FNF Florida 2018 by Tristan antwan Heidelburg

FLORIDA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL @ F N F M AG F L #F N F M AG F L

F N F M AG A Z I N E .C O M

2018

10TH ANNUAL

F R I DAY N I G H T F O O T B A L L F L O R I DA 2 01 8

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

FLORIDA

547

FLORIDA

ALLSTATE TEAM Great Places to Enjoy Florida High School Games BEST OF THE SUNSHINE STATE

HIGH SCHOOL

TEAM PREVIEWS FNF Florida: A-Z

FACING TRAGEDY AT MARJORY STONEMAN DOUGLAS HIGH

LEGEND OF LAKELAND: BILL CASTLE MADE FOR HOLLYWOOD

Display Until October 31, 2018 $8.95

OFFICIAL FNF PARTNERS

QUASHON FULLER, LEHIGH; JOSH SANGUINETTI, UNIVERSITY SCHOOL; WARREN SAPP II, FOUNDATION ACADEMY; AKEEM DENT, PALM BEACH CENTRAL

Auto l Home l Life | Banking As important as the right coverage is to winning a football game, proper coverage is even more critical for protecting your family from life’s misfortunes. As you know, gaps in your coverage can be costly. Call your local Farm Bureau Insurance agent for a complete review of your family’s needs. We’re just down the street. Go to www.ffbic.com for the location and phone number of your closest agent. Or, we may see you at the game on Friday night!

Southern Farm Bureau® Life Insurance Co. | Florida Farm Bureau® General Insurance Co. | Florida Farm Bureau® Casualty Insurance Co.

THE FOOTBALL BOOSTER CLUB OF THE WINNING SCHOOL WILL RECEIVE UP TO A

$1,000 DONATION High schools across the country are eligible. Large schools (with documented enrollment of 1,000 students or more) are eligible for the $1,000 prize. Small schools (with less than 1,000 students enrolled) are eligible for the $500 prize.

SWEEPSTAKES *NO PURC HA SE NEC ES SARY. RULES AND RESTRIC TION S AVAIL ABLE AT FNFM AG A ZINE .C OM/MOM S

WHO HAS THE BEST HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL MOMS IN THE STATE? VOTE FOR YOUR SCHOOL AT FNFMAGAZINE.COM/MOMS

EAT. SLEEP. PLAY. REPEAT. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always time time for for aa BUBBA BUBBA burger. burger.

CONTENTS

2018 FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FLORIDA

First&10

WELCOME TO THE TENTH ANNUAL FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FLORIDA

FLORIDA

HANK YOU FOR PICKING UP THIS copy of FNF Florida magazine. We are proud to present this edition. Hopefully this is the 10th magazine you have added to your collection. If you missed a past edition, visit FNFmagazine.com so you can find out how to secure one. Florida high school football means something different to high school programs across the state. For some it is about pursuing state championships, for others it is about making the playoffs and for yet others it is about starting a new tradition. Regardless of your school’s current state, we all share one thing in common – high school football is about community.

CREDITS

There is so much to enjoy about high school football – the start of a new school year, the changing of the seasons, the excitement of sitting in the stands cheering your heart out on Friday nights. In this edition of FNF Florida we provide you with thousands of coaches and players who are committed to playing high school football. We deliver some unique stories from a tremendous group of writers and photographers who help capture the essence of Florida high school football. Thank you to them. We hope you enjoy the 2018 season! Craig Baroncelli, publisher cb@ae-engine.com

Friday Night Football Florida is published annually by A.E. Engine, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. The opinions in this publication are not necessarily the opinions of the publisher, staff or A.E. Engine, Inc.

A.E. Engine, Inc. 11880 28th St. North, Suite 101 St. Petersburg, FL 33716 PHONE 727-209-0792 EMAIL fnf@ae-engine.com EDITORIAL fnfmagazine.com COACHES fnfcoaches.com FUNDRAISING customcoverproject.com teampreviewproject.com CORPORATE ae-engine.com PUBLISHER

Craig Baroncelli

MANAGING EDITOR Dan Guttenplan ART DIRECTOR Jason Tedeschi

DIGITAL DIRECTOR Nicole Cooper

SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR Josh Mull GRAPHIC DESIGNER Joe Rabuck

FEATURE

Bill Castle: The Legend of Lakeland PAGE 9

RECRUITS

The best players Florida has to offer have spent years improving their talent. FAST 50 SENIORS PRESENTED BY ADVIL P.14 EMERGING TALENT PRESENTED BY EMERGEN-C P.16

TEAM PREVIEWS KICKOFF

The stories making an impact in the world of Florida high school football. HOT READS P.6 FNF MAGAZINE REWIND P.8 FANTASTIC FOUR: 2018 FNF FLORIDA COVER STARS P.10 FNF PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR P.11 CONCUSSION EDUCATION P.12

FEATURES

Florida football tales of sorrow, struggle, inspiration and victory. FACING TRAGEDY AT MARJORY STONEMAN DOUGLAS HIGH P.18 FNF FLORIDA: A-Z P.20 PLAYING WITH PURPLE AND GOLD PRIDE P.26 GREAT PLACES TO ENJOY FLORIDA HIGH SCHOOL GAMES P.28 NOTHING COMES EASY P.30

TEAM FLORIDA

7 WAYS TO PREVENT JOINT AND LIGAMENT INJURIES P.32 NO DISABILITY WILL DEFINE TRISTON KNIGHT P.34 FOOTBALL MADE ME: MIKE VALLETUTTI P.34 MADE FOR HOLLYWOOD P.36 MANATEE MAKEOVER P.38 A GAME OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN P.40

The top players on offense and defense in the Sunshine State. PAGE 42

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FLORIDA 2018

The FNF Florida high school preview section features 547 teams MIAMI-DADE P.44 BROWARD P.48 PALM BEACH P.54 SPACE/TREASURE COAST P.56 SOUTHWEST P.60 TAMPA BAY P.65 HEARTLAND P.73 CENTRAL P.76 BIG BEND P.82 FIRST COAST P.85 NORTH CENTRAL P.89 PANHANDLE P.93 TEAM DIRECTORY P.96

FNF MAGAZINE

SR. VICE PRESIDENT, SALES David Watson VICE PRESIDENT, EXECUTIVE ACCOUNTS

Dayne Maasdorp VICE PRESIDENT Chris Vita

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Peter

Gilchriest, John Engle, Chris Dize, Justin Hand, Mark Morales, John Gallup, Dennis Fasone WRITERS WALTER VILLA, JUSTIN Barney, Daniel Paulling, Andy Villamarzo, DanDeLuca, Manny Navarro, Mark Lawrence, Clint Thompson, Eric Jackson, Devin Golden, Todd Weber, Zach Leete PHOTOGRAPHY Stephanie Gamble, Quashon Fuller, John Peery (The Apopka Chief), Tom Martinez, Gene Nardi, Justin Leiba, Ryan Kuttler, Todd Sellitto, Mike Carlson, Andrew Ivins, Ken Fields, Katie Grace, Sallye Holler, Hasani Harper (H2Athletes), Daniel Paulling SPECIAL THANKS TO the coaches and media relations contacts for completing our annual questionnaire and assisting with photography; the players, fans and administrators who make this enjoyable.

EDITOR’S NOTE: We have done our best to get every name and statistic correct. We apologize, in advance, for any mistakes that appear in print. In order to receive the most comprehensive team profile possible, a coach or school representative can fill out our annual questionnaire at fnfsurvey.com.

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Hot Reads

BY DEVIN GOLDEN

THE LATEST NEWS FROM THE WORLD OF FLORIDA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

FHSAA Football Expands Playoffs in Classes 1A-4A

NFL Players Aiding Irma Recovery

QUALIFYING FOR THE FLORIDA HIGH SCHOOL Athletic Association football postseason has for long been about the number four. Be one of the top four teams in your region, and you’re in. Now, in classes 1A through 4A, the number is six. The FHSAA board approved expanding the playoffs in those four classes — considered the “small schools” half of the FHSAA championships — by eight teams in football. The top six teams from each of the classes’ four regions will advance to the playoffs each season. The decision was made in January after the rule change passed the football advisory committee. It will expand the number of teams in each classes’ postseason bracket to 24, meaning the top two teams from each region and top eight overall will earn first-round byes. It also lengthens postseason play by one week, to five rounds instead of the previous four-round schedule. “I like it because the 1 and 2 seeds [from each region] get a bye,” Baker School coach and athletic director Matt Brunson said, “and the 3 and 4 seeds get to host a game, which they wouldn’t get to otherwise. I would rather have an open week the first round [for teams with a bye] instead of two weeks between the semifinals and finals.” The FHSAA changed to a playoff-qualification system based around points for the 2017 season. The alteration to the rules also removed districts from the small-schools classes but kept them for classes 5A through 8A, with the district champs in each region qualifying for the postseason and the remaining spots determined by the points system. Many coaches in the small schools classes are in favor of the rules change. First Baptist coach and athletic director Billy Sparacio told the Naples Daily News that “any time you give more teams a chance to be in the playoffs, it’s always a good thing.” South Walton athletic director and coach Phil Tisa added, “I don’t have a problem with it. It gives more people an opportunity and I’d like one of those for my boys.”

a significant amount of damage to Central and South Florida communities, including high schools. One school, Immokalee High, received some much-needed financial aid from a current and former NFL star. Dominique RodgersCromartie, a cornerback for the New York Giants, and former running back Edgerrin James helped donate $20,000 to the school after the athletic budget took a hit recovering from the storm. Irma caused games to be canceled, including the annual Immokalee-Naples showdown. That rivalry game generates the most ticket sales all season for the Indians, according to a report from USA Today. UnitedHealthcare donated the money in conjunction with Dreambuilders Foundation. The latter organization partners with pro athletes to raise funds for children. James is an Immokalee native and RodgersCromartie is from fellow Florida community Bradenton.

BTM! Big-Time Team Mottos IT HAS BEEN AN AGE-OLD TRADITION FOR TEAMS TO use mottos or slogans to unify a squad. Here is a list of some of our favorite mottos being used by Florida high school football teams in 2017. ■■ Parkland Stoneman Douglas: Faith, Family, Football ■■ Miami Booker T. Washington: Believe in WORK, ■■ Believe in TEAM ■■ Miami Columbus: Anchor Down ■■ Tallahassee Godby: Just Work ■■ Ocala Christian Academy: Culture, Compete, Conquer ■■ Branford: Team > You > Me ■■ Apopka: HOKA HEY ■■ Astronaut: Won’t Back Down ■■ Ocala West Port: As One ■■ Coconut Creek: B.E.L.I.E.V.E. ■■ Graceville: Restore The Roar 6

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FLORIDA 2018

HURRICANE IRMA CAUSED

Being Deaf Will Not Deter Carcamo FREDERICK CARCAMO, A

defensive lineman for Southwest Miami High School, has overcome a hearing impairment to record a tackle during the team’s varsity spring game earlier this year. Carcamo played for the junior varsity squad in 2017 and head coach Donnie March said he most likely will play JV again in 2018, however he expects Carcamo to “dress out for varsity games” at some point during the season. March, a Southwest Miami alumni, had a teammate with the same disability when he played for the Eagles. “I told Freddie about him and am trying to set up a meeting,” March said. “Despite [Carcamo’s] disability, he was the least shy of the spotlight and has become a key part of our team.”

Bill Kramer

Naples High Legend Bill Kramer Inducted into FHSAA Hall of Fame TWO STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS AND 196 WINS IN THE last 20 seasons. At nearly a 10-win-per-year average, Naples High coach Bill Kramer deserves the label of “legend.” He’s also deserving of the “Hall of Famer” moniker. Kramer was inducted into the FHSAA Hall of Fame in April 2018, when he was honored for building the Naples Golden Eagles into the powerhouse that they continue to be today. Kramer led Naples to state championships in 2001 and 2007 and at least nine wins in all but one season since 2006. Additionally, the Golden Eagles have made the postseason each year this decade, all under Kramer’s guidance. “It’s somewhat overwhelming,” Kramer told the Naples Daily News about his induction, “because it takes me back, all of the kids, all of the coaches, that I’ve had the good fortune to work with. This is actually a group award.” Kramer came to the Southwest Florida school from American High in Miami in 1998. It culminated with the program’s second state title in 2007, when the Eagles went undefeated. However, he told the Naples Daily News after his induction that his greatest accomplishment was building the character of the many players he’s coached in the past two decades. “We want to use football as a tool to build great husbands and great fathers and the habits that it takes to be great husbands and great fathers,” he said to the newspaper.

2017 FHSAA Football State Champions CLASS 1A: Madison County CLASS 2A: Hilaleah Champagnat CLASS 3A: Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna CLASS 4A: Jacksonville Raines CLASS 5A: Plantation American Heritage CLASS 6A: Miami Northwestern CLASS 7A: Venice CLASS 8A: Orlando Dr. Phillips FNF MAGAZINE

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REWIND

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FLORIDA

FNF Magazine Rewind 2011

On The Cover: Kent Taylor, Land O’ Lakes; Tracy Howard, Miramar; Duke Johnson, Miami Norland; Matt Jones, Seffner Armwood; John Theus, Jacksonville Bolles; Eddie Williams, Panama City Arnold; Travis Blanks, North Florida Christian

HIT

The “Blitz” feature creatively spotlighted some of the state’s top players, including Duke Johnson, now a running back with the Cleveland Browns.

2012

The feature on Shaquill and Shaquem Griffin. Shaquem, who plays without a left hand, made national news when the Seahawks drafted him in 2018.

2009 8

MISS Not putting Dante Fowler on the cover was most certainly a swing and a miss.

Who Could Have Been on the Cover: Dante Fowler, St. Petersburg

Lakewood; Nelson Agholor, Tampa Berkeley Prep

Quotable:

“‘The Florida Pipeline’ feature was a great read. Corey Long did a great job breaking down the college recruiting network across the country.”

– CRAIG BARONCELLI, PUBLISHER

Who Could Have Been on the Cover: Joey Bosa, St.

On The Cover: Glades Day Senior Kelvin Taylor HIT

TIMELINE

FLORIDA

Thomas Aquinas, Derrick Henry, Yulee, Vernon Hargreaves III, Tampa Wharton

MISS Not focusing enough attention on running back Derrick Henry, who won the Heisman Trophy at Alabama.

Quotable:

“The story and photography we featured in this edition on the Griffin twins was some of the best work we have done. It is fascinating to look back at these special people.” – CRAIG BARONCELLI, PUBLISHER

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FLORIDA

2010

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FLORIDA 2018

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015 FNF MAGAZINE

2016 @FNFMAGFL

2017 @FNFMAGFL

The Legend of Lakeland

For 42 years, Bill Castle has led the Lakeland Dreadnaughts and he’s not about to stop now. BY RICK BROWN

Bill Castle YEARS AS HEAD COACH: 42 (all at Lakeland High School) CAREER RECORD: 417-89 HIGHLIGHTS: 2-time USA Today National Champion, 6 state championships, FHSAA Coach of the Century, Polk County Sports Hall of Fame, FHSAA Hall of Fame, 60-game win streak (state record), 53-game regular season win streak (a state record).

READ MORE AT FNFMAGAZINE.COM

AKELAND HIGH SCHOOL HEAD FOOTBALL COACH Bill Castle has mellowed. About to enter his 43rd season as head coach of the Dreadnaughts and a list of accolades and accomplishments that would make stoic Bill Belichick smile, it is a natural occurrence. If he never coached again, the Florida High School Athletic Association’s Coach of the Century would have nothing else to prove. But just because he’s mellowed doesn’t mean his competitive fire has dimmed. Castle still wants to win. It is that desire that fueled him when he started as a head coach in 1976 at the age of 30 and still pushes him more than 400 wins, six state championships and two USA National Championships today. “He just enjoys what he does,” said Polk County Athletic Director Dan Talbot, who was an assistant under Castle for 10 years. “Everybody in life is searching to find that thing they absolutely truly love. I don’t think he ever wants to retire. He enjoys putting a game plan together and knowing someone else is trying to beat him. He’s ultra-competitive and enjoys what he does every single day. “I’m just intrigued by X’s and O’s part; the competition and stuff,” Castle said of his love for football. “There’s nothing like winning. It’s the opposite when you lose. You get real high when you win and real down when you lose.” The competitive spirit and the constant desire to get better has been a part of Castle’s life since growing up and playing sports in Tennessee. Football gives him his fix every day. “When I think of Bill Castle, I think of legacy,” said Lakeland High School Principal Art Martinez. “Ironically. I played for him, coached with him, now I work with him. He’s not like no other. His work ethic is unparallel. It’s what makes him successful. “He has an incredible drive to win,” Martinez said. “It’s about that next game. If he loses, he doesn’t go blame the officials. It’s just we didn’t do a good job and move on to the next week. He doesn’t go back and reminisce about the wins, it’s about getting better; how do we continue to do what we do. Those type of coaches are successful.”

“I’ve always wanted to have success,” he said. “I always try to give a good effort in everything I do. Sometimes I feel like I may get out the next day. But I still have that passion and still enjoy what I’m doing. From off the field to on the field. I have to admit, I like on the field practicing and trying to get better.” Former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Ahmad Black, who played cornerback on the Dreadnaught team that won three straight state titles, fondly remembers those practices battling against Castle, who still calls the offensive plays. “It didn’t matter who you were, he would challenge you,” Black said. “I finished with the interception record at Lakeland, but there were times I remember going to practice and he would come up behind me and say, ‘We’re going to try you today, so you better be ready.’ I mean, who does that? But that’s the mentality he always brought. He was going to go at the best.” That mentality has been successful. Even if teams don’t get intimidated playing at Bill Castle Field at Bryant Stadium, with its painted endzones and cannons blasting after each score, they then have to deal with a strong team. Castle has never had a losing record. Not one. He led the Dreadnaughts to a state-record 60-game win streak, including 53-straight regular-season wins, also a state mark. It has driven opposing coaches crazy, especially in Polk County. “I want to kick his [butt] this year,” said city rival coach Irving Strickland of Kathleen, laughing. “As a player I was 1-3 against him. As a coach, I’m 2-and-whatever. I’m the only coach to beat him twice in Polk County that I know of, at least in Lakeland. I want to do it again. “You have to respect what he has done as a coach and in the community,” Strickland said. “Love him or don’t like him, you can’t deny what he has accomplished.” Despite the intense rivalry between the programs, Strickland said he has the utmost respect for Castle. Early in his career, Strickland said he and Castle ran across each other and Castle approached him. “‘Coach, I’m just going to tell you, what you’re doing over there, you’re doing a great job with those kids and school,’” Strickland recalled. “‘Just continue to do what you’re doing and keep the program going and you’ll be alright. You can’t worry about what people say about you. “‘People forget these are still kids,’” Castle continued. “‘You’re going to be protective of your kids. But they still have to pay those $6 to watch.’ That’s one piece of advice I took from him and grew from it. I took that to heart.” Castle is proud of the players who have been fortunate enough to play in college and professional football. He is as proud of the players who become productive citizens. For him, while the competition drives him, in the end it has always been about the kids. When Lakeland wins, he gives his players and his assistants all the credit. In the losses, he takes all the blame. Black said every time Castle talked to the team after practices and games, he noticed the coach would get goosebumps on his arms. “He’s not normal,” Black said. “He’s just so passionate.” While people outside of the state may relate Ray Lewis to the city of Lakeland, those in the state of Florida would likely associate that designation to Castle. “I’ve always said, it takes more than one person to have a successful football program,” Castle. “I’m fortunate to have the support of administrators and great principals who helped us get the things to be successful.” FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FLORIDA 2018

COVER CONTEST

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FLORIDA

Fantastic Four 2018 FNF FLORIDA COVER STARS

Quashon Fuller and Warren Sapp II were voted by the fans to represent their communities on the cover of the magazine through the 2018 FNF Coverboy Contest. Top prospects Akeem Dent and Josh Sanguinetti were selected by the FNF staff.

FLORIDA Warren Sapp II FOUNDATION ACADEMY DEFENSIVE LINEMAN SENIOR WARREN SAPP II RECOGNIZES IT’S GOING TO BE nearly impossible for him to emerge out of the shadow of his Pro Football Hall of Fame father, Warren Sapp Sr. – especially as a defensive lineman in Florida. But that doesn’t mean he’s not going to try. Sapp, a 6-foot-1, 235-pound senior does not stand in anyone’s shadow on the Foundation Academy campus. Sapp is a “campus leader”, according to Foundation Academy coach Brad Lord. Sapp finished last season as a First Team All-State selection despite playing in just eight games. “He’s a big-time player being recruited by multiple FBS schools,” Lord said. “He’s an outstanding student.” Splitting time between nose guard, a three-technique defensive tackle and defensive end, Sapp tallied 33 solo tackles, 16 assists, 13 sacks, 14 hurries and two blocked punts last season. He squats over 500 pounds, benches 300, and runs a 4.6-second 40. “He’s very explosive off the ball and has exceptional speed and upper-body strength,” Lord said.

BY DAN GUTTENPLAN

Quashon Fuller LEHIGH HIGH SCHOOL DEFENSIVE END SENIOR QUASHON FULLER IS PROUD TO CALL HIMSELF A Florida State commit. The 6-foot-4, 277-pound prospect will be the latest member of his family to make his mark on the Tallahassee campus. Fuller is related to Florida State alumna Doby Flowers, who is part of an “Integration Statue” by the FSU bookstore. Flowers is honored for being the first black homecoming queen at Florida State in 1970. Her brother, Fred Flowers, is also part of that tribute. He was the first black athlete on campus. Fuller said the Flowers are his “great cousins.” Another FSU connection for Fuller: Lehigh coach James Chaney wore No. 96 for the Seminoles and played with Heisman Trophy winner Charlie Ward. So, it’s no wonder Fuller chose FSU as his school of choice. When he gets there, he’ll be playing for his mother, Mechelle Hadley. “She’s like my dad because my dad has never been there and is the reason why I do this,” Fuller said. 10

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FLORIDA 2018

Akeem Dent PALM BEACH CENTRAL DEFENSIVE BACK SENIOR AKEEM DENT WAS RATED THE NO. 1 CORNERBACK IN the nation before last season – so it seemed like a big ask to get him to switch to safety in his first year at Palm Beach Central. The 6-foot-1 former cornerback made the move and promptly made a huge impact at his new position, totaling 81 tackles, five interceptions and one sack. After transferring from Pahokee in the offseason, Dent was the centerpiece of a Broncos defense and a major reason the team went from 3-7 to 8-3 and district champions. “It’s satisfying,” Dent said. “This is my first and only year playing safety, and actually being top-notch at that position makes me feel good.” Dent committed to Florida State last fall, and remains committed despite the departure of head coach Jimbo Fisher. Willie Taggart, a former head coach at Western Kentucky, USF and Oregon, took over for Fisher in December. Dent will look to follow in the footsteps of some legendary FSU defensive backs, such as Deion Sanders, Terrell Buckley, LeRoy Butler, Derwin James and Jalen Ramsey. FNF MAGAZINE

Josh Sanguinetti UNIVERSITY SCHOOL ATHLETE SENIOR IS IT POSSIBLE THAT JOSH

Sanguinetti is the top safety prospect in the nation, but the second-best overall prospect on his own team? It could be. Sanguinetti is part of a four-star duo at the University School, along with running back Kenny McIntosh. The pair has been racking up the FBS scholarship offers since last fall, when they dominated at the high school level. The Sharks went 9-2 last season – the two losses: eventual 3A state champ Chaminade-Madonna and 4A runner-up Cocoa, which won it all the previous year, in that semifinal. “States or nothing,” said Sanguinetti. “We’re right where we left off last year – just, we need to put in a little bit extra work so we can win states this year.” At 6-foot-2, 170 pounds, Sanguinetti is a threat on both sides of the ball as a safety and wide receiver. He and McIntosh could very well end up at the same college – as both are said to be leaning toward Miami.

