, but I think he can do it.”

A key injury to an impact player isn’t the only depth blow to the team.

The Wildcats no longer have the services of a trio of All-State performers in linebacker Dylan Price, defensive back Jullian Jennings and two-way lineman Andrew Kilfoyl; Price (99 tackles, 17 sacks in 2018) and Jennings (eight interceptions, six passes defensed) have graduated, while Kilfoyl, a 6-foot-5, 280-pound left tackle, transferred to Gaither High School for his junior season.

Because of that, the coach said the team’s “biggest test” is figuring out “who’s going to step up on the defensive side of the ball.”

One such option is Freedman, a team captain who registered 44 tackles and four sacks last season, who the coach said has stepped up as a leader this offseason.

Academy at the Lakes Wildcats football is seeking its third straight eight-man football title. They’re on a 20-game winning streak that dates back to September 2017.

Freedman said he wants to make the most out of his final year of high school football, with aspirations of being named All-State.

“This is my last time to make it count, so I really want to make that time worth everything,” Freedman said. “I’m just trying to get in the weight room, trying to get more strength, more agility, more endurance every day. I’m just trying to put in my work every day, encourage my teammates, because I’m going to put my all out there.”

While questions remain on defense, it’s the team’s “strong” offense that has the sixth-year Wildcats coach encouraged by the possibilities in 2019, even with the loss of Saccomanno.

In addition to the coach’s son, Jalen Brown (58 percent completion rate, 1,105 passing yards, 28 total touchdowns, seven interceptions, 672 rushing yards), back under center, the Wildcats seemingly have no shortage of pass-catching options in Leverette, senior Cole Lallanilla and juniors Caleb Yann and Tayshawn Pendleton.

Said Shawn Brown, “We got our main key players back, all of our skill positions. We lost a lot with Andrew (Kilfoyl) transferring to Gaither…but we still have our core quarterback and receivers.”

The Wildcats veteran quarterback likewise is poised about this year’s offensive unit.

“I love my group this year,” Jalen Brown said. “It’s going to be a scary sight when people see us running our full offense.”

Each pass catcher has their own strengths, Jalen Brown said, whether it be route running, elusiveness, speed, size and so on.

“I think we never really had a receiving corps who are all different and really good at what they do, which makes us really good on offense this year,” he said.

And, perhaps just as important, Jalen Brown said, is this year’s squad is more tight-knit on and off the field compared to past seasons.

“I would say this year is probably the group that’s been closest together,” Jalen Brown said.

“Before, we’ve never hung out as a team, but this year we’ve done stuff as a team. I think we have a closer bond, so that we know when we step in between the lines that we each got each other’s backs. …I think we got lucky with a great group of kids here who all like the same things, and we all get along.”

Academy at the Lakes Wildcats 2019 roster

Head coach: Shawn Brown

  • Adam Zarak, junior
  • Adrian Leverette, junior
  • Caleb Yann, junior
  • Carter Kienast, freshman
  • Cole Lallanilla, senior
  • Denzyl Downing, senior
  • Devin Lam, junior
  • Dwight Downing, junior
  • Elijah Freedman, senior
  • Gavin Zeng, junior
  • Hunter Price, sophomore
  • Ian Curry, eighth grade
  • Jalen Brown, junior
  • Jay Qian, senior
  • Jonathan Brink, freshman
  • Matthew Martin, senior
  • Quinn McCormick, freshman
  • Reese Reed, freshman
  • Samson Brend, junior
  • Sean Saccomanno, junior
  • Sebastian Sosa, senior
  • Tayshawn Pendleton, junior

2019 regular season schedule

  • Duval Charter (Sept. 6, 7 p.m.)
  • at Harvest Community (Sept. 13, 7 p.m.)
  • Real Life Christian Academy (Sept. 20, 7 p.m.)
  • First Baptist Christian Academy (Sept. 27, 7 p.m.)
  • at Master’s Academy (Oct. 4, 4 p.m.)
  • at Eastland Christian (Oct. 10, 7 p.m.)
  • Lakeside Christian (Oct. 18, 7 p.m.)

Published September 4, 2019

Fall football preview: Pasco County

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With the 2019 high school football season almost here — preseason classics begin Aug. 16 and regular season kicks off Aug. 23 — we take a look at how Pasco County teams in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area stack up.

Pasco County Schools in Laker/Lutz News coverage area (and their 2018 records)

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

Players to watch

  • Jalen Brown, Academy at the Lakes, junior quarterback
  • Adam Berry, Bishop McLaughlin, senior tailback
  • Jalen Warren, Cypress Creek, senior athlete
  • Ethan Forrester, Land O’ Lakes, senior quarterback
  • Darrion Robinson, Pasco, junior receiver
  • Jonathan Wallace, Sunlake, junior defensive end
  • Jelani Vassell, Wesley Chapel, senior athlete
  • Dylan Ridolph, Wiregrass Ranch, senior linebacker
  • Zyre Roundtree, Zephyrhills, junior tailback
  • Malik Jones, Zephyrhills Christian, senior lineman

Five teams to watch

Academy at the Lakes Wildcats: Eight-man: 10-0 Overall, 7-0 District (File)

Academy at the Lakes Wildcats
Coach: Shawn Brown (sixth year)

The back-to-back eight-man state champions will look to three-peat with a team that again returns head coach Shawn Brown and his son, standout junior quarterback Jalen Brown.

In addition to its fourth-year starting signal-caller, Academy at the Lakes returns All-Conference standouts in center Dwight Downing and defensive end Elijah Freedman, along with several other key contributors on both sides of the ball.

The Wildcats enter the season on a 20-game winning streak (including a win by forfeit) that dates back to September 2017. They outscored opponents last season by a combined margin 309-90.

Schedule

  • Duval Charter (Sept. 6, 7 p.m.)
  • at Harvest Community (Sept. 13, 7 p.m.)
  • Real Life Christian Academy (Sept. 20, 7 p.m.)
  • First Baptist Christian Academy (Sept. 27, 7 p.m.)
  • at Master’s Academy (Oct. 4, 7 p.m.)
  • at Eastland Christian (Oct. 10, 7 p.m.)
  • Lakeside Christian (Oct. 18, 7 p.m.)
Bishop McLaughlin Hurricanes: 4-5 Overall, 3-1 District (File)

Bishop McLaughlin Hurricanes
Coach: Joe Vaughn (first year)

Following a 4-5 mark last season, Bishop McLaughlin will look to get above .500 in 2019 with new head coach Joe Vaughn, who brings with him more than a decade of NFL and Division I experience as a strength and conditioning coach with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the University of Kansas, respectively. Joining Vaughn as an assistant defensive backs coach is seven-year NFL veteran Keith Tandy, who played for the Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons from 2012 to 2018.

The big-name coaches may have their hands full this season, breaking in a new starting quarterback and replacing top tacklers Brandon Beinhauer and Bryant Beinhauer. The Hurricanes, however, return one of the area’s most productive tailbacks in senior Adam Berry, who registered 807 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on 107 carries last season.

Schedule

  • at Christ’s Church Academy (Aug. 23, 7 p.m.)
  • Out-of-Door Academy (Aug. 30, 7 p.m.)
  • Cypress Creek (Sept. 6, 7 p.m.)
  • Shorecrest Prep (Sept. 20, 7 p.m.)
  • at Bradenton Christian (Sept. 27, 7 p.m.)
  • Santa Fe Catholic (Oct. 4, 7 p.m.)
  • Saint Stephens Episcopal (Oct. 11, 7 p.m.)
  • at Bayshore Christian (Oct. 18, 7 p.m.)
Land O’ Lakes High School Gators: 7-3 Overall, 2-2 District (File)

Land O’ Lakes Gators
Coach: Chad Walker (second year)

Land O’ Lakes is looking to build off a solid 2018 campaign, which included the program’s first winning season since 2013 and a narrow miss of the postseason.

