The Laker/Lutz News

David Mitchell

Fall football preview: Hillsborough County

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Fans of the local prep football scene can finally get excited — the 2021 varsity high school football season is gearing up.

Preseason classics begin Aug. 20 and the regular season kicks off Aug. 27 in the state of Florida.

Here we take a closer look at Hillsborough County teams in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area — Carrollwood Day, Freedom, Gaither, Steinbrenner and Wharton high schools. We look at how they stack up for this upcoming campaign, where some teams figure to be powerhouses, while others are in rebuilding mode.

A preview of Pasco County programs from the coverage area will publish next week.

Carrollwood Day School Patriots (Class 3A-3)
Coach: Marshall McDuffie, first year

Carrollwood Day may be a smaller private school, but expect it to bring plenty of punch on both sides of the ball — thanks in part to a collection of high-profile Division I FBS football prospects.

Among them is rising junior offensive lineman Clay Wedin, who measures 6-foot-6, 290 pounds.

Wedin has garnered strong interest — and ensuing scholarship offers — from a bevy of blue-blood programs, including Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Ohio State and Tennessee, among others.

Meantime, the defense is propelled by 6-foot-3, 275-pound senior Brandon Cleveland, a North Carolina State verbal commit who posted 46 tackles (including 18 for loss) and 11 sacks last season.

Beyond the trenches, the Patriots seemingly have a limitless supply of budding skill-position athletes who can rack up yardage and touchdowns with relative ease.

Translating talent and counting stats into victories is key for a team of predominantly underclassman, under first-year head coach Marshall McDuffie.

The team went 5-5 last year under former coach Mike Jones, with three defeats by nine points or fewer.

The Patriots should get ample opportunities to see how they stack up against some of the state’s better small schools, including Northside Christian, Ocala Trinity Catholic, Seffner Christian and Cambridge Christian high schools, among others.

Freedom High School Patriots (6A-9)
Coach: Christopher Short, third year

Freedom hasn’t enjoyed a winning season since 2014 — when former coach Todd Donohoe led that year’s squad to a 6-4 mark.

Coaching turnover hasn’t helped matters, as the program has had three other head coaches since Donohoe.

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The Patriots struggled again last season — with a winless 0-9 record, mired by several blowout defeats.

They allowed nearly 37.9 points per game, while only scoring an average of 12.2 points per game.

The team, however, seemed to show signs of progress, with its final two games of 2020 decided by six points or fewer.

Another positive building block was an 8-7 spring game victory over King High in late May.

At least one issue the team faces is replacing the production of tailback Robby Washington, a University of Miami verbal commit who’s since transferred to a high school in the Miami area.

Washington paced the Patriots with 1,219 all-purpose yards (535 rushing yards, 255 receiving yards, 429 kick return yards) and nine touchdowns.

Despite a somewhat challenging schedule and lingering roster questions, Freedom appears to have a couple winnable games on its slate, such as Blake (1-7 in 2020) and Strawberry Crest (1-8) high schools.

Gaither High School Cowboys (7A-9)
Coach: Kirk Karsen, fifth year

There’s not much to nitpick with a Gaither program that returns myriad contributors from a squad that went 11-1 and reached the 6A regional final before falling to Lake Minneola High last December.

The Gaither Cowboys have formed into a regional powerhouse during the last couple of seasons, including an 11-1 mark in 2020. (Courtesy of Gaither High School Athletics)

Among the larger question marks leading into 2021: Who would be the Cowboys’ offensive leader following the graduation of prolific dual-threat quarterback Kiael Kelly, at Division I FBS Ball State in Muncie, Indiana?

That problem appears solved, with the incoming transfer of junior quarterback Brooks Bentley, from River Bluff High School in Lexington, South Carolina.

The 6-foot-2, 185-pound pro-style signal-caller has scholarship offers from Division I FCS programs such as Eastern Kentucky and Middle Tennessee State.

He is the son of University of South Florida assistant football coach Bobby Bentley, who serves as the program’s wide receivers coach/passing game coordinator.

Brooks’ three older brothers also are recognizable names who played quarterback in high school and college — Chas Dodd (Rutgers), Shuler Bentley (Old Dominion, Murray State) and Jake Bentley (Arkansas, Utah).

