The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Sunlake High School

Cardel Homes Introduces The Enclave At Lake Padgett

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There are more lakes in Land O’ Lakes than anywhere else in Pasco County. And, of its dozens of lakes, none is more desirable than Lake Padgett, a spring-fed, 200-acre lake that is the largest in central Pasco.

Lake Padgett has been home to beautiful waterfront homes for over 50 years, where residents enjoy boating, water skiing and long views of cypress-lined shores, and stunning sunrises and sunsets.

There are only a handful of homesites remaining on Lake Padgett, which is why Cardel Homes is so excited to be introducing the Enclave At Lake Padgett.

“It’s almost unheard of to find new home construction on Lake Padgett,” said Brian Phillips, vice president of sales and marketing at Cardel Homes. “We’re thrilled to be offering eight beautiful lots directly on the Lagoon, all that are large in size.”

The Enclave At Lake Padgett is a secluded, gated community of just 18 homesites, with easy access off Land O’ Lakes Boulevard (U.S. 41). All of Cardel’s homes will back up to a natural lagoon that flows into Lake Padgett.

“All of our homesites can be permitted for docks that are large enough for fishing, waterski and pontoon boats,” said Phillips. “Plus, none of our docks are shared between homeowners.”

Homes in the Enclave At Lake Padgett must be a minimum 3,000 square feet, and Cardel’s floor plans are as large as 4,260 square feet.

For families looking for a new home, Cardel has an inventory home that is available now — the elegant one-story St. Lucia, which has 3,336 square feet and offers four bedrooms, three baths and a three-car garage.

“Our St. Lucia model has an open floor plan that is very attractive to families of all sizes,” said Phillips.

This one-story beauty features 12-foot ceilings, a den off the entry, formal dining room with coffered ceiling, expansive great room, huge bonus room, and a master suite with a sitting area and private lanai at the back of the house. Interior features are fabulous, and include white cabinetry, quartz countertops, wood-plank tile throughout, and tray ceilings in the foyer, bonus room and master bedroom.

The home is on a wooded lot and has a large front porch, and covered lanai in the back. An oversized dock is just steps away from the backyard, and is perfect to dock a boat and enjoy the natural backyard setting.

“This home is ideal for the family wanting to move up to an exclusive, private community with no CDD,” said Phillips.

“It’s the best of both worlds — enjoying all the recreation that Lake Padgett offers, without the boat noise and traffic directly in your backyard. If you want to start the new year in a beautiful new home, this is one of the best waterfront values in all of Tampa Bay,” he adds.

The St. Lucia inventory home, including its waterfront dock, is listed at just $650,000.

If you prefer to choose your homesite and select a floor plan, colors and finishes, currently, Cardel is offering buyers up to $50,000 off in its design center, for homes contracted before the end of the year. A Cardel home in the Enclave begins at $494,900.

Many families want to live in Land O’ Lakes because of its excellent schools. The Enclave is assigned to top-rated Sunlake High, Charles Rushe Middle and Lake Myrtle Elementary.

For families wanting to build in Hillsborough County, Cardel is introducing a new community in Lutz, located close to USF and I-275.

Oakwood Reserve offers 1-acre homesites on Clement Road – a quiet, rural street tucked between Hannah Road and Livingston Avenue. Like the Enclave at Lake Padgett, only eight homesites are available.

Cardel also builds homes in Bexley, a master-planned community in Land O’ Lakes, along the State Road 54 corridor, next to the Suncoast Parkway.

“Cardel Homes is one of the few national builders to offers buyers communities of all sizes and price points — from move-up developments like Bexley that offer many desirable family amenities, to those like the Enclave At Lake Padgett and Oakwood Reserve, which offer larger lots, more privacy and high-end custom features,” said Phillips.

Visit Cardel Homes at the Enclave At Lake Padgett, or at Bexley, Mondays through Saturday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m.

Published November 28, 2018

Prep football regular season recap

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

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

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

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

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

Of course, the Bulldogs recent success is no fluke.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dylan Ridolph

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

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

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

Kyle Leivas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Class 7A
Region 2 Quarterfinals

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

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

Class 5A
Region 2 Quarterfinals

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

Class 2A
Region 2 Quarterfinals

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

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

Published November 7, 2018

Local schools receive Special Olympics honor

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Land O’ Lakes High School’s Unified Special Olympics program received international attention more than three years ago, when its coed soccer team won the bronze medal at the 2015 Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles.

Now, the school’s Unified program has earned another prestigious honor — 2018 Special Olympics National Banner Unified Champion School.

The Land O’ Lakes High School Unified program has had many years of success. Under coach Vicky King in 2015, its coed soccer team won the bronze medal at the 2015 Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles, defeating China 2-1. (File)

The designation, based on the 2017-2018 school year, means Land O’ Lakes met 10 standards of excellence set forth by Special Olympics International. These standards focus on four key areas: Unified Sports, Inclusive Youth Leadership, Whole School Engagement and sustainability for the program.

Land O’ Lakes was one of just 13 schools in Florida — and 132 schools nationally — to receive the designation. New Port Richey’s Longleaf Elementary School and Seven Springs Middle School also were named Unified Champion Schools.

The Unified Special Olympics sports program pairs special needs athletes with nondisabled peers, called partners. Together, these athletes and partners compete year-round against other unified programs in sports, such as basketball, soccer, swimming, golf, and others.

