lights - Bradenton Herald

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BRADENTON HERALD | AUGUST 24, 2012 | Section f
2012 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
HHHHH
TITLE DEFENSE
GRANT JEFFERIES/Bradenton Herald
HHHHH
Only one area school has repeated as a state football champ, but
the 2012 Manatee Hurricanes might just have a line on how to get it done
to win it once every 90 years.”
The year 2102 is far off. Kinnan, of course, would rather
oe Kinnan was going to be an accountant before he be- see his Hurricanes do something this season they have
came a football coach.
never done: Raise a championship trophy for the second
So when asked why it’s so hard to win back-to-back
year in a row.
state football championships, Kinnan uses numbers to
Reaching consecutive state finals hasn’t been easy, either.
break down the degree of difficulty.
Manatee did it just once, back in 1993, when the Canes lost
“There’s like 90 teams in our classification,” said Kinnan, the championship game to Miami Southridge a year after
whose Manatee Hurricanes have won five state titles since
he took over the program in 1981, “so we’re only supposed
TITLE TO 2F
BRADENTON
By JOHN LEMBO | [email protected]
J
HHH
INSIDE:
3f | Team previews and player profiles for all 10 area high schools
8f | Preseason’s heavyweights unveiled in the Elite 11
online | Visit team pages featuring rosters, photos and player profiles at Bradenton.com
2F
THE HERALD
bradenton.com/sports
H2012 high school football previewH
Friday, August 24, 2012
“We don’t really pay to attention to the rankings because we haven’t played a down yet, and we’ve got to go
out and prove ourselves again. ... If they say we’re the best at the end of the season, then we’re the best.”
Blake Keller, Manatee High senior defensive lineman
Manatee High fans cheer for their team as it wins 40-0 in the Class 7A state final against Jacksonville First Coast at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando.
TIFFANY TOMPKINS-CONDIE/[email protected]
TITLE FROM 1F
because of those pressures
and the added focus that’s
on you.
squads, led by eventual Florida State and NFL star
Thanks to the Manatee Hurricanes winning the Class
they defeated Fort Laud“In ’94, we had some gaps
Peter Warrick, as the only area teams to pull off a
7A state title last year, Manatee County begins a prep
derdale Dillard to win the
to fill. There were some
repeat.
football season with a defending champion for the first
Class 5A crown.
kids that had to step up and
We’ll find out how the Hurricanes follow up their title
time
since
1995.
Now the 2012 Hurrimake plays for us and prove
starting Sept. 2.
Will this year’s Hurricanes become the program’s first
canes will take a crack at
to us that they could do the
But for now, here is a look at how county teams fared a
to win back-to-back titles?
it, and they’ll be doing so
job. You go back to the bayear after winning it all:
If so, they’ll join the 1993 and 1994 Southeast High
with some lofty expectasic fundamentals and you
tions. Manatee enters the
build, once again, from
STATE CHAMPION
THE YEAR AFTER...
regular season, which beground zero.”
1975 Palmetto Tigers
1976 Tigers went 5-5, did not make playoffs
gins Sunday, Sept. 2, on Joe
Maechtle didn’t ignore
1983 Manatee Hurricanes
1984 Hurricanes went 11-1, lost to Lakeland in sectional final*
Kinnan Field at Hawkins
the preseason rankings
1986 Hurricanes went 7-4, lost to Dunedin in regional final
1990 Hurricanes went 12-1, lost to Fort Walton Beach Choctawhatchee in state semi
Stadium against Miramar,
or forget about what hap1992 Manatee Hurricanes
1993 Hurricanes went 12-3, lost to Miami Southridge in Class 5A state final
as the top-ranked team in
pened the year before.
1993 Southeast Seminoles
1994 Seminoles went 14-1, beat Ocala Vanguard in Class 5A state final
the country in the eyes of
Kinnan employed a sim1994 Southeast Seminoles
1995 Seminoles went 8-3, lost to Orlando Evans in second round of playoffs
MaxPreps.
ilar approach this summer
2012 Hurricanes to begin season ranked No. 1 in MaxPreps national poll
Rivals and USA Today
on the practice field be*—Lakeland later forfeited this victory
rank the Hurricanes third
hind Hawkins Stadium.
in the nation.
— JOHN LEMBO, Herald sports writer
“It’s a brand new year,
Quarterback Cord Sandbut you build on (last seaberg returns as does runson),” he said. “A lot of
ning back/receiver Anholes and question marks. doing it the following year Canes, the ’94 Seminoles
Warrick was an allthese guys have been
thony Lauro and a big
Manatee wasn’t immune when everyone expects it. began the year with a No. world talent. When he re- there, and they know what
offensive line.
to the graduation bug —
Consider this: Jackson1 national ranking, given to turned, the 1994 Seminoles it takes to get there. We’ve
Anchoring the defense is the defense lost linebackville Bolles has won a Flor- them by USA Today.
were unstoppable, never
worked hard this summer,
a line considered by many ers Hershel Caywood and ida record 11 state titles.
Southeast’s season, how- losing again.
and I think we’re in better
to be the best in the coun- Darius White and defenHow many times have
ever, got off to an ominous
“Everyone is saying,
shape now than we were
try.
sive backs Clinton Heavthey done it in two straight start: Peter Warrick, who
‘You have to, you’re supat this time a year ago.”
Will it be enough to get en, Rhoshaun Goff and
seasons?
went on to become an All- posed to,’” Maechtle said.
But Kinnan knows, as
Manatee back to Orlando? Jalen Holmes. And runOnce.
America at Florida State
“Fortunately, we got the
his players do, that rank“We don’t really pay to
ning back Leon Allen, the
“The object,” Kinnan
and a first-round draft pick ace in the hole back, and
ings and predictions mean
attention to the rankings
team’s leading rusher and said, “is to get there.”
of the Cincinnati Bengals, everyone stayed healthy
nothing. Last year’s Hurbecause we haven’t played one of its best blockers,
If Manatee is looking for underwent offseason herexcept for one guy.”
ricanes didn’t sniff the top
a down yet,” said defensive also is gone.
a blueprint on how to renia surgery and missed the
Dave Marino, now the
of any preseason poll and
end Blake Keller, a senior
But most of last year’s
peat, all the Hurricanes
first three games.
head coach at Palmetclosed the season by winwho has verbally commit- core returns intact, begin- have to do is look a few
The Seminoles lost their to, was an assistant on
ning their first state title in
ted to UCF, “and we’ve got ning with Sandberg, the
miles to the east. There
No. 1 ranking when they
Maechtle’s staff. Brett
nearly 20 years.
to go out and prove ourreigning Class 7A Playthey will find Southeast,
fell to Riverview early
Timmons, the head coach
Will this year’s team be
selves again. ... If they say
er of the Year and a Misthe only school in Manatee that year. But coach Paul
and athletic director at
the first to make it two in
we’re the best at the end of sissippi State commit, and County to win two straight Maechtle considered War- Out-of-Door Academy,
a row?
the season, then we’re the the aforementioned defootball titles.
rick’s absence a blessing in was a standout linebackIt won’t be easy. But if it
best.”
fensive line, which regisThe Seminoles went
disguise.
er during the championhappens, it will be special.
The Hurricanes find
tered five sacks during last 15-0 and won the Class
“The kids worked hard
ship years.
“That’d be awesome,”
themselves in a unique sit- year’s 40-0 rout of Jack4A state title in 1993 beand developed a base and
“It’s your approach and
Keller said. “Everybody
uation. Teams usually win sonville First Coast in the fore defeating Ocala Vanbonded together,” Maech- how you prepare — your
would remember us bestate titles with a roster
state final.
guard and its quarterback, tle said. “They said, ‘Let’s
work ethic, your attitude,” cause we’d be the first
laden with seniors and reWinning a state chamDaunte Culpepper, to win keep thing going.’ ... We
Marino said. “We worked (Manatee) team to do that.
turn the following year
pionship is hard. What’s
the 5A title in ’94.
lost to Riverview but were harder in that second year And that would be realwith a roster laden with
even harder, however, is
Similar to this year’s
able to rebound.”
than we did that first year ly cool.”
Championship hangover? No guarantees one year after winning it all
HinsideH
Manatee
3
Key components are back for
a run at a sixth state crown.
Southeast
4
The post-Brian Poole era
begins with plenty of talent.
Palmetto
4
Offensive firepower should
lead Tigers back to playoffs.
Bayshore
5
Bruins hope to build on last
year’s .500 campaign.
Lakewood Ranch
6
Second consecutive playoff
berth well within reach.
Braden River
6
Pirates turn the page again,
welcome coach Curt Bradley.
Elite 11
8
Herald writers choose the
area’s top players.
Bradenton Christian
9
Panthers turn over reins
to freshman quarterback.
Saint Stephen’s
10
Falcons seeking first win
under head coach Creneti.
Out-of-Door Academy
10
Thunder determined to return
to playoffs after year away.
Cardinal Mooney
13
Area’s top rusher Caiazzo set
for big year in potent offense.
HcreditsH
La Fe Boxing Club owner Aaron
Avalos, left, talks to Manatee
High defensive lineman Derrick
Calloway as the Hurricanes
prepare for their “Title Defense”
cover shoot at the club on
Aug. 14. Manatee lineman
Blake Keller (55) checks
out his boxing gloves in the
background.
TIMOTHY R. WOLFRUM/twolfrum@
bradenton.com
Sports editor: Timothy R. Wolfrum
Sports writers: John Lembo, Alan Dell, Jason Dill
Photographers: Grant Jefferies, Tiffany Tompkins-Condie, Paul Videla
Design: Jon Sachtjen
About the cover: Manatee High defensive linemen, clockwise from bottom left, Blake
Keller, Marquis Dawsey, Derrick Calloway and DeMarcus Christmas visited La Fe Boxing
Club, 6376 15th St. E., where owner Aaron Avalos set up his Olympic-size boxing ring for
the occasion.
A special thanks to Avalos and his boxers, who graciously trained outside while the photo
shoot was going on in their club, and to area coaches, athletic directors and players and
their families.
MANATEE HURRICANES
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THE HERALD
2012 BOUTS
Sept. 2
MIRAMAR^
Sept. 7
at Riverview
Sept. 14
MIAMI CENTRAL
Sept. 28
at Southeast
Oct. 5
at Braden River*
Oct. 12
WESTON CYPRESS BAY
Oct. 19
at Venice*
Oct. 26
PALMETTO
Nov. 2
SARASOTA*
Nov. 9
LAKEWOOD RANCH
All games start at 7:30 p.m.
except ^ (2 p.m.)
HOME GAMES IN ALL CAPS
*-Class 7A-District 10 game
2011 RECORD: 13-2, 3-0 7A-10
Class 7A state champions
at Our Lady of
L, 24-17 (2OT)
Good Counsel (Md.)
RIVERVIEW
W, 48-6
DON BOSCO PREP (N.J.)