The fresh-faced Cowboys quarterback will have at least one reliable target in speedy senior wideout Drelin Pittman, who paced the team last season in receptions (33) and receiving yards (542), to go along with four scores.

Meanwhile, a pair of All-State performers return in senior defensive linemen Mario Eugenio and Tawfiq Thomas — both of whom are highly-touted recruits for blue-chip Division I FBS programs.

The 6-foot-3, 240-pound Eugenio — who led the Cowboys in sacks (18) last season — is a Michigan verbal commit and consensus four-star recruit.

The 6-foot-5, 310-pound Thomas — who registered 15 tackles for loss last season — is a consensus three-star recruit who’s considering Arkansas, Iowa State, Louisville, Michigan, Kansas and USF.

The Cowboys have been on quite the roll under head coach Kirk Karsen — going a combined 37-11 since 2017, including 23-3 the last two seasons.

The Cowboys move up from Class 6A to 7A, with district foes now Largo, Leto, Mitchell and Sickles high schools.

Steinbrenner High School Warriors (8A-11)
Coach: Andres Perez, 10th year

Steinbrenner has many impact players on both sides of the ball to replace from last season, several of whom are now entering the college football ranks.

The most notable departure is uber-productive All-State tailback Deon Silas, now at Division I FBS Iowa State.

Silas set multiple school career marks over his four varsity seasons, where he totaled 5,570 all-purpose yards (2,734 rushing yards, 1,428 receiving yards, 1,408 return yards) and 55 touchdowns. It’s no surprise why he was ranked the No. 11 all-purpose back nationally for the 2021 recruiting class by 247Sports.com.

Though big shoes to fill, junior Kirby Voorhees appears poised to handle the void in the running game after rushing for 438 yards and eight touchdowns on 61 carries last season.

The 5-foot-10, 190-pound rusher also has generated quite the buzz on social media for his weightlifting abilities.

Meanwhile, the Warriors will have to mold a new starting quarterback after the graduation of Bryce Lowe (Wisconsin’s Carthage College ), though Ty Robinson earned some playing time last season as a freshman.

Steinbrenner does have some strengths to rely upon, meanwhile.

The linebacking corps figures to be in solid shape with seniors Colin Bernstein (66 tackles, seven for loss) and Keenan Cruz (48 tackles, eight for loss).

The legs of senior punter Griffin Wiltse and junior kicker Collin Young help, too.

Wiltse has a career average of 35.7 yards per punt. Young last season made five of six field goals (including a long of 42 yards) and was 28-for-28 on extra points.

Wharton High School Wildcats (7A-10)
Coach: Mike Williams Sr., second year

Wharton looks to build off its first postseason appearance since 2013, under the tutelage of second-year coach Mike Williams Sr.

The Wharton Wildcats are poised to build off last season’s 7-2 campaign — its best mark since 2015. (Courtesy of Wharton High School Athletics)

The 37-year-old coach has brought pedigree and name recognition to a program that was headed up by longtime coach David Mitchell the previous 15 years.

Williams was a seven-year NFL veteran and a first-round pick in 2005 by the Detroit Lions out of Southern Cal — where he earned All-American honors. (He also starred at Tampa Plant High in the early 2000s.)

In Williams’ first season, the Wildcats finished 7-2 last season — winning its first six games in a row before losing two of its last three against Durant (20-9) and Newsome (21-7), respectively.

Finding playmakers — particularly on defense — shouldn’t be a question for the Wildcats, who allowed an average of 10.1 points per game last season (including three shutouts).

Keep a keen eye on All-State senior linebacker Daveon Crouch, a Boston College verbal commit who led the team in sacks (12) last year.

Another player who gets after the quarterback consistently is sophomore Booker Pickett Jr., who was second on the team last season in sacks with eight.

He also has bloodlines on his side. His father, Booker, was a standout defensive end at Zephyrhills High who went on to play for the University of Miami.

Molding a new starting quarterback following the graduations of Emery Floyd and Kadin Durgan is amid lingering question marks for the Wildcats.

The schedule will be far from a cakewalk. Looming foes include the likes of Jesuit, Wiregrass Ranch, Jefferson, Tampa Bay Tech and Armwood high schools, among others.