According to Special Olympics Florida’s website, the Unified program enables Special Olympics athletes to not only learn and play new sports, but also experience meaningful inclusion. Each athlete is ensured of playing a valued role on the team. The teams also provide a forum for positive social interaction.

All participants are of similar age and ability, and unified teams are designed to provide training and competition opportunities that meaningfully challenge and involve all athletes.

Special Olympics sports rules, moreover, make sure that everyone has “a fair and enjoyable competitive experience.”

The national honor brings satisfaction to Vicky King, who’s coached Special Olympics programming at Land O’ Lakes for more than 30 years.

“It means that we’ve done a lot,” King said, “and, we have a student body and community that is very involved, because it’s all about inclusion and acceptance everywhere, not just in athletics, but just as a school and a community.”

According to King, the Land O’ Lakes Unified program last year featured more than 20 coed athletes and nearly 40 partners, representing a solid participation rate based on the school’s ESE (Exceptional Student Education) population.

For the 2018-2019 academic school year, the Pasco County school district relocated its special education unit —and Unified program— to Sunlake High School.

Before the transfer, King estimates the Unified program was installed at Land O’ Lakes sometime in the early 2000s, after the school had a traditional Special Olympics sports program.

King noted the Unified program did wonders for involvement between the school’s students with special needs and the rest of the student body. “If you look at some Special Olympics athletes in some places, they’re singled out, they’re not included; but when our athletes were here, they were just other kids,” King said.

Club keeps students involved with Special Olympics
While Land O’ Lakes no longer has its own Unified teams, the school still remains active in Unified sports programming. The school has an organization called the Student Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), which numbers about 90 students who volunteer at local Special Olympics events and/or become Unified partners.

Through the club, Land O’ Lakes sophomore Courtney Eckel became a Unified partner. She also volunteers with other Unified sports, as a scorekeeper in flag football and a lane assistant in bowling.

Courtney wanted to follow in the footsteps of her older sister, Haley Eckel, who’s volunteered for Special Olympics for several years and was a Unified partner on the Land O’ Lakes soccer team that went to the World Games. (Haley is also a former standout varsity soccer player at Land O’ Lakes and now a sophomore midfielder at Florida Southern College.)

The involvement has proven rewarding for Courtney.

“It’s really great,” she said of being a partner. “It’s so nice to see (the athletes) when they can do something good and score, and see the excitement on their face and know that they can do whatever they want to, and, it’s nice to play with them and help them achieve their goals.”

Courtney, too, believes Unified programming has been beneficial for promoting acceptance among all students.

“I think it’s really important because it keeps everyone included,” she said. “It teaches people how to be inclusive, even if someone’s not special needs. Just teaching how to include everyone and almost be like more understanding and respectful to everyone and their needs.”

King noted many Unified partners and volunteers develop bonds and tight-knit relationships with the athletes, adding that many continue as Special Olympics volunteers and participants through adulthood.

“It becomes just like a way of life,” said King, who still remains in touch with many of the athletes even after they’ve graduated from Land O’ Lakes.

In addition to the bonds they form, King noted that many local Unified athletes excel in their sport — regardless of intellectual or developmental disabilities.

King put it this way: “Sometimes the developmental delay is only academic. It has nothing to do with your physical capabilities, so a lot of our athletes are awesome athletes, so that’s why a lot of times on the field we’ll get called for player domination, rather than partner domination. Everything’s supposed to be equal, but we have some really good athletic partners and good athletes, so it makes a great combination.”

In all her years working in Special Olympics, King’s favorite memory comes as no surprise — the 2015 trip to Los Angeles.

“World Games was the best event — opening ceremonies and just the whole experience,” King said. “When we were out there, everyone just wanted to take pictures with us.”

Making Pasco proud
Pasco County has about 1,100 athletes and 500 Unified volunteers participating in more than a dozen sports, according to Special Olympics-Pasco co-director Val Lundin.

Having a trio of Pasco schools earn national recognition for their Unified programs is a testament to the commitment of those athletes, volunteers and coaches, she said.

“We’re very proud. We’re proud of all our athletes and our coaches,” said Lundin, who’s been involved with Special Olympics for more than 35 years, oversees the county’s Unified programs.

“It amazes me — Pasco County’s pretty small in comparison to many of the counties around the state, yet when we take our (state games) delegations, we’re always in the top five, as far as the amount of athletes, so we’re up there competing with the Orange and Miami-Dade (counties), which I think reflects well upon our program here. We’re obviously doing something right.”

Lundin also heaped plenty of praise towards King, who she said helps set the standard for many other Unified school programs in the county.

King was named Special Olympics Florida Coach of the Year in 2015.

In addition to dedicating her time toward Special Olympics, King is one of the state’s top varsity girls soccer coaches — guiding Land O’ Lakes to the state semifinals the last three years and winning a state title in 2003.

“There’s not enough you can say about Vicky,” Lundin said. “She’s just an amazing coach. She’s an amazing person. She just has a way about her that can bring the best out in her athletes and her partners. It’s just a reflection upon her and her club — the CEC club is one of the largest in the county. It takes a lot of time and work, and on top of it, she’s one of the top varsity soccer coaches in the county. She’s tireless, and she works hard. She believes in the program and her students, and it shows every day.”

National Banner Unified Champion School standards
A National Banner School must meet 10 standards of excellence among four categories, including unified sports, inclusive youth leadership, whole-school engagement and sustainability.