L, 22-16
SOUTHEAST
W, 48-6
BRADEN RIVER
W, 63-0
WESTON CYPRESS BAY
W, 21-0
VENICE
W, 52-19
W, 29-26
at Palmetto
W, 52-14
at Sarasota
W, 38-7
at Lakewood Ranch
CLASS 7A-REGION 3 PLAYOFFS
LARGO PINELLAS PARK
W, 55-2
VENICE
W, 34-21
FORT PIERCE CENTRAL
W, 13-10
CLASS 7A STATE SEMIFINAL
PALM BEACH GARDEN DWYERW, 19-14
CLASS 7A STATE FINAL
Jacksonville First Coast
W, 40-0
CANES ONLINE
Find a roster, schedule, player
profiles and photos online at
Bradenton.com/sports/high_school
GET IN THE RING WITH: Brodrick Yancy,
wide receiver
The toughest player on
my team (other than me) is:
Taren Cotton
My favorite sports move
is: “Coach Carter”
The best trash-talk line
I’ve heard on the football
field is: “Lay down or get hit”
My favorite college
Yancy
football team is: Miami
You’re a first-round NFL draft pick.
What’s the first thing you buy with your
signing bonus? A house and a car.
IMPACT NEWCOMER — Trevon Walters,
junior, running back
The Alabama native moved
to Bradenton toward the end
of his freshman year and
will move into Manatee’s
backfield after Leon Allen
graduated.
It won’t be easy replacing
Allen, who ran for 868
Walters
yards last year and was
one of the Hurricanes’ best
blockers. But coaches like what they have
seen from Walters, who has added about
10 pounds to his frame and weighs around
185. Kinnan said Walters isn’t just one of
the fastest players on the team, but he
has the best standing long jump, which
measures a player’s explosiveness. And
Walters has been working on his blocking,
an attribute nearly every Manatee player
needs on offense. Slowed by a hip injury, he
is expected back for the Kickoff Classic.
DEEP AT — OFFENSE
Oct. 19 at Venice — Bigger than games
against nationally-ranked Miami Central and
Class 8A runner-up Miramar? Yep. Winning
the district will be key for a Manatee team
looking to get back to the state title game.
Cord Sandberg, voted the Class 7A Player
of the Year in 2011, is back under center,
and he will have running back/wide receiver
Anthony Lauro and receiver Ja Juan Pollock
at his disposal, and offensive linemen such
as Kyle Mauk (220 pounds), Thor Miller
(260), Michael Galati (260) and Jake Stickler
(250) giving him plenty of protection.
THE COUNT
THIN AT — LINEBACKER
1 — Where MaxPreps ranked the
Hurricanes in its national top-25
preaseason poll
10 — Consecutive scoreless quarters
strung together by the defense last season
between weeks 3 and 5
5 — State titles for the Hurricanes, tied
for fourth-most in the state with Monticello
Jefferson County
The experienced and prolific tandem of
Hershel Caywood (Brown) and Darius White
(Iowa State) are making tackles in college
now, so the Hurricanes will look to fill their
spots with an inexperienced group coaches
have spent the spring and summer trying to
piece together. The good news is the Canes’
rugged defensive line should take some of
the pressure off this new-look unit.
The main event
3F
Manatee High’s Marquis Dawsey, right, is a four-year starter and the most
experienced of Manatee’s defensive linemen. PAUL VIDELA/[email protected]
NEEDS A BIG SEASON FROM: Defensive line
No Manatee player left more of
an indelible mark during last year’s
Class 7A state title game than the
Hurricanes’ big men, who teamed for
five sacks, helped push Jacksonville
First Coast back to a negative-71
yards rushing and split the game’s
most valuable player award.
But anyone who followed the Canes
last season knows the line is far from
a one-hit wonder.
Marquis Dawsey, Blake Keller
and Derrick Calloway spent the fall
dominating offensive linemen and
quarterbacks, and once DeAngelo
Dawes was deemed too old to play
midway through the year, sophomore
Demarcus Christmas made a
seamless slide into Dawes’ spot.
And Manatee needs another banner
year from their big men to make backto-back trips to the Florida Citrus Bowl.
Gone are linebacker Darius White and
defensive back Clinton Heaven, a pair of
IN THE CORNER
four-year starters who teamed for 161
tackles last year. And linebacker and
three-year starter Hershel Caywood (104
tackles, four sacks) graduated, too.
That means Dawsey (now a
fourth-year starter), Keller, Calloway
and Christmas will be the most
experienced unit on a Manatee
defense that also lost defensive backs
Rhoshaun Goff and Jalen Holmes.
The crew was key last year. Ends
Dawsey and Keller (a UCF commit)
shared the team lead with 14 sacks,
while tackles Calloway (eight) and
Christmas (two) teamed for 10. Rivals
deemed Manatee’s line the nation’s
best heading into this fall.
No longer a secret, Manatee’s
defensive line has become the team’s
most experienced-laden, celebrated unit.
And as the Hurricanes begin a year as a
defending state champions for the first
time since 1993, the line has become
the team’s most integral part, too.
HERALD’S FORECAST: 9-1, playoff berth
Manatee has never won consecutive state titles, but
Joe Kinnan,
this year’s team has the pieces in place. There are some
28th season, questions on defense, but the stacked defensive line and
266-70
prolific offense should help plaster over early cracks. The
Hurricanes are the best team in their district and, barring
injuries, could return to Orlando to defend their title.
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4F
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THE HERALD
SOUTHEAST SEMINOLES
2012 BOUTS
Aug. 31
at Largo
LAKEWOOD RANCH
Sept. 7
BOOKER
Sept. 14
at Sarasota
Sept. 21
MANATEE
Sept. 28
at Arcadia DeSoto*^
Oct. 5
RIVERVIEW
Oct. 12
BAYSHORE*
Oct. 19
WAUCHULA HARDEE*
Oct. 26
at Palmetto*
Nov. 2
except ^ (7 p.m.)
HOME GAMES IN CAPS
*Class 5A-District 10 game
2011 RECORD 7-3, 2-2 5A-10
LARGO
at Lakewood Ranch
at Booker
SARASOTA
at Manatee
ARCADIA DeSOTO
at Riverview
at Bayshore
at Hardee
PALMETTO
W, 21-13
W, 33-13
W, 42-12
W, 47-7
L, 48-6
W, 28-13
W, 41-34
W, 34-7
L, 21-19
L, 16-13
NOLES ONLINE
GET IN THE RING WITH: Myles BraxtonJohnson, quarterback
Courtney Allen
The toughest player I’ve
ever faced on an opposing
team is: Marquis Dawsey,
Manatee
My favorite sports movie
Braxton-Johnson is: “Friday Night Lights:
I’ve heard on the football field is: “You ain’t
nothing compared to me.”
You’re a first-round NFL draft pick.
What’s the first thing you buy with your
singing bonus?: A house for my mom.
IN THE CORNER
Southeast High junior running back Courtney Allen makes the Seminoles’ offense go.
Paul
Maechtle
32nd year,
272-95
DEEP AT: Secondary
IMPACT NEWCOMER: Troy Thompskin,
junior, safety
Despite the loss of Brian Poole to
the University of Florida, the Seminoles
continue to be strong in the secondary
with good speed and athleticism. Returning
The 6-3, 195-pound safety
starter Eric Thompson is solid at cornerback
made his debut at the end of
and is well complemented by Isaac Pickney
last season and is expected
and veteran safety Jordan Grabski, a hard
to be a valuable addition to a
hitter and punter who averaged more
secondary that might be the
than 45 yards per boot last season. Add
best in the area. He is tall,
Thompskin, who showed during spring he is
quick and has the speed to
ready to make a major contribution, and this
cover receivers and strength
unit is tough.
to come up and help out
Thompskin
on the run. Some say he
reminds them of a young Jon Dowling.
THIN AT: Offensive line
NEEDS A BIG SEASON FROM: Courtney Allen, junior, running back
Entering his third season on the
varsity, Allen appears to be on the cusp
of becoming the area’s premier running
back and one of the top tailbacks in the
state. His importance was never more
evident last season when he couldn’t
play in the Noles’ final two games
because of an injury. They lost both after
winning seven of their first eight.
This year he is intent on staying
healthy for the entire season and has
worked hard to achieve that goal with
a new training routine. He was told
by a trainer that he was too tight and
has been doing a lot of stretching to
improve his flexibility.
“I worked hard during the offseason
and this summer went to two camps at
the University of Florida that helped,”
Allen said. “I’ve been doing a lot of
speed training on the beach, running
with parachutes attached to me, and
that has helped.”
Allen has gotten his speed down
from 4.8 to 4.4 seconds in the 40-yard
dash. But more importantly, he is a lot
stronger. The 5-foot-7, 180-pounder
is squatting close to 500 pounds,
up from 445 a year ago, and benchpressing 270 pounds.
Before he was injured in the nextto-last game of the regular season
against Hardee, Allen rushed for
817 yards and went over the 100yard rushing mark four times. He is
extremely tough to bring down once he
gets into the open field. He enters his
junior year with 1,214 rushing yards on
160 carries (7.6 avg) and 20 TDs.
Allen’s presence is extremely
important in helping quarterback Myles
Braxton-Johnson have a breakout
season. The senior threw for 1,323
yards last season with nine TDs and
five interceptions. Allen also is a threat
on swing passes out of the backfield.
Allen has set the bar high for himself
this season.
“My goal is 2,000 rushing yards
for the season, which comes out to
about 200 yards per game. That’s a
lot of pressure, but I feel I can get it,
particularly with our offensive line and a
new fullback (Robert Salter),” Allen said.
Nov. 2 at Palmetto — For second straight
season, this game should determine the
district champion.
The Seminoles have good depth all over
the roster with 13 returning starters. If
there is a thin area of the team, it could be
the offensive line. But there is still talent
there with Raleigh Alexander, Chris Vitolis
and Anthony Forbis.
THE COUNT
51: Years of Southeast football, now more
than a half-century old
13: Number of returning starters, which
should ease the loss of all-everything
Brian Poole
Brian Poole is gone, but as a team the Noles could be stronger with 13 returning starters. The linebacking corps is bigger with
Rakeem Williams (6-0. 210) moving from defensive line to middle linebacker, and the secondary is very strong. Terrence Houston (6-3,
220) is solid on the defensive line, and the offense has experience in quarterback Myles Braxton-Johnson, who appears ready to have
a breakout season. He has a bevy of talented receivers led by Jacob Sannon. The Noles say they lost out on the district title last year
because Allen went down in the final two games. If he stays healthy, this should be the team to beat in its district.
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THE MAIN EVENT
PALMETTO TIGERS
TIGERS ONLINE
2012 BOUTS
2011 RECORD 12-2, 4-0 5A-10
Aug. 31
at Riverview
Sept. 7
SARASOTA
Sept. 14
BRADEN RIVER
Sept. 21
ARCADIA DESOTO*^
Sept. 28
at Lakewood Ranch
Oct. 5
at Bayshore*
Oct. 19
at Wauchula Hardee*
Oct. 26
at Manatee
Nov. 2
SOUTHEAST*
Nov. 9
OCALA TRINITY CATHOLIC
All games 7:30 p.m., except ^ (7 p.m.)
