The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Gaither High School

In a class of his own

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His grade point average is anything but average.

Then again, there’s nothing average about Gaither High valediction Dylan Mazard and his off-the-charts intelligence.

“When he was just 2 years old, I would come home from work, exhausted. He would read to me — just climb into bed and read to me before bedtime, said his father, Thomas Mazard, who has been a guidance counselor at Gaither High School for 13 years.

He’s amazed at his son’s accomplishments.

Gaither High valedictorian Dylan Mazard set a county and state record for the highest grade point average (GPA) ever, posting an 11.84 weighted GPA thanks to honors and Advanced Placement courses. He will continue his education at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), already having earned his associate’s degree through dual enrollment. (Mike Camunas)

“I still don’t know how he was able to do it — just finding the drive and time to do all (the classes). We weren’t looking to break any records,” he said.

But that is exactly what Dylan did.

When the 17 year old graduated with nearly 500 of his classmates on May 23 — he did so with an 11.84 grade point average — the highest ever, not only in the county, but in Florida, too.

It’s a remarkable feat — one that started back when Dylan was in eighth grade and was already taking college-level courses.

“It wasn’t planned, the record,” Dylan said. “These classes, to me, are fun. So, why not take them and experience any class to see if I want to take that a higher level later?”

That higher level for Dylan is now the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT),  beginning in the fall. As he enters, he already will have an associate’s degree that he received from Hillsborough Community College on May 6.

However, Dylan plans to take every course he can en route to earning his major in what MIT calls 6-3: Computer Science and Engineering

“I want to enjoy it,” Dylan said. “I know it’ll be a lot harder, too, but the first semester at MIT is pass/fail only, that way students can get used to the rigors of MIT, know what is expected of them and how to balance school life.

“I love the campus and I’m ready to get up there.”

The fact that Thomas Mazard doesn’t know how his son pulled off his GPA feat is not hyperbole.

“I’m inspired by my son,” Thomas said, “Everything I’ve done for him, I’ve done for all of my students. I have top kids going to Yale and produce Ivy Leaguers almost every school year. Everything that he did at school, every kid here at Gaither has the opportunity to do that, it’s just the will and desire to go do that.

“We’re grateful for the school district to provide these opportunities and get such an impressive GPA. (Hillsborough County School Board) Superintendent (Addison) Davis has done a great job of making parents aware of these available opportunities.”

Dylan loves being in class, he also enjoys a social life that includes friends, movies and working out. He’s also belongs to so many clubs that it would make any college admissions advisor drool.

Dylan is president of National Technical Honor Society and also in the Robotics and Engineering Club at Gaither, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), National Honor Society Beta, Sandy Hook Promise Club, and a Parent Teacher Student Association Board Member as the voice for his class and students when they want to express an opinion at meetings. He also works at the Humane Society, as well as tutor at Gaither, where he logged more than 200 hours with Credit Recovery, which helps high-risk seniors graduate.

Dylan’s teachers have taken notice, not only because of his high GPA, but also to his dedication to education.

“It is amazing because (toward the end of their high school time), many students give up a little — he never gave up,” ” said Gaither engineering teacher Ibrahim Ayoub, who taught Dylan in Applied Engineering and Technology and Advanced Engineering Application.

“He is going to have an amazing career and be one of the kids that we’ll be looking forward to seeing in the future,” Ayoub added.

Dylan knows this wouldn’t have been possible without his supportive family.

“I wouldn’t say (learning something new) just clicked, but it definitely came to me a lot easier than you would expect at that age,” he said.

“I had a huge support system, especially my parents who were always proactive, not reactive — staying one step ahead at all times, so if I ever stumbled, they would check to see if I needed anything,” he added. “I just wanted to work hard and take advantage of everything high school had to offer.”

GPA explained
Gaither High valedictorian Dylan Mazard has now posted the highest grade point average (GPA) ever, not only in Hillsborough County, but in the state of Florida. This is his weighted GPA, which means more rigorous courses receive higher point values, increasing a student’s potential GPA. There have been some high GPAs in Hillsborough County.

Here are a few:
2022 – Dylan Mazard – Gaither – 11.84
2019 – Katherine Metheny – Newsome – 10.58
2014 – Dhara Patel – Plant City – 10.03
2012 – Ravi Medikonda – King – 9.30

Published June 01, 2022

Chalk Talk 03/23/2022

By

Nick DeMarinis

Leadership program
Saint Leo University will host a free event on March 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., at its University Campus, 33701 State Road 52 in St. Leo, and online via Zoom.

“Mission-Driven Leaders: Conversations on Purpose” will feature guest speaker Nick DeMarinis, vice president of sales at WeWork, a former LinkedIn executive, and a Saint Leo alumnus.

The program also will include an interactive, interview-style conversation with DeMarinis.

Registration is required online at SaintLeo.edu/mdl.

Water Days
The Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI), 4801 E. Fowler Ave., in Tampa, will host Tampa Bay Water Days on March 25 and March 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The program on March 25 will focus on serving third- to fifth-grade students.

The general public, scouting organizations and homeschool groups will be the focus on March 26.

Water Days is a community event organized by MOSI, to celebrate water conservation, storm water management, and environmental stewardship.

Guests can explore the MOSI Backwoods, learn about local resources and participate in hands-on environmental science activities with MOSI educators, as well as many community organizations.

The first 1,000 people to register also will get free admission into MOSI.

Preregistration is online at MOSI.org.

Route safety
The pedestrian and bicycle routes that students use to get from their residential neighborhoods to Gaither High School and Claywell Elementary in Hillsborough County are being studied by engineers to create safer routes to the schools, according to a news release.

The Hillsborough County School Route Safety Improvement Program aims to address gaps in the pedestrian and bicycle networks that students use to get to schools, and enhance safety by improving the engineering and design of the routes students take.

Proposed improvements for these schools include: High-visiblity crosswalks; new sidewalks; wayfinding; streetlights; raised crosswalks; sidewalk maintenance; improved pedestrian signal timing at traffic signals; pedestrian signage and pavement markings; intersection improvements to manage speed of drivers turning across crosswalks; clearing vegetation along walking paths; and bicycle facilities, the release says.

‘Dorothy in Wonderland’
Union Park Charter Academy in Wesley Chapel will present “Dorothy in Wonderland” on March 29 at 6:30 p.m., at the Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel, 30651 Wells Road.

Tickets are $10. Children age 3 and younger are free.

The event includes a pre-show art exhibit by Union Park art students.

For information, call 813-358-7306.

Musical performance
The Saint Leo Singers, Saint Leo Chamber Singers, Saint Leo Rhythm Machine, and the Saint Leo Ensemble will perform a spirited musical program showcasing tunes of the 20th century on March 29 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., in the Selby Auditorium in Lewis Hall, at University Campus, 33701 State Road 52 in St. Leo.

Guests should see the attendant at the box office on the second floor.

Seating is first-come, first-served.

Admission is a donation in the amount the guest chooses. Cash and credit cards will be accepted.

For information, email .

Eagle Scout award
Greater Tampa Bay Area Council Eagle Scouts who are currently registered in an active unit and are graduating from high school this year can apply for the Dadez Family Eagle Scout Values Award.

The award is presented to an Eagle Scout who has lived a life of honesty, integrity, respect, responsibility and leadership with a demonstrated commitment to the ideals of the Scout Oath and Scout Law, according to a news release.

The selected recipient will receive a $1,000 cash award, a medal and a certificate.

Application deadline is March 30.

For information and to apply, visit tinyurl.com/5b2kt5bw.

Essay contest
Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano will accept entries from March 28 through April 22 (at 5 p.m.), for his annual essay contest for high school students.

Students enrolled in Pasco public/charter, private, parochial, nonpublic, and home-school programs can participate.

In 500 words or less, students must answer the question, “Since the 1980s, Pasco County has seen a steady growth in population that now has us nearing 600,000 residents. To accommodate this growth, we have seen many additions made to our county’s general infrastructure (expanded roads, public transportation, additional shopping venues, etc.). What is one addition that has been made that was most beneficial to Pasco County, or what is one addition that you believe should be made to further accommodate our county’s growth?”

The winner will be notified no later than May 13, and will receive a $500 gift card.

Students in public/charter schools should submit their essays to their principal.

Students in private, parochial, nonpublic or home-school programs should send their essays directly to Assistant Tax Collector Greg Giordano, c/o Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office, P.O. Box 276, Dade City, FL 33526.

Entries also can be hand-delivered to the tax collector’s office at 4720 U.S. 19 in New Port Richey.

For questions, call Jose Rodriguez Sierra at 727-847-8165, ext. 3826.

Dr. Amy-Jill Levine

Public webinar
Saint Leo University’s Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies will present the webinar, “Understanding Jesus and Paul Means Understanding Judaism: Pharisees, Prayer, Parable, and Practice,” on March 29 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., via Zoom.

The guest speaker will be Dr. Amy-Jill Levine, a scholar of the New Testament and Jewish studies.

There also will be a Q&A session, and Bishop Gregory Parkes of the Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg and a trustee of Saint Leo University will offer closing comments.

