The Laker/Lutz News

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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Tre’pavis Mobley

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

The Laker/Lutz News prep football season outlook

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The 2017 high school football season is finally underway. As the games unfold, here’s a look at some of the teams and players to watch in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area:

Teams to Watch:

Steinbrenner head coach Andres Perez-Reinaldo is looking for his third straight winning season. (File)

Steinbrenner High Warriors

Coach: Andres Perez-Reinaldo (sixth year)

Despite some key departures from last year’s 5-4 squad — including starting quarterback Colin Wray’s defection to Clearwater Central Catholic— the Warriors look primed for a third straight winning season. That was evident in their Aug. 28 season opener, a 19-0 road shutout of Freedom High School. If that game is any indication, Steinbrenner features a strong running game led by senior Dionte Waldron and freshman Deon Silas, and big-play receivers in senior Brandon Garcia and sophomore Aidan Bitter. The Warriors have no shortage of playmakers on defense, either. Besides the return of a pair of tackling machines in senior linebacker/safety Charles Stephens (99 tackles in 2016) and senior defensive tackle Juan Batista (87 total tackles in 2016), the Warriors have others — including senior end Cade Murray and junior linebacker Logan Kilburn— capable of making stops behind the line of scrimmage.

The Warriors still need to find a steady, reliable presence at quarterback, especially with difficult matchups remaining against the likes of Jesuit, Bradenton Manatee, Sarasota Riverview and Tampa Catholic high schools.

 

 

 

Sunlake has seven straight winning seasons under head coach Bill Browning. (Courtesy of Tom Ketchum, PascoCountyfb.com)

Sunlake High Seahawks

Coach: Bill Browning (11th year)

It’s tough to doubt the Sunlake Seahawks and its run of seven straight winning seasons — each with at least seven victories. However, the consistent program may be in for a slight rebuilding campaign after losing numerous contributors on offense and defense from last year’s 7-3 squad. Besides developing a new quarterback in either senior Ryan Kasper or junior Hunter Watts, dynamic playmakers on offense also need to emerge. Similar questions remain on defense, as the Seahawks replace three of its top four tacklers from last season. Meanwhile, Sunlake’s schedule doesn’t get any easier, with matchups against Wiregrass Ranch, Springstead, Brooksville Central and River Ridge high schools.

 

Wiregrass Ranch looks to be one of the top teams in Pasco County. (Courtesy of Tom Ketchum, PascoCountyfb.com)

Wiregrass Ranch High Bulls

Coach: Mark Kantor (third year)

Wiregrass Ranch appears to be one of the top teams in the Tampa Bay area, even after a tumultuous offseason that saw three of its top players — cornerback Shamaur McDowell, athlete Raymond Woodie III, tailback Da Da McGee — transfer elsewhere. The team’s strength was evident in the Bulls memorable 31-29 season-opening victory over Zephyrhills High, where their talent and moxie reigned supreme. Junior quarterback Grant Sessums, in his first year as a starter, could emerge to become one of the county’s most productive signal-callers, especially with a senior-laden group of pass-catchers, in A.J. Brown, Devaun Roberts and Daniel Biglow. Establishing a capable running game also could go a long way in Sessums’ and Wiregrass’ success. The Bulls, meanwhile, return one of the region’s top players in versatile, ball-hawking cornerback Jordan Miner, a Penn State University commit. Besides roaming the defensive backfield, the 6-foot-1, 180-pound athlete also is utilized on offense and kickoff returns.

Zephyrhills is seeking their fourth straight playoff appearance. (Courtesy of Tom Ketchum, PascoCountyfb.com)

Zephyrhills High Bulldogs

Coach: Nick Carroll (second year)

One of the county’s most successful programs of late, Zephyrhills has the talent and depth to secure a fourth straight playoff appearance. It all starts with senior dual-threat quarterback Charles Harrison III, the county’s top returning signal-caller (2,038 total yards, 26 total touchdowns, five interceptions in 2016). And, there’s no lack of weapons at Harrison’s disposal, with the return of leading rusher Elijah Thomas (649 yards, five touchdowns) and leading receivers Tre’Pavis Mobley (39 catches, 802 yards, 11 touchdowns) and Ja’quan Sheppard (25 catches, 443 yards, six touchdowns).