Class 5A-District 12 champions,
state semifinalist
RIVERVIEW
W, 41-16
at Sarasota
W, 35-14
at Braden River
W, 45-3
at Arcadia DeSoto
W, 52-0
LAKEWOOD RANCH
W, 27-0
BAYSHORE
W, 42-7
WAUCHULA HARDEE
W, 16-13
MANATEE
L, 29-26
at Southeast
W, 16-13
at Ocala Trinity Catholic
W, 42-20
AUBURNDALE
W, 49-0
WAUCHULA HARDEE
W, 27-9
at Immokalee
W, 42-21
CLASS 5A STATE SEMIFINAL
MIAMI NORLAND
L, 35-27
THE MAIN EVENT
Nov. 4 vs. Southeast — With the
district title on the line, look for the
Seminoles to be out for revenge. The
Tigers didn’t just clinch a championship
with last year’s win; they eliminated
Southeast from the playoff chase.
Palmetto High School safety Stevon Saunders, left, pursues a runner during practice.
NEEDS A BIG SEASON FROM: Stevon Saunders, senior, free safety
Defensive backs are widely
considered wide receivers who can’t
catch.
That’s not Saunders.
The rising senior was a backup wide
receiver last fall. But given Palmetto’s
depth on offense, coaches decided to
move Saunders to the other side of the
ball to help anchor a defense that lost
eight starters.
“He’s had a heck of a spring and
summer; he’s really doing well,” Tigers
head coach Dave Marino said. “He went
to some camps and he’s put himself
out there as a Division I prospect.”
Saunders has the skill set to make
the move, Marino said, beginning with
his ability to catch the ball when thrown
his way. Consequently, the Tigers are
banking on Saunders to help keep the
offense on the field.
“He should have some interceptions
this year,” Marino said, “because he’s
got great ball skills, great quickness
and reaction.”
Saunders spent last season backing
up the likes of Cory Crawford and
E.J. Burston, members of the area’s
deepest pool of receivers. So he
knows how good receivers and good
quarterbacks work, which should give
Saunders the mental tools to go with
his abundance of physical tools.
A good year from Saunders could
help the defense excel and send
Palmetto back to the playoffs for the
third straight year.
“It’s been a smooth transition for
him,” Marino said, “and he’s really
excelled at it.”
DEEP AT: SKILL POSITIONS
THIN AT: DEFENSIVE LINE
Palmetto should have no trouble scoring
points. Burston and Crawford teamed for
roughly 80 catches last year, Hicks eclipsed
the 1,000-yard plateau in the fall and a
healthy Gilbert will give the offense another
look out of the backfield. And newcomer
Atkins has drawn raves from the coaches.
Marino is pleased with the back seven of
Palmetto’s defense, composed of backups
who saw plenty of action last year. There is
not as much experience up front, however,
and Marino hopes to have four guys in
place before Palmetto begins its district
schedule Sept. 21 against Arcadia DeSoto.
— ALAN DELL,
Herald sports writer
THE COUNT
0: Losses Palmetto suffered on the road last year.
2: Eventual state champions, Miami Central and Manatee, that handed the Tigers their
only losses in 2011.
5: Opponents Palmetto kept to fewer than 10 points last year.
GET IN THE RING WITH:
E.J. Burston, wide receiver
IMPACT NEWCOMER:
Spencer Atkins, senior, quarterback
Daniel Houser
team is: Mike Bellamy, Punta Burston
Gorda Charlotte
My favorite sports movie is:
“Remember the Titans”
The best trash-talk line I’ve
heard on the football field is:
“You too ugly to tackle me, li’l
man.”
The song I play to get me
Atkins
pumped up for a game is:
“Ham,” Kanye West, featuring Jay-Z
Hailing from Illinois and a student of
Chris Weinke at IMG’s football academy,
Atkins beat out sophomore Chris Tuten for
Palmetto’s starting job.
“Spencer’s had a great spring,” Marino
said. “He understands, he’s got a real good
grasp of our offensive system. ... So we’re
looking forward to him getting the ball into
our playmakers’ hands.”
He’ll have plenty of playmakers at his
disposal. Receivers Burston, Crawford,
Shaquille Harris and Pat Green are among
the best in the area, while the backfield
combination of Josh Hicks and Leon Gilbert
will help take some heat off Palmetto’s
ground game.
IN THE CORNER
Dave
Marino,
third season,
18-7
Yes, Palmetto lost a ton of talent from a defense that
was the Tigers’ primary strength in 2011. But the offense
is loaded and with district play not beginning until Week
4, Palmetto will have enough time to round its new-look
defense into shape and make a strong run at a third
straight playoff berth and second straight district title.
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THE HERALD
BAYSHORE BRUINS
2012 BOUTS
The main event
Aug. 31
TAMPA CATHOLIC
Sept. 7
PORT CHARLOTTE^
Sept. 14
at Lakewood Ranch
Sept. 21
at Wauchula Hardee*^
Sept. 28
at Fort Myers Cypress Lake
Oct. 5
PALMETTO*
Oct. 11
BRADEN RIVER
Oct. 19
at Southeast*
Oct. 26 ARCADIA DESOTO*
Nov. 9
at Sarasota
All games 7:30 p.m., except ^ (7 p.m.)
Home games in ALL CAPS.
*—Class 5A-District 10 game
Sept. 21 at Wauchula
Hardee — Gordon points
to the season opener
against Tampa Catholic
as a key to the season,
mainly because it can arm
the Bruins with momentum
and a winning mentality.
However, Bayshore’s season
really starts on Sept. 21
against district foe Wauchula
Hardee. The Wildcats run
the ball at will out of a veer
offense. The club is similar
to Bayshore’s ground-andpound style and gets the
Bruins at their place.
2011 RECORD 5-5, 1-3 5A-10
Tampa Catholic
Port Charlotte
Lakewood Ranch
Wauchula Hardee
Fort Myers Cypress Lake
Palmetto
Braden River
Southeast
Arcadia DeSoto
Sarasota
L, 17-14
W, 34-0
W, 26-20
L, 35-21
L, 28-18
L, 42-7
W, 28-19
L, 34-7
W, 14-7
W, 49-32
5F
BRUINS ONLINE
THE COUNT
953: Combined rushing
yards from Everett, Mobley
and Hanson last year.
118: Passing attempts by
Bayshore quarterbacks last
fall, up from the 82 attempts
in 2010.
4.2: Average yards per
carry for Williams’ junior
season.
IMPACT NEWCOMER: Nobody
There are no fresh faces on this year’s club. The first day of fall practice saw 55 players
arrive, but that number included junior varsity members. A main reason for no newcomers
this fall is that underclassmen were relied upon last season. Bayshore’s senior class had
several standout, blue-collar performers who played vital cogs in the Bruins’ 5-5 season
that included victories over bigger schools such as Lakewood Ranch, Braden River and
Sarasota. But it was a small core of five players.
However, quarterback Joshua Maugherman, defensive back Tyderian Jenkins and the
three-headed rushing attack are gone.
Guys like Obi Tarwoe were brought to the varsity level as a sophomore. As a result,
they’ve been seasoned with game experience heading into 2012.
DEEP AT: Balance
THIN AT: Numbers
The Bruins make up for a lack of depth in
numbers with size on the lines, mixed with
athletes on the outside. Calvin Williams
provides the speed and tenacity that
represents Bayshore’s ground attack, while
tight end Zachary Stuber has impressed
Gordon. Mix in last year’s playmaking
defender Tarwoe, and the Bruins could
shock people with their skill positions.
“I wouldn’t say we’re deep at anything,
but we’ve got some very good athletes and
they are excellent kids,” Gordon said.
Bayshore has 30 to 32 players for the
Kickoff Classic, down from last fall.
Consequently, last year’s 1.5 strategy
will be employed again. The 1.5 method is
one in which a player is used as a starter
at one position on one side of the ball. That
player then shares a position with another
player on the other side of the ball, splitting
playing time in half.
“I’ve got a lot of 1.5 guys,” Gordon said.
“And that’s OK, if they go out and get a
quality rest.”
GET IN THE RING WITH: Bayshore declined to participate
Senior Calvin Williams will shoulder the load for Bayshore after emerging from the
shadow of the graduated Dominic Everett. TIMOTHY R. WOLFRUM/[email protected]
NEEDS A BIG SEASON FROM: Calvin Williams, senior, running back
When Dominic Everett got hurt last
year, Calvin Williams was suddenly called
upon to shoulder some of the load in
Bayshore’s backfield. The Bruins are a
run-heavy club, and Williams was thrust
into the void.
However, Williams wasn’t a running
back for long; Everett quickly worked his
way back.
“After losing Nico (Everett) — Nico had
a couple great seasons for us — Calvin
didn’t get a lot of reps there,” Bayshore
head coach Jean P. Gordon said.
Williams performed well at the junior
varsity level and earned the varsity callup, filling in for Everett but not getting a
large amount of carries two seasons ago.
That was different in the 2011 spring
game, when Gordon estimated Williams
ran for 140 to 150 yards as the featured
back when Everett was hurt.
That translated into an increased
workload alongside Everett last fall.
However, a familiar Bayshore bugaboo,
IN THE CORNER
Jean P. Gordon, 18th
season,
seventh at
Bayshore.
73-109
overall,
22-37 at
Bayshore.
fumbles, bit Williams in the spring game.
Williams put the ball on the ground a
couple times and has worked hard to
improve his ball security heading into the
2012 season.
“We do a lot more stuff with the ball,
move the ball, where we are carrying it,
all that kind of stuff,” Gordon said. “So
we’re putting a lot more emphasis on
that. All you can do is the strip drills. And
when you get in an offensive period (in
practice), you tell the defense ... ‘You
guys cause a fumble, you pull the ball
out’ or whatever. You get a Powerade or
something like that.”
Williams isn’t the only running back
in Gordon’s stable. He said the Bruins
will have three tailbacks and six other
running backs available. That should
help lessen the burden on Williams’
shoulders.
“A little pressure, but then I know if I’m
not getting the job done, we have other
players to get it done too,” Williams said.