Schools in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area (and their 2020 records)

Hillsborough County:

  • Carrollwood Day School Patriots (5-5)
  • Freedom High School Patriots (0-9)
  • Gaither High School Cowboys (11-1)
  • Steinbrenner High School Warriors (4-3)
  • Wharton High School Wildcats (7-2)

Published August 18, 2021

Spring football preview: Hillsborough County

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Spring football practices are now underway for high schools across the state. Though the first games of the 2017 season remain several months away, Florida high schools are allowed a maximum of 20 practice sessions from April 24 to May 31, according to Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) guidelines.

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

Carrollwood Day School
Coach: Mark Jones (2nd year)
2016 record: 2-6

Carrollwood football coach Mark Jones went 2-6 in his first season.
(File)

The Carrollwood Day School Patriots are hoping to rebound after a challenging season under first-year head coach Mark Jones. After a promising 64-0 victory over Avant Garde Academy in August, the Patriots suffered a six-game losing streak, then closed the season with a 34-7 win over St. Petersburg Catholic; the Patriots were outscored by a 240-33 margin during the losing streak.

Youthful last season, the Patriots may see significant improvements in 2017 following an offseason of polishing. Rising junior quarterback Chris Butash (448 passing yards, three touchdowns) could be in for a breakout season, especially with the return of top target Kyle Benedict (20 receptions, 225 yards). Meanwhile, defensive tackle Pierre Alsint (62 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks), the team’s top pass rusher, is also expected to return for his senior season.

 

Second-year Freedom coach Floyd Graham looks for a turnaround in 2017.
(Courtesy of Freedom High)

Freedom High School
Coach: Floyd Graham (2nd year)
2016 record: 3-7

A relatively difficult district schedule and an ineffective offense led to a disappointing 3-7 season for the Freedom Patriots under first-year head coach Floyd Graham. In 2016, Freedom scored just five touchdowns all season, failing to score more than seven points in all but three games. An offensive resurgence this fall likewise could be tough with the exit of running back Trent Burnett (420 all-purpose yards) and wideout Carlos Ridicio (167 all-purpose yards). However, Graham has engineered a program turnaround before. While at Steinbrenner High from 2009-2011, Graham guided the Warriors from a 1-6 record, to 5-5 and 7-3 marks.

 

Gaither High School
Coach: Kirk Karsen (1st year)
2016 record: 5-5

The Gaither Cowboys will have a new head coach in 2017. Kirk Karsen, a former Sickles and Alonso defensive coordinator takes over a Cowboys squad that went 5-5 last fall.
(Courtesy of Gaither High)

Kirk Karsen, a former Sickles and Alonso defensive coordinator, takes over a Gaither program that loses quite a bit of offensive talent from last year’s 5-5 squad. Gone are senior tailback TJ Williams (1,253 all-purpose yards, 19 touchdowns) and quarterback Gavin DenBoer (1,218 yards, 10 touchdowns), who has transferred to Alonso High. The Cowboys also will miss a pair of Division I-caliber linebackers in Decalon Brooks (Florida State University) and Estefano Feliciano (Old Dominion University), a duo that combined for 195 tackles, 35 tackles for loss and nine sacks last season.

But, the cupboard isn’t completely bare.

The Cowboys still return leading receiver Cayden Jordan (22 receptions, 449 yards, one touchdown) and leading tackler Matthew Wood (112 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, three sacks). Another Gaither player to watch in 2017 is Donovan Jennings, a 6-foot-6, 310-pound offensive lineman, who’s beginning to receive interest from multiple Division I programs.

Steinbrenner High School
Coach: Andres Perez-Reinaldo (6th year)
2016 record: 5-4

The Steinbrenner Warriors are looking for their third straight winning season in 2017— and it may be difficult.

The Steinbrenner Warriors are looking for their third straight winning season this fall.

The Warriors must mold a new starting quarterback, following Collin Wray’s defection to Clearwater High School. The program also needs to unearth additional weapons for the new signal caller, following the graduation of standouts Brett Bitter (43 catches, 652 yards, seven touchdowns) and Carson Kaleo (53 receptions, 502 yards).