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PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR 2018

2018 FINALISTS

WINNING PHOTO

HIS MAY NOT BE THE LAST YOU hear of Emma Gellman as a photographer. The American Heritage senior appears to have a bright future ahead of her, with a photography trip to the Galapagos Islands for National Geographic on the docket after graduation. Gellman’s sports photography also leaves little to be desired. Her submission to the 2017 FNF Photographer of the Year Contest earned her the contest’s top honor. Gellman has been shooting football games at American Heritage since she was in sixth grade, when her older brother was a member of the school’s football team. She plans to study Photography and Digital Art along with Environmental Science and Sustainability in college at Elon University. “I was so fortunate to have been welcomed onto the fields and courts at my school,” Gellman said. “I had the support of the football coaches, athletic department and athletes. I was lucky enough to go to

three state championships in high school and two in middle school.” Gellman takes action photos with a Nikon 5300, primarily with a 300 millimeter lens. She has been asked to shoot Under Armour All-America games as well as state championship games in multiple sports. “I mostly stay on the Heritage fields, but have gone to other schools for friends who are in elite sports,” Gellman said. “American Heritage is special because of the people involved. The administration and athletic department really encourage students to be involved and participate in sports, even if they aren’t athletes. We have student managers, statisticians, trainers, videographers … It motivates us to become the best we can be.” Gellman is proof that if you work hard doing something you love, it will never feel like work. “You will learn from each game, match or meet,” Gellman said. “Just assess your photos and decide how to improve.”

THE GELLMAN FILE GELLMAN’S PHOTO OF AMERICAN HERITAGE SENIOR

Marcus Lodge carrying a defender into the end zone received 51 percent of the vote in the state of Florida. “I think the winning photo of Marcus was a combination of being on the field for every game for years, knowing the coaches and the players, a lot of running, and even more luck,” Gellman said. “You have to think ahead. However, sometimes being in the right place isn’t always enough. The unpredictability of sports photography can be a challenge. A ref or player can walk right in front of a winning shot.” Three photographers were voted 2018 FNF Photographer of the Year by high school football fans across three states. One photographer from each of the FNF publication regions — Florida, Georgia and Ohio — has earned the title of Photographer of the Year and will have her work featured in the 2018 edition of FNF.

Photographers interested in submitting entries for the 2019 FNF Photographer of the Year can do so at fnfmagazine.com/poty.

READ MORE AT FNFMAGAZINE.COM

FINDING THE END ZONE. Belton High’s Cameron Davis goes in for a score. Photo by Jade Wollenberg. RUNNING OUT OF ROOM. Lincoln running back John Bailey is swarmed by Rickards’ defenders. Photo by Kyle Wood. GETTING REPS. Edgewater’s Malik Prioleau warms up before a game against Boone. Photo by Natasha Foster. SHINING LIGHT. Eustis running back Shamar Buggs finds daylight. Photo by Robin Hamel. HIGH POINT. Aucilla Christian Academy’s Brady Browning makes the interception against Munroe’s Tyrek Barkley. Photo by Tammy Wise-Thrash.

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FLORIDA 2018

KICKOFF

Educate Coaches, Players, Parents About Concussions BY DAN GUTTENPLAN

HERE’S NO WAY TO PREVENT CONCUSSIONS 100 percent of the time in a collision sport like football, but there are ways to better protect athletes through education and training. Help make the sport safer by learning the basics in concussion safety. As concussion research has allowed experts to draw a direct line between football and head injuries, coaches have taken preventative measures to make the game safer by reducing the risk of concussions in practice. Some of these measures include reducing the number of contact periods and changing the way players tackle in practice to reduce helmet-to-helmet hits. “It’s difficult to prevent a concussion, but we’re already seeing changes in the rules of the game, the way practices are held, and the way coaches are limiting contact during practice,” said Florida Hospital Sports Concussion Program Manager Michael Dougherty, ATC. “The change in philosophy to limit exposures has been positive. Educating athletes on what a concussion is and what to look for is equally important.” A concussion, or concussive traumatic brain injury, is an injury caused by a jolt or blow to the head that prevents the brain from working normally. Sometimes the symptoms of concussion will only last a day or less, while other times they may stick around for weeks or months. Identifying a concussion immediately after the blow to the head can help reduce the risk of more severe head injuries. If an athlete suffers a second blow to the head before the concussion has been resolved, the symptoms are likely to be more severe and the recovery time increases. “There’s not one magic pill or quick fix to identify a concussion,” Dougherty said. “It takes a village. Everybody should be educated, from officials, to coaches, to athletes, to parents so that they can identify it. Having a certified athletic trainer and EMT, paramedic or physician who is trained in concussion management on the sideline is ideal.” Symptoms of a concussion include: headache, nausea or vomiting, difficulty thinking normally, memory problems, difficulty walking or dizziness, vision problems, fatigue, mood changes, changes in sleep patterns, seeing flashing lights, the feeling of “losing time,” and a loss of consciousness. These can be both immediate and delayed symptoms—meaning that some may not start for weeks or months after the injury—and they can range in severity from mild to severe. Severe symptoms that require immediate medical care include: changes in consciousness or alertness, becoming and remaining unconscious, seizures, muscle weakness on one or both sides, persistent confusion, repeated vomiting, unequal pupils, unusual eye movements and walking problems. Delayed symptoms that may not show up for days after the concussive event can include: concentration and memory problems, irritability and personality changes, sensitivity to light and noise, sleep problems, depression, and taste and smell disorders. Dougherty said it’s also helpful if a medical professional has experience working with the players so that he or she has somewhat of a baseline for how the player typically behaves and reacts. “Knowing the athletes and having a good history is equally important,” Dougherty said. “That way, the medical

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FLORIDA 2018

Concussion protocol has become a critical part of the game of football.

professional can tell if anything changes. There’s a questionnaire a healthcare professional can use to determine if the athlete can return to play based on some type of sideline assessment.” For many concussion cases, treatment involves careful observation and making sure the patient gets lots of rest during the day and night, as well as avoiding certain physical activities and perhaps taking some over-the-counter medicines to relieve headache. If symptoms do not get better after a few days, or if they get worse, the patient should see a doctor who specializes in concussions.

Delayed symptoms that may not show up for days after the concussive event can include: concentration and memory problems, irritability and personality changes, sensitivity to light and noise, sleep problems, depression, and taste and smell disorders. “Symptoms can last more than a month in 20 percent of the cases,” Dougherty said. “It’s important to understand what aspects of function are limited and address those.” Before an athlete returns to play from a concussion, he must pass a series of steps. The timetable is different for every concussion. “It’s important to put an athlete on a return to learn program as well as a return to play when it’s warranted,” Dougherty said. “Should this athlete stay out of school? Should he be in school with limited activities? If we find him symptom free and performing regular academic requirements without needing restrictions, we can start talking about returning to the field of play. Even then, we want to see an athlete pass through four stages of physical exertion before he’s cleared to play in a game.” FNF MAGAZINE

The Return to Play Policy

BY FHSAA RULE, ANY

student athlete who exhibits signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with a concussion including, but not limited to: loss of consciousness, headache, dizziness, confusion, or balance problems, shall be immediately removed from the contest or practice and shall not return to play until cleared by an appropriate health-care professional. When you suspect that a player has a concussion, follow the “Heads Up” 4-step Action Plan: Remove the athlete from play. Ensure that the athlete is evaluated by an appropriate health-care professional. Inform the athlete’s parents or guardians about the possible concussion and give them information on concussions. Keep the athlete out of play the day of the injury and until an appropriate health-care professional says he or she is symptom-free and gives the okay to return to activity.

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Concussion Symptoms From Florida’s Concussion Experts

Keep this infographic on hand during football season to help recognize a concussion and get fast access to treatment with Florida Hospital’s highly specialized, multidisciplinary Concussion Program.

Emotional

• Altered behavior/ personality • Anxious/nervous • Decreased motivation • Feeling more emotional • Irritability • Sadness/depression

• • • • • •

Cognitive

Confusion Difficulty concentrating Difficulty thinking clearly Feeling slowed down Foggy or groggy Memory problems

Sleep

• Difficulty falling asleep • Sleeping too little • Sleeping too much 18-SMR-03681

Physical

• Dizziness/balance problems • Fatigue/lack of energy • Headache • Nausea/vomiting • Sensitivity to light and/or noise • Visual disturbances

Recognize these symptoms? Schedule a Concussion Assessment: (407) 303-8012 | FHSportsMed.com/Concussion

Capture Those Gridiron Memories Time to Get “On the Ball!”

Personalized Photo Football Gifts and Awards

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FLORIDA’S FAST 50 FASTEST RISING MEMBERS OF THE CLASS OF 2019

FAST

FRANK LADSON, Miami South Dade, WR, 6-4, 183 AKEEM DENT, Palm Beach Central, CB, 5-11, 176 JOSH SANGUINETTI, Ft. Lauderdale University School, ATH, 6-2, 165 JEREMIAH PAYTON, Neptune Beach Duncan U. Fletcher, WR, 6-0.5, 186 TYRIQUE STEVENSON, Miami Southridge, CB, 6-0, 190 KHRIS BOGLE, Cardinal Gibbons, WDE, 6-4, 207 MARK-ANTONY RICHARDS, Wellington, ATH, 6-1, 194 KAIIR ELAM, North Palm Beach Benjamin School, CB, 6-1, 182 JAQUAZE SORRELLS, Largo, DT, 6-3, 270 WILLIAM PUTNAM, Tampa Plant, OG, 6-4, 280 JOHN DUNMORE, Chaminade-Madonna Prep, WR, 6-2, 172

Seniors

BRENDAN GANT, Kathleen, S, 6-2, 187 KEON ZIPPERER, Lakeland, TE, 6-2, 240 KENNY MCINTOSH, Ft. Lauderdale University School, RB, 6-1, 205 LLOYD SUMMERALL, Auburndale, WDE, 6-5, 218 ANTHONY SOLOMON, St. Thomas Aquinas, OLB, 6-0, 190

PRESENTED BY

TYLER DAVIS, Wekiva, DT, 6-1, 293 RIAN DAVIS, Wekiva, OLB, 6-2.5, 233 JORDAN BATTLE, St. Thomas Aquinas, S, 6-1, 187 DERICK HUNTER, Fort Myers Dunbar, SDE, 6-4, 276 GE’MON EAFORD, Deerfield Beach, OLB, 6-1, 220 Kenny McIntosh, University School

NAY’QUAN WRIGHT, Miami Carol City, RB, 5-8, 185 CHEZ MELLUSI, Naples, RB, 6-1, 205 JADEN DAVIS, St. Thomas Aquinas, CB, 5-10, 166 DANIEL CARTER, St. Thomas Aquinas, RB, 5-11, 195 MAURICE GOOLSBY, Dunnellon, WR, 6-5, 196 KEONTRA SMITH, Chaminade-Madonna Prep, S, 5-11, 195 BRAYLEN INGRAHAM, St. Thomas Aquinas, SDE, 6-4, 260 RAYMOND WOODIE III, Tallahassee Florida State Univ. School, S, 6-1, 192

Player Spotlight Kenny McIntosh UNIVERSITY SCHOOL, CLASS OF 2019 AS A JUNIOR IN 2017, KENNY MCINTOSH RUSHED FOR 1,261 YARDS AND 14 touchdowns – his second straight 1,000-yard season. But the 6-1, 205-pounder at University School (Davie, Florida) is so big, tough and talented that it is far from a certainty that he ends up as a running back in college. McIntosh has been a varsity starter since the eighth grade, breaking into the lineup as a wide receiver. “His size, speed, catching ability and all-around skill make him unique,” University School Coach Daniel Luque said. “In addition to running back and wide receiver, we’ve used him at defensive back, linebacker and even defensive end when we’ve needed a pass rush.” McIntosh comes from a big-time football family. His oldest brother, RJ, was a Miami Hurricanes star who was drafted in the fifth round this year by the New York Giants. Deon, the middle child, is a running back for Notre Dame, where he rushed for 379 yards and five touchdowns (5.7 average) in 2017. Kenny McIntosh, ranked the eighth-best running back prospect in the Class of 2019, has numerous college scholarship offers, although Miami is considered the strong frontrunner. Luque believes McIntosh may choose a school as part of a “package deal” with University School teammates Josh Sanguinetti, a defensive back, and Zay Flowers, a wide receiver. “They are more than just teammates – they are brothers,” Luque said. “They have been on the same team for the past four or five years.” –Walter Villa

TE’CORY COUCH, Chaminade-Madonna Prep, ATH, 5-9.5, 148 MIKE MORRIS, American Heritage, SDE, 6-5, 250 QUASHON FULLER, Lehigh Senior, SDE, 6-3.5, 277 TRAVIS JAY, Madison County, CB, 6-0, 175 MICHAEL TARQUIN, Belleview, OT, 6-5, 290 TYLER SCOTT, University School, S, 5-10, 181 BRIEON FULLER, Miami Doral Academy Charter, WR, 6-1, 170 CORTEZ ANDREWS, Tallahassee Godby, S, 6-2, 205 AVERY HUFF, St. Thomas Aquinas, OLB, 6-3, 200 JOHN DIXON, Tampa Chamberlain, CB, 6-0, 170 WARDRICK WILSON, Miami Doral Academy Charter, OT, 6-5, 305 RENARDO GREEN, Wekiva, CB, 6-0, 170 MARCUS TILLMAN JR., Orlando Jones, OLB, 6-1, 220 CAMERON WILLIAMS, Chaminade-Madonna Prep, WDE 6-5, 215 MARK FOX, Miami Northwestern, OT, 6-4, 290 JAHFARI HARVEY, Vero Beach, WDE 6-3, 215 BRANDON HILL, Wekiva, S, 5-11, 200 JA’MARKIS WESTON, Clewiston, ATH, 6-3, 195 KESHAWN KING, Oakleaf, RB, 6-0, 185 ETHAN WHITE, Clearwater Superior Collegiate Academy, OT, 6-5, 315 VINCENT MURPHY, St. Thomas Aquinas, OC, 6-3, 285

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FLORIDA 2018

FNF MAGAZINE

@FNFMAGFL

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FLORIDA’S EMERGING TALENT

Florida’s Emerging Talent

TOP JUNIORS RISING UP THE RECRUITING RANKS

PRESENTED BY

LEONARD MANUEL, Ocala Vanguard, WR, 6-4, 200 MARCUS ROSEMY, St. Thomas Aquinas, WR, 6-0.5, 178 DON CHANEY JR., Belen Jesuit Prep, RB, 5-10, 190 JALEN RIVERS, Oakleaf, OT, 6-5, 327 DOMINIC MAMMARELLI, Naples, TE, 6-4, 235 MALACHI WIDEMAN, Sarasota Riverview, WR, 6-4, 180 DEVON BETTY, St. Thomas Aquinas, OLB, 6-0, 190 DEMARKCUS BOWMAN, Lakeland, RB, 5-11, 180 LAWRENCE TOAFILI, Largo Pinellas Park, 6-1, 194 KEYVONE LEE, Clearwater Superior Collegiate Academy, ATH, 6-1, 205 FRED DAVIS, Jacksonville Trinity Christian Academy, CB, 6-1, 174 HENRY GRAY, Miami Central, CB, 6-1, 175 0.9715 AVANTAE WILLIAMS, Deland, ATH, 6-0, 170 Marcus Rosemy, St. Thomas Aquinas

BRYAN ROBINSON, Palm Beach Central, WR, 6-0, 175 CESAR REYES, Tampa Chamberlain, OT, 6-5, 295 MILLER MERRIWEATHER-LEWIS, Ocala Vanguard, OT, 6-3, 298 JAYLEN HARRELL, Tampa Berkeley Prep, OLB, 6-4, 235 JOHNNIE BROWN, Tampa Middleton, DT, 6-2, 250

Player Spotlight Marcus Rosemy ST. THOMAS AQUINAS, CLASS OF 2020

LAYING WIDE RECEIVER AT ST. THOMAS AQUINAS IS SPECIAL. THE tradition began in the 1980s with Michael Irvin, who is now in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Irvin was followed at Aquinas by several receivers who reached the NFL, including Leonard Hankerson, Phillip Dorsett, Rashad Greene and Richard Goodman. Aquinas receivers currently playing college football include Mike Harley (Miami), Trevon Grimes (Florida) and Elijah Moore (Ole Miss). Who’s next? The answer appears to be Marcus Rosemy, a 6-1, 185-pound rising junior who is the No. 6 receiver prospect in the nation for the Class of 2020. Rosemy didn’t play much as a sophomore – he caught just two passes for 60 yards, including a 43-yarder. But he has impressed college scouts this summer in the 7-on-7 circuit. Recruiting expert Charles Fishbein said Rosemy “has a chance” to be very good, comparing his size and skill at a similar stage to Hankerson. “Marcus has potential, but he hasn’t done it with pads yet,” Fishbein said. “He didn’t get much of a chance to play last season because Aquinas was loaded at wide receiver [with Moore and others].” Rosemy already has numerous college scholarship offers from schools such as Florida State, Florida, Georgia, Ohio State, Penn State and Texas. “I’m trying to stay in my lane – I don’t want to be cocky,” Rosemy said when asked about all his offers. “I’ve just been going to camps and polishing my skills. Going against the best defensive backs has helped me get better.” –Walter Villa

JADARIUS MCKNIGHT, Fort Myers Dunbar, ATH, 6-0, 195 LATARIE KINSLER, Pahokee, WDE 6-4, 212 CHANTZ WILLIAMS, Oakleaf, WDE, 6-4, 212 JAYLAN KNIGHTON, Deerfield Beach, RB, 5-10, 180 TIMOTHY SMITH, Sebastian River, DT, 6-4, 315 MARC BRITT, Hialeah Champagnat Catholic, ATH, 6-0, 160 TYLER BERRONG, Port Orange Atlantic, OLB, 6-2, 212 SAMUEL ANAELE, Miami Doral Academy Charter, SDE, 6-4, 243 MARCUS DUMERVIL, St. Thomas Aquinas, OT, 6-6, 300 CORBIN GIBSON, Sebastian River, ATH, 6-4, 192 JAHVANTE ROYAL, St. Thomas Aquinas, WR, 6-3, 185 LADARIUS TENNISON, Brevard Rockledge, RB, 5-9, 184 WILLIE MOISE, Chaminade-Madonna Prep, DT, 6-2.5, 276 JAQUAVION FRAZIARS, Dunnellon, ATH, 6-4, 185 BRYCE GOWDY, Deerfield Beach, WR, 6-2, 180 DEREK WINGO, St. Thomas Aquinas, OLB, 6-2, 210 XZAVIER HENDERSON, Miami Columbus, WR, 6-2.5, 180 MARCUS FLEMING, Miami Southridge, WR, 5-11, 155 JOVAN FERGUSON, St. Thomas Aquinas, ATH, 5-10, 160 AYDIN HENNINGHAM, Deerfield Beach, WR, 6-1, 200 STEPHEN DIX JR., Orlando Dr. Phillips, OLB, 6-0, 205 JONATHAN DENIS, South Dade, OG, 6-3, 270 HENRY BRYANT, Delray Beach Atlantic, DT, 5-11, 275 ANDY GARCIA, Ft. Lauderdale American Heritage, OLB, 6-1, 205 GARRETT GREENE, Tallahassee Lawton Chiles, DUAL 5-11, 180 DEVON LINGLE, Neptune Beach Duncan U. Fletcher, PRO, 6-2, 195 DEAJAUN MCDOUGLE, Deerfield Beach, WR, 5-10, 175

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FLORIDA 2018

FNF MAGAZINE

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Facing Tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High BY DAN GUTTENPLAN, FNF COACHES MANAGING EDITOR

The Parkland (Fla.) community mourned the loss of Douglas High football coach Aaron Feis, who died in a school shooting on Feb. 14.

A school shooting on the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High campus left 17 people dead, and changed everything for Eagles coach Willis May Jr.