Likely helping that cause for second-year head coach Chad Walker is the addition of two former NFL players to the team’s coaching staff in Aveion Cason and Kelvin Kinney.

Cason, a St. Petersburg native, was a running back for eight years in the NFL, playing for six different teams from 2001 to 2008. He brings with him some high school coaching pedigree, as well. In 2017, he was the head coach of Texas’ Trinity-Christian-Cedar Hill team that went 12-1 and won the TAPPS Division II state title. Kinney, meanwhile, was a defensive end for the Washington Redskins from 1996 to 1999. He also played in the Canadian Football League (CFL) and had three different stints with the Arena Football League’s Tampa Bay Storm (2003 to 2005, 2008, 2010).

Aside from new coaching additions, the Gators return one of the area’s most efficient quarterbacks in senior Ethan Forrester and much of his offensive line. Forrester, however, will have to build a rapport with several new skill players with the graduations of All-State tailback Kyle Leivas and top receivers Jacob Neary and Nate Howard. Meantime, the Gators are without five leading tacklers from last season, but expect a breakout showing from junior defensive end Zavian McKinnon, who led the team in sacks (3.0) last season.

Schedule

  • Pasco (Aug. 23, 7:30 p.m.)
  • at Countryside (Aug. 30, 7:30 p.m.)
  • at Mitchell (Sept. 6, 7:30 p.m.)
  • Tampa Catholic (Sept. 13, 7:30 p.m.)
  • at Sunlake (Sept. 20, 7:30 p.m.)
  • Freedom (Sept. 27, 7:30 p.m.)
  • at Gaither (Oct. 11, 7:30 p.m.)
  • Wiregrass Ranch (Oct. 18, 7:30 p.m.)
  • at Fivay (Oct. 25, 7:30 p.m.)
  • Zephyrhills Christian (Nov. 1, 7 p.m.)
Wiregrass Ranch High School Bulls: 7-4 Overall, 4-District (File)

Wiregrass Ranch Bulls
Coach: Mark Kantor (fifth year)

Wiregrass Ranch is seeking its third-straight playoff berth, but some recent transfer news has added a wrinkle to that objective. Earlier this month, senior dual-threat quarterback Hunter Helton announced on social media he was transferring to Armwood High School — marking the second such Bulls player exodus to the Seffner-based powerhouse this summer.

Junior receiver/defensive back Noah Biglow also transferred to Armwood, a season removed from hauling in 11 balls for 163 yards and a touchdown, and posting 23 tackles and three interceptions on defense for Wiregrass Ranch.

The Bulls seem to be well-equipped to withstand the recent exodus, though. Sophomore quarterback Rocco Becht, the son of 11-year NFL veteran Anthony Becht, is expected to take the starting role left behind by Helton. And, the young signal-caller should have plenty of weapons to ease the transition, with the return of multiple productive tailbacks and three leading receivers from 2018. Most importantly, perhaps, is the return of first-team All-State linebacker Dylan Ridolph, who already has the county’s all-time career sacks mark (37).

Schedule

  • Zephyrhills (Aug. 23, 7:30 p.m.)
  • at Wesley Chapel (Aug. 30, 7:30 p.m.)
  • St. Petersburg (Sept. 6, 7:30 p.m.)
  • Nature Coast Tech (Sept. 13, 7:30 p.m.)
  • River Ridge (Sept. 20, 7:30 p.m.)
  • at Armwood (Sept. 27, 7:30 p.m.)
  • at East Bay (Oct. 11, 7:30 p.m.)
  • at Land O’ Lakes (Oct. 18, 7:30 p.m.)
  • Tampa Bay Tech (Oct. 25, 7:30 p.m.)
  • at Largo (Nov. 1, 7:30 p.m.)
Zephyrhills High School Bulldogs: 11-1 Overall, 6-0 District (File)

Zephyrhills Bulldogs
Coach: Nick Carroll (fourth year)

Zephyrhills has done nothing but win games under head coach Nick Carroll, going a combined 29-6 in three seasons, including an 11-1 mark in 2018.

But, this year could prove one of the Bulldogs’ tougher, to maintain those winning ways, as the program must replace 23 seniors, including four All-State honorees.

With a heavy ongoing quarterback competition between sophomore T.J. Jackson and junior Nick Novo, the team may place more emphasis on the run, thanks to an experienced offensive line paced by All-State guard Demetris Wright and the return of top rusher Zyre Roundtree (541 yards, six touchdowns on 81 carries).

Schedule

  • at Wiregrass Ranch (Aug. 23, 7:30 p.m.)
  • Ponte Vedra (Aug. 30, 7:30 p.m.)
  • at Lake Gibson (Sept. 6, 7:30 p.m.)
  • at Wesley Chapel (Sept. 13, 7:30 p.m.)
  • Tarpon Springs (Sept. 27, 7:30 p.m.)
  • Sunlake (Oct. 4, 7:30 p.m.)
  • at Anclote (Oct. 11, 7:30 p.m.)
  • at River Ridge (Oct. 18, 7:30 p.m.)
  • Gulf (Oct. 25, 7:30 p.m.)
  • Pasco (Nov. 1, 7:30 p.m.)

Published August 14, 2019

Spring football preview for area teams

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High school football is back in session, as spring football practices are now underway statewide.

And, while the 2019 prep season remains months away, Florida high school football fans still will get a taste of how their teams are shaping up with a series of exhibition games and jamborees in late May.

Florida high schools are allowed a maximum of 20 practice sessions from April 22 through May, according to Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) guidelines. The first allowable day for full-contact tackling is April 27.

Take a look at these five area teams to watch as spring practices ramp up:

Academy at the Lakes will seek its third straight eight-man title in 2019. The team is currently on a 20-game winning streak dating back to 2017. (File)

Academy at the Lakes Wildcats
The back-to-back defending eight-man Florida Christian Association of Private and Parochial Schools (FCAPPS) state champion Wildcats will have another target on its back as it enters the new season on a 20-game winning streak (including a win by forfeit) dating back to September of 2017.

But, that shouldn’t faze an Academy at the Lakes squad that again returns the father-son combo of head coach Shawn Brown and rising junior quarterback Jalen Brown.

Shawn Brown is a two-time reigning FCAPPS Coach of the Year, while Jalen Brown won the 2018 FCAPPS Heisman Trophy Winner award, given to the eight-man league’s top player.

Last season the 6-foot-2, 180-pound quarterback completed nearly 58 percent of his throws for 1,105 yards, 18 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also rushed for 672 yards and 10 touchdowns on 93 carries.

In addition to Jalen Brown, the team returns All-Conference standouts in center Dwight Downing and defensive end Elijah Freedman. Also expect significant contributions from the likes of tailback Adrian Leverette, receivers Cole Lallanilla and Caleb Yann, and linebacker Denzyl Downing, among others.

Perhaps the biggest question for the Wildcats is finding ways to replace the production left behind by graduating All-State linebacker Dylan Price and All-State defensive back Jullian Jennings, as well as All-State offensive lineman Andrew Kilfoyl, who has since transferred to Gaither.

Land O’ Lakes Gators
Under new head coach Chad Walker, the Gators achieved its first winning season since 2013, going 7-3 and narrowly missing out on a playoff berth.

Land O’ Lakes is looking to build off last season’s 7-3 campaign under head coach Chad Walker.