HERALD’S FORECAST: 4-6
Last year’s Bruins generated the first .500 season in
Gordon’s tenure, but this season’s club doesn’t have
quite as many players. Bayshore lost a strong senior
class. Nonetheless, the talented Tarwoe has lots of skill
and should shore up the defense. He was a key reason
Bayshore upended Class 7A Braden River on the road in
2011. However, a slight regression should be expected.
— JASON DILL, Herald sports writer
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6F
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THE HERALD
Aug. 31
BRADEN RIVER
Sept. 7
at Southeast
Sept. 14
BAYSHORE
Sept. 21
BOCA CIEGA*
Sept. 28
PALMETTO
Oct. 5
at Tarpon Springs*
Oct. 19
at Dixie Hollins*
Oct. 26
LARGO*
Nov. 2
SEMINOLE OSCEOLA*
Nov. 9
at Manatee
2011 RECORD: 5-5, 4-1 6A-7
region quarterfinalist
at Braden River
W, 35-27
L, 33-13
SOUTHEAST
L, 26-20
at Bayshore
W, 19-0
at Boca Ciega
L, 27-0
at Palmetto
W, 41-33
TARPON SPRINGS W, 35-21
DIXIE HOLLINS
L, 42-22
at Largo
W, 35-28
at Seminole Osceola L, 38-7
MANATEE
at Armwood
L, 35-31*
*FHSAA ruled Armwood forfeit
The main event
Aug. 31 vs. Braden River — This is a
huge rivalry game that can set the tone for
the season.
THE COUNT
2: The number of returning offensive
starters in what will be a rebuilding project.
1400: Yards the Mustangs must replace
after the graduation of workhorse running
back Mackenzie Hathaway.
DEEP AT: Cornerback/linebacker
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The Mustangs’ back seven is
experienced and has talent, led by threeyear starter Ki Jana Brown at cornerback.
The other corner is returning starter
Andre Christiano, who will also see time
at running back. Trent says he has six or
seven guys he feels comfortable using at
linebacker, led by senior Luke Sears.
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2012 BOUTS
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kicker/punter
Cate
My favorite sports
movie is: “Remember the
Titans”
field is: No one talks trash
to me
If I were head coach for
a day, I would: Push my
team to find their breaking
point
My favorite college/pro football teams
are: Texas/Miami Dolphins
My favorite moment playing football is:
Kickoff, when everyone is waiting for me
IMPACT NEWCOMER: Chris Pearcey,
junior, running back
Tailback has been the staple of this
offense with school career
rushing leader Taryn Laws
and then Hathaway (last
year) putting up huge
numbers. Now it looks
as if the job will go to
Pearcey, who comes from
an athletic family that
includes his dad Tony,
Pearcey
a standout receiver at
Vanderbilt who played briefly with the New
York Giants.
At 5-11, 185 pounds, Pearcey is the
biggest of those competing for the job and
has good speed. The only thing he lacks
is experience, but his athleticism should
help him get through the early part of the
season.
IN THE CORNER
Shawn Trent,
8th year,
32-39
THIN AT: Defensive line/receiver/
running back
Michael Iacobelli is the only returning
starter on the defensive line, the key to
any defense. The Mustangs hope a solid
set of linebackers and defensive backs will
give the front four time to develop. There
is little to no experience at running back or
receiver.
Lakewood Ranch High School offensive lineman Michael Farhat, left, works out during
practice. GRANT JEFFERIES/Bradenton Herald
NEED A BIG SEASON FROM: Michael Farhat, senior, center
As one of only two returning starters
on offense, Farhat must provide veteran
leadership and keep everybody on track.
It’s a role head coach Shawn Trent
feels comfortable putting in the hands of
the 6-foot-2, 250-pounder. He is a savvy,
football player who has learned a good
part of the game from his older brother,
Matt, a former center at Lakewood
Ranch who is going into his senior year
at the University of Charleston (W.Va.).
“He helps me a lot. I always take
in what he says and I trust him,
particularly the tips he gives me on pass
protection,” Michael Farhat said. “This
is my second year as a starter, and
I learned a lot from last season. The
experience will help me be a leader for
all the young guys we have. My job is
to make sure they are doing what they
are supposed to do and all the blocking
schemes are correct.”
This is the smallest offensive line
Lakewood Ranch has had in three
seasons and, for a program that likes to
stress the run, Farhat’s presence will be
even more important.
“Michael is definitely the key as far
as getting everything called up front
correctly,” Trent said. “If you are going
In so many ways, Young is a perfect
player for Curt Bradley, the Pirates’ new
head coach. He is a mature veteran
who can lead by words and actions.
The 6-foot-5, 280-pound Young didn’t
play football until last year, focusing on
basketball, where he turned himself
into the Herald Player of the Year last
season.
But Young sees a better future in
football and apparently so do some of
the top college programs in the country.
He has received scholarship offers
from Purdue, Iowa State, FIU, FAU and
Hawaii and a lot more should come
before signing day in February. Most of
them see him as an offensive tackle on
the next level.
“I can’t wait for the season to begin.
I think I have improved a lot from last
year,” Young said. “I have a better feel
for the game, and my blocking has
improved tremendously. Everything
was new to me last year, and now I am
more comfortable. The hardest thing
for me last year was getting down in the
stance, but now I am used to it, and I
understand the blocking schemes a lot
more.”
Bradley is counting on veterans
such as Young to help him make the
transition, but knows it will take time
to build up a trust factor with all the
coaches who have left.
“Trevon will be our left tackle on
offense and mix in some time at
defensive tackle,” Bradley said. “He
has great feet and is very athletic. A lot
of colleges like him for the offensive
side of the ball and see him as a tackle
or a tight end.
“I believe we have good leadership
up front with Trevon and Kelvin
Albritton, who has had a great camp
and will play defensive tackle and
offensive guard,” Bradley said. “I
spoke to the players about being their
fourth coach and told them there is not
much I can really say after what has
happened here.
“There is a sense of abandonment
in some way with the seniors and you
can’t blame them. I am taking the
approach that action speaks louder
than words.”
Bradley wants to build a strong
running game and sees Young and
Albritton as the catalysts to make that
happen. He also wants to shore up a
defense that was porous last year.
The Mustangs are inexperienced, and that might lead to a rough start. But the district
schedule comes later, and the race is wide open as it was last year. If Pearcey is the guy
and the offensive line jells, it could be a solid season. Trent and his staff have proven they
know how to generate a ground game. If that happens, Ranch should make the playoffs.
— ALAN DELL, Herald sports writer
PIRATES ONLINE
2012 BOUTS
2011 RECORD: 3-7, 1-2 7A-10
Aug. 31
at Lakewood Ranch
NORTH PORT
Sept. 7
at Palmetto
Sept. 14
RIVERVIEW
Sept. 21
PORT CHARLOTTE
Sept. 28
MANATEE*
Oct. 5
at Bayshore
Oct. 11
at Sarasota*
Oct. 19
at Venice*
Nov. 2
PALMETTO RIDGE
Nov. 9
All games at 7:30 p.m.
HOME GAMES IN CAPS
*Class 7A-District-10 game
LAKEWOOD RANCH
L, 35-27
L, 7-6
at North Port
L, 45-3
PALMETTO
L, 36-7*
at Riverview
W, 24-10
at Port Charlotte
L, 63-0
at Manatee
L, 28-19
BAYSHORE
W, 26-11
SARASOTA
L, 49-7
VENICE
W, 31-28
at Palmetto Ridge
*FHSAA rules Riverview forfeit
GET IN THE RING WITH: Kelvin Albritton,
offensive/defensive lineman
NEEDS A BIG SEASON FROM: Trevon Young, senior, both lines
MUSTANGS ONLINE
BRADEN RIVER PIRATES
Interim head coach Greg Williford talks with Trevon Young during spring practice at
Braden River High, while preparing the team for its spring game with Naples. Curt
Bradley has since assumed the reins of the program. GRANT JEFFERIES/Bradenton Herald
to lose a lot of people like we did on
the offensive line, it’s good to have your
center back, especially someone like
him. Corey Adams (the other returning
starter on the line) also will be expected
to provide leadership, and they both
work well together.’
The Mustangs lost workhorse running
back Mackenzie Hathaway, but Farhat
doesn’t see a dropoff in Lakewood
Ranch’s ground game, the staple of its
offense.
“The change at running back doesn’t
change what we do. We still have to make
the holes,” Farhat said. “Mackenzie was
a tough runner who could take 40 carries
a game. I know (Chris) Pearcey is going
to run hard along with the other running
backs in the rotation.”
Farhat’s presence is expected to
help an offense that will have a new
quarterback in sophomore Chad Rix
and a bunch of inexperienced players at
receiver and running back.
IMPACT NEWCOMER: Austin Rain, senior,
running back
Rain was with the team
last year, but is a virtual
The toughest player on my
newcomer because he
team (other than me) is: Matt
was a seldom-used back.
McKoan, Trevon Young
Bradley said the 5-10,
210-pounder is definitely
going to change that this
team is: Omari Phillips, Venice
season.
My favorite sports movie is: Rain
“He is a big back who
“Remember the Titans”
can run, has good hands
The best trash talk line I’ve and very good feet. He will be a load for
Albritton
ever heard on the football
some teams to handle,” Bradley said.
field is: “Let’s get nasty”
“I made him the starter because in our
My favorite college football team is: Miami minds he is the complete back.”
DEEP AT: Offensive line
The main event
The Pirates are strong up front with
Trevon Young, Kelvin Albritton, Matt
Mckoan and Alex Salguero, a 6-3, 270
pound freshman. Adding to this group is
6-4, 220 pound tight end Ryan Hintz.
Aug. 31 at Lakewood Ranch — It’s the
first game under another new head coach;
a win here would provide a much-needed
boost for the program.
THIN AT: Quarterback
There is not much experience at
quarterback with senior Eric Schappacher
and sophomore Dustin Peebles, but the
offensive backfield could get a big boost
from versatile sophomore Justin Ross,
who Bradley calls his “wildcard,” and
makes no secret he wants to get the ball
in his hands.
IN THE CORNER
THE COUNT
Curt Bradley,
first year
4: With Curt
Bradley coming in,
Braden River has its
fourth head coach in
six years.
51: In six of their
seven losses last
year, Pirates allowed
a whopping 51 points
per game.
A break-even season would be a success for a young, inexperienced team with a new
coach that plays in a district with nationally-ranked Manatee and always-tough Venice. This
program is starting from the ground up. The defense was porous last year, but Bradley
says it was more mental than physical. “Schemes are important, but defense is about
attitude and effort. That is the one thing we are trying to get through to the kids,” he said.
“Attitude, effort and relentless pursuit of the football makes for a good defense. You watch
film from last year and they didn’t seem to have the passion to get to the football.”
— ALAN DELL, Herald sports writer
THE HERALD
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ELITE 11: THE HEAVYWEIGHTS
Cord Sandberg, senior,
Manatee
Anthony Lauro, senior,
Manatee
Derrick Calloway, senior,
Manatee
Blake Keller, senior,
Manatee
Cory Crawford, senior,
Palmetto
Josh Hicks, junior, Palmetto
Position: Quarterback
The scoop: The Class 7A
Player of the Year in 2011
returns for a third varsity
season under center with
a state championship ring
in tow. The lefty threw for
2,817 yards and ran for 813
last season. A Mississippi
State commit, Sandberg
is 26-3 in two seasons
with the varsity. Sandberg
has already worked his
way into the pantheon of
great Manatee County
quarterbacks, and a solid
senior season will push him
further up the list.