The webinar is free. Registration is online at SaintLeo.edu/understanding.

For information, email .

Fish art contest
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), in partnership with Wildlife Forever, is hosting the annual Florida State Fish Art Contest.

Students in kindergarten through 12th grade can compete in the free contest for a chance to win state and national honors, and prizes.

The program inspires creativity, while developing the next generation of anglers and conservationists.

Florida winners will be selected by the FWC in four grade categories: Kindergarten through third grade; fourth grade through sixth grade; seventh grade through ninth grade; and 10th grade through 12th grade.

State winners will advance to the National Competition to be judged for top prizes, including Best of Show.

The deadline to enter is March 31.

For entry guidelines and information, visit WildlifeForever.org/home/fish-art/.

Pasco school news
Pasco County Schools has announced the following:

Lutz native Kevin Cash claims second straight manager award

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Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash earned an early — yet well-deserved — birthday present this year.

He became the first American League (AL) manager to win Manager of the Year twice in a row, which was announced by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA) on Nov. 16, mere weeks before his 44th birthday on Dec. 6.

The Lutz native/Gaither High School alum was honored for steering the Rays to a franchise-best 100-62 regular season mark in 2021.

Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash became the first American League manager to win the
Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA) Manager of the Year Award twice in a row. The 44-year-old Cash grew up in the Lutz area and is a Gaither High School alum. (File)

Cash received 19 first-place votes, three second-place votes and five third-place votes for a total of 109 points in the 5-3-1 scoring system. He won the award over Seattle Mariners’ Scott Servais (71 points) and Houston Astros’ Dusty Baker (33 points), respectively.

Cash also is only the second manager to win such a BBWAA Manager of the Year Award in back-to-back seasons. He joins Bobby Cox, who did so with the National League’s Atlanta Braves in 2004 and 2005.

The seventh-year manager humbly said he shouldn’t be listed in the “same sentence” or “same conversation” as the retired Cox, who ranks fourth all-time in managerial wins with 2,504 and is enshrined in the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

“When you think of major league managers, but really, the greats in this game, Bobby Cox is going to find himself at the top of many lists,” Cash said, during a Zoom media briefing after the award announcement. “I’ve crossed paths with Bobby one time, years ago, but to hear the stories about him…you can appreciate and understand the quality of person and impact that he had on our game.”

Overcoming expectations, adversity
Despite coming of a World Series appearance during a pandemic-shortened 2020, expectations were relatively tame in the latest campaign.

Not only did the Rays again roll out one of the game’s cheapest payrolls, but they traded former Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell and let sage veteran pitcher Charlie Morton walk, declining the player’s $15 million option.

Before the season, Baseball Prospectus’ widely cited PECOTA (Player Empirical Comparison and Optimization Test Algorithm) sabermetric system forecasted the Rays to finish 86-76 with an 11% odds to win the division. (PECOTA forecasts the MLB standings and individual player performance. PECOTA takes teams’ depth charts and projects the playing time and stats for all their players, then simulates the season to come up with estimated win totals and playoff chances for every team.)

The projections didn’t appear far off at the onset, as Tampa Bay had a so-so start to the first month of the season, going 13-14 in April.

The Rays launched into another gear in May, going 22-6, then reached the All-Star break with a 53-37 mark.

The club would go on to secure the AL’s best record, while also leading its division for 98 straight days.

The team’s postseason run ended sooner than expected, however, losing to the Boston Red Sox in four games of a best-of-five AL division series in October.

Adversity hit along the way, over the course of the six-month season.

The Rays weathered 33 different players being placed on the injured list (totaling 43 stints).

That list included ace flamethrower Tyler Glasnow, who went down in mid-June with a season-ending partial UCL tear and flexor strain.

The injured list reached a club-record 17 players at various points throughout August.

Adding to the level of difficulty was a highly competitive AL East division, whereby three other star-powered teams posted at least 90 wins — Red Sox (92-70), New York Yankees (92-70), Toronto Blue Jays (91-71).

Mixing smarts with personality
The reputable manager put his own twist on game strategy.

He used a club-most 61 players and 38 pitchers.

He used 14 different pitchers to record a save —  setting a major league record.

He used 158 different batting orders in 162 games — the most in the majors and a club record.

Aside from all his tinkering, Cash deflected credit for the team’s feats this past season: “Well, I’m most proud of the players and the team, and the accomplishment of the regular season. One hundred wins in the American League East, with the talent level that was top to bottom in our division — pretty remarkable.”

Along with shrewd, if not sometimes head-scratching maneuvers that buck traditional baseball trends, Cash is regarded for bringing an even-keeled approach to his players and staff over the course of a trying season.

“I think you feed off your players, you feed off your staff, and we all work really hard to be as consistent as possible,” he said. “We want to do everything we can to put them in the best position.”

The Tampa Bay Rays won a franchise-record 100 games en route to its second straight AL East pennant in 2021. (Courtesy of Tampa Bay Rays communications)

He’s also famous for his self-deprecating humor within the clubhouse, often joking with players about his own substandard .183 career batting average across eight big league seasons from 2002 to 2010.

“You try not to take yourself too seriously,” Cash said, “and you appreciate how challenging this game is, whether it’s hitting, pitching, playing defense, running the bases — it’s really tough.”

He continued, “There’s enough outside pressures right now that are going on…we’ve got to do a good job of trying to keep it loose to where they have their clubhouse, their dugout, to where they can go and just be themselves.”

While advancing through the coaching ranks, Cash followed a protocol “to be all ears, and listen a lot more than speak, and learn as much as possible.”

It was especially true in collaborating with the Rays top baseball minds in the front office. “They’re a lot smarter than I am, and (I) value the perspective of the front office, and certainly value the perspective of the player development group,” he said.

Over the years, Cash said he’s strived to “find that balance” between befriending players, while still mentoring them along through a coaching methodology that focuses on consistency, communication and authenticity.

Looking forward, Cash is quite bullish on the team’s trajectory, given the vast number of young stars who contributed to recent successes, including AL Rookie of the Year Randy Arozarena, 20-year-old wunderkind Wander Franco, and a youthful pitching staff paced by 24-year-old lefty Shane McClanahan, among others.

The manager believes the franchise’s proverbial arrow is pointing “up, maybe straight up.”

He put it this way: “It’s a pretty exciting time to be a Tampa Bay Ray. We’ve got some really good players that were here…and there certainly is more to come, but a lot to be excited about.”

Local roots
Long before becoming one of the sport’s more recognizable figures, Cash grew up in the Valley Ranch Drive neighborhood across from Lake Park in Lutz, along North Dale Mabry Highway.

His baseball notoriety began when he was young.

Some three-plus decades ago, he was a 12-year-old second baseman on the 1989 Northside Little League team that reached the 43rd Little League World Series.
He later would star at Gaither High and Florida State University through the mid- and late- 1990s before enjoying an eight-year MLB career as a journeyman catcher.

As a pro, he spent time on the then Devil Rays (in 2005), along with the Blue Jays, New York Yankees, Houston Astros and Boston Red Sox, respectively.
Upon the end of his playing career, Cash became a scout for the Blue Jays (2012) and then bullpen coach for the Cleveland Indians (2013-2014), before landing the Tampa Bay gig in December 2014.

Published December 15, 2021

Locals make impact during 2021 MLB season

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Looking back, the 2021 Major League Baseball (MLB) season brought some normalcy to the sports world, with a full spring training slate, the traditional 162-game regular season and fans once again allowed to return to the stadium stands.

There were lingering signs of the COVID-19 pandemic, however.

For instance, the Toronto Blue Jays began the season playing “home” games in Dunedin — and then Buffalo, New York — amid Canadian-U.S. border restrictions. They eventually returned to Toronto in late July.

Meanwhile, a coronavirus outbreak hampered the Boston Red Sox between parts of August and September, where a dozen players and two members of the team’s support staff tested positive.

Even so, there were just nine games postponed due to COVID-19 outbreaks across the league the entire season.

As the big league season went into full swing, several pro ballplayers with roots in The Laker/Lutz Newspaper coverage area made notable impacts in one way or another.

Here’s a rundown on those with local connections.

San Diego Padres pitcher Austin Adams is a Zephyrhills High product. (File)

Austin Adams, San Diego Padres, pitcher
Local tie: Zephyrhills High School

It was a tale of two seasons for Austin Adams.

Before the mid-July All-Star break, the 6-foot-3, 220-pound righty posted an impressive 1.71 ERA in 31.2 innings, but slumbered in the second half of the year, with a 7.71 ERA in 21 innings.

Adams, 30, completed the campaign with a collective 3-2 win-loss record, 4.10 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 76 strikeouts in 52.2 innings pitched, and pitching shutouts in 52 of his 65 appearances.

His late-season struggles represented a microcosm of the San Diego Padres, who went 79-83 after going 53-40 in the first half of the season and 26-43 in the second half.

Adams also made some interesting baseball history this season.

He set a new MLB record for the Live Ball Era (since 1920) for most hit-batsman in a season — with 24.

The reason for the plunks isn’t intentional, but rather due to his heavy-moving slider, which he throws about 87% of the time.