The turnaround season also included a 35-24 win over crosstown foe Sunlake to crack an eight-game losing streak in the annual ‘Butter Bowl’ rivalry game.

Naturally, fans of the storied Pasco County program will expect similar success again this year.

It won’t come easy, however, as the team moves on from a sizable senior class that included its leading rusher, leading receiver, leading tackler and top kicking specialists.

Working in the team’s favor, though, is the return of one of the area’s top signal callers in rising senior quarterback and two-year starter Ethan Forrester.

Last season the 6-foot-3, 220-pound athlete completed nearly 52 percent of his passes for 1,429 yards, 12 touchdowns and three interceptions. He also rushed for 155 yards and three touchdowns.

Meanwhile, the Gators have put together a tough 2019 regular season slate that includes five teams that made the playoffs last season — Gaither, Mitchell, Tampa Catholic, Wiregrass Ranch and Zephyrhills Christian, respectively.

Steinbrenner Warriors
Following a disappointing 2-7 output in 2017, the Warriors rebounded last year to finish 6-5 overall with a 4-2 mark in District 6-8A, including a four-game winning streak to close out the season.

Steinbrenner has plenty of weapons to build off last year’s 6-5 mark.

With a bevy of returning talent, the momentum should continue into 2019 under longtime head coach Andres Perez-Reinaldo.

The Warriors feature multiple NCAA FBS Division I football targets, such as receivers Aidan Bitter and Dean Patterson, and Matthew Adcock, a 6-foot-4, 320-pound offensive lineman.

The squad is stacked with other playmakers, too.

Quarterback Haden Carlson, the son of former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Jeff Carlson, is poised to build off a junior campaign where he completed 54 percent of his passes for 1,418 yards, 10 total touchdowns and four interceptions.

The rising senior will have plenty of weapons at his disposal in the likes of Bitter (32 receptions, 568 yards, six touchdowns), Patterson (39 receptions, 391 yards, two touchdowns), Jett Law (22 receptions, 212 yards) and Deon Silas (1,198 all-purpose yards), among others.

The Warriors also return several of its top players on the other side of the ball, including rising junior linebacker Austin Brannen, who registered 130 total tackles, including 12 for loss.

Meanwhile, special teams figure to be another strength, with All-State punter Cameron Brown, kicker Trevor Haire, and a return game that collectively averaged 28.2 yard on kick returns and 13.2 yards on punt returns.

Wiregrass Ranch Bulls
With a string of three consecutive winning seasons and playoff appearances under head coach Mark Kantor, Wiregrass Ranch seems positioned for another year as one of Pasco County’s premier programs.

With a large senior class, Wiregrass Ranch will seek its fourth straight playoff berth in 2019.

And, most any win will be hard earned in 2019, particularly with new district foes in Class 6A state runner-up Armwood, East Bay and Tampa Bay Tech.

In fact, every opponent on the Bulls’ 10-game schedule sported a winning record last season, aside from crosstown rival Wesley Chapel, who finished with a 5-5 mark. Of those teams, half qualified for the playoffs from their respective classification.

Fortunately for the Bulls, the team has the benefit of experience on its side with about two dozen rising seniors.

That includes one of the Sunshine State’s most productive defensive players in first team All-State linebacker Dylan Ridolph.

Ridolph’s 22 sacks last season ranked second in the state, trailing only Winter Garden Foundation Academy’s Warren Sapp II (24). The 6-foot, 215-pound Ridolph already holds the county record for most career sacks (37).

Some other upperclassman to keep an eye on include defensive back Jonavon Tills (five interceptions) and tailback Keith Walker (667 all-purpose yards, nine touchdowns).

Meantime, the Bulls will have to break in a new quarterback with the graduation of two-year starter Grant Sessums.

Such duty will likely fall to promising rising senior dual-threat quarterback Hunter Helton.

Last season Helton served as the team’s backup quarterback option, but showcased his athleticism as the team’s leading receiver (16 receptions, 315 yards, four touchdowns).

His last extended action under center came as a sophomore on junior varsity, where he completed nearly 54 percent of his throws for 557 yards, nine touchdowns and one interception.

Zephyrhills Bulldogs
Going undefeated in the regular season on its way to securing its second straight district title, the Zephyrhills Bulldogs in 2018 put together one of the more notable campaigns in recent memory.

Coming off back-to-back district championships, Zephyrhills will look to several new faces to make an impact in 2019.

It also added to the program’s tally of winning seasons, which now numbers eight straight dating back to 2011.

Maintaining their sustained dominance this year may prove challenging, though, as the Bulldogs say farewell to 23 seniors from last year’s 11-1 squad, 10 of whom earned All-Conference honors.

Among that group is the team’s starting quarterback, several leading receivers, multiple leading tacklers and top special teamers.

Serving another blow to the team’s 2019 depth: All-Conference linebacker Ja’varrius Wilson recently announced his intention to transfer to Clearwater Academy International for his senior year. He was fourth on the team in tackles (91) and second in tackles for loss (18).

On the bright side for Zephyrhills, up-and-coming head coach Nick Carroll returns for 2019, looking to build upon a combined 29-6 mark his first three seasons.

Of course, the Bulldogs won’t be totally devoid of impactful playmakers in 2019.

Rising senior two-way lineman Demetris Wright (40 pancake blocks, 30 tackles), and rising juniors Zyre Roundtree (541 rushing yards, six touchdowns) and Tre Gallimore (45 tackles, two interceptions) are a few to watch, among others.

Schools in Laker/Lutz News coverage area (and their 2018 records)
Hillsborough County:

  • Carrollwood Day School Patriots: 6-6 overall, 2-2 region
  • Freedom High School Patriots: 4-6 overall, 2-4 district
  • Gaither High School Cowboys: 7-4 overall, 4-2 district
  • Steinbrenner High School Warriors: 6-5 overall, 4-2 district

Pasco County:

  • Academy at the Lakes Wildcats: (10-0 overall, 7-0 district)
  • Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School Hurricanes: (4-5 overall, 3-1 district)
  • Cypress Creek Middle High School Coyotes: (3-7 overall, 1-0 region)
  • Land O’ Lakes High School Gators: (7-3 overall, 2-2 district)
  • Pasco High School Pirates: (2-8 overall, 0-4 district)
  • Sunlake High School Seahawks: (4-6 overall, 1-3 district)
  • Wesley Chapel High School Wildcats: (5-5 overall, 4-3 district)
  • Wiregrass Ranch High School Bulls: (7-4 overall, 4-2 district)
  • Zephyrhills Christian Academy Warriors: (7-4 overall, 0-1 region)
  • Zephyrhills High School Bulldogs: (11-1 overall, 6-0 district)

Spring game schedule
May 16
East Ridge at Zephyrhills
Zephyrhills Christian at Fivay
Jamboree: Freedom, King, Wharton at Hillsborough
Jamboree: Gaither, Sickles, Steinbrenner at Alonso

May 17
Anclote at Sunlake
Cypress Creek at Pasco
Land O’ Lakes at Wesley Chapel
Wiregrass Ranch at East Lake

May 18
Bishop McLaughlin at Carrollwood Day

May 24
Jamboree: Academy at the Lakes, Master’s Academy, Lakeside Christian, Solid Rock at Land O’ Lakes Recreation Center

Player to watch from each area team
Hillsborough County

  • Shelton Quarles Jr., Carrollwood Day, athlete
  • Tawfiq Thomas, Freedom, defensive tackle
  • Chance Coleman, Gaither, linebacker
  • Deon Silas, Steinbrenner, athlete

Pasco County

  • Jalen Brown, Academy at the Lakes, quarterback
  • Adam Berry, Bishop McLaughlin, tailback
  • Jalen Warren, Cypress Creek, athlete
  • Ethan Forrester, Land O’ Lakes, quarterback
  • Darrion Robinson, Pasco, receiver
  • Jonathan Wallace, Sunlake, defensive end
  • Jelani Vassell, Wesley Chapel, athlete
  • Dylan Ridolph, Wiregrass Ranch, linebacker
  • Zyre Roundtree, Zephyrhills, tailback
  • Malik Jones, Zephyrhills Christian, defensive lineman

Published April 24, 2019

AATL football earns awards

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Accolades keep piling up for the back-to-back eight-man football state championship-winning Academy at the Lakes Wildcats.