  • Unified Sports is offered in at least two seasons throughout the school year.
  • Unified Sports participation occurs regularly over the course of each sport season or school term and includes competition.
  • An adult coach for each sport has received training on Special Olympics Unified Sports.
  • Unified Sports is officially recognized by the school in a similar style as other athletics and activities.
  • A Unified Club or student group offers leadership opportunities and training for students with and without intellectual disabilities.
  • The inclusive club meets at least once per month throughout the school year.
  • The inclusive club has an adult liaison and is officially recognized by the school in a similar style as other clubs.
  • At least two whole-school engagement activities are implemented per school year.
  • Students with and without disabilities are involved with planning and leading the awareness activities.
  • The school is currently self-sustainable or has a plan in place to sustain the three components into the future.

These 10 standards of excellence were developed by a national panel of leaders in education and Special Olympics. A school meeting the standards is eligible to receive national banner recognition.

Land O’ Lakes High School is one of 13 Florida schools to be named a 2018 Special Olympics National Banner Unified Champion School.

Other recipients are: Seabreeze High School, Stirling Elementary School, Homestead Senior High, Park Vista High School, Lely High School, Longleaf Elementary School, Seven Springs Middle School, Plant City High School, Lawton Chiles High School, Leon High School, Tavares Middle School and Immokalee High School.

Published October 31, 2018

Records are shattered at conference swim meet

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A swimming and diving team — that is not named Land O’ Lakes High School — can finally lay claim as tops in Pasco County.

Sunlake girls show off their Sunshine Athletic Conference trophy from inside the pool at the New Port Richey Aquatics and Recreation Center. (Fred Bellet)

The Land O’ Lakes High School’s boys squad had won every conference meet dating back to 2001, while the girls squad had won the conference meet since 2009.

But, this time around, the Gators boys finished behind Mitchell High, and the girls squad was unseated by Sunlake High, at the 2018 Pasco County Sunshine Athletic Conference Meet, held Oct. 13 at the New Port Richey Recreation & Aquatic Center.

Though no longer county champions, the Gators proved they’re still a force to be reckoned with, as both squads combined to sweep 10 out of 24 events — more than any other program. That mark was narrowly followed by Sunlake, whose boys and girls squads combined to win nine events.

Meantime, several individual event conference records were set by individuals and relay teams.

New conference records:

Girls
200-Yard Medley Relay (Sunlake, 1:53.05)

200-Yard Freestyle Relay (Land O’ Lakes, 1:41.55)

100-Yard Breaststroke (Elise Ballash, Sunlake, 1:07.60)

Mitchell High School boys swim team proudly hoist the trophy they won at the 2018 Pasco County Sunshine Athletic Conference Meet held at the New Port Richey Aquatics Center. Coach Lorin MacDonald is at bottom right.

Boys
200-Yard Medley Relay (Land O’ Lakes, 1:42.24)

50-Yard Freestyle (Patryk Pilkowski, Land O’ Lakes, 21.23)

500-Yard Freestyle (Clyde Crouse, Cypress Creek, 4:47.52)

100-Yard Backstroke (Patryk Pilkowski, Land O’ Lakes, 51.98)

400-Yard Freestyle Relay (Land O’ Lakes, 3:18.63)

The county’s 13 high schools will square off again at district meets, which begin the week of Oct. 22 for 3A and 4A schools, and the week of Oct. 29 for 1A and 2A schools.

A closer look at the results:

2018 Pasco County Sunshine Athletic Conference Meet

Sunlake High School’s senior Hannah Barton gets a few strokes ahead of Land O’ Lakes’ Romina McCloskey in the final girls 100-yard freestyle.

Girls-Team Scores
Sunlake (508 points)

Land O’ Lakes (463)

Mitchell (314)

Wiregrass Ranch (227)

River Ridge (171)

Hudson (122)

Fivay (87)

Cypress Creek (83)

Wesley Chapel (72)

Pasco (69)

Gulf (30)

Zephyrhills (23)

Land O’ Lakes sophomore Luan Mantilla made a splash at the Pasco County Sunshine Athletic Conference Swim Meet.

Event Winners
Girls 200-Yard Medley Relay: Sunlake — Amber Ewald, Hanna Barton, Elise Ballash, Tori Eurell (1:53.05)

Girls 200-Yard Free: Taylor Ward Land O’ Lakes, sophomore (1:55.76)

Girls 200-Yard Individual Medley: Audrey Ballash, Sunlake, junior (2:18.23)

Girls 50-Yard Free: Chloe Grimme, Sunlake, junior (24:10)

Girls 1-Meter Diving: Katelyn Kirves, River Ridge, senior (391.25 score)

Girls 100-Yard Fly: Hanna Barton, Sunlake, senior (1:01.46)

Girls 100-Yard Free: Chloe Grimme, Sunlake, junior (53.52)

Girls 500-Yard Free: Taylor Ward, Land O’ Lakes, senior (5:02. 60)

Girls 200-Yard Free Relay: Land O’ Lakes — Taylor Ward, Amaya Henry, Margarita Czupryn, Romina McCloskey (1:41.55)

Girls 100-Yard Back: Amber Ewald, Sunlake, freshman (1:03.57)

Girls 100-Yard Breast: Elise Ballash, Sunlake, senior (1:07.60)