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FLORIDA 2018

MARJORY STONEMAN DOUGLAS HIGH (FLA.) FOOTBALL coach Willis May Jr. is keeping track of the times he cries his eyes out. Not just the times he sheds a tear while thinking of a former colleague. He’s counting the times he starts sobbing uncontrollably with a feeling that it’s never going to stop. “It helps to see each other cry,” May said. “We’re all on the same page. It’s OK for us to see each other have a hard day.” May’s count of sobbing episodes is up to four, and there’s no telling how many more are in store. He sobbed on Feb. 14 when he finally got home after a school shooting that left 17 people dead on his school’s campus. He sobbed again when he saw the 8-year-old daughter of his assistant coach, Aaron Feis, the man who died in the shooting while protecting students. The emotions spilled out of May for a third time when he saw the 19-year-old son of his athletic director, Chris Hixon, who also died in the shooting. And finally, he lost it for the fourth time when he saw his offensive linemen serving as pallbearers and carrying the casket of Feis at the coach’s funeral. “What 16- or 17-year-old kid should have to carry their coach?” May said. “You just don’t do that. It was hard. It hurts every day.” The healing process for May and the Parkland, Fla. community does not come in the form of a straight line. Some days are better than others; there are setbacks and breakthroughs. Sometimes events and activities that are meant to serve as distractions instead offer painful reminders of the school shooting. FNF MAGAZINE

@FNFMAGFL

Community Outreach for Parkland Students THE PARKLAND

One example came at a recent recruiting trip, organized by May, to Florida Atlantic University. May took 14 studentathletes to a football clinic at FAU to watch the team practice. As they were taking a tour of the athletic complex, a maintenance worker started hammering a nail into a wall. “My kids were hitting the damn ground,” May said. “That’s our new norm. We have to deal with that.” In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, May needed to focus on caring for himself. He soaked in the love of his wife, Melissa, and three sons, Jordan, Corey and Jared, before considering his place as the leader of a community that had just been rocked by tragedy. With so many people grieving and the sport of football seeming insignificant in the grand scheme, May could have been forgiven if he scrapped the spring training season and focused on what seemed to be more pressing needs for the players. Instead, he used football to bring the community closer. “That’s our family; that’s the only thing we’ve got,” May said. “My kids feel like that too, so I’m grateful. We try to make the kids feel wanted and cared for. Yes, I find us hugging more now. We tell the kids we love them more. We’ve got to have each other’s backs, but we can also coach them hard.” Coach May recently took his players for a training run around the Douglas campus, stopping in the 1200 building – the site of the school shooting. There, he gave players an opportunity to share their thoughts and emotions. The players found the session therapeutic and learned they were all on the same page when it came to managing their grief. “We need to heal physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually,” May said. “It’s not a normal year where you’re just trying to improve physically. We have to worry about improving our minds and attitudes. Are we working to make those 17 angels proud? Lying down and quitting is not what they’d be doing.” Quitting doesn’t appear to have been a word in Feis’ vocabulary. He died trying to protect the students that he served in his role as a Douglas staff member and football coach. He often welcomed college recruiters into the building and led them to Coach May’s office for discussions on players. The day of the shooting, he was supposed to welcome a coach from Nichols College, but instead found himself in the 1200 Building at the time of the “Code Red.” READ MORE AT FNFMAGAZINE.COM

A Douglas alumnus, Feis played center for Douglas from 1995 to 1998, and returned to the school as a coach in 2002. He is mourned by his wife, Melissa, and daughter, Ariel. Feis’ desk was right next to May’s in the football office. “We have to get through this together,” May said. “We’re better off if we do it together. We want to go from tragedy to triumph. We want ESPN to come in here and do a story about how we worked harder than ever to get what we wanted to achieve out of life. We won’t let one kid ruin the rest of our lives. These guys are bonded together closer than ever.”

community has been on the receiving end of many empathetic acts since the tragedy on Feb. 14. In early March, Los Angeles Chargers defensive tackle Corey Liuget, a Miami native and Hialeah Senior High alumnus, donated $10,000 to the Stoneman Douglas High football team to create a scholarship fund honoring Feis. The Miami Dolphins also hosted a youth football clinic with the school in March. At the NFL Draft in April, Stoneman Douglas had a prominent presence with the Dolphins. Along with 18 graduating seniors from the Stoneman Douglas football team, the family of Feis announced the Dolphins’ draft picks during Rounds 4-7 on April 28. Douglas High quarterback Tyler Goodman committed to play football a small Massachusetts Division III school, Nichols College, because of the bond he formed with a coach and an administrator from the college during the shooting. Nichols College recruiter Paul Brower and football assistant, St. Clair Ryan, were meeting with Douglas coach Willis May Jr. and four Douglas seniors on Feb. 14 when the call for a “Code Red” came through over the school’s audio system. They learned through social media that their beloved Coach Feis had been shot.

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FLORIDA 2018

Florida Football

Florida high school football is filled with a dizzying number of storylines – coaches and players, rivalries and rules changes, trends and tactics. FNF Florida magazine set out to capture the essence of the 2018 football season with an alphabetical look at some of the people, places and things to watch for. BY ZACH LEETE

AKEEM DENT. Palm Beach Central’s Akeem Dent is a 5-11, 176-pound powerhouse cornerback with the type of pure athleticism and field vision that makes current NFL cornerbacks Chris Harris Jr. and A.J. Bouye so dangerous on the field. Dent’s future in college football is already cemented. After being actively recruited by flagship universities including LSU, Miami, Georgia, and Clemson, Dent has committed to Florida State. However, the highly sought recruit isn’t done weighing his options just yet. University of Florida’s new coach, Dan Mullen, reportedly visited Dent’s high school in an attempt to steal Dent from longtime rival FSU. Dent is currently ranked third among CBs across the nation and fourth overall in the state. He will be tasked with repeating his already impressive performances in his senior year, but his future is looking very bright. If Dent gains 20 lbs. he will be physically indistinguishable from top-ranked cornerbacks in the NFL, and he already possesses the type of cerebral capacity that allows a cornerback to disrupt the offense and force turnovers. BLINDSIDE BLOCKING. Keeping high school studentathletes safe and healthy has been one of the most important and divisive issues this offseason. The game of football is changing to accommodate a bevy of safer practices and procedures, but finding the balance between safety and purity is becoming more and more difficult as players, coaches, and researchers unearth the root of modern football’s problems regarding safety. Luckily, certain rules being implemented are targeting facets of the game that clearly need tweaking such as blindside blocking. The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Football Rules Committee has established a new definition for what constitutes blindside blocking to help protect high school athletes. According to NFHS.org, a blindside block is now defined as “a block against an opponent other than the runner, who does not see the blocker approaching.” This action will now result in a 15-yard penalty. They further describe a blindside block as involving “contact by a blocker against an opponent who, because of physical positioning and focus of concentration, is vulnerable to injury. Unless initiated with open hands, it is a foul for excessive and unnecessary contact when the block is forceful and outside of the free-blocking zone.”

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FLORIDA 2018

CHEZ MELLUSI. Naples High School’s Chez Mellusi fielded twodozen Division I scholarship offers before verbally committing to Clemson in April. The 6-1, 205-pound running back has posted an impressive 2,347 offensive yards as a member of the Golden Eagles and he is looking to boost that number higher in his senior year. Naples is known as one of Southwest Florida’s premier football programs, but Mellusi is undoubtedly one of the best offensive players the venerable high school has produced in the last decade. The Clemson Tigers are accustomed to acquiring top recruits from Southwest, and Mellusi is far from an outlier. His strength and quickness are unparalleled for the area. He has the raw physicality to break tackles, the vision to exploit cracks in the defense, the speed to simply outrun you, and the natural impulse to adjust his game and takeover in crunch time. Mellusi is one of the most complete offensive threats in the state of Florida. His productivity will be scary under the guidance of Clemson coach Dabo Swinney. Mellusi seems reasonably optimistic about his post-high school plans, “Clemson is an amazing school, and the football speaks for itself,” Mellusi said. “They’re always fired up. They play in the playoffs almost every year. What better place would you want to be?” FNF MAGAZINE

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DUNBAR HIGH LINEBACKERS. Not one…not two…but three linebackers from Dunbar High School are being recruited by Florida State football coach and recruiting virtuoso Willie Taggart to help strengthen FSU’s defense over the next several years. Taggart is famous for scouting early and scouting thoroughly, which explains why this year’s recruiting class is ranked No. 1. He hopes to continue this trend by securing Dunbar High’s trio of firecracker linebackers that includes Derick Hunter Jr., Jadarius McKnight, and Terrod Kearse. Hunter, a junior, is the eldest of the three and recognizes the unique situation the boys are in. They have grown up together and pushed each other to reach their peak, but that doesn’t have to stop when he graduates. McKnight is a sophomore and Kearse is a freshman, but they will share playtime this year. As exciting as the prospect of playing under Taggart in the future may be, the boys are focused on what they can accomplish on the field this season. “Nobody is going to be able to run the ball on us this year, and I promise that,” said Hunter. EARNEST GRAHAM RESIGNS. When Earnest Graham was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2003, he became a fan favorite for his intensive work ethic and willingness to put his team first. Now, he’s putting himself first by resigning from his position as head coach of the North Fort Myers High School Red Knights citing health issues and a yearning to spend more time with his family. USA Today High School Sports reported that Graham felt the head coaching position was making it difficult to give his kids’ academics and hobbies the attention they deserved. Graham’s final season was also the Red Knight’s third undefeated regular season in history, an accomplishment that will immortalize Graham in the halls of North Fort Myers High for a long time. Graham coached the Red Knights from 2014 to 2018, where he posted a record of 25-14. He secured a district championship in his final year before losing 7-6 against rival Fort Myers High School in a Class 6A regional semifinal. “I’ll look back on it with great pride,” Graham told The News-Press. “I didn’t have any idea what it was going to be like to be a coach. … I came in and it was a phenomenal experience. The kids taught me really a lot about myself. Hopefully, I gave them a number of things they can carry with them in the future. There’s nothing I regret about those four years.” FRANK LADSON. It’s easy to see why Frank Ladson is already being compared to all-star wide receiver Randy Moss. The 6-4, 183-pound wide receiver from South Dade High School is the tallest receiver in the top 10 national rankings and the highest ranked wide receiver in Florida. Ladson is a self-proclaimed “gamechanger” who can make plays on short, intermediate, or deep routes. The five-star recruit’s highlight reel is special. Ladson is catching everything thrown his way, regardless of where the QB places the ball. He accelerates like a Bugatti and his long strides have posed a major problem for slower defenses. He can dive over defenders backwards and grip it singlehandedly or scrape it from an inch above the turf without missing a step. Ladson has committed to the reigning ACC championship Clemson Tigers, where he will unquestionably be a scoring machine alongside fellow signees RB Chez Mellusi and QB Taisun Phommachanh. Ladson made his decision official on Twitter in April to the dismay of a horde of collegiate football powerhouses including his hometown University of Miami.

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GPA. The Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) requires students to maintain a G.P.A. of 2.0 on a 4.0 unweighted scale to remain eligible for high school sports. In a national sample of 40,000 students, Florida ranked 10th amongst all 50 states, a fact that is exhibited prominently in the academic proficiency of Florida’s high school athletes. For instance, Le’Quayvaious Greene, a senior at Bayshore High School in Bradenton, Florida was ineligible to play football when he transferred from Manatee High School at the beginning of his junior year. Instead of giving up, Greene showed up to practice everyday as a scout team player while putting his nose to the grind stone and dramatically improving his grades. Now, his coach, John Biezuns, believes “he has a chance to be one of the best players in (the) area in 2018.” In Live Oak, Suwannee High School’s Josh Braun was a freshman MaxPreps High School Football All-American who is now being recruited by top programs in the country. He maintains a 4.0 G.P.A. Clermont’s East Ridge High School has made academics an integral component of their team’s success, too. Their senior class players are averaging a 3.4 G.P.A. Florida’s high school football elite excel on and off the field. HEARTBREAK. The Port Charlotte High School Pirates ended their season on a sour note last year with a last-minute defeat at the hands of the Naples Golden Eagles. The Pirates lead the Eagles for roughly 98 percent of the game before forfeiting victory to the Eagles in the closing minute of the fourth quarter. The Pirates’ season concluded on an extraordinary play by the Golden Eagle’s quarterback, an onside kick, and a Hail Mary – three freak conversions all in the same game That was last year. This year, the Pirates are turning heartbreak into hard work, reflecting on the past to get better but not dwelling on defeat. Their new motto: “Outwork potential” sums up what they need to do to succeed this season. Coach Jordan Ingman wants his team to continue to raise their expectations of each other, whether in the classroom or on the field, because even the slightest improvement can be the difference between victory and defeat. INTERCEPTIONS. Florida’s top high school football programs are producing some of the most talented defensive players in the country. A solid defense can stop an offense in its tracks and create ideal field positioning for the offense, and an all-star defensive playmaker can convert offensive follies into prime scoring opportunities. Is there anything more exciting in the game of football than an interception? Interceptions completely alter the physics of football, flipping the game 180 degrees so that the defensive team is given a brief moment to showcase their offensive intuition. Kaiir Elam (CB – The Benjamin School), Jordan Battle (S – St. Thomas Aquinas), Raymond Woodie III (S – Florida State Univ. School), Travis Jay (CB – Madison County), Tyler Scott (S – University School), Jaden Davis (CB – St. Thomas Aquinas), Cortez Andrews (S – Amos P. Godby), and Brandon Hill (S - Wekiva) are a few of Florida’s elite defensive playmakers that specialize in pestering quarterbacks from the backfield and intercepting bad passes. JEREMIAH PAYTON. Jeremiah Payton hails from the quaint, coastal community of Neptune Beach, a town of less than 8,000 people just east of Jacksonville in Duval County. Although Payton comes from a small beach town, he’s making big waves in Florida’s burgeoning high school football scene. The Duncan U. Fletcher High School standout is the only player in Northeast Florida to crack the ESPN 300. Payton is an athletic wide receiver with herculean strength for his age. He is nearly impossible to stop once he starts his route, and his agility allows him to create space between himself and the coverage on a whim. He’s nearly always open when he wants to be and the ball literally sticks to his hands. Payton is currently the second-highest rated wide receiver in Florida and he is ranked eighth among all wide receivers in the nation. The University of Miami’s recruiters took note of Payton’s potential early on. He committed to Miami in February where he was excited about the relationships he had built with the Hurricane’s coaches, the new dorms being built on campus, and UM’s new indoor practice facility.

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KEON ZIPPERER. A good tight end can help solidify an offensive line and create scoring opportunities. A great tight end can reinvigorate an offense and befuddle defenses by forcing them to make decisions that could have terrible consequences. Lakeland High School’s Keon Zipperer is the latter as he possesses the muscle to help seal off the ends when a blitz-hungry team bull-rushes in and the finesse to convert third downs in surprising ways. A quick glance at Zipperer’s highlight reel showcases a player with an intimidating presence on the line that can slice through a collapsing defense like a knife to make himself open. He’s nearly impossible to guard until the ball is already in his hands. And once it is…good luck bringing the 6-2, 240-pound powerhouse down. Zipperer is ranked third among tight ends in the nation, and he is the only top-10 tight end shorter than 6-5. Zipperer is utilizing cerebral play and a mature sense of self-awareness to dominate games. All of the top Florida universities and a handful of out-of-state programs such as Alabama, Clemson, and North Carolina are recruiting Zipperer, who intends to visit an array of schools unofficially in the summer, and officially in the fall.

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LLOYD SUMMERALL. It appears, at least at quick glance, that Florida’s elite high school football stars are getting taller? Sixfoot-five Lloyd Summerall of Auburndale High School is another four-star recruit with an impressive stature and an even more impressive highlight reel. This 205-lb weak-side defensive end possesses the perfect combination of speed, strength, and height. He’s nearly impossible to stop once he’s activated the spin-cycle – literally turning himself into a whirling vortex of unstoppable pass rushing force. He is a quarterback’s worst nightmare. If he beats his blocker he’s either going to sack you, force a bad pass, or elevate towards the sky and swat the football out of the air like a basketball center. He is currently ranked 22nd among all football recruits in Florida’s class of 2019 and 10th among all WDEs in the nation. He has narrowed down his recruiting list to a Top 12 that includes Florida, Georgia, Florida State, Clemson, Texas A&M and Alabama. MARK-ANTONY RICHARDS. What do you call a player who’s equally dangerous on offense and defense? A player who dreams of being an NFL running back but claimed his first offer from the University of Miami after a lethal defensive showing? An “athlete” by designation with an unrivaled skillset and success in his bloodline? You call that player Mark-Antony Richards. The four-star recruit from Wellington High School has universities excited and perplexed. They’re excited because his potential and virtually limitless ceiling makes him one of the most valuable recruits in Florida. They’re perplexed because they can’t quite figure out how best to utilize his tremendous talent. Richards is ranked seventh among ATHs in the nation. He is the younger brother of Miami wide receiver Ahmonn Richards, and a surefire prospect for the Hurricanes. However, their offer arrived after a defensive showing. Richards hopes to play running back. So for now, nothing is certain except that the 6-1, 195-pound senior will be playing running back and cornerback for his final year at Wellington.

OUT-OF-STATE MATCH-UPS. ESPN’s Wide World of Sports Complex at Disney World in Orlando is one playing field every Floridian athlete should be able to experience at one point in his or her life. Competing on these hallowed grounds inspires young athletes to dream big and dedicate themselves to the game they love. Just stepping onto the field makes one feel as though the professional league isn’t as far away as it seems. Last year, when the Barron Collier High School Cougars were afforded the chance to play there against Crescenta Valley, a 3,000-student high school near Los Angeles, California, everyone on the team assumed it was a one-time deal. However, the “Happiest Place on Earth” never disappoints, and once again, the Cougars will suit up against an out-of-state challenger, Regis Jesuit High School from Aurora, Colorado. Cougars coach Mark Jackson told the Naples Daily News, “It’s a team bonding experience. It’s neat to play in a different type of environment. High school football is about making experiences as a team and forming a lifelong bond.” Hopefully more schools in Florida can challenge out-of-state teams and give their athletes a truly unique experience to remember forever. PAUL MAECHTLE. There are a lot of things worth being excited for this football season, but if you’re living in Sarasota, nothing comes close to the return of this coaching legend. Paul Maechtle, the former Southeast High School coach who ran one of Florida’s elite high school football programs, has accepted the position of head coach at Cardinal Mooney High School. Maechtle is a member of the Florida Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame. The venerable coach is revered for his legendary tenure at Southeast High, where he orchestrated one of the most dominant takeovers of Florida high school football in history. Maechtle retired in 2013. His unprecedented 41-year career (33 years as head coach) resulted in 283 victories, 5 state title appearances, and 2 state championships. Maechtle’s approach to coaching focuses on sound practices and consistency, and although he wants to win, Maechtle is humble. He isn’t eager to continue his legacy; he simply wants to do things the right way and help Cardinal Mooney progress.

NAY’QUAN WRIGHT. Florida currently dominates the Class of 2019 running back rankings with four players in the Top 10. One of them is Nay’quan Wright, a 5-8, 185-pound speedster from Opa Locka. He is Miami Carol City High School’s most lethal offensive weapon. He’s been through it all. Wright had to sit out part of his sophomore season with a displaced fractured fibula in his left leg. As he watched his team from the sidelines, he developed a stronger sense of patience, which he admitted was a trait he lacked during his early years at Carol City. He would return for the Class 6A state championship against Lakeland Lake Gibson High School and lead his team to victory with two touchdowns on 18 carries for 109 yards. Now he is a senior and ranked 10th among RBs in the nation. Wright’s game is best described in one word: momentum. He grows faster and stronger the farther he travels from the line of scrimmage and his ability to shake off pesky defenders is remarkable.

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ROGER HARRIOTT. St. Thomas Aquinas High School has been one of the unstoppable forces in Florida high school football for the last 10 years, but for those that have to face these titans, it has seemed like an eternity. When Roger Harriott was hired as the Raider’s new head coach in 2015, many hoped there would be some to-be-expected snafus associated with a change of leadership. Instead, the dominance continued. The Raider’s finished 12-3 last year. Harriott’s brilliance, and the brilliance of those before him, can only truly be examined by looking back on the Raider’s legacy. They have competed in a state title game nine of the last 11 years. In a ranking of the most dominant teams in Florida since 2006, MaxPreps awarded them 116 points higher than the next most dominant high school based on their grading scale. FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FLORIDA 2018

QUASHON FULLER. Quashon Fuller didn’t feel as though he received the full attention of the Florida State coaching staff when he visited last February, but the FSU coaching staff was able to correct their relationship when he visited in May. Fuller told Noles247, “I needed to know that the coaches were still interested in me and where I stand in my commitment. Do I still feel like I can be here for four years?” FSU’s coaching changes at the end of the 2017 season became a point of contention for Fuller, but he is satisfied with his commitment now. “I’m a ‘Nole still,” said Fuller. Fuller is a game-changing four-star recruit from Lehigh Senior High School in Lehigh Acres. The 6-3, 277-pound strong-side defensive end has a knack for shutting down running backs and forcing quarterbacks to throw ill-advised passes to avoid sacks. He is ranked 19th among SDEs in the nation.

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SAFETY. Keeping high school athletes safe is of paramount importance. In Florida, where the blistering climate transforms the football field into a convection oven, dehydration and overheating have become prevalent - in some cases, even deadly. Finding new ways to adjust to Florida’s heat and humidity is important if high school football is to remain a fun and safe activity. That is why new measures are being introduced this year at the request of moms in Florida. One mother wants to make wet bulb globe thermometers mandatory at each school. The FHSAA is also mandating the use of cold-water immersion tubs on sidelines to treat athletes that overheat on the playing field. Until these new measures pass, it is up to coaches and parents to help educate their students on safe practices. Competition can cause athletes to forget about hydration, so it is up to teammates to encourage each other to drink water.

Armwood, and Miami Central will compete for state championships while up-and-coming programs such as St. Augustine, Raines, Cardinal Gibbons, and Wekiva will make a run for the No. 1 spot in hopes of upsetting the balance of football power in the sunshine state. Being a disturbance in class is frowned upon, however being a disturbance in high school football can turn you into a legend. WILLIAM PUTNAM. William Putnam always imagined he would play college football in the Big Ten. The 6-4, 280-pound guard was born in Michigan, but lived in Virginia, Hawaii, and Illinois before settling in Tampa as a member of the Plant High School Panthers. The time he spent in the Midwest put him on a trajectory for the Big Ten, but now he’s open to ACC and SEC schools, too. This is good news for Florida universities, because Putnam is a dominant presence on the field. He is an OG with the size and athleticism to solidify the offensive line and create scoring opportunities for the rest of the offense. He’s unusually agile for a player his size, which could likely be attributed to his success as a wrestler (he won a state championship). Putnam is currently ranked 5th among all OGs in the nation. Putnam is strong. In his highlight reel, he is often seen handling two defenders at once with relative ease. Miami and Florida State are battling for Putnam’s commitment, but he won’t be making his decision until the end of summer. X-FACTOR. The game of football is ripe for once-in-alifetime moments and plays that upset the flow of the game. Football is an amazing sport because it emphasizes teamwork while allowing one player to make a significant difference. When a player becomes an “X-Factor”, they literally control the game independently by flipping a switch and becoming an unstoppable force. The popular return specialist, Dante Hall, adopted the nickname in 2003 when he returned kicks for scores in four back-to-back games. Florida’s 2019 recruiting class is filled with potential X-Factors. For instance, Josh Sanguinetti, a 6-2, 165-pound athlete from University School in Fort Lauderdale is the complete package on defense. He swarms wide receivers like a family of bees with a personal vendetta and hunts down the football like a bloodhound. Or there’s Tyrique Stevenson, a cornerback from Miami Southridge High School who nullified his commitment to Florida to become one of the top defensive back prospects in the nation. An X-Factor can come from anywhere without any warning, so it’s up to us to keep watching if we want to see who the biggest playmakers will be. YOUNG TEAMS. It can be difficult to start a new season after losing the majority of your veteran talent. Coaches help players grow, but veteran players are also important for developing young athletes. What a team lacks in experience, they hope to make up for in enthusiasm and energy. Young players hoping to prove themselves are tasked with stepping up and accelerating their own growth. Niceville High School lost most of their veteran players last season, but they’re rebuilding from the ground up with a squad of young, aspiring players. Coach John Hicks has set the tone for this season with a simple, time-tested motto: “Back to basics.” Although the Eagles have carried over some experienced players on their offensive line, and players like Jack White and Will Koch bring a veteran presence to the offensive attack, Niceville is employing an inexperienced defense that will make this year a challenge. One thing is certain, this will be an exciting and unpredictable year for the Eagles, and they will have to fight tooth and nail for every win. ZEITGEIST. The term “zeitgeist” refers to the “spirit of the age.” The football zeitgeist is fluctuating more rapidly than ever before. Luckily, most of these changes will improve the game for high school athletes. One example is Manatee High School’s use of lightweight GPS systems that track speed, effort, and calories burned. This player data is extremely valuable for evaluating players and tracking their progress. The technology, called PlayerTek, is lightweight. It can be worn beneath the pads and tracks player data. This data can then be viewed on a smartphone application and helps coaches utilize suitable recovery methods to keep players healthy. Players are also wearing Riddell InSite football helmets. These special helmets measure how many times a player gets hit. It also notes the force of a hit. This technology collects valuable data that can help coaches prevent injuries and concussions. Innovations are reinventing football as we know it, making the game more accessible for players and coaches alike.