Other significant losses include leading tackler Dane Coleman (103 tackles), outside linebacker/defensive end Devon Connors (56 tackles, nine tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks) and kicker/punter Noah Ruggles (nine field goals made, 36.6 yards per punt).

Some potential impact Warriors players in 2017 include: tailback Josh Harris (355 yards, four touchdowns), receiver Brandon Garcia (28 receptions, 371 yards, three touchdowns), linebacker Charles Stephens (99 tackles) and defensive tackle Juan Batista (87 tackles).

 

Wharton High School
Coach: David Mitchell (13th year)
2016 record: 4-5

The Wharton Wildcats are seeking a rebound season after going 4-5 in 2016.
(Courtesy of Wharton High)

After a 4-5 setback last fall, the Wharton Wildcats look to regain its 2015 form, when the team finished 8-2. That starts with unseating district foes like Wiregrass Ranch and Gaither high schools — easier said than done. Even with the graduation of versatile athlete Randy Haynes Jr. (Ohio Wesleyan University) and productive defensive tackle Justin Visconti (Southeastern University), the Wildcats still should remain competitive in 2017. Expect significant contributions from powerful tailback Shannon King (5-foot-10, 210 pounds) and cornerback John Dixon (44 tackles, two interceptions).

Meanwhile, the Wildcats most prized prospect is Lavel Dumont, a 6-foot-5, 270-pound offensive tackle transfer from Brooks Debartolo Collegiate High School. The three-star recruit has garnered several Division I offers, such as Marshall University and Western Kentucky University.

Published April 26, 2017

Area fall football preview: Hillsborough County

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The 2016 high school football season is just around the corner, and several teams in The Laker/Lutz News’ Hillsborough County coverage area enter the year with intriguing storylines, standout players and must-see matchups.

Carrollwood Patriots
Coach: Lane McLaughlin (10th year)
2015 record: 7-4
Spring Game result: 14-7 loss to Victory Christian

Freedom Patriots
Coach: Floyd Graham (1st year)
2015 record: 3-7
Spring Game result: 7-0 win over King High

Gaither Cowboys
Coach: Jason Stokes (6th year)
2015 record: 4-6
Spring Game result: 7-0 win over Sickles High

Steinbrenner Warriors
Coach: Andres Perez-Reinaldo (5th year)
2015 record: 9-2
Spring Game result: 18-0 loss to Alonso High

Wharton Wildcats
Coach: David Mitchell (12th year)
2015 record: 8-2
Spring Game result: 14-0 loss to Hillsborough High

Three teams to watch:

 

The Carrollwood Day School Patriots are loaded with talented playmakers on offense. (Courtesy of Carrollwood Day School)
The Carrollwood Day School Patriots are loaded with talented playmakers on offense.
(Courtesy of Carrollwood Day School)

Carrollwood Patriots
The Patriots, coming off a 7-4 season, appear to be one of the more interesting teams in Tampa this year. Despite being a smaller school, their youthful talent rivals many of the area’s larger schools. Armed with a bevy of playmakers on offense — quarterback Raymond Woodie III, tailback Yahsin Wooten, and receivers Nazir Achecar and Markeis Colvin — the Patriots are likely to rack up a lot of yards and touchdowns against foes. But, in order to take the next step forward, the Patriots must find a few pass-rushers on defense that can pressure opposing quarterbacks and generate sacks, due to the departures of Zac Watson-Parcels (team-leading 11 sacks), Devon Connors (10 sacks) and Corey Shamley (seven sacks).

 

The Gaither High Cowboys are looking for a bounce-back season in 2016. (File Photo)
The Gaither High Cowboys are looking for a bounce-back season in 2016.
(File Photo)

Gaither Cowboys
Despite coming off a disappointing 4-6 season, the Cowboys should have plenty to be excited about in 2016. After ending the 2015 campaign on a three-game win streak, the Cowboys return several impact players, including senior running backs Alex Rodriguez (805 yards, five touchdowns) and TJ Williams (391 yards, three touchdowns), and senior linebackers Decalon Brooks (114 tackles, five sacks) and Estefano Feliciano (73 tackles, six sacks). Though the team has several experienced playmakers on both sides of the ball, Gaither’s success may be determined by quarterback play — which must become more efficient. Gavin Deboer, the team’s incumbent quarterback from last season, struggled at times as a sophomore (48 percent rate, 10 interceptions.) If he can improve his touchdown-to-interception ratio and find a few reliable pass-catchers, Gaither may be in store for a winning season.