Defensively, the Bulldogs return two of their top pass rushers from 2016 — Sterlin Williams (8.5 sacks) and Ja’varrius Wilson (eight sacks)— along with senior middle linebacker Zac Masci (66 tackles, 2.5 sacks) and senior safety Myles Carter (25 tackles, five tackles for loss, two interceptions).

Meanwhile, the rest of the season sets up relatively nicely for the Bulldogs, with manageable matchups against teams like Ridgewood, Fivay, Gulf, Anclote and Pasco high schools.

 

Zephyrhills Christian is looking to build off last season’s 7-2 mark. (Courtesy of Zephyrhills Christian Academy)

Zephyrhills Christian Academy Warriors

Coach: Mike Smith (third year, 11-man)

The Warriors are proving last season’s 7-2 mark wasn’t a fluke, especially after downing Bishop McLaughlin 35-6 in its Aug. 25 home opener. The Warriors, competing in Class 2A for the first time, feature one of the county’s most prolific ground attacks, led by seniors Calvin Samuel (695 yards, seven touchdowns in 2016) and Alonzo Sampson, and Pasco High transfer Javion Hanner — each capable of explosive plays. The Warriors, too, feature a handful of impact players on defense, anchored by 300-pound sophomore defensive lineman Malik Jones and 215-pound junior linebacker/defensive end Jalen Spencer. One of the more intriguing tests for the Warriors will be on Oct. 13, when they face Carrollwood Day School at home.

Wesley Chapel returns several key pieces from last season’s 7-2 squad. (Courtesy of Tom Ketchum, PascoCountyfb.com)

Wesley Chapel High School Wildcats

Coach: Tony Egan (second year)

Besides having arguably the county’s top do-everything athlete in Isaiah Bolden (University of Oregon commit), the Wildcats have several pieces returning to a team that won its first seven games in 2016, before faltering down the stretch with road losses to Zephyrhills and River Ridge high schools.

It has a potent running game led by 1,000-yard rusher Dexter Leverett and Malik Melvin (358 yards, seven touchdowns).

With Bolden returning at cornerback, the Wildcats defense also features several other standouts, including inside linebacker Austen Wittish (93 tackles in 2016) and 6-foot-7 defensive end/Florida State University commit Chaz Neal.

The looming question is finding consistency at quarterback following the graduation of two-year starter Jacob Thomas.

Players to Watch:

 

Isaiah Bolden

Athlete — Isaiah Bolden, Wesley Chapel High senior

The 6-foot-3, 185-pound versatile athlete might be the top football prospect in all of Pasco County. The University of Oregon commit — with nearly 30 other scholarship offers— is a consensus four-star recruit widely regarded as one of nation’s top 20 cornerback prospects for the Class of 2018. Besides roaming the defensive backfield, Wesley Chapel High coaches utilize Bolden as a quarterback, punter and return man. He’ll also sometimes line up at running back and receiver.

 

 

Jordan Miner

Cornerback — Jordan Miner, Wiregrass Ranch High senior

Like Bolden, Miner is another a blue chip, four-star cornerback committed to a high-profile college program (Penn State University). Nationally, the 6-foot-1, 180-pound Miner is ranked among the top 30 corners for the 2018 recruiting class, where he’s lauded for his quickness, physicality and ball skills. He’s also an impact player on special teams, as he averaged 33 yards per kick return in 2016.

 

John Dixon

Defensive Back — John Dixon, Wharton High junior

The 5-foot-11, 170-pound Dixon is quickly hopping on the radar of some of the nation’s premier college programs. His junior season just underway, Dixon already boasts offers from the likes of Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Ohio State, Tennessee, South Carolina, South Florida and Maryland universities. Multiple recruiting outlets — like 247Sports and ESPN.com— rank Dixon as a four-star prospect and one of the nation’s top 25 cornerback prospects for the 2019 class. Dixon tallied 44 tackles and two interceptions in 2016.