Girls 400-Yard Free Relay: Land O’ Lakes — Taylor Ward, Amaya Henry, Margarita Czupryn, Romina McCloskey (3:40.70)

Boys-Team Scores
Mitchell (430)

Land O’ Lakes (381)

Sunlake (281)

River Ridge (223)

Wiregrass Ranch (207)

Cypress Creek (155)

Wesley Chapel (134)

Fivay (108)

Zephyrhills (92)

Pasco (68)

Hudson (51)

Anclote (26)

Gulf (12)

Event Winners
Boys 200-Yard Medley Relay: Land O’ Lakes— Patryk Pilkowski, Zachary Smith, Griffin Sutek, Zuri Ramsey (1:42.24)

Boys 200-Yard Free: Clyde Crouse, Cypress Creek, sophomore (1:47.45)

Hopeful for a teammate to win the heat, Isaiah Lawrence, of Zephyrhills, watches the action at the New Port Richey Aquatic Center, site of the 2018 Pasco County Sunshine Athletic Conference Meet. Lawrence swam in the 50-yard and 100-yard freestyle. He said the water was a cool 65 degrees to 68 degrees.

Boys 200-Yard Individual Medley: Colin Wilkins, Sunlake, junior (2:06.84)

Boys 50-Yard Free: Patryk Pilkowski, Land O’ Lakes, senior (21.23)

Boys 1-Meter Diving: Colin Dempsey, Mitchell, senior (382.45 score)

Boys 100-Yard Fly: Jay Jay Fonnotto, Sunlake, junior (53.71)

Boys 100-Yard Free: Zuri Ramsey, Land O’ Lakes, sophomore (48.75)

Boys 500-Yard Free: Clyde Crouse, Cypress Creek, sophomore (4:47.52)

Boys 200-Yard Free Relay: Land O’ Lakes — Jack Kaatze, Zachary Smith, Griffin Sutek, Ravidu Idippili (1:37.06)

Boys 100-Yard Back: Patryk Pilkowski, Land O’ Lakes, senior (51.98)

Boys 100-Yard Breast: Austin Erickson, Mitchell, junior (1:04. 28)

Boys 400-Yard Free Relay: Land O’ Lakes — Zuri Ramsey, Jack Kaatze, Ravidu Idippili, Patryk Pilkowski (3:18.63)

Published October 17, 2018

Sunlake High girls swimming primed for another big splash

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The Land O’ Lakes High varsity football team upending Sunlake High in the 12th annual Butter Bowl wasn’t the only long-running sports streak broken between the two rival schools.

The other came in girls swimming and diving — with Sunlake finally getting the upper hand against its crosstown foe.

The Seahawks girls defeated the Gators in a dual meet 108-78, on Sept. 19 at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex Pool.

It marks the first time Sunlake has defeated Land O’ Lakes in a head-to-head competition.

Further, it’s just the third time that Land O’ Lakes has lost a dual meet since 2004.

The Gators entered the season with a 144-2 streak in this type of meet, according to longtime Gators head coach Robin Hilgenberg.

The Sunlake High girls swimming and diving team looks to build upon last season’s fourth-place finish at the Class 3A state championships. Shown here are coaches and members of the 200 free relay that placed first at states, from left: Coach Shelly Koutras, Tori Eurell, Audrey Ballash, Hanna Barton, Chloe Grimme and Coach Lorin Macdonald. (File)

Sunlake head coach Lorin Macdonald said the momentous win — plus the sizable point margin — is “a big confidence builder” as the team enters its conference and state series meets later this month.

“We ended up beating (Land O’ Lakes) by a lot more points that I was anticipating,” she said, noting the scores are usually much closer between the two schools.

Sunlake’s rare victory against one of the state’s perennial swim programs is no fluke.

Last year, the Seahawks girls team were regional champions in the Class 3A-Region 3 meet.

They followed that performance with a fourth-place finish (out of 48 schools) at the Class 3A state finals, shattering numerous school records along the way.

This year’s squad, however, may be even better.

It’s certainly deeper and more experienced.

Just about every key contributor returns from last season.

That includes junior Chloe Grimme, who at last year’s state meet won the 50 free (23.11) and placed second in the 100 free (51.18), earning All-American honors.

She was also part of the 200 free relay and 200 medley relay that placed first and third at states, respectively.

Other Sunlake standouts include future Division I talents in seniors Elise Ballash (verbal commit to University of North Florida) and Hanna Barton (verbal commit to University of South Carolina), along with Tori Eurell, Audrey Ballash and Alex Sprague.

With a roster of 31 swimmers, the Seahawks also have added depth, buoyed by a formidable freshman class paced by Amber Ewald and Leah Fonnotto.

“We have a really, really strong team this year,” Macdonald said. “There’s a lot more drive, especially behind our girls who went to states last year. They have a lot of drive and they have a lot of hunger to do very well this year.”

Barton, a team captain, put it like this: “We definitely are stronger (this year). “I think we are closer because we won last year and so we were all like really proud of each other. I think it’s even more close-knit this year. We all definitely are a lot more motivated and realize what we’re capable of doing.”

Fellow team captain Elise Ballash added: “We are the strongest, most positive and close-knit that I think we’ve been in the past four years. I’m really looking forward to this season.”

Grimme’s presence felt
There’s no question what Grimme’s impact means to the team — as an individual state

champion and the 2017 Sunshine Athletic Conference East Swimmer of the Year.