Besides his struggles of late, Adams earns praise for strong advanced metrics against opposing hitters, with elite marks in average exit velocity, barrel percentage, whiff percentage, hard hit percentage, strikeout percentage and fastball spin rate.

Adams grew up in Zephyrhills and played Little League at Sam Pasco Park.

He went on to earn four letters in baseball, as well as one in basketball, at Zephyrhills High School from 2006 to 2009.

Adams’ high school pedigree led to a baseball scholarship at the University of South Florida, before entering pro ball as an eighth-round draft pick of the Los Angeles Angels in 2012 MLB Draft.

Minnesota Twins pitcher John Gant is a Wiregrass Ranch High product. (Courtesy of MLB Advanced Media/MLB.com)

John Gant, Minnesota Twins, pitcher
Local tie: Wiregrass Ranch High School

John Gant experienced a respectable 2021 campaign serving a variety of pitching roles between the St. Louis Cardinals and then the Minnesota Twins, who acquired him in a July 30 trade.

The 6-foot-4, 200-pound righty had a 5-11 record, 4.09 ERA, 1.51 WHIP and 92 strikeouts in 110 innings.

The season didn’t end as hoped for the 29-year-old Gant, however.

He went 1-5 with a 5.40 ERA over his last seven appearances, and ended the year on the 10-day injured list with a mild right groin strain — this, after he missed time with a left abdominal strain.

Although he ended the year on the injured list, he’s expected to be ready for the start of spring training in 2022.

Gant’s arsenal features as many as six different pitches, headlined by a sinker (37%) and changeup (21.4%), along with a cutter (19.6%), four-seam fastball (11.8%), curveball (5.6%) and slider (3.1%), according MLB.com’s Statcast metrics.

Gant starred on the Wiregrass Ranch High varsity baseball team from 2008 to 2011 — striking out over 200 batters and sustaining just three losses in four years.

He also was a member of the Wiregrass Ranch basketball and swimming teams. His father, John Sr., was a science teacher at the school and longtime varsity girls basketball coach.

In the past, Gant has spent the baseball offseason training in and around the Wesley Chapel area.

Cleveland Indians outfielder Oscar Mercado is a Gaither High product (File)

Oscar Mercado, Cleveland Indians, outfielder
Local tie: Gaither High School

Oscar Mercado is still trying to live up to his strong rookie campaign in 2019.

After a substandard 2020 season  — .138 batting average in 36 games — Mercado bounced back to a more respectable showing this time around after earning a promotion from Triple-A Columbus in late June.

In 214 at-bats across 72 games, the 26-year-old Mercado posted a .224/.300/.369 slash line, with 18 extra-base hits (including six home runs), seven stolen bases, 19 RBIs, and 27 runs scored.

In earning regular playing time, the 6-foot-2, 197-pound Mercado also exhibited versatility, making starts in all three outfield spots — the majority in centerfield.

Some other positive signs of improvements included notably cutting his strikeout rate (17.6% in 2021, down from 29% in 2020) while upping his walk rate (8.8% in 2021, 5.4% in 2020).

A lingering question remains if Mercado will be on the Indians roster in 2022, as he’s out of minor league options, which would allow him to be sent to the minors without first being subjected to waivers.

A native of Colombia, Mercado and his family emigrated to the United States, and settled in the Tampa area when he was 7 years old.

He became a four-year starter at shortstop at Gaither High School from 2010 to 2013, leading the program to back-to-back district crowns and ranked among the nation’s top prep middle infielders.

Following high school, Mercado was picked by the St. Louis Cardinals in the second round (57th overall) in the 2013 MLB Draft.

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Nate Pearson is an Odessa native and Bishop McLaughlin product. (File)

Nate Pearson, Toronto Blue Jays, pitcher
Local tie: Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School (Odessa native)

Nate Pearson spent the bulk of the season in the minor leagues, but became an integral member of the Toronto Blue Jays bullpen as a September call-up, as the team fell just short of a playoff berth in going 91-71.

He posted a 4.20 ERA, 1.73 WHIP and 20 strikeouts in 15 innings. (This included a stellar 3.09 ERA in 11.2 innings across 10 appearances in September.)

The 6-foot-6, 250-pound righty is known for one of baseball’s highest-velocity fastballs, averaging 97.8 mph on his four-seamer, to go along with an 87-mph slider and seldom-used curveball and changeup.

Going forward, Pearson is expected to take on a larger multi-inning role with the team, contingent upon his status with a groin injury that set him back over the course of the 2021 campaign.

Expectations remain lofty on the 25-year-old flamethrower, as he entered the 2021 season as the Blue Jays top-ranked prospect and the sport’s No. 10 prospect overall, according to MLB.com.

Born and raised in Odessa, Pearson starred at Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School, helping the program to the Class 3A state semifinals as a senior in 2015.

Pearson went on to play college baseball at Florida International University, then transferred to the College of Central Florida.

Pearson was taken by Toronto late in the first round (28th overall) in the 2017 MLB Draft.

Land O’ Lakes native Kevin Quackenbush made a brief appearance for the Los Angeles Dodgers. (Courtesy of MLB Advanced Media/MLB.com)

Kevin Quackenbush, Los Angeles Dodgers, pitcher
Local tie: Land O’ Lakes native

Kevin Quackenbush’s showing in the majors this season was very brief — appearing in one game and firing just a third of an inning in a Los Angeles Dodgers 8-2 win over the Los Angeles Angels on Aug. 8.

It represented the 32-year-old’s first MLB action since 2018.

Quackenbush since elected for free agency in early October, after being outrighted off the Dodgers 40-man roster.

Quackenbush was a staple of the San Diego Padres bullpen from 2014 to 2017, then bounced around to a few other clubs including the Dodgers, Cincinnati Reds and Washington Nationals.

Across a six-year major league career, he’s posted a 4.41 ERA, 1.341 WHIP and 187 strikeouts across 209 innings in 204 appearances.

Quackenbush brings the presence of a hard-nosed reliever, as a bearded, 6-foot-4, 235-pound athlete. His arsenal features three pitches — a four-seam fastball, curveball and slider.

A Land O’ Lakes native, Quackenbush attended Tampa Jesuit High School and the University of South Florida, where he was the team’s closer and a second team All-American. He was an eighth-round draft pick of the San Diego Padres in 2011.

Published October 27, 2021

Hometown athletes to watch this college season

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Before becoming college football standouts seen regularly on national television and in massive stadiums across the country, area athletes distinguished themselves on the gridiron locally, in Hillsborough and Pasco counties.

Big-time college football is now underway this fall — and, with the rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations, a sense of normalcy has returned with fuller schedules and attendance capacity to accommodate thousands of fans compared to 2020.

Dozens of athletes with ties to The Laker/Lutz News coverage area are a part of programs at the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and Football Championship Series (FCS) levels, as well as Division II, Division III, National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and junior college ranks.

Here’s a closer look at some notable hometown players to watch throughout the 2021 college football season:

Dade City native Michael Penix Jr., is generating national buzz as Indiana University’s starting signal-caller. (File)

Michael Penix Jr.
College: Indiana University, redshirt junior quarterback
Local tie: Dade City native/Pasco High School

Michael Penix Jr., is generating quite the buzz among national college football pundits leading into the 2021 campaign for the Indiana University Hoosiers.

The 6-foot-3, 218-pound lefty slinger is ranked No. 45 in ESPN’s Top 100 College Football Players listing. Moreover, Penix is on the Manning Award Watch List, which recognizes 32 of the NCAA’s top quarterbacks in different conferences.

The preseason accolades coming his way are well-deserved.

Penix helped steered the Hoosiers in 2020 to the team’s best season in over 50 years. That included a 5-1 start and No. 12 national ranking before he experienced a season-ending injury.

He completed 56.4% of his throws for 1,647 passing yards, 14 touchdowns and four picks across six games, but suffered a torn ACL in his right knee in November 2020.

The ability to stay healthy will be key going forward, as injuries have cut short all three of Penix’s seasons at Indiana.

Along with the 2020 injury, Penix suffered a clavicle injury in November 2019 that required surgery. He also previously tore his ACL in his right knee in 2018.

Closer to home, Penix played his freshman and sophomore prep seasons at Pasco High in 2014 and 2015, then transferred to Tampa Bay Technical High School for his junior and senior years.

His father, Mike Sr., was an All-State tailback/defensive back at Pasco High in the early ’90s.

Deon Silas
College: Iowa State University, freshman tailback
Local tie: Steinbrenner High School

A record-setting running back at Steinbrenner High School, Deon Silas is poised to build off that production for the Iowa State University Cyclones.

Steinbrenner High product Deon Silas is already turning heads as a freshman running back at Iowa State University. (Courtesy of Iowa State University athletics department)

Silas was an early-enrollee into the Cyclones program in January, getting a head start on the playbook and habits required of a successful college athlete.

The 5-foot-8, 185-pound skill player generated buzz in spring practices thanks to his speed and shiftiness.

He has built on that momentum with fall camp, with his name on initial depth chart projections — likely the team’s third-string tailback and possible kick return option on special teams.