Ja’quan Sheppard

Receiver — Ja’quan Sheppard, Zephyrhills High junior

One of Zephyrhills High’s many offensive playmakers, the 6-foot-2, 176-pound Sheppard is a dynamic threat, both as a receiver (25 catches, 443 yards, six touchdowns in 2016) and ball carrier (325 yards, five touchdowns). Besides having reliable hands, Sheppard has shown the capability for chunk plays of 40 yards and 50 yards. He currently has an offer from Samford University, a Division I Football Championship Series (FCS) program in Homewood, Alabama.

 

Dexter Leverett

Running back/defensive back — Dexter Leverett, Wesley Chapel High senior

The 5-foot-10, 170-pound Leverett was Pasco County’s third-leading rusher in 2016, tallying 1,254 yards and 10 touchdowns on just 165 carries (7.6 yards per carry). And, he displayed consistency, with nine games of at least 100 yards.

Wesley Chapel head coach Tony Egan summed up Leverett’s rushing ability in an interview last season: “He’s got it all. He’s a power back, he’s explosive, and he’s got that top-end speed—the kid runs a 4.53 40 (yard dash). He’s just a really quick kid…and he can make cuts in the open field.”

Leverett is not just an offensive star. He’s also a key cog on defense, where he posted 75 total tackles last season.

Ten more to watch:

Athlete — Calvin Samuel, Zephyrhills Christian Academy senior

Cornerback — A.J. Hampton, Wharton High senior

Linebacker — Myron Bloom, Land O’ Lakes High junior

Linebacker— Adam Jarvis, Sunlake High senior

Linebacker— Matthew Wood, Gaither High senior

Offensive Tackle — Donovan Jennings, Gaither High senior

Offensive Tackle — Lavel Dumont, Wharton High senior

Quarterback — Charles Harrison III, Zephyrhills High senior

Running back/Linebacker — Dylan Gonzalez, Academy at the Lakes senior

Wide Receiver — Tre’Pavis Mobley, Zephyrhills High junior

Statistics compiled by MaxPreps.com

The Laker/Lutz News coverage area includes the following schools from Hillsborough and Pasco counties:

Hillsborough:
Carrollwood Day School Patriots (Class 2A-Region 3)

Freedom High School Patriots (Class 7A-Region 8)

Gaither High School Cowboys (Class 7A-Region 8)

Steinbrenner High School Warriors (Class 8A-Region 6)

Wharton High School Wildcats (Class 7A-Region 8)

Pasco:
Academy at the Lakes Wildcats (8-man-Florida Christian Region 2)

Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School Hurricanes (Independent-Sunshine State Athletic Conference (SSAC)

Cypress Creek Middle High School Coyotes (Class 4A-Region 3)

Land O’ Lakes High School Gators (Class 6A-Region 6)

Pasco High School Pirates (Class 6A-Region 6)

Sunlake High School Seahawks (Class 6A-Region 6)

Wesley Chapel High School Wildcats (Class 5A-Region 8)

Wiregrass Ranch High School Bulls (Class 7A-Region 8)

Zephyrhills High School Bulldogs (Class 5A-Region 8)

Zephyrhills Christian Academy Warriors (Class 2A-Region 2)

What’s New?
The Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) passed a new system last September that bases football postseason berths on a points system in Class A-4A. The new format, beginning this season, is designed to reward teams for winning records and strength of schedule.
In the FHSAA’s biggest four classes (5A-8A), the district champion still automatically qualifies for regionals, with the remaining 16 spots decided by points.

Published September 6, 2017

Zephyrhills routs Pasco in 9-Mile War

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Different year, same result.

For the second straight year, the Zephyrhills Bulldogs romped the Pasco Pirates in the historic 9-Mile War, winning in a 46-0 road shutout.

Zephyrhills (8-2) dominated on both sides of the ball, racking up 369 yards of total offense, while holding Pasco (0-9) to just 92 yards.