Aside from her swimming ability, Grimme’s everyday drive has also set the tone for the team.

As a freshman, she earned the nickname, ‘Beast Mode.’

When Grimme hits the water, Macdonald said she’s “like a machine.”

“The amount of focus that she has is crazy,” Macdonald said. “She just goes for it. There’s no turning back when she’s got her mindset on it.”

Such presence and determination serves as a motivator for everyone else, teammates say.

“She’s a good teammate,” Ballash said. “She like amps up the training atmosphere and the standard of training that we have here, too.”

“We want to be able to contribute as much as Chloe does and do what Chloe can do,” said Barton, “so it definitely pushes all of us, and it also just gets us more excited for each other because we know that with her, we are capable of doing some pretty cool things.”

Grimme, surprisingly, didn’t begin swimming until middle school.

She had played just about every sport until deciding to give competitive swimming a shot.

Her initial feelings toward the water-based sport: “Well, let’s see how it goes.”

The star swimmer admitted she “didn’t really know how to do anything” when she first hopped into a pool.

She was immediately drawn to the 50 freestyle, because it was the shortest event.

Fair to say, it became a natural fit.

“The more I worked on it, the speed of my stroke (improved), so I really tapped into the 50,” she said.

This year, Grimme hopes to repeat as 50 free state champion and win a state title in the 100 free.

She’s also striving to break her own records.

“I’ve always wanted to be the best at what I do. I want to reach my full potential,” she said.

In the meantime, Sunlake’s coaching staff is focused on keeping the team grounded and supportive of one another in advance of the Sunshine Athletic Conference meet, on Oct. 13 at the New Port Richey Recreation and Aquatic Center.

It’s another event — like the dual meet — Sunlake hopes to capture from Land O’ Lakes, which has won every year since 2009.

“Even though we have such a strong team, I don’t want us banking on the fact that we have a strong team and going in overly confident,” Macdonald said. “If we go in overly confident then there’s that chance we take a misstep.”

Published October 3, 2018

Prep football midseason review

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With five weeks of high school football in the books, the midway point of the 2018 season has been reached.

Here’s a look at some of the storylines and highlights from schools in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area:

Boisterous Bulldogs
No Charles Harrison III? No problem. The Zephyrhills High Bulldogs have maintained their winning ways, even without the prolific and record-setting signal-caller, who graduated last season and now plays for Division III Brevard College in North Carolina.

The Zephyrhills High Bulldogs have successfully built off last season’s 10-2 campaign with a 4-0 start in 2018. (Courtesy of Zephyrhills High School)

The Bulldogs offense (29.3 points per game) isn’t quite as prolific as last season when Harrison III was under center (41 points per game), however, they’ve managed with a balanced attack through the air and ground.

Meanwhile, an extremely stingy defense (13 points allowed per game) has made life difficult for the opposition.

Zephyrhills could foreseeably run the table for the regular season, considering just one of its remaining foes has a winning record — Wesley Chapel High School, at 3-2 overall — and that’s a home game, where the Bulldogs are 13-2 since 2016.

Further, the Bulldogs arguably have the most talented squad in Pasco County, with bona fide Division I  FBS talent in receiver/defensive back Ja’quan Sheppard and running back/defensive back Cartrell Strong, among other future college prospects.

Also noteworthy: Bulldogs third-year head coach Nick Carroll is off to one of the best coaching starts in county history, with a remarkable 23-5 record since taking over for former coach Reggie Roberts in 2016. That includes 13 straight regular season wins dating back to last season.

Galvanized Gators
The hiring of Chad Walker, a first-time high school head football coach, is thus far paying off for the Land O’ Lakes High Gators.

The Land O’ Lakes High Gators are off to a 3-1 start under first-year head coach Chad Walker. (File)

At 3-1, the Gators are off to their best start since 2013, when the program last had a winning season and finished 8-2.

Whatever happens the remainder of 2018, this season will go down in lore for Land O’ Lakes.

That’s because the Gators broke an eight-game losing streak in the annual Butter Bowl rivalry game against Sunlake High, with a convincing 34-25 home win on Sept. 14. The historic win also coincided with the renaming of the press box at John Benedetto Stadium to the Mike Connor Family Press Box, after the longtime athletics booster and former Voice of the Gators.

Besides a road game against Mitchell High on Oct. 26, the Gators have a manageable slate and very well could complete what’s been a long time coming: a winning season. It also doesn’t hurt that the Gators have one of the county’s top offensive playmakers in senior tailback Kyle Leivas, who’s already tallied 613 rushing yards and six total touchdowns, including two straight 200-yard rushing performances against, respectively, Cypress Creek Middle High (224 yards on 25 carries) and Sunlake (223 yards on 19 carries).

Cool, confident Coyotes
After going winless in its first season as a program, victories are finally coming to the Cypress Creek Middle High Coyotes and second-year head coach Mike Johnson.

Cypress Creek captured the program’s first-ever win on Sept. 7, defeating Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High 42-22 on the road. (Courtesy of Cypress Creek Middle High School)

The upstart program already has two wins on the year, against Bishop McLaughlin Catholic and Pasco high schools.

Also, unlike last season, the Coyotes actually have a senior class.

Among the 12 seniors, the Coyotes have received significant contributions from tailback/safety Tim Ford-Brown, receiver/linebacker/punter Quinton Spears and receiver/safety/defensive end Devin Santana, among others.