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TYLER DAVIS. Ouch! Just watching Tyler Davis’ highlight reel makes one sore. The 6-1, 293-pound defensive tackle from Apopka has garnered a lot of attention for his fierce tackles and ferocious chase downs. The four-star recruit from Wekiva High hones in on quarterbacks like a hungry shark, mows down offensive linesmen with ease as he advances on the ball. Davis is an apex predator on the field. He has the ability to make plays that will psyche out his opponent for the remainder of the game. This skill, combined with his stalwart physicality, makes him an absolute menace on defense. Davis has received offers from West Virginia, Baylor, Tennessee, Ohio State, Florida State, and an array of other top tier universities. He is currently ranked 10th among DTs in the nation. UNCONVENTIONAL RECRUITING TECHNIQUES. A little creativity goes a long way to securing Florida’s top recruits. Florida universities understand the importance of recruiting young athletes to their school as soon as possible, and they’re employing new, unique techniques to lockdown Florida’s elite. Major football powerhouses like Florida, Florida State, and Miami are all vying for the same athletes, so it takes more than a good pitch and a bevy of promises to insure future dominance in the sunshine state. Although FSU head coach Willie Taggart is known as the premier recruiting coach in the state, Miami’s recruiting staff is quite possibly the most inventive. They’ll go to almost any length to secure a recruit, including giving those special players a glimpse of their future in the NFL. Miami sends out personalized “future” portraits to recruits. This year, the UM art team created images for players like Keon Zipperer, Llyod Summerall, Kingsley Eguakun, Derick Hunter, and Brendan Gant. The images portray the recruits at the NFL Draft, standing alongside NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and holding a jersey from the NFL team that would draft them. As rivalries blossom and become more competitive in Florida, it will be exciting to see what new strategies recruiters come up with to convince players to join their school. VICTORY. The question on everyone’s mind going into a new season is always the same: who will be victorious? Florida’s high school football landscape is a competitive proving ground for young athletes who have dreams of playing in the NFL alongside Tom Brady (seriously, he might play until he’s 50 years old) or more realistically, Baker Mayfield. Top teams like Venice, Miami Northwestern,

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Playing With Purple And Gold Pride Columbia High School Football embodies the spirit of the community it represents BY ERIC JACKSON

ESTLED IN THE HEART OF NORTHERN FLORIDA, LAKE CITY is a small town, where life moves at a much slower pace than neighboring cities like Gainesville or Jacksonville. Lake City is a beautiful, rustic area where American flags soar and the sweet tea tastes just right. You’d be hard-pressed to find any upscale high-rises or fancy eateries – and the townsfolk wouldn’t want it any other way. There’s a great deal of pride within the Lake City community, and no better example of this than in its high school football team. Columbia High School’s football team best exemplifies the town’s blue-collar attitude, making folks proud to wear the purple and gold since the program’s inception in 1912. It doesn’t take long for visitors to realize they’re in Tiger Country once within city limits. The community support remains the same as it did when the team brought home the state title 51 years ago. The one-time winningest program in the state continues to be one of the strongest in the region. And much credit goes to the fans, who have cheered on the team religiously for decades. “Ever since I was a kid, the town shuts down,” Columbia principal and former coach Trey Hosford said. “That’s the thing every Friday night. And if you aren’t at the game, you’re listening to it on the radio. There’s not so much talk about the other sports so I think most kids growing up in Lake City the first thing they hear about is Columbia football.” But one might ask: how can a program remain a consistent power for so long? It’s clear a culture has been set in motion a long time ago, centered around discipline and work ethic, yet perhaps the truth lies even deeper.

“Some factor of it has to do with family history,” Columbia head coach Brian Allen said. “I think that’s a big part of what’s taking place in this area. Most of these kids, their parents or grandparents played football, and some of them were really good athletes. You have conversations around town and you start to hear from the older group [of alumni] that makeup Lake City. It comes from mom or dad. Usually when you find a kid who’s super athletic or talented it comes from their parents or grandparents or somewhere down the lineage. I think that’s a big part of what’s been here in Lake City.” At age five, Allen started his football life, playing in the always competitive county youth leagues. It was here, he says, the foundation was built – not only for him, but also for dozens of other young football players who eventually reached the highest level of the game, the National Football League. There’s no doubt that youth camps and feeder programs have played an integral role in Columbia’s century-long success. “I think it’s because they start early,” Mario Coppock, Columbia County Recreation Director said. “Our community has always had youth league football. Kids get together and their talent is recognized and nurtured early. Everybody that has played professional from Lake City came from our little league programs.” Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan and Miami Dolphins left tackle Laremy Tunsil are both products of the Columbia Youth Football Association, an organization that has produced oodles of talent over the last 33 years. Former first round draft picks Reinard Wilson and Yatil Green – along with retired NFLers like Kendyll Pope and Jerome Carter – among others, also played for CYFA. But even before the CYFA was established, youth leagues have been a mainstay in town, pushing out NFL talent like Randy Jackson and the late Pat Summerall. All of those former star players had one thing in common: a hard-working mentality, derived from their humble beginnings in Lake City. And every last one of them have left their mark on the football fraternity at Columbia. Many of which return during the season to see how the latest Tigers are stacking up, reminding current players of the thousands that came before. It’s an honor and privilege to play for Columbia, they say. The fall season is fast approaching – and you can feel the anticipation slowly building around town, from the distribution centers to the local supermarket. Columbia fans fill the stands at basketball games, even more at softball games. But nothing compares to football, the fabric of the community, where there’s an inner weaving of relationships that spans lifetimes and generations. Avid high school football fans are encouraged to see it for themselves; visitors are always welcome. There’s no better place to be on a Friday night in Lake City than Tiger Stadium. “It’s tradition,” Wendy Dohrn, a season ticket holder since 1983, said. “I bleed purple and gold, it’s just one of those things.” Above, left: Laremy Tunsil returned to Lake City for his annual summer camp last July. Above, middle: Former Columbia stars like Teon Dollard started playing in little league. Above, right: Tiger Stadium. Below, left: Isadore L. Williams Press Box. Below, right: Kids learn to become Tigers at young ages in Lake City.

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Great Places to Enjoy Florida High School Football Games BY DEVIN GOLDEN

IGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL IS A STAPLE OF COMMUNITIES ACROSS FLORIDA. However, some places are a cut above the rest. The love of football at these schools — from their student sections to the alumni who keep coming back every week — is rivaled only by a select few. It’s evident in the number of fans who fill the stadium to the sheer size and engineering magic of the stadiums themselves. These 10 high schools are some of the elite when it comes to the Friday night football experience.

PACE: Sitting north of Pensacola along the Florida Panhandle, the Patriots are always a draw for local fans regardless how the team is doing. Rivalries with nearby Milton, another town in Santa Rosa County, and Pensacola’s Tate puts Pace in the thick of the Pensacolaarea dialogue for prep football, as do three state semifinals appearances in the 21st century (2005, 2007 and 2011). Pre-game fireworks, a boisterous student section and a small-town feel all add up to a special experience.

WAKULLA: Crawfordville sits south of Tallahassee and a few miles from the Gulf of Mexico. It’s the ideal example of a small town that loves its high school — and high school football. The War Eagles won state championships in 1980 and 1981, and have enjoyed a long recent stretch of winning seasons year after year. ESPN once converged on J.D. Jones Stadium for a national broadcast featuring the War Eagles and South Carolina’s Spartanburg. Long lines to get in, a parking lot full of tailgating and a packed house showed the world why Wakulla does high school football right.

NICEVILLE: Sitting smack dab in the middle of Okaloosa County, the Eagles of Niceville never play in front of a half-empty stadium. Niceville always makes Friday night a party along John Sims Parkway. It’s in part due to the prestigious history of the Eagles, who have won 20 district championships, five region titles and the 1988 state championship. Niceville rarely loses at home — a 20-game winning streak started in 2013 and ended in 2015 — and the Eagles have made the playoffs 17 straight times. Winning builds a culture, and Niceville is definitely all-in on high school football.

GLADES CENTRAL: It’s well known that Belle Glade is not as economically thriving as other cities in Palm Beach County. With less than 20,000 residents, the city relies in part on the Glades Central football team to provide a bit of an escape every Friday. Winning a lot, as the Raiders have done, can cover a lot of wounds. Glades Central has six state championships to boast and the state’s third-longest winning streak, a 47-game stretch from 1998-2001. Some teams might have more in other areas of life, but they rarely come into Belle Glade and beat the Raiders on the football field.

LAKELAND: When the Dreadnaughts play at Thomas W. Bryant Stadium, it’s more than just a high school football game. A parade of buses carries players from the school to the stadium is a 2.5-mile strip of excited fans. The “Runway to Victory,” a tunnel of lights with a helmet cart leading the way, is the perfect pregame send-off for the Lakeland squad. And the “hat family” — the Mastalski clan wears a hat that resembles a battleship — epitomizes a rabid cheering section that hasn’t seen many losses. Lakeland has won six state titles, according to MaxPreps.com, and double-digit win totals in 11 of the last 14 seasons.

MIAMI NORTHWESTERN: The South Florida school’s fans fill their home stadium each year, but the more revealing story is about the trip for an away game in 2007. A few thousand Bulls supporters piled in buses and made a long trek to Dallas, Texas, to watch Miami Northwestern beat Southlake Carroll in a No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup televised on ESPN. Not many schools have the type of support that will travel by bus across four state lines to watch an early season football game. Then again, the Bulls had already won state titles in 1995, 1998 and 2006 and were on their way to another in 2007.

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Nothing Comes Easy Eight-year-old Nicholas Pierre has found a role model in former Lakewood High School and UCF linebacker Shaquem Griffin BY WALTER VILLA

OOKIE NFL LINEBACKER Shaquem Griffin and eight-year-old Nicholas Pierre haven’t met – at least not yet – but their shared experiences would seem to make such a meeting a natural. The only question if they were to meet would be this: Who would admire who most? Griffin, 23, has surely earned the respect of millions by becoming the first one-handed player ever drafted by the NFL. Featured in Friday Night Football magazine in 2012 while starring for Lakewood High School, Griffin led UCF to an unbeaten season in 2017 and set an NFL Combine record for linebackers this year by running a 4.38 in the 40-yard dash. Nicholas’ story is much less known but just as heroic. Born with arms that stop above the elbow, he wears a prosthetic left leg. Yet his penmanship is better than many, he handles chopsticks like a pro and recently took his first jet-ski ride. “Nicholas is amazing,” said Laurie Saunders, the operations manager at ABC Prosthetics & Orthotics. “I thought he wasn’t going to be able to do anything on his own, but he feeds himself and dresses himself. He writes beautifully, holding the pen between his shoulder and his cheek. “He is inspirational. He plays soccer. He plays the harmonica, dances and rides his bike. He has been zip-lining. I haven’t yet seen anything he hasn’t been able to do.” Laurie and her husband Scott, who is a licensed and certified prosthetist/orthotist, are hoping that they can finalize their adoption of Nicholas soon. Nicholas was born August 15, 2009 in the Bahamas, and Scott – who had done a significant amount of work on the island – was called about the case. Scott arrived at Princess Margaret Hospital when Nicholas was just two weeks old, and the connection was established over repeated visits. “I felt he wasn’t going to have a chance [if we didn’t do something],” Scott said. “People with disabilities are looked at differently [and unfavorably] on the island, and that was a soft spot for me.” GRIFFIN’S STORY Nineteen years ago, Griffin’s mother, Tangie, woke to a horrifying sight. Her son, who was four years old at the time, was in the kitchen with a butcher’s knife, attempting to cut off his left hand due to unbearable pain caused by a congenital abnormality known as Amniotic Band Syndrome. The next day, doctors amputated Griffin’s left hand. That was the start of an incredible story that includes his older-by-two-minutes twin brother Shaquill. The boys had a passion for football, and their father, Terry, worked them hard. 30

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FLORIDA 2018

Each of the twins got in the habit of catching 200 footballs per day. As kids, they would sleep in their jerseys the night before a game – that’s how much they loved football. Last year, Shaquill, a 6-foot, 195-pound cornerback, was drafted in the third round by the Seattle Seahawks. He posted one interception and one sack as an NFL rookie, making 11 starts. Shaquem, a 6-0, 225-pounder, joined his brother in a dream scenario when Seattle chose him in the fifth round of the 2018 draft. “I’m happy Shaquem was picked to play football,” Nicholas told Laurie. “That means they know he can still play well even without his hand. I play sports well, and I have no hands!” NICHOLAS’ STORY Initially, Nicholas was raised and cared for by the nurses at Princess Margaret. He then went to an orphanage and lived there until he was six years old, when he was taken in by a foster mother, Brandace Duncanson, who will have shared guardianship with the Saunders family once the adoption goes through. “I have my Bahamas family and my Florida family,” Nicholas told Laurie. The plan is for Nicholas to live in Orlando with the Saunders family that includes twin

17-year-old daughters and a 16-year-old son, all of whom already love him. Scott met Nicholas first, but as soon as he told Laurie about him, she was also smitten. “I told Scott, ‘You find out what we have to do to get this baby!’” Laurie said. Since ABC Prosthetics & Orthotics – which has been providing artificial limbs and orthopedic braces to the Central Florida community since 1998 – is their company, the Saunders are in a great position to help Nicholas. The plan is to provide him with prosthetic arms — which requires a lot of time and therapy — and get him on their medical insurance. Scott said he and the other people in Nicholas’ life have helped to instill a sense of determination in him. “We tell [Nicholas] that it’s not that you can’t do something,” Scott said. “It’s just that you are going to have to find a different way.” Ultimately, if not an athlete, Nicholas wants to become a judge. “He’s extremely smart,” Laurie said. “He said he knows he has to become a lawyer first if he wants to become a judge.” INSPIRING OTHERS This past March, Shaquem Griffin wrote an open letter to NFL general managers, and it was posted in The Players Tribune website. Griffin revealed that his motto is “Nothing Comes Easy,” and he wrote about how hard his father worked him in practice. Footballs would hit Shaquem in the chest. They would hit him in the face. He wanted to quit, but his father never let him. “You will thank me one day,” his father told him. Griffin didn’t believe him at the time, but now he does. In college, Griffin didn’t play for three years. Coaches never told him why, but Griffin spent Saturdays alone in his dorm, left off the travel roster. All he could do was root for his brother, but he never let on how badly his pride was hurt. “It was a tough spot to be in,” Griffin writes. “My brother was doing his thing. The dream was happening for him. “I wanted that for myself so badly, and even though I felt I was good enough, I wasn’t getting an opportunity. And the last thing I wanted was to dump my negativity on Shaquill and bring him down. I made sure I was always positive around him.” Shaquem finally got his chance in his last two years at UCF, once a coaching change was made and Scott Frost was hired. Now Griffin is on the verge of the NFL, but he’s still mindful of all the people he inspires. “I’m convinced God has put me on this earth for a reason,” Griffin writes. “That reason is to show it doesn’t matter what anybody else says. People are going to doubt you, especially if you’ve got a birth defect or some other so-called disability. The important thing is that you don’t doubt yourself. “I feel like all the kids out there with birth defects – we have our own little nation. We’ve got to support each other because everybody in this world deserves the chance to show what they can do without anybody telling them they can’t.” FNF MAGAZINE

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Ways to Prevent Joint and Ligament Injuries

BE PROACTIVE TO AVOID REHABILITATION

Some people think of knee injuries as fluke occurrences that can’t be prevented. On the contrary, an athlete can take preventative measures to decrease the likelihood of knee injuries that require long recoveries. BY DAN GUTTENPLAN

VAN PECK, MD, HAS SEEN HIS SHARE OF knee injuries – such as ACL tears and jumper’s knee – as a sports medicine physician at Cleveland Clinic Florida. Dr. Peck is based in West Palm Beach and Palm Beach Gardens. He recommends seven tips for preventing and treating joint and ligament injuries. STRENGTH TRAINING “In some sports, athletes used to do no strength training,” Peck said. “Every person needs to do strength training regardless of age or activity. It’s been known to prevent knee injuries like tendon problems and ACL tears.” FOCUS ON MECHANICS Jumper’s knee is typically a result of an action that is biomechanically wrong. “A good remedy for that problem is physical therapy that emphasizes strengthening and proper mechanics,” Peck said. EXTRACORPOREAL SHOCK WAVE THERAPY This type of therapy uses high-intensity sound waves to stimulate healing. Shock wave therapy may treat conditions such as degenerated tendons, heel pain and tennis elbow. PLATELET RICH PLASMA (PRP) INJECTIONS The use of PRP involves taking a portion of the athlete’s blood and processing it to remove red and white cells before injecting platelets back into the tissue. It promotes healing.

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FLORIDA 2018

HIP STRENGTHENING EXERCISES “ACL tears often happen when the plant foot and knee go inward,” Peck said. “If the hip muscles can’t keep the knee from moving in abnormally, it puts the knee in position for an ACL tear or other injuries.” ECCENTRIC STRENGTH TRAINING When an athlete lowers a weight slowly with tension, it’s called an eccentric contraction. “What they’ve found is that they are particularly helpful for strengthening tendons,” Peck said. “Athletes are well served to do slow eccentric phase exercises in a program to help prevent tendon problems.” DYNAMIC WARMUPS “It’s pretty clear that if you compete in a speed activity and use strength and power, a dynamic warmup is superior to static stretching when done before the activity – not only in contributing to a better performance but also making preventing injury.” FNF MAGAZINE

Strengthen to Heal

MOST KNEE PAIN IS THE

result of tendinosis – not tendonitis, which has been the most common diagnosis for years. Tendinosis is actually a deteriorating condition that requires strength building rather than rest. “Physical therapy comes first, and the knee muscles need to be strengthened to heal,” Peck said. “The tendon is worn out. If you thought it was just inflammation, you’d rest and it wouldn’t get better. Instead, the tendon needs to be rebuilt through strength training.” Peck said most athletes that encounter knee pain believe it’s the result of inflammation, and as a result, they choose to rest the injury excessively. A short period of rest is reasonable, but if pain continues, a more degenerative (versus inflammatory) condition is likely present. Prolonged rest then only makes the tendon weaker and more susceptible to injury. “I explain it to all patients; it’s important to understand when they have pain, especially if it’s prolonged tendon pain, it’s usually broken down and worn out – not inflamed,” Peck said. “A chronic tendon problem is primarily degenerative. Once they understand that, they’re more likely to understand the reason for the recommended treatment.”