Steinbrenner High’s Warriors look to build off their stellar 9-2 mark in 2015. (Courtesy of Steinbrenner High football)
Steinbrenner High’s Warriors look to build off their stellar 9-2 mark in 2015.
(Courtesy of Steinbrenner High football)

Steinbrenner Warriors
Coming off a breakout 9-2 season, the Warriors are looking to keep the upward momentum going in the 2016 campaign. With holes to fill on offense and defense, Coach Andres Perez-Reinaldo will need several players to step up this season. Gone are the team’s top two offensive skill players — running back Jay Dantley (1,269 yards, 13 touchdowns) and wide receiver Justin Moffatt (41 receptions, 641 yards, 8 touchdowns) — and the team’s top four leading tacklers from last season. On a positive note, junior quarterback Colin Wray looks to build off his stellar sophomore season (56 percent completion rate, 1,634 yards, 13 touchdowns) with a few reliable targets at his disposal in seniors Brett Bitter (35 receptions, 600 yards) and Carson Kaleo (34 receptions, 277 yards). Helping the Warriors immediately is the addition of hybrid linebacker Devon Connors (53 tackles, 10 sacks), a 6-foot-3, 234-pound senior transfer from Carrollwood Day School.

Three players to watch:
Gaither senior linebacker Decalon Brooks
Decalon Brooks, the son of former Tampa Bay Buccaneer great and NFL Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks, is quickly making a name for himself. Brooks, who led the Cowboys in tackles (114) in 2015, holds several Division I offers, most notably from Florida State University and the University of Louisville. An inside linebacker at Gaither, the undersized Brooks (5-foot-10, 197-pounds) figures to transition to the safety position in college. Brooks, a consensus three-star recruit, is lauded by scouting services for his “aggressiveness, agility, athleticism and blitzing ability.”

Carrollwood sophomore quarterback Raymond Woodie III
Raymond Woodie III, the son of University of South Florida defensive coordinator Raymond Woodie Jr., will be a name to remember for the next several years. Just a sophomore, the 6-foot-1, 185-pound dual-threat quarterback already has seven Division I offers, highlighted by the University of Southern California. In 2015, Woodie III put together a stellar season (1289 yards, 11 touchdowns.) More refined, he’ll likely raise his completion percentage (53 percent) and cut down on turnovers (nine interceptions) in 2016. Recruiting services praise the young quarterback for his “strong arm” and “ability to extend plays with his feet.”

Steinbrenner senior kicker Noah Ruggles
It’s not often a kicker makes a player-to-watch list, but Noah Ruggles is a rare case, considering he’s one of the top prep kickers in the nation. According to KohlsKicking.com, Ruggles is ranked No. 5 for the class of 2017, and holds an offer from Vanderbilt University. The 6-foot-3, 175-pound senior is known for his “leg speed and athletic frame.” Last season, Ruggles made 37-of-38 extra-point attempts and 8-of-13 field goals with a long of 51 yards for Steinbrenner. Kicking runs in the family — Ruggles’ older brother, Michael, earned a scholarship as a punter for the University of Texas at El Paso in 2013.

Three games to watch:
Sickles High at Steinbrenner High, Aug. 19, 7:30 p.m.
Two teams coming off terrific 2015 seasons face off in a Week 1 rivalry game. Steinbrenner has the benefit of not having to matchup against former Sickles quarterback Chris Oladokun (1,390 yards, 15 touchdowns), who recently graduated. The last time these teams met was in 2014 — Steinbrenner won 15-7.

Tampa Catholic High at Gaither High, Aug. 19, 7:30 p.m.
Gaither appears to be overmatched in this contest, but fans will get to see a lot of Division I talent on the field for both sides. If Gaither can play a ball-control game, leaving the prodigious Tampa Catholic offense on the sidelines, they have a chance to keep it close.