Meantime, twin brothers Jehlani Warren, a junior quarterback, and Jalen Warren, a junior receiver, have made the Coyotes a fun watch, as they’ve hooked up for a bevy of big plays and touchdowns this season.

Going forward, expectations should remain modest for a program stepping into the ever-growing competitive area.

Yet, don’t be shocked if the Coyotes pull out another win or two before the end of the 2018 season.

Slow start, strong finish?
While Land O’ Lakes High is experiencing its best start in years, crosstown rival Sunlake High  is struggling with a 1-3 mark.

For the second straight year, Sunlake has opened with a 1-3 mark. (File)

Besides Land O’ Lakes, the Seahawks have faced stiff competition out of the gate, losing to Wiregrass Ranch High and to Zephyrhills High, in overtime.

The Seahawks did, however, open the season with a 25-0 road win over Wesley Chapel High — never an easy task.

The second half of the season shouldn’t be quite as daunting. However, it does include a string of three straight road games in October against Cypress Creek, Pasco and Brooksville Central high schools, respectively.

Interestingly, Sunlake also started off 1-3 last season, before rolling to a 4-6 finish — its first losing season since 2009.

Earl Garcia (File)

Major milestone
Former Gaither High/Boca Ciega High and current Hillsborough High head coach Earl Garcia is one win away from tying former Chamberlain High coach Billy Turner as the all-time winningest coach in Tampa Bay history (254).

Garcia, who coached at Gaither from 1987 to 1991, has a career record of 253-103, including nine 10-win seasons.

Garcia was recently inducted into Gaither’s inaugural football Hall of Fame, joining Greg Callahan, Denny Haywood, Kenny Huebner, Terry Jordan, Chad Muilenberg, Cesar Paz, James Puckett and Lydell Ross.

Garcia at Gaither
1987 — Gaither (7-4)
1988 — Gaither (6-4)
1989 — Gaither (4-6)
1990 — Gaither (3-7)
1991 — Gaither (5-5)

Stat Stuffers
—Tony Bartalo, Gaither High, junior quarterback: Most efficient quarterback in the always tough District 8-7A, completing 72.4 percent of his throws for 627 yards and seven touchdowns.

Land O’ Lakes High senior tailback Kyle Leivas (File)

—Desmin Green, Pasco High, junior quarterback: One of the county’s most effective quarterbacks, completing 56 percent of his passes for 602 yards, and nine touchdowns and four interceptions; also has 227 yards rushing and two rushing touchdowns

—Kyle Leivas, Land O’ Lakes High, senior tailback: County’s second leading rusher with 613 yards and four touchdowns on 84 carries; in total has 977 all-purpose yards and six touchdowns.

—Jalen Warren, Cypress Creek Middle High, junior receiver: County’s second leading receiver with 16 catches for 321 yards and five touchdowns.

Wiregrass Ranch High junior linebacker Dylan Ridolph (Courtesy of Wiregrass Ranch High School)

—Logan Kilburn, Steinbrenner High, senior linebacker: Second in the state with 70 total tackles; also has four sacks and eight tackles for loss.

—Dylan Ridolph, Wiregrass Ranch High, junior linebacker: Tied for state lead with 14 sacks; also has 44 total tackles and 21 tackles for loss.

Schools in Laker/Lutz News Coverage Area (and their current 2018 records)

Hillsborough County:
Carrollwood Day School Patriots (Class 2A-Region 3): 3-1 overall, 1-1 district

Freedom High School Patriots (Class 7A-Region 8): 1-4 overall, district 0-2

Gaither High School Cowboys (Class 7A-Region 8): 3-2 overall, 1-1 district

Steinbrenner High School Warriors (Class 8A-Region 6): 1-4 overall, 0-2 district

Pasco County:
Academy at the Lakes Wildcats (eight-man Florida Christian Region 2): 2-0 overall, 2-0 district

Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School Hurricanes (Independent-Sunshine State Athletic Conference (SSAC): 2-1, 2-0 district

Cypress Creek Middle High School Coyotes (Class 4A-Region 3): 2-3 overall, 0-0 district

Land O’ Lakes High School Gators (Class 6A-Region 6): 3-1 overall, 1-0 district

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

Sunlake High School Seahawks (Class 6A-Region 6): 1-3 overall, 0-1 district

Wesley Chapel High School Wildcats (Class 5A-Region 8): 3-2 overall, 2-0 district

Wiregrass Ranch High School Bulls (Class 7A-Region 8): 3-2 overall, 1-1 district

Zephyrhills High School Bulldogs (Class 5A-Region 8): 4-0 overall, 1-0 district

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

Published September 26, 2018

Land O’ Lakes High honors ‘Voice of the Gators’

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For Land O’ Lakes High School, this year’s ‘Butter Bowl’ will go down as one of the most historic, as the Gators football team finally cracked an eight-game losing streak to crosstown rival Sunlake High School, with a 35-24 home victory.

Matt Connor, top, and Meaghan Connor of Land O’ Lakes positioned Mike Connor on the sideline area for a dedication of the press box in his name. (Fred Bellet)

The most enduring moment of the evening, however, came right before kickoff.

That’s when a special dedication ceremony was held to honor longtime athletics booster Mike Connor. The press box space at John Benedetto Stadium was named the ‘Mike Connor Family Press Box.’