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INSPIRATION

No Disability Will Define Him

Triston Knight is the face of the Chiefland High School Football Team

RISTON KNIGHT DOESN’T LET HIS disability define him. Instead the Chiefland High freshman has a love for life, particularly the Chiefland High football team in Chiefland, Florida. That is what makes Knight stand out among other high school students. Knight is your average high school freshman; he loves football, specifically the Indians and Florida Gators in nearby Gainesville, Florida. He plays video games and jokes around with his friends and teachers. But unlike most other ninth graders, Knight is diagnosed with cerebral palsy, a congenital disorder that’s left Knight confined to a wheelchair. He has never felt the jubilation of scoring a touchdown or the collision of contributing to a game-saving tackle to win a game, but that doesn’t matter. Knight has become a fixture on the sidelines for the Indians’ football team on Friday nights. His joyful spirit and happy demeanor inspires the Indians, from the coaches to the players. “When we first met, he told me he was going to take my job. He was going to be the head coach of the Indians. I said, ‘Man, I’m getting fired already.’ He said, ‘No, I won’t fire you, I’ll

let you be an assistant on my staff,’” Chiefland coach Adam Gore recalled. “I looked forward to Monday mornings during the season because he was always going to coach the coach.” Though Knight is unable to play, he was a valuable piece of the Indians’ football team in 2017. Once Gore understood Knight’s passion for football and his hometown team, Gore talked to Knight’s teacher, Christina Story, to see if he would be interested in leading the team out of the teepee onto Chiefland’s Doyle McCall Football Field. Knight jumped at the opportunity. Before the third home game of the season, Knight was wheeled out onto the field ahead of his teammates, through the teepee and smoke. “It was amazing,” Knight recalled. “The smoke was awesome.” The gesture surprised Knight’s mother, Jayme Knabb, who couldn’t believe her son

Mike Valletutti MERRITT ISLAND

ODAY’S GENERATION OF HIGH SCHOOL football players doesn’t like to hear about how much tougher things were ‘back in the day.’ Modern players work hard, of course, but older generations of former players can still tell FOOTBALL stories that make them cringe. Playing for Merritt Island back in the 1980s was difficult, but that was part of what made the teams successful. Building physical and mental toughness was just part of the program. The 1970s and ‘80s saw the emergence of Merritt Island as a Florida powerhouse, led by two Florida High School Athletic Hall of Fame coaches. Eddy Feely took the Mustangs to the playoffs three times and in 1972 they won the state title (4A) with a 13-0 record. Gerald Odom took over as coach in 1973 and led the Mustangs to the playoffs 12 times between 1975 and 1994, winning back-to-back 4A titles in ’78 and ’79. The Mustang program was still rolling in the mid-80s when Valletutti played and he knew what was expected of his teammates and him. Competition for playing time was stiff. He played on the offensive line a few games his junior season, then switched to defense the next season and started at nose guard. His teammates during his time with the Mustangs included Derek Brown, Cal Dixon, Daryl Spencer, Bubba McDowell, and Hurlie Brown; all of whom went on to sterling college careers and the NFL. Hurlie Brown was named the Mustangs new head coach in March of this year after Jeff McLean resigned to focus on his duties as athletic director. The Mustangs never advanced past the second round of the playoffs

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FLORIDA 2018

MADE ME

was given the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. “I was completely taken off guard because nobody has ever done anything like that for him before,” she said. “I was happy for him, just to see how happy he was and how everybody took him in as a part of the team.” Players on the Chiefland High football team understood the significance of the moment that their classmate was able to live through. “It makes your heart happy that you can fulfill somebody’s dreams,” said Dalton Tiner, a senior offensive and defensive lineman on the Chiefland High team. Knabb added, “Most of the kids there have grown up with [Triston] since elementary school, they’ve been around him his whole life. To take him in and to take that time with him, it makes me really happy. With the situation that he’s in, a lot of people just look, stop and stare, they don’t talk to him and see what he’s about.” Knight has aspirations of becoming a football coach one day. He already gives Gore free advice when the two see each other in P.E. class on Mondays following the previous Friday night’s game. Though just a rising sophomore, Knight has already left his mark on the program. When the team walks through the doors of the locker room, players are greeted by a sign that reads, “I will play for Triston.” All the players have signed it. “His excitement for the team and being a part of it is amazing,” said Story. “Triston has such a positive attitude and that makes working with him a pleasure.” –Clint Thompson

during Valletutti’s time there and he never played college football, but the high expectations of the program and the lessons of hard work, preparation, and discipline he learned at Merritt Island have served him well in the business world. “In that competitive environment, you have a guy yelling at you and that’s like your boss,” he said. “You learn how to deal with people. The team building; the family; the pride. It all teaches you the skills that you’re going to need later in the real world.” Valletutti’s ‘real world’ began at Georgia Tech in 1986, where he got a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering and a Master’s in Probability and Statistics. In 1993, he and a partner founded Applied Global Technologies, a company that specializes in the design, implementation, and support of complex video conferencing networks for large clients. The Atlanta-based company eventually grew into a $35 million business with 120 employees and Valletutti served as Chairman and CEO until 2012. He sold his stake in the company that year and turned his attention to his true passion—the stock market. “I had always tracked the markets on the side — since high school, actually,” said Valletutti. “And then I got lucky enough after I sold the business, I got a little money and was able to invest it and was able to share trades with people.” He developed his own macro model for the markets while he was in college and in 2012 he founded Market Model, Inc., where he shared model trades via an email subscription service. Succeeding with that helped him find seven investors for a hedge fund, Underweight SPX Trading Fund, LP, which he has managed since 2016. Valletutti moved back to Merritt Island in 1996. He had two sons who played for the Mustangs and was happy to see that good football and valuable life lessons were still being taught. “When I came back, I listened to Coach McLean give speeches to my kids—and it was basically Odom’s speech,” he said. “So, the tradition has never changed.” – Todd Weber FNF MAGAZINE

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Made for Hollywood Meet Hollywood Hills Quarterback Holly Neher BY MANNY NAVARRO

OLLY NEHER, THE FIRST GIRL IN STATE history to start at quarterback in a high school football game last September, isn’t fading away. She’s coming back for more. Neher, who skipped spring football because she was busy leading Hollywood Hills’ girls flag football team to the playoffs and a 10-4 season, will be back under center for the boys’ team this fall. Coach Brandon Graham said Neher, who stands 5-feet, 5-inches tall and can throw the ball about 40 yards downfield, will compete for the starting job after playing in four games last season and starting once (a 51-27 victory over Pompano Beach) for the 2-7 Spartans. “This was never about us wanting to see how many people would pay attention to Hollywood Hills,” Graham said. “We needed someone to play the position. She came in, understood she was going to have to earn it and she did and played well. She was legitimately in the spot she had last year.” For Neher, who also plays on the girls’ soccer team at Hills, the goal now is to try and accomplish more. Boasting a 3.7 GPA, she’s hoping to earn herself a scholarship – with or without sports – so she can eventually fulfill her dreams of becoming a state prosecutor. Last year, after throwing a 42-yard touchdown pass in her very first game and very first play off the bench in a 21-7 loss to Hallandale, news outlets throughout the country wanted to interview Neher. She appeared on MTV, ABC’s Good Morning America, ESPN’s SportsCenter and even received a jacket as a gift from the Ellen DeGeneres Show. But all the attention Neher received has slowed down quite a bit. The interview requests have stopped. Neher, meanwhile, has begun focusing on the future. “Things were really tough for me when I was younger,” she said. “My parents got divorced right after my sister Victoria was born. Then my mom got breast cancer and almost died. We were living in a one-bedroom apartment, surviving on food stamps. Five years from now I’ll hopefully be in law school and maybe if I’m lucky I’ll be able to live on my own – just not too far from my mom and my sister.” Graham said when it comes to football his goal is to make sure Neher is never in danger. He said officials have done a good job trying to protect her when she’s been in games. Nobody, she said, has delivered any cheap shots. But there has been some trash talking. “There were a few teams that wanted to knock her out, do some damage,” Paula Neher, Holly’s mom said. “But her o-line made sure nobody really touched her. One time she got sacked after she threw the ball. This guy who must have been about 300 pounds got her. Everyone was holding her breath. Holly just jumped up and kept playing.” There likely will be more instances when that happens this coming fall. Holly said she’s ready for anything. “Dwayne Bender, a junior, was our starting quarterback in the spring while Holly was with the flag football team,” Graham said. “But he was actually our starting running back last year. Right now it’s him or Holly for us at quarterback. Our other quarterback, who is a defensive back, is our emergency quarterback. Holly is a fighter just like her mom. So, I fully expect her to put up a fight again in the fall.”

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FLORIDA 2018

Quarterback Holly Neher made national headlines last year when she became the first female to start a Florida high school football game.

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Manatee Makeover

SECOND-YEAR COACH YUSUF SHAKIR EXPECTS HIS PLAN TO TAKE HOLD IN 2018 BY WALTER VILLA

USUF SHAKIR HAS NEVER REPLACED A legend. But he has twice replaced the man who replaced the man. The first time it happened was in 2009, when Shakir was picked to coach his alma mater, the Tallahassee Lincoln Trojans. He replaced Kyle Rice. But it was the previous coach, David Wilson, who set the standard, winning state titles in 1999 and 2001. In Shakir’s second season at Lincoln, the Trojans overcame early season injuries to eight senior starters and won their final eight games, defeating Navarre 34-33 in triple overtime in a regional final before capping their amazing run with a 17-14 state-final win over Seffner Armwood. Wilson called that the greatest coaching job in Lincoln history, and Shakir returned the praise. “When you come to a place that is successful,” Shakir said, “you would be a fool to change things.” Fast forward to the spring of 2017 … Shakir resigned from Lincoln, intent on pursuing one of three opportunities to become a college assistant coach. But Bradenton Manatee, where the legendary tenure of five-time state champion Joe Kinnan had been followed by three years of coach John Booth, suddenly had an opening. Shakir got a phone call from the 941 area code and felt the gravitational pull of continuing to coach high school kids. “I fell in love with it,” Shakir said of Manatee. “If you see the facilities and the commitment they have to the kids, both in terms of academics and the football program, it’s phenomenal.” Indeed, Shakir has been reinvigorated by the Manatee community, which is known to support high school football enthusiastically. It’s a way of life here, and Manatee fans seemed to know the roster better than Shakir did early on, providing him with scouting reports on his personnel, whether they bumped into him at the bank, grocery store or a local diner. “The people here are champions,” Shakir said. “They are so knowledgeable about football – it’s refreshing. You can’t fool these people. They honor and respect champions. That’s what they understand.”

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FLORIDA 2018

MIGHTY MANATEE In 2009, the year Shakir took over at Lincoln, the Manatee Hurricanes made it to the Class 5A state semifinals, where they hosted Fort Lauderdale’s St. Thomas Aquinas, ranked No. 1 in the nation at the time. Quarterback Brion Carnes, now in his second year as Manatee’s offensive coordinator, led the Hurricanes to a 28-20 upset victory, snapping Aquinas’ 37-game win streak. “Aquinas had about 14 guys on that roster who went on to play in the NFL,” said Carnes, mentioning players such as defensive end Joey Bosa, running back Giovani Bernard, cornerback Lamarcus Joyner and wide receiver Phillip Dorsett. “But we had athletes, too. We wanted to compete with them and show our talent. We were not running away without a fight.” That’s the type of fight Manatee wants to get back to soon. The crowd that night – about 8,000 strong – is something else Shakir, Carnes and the rest of the staff want to recreate. “There’s no better feeling than to come home and beat the No. 1 team in the nation,” Carnes said. “It’s hard to explain our crowd unless you get to experience it. When you get late in the season, and Manatee is the only team playing in the county, the atmosphere is so live and intense. The crowd is all in, the band is all in … It’s electric.” GETTING BACK ON TOP Manatee finished just 5-4 last year in Shakir’s first season in Bradenton, but there were extenuating circumstances. For starters, Shakir didn’t take over until after spring practice, meaning he couldn’t implement his entire program until this year. “I was trying to find coaches to fill out my staff, and I was trying to get to know the kids,” Shakir said. “It was hectic. “Getting to know your personnel is a big part of it because you want to put your players in the best position possible so that they can be successful.” Manatee also had to subtract two games off its schedule due to hurricanes. In addition to all of that, Shakir inherited an exceptionally young team, with four freshmen serving as starters. This year, 16 starters are back, and only four of those are seniors. Furthermore, Shakir knows his personnel much better. He knows their families, knows what they can and cannot do and what motivates them. Shakir prides himself on being direct with his players, giving them the information they need, with a minimum amount of sugar-coating. Discipline, dedication and organization are attributes Shakir seeks in his players, and building young kids into men is vital, knowing full well that an entire community is watching. “There’s always pressure anywhere you go,” Shakir said. “But this is first and foremost about the kids. I make sure I’m prepared and ready. I want to win as badly as they want to win.” Senior Anthony Squitieri, a transfer student who has won the quarterback job, said he and his teammates have enjoyed Shakir’s coaching. “He’s a tough coach and will hold you accountable,” he said. “But, at the same time, he’s a nice guy. He knows pretty much every aspect of football. He’s an awesome coach.” FNF MAGAZINE

All In The Family FOOTBALL AND FAMILY,

quarterbacking and winning – they are all intertwined at Bradenton Manatee. Quarterback Tracy Sanders led Manatee to its first state title, in 1983. His cousin, Tommie Frazier, went from Manatee to the University of Nebraska, leading the Cornhuskers to national titles in 1994 and 1995 en route to his rightful place in the College Football Hall of Fame. More recently, quarterback Brion Carnes – nephew of Sanders and cousin of Frazier — led Manatee to a state runner-up finish in 2009 before signing with Nebraska. These days, the Manatee quarterback is senior Anthony Squitieri. He is coached by Carnes, now the Manatee offensive coordinator. And two other former Manatee QBs are on the staff – Sanders and Domonique Dunbar, who both coach defensive backs. They are all part of the Manatee Family. “It’s really exciting to know the history that’s been here,” said Squitieri, a transfer from Charlotte High. “I grew up knowing about Manatee football being great. It’s a blessing to play here and to have the confidence of the coaches.”

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A GAME OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN Florida Athletic Coaches Association All-Star Game has featured a who’s who of Florida high school football stars BY WALTER VILLA

UARTERBACK DANNY WUERFFEL, the 1996 Heisman Trophy winner, played in this game. So did quarterback Lamar Jackson, the 2016 Heisman winner. Derrick Brooks, Michael Irvin, Deion Sanders, Warren Sapp and Emmitt Smith – all members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame – also played in the game. The Florida Athletic Coaches Association All-Star Game has been played on an annual basis since 1949. In some years, the FACA also sponsored the Florida-Georgia game, which no longer exists but also hosted numerous future stars. “It’s a who’s who of football,” said former Pensacola Escambia coach Dwight Thomas of the FACA-sponsored games. At the top of that list is Smith, the legendary running back Thomas coached at Escambia. “He was the toughest kid I’ve ever seen, mentally and physically,” Thomas said of Smith, who rushed for 8,804 yards, a 7.8 average and 106 touchdowns in his prep career. “Emmitt is a role model for everybody – there are no ghosts in his closet. I never heard him swear in four years. He never missed a meeting, never missed a practice. He only had six fumbles in more than 1,100 attempts. Ball protection is important, and he took it seriously.” Sapp, who graduated in 1990 from Apopka, played linebacker, tight end and punter in high school before switching to defensive tackle at the University of Miami. Thomas coached Sapp in one of those FACA games and used him at tight end. “I probably played him at the wrong position,” said Thomas with his self-deprecating sense of humor. “But he was a great tight end, too. He was the most aggressive kid you’ve ever been around. “In practice, he was catching passes, making vicious downfield blocks. He was out to hurt you.

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FLORIDA 2018

He played offense with a defensive mentality. You just knew he would end up playing on Sundays.” Thomas also was the FACA All-Star coach for Pensacola Washington’s Brooks, who was a safety until his sophomore year at Florida State. “I played him at inside linebacker,” Thomas said, “and he made 24 tackles and won MVP.” Wuerffel led Fort Walton Beach High to an undefeated season and a 1991 state title, earning a No. 2 national ranking as named by USA Today. Jackson, meanwhile, threw 31 touchdown passes and ran for 22 scores in two years at Boynton Beach.

Rick Swain, who had previously coached basketball standout Vernon Maxwell and football wide receiver Lamar Thomas, said Jackson is the best athlete he has ever directed. “He transferred to [Boynton] for his final two years of high school,” Swain said. “The kids told me we, ‘We have this great new quarterback’, and I said, ‘Yea, yea.’” The players turned out to be right. “On the first day of spring practice, Lamar stuck his foot in the ground on an option play and went untouched for 60 yards,” Swain said. “Right after practice, I told my assistants we were changing the offense to suit him, spreading out the field with four wide receivers. It was a match made in heaven.” Similar things can be said about Sanders, perhaps the best cornerback/kick returner in the history of football. He starred at North Fort Myers, the same alma mater of another FACA All-Star game alumnus, defensive end Jevon “The Freak” Kearse. Thomas, who in 1990 started the first Florida football combine to benefit players looking to get recruited, came across Kearse in one of those settings. At that point, Kearse played tight end and safety. In fact, in his first year of high school, he returned four kickoffs for touchdowns. Kearse kept growing, though, and he became a three-time Pro Bowl defensive end, earning his FNF MAGAZINE

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“Freak” nickname because of 4.43 speed, an 86-inch But the FACA All-Star game has also hosted wingspan and his incredible four-foot vertical leap. Anquan Boldin, Andre Johnson, Laveranues Coles, Discovering talent is the essence of the FACA AllMarvin “Snoop” Minnis, Ron Dugans, Darrell JackStar Game. By attending and supporting the game, son, Ace Sanders, Peter Warrick, Preston Parker, fans never know which player may go on to a great Freddie Mitchell, Craphonso Thorpe and Michael college or NFL career. Jenkins. Some of the players may Besides those already go on to become better mentioned, defensive known as coaches, which stars in the FACA game is the case for former Boca include linemen Kevin Raton High quarterback Carter, Alex Brown, GerMark Richt, who now runs ald Warren, Linval Josep the Miami Hurricanes. and Reggie McGrew; Casey Weldon, Danny and linebackers Marvin Kannell, Adrian McPherson Jones, Kendyll Pope and – who all went on to star Scott Brantley. as Florida State quarterDefensive backs, aside backs – also played in FACA from Sanders, include the sponsored games. Other late, great Sean Taylor QBs on the list include as well as Chris Gamble, Shaquill and Shaquem Griffin in 2012. Daunte Culpepper and Cortez Allen and Terrence Rohan Davie. Brooks. At running back, besides Smith, some of the FACA Kicker Sebastian Janikowski and kick returner All-Star alumns include Clinton Portis, Tre Mason, Tamarick Vanover also graced FACA rosters. Dexter McCluster, Ernest Graham; James Stewart, “We’ve had some great players and some fascinatSammie Smith, Najeh Davenport and James ing story-lines,” said Shelton Crews, the executive Jackson. director of the Florida Athletic Coaches Association. Irvin, a former star at Aquinas High, the University “The Griffin twins [Shaquill and Shaquem, who had of Miami and the Dallas Cowboys, won three Super his left hand amputated as a child] played in our Bowls and one national title, going down as one of game a few years ago. Now they’re both in the NFL the greatest wide receivers in football history. with the Seattle Seahawks — incredible.”

Be There: 2018 Florida Athletic Coaches Association All-Star Game Dec. 15 @ The Villages THE SOUTH WON THE FIRST

Florida Athletic Coaches Association All-Star Game, beating the North 14-0 in 1949 at Jacksonville. Little has changed since then as the South holds a 38-22-2 lead over the North. In fact, the South has won seven of the past nine games. The 2018 game will be held on Dec. 15 in the Central Florida town of The Villages, where the contest has drawn enthusiastic support since arriving in 2014. Miami, Gainesville, Orlando, Winter Park, Bradenton, Lakeland and Sebring have also served as host. This will be the 64th annual game hosted by FACA, although in some of those years the format featured Florida playing against another state — Georgia, Louisiana or California. Since its inception in 1949, the only year the FACA did not sponsor a game was 2004. The FACA was trying to schedule a game against New Jersey that year, but the plan fell through.

64th ANNUAL NORTH-SOUTH

ALL-STAR FOOTBALL CLASSIC D E C E M B E R 1 5, 2 0 1 8 // 1 : 0 0 P M THE VILLAGES THE OLDEST AND MOST PRESTIGIOUS SENIOR ALL-STAR GAME IN THE STATE

FLORIDACOACHES.ORG

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FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FLORIDA 2018

RECRUITS

TEAM FLORIDA OFFENSE PRESENTED BY

FLORIDA

Team Florida Offense BRIAN MAURER

KENNY MCINTOSH

6-4 WEIGHT 185 SENIOR Pro-style quarterback, Mauer has caught the eye of several major colleges including West Virginia and Boston College.

6-1 WEIGHT 205 SENIOR The versatile and explosive McIntosh has two brothers playing college football — R.J. (Miami) and Deon (Notre Dame).

HEIGHT

6-4 WEIGHT 183 SENIOR Size and speed are Ladson’s calling cards, and when he gains weight to fill out his frame — watch out below.

6-1 WEIGHT 186 SENIOR Blessed with pure athletic ability, Payton is a Miami commit who has a Top 100 national ranking.

6-4 WEIGHT 280 SENIOR The massive senior is being pursued by major college programs in the Big Ten, SEC and ACC.

6-3 WEIGHT 293 SENIOR Joined Wardrick Wilson in committing to Miami; the Jacksonville native plays regal like his name suggests.

PALM BEACH CENTRAL

JOSH SANGUINETTI

6-3 WEIGHT 185 SENIOR Another St. Thomas Aquinas star in the making, Murphy has committed to the University of South Carolina.

6-2 WEIGHT 165 SENIOR On the cusp of becoming a top 100 national recruit, he can do it all for University School. HEIGHT

YEAR

ATH

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS

POS. NAME

HT. WT. YR.

POS. NAME

QB Nik Scalzo Cardinal Gibbons RB Chez Mellusi Naples RB Daniel Carter St. Thomas Aquinas WR John Dunmore Chaminade-Madonna Prep WR Maurice Goolsby Dunnellon TE Larry Hodges Tampa Jesuit

5-11 185 Sr.

OL Michael Tarquin 6-5 290 Belleview OL Howard Allen Jr. 6-5 266 Jacksonville Baldwin OL Darius Washington 6-4 285 Pensacola West Florida Tech OL Kaleb Boateng 6-4 293 Fort Lauderdale OL Ethan White 6-5 315 Clearwater Superior Collegiate Academy ATH Te’Cory Couch 5-9.5 148 Chaminade-Madonna Prep

HT. WT. YR.

Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr.

THIRD TEAM

SECOND TEAM

HEIGHT

ATLANTIC COAST

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FLORIDA 2018

YEAR

VINCENT MURPHY

YEAR

6-5 WEIGHT 310 SENIOR The anchor of the Palm Beach Central line has received interest from Miami, Alabama and Florida. HEIGHT

DORAL ACADEMY CHARTER

HEIGHT

6-1.5 234 Sr.

RENATO BROWN

6-5 WEIGHT 305 SENIOR The Miami native, Wilson has already committed to the University of Florida.

KINGSLEY EGUAKUN

172 Sr.

LAKELAND

YEAR

TAMPA PLANT

196 Sr.

HEIGHT

YEAR

6-2

YEAR

WARDRICK WILSON

HEIGHT

6-5

6-2 WEIGHT 240 SENIOR Zipperer has both great hands and great footwork, making him a focal point of the offense. HEIGHT

DUNCAN U. FLETCHER

WILLIAM PUTNAM

5-11 195 Sr.

KEON ZIPPERER

YEAR

SOUTH DADE

205 Sr.

MIAMI CAROL CITY

HEIGHT

YEAR

6-1

JEREMIAH PAYTON

HEIGHT

YEAR

UNIVERSITY SCHOOL

FRANK LADSON

HEIGHT

YEAR

OCALA WEST PORT

5-8 WEIGHT 185 SENIOR What Wright lacks in size, he gaines in explosiveness and speed; the elusive runner has interest from major programs.

HEIGHT

YEAR

NAY’QUAN WRIGHT

UNIVERSITY SCHOOL

POS. NAME

HT. WT. YR.

POS. NAME

HT. WT. YR.

QB George Johnson III Martin County RB Keshawn King Oakleaf RB Peter Hayes-Patrick Orlando Timber Creek WR Brieon Fuller Doral Academy Charter WR Ahmarean Brown Tampa Jefferson TE Kamari Morales Tallahassee Lincoln

5-11 180 Sr.

OL Hunter Rayburn Pensacola OL Mark Fox Miami Northwestern OL Adrian Medley Pensacola OL Cameron Vaughn Haines City OL Jamari Williams Cardinal Gibbons ATH Antonio Clary Sandalwood

6-4 310 Sr.