Carrollwood Day School at Cambridge Christian School, Oct. 28, 7:30 p.m.
With ample experience on offense, Carrollwood will look to avenge last season’s 21-12 defeat to Cambridge Christian School. It won’t be easy, considering Cambridge returns most of their impact players from its 12-1 team in 2015. Also of note, Cambridge was undefeated (8-0) at home last season. Nevertheless, expect to see a lot of big plays and offensive highlights in this contest.

Published August 17, 2016

Former Wharton standout back in Tampa Bay

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It’s not often a local high school football star is drafted in the NFL.

It’s even less likely for a prep star to be drafted his hometown NFL franchise in the first round of the draft.

But that’s what happened when former Wharton High cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III was picked 11th overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2016 NFL Draft on April 28.

Hargreaves, who graduated from Wharton High in 2013, still reminisces the three years he spent on the Wildcats’ varsity football team, playing for longtime Wharton head coach, David Mitchell.

Wharton High alum Vernon Hargreaves III was drafted in No. 11 overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2016 NFL Draft on April 29. (Courtesy of Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Wharton High alum Vernon Hargreaves III was drafted in No. 11 overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2016 NFL Draft on April 29.
(Courtesy of Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

“Those were great,” Hargreaves said about his Wharton playing days, during a recorded media conference. “You know, Coach Mitchell’s a great coach. …He taught me how to work hard, he taught me how to be a great player, how to be the best and I’m excited to be back home.”

The opportunity to “be back home” was a dream come true for Hargreaves, who played three collegiate seasons with the Florida Gators before declaring for the NFL Draft.

“It’s surreal. It was the best thing I ever could have asked for,” the two-time All-American said. “It doesn’t get better than to get drafted by your home team. …I’m 40 minutes away from the facilities and it’s great. I can see my mom (Jackie) when I want to now, it’s awesome.”

Hargreaves, the son of Vernon Hargreaves Jr. — a linebackers coach at the University of Arkansas — believes he has the skillset and football acumen to make an immediate impact for the Bucs as a rookie.

“Playing in the SEC (Southeastern Conference) gave me the experience and the opportunity to cover guys of that (NFL) caliber. Seeing them already…gives me a place to start on how I can slow these guys down,” he said.

“I’m very confident in myself, very confident in my abilities.”

Listed at 5-foot-10, some pundits feel Hargreaves lacks the desired height to succeed against taller receivers at the next level.

Jason Licht, Bucs general manager, disagrees with those sentiments.

“There have been a lot of Pro Bowl corners – a lot – that have been his size: 5-10 and a half,” Licht said during the media conference. “Great players come in a lot of different sizes and different packages. We feel that his thickness and his build, he’s a sturdy player, he can press, he can tackle and he’s very quick and athletic and has good ball skills. Vernon is a guy that we feel brings a lot of versatility.”

“I’m just an overall good football player,” Hargreaves said. “Love to play ball, can adapt to any type of defense, any type of receiver. I’ve covered them all. I can play bump-coverage, can play man-coverage. All of that is in my game.”

At Wharton, Hargreaves was widely considered one of, if not, the best high school cornerback in the nation for the 2013 recruiting class. During his time in a Wildcats varsity uniform, Hargreaves racked up 203 tackles and nine interceptions. He was also a standout track athlete, where his long jump (22’ 3.50) ranks second in school history, and his 100-meter dash (11.17 seconds) ranks fifth in school history. His natural athleticism, combined with his on-field football prowess made him a consensus five-star recruit boasting more than 50 college scholarship offers, before he chose the University of Florida.

Though he’s just months removed from his college career and a few years removed from his high school career, Hargreaves isn’t shy about stepping into the NFL spotlight.

“It’s going to be exciting,” he said. “I’m ready to showcase my skills.”