Connor, a volunteer at the school since 1989, was instrumental in building a sustainable athletic and football booster club.

He is noted for being a key part of the early successes of the Flapjack Festival and, later, in helping to create the Land O’ Lakes Swamp Fest. The Swamp Fest continues to benefit the high school and other local organizations.

Connor, too, served as the ‘Voice of the Gators,’ calling the action of every Friday night home game for nearly two decades, and creating catchphrases, such as ‘a gaggle of Gators.’

The dedication drew dozens of friends and family, as well as current and former Gators coaches, who showed their support and appreciation for Connor.

Kyle Leivas, No. 21 for Land O’ Lakes, pours on the speed as he’s pursued by the Sunlake defenders. The Gators came out on top.

At 69, Connor is restricted to a wheelchair and has been in declining health, battling cancer in recent years.

An area business owner, Connor operated Taco John’s on the corner of State Road 54 and U.S. 41, as well as Beef O’ Brady’s in Wilderness Lakes. He has been a Land O’ Lakes resident since 1982.

One of his sons, Mike Connor Jr., said his father no longer makes it out to many Gators games anymore, but “would not have missed (the dedication) for anything.”

“It’s huge for him,” the son said of the ceremony. “He’s loved this school so much.”

He noted that his father has had an undying passion for the Land O’ Lakes community and its local high school.

“He was really excited about doing everything for the students,” Mike Connor Jr., said.

The last name of Weatherford is synonymous with Land O’ Lakes Gator football. From left are John, Will, Stephen and Drew Weatherford, who paused for a snapshot prior to the start of the Butter Bowl. The Weatherford Family had six brothers play on Land O’ Lakes football team for 18 consecutive years. A helmet signed by all the brothers was auctioned and will be awarded during Homecoming.

When the Flapjack Festival flipped over to the Pasco County Fairgrounds in Dade City in 2008 and threatened to affect Land O’ Lakes’ fundraising, Connor spearheaded the idea for Swamp Fest.

“He put a lot, a lot of work into that,” his son said. “He was very proud of that and what it did for the community. It brings everyone together and that’s what he really liked.”

The press box dedication ceremony had been in the works since July, when the Pasco County School Board approved a request by Land O’ Lakes principal Ric Mellin to recognize the longtime volunteer.

Mellin credited Connor for raising “hundreds of thousands of dollars” toward the support of the school’s athletic programs, for the purchase of new equipment, uniforms, various facility upgrades and so on.

Connor’s efforts also helped established a yearly scholarship fund for a male and female at the high school.

Land O’ Lakes High School’s cheerleading coach Karlee Roach wears the Butter Bowl headband as she watches her squad get ready for the rival game against Sunlake High School last Friday night at home in the Swamp. The Gators won, 35-24.

“In many cases, he was like the lifeblood of this athletics program,” Mellin said. “So much of what we’ve been able to accomplish is because of him, and the amount of work and tireless efforts that he put forward.”

Another highlight of the 12th annual Butter Bowl came when another family synonymous with Land O’ Lakes High athletics was also recognized.

The Weatherford family and brothers John, Will, Stephen and Drew were named honorary team captains for the game.

In total, the Weatherford family had six brothers play Gators football for 18 consecutive years up until 2010, each of whom went on to play college football. A helmet signed by the brothers was auctioned and will be awarded during Homecoming on Sept. 21.

The press box overlooking The Swamp was dedicated to Mike Connor and his family. Connor was the voice of the Gators for 17 years.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Butter Bowl series history

Sunlake leads 8-4

2018: Land O’ Lakes 35, Sunlake 24
2017: Sunlake 37, Land O’ Lakes 20
2016: Sunlake 21, Land O’ Lakes 3
2015: Sunlake 34, Land O’ Lakes 0
2014: Sunlake 42, Land O’ Lakes 14
2013: Sunlake 38, Land O’ Lakes 21
2012: Sunlake 18, Land O’ Lakes 6
2011: Sunlake (Land O’ Lakes forfeit due to recruiting violations)
2010: Sunlake 29, Land O’ Lakes 21
2009: Land O’ Lakes 42, Sunlake, 14
2008: Land O’ Lakes 28, Sunlake 0
2007: Land O’ Lakes 26, Sunlake 0

Published September 19, 2018

High school football kickoff week

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Jonesing for the return of high school football?

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

Hillsborough County

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

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

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

Pasco County

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Later Week 1 games:

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

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

Compiled by Kevin Weiss

Published August 22, 2018

Prep football primer

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

Teams to watch:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Five more players to watch:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Games to watch:

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

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

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

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

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

Schools in Laker/Lutz News Coverage Area (and their 2017 records)

Hillsborough County:
Carrollwood Day School Patriots (Class 2A-Region 3): 2-7 overall, 1-2 district
Freedom High School Patriots (Class 7A-Region 8): 3-6 overall, 2-4 district
Gaither High School Cowboys (Class 7A-Region 8): 7-4 overall, 5-1 district
Steinbrenner High School Warriors (Class 8A-Region 6): 2-7 overall, 1-5 district