6-0

185 Sr.

5-10 180 Sr. 6-1

170 Sr.

5-10 165 Sr. 6-3

232 Sr.

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6-4 290 Sr. 6-4 305 Sr. 6-6

300 Sr.

6-4 275 Sr. 6-0

200 Sr.

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Team Florida Defense KHRIS BOGLE

LLOYD SUMMERALL

6-4 WEIGHT 207 SENIOR A man-child, Bogle continues to get stronger and smarter. He is considered a top 5 prospect nationally at his position.

6-5 WEIGHT 205 SENIOR Summerall will only get better as he continues to fill out his frame. He is being pursued by half of the SEC currently.

HEIGHT

6-1 WEIGHT 293 SENIOR Davis exhibits great athleticism for a player of his size; being courted by Clemson and Ohio State.

6-0 WEIGHT 190 SENIOR Solomon will anchor the St. Thomas Aquinas defense as it pursues another state championship.

6-1 WEIGHT 220 SENIOR Hit the scene as a freshman and hasn’t stopped improving. Being pursued by a who’s who list.

6-2 WEIGHT 187 SENIOR Gant may become a top 100 national recruit by the time the season is over; heavily favoring Florida State.

MIAMI SOUTHRIDGE

MARK-ANTONY RICHARDS

6-1 WEIGHT 187 SENIOR The Ohio State-St. Thomas Aquinas connection could continue with a Battle commitment.

6-1 WEIGHT 194 SENIOR A top 100 recruit and top 5 national athlete, Richards may join fellow athlete Josh Sanguinetti at Miami. HEIGHT

YEAR

ATH

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS

POS. NAME

HT. WT. YR.

POS. NAME

DE Derick Hunter Ft. Myers Dunbar DE Braylen Ingraham St. Thomas Aquinas DT Terray Jones Madison County DT Denzel Daxon Doral Academy Charter LB Avery Huff St. Thomas Aquinas LB Marcus Tillman Jr. Orlando Jones

6-4 276 Sr.

LB Jesiah Pierre 6-2 Christian Home And Bible School CB Kaiir Elam 6-1 The Benjamin School CB Jaden Davis 5-10 St. Thomas Aquinas S Keontra Smith 5-11 Chaminade-Madonna Prep S Raymond Woodie III 6-1 Florida State Univ. School ATH Ja’markis Weston 6-3 Clewiston

HT. WT. YR.

220 Sr. 182 Sr. 166 Sr. 195 Sr. 192 Sr. 195 Sr.

THIRD TEAM

SECOND TEAM

HEIGHT

KATHLEEN

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YEAR

JORDAN BATTLE

YEAR

220 Sr.

6-0 WEIGHT 190 SENIOR Heavily leaning toward Miami, Stevenson has great speed and size and is a national top 100 recruit. HEIGHT

PALM BEACH CENTRAL

HEIGHT

6-1

TYRIQUE STEVENSON

5-11 WEIGHT 176 SENIOR A Florida State commit, Dent packs a punch and has the intangibles you look for in a cornerback.

BRENDAN GANT

315 Sr.

WEKIVA

YEAR

DEERFIELD BEACH

200 Sr.

HEIGHT

YEAR

6-1

YEAR

AKEEM DENT

HEIGHT

6-3

6-3 WEIGHT 233 SENIOR The formidable Davis joins Tyler Davis in forming a dynamic defensive duo for Wekiva; a Georgia target. HEIGHT

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS

GE’MON EAFORD

280 Sr.

RIAN DAVIS

YEAR

WEKIVA

6-1

LARGO

HEIGHT

YEAR

6-4 260 Sr.

ANTHONY SOLOMON

HEIGHT

YEAR

AUBURNDALE SENIOR

TYLER DAVIS

HEIGHT

YEAR

CARDINAL GIBBONS

6-3 WEIGHT 270 SENIOR A top 100 player, Sorrells is considered one of if not the best players n the Tampa Bay area.

HEIGHT

YEAR

JAQUAZE SORRELLS

WELLINGTON

POS. NAME

HT. WT. YR.

POS. NAME

HT. WT. YR.

DE Mike Morris American Heritage DE Quashon Fuller Lehigh Acres Lehigh DT Keenan Hester St. Petersburg DT Calijah Kancey Miami Northwestern LB Diamante Howard Miami Southridge LB Jahmar Brown St. Thomas Aquinas

6-5

LB Samuel Brooks Miami Northwestern CB Travis Jay Madison County CB John Dixon Tampa Chamberlain S Tyler Scott University School S Cortez Andrews Tallahassee Godby ATH Cornelius Nunn Miami Palmetto

6-1.5 195 Sr.

250 Sr.

6-3.5 277 Sr. 6-5

280 Sr.

6-2

260 Sr.

6-2

178 Sr.

6-0

192 Sr.

6-0

175 Sr.

6-0

170 Sr.

5-10 181 Sr. 6-2

205 Sr.

6-0

170 Sr.

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FLORIDA 2018

MIAMI-DADE

FLORIDA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

Miami-Dade CONTINUING THE TITLE-TOWN RUN

T LEAST TWO TEAMS FROM MIAMI-DADE County have come home from the Citrus Bowl in Orlando with a state championship trophy for each of the last six seasons. In 2017 it was Northwestern and Champagnat who carried the flag for the 305. In 2018 there could be as many as many as four teams that bring back crowns. That starts with Class 6A where Central, Carol City or Northwestern has won the state title every year since 2012. Each program now has five state titles to their name. An influx of senior and junior transfers to all three schools – coupled with some young talent that has been grown in house – has the rosters of all three teams reloaded for a championship run. In Class 8A, where Dade has won the crown only twice since the advent of the classification in 2011, Columbus, South Dade and Southridge all appear more than capable of making a run to Orlando. The Spartans won the title in 2016, the Buccaneers won it in 2013, and the Explorers made it to the title game in 2014. Champagnat, meanwhile, has a new coach, but a roster loaded with enough talent to make a run at the program’s third state title in Class 2A since 2013. Booker T. Washington, which had won four state titles in a row from 2012-2015 in Class 4A, missed the playoffs last

BEST IN THE REGION 1. Top 5 Teams ■■ Carol City ■■ Central ■■ Northwestern ■■ Columbus ■■ South Dade

2. Player to Watch ■■ Samuel Brooks

3. Sleeper Player ■■ Kevin Butler

4. Team on the Rise

Nay’quan Wright, Carol City

■■ Doral Academy

5. Best Atmosphere season. But the Tornadoes have undergone a renaissance with coach Tim “Ice” Harris and have some of the best players in the country in the Classes of 2020 and 2021. That might be enough to carry them all the way back to Orlando for a shot at a sixth state title since 2007.

Sedrick Irvin

■■ Traz Powell Stadium

6. Game of the Year ■■ Northwestern vs. Carol City

Frank Ladson SOUTH DADE

SOUTHRIDGE

THERE’S ONLY ONE

HE’S ONLY 40, BUT SEDRICK Irvin is quickly establishing himself as one of the best high school football coaches in the country. A state football champion and star running back at Southridge in 1993 and a state basketball champion at Miami High in 1994, Irvin has twice now led his team as a coach to the state semifinals. He did it with Westminster Christian in 2013 and again with Miami High last season. The Stings had not been to the state semifinals since 1992. Irvin’s career record as a coach is 75-10 between his six seasons at Westminster and his only season leading Miami High. Now, he comes over to Southridge, which is two years removed from winning its last state title under Billy Rolle, who holds the distinction of being the first coach in Florida high school football history to win state championships at three different schools. Since his hiring players have flocked to the Ridge to come play for Irvin, who starred at Michigan State under Nick Saban and played three seasons for the Detroit Lions. “I want to find a spot where I can stay and build a tradition…I believe this could be the spot,” Irvin told the Miami Sports Tribune in January. “I know my purpose in life and that’s to give back to kids and the community.”

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FLORIDA 2018

consensus five-star recruit in Miami-Dade County this season and Ladson is his last name. The 6-4, 183-pound receiver from South Dade committed to Clemson on April 14. That doesn’t mean the hometown Miami Hurricanes have given up chase. Ladson hauled in 29 passes for 679 yards and eight touchdowns last season and is the kind of leader coach Nate Hudson admires for his work ethic. He’ll have a new quarterback throwing him the ball in small schools All-Dade First Team quarterback Demetrius Burns, who transferred in from Everglades Prep after throwing for 1,809 yards and 15 touchdowns last season.

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MIAMI-DADE

AMERICAN PATRIOTS (8A-13)

CENTRAL ROCKETS (6A-16)

Council Allen (Jr., ATH), Jaysen Soroh (Sr., WR), Jaylin Norman (Sr., DL), Emmill Romeo (Jr., OG), Kevin Lemos (Sr., OL), Antjuan Dozier (Jr., DB), Daryl Denson (Sr., OLB), Victor Hylton (Jr., DE) THE WORD: The Patriots’ run of six consecutive playoff appearances came to an abrupt end last season, but Morgan, entering his third season at the helm, believes his team is trending in the right direction. Fifteen lettermen are back including five starters on each side of the ball. Williams (6-4, 170) is a quarterback to watch in the Class of 2020. Romeo (6-3, 330) is one of the biggest linemen in the Class of 2020. “It is a young team with a tremendous upside,” Morgan said. “Guys are getting game experience early in their careers, which should create a culture of leadership as they come of age together. We are a “blue collar” team that understands that nothing is going to be easy and we will need to work for everything we want/get.”

(Jr., RB), Jaylin Young (Sr., WR), Jesus Machado (Jr., DE/LB), Maurice Smith (Sr., OG), Tatum Bethune (Sr., OLB), Maurice Underwood (Sr., QB), Henry Gray (Jr., CB), Came’Rhon M. Robinson (Sr., DE), Jalin Harrell (Jr., DB), Shemar Paul (Jr., ATH), Andre Auguste (Sr., DL), Josue Ultima (Jr., WR), Laurence Seymore (So., OL), Anthony Colonel (Sr., WR), Anthony Fredrick (Sr., WR), Sharmar Zaragoza (Jr., WR) THE WORD: The Rockets are now two seasons removed from winning their last state title. The program sent 24 kids to college last season, but this team could be the one that gets back to Orlando. Joseph (5-9, 180) has offers from Pitt, Boston College, South Florida, East Carolina and Tulane. Owens (5-11, 185) has offers from Louisville, FIU, Central Florida, Kentucky and Syracuse. Smith (6-2, 276) and Seymore (6-2, 280) anchor a solid offensive line. Underwood (6-3, 170) is already committed to Marshall. Gray (6-1, 175) is one of the best defensive backs in the Class of 2020, but he’s hardly the only talented player on defense. Machado (6-1, 205) transferred over from Class 2A state champion Champagnat and is another top recruit.

2017 RECORD: 4-6 THE COACH: Joseph Morgan THE PLAYERS: Katravis Williams (Jr., QB), Jared Mack (Sr., CB),

BELEN WOLVERINES (8A-15)

2017 RECORD: 6-4 THE COACH: Ed Delgado THE PLAYERS: Don Chaney Jr. (Jr., RB), Nate Payne (Jr.,

WR), Matt Moreno (Sr., DE), Ralph Ruiz (Sr. DL), Aramis Castano (Sr., LB), Stefano Pinto (Sr., OT), Danny Esteban (Sr., RB), Josh Sloan (Jr., LB), Frank Paredes (Jr., OT), Nick Oyarzun (Jr., OL), Breton Rice (Jr., K/P) THE WORD: Belen has made the playoffs 16 of the last 18 years and should win the district again with one of the best running backs in the country anchoring the offense. Chaney Jr. (5-11, 195) ran for 1,414 yards and 20 touchdowns last season and once again will be the central focus of the team’s Wing-T attack. Five starters are back on offense including Paredes (6-4, 320) who anchors a solid offensive line. Four starters are back on defense led by Moreno (5-10, 190). “We have small senior class this season, but have good group of underclassmen,” Delgado, a longtime assistant under Rich Stuart, the winningest head coach in Miami-Dade history, said. “We will be young but will improve quite a bit as we gain “

BOOKER T. WASHINGTON TORNADOES (4A-4)

2017 RECORD: 4-5 THE COACH: Tim “Ice” Harris THE PLAYERS: Jacorey Brooks (So., WR), Torey Morrison

(So., QB), Jovon Smith (Sr., WR), Estamane Lucdor (Sr., WR), Theodore Robinson (Jr., WR), Jeremiah Jenkins (Jr., OL), Wati Huggins (Jr., DL), Donnell Harris (So., DL), Andres Borregales (So., K), Marcus Barthell (Sr., RB), Anthony Hundley (So., DL), Travis Pittman (Sr., SS), Rance Conner (So., DB), Eddie Jackson (Jr., DB), Travaris Lark (Jr., LB), Corey Thornton (Jr., DB) THE WORD: A year after having their run of four consecutive state titles come to an end with a loss in the state semifinals, the Tornadoes’ streak of 16 consecutive playoff appearance was halted. Four starters are back on offense, but three-year starting quarterback Daniel Richardson isn’t. He transferred to Carol City and has been replaced by Scooter Morrison (5-9, 165), who transferred over from South Dade where he completed 57.1 percent of his passes for 1,673 yards and 19 touchdowns and 10 interceptions last season. He’s got a stellar core of receivers to throw to led by Brooks (6-3, 180) and a new running back in Barthell (5-10, 181), who ran for 304 yards and four touchdowns as the backup last season at Miami High. Seven starters, meanwhile, are back on defense led by Huggins (6-2, 220) and Harris (6-6, 225). Borregales (5-9, 162) is one of the best young kickers in the country.

BRADDOCK BULLDOGS (8A-15)

2017 RECORD: 7-2 THE COACH: Juan Torres THE PLAYERS: Anthony Cordovi (Jr., QB), Paul Avila (Sr., OL), Dan-

iel Lopez (Sr., OL), Maximus Stefano (Sr., OL), Ricky Monteagudo (So., RB), Bradly Diaz (Jr., OL), Adrian Diaz (Sr., DB), Justin Caldera (Sr., DL), Bradley Charon (Jr., DL), Isaiah Pagan (Sr., WR) THE WORD: The Bulldogs enjoyed their best season in years, but still missed the playoffs despite losing only one district game to Belen Jesuit. Braddock last made the state playoffs in 2011. Cordovi completed 50 percent of his passes for 600 yards, five touchdowns and five interceptions last season as a sophomore starter. “The offensive line will anchor the offense, we are returning five experienced players,” Torres said. “I expect a great season from quarterback Anthony Cordovi. He is getting bigger, stronger, faster, and is throwing the ball exceptionally well. I expect the offense to have a balanced attack, one which will help us have a winning season. The defense will be young yet talented.”

CAROL CITY CHIEFS (6A-16)

2017 RECORD: 8-4 THE COACH: Benedick Hyppolite THE PLAYERS: Nayquan Wright (Sr., RB), Malcolm Ray (Sr.,

DE), Jarvis Brownlee (Sr., CB), Daniel Richardson (Sr., QB), Willie Floyd (Jr., LB/RB), Lorenzo Floyd (Sr., ATH), Khembrel Leon (Sr., MLB), Katravis Geter (So., RB), Amari Johnson (Sr., WR), Andre Bent (Jr., FS), Gregory Riddick (Sr., CB) THE WORD: Wright (5-8, 185) is one of the nation’s top running backs in the Class of 2019. He missed all of his junior year with an ankle injury. He has a new running mate in the backfield in Geter, who led Miramar High in rushing last season as a freshman with 583 yards and seven scores on 89 carries. Richardson (5-8, 170) takes over at quarterback after leading Miami Booker T. Washington to a state title as a freshman in 2015. He’s completed 60 percent of his passes throughout his three-year career for 6,537 yards, 81 touchdowns and 37 interceptions. Ray (6-2, 230) and Brownlee (6-0, 168) are among the key returning starters on defense for the Chiefs. Hyppolite said Carol City received at least a dozen transfers and many were starters or All-Dade performers at their former schools.

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2017 RECORD: 9-3 THE COACH: Roland Smith THE PLAYERS: Lexington Joseph (Sr., RB), Kejon Owens

CHAMPAGNAT LIONS (2A-4)

2017 RECORD: 9-2 THE COACH: Hector Clavijo THE PLAYERS: Marc Britt (Jr., WR), Johnquai Lewis (Jr., WR),

Daryn Jones (Sr., LB), Donald Georges (Sr., LB), Calvin Montgomery (Jr., RB), Rony Bourdeau (Jr., ATH), Bryan Reinstrom (Sr., LB), Shedrick Ursery (Jr., ATH), Jovens Janvier (Jr., OL), Michael Cartwright (Sr., OT), Dalvin Montas (So., OL). THE WORD: Clavijo takes over for Dennis Marroquin and he’s got plenty of talent to work with as nine offensive starters return from last year’s state championship team. Britt (6-0, 160) is a University of Miami commitment and one of a handful of explosive receivers. Last year, he had 28 catches for 575 yards and eight scores. The offensive line is big with Janvier (6-5, 350) and Cartwright (6-7, 310) anchoring it. Montgomery (5-10, 215) ran for 614 yards and 10 touchdowns last season and will be a focal point with a pair of freshman fighting for the starting quarterback job. Defensively, five starters are back led by Lewis, an All-Dade First Team selection last season, in the secondary. Among the regular season opponents for the Lions: Class 7A state champion Venice, Class 4A state semifinalist University School and Class 3A runner-up Oxbridge Academy. “We have arguably the best receivers in America and one of the hardest hitting running backs in the state,” Clavijo said. “The attack will be balanced and dangerous. Defensively a great core of linebackers return and they are vicious.”

COLUMBUS EXPLORERS (8A-14)

2017 RECORD: 10-2 THE COACH: Chris Merritt THE PLAYERS: Gary Cooper (Sr., TE), Kalani Norris (Sr.,

WR), Jeramy Passmore (Sr., DE), Dylan Perez (Sr., DT), Xzavier Henderson (Jr., WR), Henry Parrish Jr. (Jr., RB), Courtney Holmes (Jr., SS), Elijah Roberts (Jr., DE), Demetries Ford (Sr., CB), Luis Cristobal (Sr., C) THE WORD: The Explorers fell just short of reaching the state semifinals for the fifth time since 2011 with a loss to rival Miami High in the regional final last fall. Seven starters on offense and five on defense return for Columbus including three All-Dade First Team selections in Parrish Jr. (5-10, 178), Passmore (6-1, 295) and Cristobal (6-2, 295). Parrish Jr. (5-11, 185) ran for 1,031 yards and 16 touchdowns as a sophomore and received an offer this spring from Iowa. Norris (5-11, 175) led the team in receiving last season (32 catches, 614 yards, 5 TDs) and has offers from over 25 schools including N.C. State, Tennessee, Louisville, South Carolina and Purdue. Roberts (6-4, 245) transferred over from Coral Park and joins Passmore and Perez (6-1, 295) to form a dangerous trio getting after the quarterback.

CORAL GABLES CAVALIERS (8A-14)

2017 RECORD: 3-5 THE COACH: Roger Pollard THE PLAYERS: Everton Henry (Sr., OL), Basilio Fernandez (Sr.,

LB), Eliser Hernandez (Sr., OL), Rasaad Sawyer (Sr., WR), D’Angelo Paul (Sr., DL), Gerald Williams (Sr., QB), Aden Martinez (So., QB) THE WORD: Pollard, who led Gables to a 45-16 record and five consecutive playoff appearances from 2012-2016, returned from a one-year hiatus to take over the program again after the Cavaliers missed the playoffs for the first time since 2011. Only 10 lettermen return including three starters on each side of the ball. Henry (6-2, 260) and Hernandez (6-2, 255) are the anchors of what should be a solid offensive line. “We have dubbed this year operation resurgence,” Pollard said. “Our offensive linemen is what will make or break us this year. Competition breeds excellence. There is a stable of young and older talent skill wise. Defensively, the secondary is the strength. Tijhani Brown, Willie Cunningham, Jermaine Witherspoon, and Quinton Ware form that group. At linebacker the two players to watch are Dimitris Biamby and Basilio Fernandez.”

CORAL PARK RAMS (8A-14)

2017 RECORD: 4-5 THE COACH: Ralph Jimenez THE PLAYERS: Sammy Bencid (Sr., RB), Anthony Ferro (Jr.,

RB), Jakhari Barnes (Sr., RB), Kevin Duggan (Jr., QB), Moises Mejia (Sr., DL), Francois Boney (Sr., WR), Lloyd Suarez (Jr., OL) THE WORD: The Rams, who have not made the playoffs since 1998, have now had back-to-back four-win seasons after going winless in 2015. Six starters return on each side of the ball and Jimenez expects improvement with the addition of some quality players from the junior varsity team. Barnes (5-10, 175) ran for over 400 yards and five touchdowns last season and is one of three backs who will tote the rock for the Rams. “We expect to have a banner year for Coral Park,” Jimenez said. “It is an honor

to be the head coach where I played under Coach Clark Eakes. It is a welcomed challenge for me and my staff to continue to bring this program up to respectability. We are excited to continue to help student athletes earn scholarships and continue to add to the winning column.”

CORAL REEF BARRACUDAS (8A-15)

2017 RECORD: 2-7 THE COACH: Joseph Petisco THE PLAYERS: Dajon Clark (Sr., CB), Christopher Perez

(Sr., S/OLB), Dillon Ford (Sr., MLB), Milton Calafell (Jr., WR), Ronnie Williams (Jr., ILB), Matt Gavilan (Jr., C) THE WORD: Three starters return on defense and two on offense. Running back Johnny Simon was one of those, but tore his ACL in the spring and is hopeful to be back by October. Simon ran for 398 yards and five touchdowns last season. Ford (6-0, 185) racked up 48 tackles last season. Coral Reef hasn’t made the playoffs since 2011. “We have a lot of young kids,” Petisco said.

CORAL SHORES HURRICANES (IND.)

2017 RECORD: 4-2 THE COACH: Alphonso Bryant THE PLAYERS: Robbie Prosek (Sr., TE/DE), Juan Villalobos

Perez (Sr., NG/FB), Dylan Scheu (Sr., QB/FS), Lucas Denni (Jr., OLB/RB), Trent Norrie (Sr., NG/C), Gage Dennis (Jr., CB/ OLB), Dylan Walters (Sr., K/QB) THE WORD: A group of 10 lettermen and four starters are back from last year’s team. The Hurricanes are playing in the Florida Independent Football Conference. “Our defensive line is our strength,” Bryant said. “Prosek (6-4, 275), Norrie (5-11, 230) and Perez (5-7, 200) bring a combination of size and speed that we like up front. On the flip side, we lost a lot of guys on the offensive line.”