Team members were well-represented on the 2018 Florida Christian Association of Private and Parochial Schools (FCAPPS) all-state, all-conference and miscellaneous award selections, which were recently announced.

The 2018 Academy at the Lakes Wildcats culminated a perfect 10-0 season by winning the FCAPPS (Florida Christian Association of Private and Parochial Schools) eight-man state championship in December. Eight players earned FCAPPS postseason awards, as well as head coach Shawn Brown, who was named the league’s coach of the year. (File)

A total of eight Academy players were recognized, including sophomore quarterback Jalen Brown, who won the FCAPPS Heisman Trophy Winner award, and senior linebacker Dylan Price, who was named FCAPPS Defensive Player of the Year.

The 6-foot-2, 180-pound Brown completed nearly 58 percent of his throws for 1,105 yards, 18 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also rushed for 672 yards and 10 touchdowns on 93 carries.

Brown marks the Wildcats’ second FCAPPS Heisman Trophy winner in as many years. He follows former Wildcats running back/linebacker Dylan Gonzalez, who won the 2017 Heisman  award, after putting up big numbers on offense (1,125 yards, 28 total touchdowns) and defense (138 total tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, one interception) during his senior year.

The 5-foot-11, 175-pound Price, meanwhile, registered 99 total tackles, 17 sacks and four forced fumbles. (Also a running back, Price rushed for 566 yards and six touchdowns on 73 carries.)

Other Academy players receiving honors included: sophomore lineman Dwight Downing, junior defensive end Elijah Freedman, senior defensive back Jullian Jennings, sophomore lineman Andrew Kilfoyl, junior lineman Matthew Martin and senior tight end/defensive end Tioma Stepanets.

Additionally, Wildcats head coach Shawn Brown was named FCAPPS Coach of the Year, for the second straight year.

The 2018 Wildcats wrapped up a perfect 10-0 campaign after defeating Miami Citi Christian 36018 in the FCAPPS eight-man state championship game at Southeastern University in Lakeland; they also won the 2017 state title after beating Jacksonville Old Plank Christian Academy.

The team will enter the 2019 season on a 20-game win streak.

Academy at the Lakes will be formally recognized at the FCAPPS Players’ Awards banquet on April 14 at noon, at Hillsborough Baptist School, 6021 Williams Road in Seffner.

Academy at the Lakes football FCAPPS honorees:
•  Head Coach Shawn Brown — FCAPPS Coach of the Year

  • Jalen Brown, sophomore — FCAPPS Heisman Trophy Winner/All-State Quarterback
  • Dwight Downing, sophomore – All-Conference Center
  • Elijah Freedman, junior – All-Conference Defensive End
  • Jullian Jennings, senior — All-State Defensive Back
  • Andrew Kilfoyl, sophomore — All-State Offensive Lineman
  • Matthew Martin, junior — FCAPPS Sportsmanship Award
  • Dylan Price, senior — FCAPPS Defensive Player of the Year/All-State Defensive End
  • Tioma Stepanets, senior — FCAPPS Spiritual Inspirational Award

Published January 30, 2019

Zephyrhills High names ‘Alan Reed Court’

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A little more than a year after naming its football field after legendary coach Tom Fisher, Zephyrhills High School has named the school’s gymnasium floor after longtime varsity boys’ basketball coach Alan Reed.

From now on, anyone stepping on the gym floor will be walking on “Alan Reed Court” — which has been visibly stenciled along the sidelines.

Zephyrhills High School game-goers in the front row seats sit near the newly inlaid name of retired basketball coach Alan Reed. Reed was honored in between the junior varsity game and the varsity game, against Pasco High School. (Fred Bellet)

A formal dedication ceremony for Reed was held Jan. 18 — an evening that coincided with a Bulldogs defeat of crosstown rival Pasco High, 61-34.

Reed, 71, served as Zephyrhills boys’ basketball coach for a total of 16 years — in four separate stints — 1975 to 1979; 1981 to 1986; 2006 to 2010; and, 2014 to 2016.

During that time he became — and still is — the school’s all-time winningest basketball coach.

His teams claimed two district titles and a final four appearance. He was conference basketball coach of the year three times.

His coaching efforts goes beyond hoops, too.

In total, he’s been involved with Zephyrhills athletics for more than 35 years, also coaching volleyball, track, football and softball.

To this day, he remains a volunteer coach at the school.

In that role, Reed spends countless hours with players in the weight room, scouting, and of course, offering strategy advice when broached.

“It beats sitting on the couch,” Reed said of volunteering. “It keeps me busy. I love the game. It’s what I do. It’s who I am. It’s my whole life.”

Before embarking on a lengthy coaching career, Reed played high school basketball in Pennsylvania and then for Florida Southern College in Lakeland. In-between, Reed spent four years in the U.S. Air Force where he reached the rank of sergeant, and also played hoops.

Alan Reed was presented with a basketball career memento signed by former teammates, players and coaches who attended the surprise, special event.

At Zephyrhills, Reed’s most successful basketball teams came 40 years apart from each other.

In his second season — 1976 — the Bulldogs went 21-7 and won a district title.

Fast forward to 2016 — his final year as a head basketball coach —and that squad went 27-5 and reached the 5A state semifinals. It also marked the program’s first final four appearance since 1966.

There were many other memorable seasons scattered throughout, too.

Said Reed: “There’s a lot of ’em. I  had a lot of special teams that didn’t have good winning records, but were much better at the end of the road (season) than the beginning.”

Yet, Reed’s biggest contributions to the school is more than just wins and losses, Zephyrhills athletic director Bruce Cimorelli said.

“The guy knows his basketball,” Cimorelli said, “but, he’s just a really good influence on the kids — teaching them work ethic, being on time, those sorts of things.”

Reed’s impact was undoubtedly apparent in the welcoming he received at the pregame dedication.

Dozens of former players and coaches — as well as a handful of Reed’s former teammates — joined hundreds of Bulldogs fans in congratulating Reed and giving him a rousing ovation when the gymnasium floor was officially named for him.

For Reed, the special event was “totally unexpected.”

“I can’t even put it into words,” Reed said. “I love this community. I love this high school. It’s just an honor.”

In that group of cheering attendees was Academy at the Lakes varsity football and basketball coach Shawn Brown, who once served as an assistant junior varsity basketball coach for Reed at Zephyrhills and also as a football coach at Stewart Middle School.

Prior to the presentation of a special basketball memento and dedication ceremony, Zephyrhills High School athletic director, Bruce Cimorelli, left, asked coaches, former players coached by Reed and former teammates who played basketball with Reed to sign a memento to honor Reed’s great coaching career. Here, former student Joe Galyan, of Zephyrhills, signs the memento. He was coached by Reed from 1975 to 1978.

“He was straight old school,” Brown, who has won back-to-back eight-man state football titles at the Academy, said, describing Reed.

“He was good with adapting to the new style of everything, but he was strict on his ways and his philosophy. That never wavered. When he did something, he did it that way.