Pasco County:
Academy at the Lakes Wildcats (eight-man Florida Christian Region 2): 11-1 overall, 7-0 district
Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School Hurricanes (Independent-Sunshine State Athletic Conference (SSAC): 3-7 overall, 2-2 district
Cypress Creek Middle High School Coyotes (Class 4A-Region 3): 0-11 overall, 0-0 district
Land O’ Lakes High School Gators (Class 6A-Region 6): 4-5 overall, 1-3 district
Pasco High School Pirates (Class 6A-Region 6): 4-7 overall, 0-4 district
Sunlake High School Seahawks (Class 6A-Region 6): 4-6 overall, 2-2 district
Wesley Chapel High School Wildcats (Class 5A-Region 8): 6-4 overall, 4-3 district
Wiregrass Ranch High School Bulls (Class 7A-Region 8): 9-3 overall, 4-2 district
Zephyrhills High School Bulldogs (Class 5A-Region 8): 10-2 overall, 7-0 district
Zephyrhills Christian Academy Warriors (Class 2A-Region 2): 8-3 overall, 0-1 district

Published August 15, 2018

New and renovated schools planned

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The Pasco County School Board received an overview last week on projects planned to construct, renovate, expand and repair schools across the district.

They also heard a wrap-up on projects in progress or finished this year.

The presentation, by Chris Williams, director of planning services and Olga Swinson, chief finance officer, came as the district prepares to vote on a final capital construction budget in September.

Numerous projects are underway or planned in communities across central and east Pasco County.

Major milestones this past year have included:

  • Beginning the design of the Cypress Creek Middle School
  • Finishing the site development for Starkey K-8, as well as designing that faciilty
  • Replacing the roof at Denham Oaks.
  • Continuing work on massive renovations at Land O’ Lakes High School and Woodland Elementary, and adding capacity to both locations
  • Purchasing 30 cng buses and five diesel buses, and 35 radios
  • Purchasing more than 8,000 computer and laptops, and more than 2,400 iPads

Major projects planned for 2018-2019:

  • Beginning a major overhaul at Zephyrhills High School, which includes adding capacity
  • Continuing the Land O’ Lakes High and Woodland Elementary projects
  • Beginning construction of Cypress Creek Middle School
  • Continuing design of Starkey K-8
  • Working with the Pasco County library system on the Starkey Library/Theater design
  • Purchasing 40 diesel buses, 40 radios and several fleet trucks and service vehicles
  • Purchasing more than 7,000 computers and laptops and about 1,290 iPads.

As the district continues to build, it also continues to grow, Williams said.

Here’s a look at the renovation project that is giving a new look to Woodland Elementary School, and expanding its capacity. (File)

The big question is which areas will grow at the fastest pace, requiring new schools first, the planning director said.

He gave board members an overview of the current situation.

Odessa Elementary is projected to be at 114 percent, Williams said, adding that he expects relief for that school to come when Starkey K-8 opens, which is scheduled for 2021.

“I’m also concerned about Connerton (Elementary). They’re projected to be at 944 students this coming year, or 124 percent of capacity,” he said.

The district has opened up some additional seats at Sanders Memorial Elementary STEAM Magnet School, giving applications from Connerton students a higher priority, Williams said, so hopes that will help reduce Connerton’s enrollment.

School board member Colleen Beaudoin also suggested the district do more to advertise Pine View Elementary School’s candidacy program for the IB Primary Years Programme.

Some students might choose to attend Pine View, if the families knew about that program, she said.

“Pine View and Connerton are so close. Maybe some families might want to get into that (IB) pipeline,” Beaudoin said.

In Wesley Chapel, there are some schools near the new Union Park Charter Academy that are over capacity, but Williams expects the charter school to have significant impact on enrollment at nearby schools.

“Union Park is up to 483 students,” Williams noted.

In addition to affecting elementary enrollments, it also will affect middle schools because the charter school is for kindergarten through eighth grade students.

Meanwhile, in Zephryhills, Woodland Elementary School’s enrollment is well over capacity, but the district is adding capacity at the school as part of the current renovation, Williams added.

The district expects to increase its middle school capacity with the opening of Cypress Creek Middle in 2020 and with the opening Starkey K-8 in 2021.

When Cypress Creek Middle opens, it will help to relieve crowding at Wiregrass Ranch, which is projected to be at 139 percent of its capacity.

Here’s what the common area will look like when the Land O’ Lakes High School project is finished. (File)

When the middle school opens, Cypress Creek High’s capacity will increase substantially.

The district also is hoping to open an East Side Technical High School in 2022, which will affect enrollments at high schools on the east side of the county, Williams said.

Williams said Central Pasco’s growth does pose challenges.

“Sunlake High School is of concern because it still continues to grow,” he said.

The district has a future high school in the Bexley area, as well as the Starkey area, Williams said.

“We have to continue to evaluate when it makes sense to try to add additional capacity,” he added.

The district’s construction needs and maintenance needs continue to grow, but it doesn’t have the revenues to match the needs, Swinson said, forcing the district to put off projects that are needed because it doesn’t have the money.

Projected revenues for capital purposes remain lower than they were in 2007-2008, she said.

Major projects for 2018-2019:

  • Beginning renovation at Zephyrhills High School: Includes massive overhaul, as well as adding capacity.
  • Continuing major renovations at Land O’ Lakes High and Woodland Elementary
  • Starting construction on Cypress Creek Middle School
  • Continuing Starkey K-8 design
  • Working with the Pasco County library system on the Starkey Library/Theater design
  • Purchasing 40 diesel buses, 40 radios and several fleet trucks and service vehicles
  • Purchasing more than 7,000 computers and laptops, and about 1,290 iPads.