Junior running back Myles Carter set the tone early in the game, scoring Zephyrhills’ first touchdown midway through the first quarter. (Fred Bellet/Photos)
Junior running back Myles Carter set the tone early in the game, scoring Zephyrhills’ first touchdown midway through the first quarter.
(Fred Bellet/Photos)

The Bulldogs, taking advantage of positive field position and several explosive plays from running back Myles Carter and quarterback Charles Harrison III, took a 32-0 lead into halftime.

A running clock ensued once the Bulldogs commanded a 39-0 lead with 9:50 left in the third quarter.

The final touchdown of the game turned out to be the most highlight-worthy: a 90-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter by Elijah Thomas, a 5-foot-6, 150-pound junior tailback.

The rivalry, which dates back to 1941, has historically been one-sided, with Pasco leading the all-time series, 40-19. They previously won seven straight, from 2008-2014.

However, Zephyrhills won last year’s meeting, 50-16, serving as a microcosm for the direction of the two programs the last two seasons.

Junior running back Elijah Thomas had the most explosive play of the game, a 90-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter.
Junior running back Elijah Thomas had the most explosive play of the game, a 90-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter.

The Bulldogs have reached the playoffs for the third straight season, while the Pirates are seeking their first win in a season-finale against Gulf High, also 0-9. The Pirates, coached by Tom McHugh, finished 4-6 in 2015.

Under first-year coach Nick Carroll, the Bulldogs have wrapped up an impressive regular season, despite a youthful roster missing its top player in senior running back Antwione Sims, who’s yet to play in a game this season since tearing his ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) in March.

Prior to the start of the 2016 season, Carroll expressed confidence the team would find other playmakers to fill the void for the loss of the dynamic running back, who set a school-record 2,093 yards in 2015.

They did, thanks to a more prolific aerial attack, and a balanced rushing attack.

A large contingent of Zephyrhills Bulldogs fans made the crosstown drive to Dade City.
A large contingent of Zephyrhills Bulldogs fans made the crosstown drive to Dade City.

Sophomore receivers Tre’ Pavis Mobley (32 receptions, 657 yards, 10 touchdowns) and Jaquan Sheppard (21 receptions, 386 yards, 6 touchdowns) have been key cogs for Harrison III, who’s racked up 1,296 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, and just four interceptions.

Meanwhile, nearly 1,500 rushing yards have been dispersed through a running-back-by-committee approach featuring Thomas, Carter, Harrison III and Sheppard.

The Bulldogs will look to continue their balanced, high-powered offensive attack on Nov. 11, when they face Brooksville Nature Coast (9-0) in the Class 5A regional quarterfinals. Nature Coast averages 44.4 points per game, while Zephyrhills is averaging 35.7 points per game.

One other team in our coverage area has also qualified for the FHSAA (Florida High School Athletic Association) football playoffs. In Class 7A, Wiregrass Ranch (7-2) travels to Lakeland (7-2) on Friday, Nov. 11.

Three Key Game Stats:

  • Quarterback Charles Harrison III: 7-of 16, 144 passing yards; 61 rush yards.
  • Running back Elijah Thomas: four carries, 103 rushing yards.
  • Defensive end Sterlin Williams accounted for three of the team’s 10 sacks.

Three Key Plays:

  • Botched punt snap by Pasco leads to safety for Zephyrhills, cushioning their lead to 17-0 with 5:57 left in the first half.
  • A 30-yard touchdown pass by Harrison III with 1:18 left in the second quarter gives Zephyrhills a 32-0 lead.
  • A 90-yard touchdown run by Thomas, with 8:29 left in the fourth quarter, caps off the 46-0 game.

Zephyrhills Bulldogs Season Recap:
2016 Record: 8-2 (6-1 district)
Aug 26: Wiregrass Ranch (43-8 loss)
Sept. 3: Sunlake (27-15 win)
Sept. 16: Gulf (62-0 win)
Sept. 23: at Fivay (42-6 win)
Sept. 30: at Hudson (39-33 win)
Oct. 8: Ridgewood (71-12 win)
Oct. 14: at River Ridge (31-14 loss)
Oct. 21: Wesley Chapel (28-20 win)
Oct. 28: at Anclote (56-26 win)
Nov. 4 at Pasco (46-0 win)

Published November 9, 2016

Coach ‘excited’ for next season, despite obstacles

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Zephyrhills High first-year football coach Nick Carroll took over a program in turmoil when he was hired nearly three months ago.