“I thought one thing he did really good was he always invested everything with the team and the community. He made sure the kids always had team shoes, uniforms. It was always a top-of-the-line type program.”

Brown added the Zephyrhills hoops coach is “definitely a person I learned a lot from.”

“I run some basketball drills that I learned from him — a couple of different plays I stole from him,” Brown said, with a hearty chuckle.

Meanwhile, the renaming of the hoops court comes at a good time for the Bulldogs’ boys squad, which stands at 12-4 overall and 8-2 in district play, as of Jan. 21.

Solid record and all, it didn’t keep Reed from giving an honest assessment of the roster he volunteers with each day.

“We’re not playing to our potential,” Reed said while the Bulldogs sported a 31-17 halftime lead over Pasco. “We’re struggling a little bit in a lot of areas. We just haven’t put it all together yet. We’ve got some good players, some good kids. We have a lot of inexperience…so they’re still catching up.”

Published January 23, 2019

Academy at the Lakes wins second straight football title

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They did it again.

The Academy at the Lakes Wildcats notched its second straight eight-man football title, downing Miami Citi Christian Academy Fire 36-18 in the Florida Christian Association of Private and Parochial Schools (FCAPPS) state championship on Dec. 8, at Southeastern University in Lakeland.

Team members for Academy at the Lakes hoist the championship trophy after beating Citi Christian Academy of Miami. (Fred Bellet)

Academy at the Lakes (10-0) never trailed against the Fire (7-3) in a game marked by physicality, aggressive play-calling and bouts of sloppy play.

The Wildcats struck first blood midway through the first quarter when quarterback Jalen Brown, in the face of heavy defensive pressure, completed a 3-yard touchdown pass on fourth down to running back Adrian Leverette.

Near the end of the first half, the sophomore signal-caller drove the Wildcats to the end zone again, with the score square 6-6.

Fielding the ball at their own 38 after a Citi turnover on downs, Brown quickly brought the ball into opposing territory rumbling 22 yards on a bootleg run. He then completed two passes for downs, to set up a 17-yard touchdown pass to receiver Jullian Jennings, with under a minute to go in the half.

For Brown, who entered the game with 26 total touchdowns, those types of plays have been par for the course. Brown was named offensive MVP for the game.

“I thought his play was awesome,” Wildcats head coach Shawn Brown said. “I thought he stayed under control. I thought he stayed composed.

Head Coach Shawn Brown signals during game action against Citi Christian of Miami.

“He had a heck of a season,” the coach said.

The Wildcats cushioned their lead to 22-6 midway through the third quarter on a 3-yard rushing touchdown by senior running back/linebacker Dylan Price — set up by a successful onside kick that gave the Wildcats good field position.

The squad from Miami didn’t give up without a tough fight, however.

The Fire answered with two consecutive scoring drives — the first touchdown set up by a Wildcats failed onside kick; the second, set up by a Brown interception — to narrow the game to 22-18 early in the fourth quarter.

And, they had a chance to take the lead, driving the ball from their own 38-yard line with 4 minutes left in regulation.

At that point, the Wildcat’s championship prospects appeared dicey, with momentum on the opposition’s side.

Citi Christian’s No. 21 Denzel Aracena tries bringing down Academy’s No. 7 Adrian Leverette as he carries for extra yardage during game action in Lakeland.

The team stuck together, however, through the tense moments.

“Nobody got down on each other,” coach Brown said. “We constantly lift people up. We see somebody’s head hanging, I saw players go and talk to them, ‘Hey, you’re all right, you gotta get going.’ I thought they stayed positive. I thought they stayed with it. They were picking kids up that were down, so it was amazing.”

Staying upbeat may have worked for the Wildcats — as the game’s course shifted almost instantly.

A bad snap over the head of Fire quarterback Rolondo Bayex forced an errant throw, which wound up the hands of Wildcats defensive end Tioma Stepanets, who returned the interception 10 yards for a touchdown to give the Wildcats a 30-18 lead with 3:24 left in regulation.

With under a minute left, Wildcats defensive back Caleb Yann added another pick-6 for 85 yards to safely put the game out of reach at 36-18.

Wildcats players and coaches agree: The final score wasn’t indicative of just how challenging the game was, matched up against a team stacked with athleticism and size.

Coach Brown described the game as “crazy, crazy physical.”

Jalen Brown called the game a “dogfight.” “We knew they were going to come in and hit us. We just had to stay cool,” he said.

Academy at the Lakes’ quarterback No. 2 Jalen Brown was the offensive most valuable player at the championship game against Citi Christian Academy of Miami.

Senior running back/linebacker Dylan Price put it this way: “They were a tough team. They hit hard. They had that speed to back up the hard hitting.”

The victory was an encore to last year’s memorable state title run when the team went 11-1 and defeated Jacksonville Old Plank Christian Academy 30-9 — for the school’s first-ever eight-man state football championship.

That 2017 season also prepared the team for what to expect this time around.

“I think our experience from last year is the reason why we pulled away in this game,” Jalen Brown said. “(Citi) came out with everything right away, and we were calm, cool and collected, and we just executed.”

With two consecutive state titles, an undefeated season and 20-game winning streak in tow, the team already has their sights set on a third straight championship.

“It’s happening,” Jalen Brown said.

Meanwhile, for seniors like Price, a team captain, his high school career couldn’t have ended any better.

“Every high school player has that image of wanting to end their season on top, with a state championship, get a ring. I’ve been able to do that twice, so it’s just amazing. To celebrate it with these guys, it’s great,” he said.

Road to a perfect season
Sept. 14: Citi Christian Academy (24-12 win)

Sept. 21: at Solid Rock Community (53-6 win)

Sept. 28: at Canterbury (34-13 win)

Oct. 19: Faith Christian (46-13 win)

Oct. 26: St. Lucie Christian (13-0 win by forfeit)

Nov. 2: at Lakeside Christian (15-6 win)

Nov. 9: at Bell Creek Academy (52-0 win)

Nov. 16: Harvest Community (22-6 win)

Nov. 30: Duval Charter (27-16 win)

Dec. 8: Citi Christian Academy (36-18 win)

Scoring Plays


First quarter
(6:29) — Academy at the Lakes (AATL) quarterback Jalen Brown completes a 3-yard touchdown pass to running back Adrian Leverett; extra point no good (6-0, AATL leads)

(0:19) — Citi Christian Academy (CCA) athlete Walter Grimes rushes 3 yards for a touchdown; extra point no good (6-6, tie game)

Second quarter
(0:54) — Brown completes a 17-yard touchdown pass to receiver Julian Jennings; 2-point conversion good (14-6, AATL leads)

Third quarter
(7:01) — AATL running back Dylan Prices rushes 3 yards for a touchdown; extra point (22-6, AATL leads)

(5:09) — CCA running back Derrick Posas rushes 3 yards for a touchdown; 2-point conversion attempt no good (22-12, AATL leads)

Fourth quarter
(7:59) — CCA offensive lineman Wilbert Fabian recovers an offensive fumble for a touchdown at the 1-yard line; two-point conversion no good (22-18, AATL leads)

(3:24) — AATL defensive end Tioma Stepanets returns an interception 10 yards for a touchdown; extra point good (30-18, AATL leads)

(0:58) – AATL defensive back Caleb Yann returns an interception 85 yards for a touchdown; extra point no good (36-18, AATL leads)

Final: 36-18, AATL wins

Academy at the Lakes Wildcats 2018 roster (By jersey number)
1—Jullian Jennings, senior

2—Jalen Brown, sophomore (team captain)

3—Tioma Stepanets, senior (team captain)