Not too shabby for a true freshman joining a program that last year turned heads in by finishing 9-3 (including 8-1 in the Big 12 Conference).

Out of Steinbrenner, Silas was the No. 93-ranked player in the state of Florida and No. 11-ranked all-purpose back in the class of 2021, per 247Sports.com.

He tallied a combined 5,570 all-purpose yards (2,734 rushing yards, 1,428 receiving yards, 1,408 return yards) and 55 touchdowns across an illustrious four-year varsity career.

Silas isn’t the only familiar face on the Iowa State roster. Former Steinbrenner wideout Aidan Bitter is on the squad, entering his sophomore campaign.

Chris Faddoul
College: Florida A&M University, senior punter
Local tie: Wiregrass Ranch High School

Chris Faddoul is one of many FCS players longing for the gridiron, after the COVID-19 pandemic wiped out many programs’ chances for a 2020 season, including the Florida A&M University Rattlers in Tallahassee.

Former Wiregrass Ranch standout Chris Faddoul is an All-American punter at Florida A&M University. (File)

Expectations are specifically high for the strong-legged 6-foot-1 special teamer.

He is one of 20 candidates named to the 2021 FCS Punter of the Year Award preseason watch list as announced by The Augusta Sports Council.

There also have been reports of NFL scouts visiting FAMU practices to watch Faddoul, among other players.

It’s no wonder why — considering Faddoul is a two-time All-American and once led the nation in punting.

In 2018, he led the FCS with an average of 46.8 yards per punt. He followed that up with an average of 46 yards per punt in 2019, second in the FCS ranks.

At Wiregrass Ranch, Faddoul was a multi-sport standout, playing football, soccer, tennis, and also competing in track & field. Faddoul guided the Bulls to a state football playoff appearance as a senior, serving as the team’s starting quarterback, kicker and punter.

Donovan Jennings
College: University of South Florida, senior offensive lineman
Local tie: Gaither High School

Donovan Jennings returns for his fourth year in the University of South Florida Bulls program, where he’s played 29 games (19 starts) over the last three years — and now anchors an offensive line that returns all five starters from last season.

Gaither High School product Donovan Jennings is poised to anchor the University of South Florida’s offensive line this season. (File)

The 6-foot-5, 337-pound senior guard is garnering some big preseason recognition to match his size, too.

Jennings has been named to Athlon Sports preseason 2021 American Athletic Conference (AAC) all-conference second team offense.

He’s also been identified as one of 500 college football players to watch by the NFLPA (National Football Players Association) Collegiate Bowl’s “Big Board,” which identifies 500 draft-eligible senior collegiate football players to watch for the upcoming season.

Jennings generally has been lauded by current and former coaches for his pass protection skills and effectiveness in the run game.

Thanks to a rare combination of quick feet, balance and strength, Jennings often is tasked with blocking opponent’s top pass-rushers in one-on-one situations.

One of the lineman’s brightest spots last season came in the Bulls’ season finale against rival University of Central Florida. He helped pave the way for his team’s offense to post 646 yards of total offense, including 242 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

Jennings, surprisingly, didn’t begin playing football until his freshman year of high school, as size limitations in youth leagues prevented him from playing the sport.

But, he blossomed into an All-State player in four short years at Gaither, graduating in 2018.

Noah Ruggles
College: Ohio State University, graduate student kicker
Local tie: Steinbrenner High School

Noah Ruggles joins blue-chip Ohio State University, where he’ll have two years of eligibility remaining following his June transfer from the University of North Carolina.

Steinbrenner High School product Noah Ruggles joins the prestigious Ohio State University program after transferring from the University of North Carolina in June. The graduate student has two years of eligibility remaining. (File)

Throughout fall camp, Ruggles has been entrenched in a well-publicized field goal kicker battle with redshirt freshman Jake Siebert.

The 6-foot-2 Ruggles has experience on his side for a Buckeyes squad seeking more accuracy over long-range distance and that’s coming off a national championship bid that fell just short in 2020.

Ruggles lost his starting job at North Carolina last season, where he was limited to just one appearance, a made extra-point versus Western Carolina University.

However, Ruggles has demonstrated accuracy in close range before, such as in 2019, where he made all nine of his attempts within 30 yards.

Altogether in that career season, Ruggles appeared in 13 games and was fifth in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in scoring with 102 points. He did that by making 19 of 27 field goals and connecting on all 45 touchdown points-after. (Both marks were the fifth-most in North Carolina’s single-season program history.)

Ruggles also has proven battle-tested in tight situations.

Case in point was notching a game-winning 40-yard field goal with seven minutes remaining in the fourth quarter in 20-17 victory over crosstown rival Duke University in late October 2019.

While at Steinbrenner, Ruggles was a first-team Class 8A All-State selection and earned offensive MVP honors of the Hillsborough All-Star Game. He also was a member of the school’s soccer team.

Scott Patchan
College: Colorado State University, graduate student defensive line
Local tie: Freedom High School/IMG

Scott Patchan has been around the game awhile — as he’s set to begin his sixth college football season (entering his second year with Colorado State University after four years at the University of Miami).

Former Freedom High School standout Scott Patchan looks to finish his lengthy college football career at Colorado State University, on a high note. (File)

The 6-foot-6, 275-pound defensive lineman hopes to build off a strong 2020 campaign tapered due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In just four contests last season, Patchan tallied 5.5 sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss overall, adding 22 total tackles and three quarterback hurries — earning first-team All-Mountain West Conference honors in the process.

Also, Patchan won on 24% of his pass rushes, securing a pressure on 19% – both figures leading Mountain West players by 3.5 percentage points, according to metrics from the scouting website Pro Football Focus.

Those wondering why Patchan remains in college for six-plus years — the NCAA granted an extra year of eligibility to all 2020 fall sport athletes.

Locally, Patchan played his first three years of prep ball at Freedom High before transferring to Bradenton’s IMG Academy for his senior season.

His final run at Freedom in 2013 proved most productive, as he totaled 8.5 sacks, 56 tackles and 24 tackles for loss.

Patchan’s father, Matt III, won national titles with University of Miami in 1983 and in 1987. Also, Patchan’s older brother, Matt IV, was an offensive lineman at the University of Florida and Boston College.

Others to watch:

  • Florida Atlantic University redshirt junior Chaz Neal (Wesley Chapel High School)
  • Florida A&M University redshirt senior linebacker Ellrie Allen (Wesley Chapel High School)
  • Florida International University freshman quarterback Haden Carlson (Steinbrenner High School)
  • Florida State University redshirt junior linebacker DeCalon Brooks (Gaither High School)
  • Jackson State University junior defensive back Isaiah Bolden (Wesley Chapel High School)
  • Old Dominion University junior defensive end Estefano Feliciano Jr. (Gaither High School)
  • University of California-Berkeley safety Raymond Woodie III (Carrollwood Day School/Wiregrass Ranch High School)
  • University of Central Florida redshirt senior wide receiver Nate Craig-Myers (Pasco High School/Tampa Catholic High School)
  • University of Cincinnati junior safety Jaquan Sheppard (Zephyrhills High School)

Published September 08, 2021

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

Local athletes ink pro baseball contracts

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First came the 2021 Major League Baseball (MLB) Draft, then came the matter of signing the dotted line to become a professional baseball player — and officially make boyhood dreams become reality.

This was the scenario for several athletes with ties to The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

Five local ballplayers were taken in last month’s MLB first-year player draft, which spanned 20 rounds (and 612 picks).

All but one of the area selections inked contracts with respective baseball organizations by the Aug. 1 signing deadline.

Sunlake High/University of Florida right-handed pitcher Tommy Mace signed with the Cleveland Indians for $1.1 million. He was taken 69th overall (Compensation Round B) of the 2021 MLB Draft. (File)

Sunlake High alum Tommy Mace, a fourth-year junior from the University of Florida, was the highest selection and had the largest signing bonus, among locals.

Mace signed for $1.1 million with the Cleveland Indians, who took him 69th overall in Competitive Balance Round B between the second and third round.

The imposing 6-foot-6, 230-pound right-hander received well-above the recommended slot value for the lofty pick (slightly under $929,800). The announcement was made official on the team’s website July 24.

The 22-year-old is noted for a respectable four-pitch mix — fastball, slider, curveball and changeup — highlighted by a sinking two-seam fastball that touches 96 mph.

Mace very well could’ve turned pro last year, but returned to school with hopes of further improving his draft stock following the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.

This past year at Florida he posted a 4.38 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 113 strikeouts in 90.1 innings pitched, along with a 6-2 record.

Across his four-year college career, Mace compiled a combined 4.37 ERA, 1.279 WHIP and 258 strikeouts in 269.2 total innings pitched, with a 22-7 mark.

The long-limbed pitcher has been highly regarded since his prep days at Sunlake, where he was a three-year varsity letter winner.

As a senior, Mace tallied a 1.29 ERA and 101 strikeouts in 77.2 innings, with an 8-2 record in 11 appearances — guiding the Seahawks to the Class 7A regional finals.