Position: Wide receiver/
runningback
The scoop: Strong,
speedy and as adept at
running with the ball as he
is catching it, Lauro will
get plenty of touches this
season as Manatee looks
to replace its leading rusher
(Leon Allen) and one of its
leading receivers (Ryan
Taylor). Lauro accounted for
more than 1,200 yards of
offense and 14 touchowns
last season and has fully
recovered after undergoing
knee surgery following
the state championship.
Western Kentucky and Akron
have made offers.
Position: Defensive line
The scoop: The big tackle
had 55 tackles and eight
sacks, including three in the
state championship game.
He has more than a dozen
Division I offers, according
to Rivals, with the likes of
Florida, USC, Miami and USF
clamoring for his services.
Rivals ranks Calloway the
16th-best tackle in the
nation for the graduating
class of 2013, and he,
along with four-year starter
Marquis Dawsey, are the two
most experienced pieces of
Manatee’s defensive line.
Position: Defensive line
The scoop: Already
verbally committed to UCF,
Keller was a force off the
end last season and shared
the team lead in sacks with
Marquis Dawsey (14). One of
the more athletic members
of Manatee’s defensive line,
Keller is a three-star recruit
by Rivals and has received
offers from schools such as
Iowa State and Pittsburgh.
Position: Wide receiver
The scoop: UCF, Western
Kentucky and Marshall
are among the schools
who have made offers to
Crawford, and rightfully
so: He had 38 catches
for 647 yards and seven
touchdowns last year for
Palmetto. Injuries to other
players forced Crawford to
play quarterback for much
of his sophomore year, but
he excelled at his natural
position last season and will
be a key ingredient as the
Tigers look to get back to
the final four.
Position: Running back
The scoop: Opposing
defenses learned a lesson
last year: Don’t let Hicks into
open space. He is too fast.
Hicks was a breakout star
as a sophomore, chugging
for 1,301 yards and 12
touchdowns. With a healthy
Leon Gilbert helping him
out and a bevy of talented
receivers to keep defenses
from crowding the box, Hicks
has a shot to be even better
this season.
How we did it
Courtney Allen, junior,
Southeast
Eric Thompson, senior,
Southeast
Trevon Young, senior,
Braden River
Michael Farhat, senior,
Lakewood Ranch
Jordan Grabski, senior,
Southeast
Position: Running back
The scoop: The tailback
is on course to finish his
career as one of the all-time
leading runners in Manatee
County history. He enters
his junior season with
1,214 rushing yards and
20 touchdowns despite
missing two games and
nearly all of a third last year.
He has worked hard during
the offseason to improve
his chances of staying
healthy. His single-game
high came as a freshman
when he ran for 201 yards
against Booker on only five
carries.
Position: Defensive back
The scoop: Thompson
burst onto the scene
last year, establishing
himself as one the premier
defensive backs in the area
with his height, athleticism
and ball skills. He led the
Noles secondary with 67
tackles (24 solos), had
a team-high nine pass
deflections and tied for
the team lead with two
interceptions and had one
fumble recovery. He is
the latest in a long line of
heralded defensive backs
at Southeast. He has offers
from Western Kentucky and
some FCS schools.
Position: Offensive/
defensive line
The scoop: The Herald
Basketball Player of the
Year last season, Young
has transformed himself
into an elite college football
prospect. He was able
to do that despite not
playing the game until last
season. Now the 6-foot-5,
280-pounder has offers
from Purdue, Iowa State,
FIU, FAU and Hawaii. Most
see him as an interior
offensive lineman at the
next level, but his good
hands developed from
basketball could make him
a tight end.
Position: Center
The scoop: Following in
the footsteps of brother
Matt, a standout offensive
lineman for Lakewood
Ranch, Farhat is expected
to be the foundation for the
Mustangs offense using
his knowledge of the game,
talent and leadership skills
to keep a young unit on the
right track. He is an adept
run blocker who played a
key role in the Mustangs
ground game last year
that enabled Mackenzie
Hathaway to run for more
than 1,400 yards.
Position: Defensive
back/punter
The scoop: A fierce
hitter with a booming leg,
Grabski is the area’s jack
of all trades. The safety
proved he is equally adept
at run support and pass
coverage last season, when
he registered 47 tackles
(16 solo) and had five pass
deflections. He averaged
almost 48 yards per punt.
He provides Southeast with
a sure-handed tackler as
the last line of defense on
punts, which is rare.
Here they are,
the top 11 high
school football
players in the
Bradenton area
as selected by
Herald sports
writers John
Lembo, Alan Dell
and Jason Dill.
Narrowing the
list to 11 was an
arduous task, a
testament to the
abundance of
talent we have in
the area.
But we feel
these players are
the best at what
they do among
the 10 schools
in the Bradenton
Herald coverage
area.
You may not
agree with any or
all of our choices,
but that’s just
part of the fun.
And there’s
always a chance
someone we
never thought of
including winds
up having a huge
2012 season.
That’s part of
the fun, too.
— JOHN
LEMBO,
Herald
sports writer
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THE HERALD
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BCS PANTHERS
2012 BOUTS
The main event
Aug. 31
at Lakeland Christian
Sept. 7
ST. PETE NORTHSIDE CHR.*
Sept. 14
at Tampa Cambridge*
Sept. 21
at Largo Indian Rocks Chr.*
Sept. 28
ST. PETE CANTERBURY*
Oct. 5
IMAGINE SCHOOL OF NORTH PORT
Oct. 12
TAMPA CARROLLWOOD DAY*
Oct. 19
ST. PETE ADMIRAL FARRAGUT*
Oct. 26
at Clearwater Calvary Chr.*
Nov. 2
at St. Pete Keswick Chr.*
Home games in ALL CAPS
*—Class 2A (urban)-District 5 game
Aug. 24 vs. Cardinal
Mooney — A Kickoff
Classic game has no
bearing on whether a team
advances to postseason
play. The same can be said
for non-district contests.
However, Cardinal Mooney
is the first team on the
Panthers’ schedule.
The result can have an
enormous bearing on the
Panthers’ momentum
leading into a regular
season, where they will
battle in a nine-team
district for only two
2011 RECORD 3-6, 3-5 2A (urban)-5
at Lakeland Christian
at St. Pete Northside Chr.
TAMPA CAMBRIDGE CHR.
LARGO INDIAN ROCKS CHR.
at St. Pete Canterbury
at Tampa Carrollwood Day
at St. Pete Admiral Farragut
CLEARWATER CALVARY CHR.
ST. PETE KESWICK CHR.
L, 49-35
W, 55-6
L, 43-25
L, 42-28
W, 35-14
L, 33-17
L, 38-22
L, 14-13
W, 24-20
THE COUNT
9F
PANTHERS ONLINE
Lance Perkins is an offensive and defensive threat for the Panthers.
24: Players who turned
out for the Panthers’ first
day of fall practice
1: Losing seasons for
Gerber at BCS
0: Program’s total playoff
appearances
GET IN THE RING WITH: Tony Williams,
offensive line
IMPACT NEWCOMER: Joey Giardina,
freshman, QB
Lance Perkins
What makes prep football
in Manatee-Sarasota
special? Football is so
important around here, and
every team is competitive.
Williams
is: “Blind Side”
You’re a first-round NFL draft pick. What’s
the first thing you buy with your signing
bonus? An Audi
My favorite moment playing football is:
Getting a pancake block downfield.
Being thrust into the
starting quarterback role
for the Panthers’ spring
game as an eighth-grader
began Giardina’s learning
curve. However, once he got
acclimated to the increased
speed at the varsity level,
Giardina
he showed talent that has
Gerber singing his praises.
“We need to keep him healthy, and we
need to evolve his quarterback mentality,”
Gerber said. “But what you can’t coach is
football instincts, and here’s a young man
that with the ball in his hand has really good
feet and really good feel for the game. It’s
just a matter of him going out and playing.”
DEEP AT: The perimeter
THIN AT: The line
Like most small schools, the Panthers do
not possess depth. However, Gerber said
his club has lots of talent on the perimeter
at the wide receiver and defensive back
positions. And those wideouts should get
plenty of reps in the BCS offense with
Giardina at the controls.
While the Panthers should wreak havoc
with its playmakers on the outside, BCS
is one injury away from major concerns in
the trenches. Gerber said his team has five
solid starters and a transfer right behind
them. However, the lack of depth at the
position could cause concern should any of
those starters go down with an injury.
NEEDS A BIG SEASON FROM: Lance Perkins, junior, linebacker, running back
In a profile questionnaire for the Herald,
Perkins was asked what makes prep
football in Manatee-Sarasota special.
“You are going to see 48 minutes
of people flying to the ball and hitting
hard,” Perkins answered.
And that’s the perfect way to describe
the outside linebacker, who tries to be
like Pittsburgh Steeler James Harrison
on the field.
Not a bad player to emulate.
But you wouldn’t know his warrior
demeanor just seeing him on campus.
“You look at him walk on the street
and you don’t say that’s the guy that is
a ferocious type of a linebacker,” Gerber
said. “But he’s one of those guys
when you hear click-click — you know,
click-click of the chin strap — that he
flips the switch and plays with a lot of
energy. And that really rubs off on the
rest of our football team.”
Bradenton Christian will lean on
him this season. The Panthers’ 2011
campaign sputtered to a disappointing
IN THE CORNER
3-6 record as BCS struggled with a
key football skill: tackling opposing ball
carriers.
In Perkins, the Panthers have a
defensive leader and three-year starter.
He registered more than 60 tackles
last fall, and his abilities are considered
a key component to the Panthers’
success this season.
But the 5-foot-8, 160-pounder
wasn’t always a linebacker. He began
his football career as a quarterback.
Perkins said that didn’t go well, and he
was soon switched to safety.
Perkins didn’t like that, and, as a
freshman at BCS, he found a home at
linebacker.
“I like to blitz,” Perkins said. “I’ll blitz.
I’ll drop back a little bit, but not much.
... I just like hitting.”
Perkins isn’t just a football player at
BCS. He also plays baseball, but this
fall he’ll use his 40-yard dash time of
4.7 seconds on the outside to hunt
down the opposition.
Allan Gerber,
24-15, fifth
season
Bradenton Christian has a weapon in Giardina for years
to come. The keys to offense are at his disposal, and he
should perform well. However, like any great quarterback,
there’s a learning curve when moving up a level. Giardina
should show his considerable talent, but the Panthers
aren’t quite ready to snag a playoff berth in such a large
district, where every game is like a postseason battle.
10-count: 2012’s prime-time bouts
Aug. 31
Braden River at Lakewood
Ranch: Nothing like kicking
off the regular season with a
good rivalry, and the annual
Battle For East Manatee
certainly qualifies. This
marks the regular-season
debut of Curt Bradley, the
Pirates’ new coach, while it
marks Lakewood Ranch’s
first meaningful game since
the Mustangs nearly upset
powerful Seffner Armwood
in the first round of the
Class 6A playoffs.
Sept. 2
Miramar at Manatee: Prep
football on a Sunday? Well,
this isn’t a typical prep
football game. It will be
shown live on ESPN2, and
all proceeds benefit the
Wounded Warrior Project.