4—Peyton Williams, sophomore

5—Jamaal Johnson, senior

6—Brandon Lemke, senior

7—Adrian Leverette, sophomore

8—Amad Zarak, senior

9—Caleb Yann, sophomore

10—Sebastian Sosa, junior

11—Cole Lallanilla, junior

12—Denzyl Downing, junior

13—Tayshawn Pendleton, sophomore

15—James Elverson, freshman

17—AJ Panepinto, freshman

18—Elijah Freedman, junior (Team captain)

22—Dylan Price, senior (Team captain)

23—Carson Passero, senior

47—Quinn McCormick, eighth grade

48—Andrew Kilfoyl, sophomore

52—Matthew Martin, junior

54—Adam Zarak, sophomore

55—Jordan Witt, junior

81—Terrell Woods, freshman

87—Will Callaghan, senior

97—Jay Qian, junior

99—Dwight Downing, sophomore

Coaching/training staff
Shawn Brown, head coach

Kevin Barrett, assistant coach

Landon Smith, assistant coach

Kirk Downing, assistant coach/stats

Jesus Soler, assistant coach

Ben Donatelli, assistant coach

Troy Williams, assistant coach

Makenzie Brinker, athletic trainer

Managers: Ian Curry, Carter Kienast

Published December 12, 2018

Academy at the Lakes football eyes state title run

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Following last year’s historic eight-man state title run, questions swirled about how the Academy at the Lakes football program would respond in 2018 with the loss a number of impactful seniors, including do-it-all tailback/linebacker Daniel Gonzalez, the 2017 Florida Christian Association of Private and Parochial Schools (FCAPPS) Heisman Trophy winner.

Fair to say, they’ve handled the adjustment with aplomb.

Sophomore quarterback Jalen Brown seeks to lead the Wildcats to back-to-back eight-man state titles. (Courtesy of Rebecca Price)

The Wildcats wrapped up their first undefeated regular season (7-0) in program history and secured the No. 1 seed in the FCAPPS eight-man playoffs — also part of a 17-game winning streak that dates back to Sept. 22, 2017.

Their attention now turns to the team winning its second straight eight-man state championship.

Academy at the Lakes will host Jacksonville Harvest Community in the FCAPPS state quarterfinals on Nov. 16 at 7 p.m.

For Wildcats head coach Shawn Brown, the groundwork for another state championship traces back to implementing dutiful, high-effort practices all season long, no matter the level of competition each week.

It’s a challenge the team has embraced, Brown said.

“They’re able to come out here and get started without me saying, ‘Hey, let’s go,’ and stay focused on staying serious has made a difference at practice. Now, with kids you’re going to have days where they get a little loose, but for the most part they’ve kept it serious,” Brown said at a recent late-season practice.

It’s undoubtedly something the Wildcats must do, with less depth this year, and without the safety net of Gonzalez, who could singlehandedly take over a game on offense (1,125 rushing yards, 25 touchdowns) and defense (138 total tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, three fumble-return touchdowns).

“I think a lot of times last year (Gonzalez) made things happen by himself, where this year I think we have to play more as a team,” Brown said.

That’s particularly been the case on defense.

The Wildcats have surrendered fewer than nine points per game this season.

The Academy at the Lakes Wildcats varsity football team wrapped up its first undefeated season (7-0) in program history. A stingy defense allowing fewer than nine points per game is a big part of the team’s success.

They also haven’t allowed more than 13 points in any one game.

“It’s a different type of way that we’re beating people (this season). We’re not beating them explosively on the offensive side of the ball, but defensively we’ve kind of held things down,” explained Brown.

The coach credits the defense’s overall speed, also pointing out significant contributions from senior linebacker/end Dylan Price (56 tackles, 9.5 sacks) and the emergence of defensive backs Jullian Jennings (27 tackles, four interceptions) and Caleb Yann (20 tackles, three interceptions).

“We understand that we’ve got to make people work. I thought we’ve done a really good job with our run defense and our pass defense,” Brown said.

Overall teamwork has been at play this season, added Price, one of five team captains and the team’s starting tailback.

“Everybody’s doing their job,” Price said. “You don’t have people saying, ‘Oh, I’ve got to do this person’s job.’ We’re all sticking to our one job.”

He also noted the team this year was forced to “come together more” in lieu of Gonzalez and other impact players from 2017, such as leading receiver Isaiah Smith (864 scrimmage yards, 17 touchdowns) and star cornerback Jordan Oladokun (11 interceptions), who transferred to Gaither for his sophomore season.

Said Price: “We couldn’t just rely on someone like a Daniel (Gonzalez) or offense or a Jordan (Oladokun) on defense, so everyone’s had to do their part this year, so I mean we don’t have one person doing everything, everyone’s sharing the load.”

And, what the Wildcats may lack in dynamic playmakers, the team makes up for in knowledge of what it takes to win a state title, Price acknowledged.

“I think it helps,” Price said of the experience of last year’s state title run. “We’re not going to be completely clueless on, ‘Oh, what do we do here, what do we do there?’ We know what to expect. We know that people are going to come to play, and we’ve just got to play our best game.”

Meanwhile, the strides made at the quarterback position could also come in handy.

Sophomore Jalen Brown has completed nearly 60 percent of his passes for 823 yards and 21 total touchdowns (3 interceptions). He’s also added over 300 yards on the ground, as part of a balanced offensive attack.

His best performance came in a 46-13 win against Faith Christian on Oct. 19. With the Wildcats struggling to run the ball, Jalen Brown was tasked to get the job done through the air, throwing for 233 yards and four touchdowns on 12 of 17 passes.

“He’s proven to himself that he can take over a game,” said Wildcats quarterbacks coach/offensive assistance Jesus Soler. “That’s really the big leap from the beginning of the season until now, is we can just ask him to take over a game.”

Beyond the numbers, Soler noted the Wildcats three-year starter has shown marked improvements in everything from footwork and arm strength, to his decision-making.

“He understands the offense better than everybody. He is another coach on the field,” Soler said.

The assistant coach, too, believes Jalen Brown has legit college football potential, a relative rarity in the eight-man ranks.

“I think he could be a Division I quarterback. It’s just a matter of whether Division I teams will take a gamble on an eight-man quarterback,” Soler said. “He’s got the skillset already.”

For the time being, however, the young, but tested, quarterback is strictly focused on guiding the team to back-to-back state titles.

He feels it’s well within reach for the undefeated squad.

“I think we’ve got it skill-wise,” he said, “but, we’ve got to stay together as a group. No outside distractions.”

He added: “We’re not the team last year where we just came in and destroyed everybody. We actually have got to work for what we want. …We’ve just got to be together as a team and keep going hard for all four quarters.”

The signal-caller, too, is working to “be more of a leader” as the team gears up for the postseason.

“If I get down, I can’t do that being a leader. I have to stay positive and keep everything up,” he said.

If so, the Wildcats may once again be hoisting gold in December.

A look at Academy at the Lakes’ 17-game winning streak that dates to 2017
(The Wildcats last loss came on Sept. 7, 2017, a 50-35 home defeat to Eastland Christian)

2017
Sept. 22: Canterbury (48-16 win)

Sept. 28: Solid Rock Community (80-0 win)

Oct. 2: at St. Lucie Christian (49-12 win)

Oct. 13: Lakeside Christian (40-21 win)

Oct. 20: at Donahue Catholic (36-0 win)

Oct. 27: Seacoast Christian Academy (68-7 win)

Nov. 3: at Hernando Christian Academy (57-29 win)

Nov. 17: Canterbury (54-6 win)

Dec. 1: Eastland Christian (46-6 win)

Dec. 9: Old Plank Christian Academy (30-9 win)

2018
Sept. 14: Citi Christian Academy (24-12 win)

Sept. 21: at Solid Rock Community (53-6 win)

Sept. 28: at Canterbury (34-13 win)

Oct. 19: Faith Christian (46-13 win)

Oct. 26: St. Lucie Christian (13-0 win by forfeit)

Nov. 2: at Lakeside Christian (15-6 win)

Nov. 9: at Bell Creek Academy (52-0)

Published November 14, 2018

AATL softball captures first state title

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A pitcher’s duel, extra innings and weathering wet, muddy conditions were all needed before Academy at the Lakes softball could finally claim its first-ever state championship.