He won 19 games during his high school career, posting a combined 1.65 ERA and 196 strikeouts in 165.2 innings.

Mace previously was drafted out of high school in the 12th round (347th overall) by the Cincinnati Reds in 2017, but didn’t sign, in favor of college.

Gaither High shortstop A.J. Graham signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates for $125,000. He was taken in the 18th round of the 2021 MLB Draft. (Courtesy of Gaither High School athletics department)

Other area ballplayers selected later in the draft also agreed to contract terms with MLB franchises, for varying dollar figures.

Gaither High senior A.J. Graham signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates for $125,000 after being the first pick in the 18th round (523rd overall).

Graham has been assigned to the Pirates Florida Complex League. He was signed on July 30 by Pirates scout Nick Presto, according to a team news release.

The 6-3, 180-pound right-handed shortstop batted .346 with two homers, seven doubles, 18 runs scored, 14 RBIs and 12 stolen bases in 78 at-bats across 23 games this season for Gaither.

Graham comes from an athletic family background.

His mother, Mindy, played volleyball at Ball State University and is a member of the Muncie, Indiana-based institution’s athletics Hall-of-Fame.

His father, Darrell, played defensive back in football at Syracuse University and Ball State University, respectively.

Also picked in the 18th round was Saint Leo University lefty pitcher Jimmy Burnette, landing 542nd overall to the Toronto Blue Jays.

Burnette signed with the club for $50,000 on July 21, according to the team’s website.

The 6-foot-2, 205-pound redshirt senior led Saint Leo this season in innings pitched (45.0), wins (three) and strikeouts (53) to go along with a 5.80 ERA and 1.53 WHIP and a pair of complete games.

Burnette emerged in the inaugural MLB Draft League, a summer showcase for top draft-eligible prospects providing exposure to scouts, coaches and advanced baseball technologies.

Saint Leo University left-hander Jimmy Burnette signed with the Toronto Blue Jays for $25,000. He was taken in the 18th round (543rd overall) of the 2021 MLB Draft. (File)

Playing for the league’s Mahoning Valley Scrappers in Niles, Ohio, Burnette posted a 3.09 ERA, 1.4 WHIP and 44 strikeouts in 23.1 innings pitched.

The league’s advanced statistical metrics underscored Burnette’s standout secondary offerings, including his slider (32.8% chase rate, 41.5% called strike plus whiff rate) and changeup (29% chase rate, 10 inches induced vertical break, 16 inches horizontal break).

Meanwhile, league metrics show a fastball that touches 95 mph, from a quasi-sidearm release.

A Chicago native, Burnette transferred to Saint Leo from the University of Illinois this past season.

Gaither High/University of Texas third baseman Cam Williams signed for $25,000 with the Kansas City Royals after being taken in the 19th round (559th overall).

The signing became official on July 15, according to the club’s website.

The 6-foot-2, 200-pound Odessa native starred for a Longhorns squad that had a third-place appearance at the 2021 College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska.

A fourth-year senior, Williams led Texas with 20 doubles and was second with 12 homers, along with a .295 average, 42 runs scored and 51 RBIs spread across 61 starts at third base.

Prior to college, Williams led Gaither to the 2016 7A state championship his senior year and was named Rawlings-Perfect Game Honorable Mention All-American.

He originally was drafted out of high school in the 39th round by the Seattle Mariners, but didn’t sign, electing for Dallas Baptist University and San Jacinto College before transferring to Texas.

Gaither High/University of Texas third baseman Cam Williams signed with the Kansas City Royals for $25,000. He was taken in the 19th round (559th overall) of the 2021 MLB Draft. (File)

Williams joins a growing list of family members to play professional baseball.

His father, Reggie, played four MLB seasons with the Anaheim Angels and Los Angeles Dodgers throughout the 1990s.

Williams three older half-brothers all played professional baseball, too.

They include Reggie Williams Jr., who spent three years in the St. Louis Cardinals organization (2010-2012); J.D. Williams played five years in the Minnesota Twins minor league system (2010-2014); and Javier Reynoso spent two seasons in the Kansas City Royals’ organization (2013-2014).

Wharton High shortstop Zach Ehrhard was taken by the Boston Red Sox in the 13th round (367th overall), but didn’t sign by the Aug. 1 deadline.

Ehrhard theoretically could’ve received a decent chunk of change — as teams can give up to $125,000 to players drafted in rounds 11 through 20 before tapping into their bonus pool allotments.

He instead will attend Division I powerhouse Oklahoma State University, which has made eight consecutive NCAA tournament appearances (the 2020 pandemic-shortened season notwithstanding).

Interestingly, Ehrhard was one of four Red Sox draftees that chose not to sign.

The others were second-round pick Jud Fabian (University of Florida), 15th- rounder selection Payton Green (North Carolina Pro5 Academy) and 20th-rounder Josh Hood (University of Pennsylvania).

Ehrhard was this year’s recipient of the Wade Boggs Athletic Achievement Award, which honors a high school baseball player in Hillsborough County on the basis of outstanding athletic, scholastic and community achievements.

The a 5-foot-11, 175-pound switch-hitter batted .438 this season for the Wildcats, with three homers, 12 doubles, 29 runs scored and 21 RBIs, along with 26 stolen bases.

Ehrhard’s older brother, Drew, was a recipient of the prestigious award in 2017 and went on to play baseball at the University of Tampa.

Though just outside of The Laker/Lutz News’ coverage area in Pasco, Fivay High School/University of Mississippi product Gunnar Hoglund signed with the Blue Jays for $3.25 million, after being picked in the first round at 19th overall.

The signing bonus fell slightly below the recommended slot value of $3.36 million.

The 6-foot-4, 220-pound right-hander from Hudson was viewed as among the draft’s most polished arms, but slipped slightly after having Tommy John elbow surgery in May, meaning the 21-year-old likely will be out of action through at least summer 2022.

Locals from the 2021 MLB Draft

  • Sunlake High/University of Florida pitcher Tommy Mace— signed with Cleveland Indians for $1.1 million (drafted in Comp B, 69th overall)
  • Wharton High shortstop Zach Ehrhard — did not sign with Boston Red Sox (drafted in 13th round, 376th overall)
  • Gaither High shortstop A.J. Graham — signed with Pittsburgh Pirates for $125,000 (drafted in 18th round, 523rd overall)
  • Saint Leo University left-handed pitcher Jimmy Burnette — signed with Toronto Blue Jays for $50,000 (drafted in 18th round, 543rd overall)
  • Gaither High/University of Texas third baseman Cam Williams — signed with Kansas City Royals for $25,000 (19th round, 559th overall)

Published August 11, 2021

Several local athletes taken in 2021 MLB Draft

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Aspirations of playing professional baseball may soon become a reality for a handful of athletes from local high schools and colleges in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

The Major League Baseball (MLB) 2021 first-year player draft spanned 20 rounds (and 612 picks) from July 11 through July 13.

The draft is held every summer by conference call among the 30 Major League clubs.

The clubs take turns selecting players in reverse order of their won-lost records at the close of the previous regular season.

Generally, a player is eligible for selection if the player is a resident of the United States or Canada and the player has never before signed a Major League or Minor League contract. Residents of Puerto Rico and other territories of the United States also are eligible for the Draft.

The basic categories of players eligible to be drafted are:

  • High school players, if they have graduated from high school and have not yet attended college or junior college
  • College players, from four-year colleges who have either completed their junior or senior years or are at least 21 years old; and
  • Junior college players, regardless of how many years of school they have completed.

Representing the highest selection from the local community was Sunlake High alum Tommy Mace, now a fourth-year junior from the University of Florida.

Sunlake High product Tommy Mace has been an impactful right-handed pitcher for the Florida Gators baseball program the past four seasons. He was selected 69th overall by the Cleveland Indians in the 2021 MLB first-year player draft. (Courtesy of University of Florida athletics department)

The imposing 6-foot-6, 230-pound right-handed pitcher was taken 69th overall by the Cleveland Indians — in Competitive Balance Round B between the second and third round.

The recommended bonus slot value for that lofty pick is just under $1 million, at $929,800.

If and when Mace signs, he’ll join another local product in the Indians organization — Gaither High product Oscar Mercado, who earned a call-up with the big league club in June.

Mace, 22, very well could’ve turned pro last year, but opted to return to school with hopes of further improving his draft stock.

This past season at Florida he posted a 4.38 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 113 strikeouts in 90.1 innings pitched, along with a 6-2 record.

Across his four-year college career, Mace compiled a combined 4.37 ERA, 1.279 WHIP and 258 strikeouts in 269.2 total innings pitched, with a 22-7 mark.

Mace was ranked as the No. 45 draft prospect, according to MLB.com’s 2021 pre-draft rankings.

He exhibits a four-pitch mix — fastball, slider, curveball and changeup. This includes a sinking two-seam fastball that is viewed as his top offering, touching 96 mph with cutting action, according to various scouting reports, including MLB.com.

MLB.com’s draft profile on Mace otherwise states: “Mace has gotten a bit bigger physically, which could help with consistency of velocity and stuff. He’s always been good at throwing strikes, but has been more a contact, ground ball kind of pitcher, rather than one who misses tons of bats. He did increase his strikeout rate while continuing to fill up the strike zone in 2021.”