He took the job in February amidst a report of an on-campus sex scandal implicating some of the team’s players, and was dealt another blow last month when news broke that its top offensive player had torn his ACL (anterior cruciate ligament during) during a football camp.
Running back Antwione Sims, who is set to begin his senior year, ran for a school-record 2,093 yards and 24 touchdowns last season. But, he will likely miss a significant portion of the 2016 season.

The 5-foot-11, 196-pound Sims—a Rivals.com two-star recruit with multiple college scholarship offers—accounted for nearly 57 percent of the Bulldog’s total offense last season.
“He’s taking care of it,” Carroll said in regards to Sims’ injury. “He’s going to get on the field as fast as he can. I know he’s very, very motivated.”

After losing one of the top skill players in Pasco County, Carroll is more focused on the players who are healthy, as he prepares his squad for the upcoming season.

(File Photo) Antwione Sims, left, goes up for a ball against former Sunlake player Terrence Jackson. The Zephyrhills Bulldogs will be without the star running back for a portion of the 2016 season due to a torn ACL. Sims rushed for a school-record 2,093 yards last season, helping to lead the Bulldogs to an 8-3 record.
Antwione Sims, left, goes up for a ball against former Sunlake player Terrence Jackson. The Zephyrhills Bulldogs will be without the star running back for a portion of the 2016 season due to a torn ACL. Sims rushed for a school-record 2,093 yards last season, helping to lead the Bulldogs to an 8-3 record. (File Photo)

“We’re going to pick up the pieces and find other playmakers,” said Carroll, who replaced veteran Bulldogs’ coach Reginald Roberts. “I got faith in the kids that are here. They want this opportunity just like any other kid does, and I think we’re going to be okay.”

One player that brings intrigue as a possible replacement for Sims at the running back position is Elijah Thomas, who will be a junior.

Thomas, a 5-foot-6, 150-pound scat back, was the team’s third leading rusher last season after totaling 222 yards on 18 carries (12.3 yards per carry). What he lacks in size, he more than makes up in speed—evident by his track results this spring.

Competing in the Sunshine Athletic Conference East track meet, the sophomore sprinter placed third in the 100-meter dash (11.26 seconds) and fourth in the 200 meters (23.81).
While Carroll certainly has a capable rusher in Thomas, the Zephyrhills coach acknowledged his staff must “mix up” the offense and create a more balanced attack to stifle opponents.

That philosophy places additional pressure on incumbent senior quarterback Charles Harrison III, who threw for 634 yards and 12 touchdowns, but completed only 45 percent of his passes.
Other players that may get looks at quarterback include rising senior Nick Loss, junior Jake Adams and freshman Dylan Wood.

Whomever starts at quarterback will also have to build a rapport with some new pass-catching threats with the impeding graduation of Jackie Tucker, who was last year’s leading wideout (24 receptions for 477 yards and 9 touchdowns).

Carroll said receivers Ja’quan Sheppard and Tre’pavis Mobley, who will be sophomores, have stood out thus far in offseason workouts. Those workouts have consisted of extensive weightlifting, speed and agility training, and route running drills.

“There’s some young kids that are really doing well against the air this spring, and we’re excited,” the head coach said. “We have been putting our time in and watching kids work on the field in regards to how competitive they are and seeing (them) compete against one another.”

Another receiving option that may figure into the equation is rising senior Darius Causey, who didn’t get playing time last year.

“He’s working hard in the weight room,” Carroll said. “He’s 6-foot-2 or 6-foot-3, and we’re looking at him to make some plays as well.”

Despite the injury to his top player and being tasked with trying to build trust as a new coach, Carroll has been very satisfied with what he’s seen from the roster since taking over the program.

“I’ve been really happy with how the kids have come together and the work they’ve put in as a team,” he said. “They’ve gotten a lot stronger. They are coming together as one.
“Now, we’re just excited for the opportunity to put it on the field and get things rolling,” Carroll said.

Published April 27, 2016