DORAL FIREBIRDS (7A-16)

2017 RECORD: 10-3 THE COACH: Jase Stewart THE PLAYERS: Brieon Fuller (Sr., WR), Baron Grant (Jr., WR),

Wardrick Wilson (Sr., OT), Denzel Daxon (Sr., DT), Samuel Anaele (Sr., DE), Harry Henderson (Jr., DB), Wendol Phenord (Sr., DB), Marlon Johnson (Sr., OL), Devanno Whitfield (Sr., TE) THE WORD: The Firebirds, regional finalists last season, have a plethora of FBS recruits led by University of Miami commitments Daxon (6-3, 315) and Anaele (6-4, 243) on the defensive line. University of Florida commitment Wilson (6-5, 305) and Johnson (6-4, 285) anchor a beefy offensive line. Fuller (6-1, 175) and Grant (6-1, 180) have scholarship offers from Power 5 Conference programs and are big-time playmakers.

EDISON RED RAIDERS (4A-4)

2017 RECORD: 0-10 THE COACH: Luther Campbell THE PLAYERS: Tremaine Taylor (Sr., CB/WR), Karon

Johnson (Sr., QB), Nathan Bernard (Sr., MLB), Kenan Jean (Sr., SS), Isaiah Samuels (Sr., FS), Travon Thomas (Sr., DL), Andre Morgan (Jr., OLB), Jarrisen Washington (Jr., DB), Willie White (Jr., WR), Livingston Benoit (So., RB) THE WORD: A year after reaching the second round of the playoffs, Edison fell on hard times and was outscored 450 to 44 in 2017. Campbell, a former rapper and longtime assistant at Northwestern, Central, Norland and Jackson, says he’s trying to build for the long term with a young roster at Edison. Taylor (6-1, 175) and Jean (6-2, 185) each have an offer from FAU. Johnson (6-2, 180) comes over from North Miami High and Campbell expects him to be one of the best quarterbacks in the county. He has a strong group of receivers to throw to. “It was just time for me to go and run my own program,” said Campbell, who will serve as associate head coach under Herb Herring but run the show on game day. “We’ve got about eight, nine seniors. Everything else is young. We got some of the top eighth graders in the county coming in because they know they’ll have a chance to play.”

EVERGLADES PREP PANTHERS (3A-4)

2017 RECORD: 5-4 THE COACH: Tony Bing THE PLAYERS: Kavon Holmes (Sr., ATH), Morris Hall (Jr.,

ATH), Jaylen Walker (Sr., ATH), George Roberts (Sr., ATH), Corey Hanna (Sr., ATH), Larry Williams (Sr., DL) THE WORD: The Panthers made the playoffs for the first time in school history last season and were crushed by Palm Beach Benjamin 43-6 in the first round. Several key players were either lost to graduation or transfers including All-Dade quarterback Demetrius Burns (South Dade) and tailback Sirr Daye (Miami High). But five starters are back on each side of the ball including Holmes (5-7, 150). Walker (6-0, 165) was an All-Dade first team selection and is back to lead the secondary after recording six interceptions in 2017. “Being a coach here at EPA I’ve seen a big turnaround,” Bing said. “The goal is to become the next big little school in Dade.”

FERGUSON FALCONS (8A-15)

2017 RECORD: 3-6 THE COACH: Gene Chew THE PLAYERS: Anthony Ramirez (Sr., RB), Alexander Marquez

(Jr., LB), Byron Gutierrez (Jr., OL), Shannon Dawson (Sr., WR), Chris Oester (Sr., ATH), Jomar Cordero (Jr., RB), Dreyson Rolle (Sr., LB), Joel Serna (Sr., OL), Leonardo Sanz (Jr., OL), Angel Siles (So., WR), Chris Pressley (Jr., LB), Alex Valverde (Jr., WR) THE WORD: Chew, who has been the only coach in the school’s 15-year history and guided the Falcons to the playoffs in 2009, has more than 130 players in the program including 20 returning varsity lettermen. Four starters return on defense led by Marquez (5-8, 200) at linebacker. Three starters return on offense led by Ramirez (5-9, 170) who will lineup at running back, receiver and quarterback at various times. “Anthony Ramirez can make big plays from any of the skill positions on offense,” Chew said. “We will have four receivers on the field at any given time who break the 6-foot height mark. Both

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MIAMI-DADE

defensive ends Chris Schneider and Dreyson Rolle have experience and have made great strides in strength.” The areas of concern: the offensive line, which returns only two players with varsity experience; the secondary and quarterback.

FLORIDA CHRISTIAN PATRIOTS (IND.)

2017 RECORD: 0-7 THE COACH: Joe Burmeister THE PLAYERS: Johnny Knight (So., QB/S), Bryan Garcia

(Sr., ATH), Success Fredrick (So., TE/LB) THE WORD: The Patriots haven’t had a winning season since 2012 and will continue to compete in the independent Southeastern Conference next season. The team’s new offensive coordinator is former Green Bay Packers practice squad receiver Antonio Robinson, who grew up homeless in South Florida, played football at Nicholls State and went on to win a Super Bowl ring before ending his career in the Canadian and Arena Football Leagues.

GOLEMAN GATORS (7A-16)

2017 RECORD: 4-5 THE COACH: Ariel Cribeiro THE PLAYERS: Ernesto Lopez (Jr., DL), Zachary Valcarcel

(Jr., ATH), Kamal Barnes (Sr., DL), Nelson Valladares (Sr., ATH), Derek Loaisiga (Jr., ATH) THE WORD: Cribeiro (21-31 in six seasons at Goleman) has switched from the Single Wing offense to the Power Spread attack. Three starters return on offense led by Valcarcel (5-9, 170), who averaged 5.8 yards per carry last season as the team’s fifth-leading rusher. Defensively five starters are back led by Lopez (6-2, 270). Goleman made its only state playoff appearance in 2004. “This is a young, scrappy team with eight returning starters,” Cribeiro said. “Our team is hungry and ready to show off our new spread system which has reinvigorated the offense. We have electric skill players and some relentless lineman led by our rising junior Ernesto Lopez.”

GULLIVER PREP RAIDERS (4A-4)

2017 RECORD: 6-4 THE COACH: Earl Sims THE PLAYERS: D’Sean Perry (Sr., DE), Nick Hassan (Sr., WR),

Wesley Neal (Jr., DL), Sean Moore (Sr., WR), Reuben Rodriguez (Sr., OL), Anton Hall (Jr., ATH), Justin Stevens (Sr., OL), Amin Hassan (Jr., WR), Diego LaMonica (Jr., TE), Will Poses (Sr., QB) THE WORD: The Raiders, who last made the state playoffs in 2015 and came close to making them last season, bring back nine starters on offense and five on defense from a pretty good team. Perry (6-4, 235) and Neal (6-1, 310) are a big, troublesome tandem on the defensive line. Perry had 53 tackles and six sacks last season. The Raiders also have size on the offensive line with Rodriguez (6-5, 285), Stevens (6-4, 300) and LaMonica (6-4, 225). Last season in five starts Poses (5-11, 185) completed 53.4 percent of his passes for 663 yards, eight touchdowns and only two interceptions. Hall (5-9, 175) ran for 404 yards and five touchdowns in 2017. Nick Hassan (5-11, 170) led the team in receiving with 22 catches for 287 yards and two scores.

HIALEAH THOROUGHBREDS (8A-13)

2017 RECORD: 4-5 THE COACH: Gary Sanchez THE PLAYERS: Ricardo Young (Sr., DB), Todgrick Walker (Sr.,

DL), Arthur Roberts (Sr., RB), Eloyhim Fistec (Sr., DL), Patrell Nadal (Sr., WR), Lazaro Sanchez (Sr., OL), Courtland Storr (Sr., LB), Zachary Oliver (Sr., LB), Kervin Desources (Sr., ATH), Emanuel Leatherwood (Jr., DB), Isiah Britt (Jr., DB) THE WORD: Sanchez is the third coach the T-Breds have had in the past three seasons. He’s also a Hialeah High grad who has brought in seven former Hialeah football players to help run the team. Eight starters are back on offense and two on defense for the T-Breds, who should have an athletic secondary. Desources (5-11, 180) was the backup quarterback for Champagnat’s Class 2A state championship team last season. “The coaching staff all have T-Bred pride,” Sanchez said. “We love our school and we want to change the culture.”

HIALEAH GARDENS GLADIATORS (8A-13)

2017 RECORD: 2-8 THE COACH: Greg Magner THE PLAYERS: Darian Hernandez (Sr., QB), Italo Badia

(Sr., WR) Sebastian Cuellar (Sr., RB), Christian Herrera (Sr., LB), Christian Gomez (Jr., RB), Carlos Calderon (Sr., DL), Anthony Perez (Sr., DB), Eduardo Gonzalez (Sr., DL), Jordan Ceballos (Jr., RB), Juan Mairena (Jr., OL) THE WORD: Magner, the former longtime at coach at Curley with a career 139-160 record, continues to work to make Hialeah Gardens, which has never qualified for the state playoffs, into a respectable program. The Gladiators return 13 lettermen including four starters on offense and five on defense. “Many of our kids arrive at the high school level with limited or no football experience,” Magner said. “Imagine a student arriving at the high school level with no math, history, or language arts experience. Our quarterback Darian Hernandez has embraced our option check system with positive marks. Linebacker Christian Herrera and receiver Italo Badia accepted a challenge to compete in track and field to improve their technique and athleticism. We ask our boys to be accountable, competitive and mentally tough. If you improve, we improve.”

HIALEAH-MIAMI LAKES TROJANS (6A-16)

2017 RECORD: 1-9 THE COACH: Tyronn Johnson THE PLAYERS: Jefferson Orizon (Sr., SS), Tyree Womble (Jr.,

DB), Peter James (Sr., DE), Raudi Candame (Sr., OL/DL), Justus Faihkorie (Jr., OL), Larry Cauley (Sr., DL), Justin Powell (Sr., LB), Derek Luster (Sr., LB), Devante Siggers (Sr., DB), Auguste Ramces (Sr., RB), Nicholas Anderson (Jr., WR), Nejah Fisher (Jr., DB)

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THE WORD: The Trojans, who haven’t been to the playoffs since

2005 and are in the state’s toughest district with multi-time state champions Central (5 titles), Carol City (5), Northwestern (5) and Norland (2), were outscored 415 to 20 last season. Johnson, entering his third season at the helm, beat Miami Beach 20-18 for his only victory last season. Seven starters return on offense and five on defense. Orizon (6-3, 200), Womble (5-10, 170) and James (6-4, 230) all have the size and speed to play at the next level. “The strength of the team is our offensive line and defensive backs,” Johnson said.

HOMESTEAD BRONCOS (8A-16)

2017 RECORD: 6-3 THE COACH: Ahmad Ward THE PLAYERS: Kevin Butler (Sr., ATH), Greg Pruitt (Sr.,

DL), Rahmod Smith (Sr., TE), Jonathan St. Jacques (Sr., LB), Dontaye Roundtree (Jr., DB), Tasheem Reese (Sr., ATH) THE WORD: After a 1-8 season in 2016, the Broncos made a stellar turnaround in Ward’s second season as coach and reached the playoffs for the first time since 2007 before getting crushed 50-0 by Columbus. A group of 25 lettermen and nine starters return on each side of the ball. Butler (5-11, 170) had a stellar junior season with 35 catches for 555 yards and four touchdowns as a receiver and six interceptions as a defensive back. An All-Dade First team selection last season, Butler has offers from FAU and Bowling Green. Pruitt (6-0, 260), whose father is a Homestead High Hall of Fame athlete, had 45 tackles and six last season and anchors the defensive front. St. Jacques (6-1, 205) was the team’s leading tackler last season. “In the new era of kids transferring to schools my players believe in the process,” Ward said. “They tell many ‘I’m not leaving Homestead! Matter of fact how about you come join us here?’”

JACKSON GENERALS (5A-16)

2017 RECORD: 4-6 THE COACH: Scott Daniels THE PLAYERS: Devin Essix (Sr., DB), Antwan Brinson

(Sr., WR), Amari Daniels (So., RB), Micah Douglas (Sr., OL), Philman Roundtree (Sr., LB), Samari Robinson (Jr., OL), Ty Taylor (So., QB), Nathaniel Price (Sr., DL), Shane Charles (So., WR), Everald Reid (Jr., LB), Earnest Johnson (Sr., LB), Roger Moore (Sr., WR), Joseph St. Louis (Sr., LB) THE WORD: Daniels, 50, takes over for Lakatriona Brunson, the first female head coach in state history. She went 3-7 and 4-6 in two seasons on the job. A former offensive coordinator at Miami Springs, Krop and Northwestern and a quarterbacks and receivers coach at Booker T. Washington and Central, Daniels has five returning starters on offense, six on defense and a couple of key transfers. Daniels’ son Amari (5-10, 175) comes over from Central and is considered one the best running backs in the country in the Class of 2021 with offers from Miami and Louisville among others. Depth, though, along the offensive line, defensive line and in the backfield are concerns. “We’re a very young talented team with great senior leadership,” Daniels said. “I have high expectations for this coming season.”

KEY WEST CONCHS (4A-4)

2017 RECORD: 7-2 THE COACH: John Hughes THE PLAYERS: Stervens Dor (Sr., DL), Alonzo Ridgeway

(Sr., RB), Jesse Garcia (Sr., DE/LB), Patrick Barnett (Jr., OL), Garrett Hughes (Jr., ATH), Paton Hummell (Sr., WR), Jonathan Faatuai (Jr., RB), Hugo Tasayco (Sr., C) THE WORD: The Conchs qualified for the state playoffs for the first time since 2004 and lost to Monsignor Pace 31-7 in the first round last November. Hughes has gone 38-24 in his seven seasons leading the program. Six starters return on offense for the Conchs led by Ridgeway (6-0, 205). He and Faatuai (6-0, 280) anchor the team’s option rushing attack that has averaged more than 3,000 yards under Hughes per season. Barnett (6-7, 305) has received a lot of looks from FBS programs and anchors the offensive line. Garcia (5-10, 215) and Dor (6-1, 290) are a menace together on defense. Dor had 47 tackles, 12 for loss and four sacks last season. Garcia had 59 tackles and six sacks. “Many of this year’s players and coaches experienced the devastation of Hurricane Irma last season and are still dealing with the recovery process,” Hughes said. “The potential threat of what was called a ‘nuclear hurricane’ seems to have made this group of players appreciate their teammates more and brought them closer together.”

KILLIAN COUGARS (8A-16)

2017 RECORD: 1-7 THE COACH: Steve Smith THE PLAYERS: Lloyd Willis (Jr., OL), Sean Gilbert (Sr., OL),

Lucas Robinson (Sr., OL), Keoni Robinson (Sr., SS), Danj Altine (Sr., DB), Elijah Bell (Sr., LB), Dante Harris (Sr., ATH), Jermaine Thomas (Sr., ATH), Kelvin Durham (Jr., QB), Anthony Frith (Jr., LB), Frank Gore Jr. (Jr., RB/WR), David Serralta (Jr., TE), Armani Triplett (Jr., LB), Omari Williams (Jr., DB/WR) THE WORD: After a 32-0 win over Ferguson on Sept. 23 and a 12-7 loss to Homestead a week later, 2017 turned into a season of growing pains for Smith in his first year back at Killian. The Cougars, who haven’t been to the playoffs since 2014, were outscored 207-13 over their final five games. Among the talent returning from last year includes Rodriguez (6-4, 305), Gilbert (6-3, 295) and Willis (6-7, 295). Gore Jr. (5-8, 175) transferred over from Coral Gables.

KROP LIGHTNING (8A-13)

2017 RECORD: 4-6 THE COACH: Mike Farley THE PLAYERS: Isaac Joseph (Jr., OL), Giovanni Davis (Jr.,

DL), Emmanuel St. Germaine (Sr., LB), Keiondree Gaulden (Sr., RB), Dewrell Murdock (So., QB), Tyrik Collins (Jr., WR), Mark Pinnock (So., OL/DL) THE WORD: Farley hired a new offensive coordinator in former NFL Europe player Derrick Murdock and new position coaches

at receiver and offensive line. Murdock’s son Dewrell (6-2, 170) will lead the offense and has a playmaker to throw to in Collins (6-1, 175). Krop, which hasn’t been to the playoffs since 2012, brings back seven starters on each side of the ball including two-year starters and FBS prospects Joseph (6-2, 270) and Davis (6-2, 225), who had 50 tackles, 10 for loss and three sacks as a sophomore. Pinnock (6-0, 295) will team up with Joseph to provide some openings on the offensive line. St. Germaine (5-8, 195) had 65 tackles last season and will lead a strong linebacker unit, Farley said. “This team has some battle tested players who have faced some of the best football teams in the nation,” Farley said. “The experienced players with the addition of some new faces gives us a chance to earn the right to win.”

LASALLE ROYAL LIONS (4A-4)

2017 RECORD: 1-8 THE COACH: Edwin Pata THE PLAYERS: Deondre Dozier (Jr., RB), Jimmy Vargas

(Sr., OL), Isaiah Emery (Sr., OL), Leo Temple (So., TE), Yaniel Rodriguez (So., LB) THE WORD: Pata, a former All-State tight end at North Miami High and assistant coach at FIU and Florida A&M University, takes over for Matt Dillon, who went 13-15 in his three seasons at the helm. Seven starters are back on offense led by Dozier (5-8, 175), Vargas (6-1, 265) and Emery (6-2, 255). There will be some growing pains especially on the defensive side of the ball, but Pata eventually expects improvement. Pata, who has spent nine years coaching at the collegiate level after playing for both FIU and Florida State, is coaching in part to honor his slain brother Bryan Pata, who was shot and killed his senior year at the University of Miami. The case remains unsolved with the murderer at large. “I want to make an impact even more so now that I’m back home in our community,” Pata said. “We have a foundation in Bryan’s memory which caters towards our youth’s safety.”

MARATHON DOLPHINS (3A-4)

2017 RECORD: 7-2 THE COACH: Mac Childress THE PLAYERS: Jackson McDonald (Sr., QB), Jamal Qualls

(Sr., WR), Kyshaun Appolon (Sr., RB), Emilio Marin (Sr., WR), Andres Arias (Sr., OL) THE WORD: Childress, the team’s longtime offensive coordinator, took over for Anthony Davis (16-21 in four seasons) at the end of March. Five starters return on each side of the ball from the first winning team at Marathon since 2007 (the last time the Dolphins made the state playoffs). The offense averaged 41 points per game last season. McDonald (6-4, 215) completed 64.6 percent of his passes for 1,533 yards, 24 touchdowns and only six interceptions last season. He also ran for 208 yards and four more scores. Qualls (6-1, 175) led the team with 20 catches for 429 yards and nine touchdowns. “This year’s team returns a strong nucleus of talent,” Childress said. “I can’t wait to see how much bigger and stronger they get in the weight room.”

MATER ACADEMY LIONS (7A-16)

2017 RECORD: 6-5 THE COACH: Jeff Pond THE PLAYERS: Onelio Rios (Sr., LB), Richard Lawson (Jr., DB),

Ja’Quay Janvier (Sr., DB), Mario Montes (Sr., ATH), John Israel Cooper (Sr., WR), Damion Salsberry (Sr., ATH), Takori Thurston (Jr., RB), Deander Phillips Jr. (Jr., RB), Alvaro Zapata (Sr., K/P) THE WORD: Pond, the team’s defensive coordinator in 2015 and 2016, replaces Cordarion Clark, who held the interim tag for 2017 after Rocco Casullo abruptly resigned right before the start of the season. The Lions, who have been to the playoffs four consecutive seasons, bring back five starters on defense, three on offense and Zapata, one of the better kickers in the county. Lawson (6-1, 180) and Janvier (5-9, 170) will anchor a fast secondary and Pond expects the offensive backfield to be good with Thurston (5-8, 185) and Phillips Jr., a 5-7, 182-pound transfer from South Broward, leading that group. Quarterback, offensive line and defensive line are areas that need improvement, Pond said.

MIAMI BEACH HI-TIDES (8A-14)

2017 RECORD: 2-6 THE COACH: Rod Williams THE PLAYERS: Ricky Tamis (Sr., C), Jeremy Thomas (Jr.,

RB), Jessie Scharfer (Sr., WR/S), Jerry Williams (Sr., LB) THE WORD: The Hi-Tides have not made it to the playoffs since 2012 and haven’t had a winning season since 2013, but Williams, a former assistant at Krop and head coach in the state of Tennessee, is hoping to turn things around. Tamis (6-3, 280) will provide the leadership up front on the offensive line. Charles Fishbein of Elite Scouting Services says Jerry Williams (6-1, 200) has a chance to be a Division I recruit and All-Dade performer.

MIAMI CHRISTIAN VICTORS (2A-4)

2017 RECORD: 4-6 THE COACH: Nick Turnbull THE PLAYERS: Roscoe Gibson (So., WR/CB), Keith Phillips

(So., RB/LB), Allen Lee (So., SS), Correyon Thomas (So., CB), Benjamin Torres (Sr., DT), Tyquan Covington (Sr., LB), Niam McMillan (So., DE/TE) THE WORD: Turnbull, who was in the NFL for three years as an undrafted free agent and recorded 16 career interceptions as a safety at FIU before that, enters his second season at the helm of Miami Christian’s program. The Victors haven’t been to the state playoffs since 1976 and were an independent program last season before moving into Class 2A. Gibson (6-0, 150) is one of a handful of talented sophomores and is coming off a season in which he had 36 catches for 989 yards and 10 touchdowns. Phillips (5-11, 190) ran for 1,010 yards last season as a freshman and has an offer from Syracuse, Turnbull said. Lee (5-10, 160) and Thomas (5-10, 160) combined for five interceptions last season.

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MIAMI-DADE

MIAMI HIGH STINGAREES (8A-14)

2017 RECORD: 11-2 THE COACH: Darrell Bernard THE PLAYERS: Davenson Cadet (Sr., DB), Andrew Blood-

saw (Jr., DB), Trenod Derosier (Sr., ATH), Louis Louissant (Sr., DB), Sirr Daye (So., RB) THE WORD: Bernard, a Hialeah grad who played defensive back and graduated from New Mexico State in 2004, takes over for Sedrick Irvin, who led the Stings to the state semifinals for the first time since 1992 last fall. With Irvin’s depature for Southridge, four key players from last year’s squad headed elsewhere including bluechip offensive lineman Dontae Lucas (IMG Academy), star receiver Marcus Fleming (Southridge), leading sacker Leslie Smith (Northwestern) and two-way threat Marcus Barthell (Booker T. Washington). No starters are back on offense, but Daye, a 5-11, 210-pound All-Dade First Team running back at Everglades Prep, did transfer in after rushing for 1,031 yards and seven touchdowns as a freshman. Three starters are back on defense. Cadet (6-0, 175) was the team’s fourth-leading tackler last season (67 tackles) and had two interceptions. Bloodshaw (5-10, 165) had 35 tackles and one interception. “Overall Miami High will be okay,” Bernard said. “We are still in the rebuilding process. Keeping the train rolling from last year is my goal... it starts with building chemistry among your players while implementing discipline as well.”