Mace has been highly-regarded since his prep days at Sunlake, where he was a three-year varsity letter winner.

As a senior, Mace tallied a 1.29 ERA and 101 strikeouts in 77.2 innings, with an 8-2 record in 11 appearances — guiding the Seahawks to the Class 7A regional finals.

He won 19 games during his high school career, posting a combined 1.65 ERA and 196 strikeouts in 165.2 innings.

Mace was rated as No. 72 prep player in the class of 2017 by Perfect Game and No. 15 overall prep player in all of Florida — including the fifth-ranked, right-handed pitcher in the state.

Wharton High senior baseball standout Zach Ehrhard, left, won Hillsborough County’s 2021 Wade Boggs Athletic Achievement Award on the basis of athletic, scholastic and community achievements. Ehrhard was picked by the Boston Red Sox in the 13th round of the 2021 MLB Draft. Also pictured here is Boggs, middle, and Ehrhard’s older brother, Drew, who also won the award in 2017. (File)

Among other accolades, he was named MaxPreps Second Team All-American and National High School Coaches Association All-Southeast Team.

Mace previously was drafted out of high school in the 12th round (347th overall) by the Cincinnati Reds in 2017.

He, of course, didn’t sign with the Reds, instead opting to pitch for the Gators, which had then come off a 2017 College World Series crown — the first national championship in the program’s history.

Others drafted in later rounds
Mace was one several area players taken, albeit those in later rounds, on day three of the baseball draft.

Wharton High School senior Zach Ehrhard — an Oklahoma State University signee — was picked by the Boston Red Sox in the 13th round (367th overall).

The 5-foot-11, 175-pound switch-hitting shortstop batted .438 this season for the Wildcats, with three homers, 12 doubles, 29 runs scored and 21 RBIs, along with 26 stolen bases.

Ehrhard was this year’s recipient of the Wade Boggs Athletic Achievement Award, which honors a high school baseball player in Hillsborough County on the basis of outstanding athletic, scholastic and community achievements.

Baseball talent runs in the Ehrhard family.

His older brother, Drew, received the same prestigious county award in 2017 and went on to play collegiate baseball at the University of Tampa.

Another area prep position player, Gaither High senior A.J. Graham, was taken with the first pick in the 18th round (523rd overall) by the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The 6-3, 180-pound right-handed shortstop batted .346 with two homers, seven doubles, 18 runs scored, 14 RBIs and 12 stolen bases in 78 at-bats across 23 games this season.

Also picked in the 18th round was Saint Leo University left-handed pitcher Jimmy Burnette, landing 542nd overall to the Toronto Blue Jays.

This season the 6-foot-2, 205-pound redshirt senior led the Lions in innings pitched (45.0), wins (three) and strikeouts (53) to go along with a 5.80 ERA and 1.53 WHIP and a pair of complete games.

Burnette appears to have emerged in the inaugural MLB Draft League, a summer showcase for top draft-eligible prospects providing exposures to scouts, coaches and advanced baseball technologies.

Gaither High/University of Texas third baseman Cam Williams was selected by the Kansas City Royals in the 19th round of the 2021 MLB Draft. (Courtesy of University of Texas athletics department)

Playing for the league’s Mahoning Valley Scrappers in Niles, Ohio, Burnette posted a 3.09 ERA, 1.4 WHIP and 44 strikeouts in 23.1 innings pitched.

A Chicago native, Burnette transferred to Saint Leo from the University of Illinois this past season.

Gaither High/University of Texas third baseman Cam Williams was taken in the 19th round (559th overall) by the Kansas City Royals.

The 6-foot-2, 200-pound Odessa native starred for a Longhorns squad that had a third-place appearance at the 2021 College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska.

The fourth-year senior led Texas with 20 doubles and was second with 12 homers, to go along with .295 average, 42 runs scored and 51 RBIs spread across 61 starts at third base.

Prior to college, Williams led Gaither to the 2016 7A state championship his senior year and was named Rawlings-Perfect Game Honorable Mention All-American.

He was drafted out of high school in the 39th round by the Seattle Mariners, but didn’t sign, opting for Dallas Baptist University and San Jacinto College before transferring to Texas.

Williams’ father, Reggie, played four MLB seasons with the Anaheim Angels and Los Angeles Dodgers.

(Note: While slightly outside our coverage area, Fivay High/University of Mississippi product Gunnar Hoglund went in the first round (19th overall) to the Blue Jays. The 6-foot-4, 220-pound right-hander from Hudson was viewed as one of the draft’s most polished arms, but slipped slightly after having Tommy John elbow surgery in May.)

Robust draft history
It’s not uncommon for at least a few ballplayers from area high schools and colleges to be drafted each year.

In 2020, Steinbrenner High/Florida State University right-handed pitcher CJ Van Eyk went to the Blue Jays in the second round (42nd overall), and Wesley Chapel native/Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High/University of South Florida right-handed pitcher Carson Ragsdale went in the fourth round (116th overall) to the Philadelphia Phillies.

Saint Leo University left-handed pitcher Jimmy Burnette was selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 18th round of the 2021 MLB Draft. (Courtesy of Saint Leo University athletics department)

(Though slightly outside our coverage area on the west side of Pasco, Trinity native/Mitchell High catcher Jackson Miller went in the second round (65th overall) to the Reds.)

The 2019 MLB Draft also yielded a trio of area selections.

Land O’ Lakes High/St. Petersburg College second baseman Dustin Harris was selected in the 11th round (344th overall) by the Oakland Athletics; Pasco-Hernando State College/University of Tampa pitcher Tyler Beck was selected in 30th round (899th overall) by the Minnesota Twins in the; and Steinbrenner High/Mississippi State University pitcher Cole Gordon was selected in the 32nd round (958th overall) by the New York Mets.

Prior drafts yielded several community picks as well, including four in 2018 and six in 2017, respectively.

Locals picked in the 2021 MLB Draft

  • Sunlake High/University of Florida pitcher Tommy Mace (Cleveland Indians, Comp B, 69th overall)
  • Wharton High shortstop Zach Ehrhard (Boston Red Sox, 13th round, 376th overall)
  • Gaither High shortstop A.J. Graham (Pittsburgh Pirates, 18th round, 523rd overall)
  • Saint Leo University left-handed pitcher Jimmy Burnette (Toronto Blue Jays, 18th round, 543rd overall)
  • Gaither High/University of Texas third baseman Cam Williams (Kansas City Royals, 19th round, 559th overall)

Published July 21, 2021

Checking in on locals during MLB’s All-Star break

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The 2021 Major League Baseball (MLB) season has reached its designated July midway point with the All-Star break — with weeklong festivities like the All-Star Game, Home Run Derby, MLB Draft, Futures Game and Celebrity Softball Game all happening in Denver, Colorado.

The league’s breather offers several days off for ballplayers before returning to the extensive 162-game regular schedule (not including spring training or playoffs)  — with most of the 30 teams out of action from July 12 through July 15.

There are several ballplayers, and a manager, that have their roots in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

Here’s a closer look at these locals’ performances, halfway through the Major League season:

Zephyrhills High product Austin Adams is a reliever for the San Diego Padres. (File)

Austin Adams, San Diego Padres, pitcher
Local tie: Zephyrhills High School
Austin Adams has solidified himself as one of the more important bullpen pieces for the contending San Diego Padres (53-40, third in NL West), posting a 1.71 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 48 strikeouts across 31.2 innings pitched in 30 appearances.

Much of the credit for his success harkens to his high-spin slider, which he throws nearly 89% of the time and averages about 87 mph.

The 6-foot-3, 220-pound righty has struggled with command and control at times (issuing 19 walks and MLB-leading 14 hit batters), yet he’s only allowed 14 hits, with batters averaging just .137 against him.

The 30-year-old has had stints in the Majors since 2017, also playing for the Washington Nationals and Seattle Mariners.

Adams grew up in Zephyrhills, playing little league at Sam Pasco Park.

He went on to earn four letters in baseball (and one in basketball) at Zephyrhills High School from 2006 to 2009. He posted a 2.43 ERA and 80 strikeouts in his Bulldog career.

Adams’ high school pedigree led to a baseball scholarship at the University of South Florida, where he was a cog in the program’s first-ever Big East Championship final in 2012, as a junior. Adams went on become an eighth round draft pick by the Los Angeles Angels, signing for $127,500.

Wiregrass Ranch High product John Gant is a veteran right-handed pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals. (FIle)

John Gant, St. Louis Cardinals, pitcher
Local tie: Wiregrass Ranch High School
John Gant began the season in the St. Louis Cardinals rotation, but was assigned to a bullpen role weeks ago.

It’s a role he’s flourished with strike-throwing and walk prevention.

Across 71.2 innings in 21 appearances — the second-most innings he’s thrown in his six-year Majors career — the 6-foot-4, 200-pound righty has posted a 3.52 ERA, 1.59 WHIP and 60 strikeouts, with a 4-6 record for a Cardinals team that sits fourth in the NL Central at 44-46.