And because this is each
team’s regular-season
opener, the game officially
ushers in Manatee’s state
title defense.
Sept. 14
Miami Central at Manatee:
MaxPreps put Manatee atop
its preaseason rankings.
USA Today considers Miami
Central the nation’s best.
Who is right? One game may
not tell the whole story, but
the rankings provide some
fodder and intrigue for this
non-district tussle, especially
if each team comes into
this one undefeated. The
Rockets lost in the Class
6A state final last year to
Seffner Armwood.
Sept. 28
Manatee at Southeast:
The Hurricanes’ 42-point
win last season was the
largest margin of victory
in the series’ heralded
history, so the Seminoles
will be shooting for some
redemption and a chance to
breathe some life into the
rivalry, which Manatee has
owned since 2007. Of note:
Southeast’s 2006 win was
Manatee’s last loss to a
Manatee County team.
Oct. 19
Southeast at Bayshore: The
Bruins haven’t gone to the
playoffs since 2005, and
they have two district games
prior to this one. But a win
over the perenially powerful
Seminoles could give the
program a needed shot in
the arm and maybe enhance
their postseason chances.
Oct. 26
Palmetto at Manatee: No
Florida team played the
Canes as close during the
2011 regular season as the
Tigers, who lost by three
points at Harllee Stadium.
This year’s game will pit
Palmetto’s stacked offense
against a Manatee defense
anchored by arguably the
best line in the nation.
Should be fun.
Wauchula Hardee at
Southeast: The Wildcats
scored a two-point win at
home last year in a game
that helped put a stake
through the Seminoles’
playoff hopes. Who knows
how far Southeast could
have gone if the ball
bounces a different way that
night in Hardee County?
The Noles are the hosts this
time, however, and a chance
for redemption could result
in a return to the playoffs.
Nov. 2
Southeast at Palmetto:
What better way to close out
district play than to have two
of the county’s oldest rivals
duking it out in a game that
will probably have district
title implications. Last year’s
match-up did. And by winning
it, Palmetto not only clinched
a title, but cost the Seminoles
a postseason berth.
WE HAVE PROUDLY SUPPORTED HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
IN MANATEE COUNTY SINCE 1966
Nov. 9
Cardinal Mooney at Outof-Door Academy: It’s a
regular-season finale and
non-district affair. But
it’s the only geographical
rival each team has on its
schedule, and it will either
serve as a final playoff
tuneup or a chance for one
group of seniors to end its
career on a high note.
Ocala Trinity Catholic
at Palmetto: The Tigers
made the long trek to
Ocala last year and closed
out the regular season
with a 22-point pasting
of the Celtics, one of the
state’s stronger smallschool programs. Did such
a resounding win spark
Palmetto to a postseason
run that ended in the
Class 5A state semifinals?
Perhaps.
— JOHN LEMBO, Herald
sports writer
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Following are the top games
in the area this season:
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SAINT STEPHEN’S FALCONS
2012 BOUTS
The main event
Aug. 31
ST. JOHN NEUMANN*@
Sept. 7
at Naples First Baptist Academy*^
Sept. 15
at Fort Myers SW FL Chr.*#
Sept. 21
FORT MYERS GATEWAY CHARTER@
Sept. 28
at St. Pete Shorecrest Prep
Oct. 5
MOORE HAVEN*!
Oct. 18
FORT MYERS EVANGELICAL CHR*@
Oct. 26
at Comm. School of Naples*
Nov. 2
at Out-of-Door Academy *
Nov. 9
at St. Pete Northside Christian^
Games at 7 p.m., except ^ (7:30 p.m.), # (6 p.m.) and !
(4 p.m.)
* — Class 2A (urban)-District 6 game
@ — at Palma Sola Park
Aug. 31 vs. Naples St.
John Neumann — The
Falcons have not won a
regular-season game since
Oct 29, 2010, so there is
no better time to snap their
skid than the first game this
year. Winning Week 1 will not
only alleviate some of the
pressure, but it will help in
the standings — Neumann
is a district opponent.
2011 RECORD: 0-8, 0-7 2A-6
at St. John Neumann
FIRST BAPTIST ACADEMY
SW FL CHR. ACADEMY
ST. PETE SHORECREST PREP at Moore Haven
at Fort Myers Evangelical Chr.
at Community School of Naples
OUT-OF-DOOR ACADEMY
ST. PETER NORTHSIDE CHR.
L, 35-14
L, 55-21
L, 40-0
L, 42-27
L, 54-0
L, 44-0
ccd.
L, 55-0
L, 35-6
2: Games the Falcons
won’t play on Friday. They
visit Southwest Florida
Christian on Saturday, Sept.
15, and host Fort Myers
Evangelical Christian on
Thursday, Oct. 18.
70: Percent of games
Saint Stephen’s plays
against distict opponents
this fall.
1: Opponent the Falcons
face this season from
either Manatee or Sarasota
counties.
What makes prep football
in Manatee-Sarasota
special? Being across
the street from the state
champions sets a high
standard.
is: “Caddyshack”
Berdusco
field is: To opposing coach, “You better stop
throwing to this side, man. I’m shutting your
boys down.”
My favorite college/pro football teams
are: Tampa Bay Bucs, SEC teams.
My favorite moment playing football:
Hanging out with the guys off the field.
One of several new faces
in the program, Kanter was
at Saint Stephen’s before
transferring to Sarasota
Military Academy.
Back at Saint Stephen’s,
Kanter is a guy Creneti said
will give the Falcons a “real
Kanter
shot in the arm.”
“He brings a lot of
toughness to the table, and I imagine he’ll
make his biggest splash on defense right
away,” Creneti said. “But then he has a lot
athletic ability and can help our offense, as
well.
“Hard worker, really disciplined and we’re
excited to have him with us.”
DEEP AT: WR/DB
THIN AT: OL/DL
Between the soccer players who have
come out for football and kids just new to
the school, Creneti said the depth chart for
receivers and defensive backs can go as far
as six deep, led by senior Cam Tally.
The Falcons will rely on guys going both
ways up front, which could wear on the
players as the season progresses. “But we
still feel really good about the kids who are
there,” Creneti said. “We just have to make
sure we’re smart about how we get them
ready and keep them healthy.”
T
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IMPACT NEWCOMER: Zack Kanter Jr.,
RB/OLB
s
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THE COUNT
GET IN THE RING WITH : Michael Berdusco,
defensive lineman
Y NI
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Senior running back Herman Israelsson (22) is expected to carry the load this season
for the Saint Stephen’s football team. TIMOTHY R. WOLFRUM/[email protected]
NEEDS A BIG SEASON FROM: Herman Israelsson, senior, running back
It isn’t uncommon for players at small
schools to see action on both sides of
the ball.
But Herman Israelsson is expected
to play such an integral role on
Saint Stephen’s offense that coach
Tod Creneti plans to use the senior
sparingly on defense.
“We defintely like to use him in
certain situations,” Creneti said. “But if
he’s going to be the guy doing the bulk
of the carriying, then he is going to have
to be fresh to do that and do it well.”
Israelsson ran for a team-high 481
yards and scored two touchdowns
last season for a Falcons team that
struggled to score points. Creneti plans
on using him as a single back, but
Israelsson will see some time in the
slot, too.
A Class 1A state qualifier in the
IN THE CORNER
200-meter dash this past spring, there
is no doubting Israelsson’s physical
gifts. But with roughly eight new players
on a team that is already young, the
Falcons will count on his experience,
too. This marks Isarelsson’s third
consecutive season on varsity.
“We certainly see him as a leader in
the program,” Creneti said.
And on the field, too. Adam Vining,
arguably the team’s best all-around
player, has graduated, meaning
Israelsson will be called upon to lead
the offense and try to snap the Falcons
from their 10-game losing streak.
“It’s his year,” Creneti said. “He is a
very strong and tough and physical kid.
And we need all of that to set the tone
for us, I think. I think his physicality and
hard running can set the tone for us to
do a lot of other things.”
Tod Creneti,
second year;
0-8 at Saint
Stephen’s,
26-62
overall
The Falcons may not be knocking on the door of
a playoff berth, but unlike last season, they entered
camp with a full spring under their belts and are more
accustomed to Creneti’s offense. The familiarty should
help Saint Stephen’s improve over last year.
OUT-OF-DOOR THUNDER
THUNDER ONLINE
2012 BOUTS
The main event
Aug. 31
at St. Pete Catholic^
Sept. 7 at Community School of Naples*
Sept. 14 at Moore Haven*^
Sept. 21 NAPLES ST. JOHN NEUMANN*
Sept. 28 at Fort Myers Evangelical Christian*^
Oct. 12
IMAGINE SCHOOL OF NORTH PORT
Oct. 19
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA CHRISTIAN*
Oct. 26
NAPLES FIRST BAPTIST*
Nov. 2
SAINT STEPHEN’S*
Nov. 9
CARDINAL MOONEY
All games at 7 p.m., except ^ (7:30 p.m.)
Home games in ALL CAPS
*- Class 2A (urban)-District 6 game
Sept. 21 vs. Naples St.
John Neumann — Last
season’s turning point came
in a loss against the Celtics.
St. John Neumann beat
ODA 19-14 in the fourth
week last fall, and the result
triggered a slippery descent
into mediocrity, at least by
Thunder standards. ODA lost
three straight, including two
district games, and missed
the playoffs. The Thunder’s
playoff hopes rest within
each district matchup, and
St. John Neumann is a team
Timmons pointed to as a key
for his club.
2011 RECORD: 5-5, 4-3 2A (urban)-6
Evan Wilson will lead Out-of-Door Academy. GRANT JEFFERIES/Bradenton Herald
NEEDS A BIG SEASON FROM: Evan Wilson, senior, quarterback
Evan Wilson, who enters this season
bigger and stronger and with more
experience, is poised for a breakout
campaign.
ODA will rely on his skills for precise
execution on offense.
Wilson grabbed the attention of
coaches at the next level this past
summer during trips to college camps.
He performed well at Texas Christian
University (TCU) and Tulane, the latter
head coach Brett Timmons’ alma mater.
Wilson’s strong summer culminated
with two awards at the IMG Madden
Football mini-camp in late July.
He snagged Offensive MVP honors
after the three-day camp. Wilson
learned from IMG football director Chris
Weinke and another former Heisman
Trophy winner and NFL veteran in Vinny
Testaverde.
“We pushed that a lot,” Timmons
said. “That was part of the plan,
because we’re a small school
sometimes we don’t get the respect
because we are a small school as far
as our competition goes. And him going
out there and competing with those
guys, I think it also gave him a boost
of confidence knowing that he can play
with some of, arguably, some of the best
talent in this area. ... You learn from
Chris, you learn from Vinny. ... I think just
learning from those guys and soaking up
the knowledge from them, he can bring
that back to our program and make our
program that much better.”
