Last season the Wesley Chapel Wildcats lost all of their games.
They were shut out four times and only scored seven points or more in two contests all year. In half of their games, they lost by at least 30 points.
(Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)
But in the locker room and at practice, no heads are hanging. Players aren’t dejected or going through the motions. In fact, there’s plenty of optimism and enthusiasm as they prepare for a new season.
And while head coach Tico Hernandez would loved to have registered some wins, he’s not ashamed of his team’s effort last year.
“The scoreboard didn’t go our way, but there are a lot of great things that we did do,” said Hernandez, now entering his second year as the school’s head coach. Participation “numbers up, kids behaving, academics up. Those are some important things that we take pride in.”
As a result, the Wesley Chapel High School administration and team parents have supported Hernandez’s efforts to build a program with a strong foundation.
Off-field production is important to Hernandez. In addition to his coaching duties at Wesley Chapel, he works with students who are in danger of not graduating, and helps them get back on the path to earning a diploma.
But he also wants to see improved results on the field, and feels that another year of experience will help his team take a step forward in 2014. The team should have around seven offensive starters returning, including their quarterback and four offensive linemen.
Hernandez believes having that consistency in the huddle will translate into a more efficient and effective unit.
Their confidence should get a boost as well. Returning quarterback Scott Edwards credits their coach for keeping the team calm and focused as they struggled through a difficult season in 2013.
“I think it was coach Hernandez’ attitude. He’s got a really positive attitude about the whole season, and I think that helps us out,” Edwards said. He believes that last year’s experience coupled with some competition will help him up his game this year.
Ryan Robinson, who plays on the offensive line, said that returning so many linemen from last year also will make a big difference. He believes that it’s up to him and his teammates on the line to step up and create opportunities for the offense.
“We play the biggest role if you ask me,” Robinson said. “Without us, none of this happens.”
Hernandez also feels good about the team’s defense. While they gave up a lot of points in some games, he said those numbers don’t tell the whole story. Mistakes on offense, special teams scores and other mental miscues often put the defense in difficult situations, and contributed to some lopsided defeats.
He has confidence the Wildcats will have a good showing on that side of the ball.
While there’s a lot of optimism headed into the season — the team feels good about their participation in seven-on-seven competition this summer — nobody is willing to make concrete predictions about the upcoming season. Hernandez acknowledges there’s a lot of talent in Class 5A-District 7, and their non-district schedule isn’t any easier, with matchups against schools like Pasco and Sunlake.
Despite the challenges, the coach believes they’re building a strong program and looks forward to seeing how his team has progressed since struggling through a winless season last year. However things turn out, Hernandez feels privileged to have the opportunity to work with the team, play a role in their growth and be part of the game he enjoys.
“I love it. I’m blessed,” Hernandez said. “Every day I’m thankful. I’ve got coaches who believe in each other, the administration is fantastic and community support’s up.
“We play a game that these kids have played since they were little kids. We’re blessed every day to be able to come out here with great health. It’s a great opportunity to play football in the state of Florida.”
Wesley Chapel Wildcats:
LAST YEAR: 0-10
0-5 in district play
Sixth place in Class 5A-District 7
KEY RETURNING PLAYERS
Scott Edwards, quarterback
Ryan Robinson, offensive line, defensive line.
PLAYER TO WATCH
Tre McKitty, wide receiver, tight end, defensive lineman
“I love his excitement. He challenges himself every day. He’s still a younger kid, but he looks (6-foot-4, 225 pounds) like he’s ready for college right now.” — Coach Tico Hernandez
2014 Wildcats Schedule
8/29 — at Zephyrhills
9/5 — Lecanto
9/12 — Pasco
9/19 — at Hudson
10/3 — Ridgewood
10/10 — Sunlake
10/17 — at River Ridge
10/25 — Anclote
10/31 — Gulf
11/7 — at Wiregrass Ranch
Published August 20, 2014
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