What experts are saying about former Wharton High standout Vernon Hargreaves III:

“He has as many tools and attributes for long-term NFL success as any defensive back in the (2016) draft class: speed, range, aggression, good hands and short-area quickness. If he is able to dial back his more passionate tendencies, avoid thinking too much about contact and focus on his assignment more often, Hargreaves could easily show up as an perennial Pro Bowler and a legit No. 1 shutdown guy.” –Doug Farrar, Sports Illustrated.com

“He’s the best corner maybe I’ve seen in two or three years. Now he’s only 5-foot-10, but he’s thick. Great feet and change of direction. He finds the football in the air.” –Mike Mayock, NFL.com

“Hargreaves is an undersized cornerback who is one of the most instinctive and natural man coverage cornerbacks in the 2016 draft class. …Overall, he has the football intelligence, the movement skills and the willingness in run support to develop into a quality starting cornerback outside the hashes or become one of the better nickelbacks in the NFL.” –Kevin Weidl, ESPN.com

“Hargreaves plays with a decisive reactor to maintain proper positioning and make plays on the ball (38 career passes defended), but his timing and spacing have room for improvement. Although he has only ordinary size, Hargreaves is above average in three main areas for the position: play speed, instincts and competitive toughness.” –Rob Rang, CBSSports.com

“He does it all—tackles, passes defensed. He has the hands to flip the field and create turnovers. But, what I like most about him is his explosion and agility on short routes. He takes away targets…and I think he’s going to be a playmaker because of that in the NFL.” -Matt Miller, BleacherReport.com

Published May 11, 2016

Sunlake, Wharton football squads fall in playoffs

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High school football teams fight all year for a shot at the district title. If they fall short, the backup plan is to be district runner-up, because that spot (like the title winner) earns a trip to the playoffs.

Neither the Wharton Wildcats nor the Sunlake Seahawks were able to achieve their top goal of a district title, but both earned a hard-fought runner-up spot to earn a playoff berth. And both battled right to the end in the first round of the playoffs, before falling to their opponents.

Neither team had an easy road to earning second place in the district. For Wharton, two straight district losses put them in a must-win situation at the end of the year against Bloomingdale. The team had faced a big deficit heading into the final period, but scored 22 unanswered points and came away with a 30-23 win, a tie-breaker over the Bulls and that coveted runner-up spot in Class 8A-District 6.

Sunlake dropped its first district game, then rallied to win their next three to earn their second place finish. A tough 28-21 win over Land O’ Lakes in October proved to be the difference between the two teams, and the difference between second and third place. In the end, the Seahawks’ 3-1 record was good enough for runner-up status in Class 6A-District 6.

While those were satisfying finishes for each school, it was really just the end of the regular season: Both teams then entered a separate 32-team regional tournament to determine the state champion. But for both clubs, the beginning of their playoffs would also be the end. Wharton fell in their playoff opener to Orlando’s Dr. Phillips Panthers, 37-10, while Sunlake was a field goal short to the Gainesville Hurricanes, 17-14.

Sunlake Head Coach Bill Browning explained that, despite the loss, he was impressed with the way his team played.

“Gainesville’s a very talented team. They have a ton of speed,” he said. “We played exceptionally well. Physically, we beat them up. The effort was fantastic. Close ballgame.”

The Seahawks out-gained the Hurricanes and had a lead late in the game, but some untimely penalties and a late surge by Gainesville ended their season.

For Wharton, although the final score indicated the game wasn’t close, it really didn’t break open until the final period. The Wildcats were behind 14-3 at halftime and still within two scores in the fourth quarter. Head Coach David Mitchell said it was a few game-changing snaps and some self-inflicted wounds that turned the tide against them.

“They scored based on big plays,” he said. “We had problems with penalties. That’s what hurt us a lot.”

While he didn’t want Wharton to end their year with a loss, Mitchell believes they had a good season and already is looking toward next year. He has a number of returning players, and several of them will participate in other high school sports, which he said will help them on the gridiron.

In 2014, the key will be keeping them on top of their grades (and eligible to play sports), focused and ready for the new season.

Browning has his team looking forward to 2014 as well. He said the Seahawks have plenty of good talent returning — especially on offense — and they’ll be able to use some of the school’s junior varsity players, who enjoyed an 8-0 season this year.

Looking back, the coaches know that making the playoffs is an achievement in itself, both for themselves and the players who work so hard to get there. And for those graduating, many can look back on not just a good year, but a good career at their respective schools.

“For some of those players, it’s the third opportunity (to participate in the playoffs) in three years for them.  That’s pretty good,” Mitchell said.

And Browning agrees. “For the kids coming back we’ll have to learn from it (the playoff loss), and for the seniors, we had a great senior bunch. They’re the winning-est senior class in the short history of the school.”