Should ODA make a return trip to
postseason football, then it will come
from Wilson’s solid play. He has shot
up four inches, while adding about 25
pounds to his frame since December.
Now standing 6-foot-2 and 175-pounds,
the senior signal-caller looks more like
a quarterback, even though he’s always
possessed the arm strength.
“I’ve been waiting for it. My dad’s
6-3,” Wilson said.
DEEP AT: Skill
THIN AT: The trenches
The Thunder have an array of players
that can perform at the wide receiver and
defensive back positions. ODA’s spread
offense is a hallmark of the program, and
Timmons has become a master in suiting
his club to match the style necessary to win
football games. He said 10 to 12 players
are capable of playing the WR/DB spots.
It’s no secret that winning football is
accomplished in the trenches, where solid
offensive line play enables running backs
to find holes and quarterbacks to have
enough time to locate open receivers.
That’s no different at ODA, unfortunately
the Thunder are thin up front and are one
injury away from major concerns.
ST. PETE CATHOLIC
COMMUNITY SCHOOL OF NAPLES
MOORE HAVEN
at Naples St. John Neumann
FORT MYERS EVANGELICAL CHR.
MIAMI DADE CHRISTIAN
at Fort Myers Southwest Chr.
at Naples First Baptist
at Saint Stephen’s
at Cardinal Mooney
GET IN THE RING WITH: Brandon Place,
wide receiver
Austin Hoppe
My favorite sports movies
is: “The Longest Yard”
a day, I would: Run tackling
drills all day
Place
My favorite college/pro
football teams are: New
England Patriots
First touchdown catch as a sophomore
IN THE CORNER
W, 35-21
W, 28-12
W, 33-6
L, 19-14
L, 35-14
L, 42-19
W, 43-21
L, 42-21
W, 55-0
L, 23-21
THE COUNT
5: Consecutive home
games the Thunder have to
close out the season
4: Combined margin of
victory for Cardinal Mooney
over ODA in the bitter rivalry
during the past two seasons
3: Postseason
appearances in the last four
seasons
IMPACT NEWCOMERS: Angus Martin, soph.,
tackle; Matt Murphy, junior, tackle; Austin
Hoppe, soph., tailback
The 2012 ODA Thunder football team
doesn’t possess one potential impact
newcomer in head coach Brett Timmons’
eyes. It has three.
With a thin offensive line, the Thunder
have two players in Martin and Murphy who
are expected to provide size up front. They’re
both 6-foot-6. They’re also leaner than most
linemen, hovering around 240 pounds,
meaning they have quickness and speed.
Hoppe isn’t new to the program, but
the tailback is coming back from an injury.
Timmons said Hoppe brings a meanness
and a blue-collar attitude that ODA is trying to
make a trademark of the program.
Brett
Timmons,
37-22,
seventh
season
In an eight-team district, teams can’t afford to fall
behind early, and ODA should have no trouble starting out
undefeated heading into a pivotal Week 4 clash with Naples
St. John Neumann. The Thunder might have overlooked the
Celtics last fall. That won’t happen again, and a victory over
St. John Neumann coupled with easier district opponents
should spell a return trip to the playoffs for the Thunder.
THE HERALD
11F
America’s Largest Automotive Retailer.
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EXTRA: Get in the ring with ... COME JOIN THE FUN!
Josh Layhew, defensive end,
Palmetto
The
toughest
player on
my team
(other than
me) is: Joe
Bundrage
The song
I play to get
me pumped up for a game
is: “The Devil Went Down
to Georgia,” Charlie Daniels
Band
If I were head coach for a
day, I would: Make practice
voluntary
My favorite college/pro
football teams are: Tampa
Bay Buccaneers, University
of South Florida Bulls
My favorite moment
playing football is: When
I got a pick-6 vs. Trinity
Catholic
favorite sports move is:
“Slap Shot”
The song I play to get me
pumped up for a game is:
“Love Story,” Taylor Swift
day, I would: Have practice
at a buffet.
My favorite moment
playing football is: Beating
Braden River at its place
BRING THE FAMILY
signing bonus? House on
the water
My favorite moment
playing football is: Scoring
a touchdown against Saint
Stephen’s, dodging two
tacklers
1/2 Hour for ONLY!
Josh Hicks, running back,
Palmetto
My favorite
sports
movie is:
“Remember
the Titans”
The
The song
toughest
I play to get
player on my
me pumped
team (other
up for a
than me)
game is: “No Quitter, Go
is: Bradley
Getter,” Lil Wayne
Beazant
What
day, I would: Make coaches
makes
practice with players
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THE HERALD
13F
CARDINAL MOONEY COUGARS
2012 BOUTS
The main event
Aug. 31
at LaBelle
Sept. 7
at Fort Myers Bishop Verot^
Sept. 14
LAKE PLACID
Sept. 21
at Englewood Lemon Bay
Sept. 28
CLEARWATER CENTRAL CATHOLIC
Oct. 5
at Lakeland Christian*
Oct. 12
ST. PETE CATHOLIC
Oct. 19
FROSTPROOF*
Nov. 2
FORT MEADE*
Nov. 9
at Out-of-Door Academy
All games 7 p.m. except ^ (7:30 p.m.)
* — Class 3A-District 6 game
Oct. 19 vs. Frostproof —
This game starts a twogame homestand for the
Cougars against what are
expected to be the top two
teams in the district. But
Cardinal Mooney also will
be looking to avenge last
season’s heartbreaking 3330 loss to the Bulldogs in a
playoff tiebreaker.
2011 RECORD 4-6, 1-2 3A-6
LABELLE
FORT MYERS BISHOP VEROT
at Lake Placid
ENGLEWOOD LEMON BAY
at Clearwater Central Catholic
LAKELAND CHRISTIAN
at St. Pete Catholic
at Frostproof
at Fort Meade
OUT-OF-DOOR ACADEMY
W, 28-14
L, 20-6
W, 30-3
L, 27-24
L, 27-13
W, 35-21
L, 39-33
L, 12-7
L, 21-3
W, 23-21
THE COUNT
371: Rushing yards
gained by Anthony Caiazzo
in one game against St.
Pete Catholic last season,
believed to be a single-game
record for the area
211: Receiving yards
racked up by new Cougar
Demardre Patterson against
Cardinal Mooney last season
as a member of the Out-ofDoor Academy Thunder
2: District victories for the
Cougars in the past three
seasons combined
IMPACT NEWCOMER: Demardre Patterson,
junior, safety/running back
GET IN THE RING WITH: Ryan Branch,
defensive back, wide receiver
Demardre Patterson
has switched sides in the
simmering rivalry between
Cardinal Mooney and Out-ofDoor Academy. Last season
as a sophomore, Patterson
caught touchdown passes
of 90, 76 and 35 yards, but
Patterson
the Cougars pulled out a 2321 victory.
Patterson will start at safety and serve
as Caiazzo’s backup at running back. But
Smithers said the two weapons often will
be on the field at the same time.
“We got a chance to see up close and
personal what he can do last year. ... We’re
glad to have him, obviously,” Smithers said.
The toughest player on my
team (other than me) is:
Tyler Garris
What makes prep football in
Manatee-Sarasota special:
The talent around town is
some of the best in the
country
Branch
The best trash-talk line I’ve
heard on the football field
is: “You’re all garbage, except for No. 12
(Anthony Caiazzo)”
The song I play to get me pumped up for a
game is: “Lose Yourself,” Eminem
Playing in the state final for my Pop Warner
team in 2006
DEEP AT: Receiver
THIN AT: Offensive line
Big things are expected from senior
Elijah Toussaint, sophomore Blair Perry
and senior Nick Levanduski to anchor a
solid group. Plus, Caiazzo and Patterson
are more-than-capable receivers out of
the backfield. The graduation of leading
receiver Rick Pecorelli will hurt, but there is
plenty of talent to pick up the slack.
The average size of the offensive linemen
drops from 250 pounds to about 200 with
the graduation of four starters. Trey LaPorta
and Wyatt Knopfke are the only returnees
with experience, but the good news is they
don’t have to open much of a hole for the
slippery Caiazzo. Protecting Vita, though,
will be vital.
Newcomers Reese Vita, right, at quarterback and running back Demardre Patterson,
left, will be key to keeping the Cardinal Mooney offense running this season.
TIMOTHY R. WOLFRUM/[email protected]
NEEDS A BIG SEASON FROM: Reese Vita, sophomore, quarterback
Young signal-caller Reese Vita has
a hard act to follow when it comes to
slinging the ball up and down Austin
Smithers Stadium.
His predecessor, Sean McAdams,
was pitching in the Baltimore Orioles
farm system about a month after
graduation.
In other words, he had a good arm.
But while McAdams only played
football as a senior, Vita has grown up
a quarterback. He knows the game.
And at 6-foot and 175 pounds, Vita
is no shrinking violet.
“He doesn’t have that same
distance and velocity as Sean had on
the ball. But he’s got experience and
understands football,” Cardinal Mooney
head coach Josh Smithers said.
“He’s been great. He’s really been
a pleasant surprise. He really had a
tremendous offseason. He put on
about 15 pounds of muscle. Some
IN THE CORNER
of the throws he couldn’t make in
August he was making in May. His
greatest attributes right now are the
intangibles: He has great decisionmaking, smart, understands football.
He’s a great leader, great in the
huddle.”
Vita’s play will be key for Cardinal
Mooney’s offense. A strong passing
game would take pressure off senior
running back Anthony Caiazzo, who
gained an area-best 1,832 yards last
season. Caiazzo twice carried the
ball 40 or more times in a game last
season.
Keeping him fresh would come in
handy at the end of close games.
COUGARS ONLINE
Josh
Smithers,
6th year,
22-29
Much like last season, Cardinal Mooney will have little
trouble putting up points. Caiazzo and Patterson will be
hard to stop, and Vita has plenty of options on the outside.
The defense is an unknown with several newcomers at key
spots. The fact that the Cougars have just five seniors on
the roster could be problematic in big games.
— TIMOTHY R. WOLFRUM, Herald sports editor
Final 2011 regular season statistics
BAYSHORE
Record: 5-5, 1-3 Class 5A-District 10
RUSHING
Player
Att
Yds Avg. TD
Dominic Everett
163 712 4.4 5
Calvin Williams
111 464 4.2 6
Alex Mobley
28 189 6.8 2
Josh Maugherman
46
85 1.8 0
Keylan Copeland
21
58 2.8 1
Clayton Hanson
15
52 3.5 1
Derrick Williams
16
45 2.8 1
Tyler Bond
1
18 18.0 0
Jonathon Lewis
4
-8 -2.0 1
Wesley Jackson
1
-8 -8.0 0
Tyderian Jenkins
2
-1 -0.5 0
Tarwoe
1
7 7.0 0
PASSING
Player
Comp Att. Yds INT TD
Maugherman
39
81 651
5 7
Lewis
15
36 152
1 0
Wesley Jackson
1
1 34
0 1
RECEIVING
Player
Rec.