Overcoming hurdles, they wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.

The Wildcats (26-4) defeated Monticello Aucilla Christian 1-0 in 11 innings on May 22 in the FHSAA (Florida High School Athletic Association) Class 2A state finals at Historic Dodgertown in Vero Beach.

Academy at the Lakes varsity softball won the FHSAA Class 2A state title on May 22 after defeating Monticello Aucilla Christian 1-0 in 11 innings. The Wildcats finished the season 26-4. (Kevin Weiss)

Academy at the Lakes (AATL) junior pitcher and Alabama commit Alexis Kilfoyl outdueled Aucilla Christian senior and Florida signee Elizabeth Hightower in the team’s most difficult test of the season.

In addition to unleashing a 13-strikeout, four-hit shutout, Kilfoyl was responsible for the game-winning single that allowed freshman shortstop Brooke Blankenship to score on a two-out single in the 11th inning.

“The 11 innings really pushed us to our max. It was definitely a tough pitcher battle,” Kilfoyl, one of the nation’s top pitching prospects, said afterwards.

What made the triumph even sweeter was knowing they unseated an Aucilla Christian program that’s won state crowns two of the last three years.

“Probably one of the greatest (feelings) I’ve ever had. Just all the hard work we put into it, it feels good to finally pay off,” Kilfoyl said.

A post-season celebration was held at the school on May 24 to honor the softball team’s achievements. Players, their families and friends, and school administration all gathered to soak in the momentous achievement.

“It’s finally setting in a little bit,” Blankenship said with an ear-to-ear smile at the celebration. “We’re just kind of looking back on all our hard work…so next season we’ll know what it takes.”

In 2017, the Wildcats ended a 20-win season with a disappointing 5-3 loss to St. Petersburg Canterbury in the Class 2A regional final.

Coming up short motivated the team to improve under the watch of second-year head coach Diane Stephenson, a longtime Division I softball coach for Indiana, Purdue and Iowa universities.

To better prepare for the 2018 playoffs, Stephenson and her staff ventured to compile a challenging regular season.

Matchups were scheduled against larger public schools like Freedom, Land O’ Lakes, Mitchell and River Ridge high schools, among many others.

Said Stephenson, “It was great for our kids because they learned a lot of resilience and they learned to play from behind. They learned so much. They learned mental toughness.”

It proved fruitful in the grind-it-out state title game.

“When we got into that game and it was 0-0, they flexed a couple times, but they weren’t worried, and that’s what mental toughness does for you. It prepares you for the battle, and we were prepared for the battle for sure,” Stephenson said.

With a varsity roster of no seniors and mostly underclassmen and some middle- schoolers, the Wildcats figure to be a staying power for the foreseeable future.

It also could mean a state title repeat in 2019.

“It’ll definitely be fun,” Kilfoyl said of next season’s possibilities. “I’m really looking forward to it because I know we can definitely do it again, if we do what we did this time.”

Having Stephenson back as a coach will serve well, too.

The highly regarded coach was inducted into Indiana University’s Athletics Hall of Fame in 2016. She won 402 games in 15 seasons, and led the Hoosiers to NCAA Tournament appearances in 1994 and 1996.

“She’s definitely someone we all look up to. Her energy helps us, and she knows the game,” said Blankenship, a Florida State commit.

In addition to its feats on the softball field this season, Academy at the Lakes likewise dominated in the classroom.

Their combined cumulative grade-point average of 3.85 was the highest of any softball-playing team in the state.

Meantime, it’s been quite a year athletics-wise for the private school, as it celebrates its 25th anniversary in existence.

In December, the AATL football team went 11-1 and won its first-ever eight-man state championship, under head coach Shawn Brown.

“It’s been a great year,” said Wildcats athletics director Tom Haslam. “It’s big for the community, it’s big for our program and, best of all, it’s big for the kids because that just builds confidence, and now they’re excited more and they want to do it again.”

Academy at the Lakes 2018 varsity softball
Roster

  • Alexis Kilfoyl, junior
  • Allie Glatfelter, seventh grade
  • Amber Nadeau, sophomore
  • Aubrey McLeod, sophomore
  • Brooke Blankenship, freshman
  • Caitlin Blankenship, seventh grade
  • Devyne Davis, freshman
  • Elisabeth Robichaux, eighth grade
  • Hannah Church, eighth grade
  • Hayley Reed, eighth grade
  • Jessica Mott, sophomore
  • Mia Fields, sixth grade
  • Nicole Gilleland, freshman
  • Tristen Gittens, junior
  • Vanessa Alexander, freshman

Coaching Staff

  • Diane Stephenson, head coach
  • John Counts, assistant coach
  • Robbie Blankenship, assistant coach
  • Kennedy Lachicotte, assistant coach

Published May 30, 2018

Spring football preview for area teams

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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

Academy at the Lakes wins state football title

By

They reached their goal.

Academy at the Lakes weathered chilly conditions and an undefeated opponent from Jacksonville to capture the school’s first-ever eight-man state football championship.

Offensive coordinator Landon Smith, a former National Football League player, was as happy as the team, as he holds the trophy bringing bragging rights to the school after winning the 2017 Florida Christian Association of Private and Parochial Schools (FCAPPS) state championship. (Fred Bellet)

An unwavering defensive performance — along with four combined touchdowns from freshman quarterback Jalen Brown and senior running back/linebacker Daniel Gonzalez — propelled the Wildcats to a 30-9 victory over the Old Plank Christian Academy Defenders in the Florida Christian Association of Private and Parochial Schools (FCAPPS) state championship on Dec. 9, at Southeastern University in Lakeland.

It was evident early, the Wildcats were the better team.

Academy at the Lakes scored on its first offensive possession —a 30-yard touchdown pass from Brown to freshman Jordan Oladokun, less than 7 minutes into the first quarter.

Brown added to the Wildcats lead late in the second quarter, diving into the end zone on a one-yard quarterback sneak — set up by his own 30-yard improvised run just a few plays earlier.

The team’s second scoring drive marked the “turning point” of the game, Wildcats head coach Shawn Brown said.

Academy at the Lakes head football coach Shawn Brown holds both trophies that he and his team won after defeating Jacksonville’s Old Plank Defenders at Victory Field in Lakeland.

“I think things were kind of going back and forth, then (Jalen) made that big run,” he said. “It was 8-0, then he kind of made that big run. I think it changed the whole momentum at that point.”

Old Plank had chances to narrow the gap, but was continuously plagued by its own mistakes in the form of penalties and turnovers, giving the Wildcats solid field position and extra offensive possessions.

A prime example: with the clock winding down in the second quarter, Old Plank quarterback Daniel Bosque fumbled just short of the end zone as time expired, preserving the Wildcats 16-0 lead at the half.

A costly turnover early in the second half made matters worse for the visiting Defenders, who entered the game 8-0.

Old Plank’s John Kilpatrick fumbled a punt return at the 25-yard line that was recovered by the Wildcats. The ensuing drive led to a 16-yard rushing touchdown by Gonzalez, just minutes into the third quarter.