Gant’s arsenal features as many as six different pitches, headlined by a sinker (38.6%) and changeup (21.4%), along with a four-seam fastball, slider, cutter and curveball, according to MLB.com’s Statcast metrics.

Like his diverse pitch selection, the 28-year-old also has gone viral on social media for altering hairstyles and facial hair during the course of a season.

He’s sported everything from a full beard and long hair to corn rows to bushy mustache to some more traditional clean-shaven looks.

Gant made his MLB debut in 2016 with the Atlanta Braves, but has played for St. Louis since 2017.

Locally, Gant starred on the Wiregrass Ranch High varsity baseball team from 2008 to 2011 — striking out over 200 batters and sustaining just three losses in four years.

He also was a member of the Wiregrass Ranch basketball and swimming teams. His father, John Sr., was a science teacher at the school and longtime varsity girls basketball coach.

Gant was selected out of high school by the New York Mets in the 21st round of the 2011 MLB Draft, where he signed for $185,000.

Bishop McLaughlin product/Odessa native Nate Pearson is a right-handed pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays. (Courtesy of Major League Baseball Advanced Media)

Nate Pearson, Toronto Blue Jays, pitcher
Local tie: Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School (Odessa native)
Labeled one of baseball’s top pitching prospects, many tabbed Nate Pearson to garner American League Rookie of the Year consideration this year for the Toronto Blue Jays.

It’s been anything but that so far.

The 24-year-old right-hander was quickly optioned to the minors in early May after firing just 2.1 innings in one big league appearance — a 7-4 road loss to the Houston Astros on May 9, where he allowed five walks, four hits and three earned runs.

Since then, Pearson exhibited up and down showings for the Triple-A affiliate Buffalo Bisons (4.74 ERA, 1.176 WHIP, 36 strikeouts in 24.2 innings).

Meanwhile, he hasn’t pitched since June 16 as he nurses a right groin strain — a befuddling injury that has him seeking a handful of different medical opinions, according to various media reports.

Measuring 6-foot-6, 250-pounds — aptly nicknamed “Big Nate,” — Peason’s regarded for a high-velocity fastball that can regularly touch 100 mph and above, along with a mid-80s slider and cutter.

He made his MLB debut during the pandemic-shortened season in 2020, so still maintains rookie-level status.

It remains up in the air if Pearson will pitch for Toronto the rest of this season, which is fighting for positioning in the uber-competitive AL East, where they sit in third place with a 45-42 mark.

Born and raised in Odessa, Pearson starred at Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School, helping the program to the Class 3A state semifinals as a senior in 2015.

He wrapped up his prep career with a career 1.24 earned run average and 144 strikeouts in 101.2 innings pitched, with a 12-1 record.

Pearson went on to play college baseball at Miami’s Florida International University, then transferred to College of Central Florida in Ocala.

Pearson was taken by Toronto late in the first round (28th overall) in the 2017 MLB Draft, signing for a $2.45 million bonus.

Gaither High product Oscar Mercado is an outfielder with the Cleveland Indians. (File)

Oscar Mercado, Cleveland Indians, outfielder
Local tie: Gaither High School
Oscar Mercado was one of the Cleveland Indians final roster cuts during spring training, but has since worked himself back to the big league club, earning a promotion from Triple-A Columbus on June 28.

The 26-year-old has cobbled together a respectable .281/.343/.500 line with nine hits (including a homer, triple and two doubles), five runs, four RBIs, three walks and nine strikeouts across 32 at-bats in 12 MLB games, along with two stolen bases. Defensively, he’s seen action in left field and center field.

The 6-foot-2, 197-pound right-handed hitter had an impressive debut season in 2019. That season he batted .269 with 15 home runs and 54 RBIs in 119 games, adding 70 runs scored, 25 doubles, three triples and 15 stolen bases — finishing eighth in the AL Rookie of the Year race.

But what followed was a subpar 2020 campaign — with a paltry .128 with a .348 OPS in 86 at-bats across 36 games.

Mercado’s since worked to revamp his swing after last season’s slump, with help from the coaching staff and front office, according to various media reports.

He now appears on the right track.

A native of Colombia, Mercado and his family emigrated to the United States, and settled in the Tampa area when he was 7 years old.

He became a four-year starter at shortstop at Gaither High School from 2010 to 2013, leading the program to back-to-back district crowns and ranked among the nation’s top prep middle infielders.

Following high school, Mercado was picked by St. Louis Cardinals in the second round (57th overall) in the 2013 MLB Draft, signing for $1.5 million.

He spent nearly six years working through the Cardinals minor league system until he was traded to the Indians in July 2018.

Gaither High product/Lutz native Kevin Cash is in his seventh year as manager of the Tampa Bay Rays. (File)

Kevin Cash, Tampa Bay Rays, manager
Local tie: Gaither High School
Unlike most other MLB managers and coaches, Kevin Cash will have on-field duties during the All-Star break.

That’s because he was named manager for the AL All-Star squad — a reward designated for leading the Tampa Bay Rays to a World Series appearance last season.

The 2021 MLB All-Star Game— otherwise known as the midsummer classic — is scheduled for July 13 at Coors Field in Denver, Colorado. The game will air live on FOX at 7:30 p.m.

There, Cash will oversee 34 of the sport’s top players during the contest, including two familiar faces in Rays catcher Mike Zunino and super-utility Joey Wendle, who were both named All-Star reserves.

Cash’s encore from last year’s historic Rays campaign hasn’t been too shabby, guiding the franchise to a 53-37 record — good for second in the AL East (1.5 game back of first-place Boston Red Sox) and tops in the Wild Card race.

The seventh-year skipper has done it navigating tough team injuries (like ace pitcher Tyler Glasnow) and melding an eclectic group of rookies and veterans, with ages ranging from 20 years old (rookie infielder Wander Franco) to 41 years old (lefty veteran pitcher Rich Hill).

Likewise impressive, Cash’s ballclub entered the season with MLB’s fifth cheapest payroll at around $69.1 million — ahead of only the Miami Marlins ($58.5 million), Baltimore Orioles ($58.1 million), Pittsburgh Pirates ($55.9 million) and Cleveland Indians ($52.8 million).

Cash is regarded for his relatability to players, plus his quasi-mad scientist approach to managing, with ever-changing batting orders, substitutions, heavy bullpen usage and substitutions, unique defensive positioning and shifts — all designed to maximize the roster and play to player’s individuals strengths.

Locally, Cash spent his younger days growing up in the Valley Ranch Drive neighborhood, situated across from Lake Park in Lutz.

He first hit the national scene in 1989 — then a 12-year-old second baseman for a Northside Little League team that reached the 43rd Little League World Series.
Cash later starred at Gaither High School, penning that into a successful college run at Florida State University and eight-year MLB career as a journeyman catcher mostly.

Cash comes from a baseball family, as his father and uncle both played professionally, the latter reaching the big leagues in the 1970s.

Published July 14, 2021

Spring football preview for area teams

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

Florida high school spring football practices begin April 26. The first allowable day for full-contact tackling is May 1. (File)

And while the 2021 prep season remains months away, prep gridiron fans can still 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 26 through May, according to Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) guidelines. The first allowable day for full-contact tackling is May 1.

Here’s a closer look at how programs across The Laker/Lutz News coverage area, in Hillsborough and Pasco counties:

Hillsborough County:

Carrollwood Day Patriots (Class 3A-3 — up from 2A)
Coach: Marshall McDuffie, first year
Skinny: Carrollwood Day enters the 2021 campaign with a new head coach and losses of All-State players on both sides of the ball (tight end Michael Trigg, Southern Cal; defensive tackle Desmond Mamudi, Virginia Tech). But the program remains well-stocked with other talented young players — several of whom are likewise garnering Division I FBS looks or scholarship offers. Meanwhile, the Patriots have prepared a challenging schedule, facing the likes of Clearwater Calvary Christian (7-2 in 2020), Trinity Catholic (7-4), Seffner Christian (8-5) and Cambridge Christian (9-2) high schools, among others.

Freedom Patriots (6A-9)
Coach: Christopher Short, third year
Skinny: Sure, Freedom went winless last season, with several blowout defeats to boot, but the team’s final two games — on the road — were decided by six points or fewer. Perhaps that yields confidence for a team led mostly by then freshman quarterback Taquawn Anthony. At least one other exciting player to watch is rising junior athlete Robby Washington, who generated a team-leading 1,299 all-purpose yards and nine touchdowns.

The Gaither Cowboys enter spring camp fresh off an 11-1 record and appearance in the regional finals. (Courtesy of Gaither High School Athletics Department)

Gaither Cowboys (7A-9 — up from 6A)
Coach: Kirk Karsen, third year
Skinny: Gaither will need to mold a new starting signal-caller to replace the uber-productive Kiael Kelly (Ball State University) — and the loss of several other graduating All-State talents. Yet, a pressure-heavy defensive front paced by Mario Eugenio and Tawfiq Thomas should help the transition for a program that’s remarkably gone a combined 23-3 the past two seasons. Eugenio ranked third in the state in sacks (17.0) last season, while Thomas contributed 15 tackles for loss. Also, the Cowboys move up from Class 6A to 7A, with district opponents now Largo, Leto, Mitchell and Sickles high schools.