Yds Avg. TD
Wesley Jackson
15 224 14.9 0
Tyderian Jenkins
15 230 15.3 4
Alex Mobley
9 183 20.3 2
Obi Tarwoe
5
76 15.2 1
Bond
2
18 9.0 0
Copeland
2
28 14.0 0
Everett
2
26 13.0 0
Hanson
1
5 5.0 1
Zach Stuber
2
15 7.5 0
C. Williams
2
0 0.0 0
BRADEN RIVER
RUSHING
Player
Att. Yds. Avg. TD
Deon Taylor
97 345 3.6 4
Demond Bradly
35 116 3.3 0
Steven Ross
32
82 2.6 3
Dillon Cramer
9
68 7.6 0
Ryan Fischer
44
55 1.3 3
Dylan Lee
5
40 8.0 0
Trevon Young
1
17 17.0 0
Eric Schappacher
26
13 0.5 0
Austin Rain
3
10 3.3 0
Gatling
2
8 4.0 0
D’Urso
2
-6 -3.0 0
PASSING
Player
Comp Att. Yds INT TD
Ross
42 105 553
7 2
Schappacher
18
42 219
6 1
Fischer
8
23 93
2 2
RECEIVING
Player
Rec.
Yds Avg. TD
Ryan Fischer
28 328 11.7 1
Troy Gatling
14 232 16.6 2
Justin Ross
6
91 15.2 2
Dillon Cramer
5
90 16.0 0
Deon Taylor
7
73 10.4 0
Zach D’Urso
5
53 10.6 0
Steven Ross
2
32 16.0 0
Bradley
1
6 6.0 0
Cramer
1
0 0.0 0
BRADENTON CHRISTIAN
Record: 3-6, 3-5 Class 2A (urban)-District 5
RUSHING
Player
Att
Yds Avg. TD
Avian Humphrey
90 626 7.0 7
Ryan Cobb
86 372 4.3 4
Sinclair Laskett
29 216 7.4 2
Graham Courter
21
46 2.2 1
Cole Council
3
4 1.3 0
Barton
1
0 0.0 0
Lance Perkins
1 (-12)(-12.0) 0
Ferrer
10
PASSING
Player
Comp Att.
Ryan Cobb
140 248
Ferrer
4
7
RECEIVING
Player
Rec.
Austin Ferrer
31
Sinclar Laskett
31
Landen Hochstetler
16
Jordan Bolkema
11
Avian Humphrey
29
Cole Council
15
Lance Perkins
3
Courter Graham
7
Malik Barton
1
(-18) (-1.8)
1
Yds INT TD
1,983 13 16
12 0 0
Yds
564
540
321
247
197
120
6
23
3
Avg. TD
18.2 5
17.4 4
20.0 4
22.5 2
6.8 0
8.0 1
2.0 0
3.3 0
3.0 0
CARDINAL MOONEY
RUSHING
Player
Att
Yds Avg.
Anthony Caiazzo
300 1,868 6.2
Curtis Cole 11
72 6.5
Walsh
3
10 3.3
Andrew Sileo
1
8 8.0
Giardino 6
4 0.7
Reese Vita
1
2 2.0
John Giardina
5
2 0.4
Ryan Branch
1
1 1.0
Sean McAdams
49 (-38) -0.8
Rick Pecorelli
2 (-14) -0.1
PASSING
Player
Comp Att. Yds INT
Sean McAdams
77 165 920
8
RECEIVING
Player
Rec.
Yds Avg.
Rick Pecorelli
40
479 12.0
Caiazzo
9 158 17.6
Elijah Toussaint
9 126 11.1
Mike Kahl
7
58 8.3
Robertson
6
74 12.3
Levenduski
3
37 12.3
Kahl
2
20 10.0
Blair Perry
1
7 7.0
TD
15
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
0
TD
8
TD
5
1
2
0
0
0
0
0
LAKEWOOD RANCH
RUSHING
Player
Att
Yds Avg.
MacKenzie Hathaway 240 1,303 5.4
Jeren Kowalewski
67 201 3.0
Andre Cristiano
56 198 3.5
Sam Harper
30
79 2.6
Chris Pearcey
7
33 4.7
Greg Funk
5
14 2.8
Shane Blair
1
0 0.0
Alec Jones
1
6 6.0
PASSING
Player
Comp Att.
Yds INT
Kowalewski
85 153 1,189
4
Reda
0
1
0
0
RECEIVING
Player
Rec
Yds Avg
Brandon King
24 429 17.9
Lenny Twenty
21 293 14.0
Greg Funk
19 235 12.4
Connor Lewellen
12 200 16.7
Hathaway
5
40 8.0
Harper
1
2 2.0
Cournayer
4
62 15.5
TD
13
6
0
0
0
0
0
0
TD
11
0
TD
5
0
3
2
0
0
1
MANATEE
Record: 8-2, 3-0 7A-10
RUSHING
Player
Att
Leon Allen
111
Cord Sandberg
92
Yds Avg. TD
617 5.6 8
515 5.6 9
Anthony Lauro
Antonio Agurs
Taren Cotton
Yancy
Ryan Taylor
Waiters
Marquel Hines
Kelvin Carter
Robinson
56
27
18
9
14
6
2
1
1
PASSING
Player
Comp Att.
Cord Sandberg
124 173
Ryan Taylor
1
5
Anthony Lauro 0
1
Yancy
0
2
RECEIVING
Player
Rec.
Ryan Taylor
33
Anthony Lauro
38
Ja’juan Pollock
21
Allen
21
Marquel Hines
8
Sam Mason
1
McKnight
1
Ardis
1
Blake
1
Austin Gordon
2
419 7.5
103 3.8
53 2.9
39 4.3
34 2.4
32 5.3
15 7.5
4 4.0
(-1) -1.0
8
5
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
Yds INT TD
1,448 5 13
13 1 0
0 0 0
0 0 0
Yds
404
380
282
185
112
13
12
7
7
12
Avg. TD
12.2 3
10.0 4
13.4 1
8.8 2
14.0 1
13.0 0
12.0 0
7.0 0
7.0 0
6.0 2
OUT-OF-DOOR ACADEMY
RUSHING
Player
Att
Yds Avg.
Demardre Patterson 107 676 6.3
Christos Eraclides
23 118 5.1
Evan Wilson
76 343 4.5
Drew Fineberg
7
34 4.9
J.T. Ficher
22
71 3.2
Brian Ragone
9
22 2.4
Jimmy Donnellan
1
6 6.0
Dietrich 13
71 5.5
Burgett
1
3 3.0
PASSING
Player
Comp Att.
Yds INT
Evan Wilson
141 254 1,940 9
Brian Kirshe
0
1
0 0
RECEIVING
Player
Rec.
Yds Avg.
Fred Porter
33 483 14.6
Jimmy Donnellan
27 394 14.6
Patterson
14 254 18.1
Brian Ragone
14 232 16.6
Jack Cannon
17 215 12.6
Fineberg
14 105 7.5
Place
4
27 6.8
Hoppe
9 153 17.0
Jake Romine
1
7 7.0
Fiscter
4
30 7.5
TD
10
0
4
0
2
0
0
1
1
TD
16
0
TD
6
3
5
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
PALMETTO
RUSHING
Player
Att
Yds Avg.
Josh Hicks
208 1,299 6.2
Leon Gilbert
71 273 3.8
Cory Crawford
14 208 14.9
T.J. Mann
7 119 17.0
Kevin Healy
5
28 5.6
Trent Miller
41
27 1.3
Ra’Shad McDonald
9
19 2.1
Rickeem Cheaves
7
11 1.6
Reddick 2
11 5.5
J.T. Saxon
9
8 0.9
Saunders
1
9 9.0
Melvin Burston
2
-2 9.0
PASSING
Player
CompAtt.
Yds INT
Trent Miller
147 242 2,290
7
J.T. Saxon
0
3
0
0
TD
13
2
2
1
0
6
0
0
0
0
0
0
TD
29
0
Player
Shaq Harris
Cory Crawford
E.J. Burston
Hicks
Terrance Mann
Patrick Green
Gilbert
Johnson
Jackson
Saunders
Bell
Healy
RECEIVING
Rec.
28
33
31
19
8
8
11
1
1
1
2
1
Yds
708
595
406
214
133
91
54
27
11
23
6
5
Avg. TD
25.3 12
18.0 6
13.1 7
10.3 1
16.6 2
11.4 1
4.9 1
27.0 0
11.0 0
23.0 0
3.0 0
5.0 0
SAINT STEPHEN’S
Record: 0-9, 0-7 Class 2A (Urban)-District 6
RUSHING
Player
Att
Yds Avg. TD
Herman Israelsson
112 481 4.3 2
Adam Vining
42 192 4.6 2
Michael Roberts
41 165 4.0 1
Luc Goeders
14
51 3.6 0
Jeremy Jackman
16
43 2.7 0
Bermudez
2
17 8.5 0
Connor Field
4
16 4.0 0
Bobby Harrison
2
7 3.5 0
Liam Mercer
1
3 3.0 0
Michael Robinson
1
1 1.0 0
Tiag Bhamber
1
0 0.0 0
Jude Sedillo
1
-2 -2.0 0
Nick Rodhouse
11
-21 -1.9 0
PASSING
Player
Comp Att.
Yds INT TD
Roberts
27 56 464
2 4
Nick Rodhouse
8 44 109
7 1
Jackman
1
1
11
0 0
Vining
0
2
0
1 0
Harrison
0
5
0
0 0
RECEIVING
Player
Rec.
Yds Avg. TD
Vining
23 365 15.9 3
Peter Smith
7 101 14.4 1
Jackman
2
70 35.0 1
Goeders
3
30 10.0 0
Cameron Tally
2
18 9.0 0
SOUTHEAST
RUSHING
Player
Att
Yds Avg.
Courtney Allen
116 893
7.7
Brian Poole
68 447 6.6
Myles Braxton-Johnson 51 106 2.1
James Barnes
8
83 10.1
Andre Ware
14
26 1.9
Rakeem Williams
3
9 3.0
Jordan Wilson
7
2 0.3
Jacob Sannon
2
1 0.5
Porter 4
-6 -1.5
PASSING
Player
Comp Att. Yds INT
Braxton-Johnson 123 204 1,492 4
Brian Poole
7 13
80 0
Jordan Wilson
3
5
39 0
RECEIVING
Player
Rec.
Yds Avg.
Bobby Haines
32 439 13.7
Jacob Sannon
22 292 13.3
Tre Laws
24 292 12.2
Brian Peterson
16 202 12.6
Allen
11 131 12.0
Poole
15 126 8.4
Larry Woodard
3
43 14.3
Kadarius Carley
5
37 7.4
Carley
2
29 14.5
Rakeem Williams
1
11 11.0
Breyon Reed
1
4 4.0
TD
15
7
3
1
0
2
1
0
0
TD
8
2
0
TD
1
1
4
2
1
0
0
0
1
0
0
14F
THE HERALD
043199

lights - Bradenton Herald

Transcription

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