Old Plank’s undisciplined play became chippy at times; the team was flagged for multiple late hits and facemasks.

Players, coaches and managers pose for a quick group shot after beating Old Plank. It’s the team’s first eight-man state title.

The Wildcats didn’t let some heated moments affect them, however.

“It could’ve gotten bad, and we could’ve lost our composure, and I think if we lose our composure, we lose that game,” Shawn Brown said. “We stayed true to what we do, kept the kids positive, and tried to walk away without losing their temper, and I think if we lose our temper, then we lose that game.”

Up 22-0, the Wildcats held the Defenders scoreless into the fourth quarter, until 244-pound fullback Quinton Sterling rushed two yards for a touchdown at the 9:22 mark.

“I think our defense, inevitably, is what won us this game, no doubt,” Gonzalez said. “We got some really key interceptions and really key three-and-outs, and that’s what won us this game. It wasn’t just the offense this game; we came together as a team.”

Gonzalez, named the game’s Most Valuable Player (MVP), for extra measure scored his second rushing touchdown of the night with less than 5 minutes left, all but sealing the win.

The two schools last met during the 2016 regular season, where Old Plank defeated Academy at the Lakes in that matchup, 41-20.

Academy at the Lakes head football coach Shawn Brown gets a second drenching by his son and team quarterback, No. 2 Jalen Brown.

Even with the three-score margin, the state championship was closer than most Wildcats games this season; they won their first two playoff games by 48 and 40 points, respectively.

“This is the best defensive team we’ve ever played this season,” Gonzalez said of Old Plank. “I’ve got to give them credit, but in the end we were the better team.”

And, despite making monumental plays on offense and defense, Gonzalez credited younger teammates for the team’s historic victory.

“It’s really interesting because the players that stepped up were all the young guys,” said Gonzalez, a senior team captain.

“We got the corner, Jordan Oladokun. We got Jalen Brown. And, those were the two people that really stepped up on offense and defense. They stepped up on both sides of the ball, and that’s the coolest part. It was the young people that stepped up.”

Brown, who took several big hits at quarterback, said the team never gave up.

“When we got knocked down, we got back up,” the freshman quarterback said. “The game started off a little tough, but we pushed through it, and our momentum carried us to this good victory.”

Chilly weather did not stop the Academy at the Lakes fans, as the bleachers were filled with supporters who found it was worth the drive to Lakeland to watch their Wildcats.

Gonzalez, who sported a ‘victory cigar’ after the game, was one of many players overwhelmed with excitement and joy in postgame festivities.

“I can’t even describe the feeling right now. I got the MVP. I got it all right now. I wouldn’t want anything more,” he said. “This is the best way to end my year. This is the best way to end a football season.”

He is one of the nine seniors on the roster and one of a handful who’ve been with the program since their freshman year.

The other seniors are: Thomas Kramer, Joel Eason, Evan Lutz, Tanner Bianchi, Isaiah Smith, Zachary Moore, Jack Passero and Cooper Weber.

Some, including Gonzalez, had never played organized football before joining the Wildcats program.

Academy at the Lakes No. 7 Daniel Gonzalez had no problem getting by the Old Plank Defenders. Gonzalez was the game’s most valuable player. The game is part of the 2017 Florida High School Football Playoff Brackets – FCSA 8-Man tournament.

“It’s awesome, because that’s my first true graduating class. They’ve come a long way,” said Shawn Brown, who’s in his fourth season as head coach.

The 2017 campaign signaled a complete turnaround for the Wildcats football program.

Academy at the Lakes went 2-8 in 2016, after finishing 4-7 and 3-5 the prior two seasons.

Coach Brown added: “To watch these kids as freshman, and some of them not knowing anything at all with football, to being like that doormat and getting pounded on. There are no words I’ve got to explain it. I’m speechless. I thought I’d have more to say. We reached our goal.”

The football program’s last state title came in 2006, when Academy at the Lakes played in the six-man ranks.

Academy at the Lakes athletic director Tom Haslam underscored the importance of the state title for the Land O’ Lakes private school.

“It’s great for everybody across the board, not just sports, but it transcends everything,” Haslam said. “So much dedication and hard work goes into it, and other kids see that and other kids want to be a part of that, whether it’s football, basketball or chorus, or whatever. And, it’s just kind of contagious.”

Academy at the Lakes Wildcats 2017 roster (By jersey number)
1—Jordan Oladokun, freshman

2—Jalen Brown, freshman

3—Tioma Stepanets, junior

4—Isaiah Smith, senior

5—Jamaal Johnson, junior

7—Daniel Gonzalez, senior

8—Jack O’ Malley, senior

9—Caleb Yann, freshman

10—Thomas Kramer, senior

11—Cole Lallanilla, sophomore

12—Denzyl Downing, sophomore

13—Anthony Quintana, sophomore

15—Joel Eason, senior

17—Zachary Moore, senior

18—Elijah Freedman, sophomore

22—Dylan Price, junior

23—Jack Passero, senior

47—Tanner Bianchi, senior

48—Andrew Kilfoyl, freshman

52—Matthew Martin, sophomore

54—Cooper Weber, senior

55—Jordan Witt, sophomore

60—Evan Lutz, senior

98—Jacon Ayoub, freshman

99—Dwight Downing, freshman

Inactives:
8—Jack O’ Malley, senior

20—A.J. Panepinto, eighth grade

81—Terrell Woods, eighth grade

87—James Elverson, eighth grade

Coaches:
Shawn Brown, head coach/defensive coordinator

Kevin Barrett, assistant coach/offensive & defensive line

Ben Donatelli, assistant coach/ line coach

Kirk Downing, assistant coach/stats

Steve Hagenau, assistant coach/trainer

Landon Smith, assistant coach/offensive coordinator

Jesus Solar, assistant coach/quarterbacks

Henry Oladokun, assistant coach/defensive backs

Troy Williams, assistant coach

Manager(s): A.J. Panepinto, Hunter Price

Ball Boy/Girl: Payton Williams, Katie Erin McCormick

 

Game-by-game results:
Aug. 25: at Citi Christian Academy (40-22 win)
Sept 7: Eastland Christian (50-35 loss)
Sept. 22: Canterbury (48-16 win)
Sept. 28: Solid Rock Community (80-0 win)
Oct. 2: at Saint Lucie Christian (49-12 win)
Oct. 13: Lakeside Christian (40-21 win)
Oct. 20: at Donahue Catholic (36-0 win)
Oct. 27: Seacoast Christian Academy (68-7 win)
Nov. 3: at Hernando Christian Academy (57-29 win)
Nov. 17: Canterbury (54-6 win)
Dec. 1: Eastland Christian (46-6 win)
Dec. 9: Old Plank Christian Academy (30-9 win)

 

Scoring Plays
First quarter
(5:35) — Academy at the Lakes (AATL) quarterback Jalen Brown completes a 30-yard touchdown pass to receiver Jordan Oladokun; two-point conversion good (8-0, AATL leads)

Second quarter
(2:51) — Brown rushes one yard for a touchdown; two-point conversion good (16-0, AATL leads)

Third quarter
(7:52)— AATL running back Daniel Gonzalez rushes 16 yards for a touchdown; extra point no good (22-0, AATL leads)

Fourth quarter
(9:22)— Old Plank Christian Academy fullback Quinton Sterling rushed two yards for a touchdown; two-point conversion attempt no good (22-7, AATL leads)

(4:40) — Gonzalez rushed three yards for a touchdown; two-point conversion good (30-7, AATL leads)

(1:10) – Old Plank credited for a safety (30-9, AATL leads)

Final: 30-9, AATL wins

Published December 13, 2017