Steinbrenner Warriors (8A-11)
Coach: Andres Perez-Reinaldo, 11th year|
Skinny: Steinbrenner must replace several playmakers on both sides of the ball. Besides losing its starting quarterback and top tackler, arguably the most notable departure is All-State tailback Deon Silas — now headed to Iowa State University — though rising junior Kirby Voorhees seems poised for an expanded role after registering 461 rushing yards on 61 carries, eight touchdowns in 2020.

Meantime, special teams figures to be a strong suit thanks to the legs of punter Griffin Wiltse (returning from a torn ACL) and kicker Collin Young (made five of six field goals, including a long of 42 yards, plus 28-for-28 on extra points).

Wharton Wildcats (7A-10 — down from 8A)
Coach: Mike Williams Sr., second year
Skinny: Wharton looks to build off its first postseason appearance since 2013, under the tutelage of second-year coach Mike Williams Sr. The 37-year-old offers pedigree as a seven-year NFL veteran who was a first-round pick in 2005 by the Detroit Lions out of Southern Cal, where he achieved All-American honors. (He also prepped at Plant High in the early 2000s). Having two All-State defensive players (Daveon Crouch, Henry Griffith) returning doesn’t hurt, either. The Wildcats transition down from Class 8A to 7A, with district foes being Armwood, Strawberry Crest, Tampa Bay Tech and Wiregrass Ranch high schools.

Pasco County

Academy at the Lakes Wildcats (8-man)
Coach: Shawn Brown, eighth year
Skinny: In replacing nearly half the roster due to graduations, arguably the biggest blow to the Academy at the Lakes program is the graduation of quarterback Jalen Brown. He anchored the team for five seasons (starting as an eighth-grader) and back-to-back 8-man state titles in 2017 and 2018. Moving forward, at least one player to watch is rising sophomore linebacker Latrell Taylor, who garnered Sunshine State Athletic Conference (SSAC) 8-Man second-team All-State honors after posting a team-leading 55 tackles in six contests.

Bishop McLaughlin Hurricanes (3A-2 — up from independent)
Coach: Ken Stills, second year
Skinny: Bishop McLaughlin wants to build off a respectable .500 campaign under coach Ken Stills, who played six NFL seasons from 1985-1990 and brings professional coaching experience from the United Indoor Football and XFL, as well as Bradenton’s IMG Academy. Stills seems to have brought stability to a program that’s now had six different head coaches since 2013. Tasks include replacing All-State quarterback Adrian Miller III (transferred to Zephyrhills Christian Academy), and navigating the upward transition to Class 3A from the Independent ranks.

Cypress Creek Coyotes (5A-9 — up from 4A)
Coach: Mike Johnson, fifth year
Skinny: Cypress Creek comes off a disappointing season exacerbated by a tough schedule against local powerhouses such as Mitchell, Tampa Catholic and Zephyrhills. What should bring confidence is the return of one of the area’s top quarterbacks in rising senior Owen Walls, who completed 54% of his throws for 1,233 yards, 13 touchdowns and three interceptions in eight games last season. The Coyotes move up to Class 5A, joining a district that includes Hudson, Brooksville Nature Coast, Weeki Wachee, Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills high schools.

Land O’ Lakes will play as an Independent this upcoming football season. (File)

Land O’ Lakes Gators (Independent — down from 6A)
Coach: Trac Baughn, second year
Skinny: Land O’ Lakes certainly had a rough go in 2020 under new head coach Trac Baughn and a young roster, going just 1-7 and being outscored by a 72-268 margin. On a positive side, Baughn brings nearly three decades of coaching high school and college football, mostly throughout Mississippi. Interestingly, the Gators have opted to play this season as an Independent — instead of Class 7A — to help ease the program’s rebuild. Replacing the production of All-State defensive end Zavian Mckinon (12.5 sacks, 43 tackles) will be tough, in any case.

Pasco Pirates (6A-5)
Coach: Jason Stokes, third year
Skinny: Pasco seems to methodically be gaining momentum under the guidance of coach Jason Stokes, as he tries to steer the program back to its first winning season since 2014. Stokes has led three other prep programs to playoff appearances and also helped the Pirates notch the elusive win over Zephyrhills in the 9-Mile War in 2019 — after four straight blowout defeats to the Bulldogs under then head coach Tom McHugh. It’s critical to find ways to replicate production from several defensive stalwarts, including its top three tacklers, top three sack artists, and top two interceptions and passes defensed leaders. After all, this was a team defense last season that earned two shutouts, and held three other opponents to eight points or fewer.

Sunlake Seahawks (6A-9 — down from 7A)
Coach: Trey Burdick, third year
Skinny: Sunlake comes off another trying season — one that saw its offense get shut out in half its contests and only two victories coming against equally struggling programs — Leto (1-8) and Land O’ Lakes (1-7) high schools, respectively. Kevin Spillane returning as starting quarterback for a third season should help, as should linebacker Mitchell Hammond, the reigning Sunshine Athletic Conference East Defensive Player of the Year. However, the Seahawks will be without its top three wideouts who each garnered at least 20 catches in 2020. The program slides down a peg to Class 6A from 7A, entering a district which features Countryside, Fivay, Freedom and River Ridge high schools.

Wesley Chapel Wildcats (5A-9)
Coach: Tony Egan, sixth year
Skinny: Wesley Chapel has yet to experience a losing campaign under the watch of coach Tony Egan. There’s optimism for similar steadiness despite a sturdy 2021 slate against the likes of Wiregrass Ranch, Zephyrhills, Brooksville Nature Coast, River Ridge and Mitchell high schools. Yet, the Wildcats have plenty of offensive and defensive production returning, including five All-Conference performers — wideout Nehemiah Morgan, linebacker Aydon Roysdon, tailback Jaylan Blake, offensive lineman Briac Riles, and linebacker Josh Poleon.

Armed with one of the area’s top quarterbacks — in rising senior Rocco Becht — Wiregrass Ranch is poised to bounce back from a 4-5 mark cut short and affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. (Courtesy of Wiregrass Ranch High School Athletics Department)

Wiregrass Ranch Bulls (7A-10)
Coach: Mark Kantor, seventh year
Skinny: Through Wiregrass Ranch finished just under .500 for the first time since 2015, it was against an objectively daunting schedule facing the likes of Armwood, Mitchell and Tampa Bay Tech (not to mention a season-ending forfeit to Orlando East River due to a COVID-19 outbreak). However, confidence appears amidst the return of rising senior quarterback Rocco Becht, the reigning Sunshine Athletic Conference East Offensive Player of the Year who, an Iowa State university verbal commit. Becht — the son of 11-year NFL veteran and current ESPN college football analyst Anthony Becht — completed 53.4% of his throws for 1,550 passing yards, 18 touchdowns and seven interceptions across eight games last season.

The Zephyrhills Bulldogs are poised to continue the team’s successful run under the guidance of veteran head coach Nick Carroll. The program went 8-3 last year, which included a string of eight straight victories. (File)

Zephyrhills Bulldogs (5A-9)
Coach: Nick Carroll, sixth year
Skinny: Winning consistently and in dominant fashion has been an ongoing theme for Zephyrhills under coach Nick Carroll’s tenure — collecting a pair of district titles (and another runner-up) and posting a combined 42-14 record across five seasons. The 2020 campaign, too, was noteworthy, given the team rapped off eight straight victories after dropping its two games. And six of those eight wins were of the shutout variety — the most lopsided being a 55-0 romp over Anclote in late November. Anticipate similar shutdown defensive performances to continue this year, as the Bulldogs should return five of its six top tacklers, including All-State linebacker Maguire Neal, who boasts multiple Division I FBS scholarship offers.

The Zephyrhills Christian Warriors will open up the 2021 season with a new artificial turf field and weight room. (Courtesy of Zephyrhills Christian Academy Athletics Department)

Zephyrhills Christian Warriors (2A-2)
Coach: Mike Smith, seventh year
Skinny: Zephyrhills Christian enters spring camp seeking a sixth straight winning season. The prognosis seems pointed that way, as the squad returns a pair of All-State defensive backs in Quavious Cook and Fred Adams, plus the incoming transfer of All-State dual-threat quarterback Adrian Miller III, from Bishop McLaughlin. This should help boost a team that was already averaging nearly 29 points per game last season. Further adding to the program’s winning swagger is a brand-new artificial turf football field, and weight room, among other frills.

Schools in 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)

Pasco County

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

Spring game schedule

May 20
Land O’ Lakes at Cypress Creek
Wiregrass Ranch at Berkeley Prep
Steinbrenner, Gaither, Sickles at Tampa Alonso (Jamboree)
Tampa Bay Tech, Freedom, Wharton at King (Jamboree)

May 21
Mitchell at Zephyrhills
Pasco at Sunlake
Miami GDS Academy at Zephyrhills Christian Academy
Hollins at Wesley Chapel

Published April 28, 2021