MIAMI SPRINGS GOLDEN HAWKS (7A-16)

2017 RECORD: 4-5 THE COACH: Darryel Bethune THE PLAYERS: Jacoby Clark (Sr., ATH), Devante King (Jr.,

RB), Rasheed Chestnut (Sr., LB), Juan Corrales (Sr., OL), John Bennett (So., DB), Tremaine Johnson (Jr., DE), Sacorey Stringer (Sr., SS), Anthony Walker (So., RB) THE WORD: Bethune has gone 37-31 in his six seasons on the job but hasn’t been able to get the Golden Hawks back to the playoffs since 2013. A group of 16 lettermen return including four starters on offense and three on defense. All of Bethune’s best players play both ways. Clark (5-9, 170) threw for over 700 yards and eight touchdowns last season and will once again be the primary playmaker on offense along with King (6-0, 190). Chestnut (6-3, 215) had 30 tackles last season. Bethune says the offensive line, the running game and the receiving core all needs to improve.

MONSIGNOR PACE SPARTANS (4A-4)

2017 RECORD: 8-2 THE COACH: Joe Zaccheo THE PLAYERS: Tyrone Douglas (Sr., RB), Fabio Desir (Sr.,

OL), Thomas Willis (Sr., LB), Larry Azema (Sr., OL), James Williams (So., DB), Bryner Joseph (Jr., OL), Jaheem Joseph (Jr., CB), Ruben Masters (Sr., K), Oberde Desir (Sr., WR) THE WORD: The Spartans made it back into the playoffs for the first time since 2010 and won a game before falling to University School in a 42-39 shootout. Zaccheo, who is 118-42 in his 14 seasons as Pace’s coach, has six starters back on offense and five back on defense. Starting quarterback Lorenzo Floyd and All-Dade running back Willie Floyd transferred back to Carol City, but Douglas (5-7, 165) is back to lead Pace’s offense. An FAU commitment, Douglas ran for 1,130 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. All-Dade two-way lineman Fabio Desir (6-3, 260) returns to pave the way. Oberde Desir (5-11, 165) led the team with 19 catches for 341 yards and five touchdowns in 2017 and is also back. One of the nation’s top sophomores in Wiliams (6-4, 202) committed to the University of Miami in March and will anchor a talented secondary along with Jaheem Joseph (5-11, 170). Masters, an All-Dade First Team selection, was 5 for 5 on field goals and 33 of 35 on extra points last season.

MOURNING SHARKS (7A-16)

2017 RECORD: 1-9 THE COACH: Trevor Harris THE PLAYERS: Brandon Joachim (Sr., NG/OL), Darren Holt (Sr.,

WR/DB), Jaden Gelin (Sr., RB/DB), Denzel Pierre Louis (Sr., ILB/ WR), James Payoute (Sr., WR/DB), Danny Pierre Louis (Sr., QB/FS) THE WORD: Harris, who has gone 6-34 in his four seasons leading the Sharks, maintains a positive attitude and approach with his players despite the losing seasons. He’s getting help this year from Mourning school principal Chris Shinn, who hasn’t coached football in 15 years but once led Goleman and North Miami’s programs. Holt (5-10, 165) ran a 4.72 in the 40-yard dash at Larry Blustein’s combine in April and is the team’s big playmaker at wideout. Harris is hoping Joachim, a 6-2, 250-pound lineman he recruited from the hallways, will end up being the program’s first football player to earn a Division I scholarship. The Sharks, who return six starters on each side of the ball, have never won more than five games in a season (2012) and have never been to the playoffs since the program began in 2010.

NORLAND VIKINGS (6A-16)

2017 RECORD: 7-3 THE COACH: Daryle Heidelburg THE PLAYERS: Larry Smith (Sr., OLB), Issiah Walker (Jr.,

OL), Darius Williams (Sr., ILB), Deon Jones (Sr., QB), Joshua Blanchard (Sr., OL), Anthony Johnson (Jr., WR), Jonathon Carter (Sr., DT), Michael Harris (Sr., RB), Trayon Russell (Sr., DB), William Bradford (Sr., SS) THE WORD: The Vikings made it back to the state playoffs for the first time since 2012, but lost in Round 1 to Daytona Beach Mainland 21-12. Heidelburg, who is 76-30 in his 11 seasons at Norland, likes the veteran leadership on his team. Four starting offensive linemen are back led by Walker (6-4, 265), a South Carolina commitment, and Blanchard (6-4, 285), who has an offer from Bowling Green. They’ll open up holes for the 5-9, 175-pound Harris, who ran for 478 yards and six touchdowns last season as a third-string tailback. Defensively, five starters return. Smith (5-11, 215) and Williams (6-1, 230) lead a strong group of linebackers. Smith, who has offers from UAB and Syracuse, had 96 tackles and two interceptions last season. Williams, who has

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offers from Arkansas, USF, FIU and the University of Miami, had 74 tackles and six sacks. Heidelburg’s concerns entering the season are kicking, overall depth and his receivers.

NORTH MIAMI PIONEERS (8A-13)

2017 RECORD: 6-4 THE COACH: Patrick Colon THE PLAYERS: Ronald FanFan (Sr., WR), Richard Sam

(Sr., WR), Amahri McCray (So., LB), Kelly Loiseau (So., RB), Chamon Metayer (So., LB), Pierre Arney (Sr., OL), Brown Lalane (Jr., OL), Laurent Pierre Louis (Sr., LB), Elijah Deravil (Sr., DB), Augustin Lorfils Jr. (Sr. ATH), Bitoven Lorquette (Jr., FS), McGrew Fortune (Sr., CB) THE WORD: The Pioneers won the district and made it back to the playoffs for the first time since 2014, but got quickly disposed of 21-3 by South Dade in the first round. A group of 35 lettermen return for North Miami including six starters on offense and seven on defense. FanFan (6-1, 185) and Sam (6-1, 185) each had five Division I scholarship offers by mid-spring including power five conference schools Nebraska and Syracuse among others. Loiseau (5-11, 190) and fellow sophomore Metayer (6-5, 200) have garnered even more interest from major schools with Metayer earning an offer from the Florida Gators. Colon’s concerns heading into the season are the play of his interior linemen, his quarterback and overall depth. North Miami hasn’t won a playoff game since 1991, but this could be the team that ends that streak.

NORTH MIAMI BEACH CHARGERS (8A-13)

2017 RECORD: 4-6 THE COACH: Jeff Bertani THE PLAYERS: Davondre Coeur (So., DB/QB), Terry Noel (Jr.,

DB/WR), Hubenson Elisee (Sr., OL/DL), Stephan Meus (Jr., DB/WR), Keyon Pierre (Jr., DB/RB), Steny Joseph (So., LB/OL) THE WORD: The Chargers, who have always played iron man football for Bertani in his 22 years at the helm, bring back 20 lettermen including five starters on each side of the ball. NMB has made the playoffs 12 times under Bertani and every other season since 2008. “We don’t take recruits from other schools,” Bertani said. “Instead we build a program and coach our players.”

NORTHWESTERN BULLS (6A-16)

2017 RECORD: 12-2 THE COACH: Max Edwards THE PLAYERS: Mark Fox (Sr., OT), Samuel Brooks (Sr., OLB),

Calijah Kancey (Sr, DT), Jacquez Stuart (Sr., RB), Leslie Smith (Sr., OLB), Isaiah Velez (Sr., QB), Ricky McKnight (Sr., WR), Larry Robbins (Sr., CB), Pedro Marte Jr. (Sr., OG), Victor Thompson (Sr., WR/DB), Ernest Balkman (Sr., WR), Terell Torrence Jr. (Jr., OL), Demarcus Fleming (Jr., DB), Nathan Noel (Jr., RB), Antwan Massie (So., CB), Ronald Delancy (Jr., DB), Terrance Lewis (So., LB), Gerolle Kidd (Sr., DT), Justin James (Sr., OL), Joseph Narsee (Sr., DB), Andre Stringfield (Jr., RB) THE WORD: The Bulls won their fifth state title in December and lost quite a bit to graduation including star quarterback Chatarius Atwell Jr. (Louisville). But there’s still plenty of talent for another deep playoff run. Fox (6-4, 290) is the only returning starter on offense, but he’s a South Carolina commitment. Stuart (5-9, 170) won the Class 3A state title in the 100 meters and will be a featured weapon. He’s got offers from eight schools including Louisville. On the defensive side of the ball, Brooks (6-2, 195) is a University of Miami commitment and Kancey (6-2, 260) has 16 offers including Louisville and South Carolina. They are among three defensive starters back. Among the transfers to arrive: Former Miami High outside linebacker Leslie Smith, who led the Stings in sacks and has multiple D1 offers, former North Miami High starting quarterback Velez, and former Coral Gables running back Stringfield (5-10, 205).

tremendous leadership skills. The glue to our team is three-year starter Dylan Delewski, who is referred to as the Coach. He is a tremendous student of the game and has the drive and desire to achieve whatever he wants in life. Our team this year is a mixture of veterans and newcomers and it will be exciting to see how this year’s team will come together for the upcoming season.”

PALMETTO PANTHERS (8A-16)

2017 RECORD: 8-2 THE COACH: Mike Manasco THE PLAYERS: Eddie Williams (Sr., LB), Cornelius Nunn Jr.,

(Sr., DB), Cairiq Rackley (Sr., QB), Delvon McIntyre (Sr., DL), Mike Danclair (Sr., DL), Cuevas Russ (Sr., DB), Cornelius Collier Jr. (So., DB), Jason Marshall Jr. (So., ATH), Brashard Smith (So., RB), Robert Hanna (Jr., DB), Lorenzo Euline (Sr., CB), David Ealey (Jr., SS/OLB), Darian Parrish (Sr., MLB), Tyler Larco (Sr., K) THE WORD: The Panthers won the district title for the first time since 1999 and were the No. 2 seed in the region when they were shutout 28-0 by state semifinalist Miami High in Round 1. The good news: Eight starters are back on defense including seven with Football Bowl Subdivision scholarship offers. Nunn, a 6-foot, 180-pound three-star safety, is the highest-rated recruit with offers from 17 schools including Miami and Auburn. All-Dade running back Trey Flowers (University of Pennsylvania) and receiver Ivan Thomas (FIU) are gone, but six starters are back on offense including Rackley, an All-Dade Second Team quarterback who threw for 1,517 yards and 21 touchdowns last season. There are areas, though, Manasco said the team must improve. “We have talent on the offensive line, but our young guys need experience,” he said. “The depth in the interior of our defensive line could use an upgrade.”

RANSOM EVERGLADES RAIDERS (IND.)

2017 RECORD: 4-4 THE COACH: Rodrick Caron THE PLAYERS: Lucas Ferrer (Sr., LB), Greg Estime (Sr.,

ATH), Jake Schwartz (Sr., RB), Robbie Moret (Jr., ATH), Matthew Antezana (So., OL) THE WORD: Caron, a Harvard grad and former college professor for nearly 30 years, takes over for Mosi Blake as coach. A group of 25 lettermen return including eight starters on both sides of the ball. Caron expects linebackers, receivers and the secondary to be strengths. Ferrer (6-2, 225) was the team’s second-leading tackler last season (62 tackles, 15 for loss) and leader in sacks (6). Estime (5-9, 175), Schwartz (6-1, 220) and Moret (6-0, 185) are standout two-way players. “This is a hard-working and disciplined group looking forward to the 2018 season,” Caron said.

REAGAN BISON (7A-16)

2017 RECORD: 6-3 THE COACH: John Lopez THE PLAYERS: Daniel Prince (Sr., OT), Chris Pena (Sr., DL),

Joseph Rodriguez (Sr., DB), Dylan Perez-McCullom (Sr., LB), Michael Svoboda (Sr., DB), Nico Jordan (Sr., K) THE WORD: Lopez, now in his 12th season at Reagan with a 53-56 record as a head coach, has posted winning seasons in six of the last seven years. The search for the school’s first playoff berth continues. Lopez hired a new offensive coordinator in former Varela coach Carlos Mollinedo this off-season to run the team’s Hybrid Wing-T attack. Six starters return on each side of the ball and Lopez expects the offensive line to be very good. Prince, a 6-4, 285-pound tackle, anchors the unit. Depth and speed are the concerns Lopez has overall for his team. “Reagan is a capped school, which means we cannot bring in kids like 95 percent of the rest of Dade County,” Lopez said. “We coach kids that live in our area. Reagan is a high academic school which prides itself in honor, dedication and a commitment to excellence. The integrity of our academic program always comes first.”

PALM GLADES EAGLES (3A-4)

SOMERSET ACAD. SILVER PALMS STALLIONS (3A-4)

Parrish (So., ATH), Da’Sani Thomas (So., ATH), Kevin Rubio (Sr., OL), Jayvon Only (Fr., LB) THE WORD: The Eagles, who have 27 players in the program and are entering their third year of existence, bring back three starters on offense and five on defense. Green hired three new assistant coaches including former FIU football player Anthony Graham to be his defensive coordinator. “Alonso Gonzalez, whom is the younger brother of Keys Gate former star receiver Angelo Gonzalez, is really going to be one to watch at quarterback this year,” Green said. “Jayvon Only led the team in tackles last year and is starting to come out of his shell. Hendrick Parrish, whom is the younger brother of Columbus running back Henry Parrish, will also be one to pay attention to on both sides of the ball this year.”

(Sr., ATH), Jose Oliva (Sr., OL/DL), Maurice Smith (Fr., SS), Andre Sierra (Sr., DL), Johnnie Marquez (Sr., DE/WR), THE WORD: It was a rough first season at Silver Palms for Valdes, the former head coach at Mater Academy, Coral Reef and Killian. The only victory came over Keys Gate 28-22 on Oct. 5. But he’s expecting improvement in 2018 with 15 lettermen back along with seven starters on offense and five on defense. Philias (6-2, 195) led the Stallions last season on both sides of the ball (42 tackles, 457 yards rushing). Valdes, who is 25-29 in his career, is also excited about new football facilities that are being built on campus. “Our front seven should be formidable at stopping the run and providing a pass rush against opposing offenses,” Valdes said. “Our offensive line has four returning starters off a unit that was very successful last year. Charles Philias is one of the most underrated players in Dade County. He is a relentless player on defense. As a runner he is imposing physically and has enough athleticism to make huge runs.”

2017 RECORD: 7-3 THE COACH: Robert Green THE PLAYERS: Alonso Gonzalez (Jr., ATH), Hendrick

PALMER TRINITY FALCONS (3A-4)

2017 RECORD: 7-3 THE COACH: Mark Reese THE PLAYERS: Kyon White-Royal (Sr., LB), John Malloy (Sr., TE),

Kyndal Royal (So., DB), Jose Corbo (So., ATH), Nino Casares (Sr., QB), Arturo Alvarez (Sr., DL), Santi Messmacher (Sr., OL), Dylan Delewski (Sr., DB), Jacob Gassenheimer (Sr., OL) THE WORD: The Falcons have enjoyed back-to-back winning seasons and could be in line to compete for their first playoff spot since 2008 with 16 lettermen back and five starters returning on each side of the ball. White-Royal (6-1, 210) had 68 tackles, 10 1/2 for loss and seven sacks last season and leads a strong group at linebacker. Malloy (6-2, 200) had 26 catches for 379 yards and seven touchdowns last season. Casares (6-0, 180) back completed 58 percent of his passes for 903 yards, 11 touchdowns and only one interception last season. “The focus of our team is get better every rep and every second,” Reese said. “John Malloy, Kyon White-Royal and Santi Messmacher all have been three or four year varsity starters. They have a great worth ethic and have

2017 RECORD: 1-9 THE COACH: Javier Valdes THE PLAYERS: Charles Philias (Sr., RB/OLB), Jacob Landress

SOUTH DADE BUCCANEERS (8A-16)

2017 RECORD: 9-2 THE COACH: Nate Hudson THE PLAYERS: Frank Ladson (Sr., WR), Joe Smith (Sr., OLB/

SS), Jonathan Denis (Jr., OL), Demetrius Burns (Sr., QB), Najeh Baker (Sr., CB), Jaiden Francois (Jr., CB), Keshawn Washington (Jr., ATH), Devin Hardy (Sr., LB/SS), Jeremiah Jean (Sr., LB/DE), Felix Nembhard (Sr., ATH), Terrell Battle (Jr., DE), Demetrius Randolph (Sr., WR/RB), Leonard Taylor (So., DT), Tyler Johnson (So., DE/LB), Alex Vega (Sr., DL) THE WORD: The Bucs, state champions in 2013, bring back seven starters on both offense and defense from last year’s regional semifinal squad. A dozen players have Division I scholarship offers. Smith, a 6-1, 200-pound safety/outside linebacker who played at Southridge last year, adds depth and leadership to an already stout defense. Hardy (5-10, 185) was an All-Dade

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FLORIDA 2018

MIAMI-DADE

First Team selection last season and racked up 113 tackles and four sacks. He’s drawn interest from Navy, Army and Nevada. The more highly recruited defensive prospects are underclassmen led by Francois, who has an offer from the University of Miami.

SOUTH MIAMI COBRAS (7A-16)

2017 RECORD: 6-4 THE COACH: Rick Munne THE PLAYERS: Gerand Turner (Jr., WR/DB), Khaya Wright

(Jr., DE/OLB), Jayson Contreras (Sr., MLB), Jacoby Bernardin (So., RB), Nick Rodriguez (Sr., OL), Alberto Romeu (Jr., DT), Niejay Cobb (So., DB), Isaac Chacon (Sr., WR), Tyler Pena (Sr., QB), Gabriel Nealy (So., WR) THE WORD: The Cobras went from 2-8 in Munne’s first season at the helm to qualifying for the playoffs for the first time since 2011 last season. Eight starters are back on offense and six on defense. Two of the top juniors in the county lead the way in Turner (6-1, 185) and Wright (6-3, 210). Turner had 29 catches for 506 yards and two scores as a sophomore and has offers from Syracuse, FIU, FAU and N.C. State. Wright had 36 tackles and eight sacks last season and has offers from FIU, FAU, Syracuse, Louisville, USF, N.C. State and is close to getting one from UCF. Pena, the backup quarterback at Southwest last season, has transferred over to replace A.J. Wright (Savannah State). “After two seasons our roster is fully our own,” Munne said. “Our culture is set in place and we continue to build off the foundation we have set.”

SOUTHRIDGE SPARTANS (8A-16)

2017 RECORD: 5-5 THE COACH: Sedrick Irvin THE PLAYERS: Tyrique Stevenson (Sr., CB), Jeffery Williams

(Sr., LB), Kirk Williams (Sr., LB), Chris McDonald (Sr., CB), Marvin Strong (Sr., OLB), Jaheim Jerry (Jr., WR), Diamante Howard (Sr., OLB), Marcus Fleming (Jr., WR), Josh Torres (Sr., OL), Courtney Reese (Sr., RB), Maquon Fagan (Jr., LB/SS) THE WORD: Irvin, who led Miami High to the state semifinals for the first time since 1992 last fall in his only season there as coach, has found a new home at the school he once helped lead to a state title as a running back 25 years ago. The Spartans, state champions for the third time ever in 2016, bring back a few Division 1 recruits and have reeled in a few key transfers. None is bigger than Stevenson (6-2, 200), a former South Dade standout who is considered one of the top cornerbacks in the country. Fleming (5-11, 175) was a big play standout for Irvin at Miami High, leading the team with 22 catches for 692 yards and eight scores. The Spartans are loaded at linebacker with Howard, a 6-2, 185-pound former University of Miami commitment, the highest-rated among recruits.

THE WORD: Ledan, the team’s defensive coordinator in

SOUTHWEST EAGLES (8A-15)

2017 RECORD: 2-7 THE COACH: Donnie March THE PLAYERS: Jordan Worley (Sr., ATH), Nick Serrano (Sr.,

LB), Mijail Gomez (Sr., DB), Deondre Henry (Jr., RB), Zak Chaves (Sr., WR), Savion Collins (So., DL), Ian Castellanos (Sr., TE), Nick Watson (Sr., WR), Ian Valdes (Jr., WR), Christian Dukes (Jr., ATH), Bryan Valdes (Jr., LB), David Bush (Jr., CB/WR) THE WORD: The Eagles’ run of six consecutive playoff appearances came to an abrupt end last season, but March, a 1996 graduate of Southwest, feels like the team will be much better in 2018. A group of 25 lettermen are back including seven starters on each side of the ball. Four key transfers have also made their way in. Worley (6-0, 175) is a two-way standout and baseball star. He threw for 687 yards, accounted for seven touchdowns and had 26 tackles, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and two blocked kicks last season. Serrano (6-0, 205) had 47 tackles, five forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries in 2017 and is nicknamed ‘Waterboy’ for his relentless nature on defense. “Last year our team was young with only four seniors,” March said. “We played 10 freshmen. Except for Gomez, the majority of our team had never played varsity. We’re going to be a much better team than last year with the maturity of our young guys and the veterans who return.”

SUNSET KNIGHTS (7A-16)

2017 RECORD: 5-5 THE COACH: Mandrell Nickle THE PLAYERS: Rayshawn Williams (So., RB), Sno’ White

(Sr., CB), James Williams (So., WR), Bryan Machado (Sr., OL), Lorenzo Walker III (So., WR) THE WORD: The Knights took a couple steps forward in 2017 after going 3-7 in 2016. Six starters are back on offense and five on defense for Nickle, who has a roster of 35 players total. Williams (5-9, 155) scored five touchdowns last season and will be the focal point of the offense. “We are coachable, we have high energy and we are young,” Nickle said. “We need more kids to come out. We need to get stronger and we need more experience. But my guys are hungry and have a chip on their shoulders. We are still building a program. There are bright spots for the future, but we have to stay together and trust the process.”

VARELA VIPERS (8A-15)

2017 RECORD: 0-9 THE COACH: Patrick Ledan THE PLAYERS: Lester Morales (Sr., WR), Rafael Valdes

(Sr., DL), Fernando Velez (Jr., DB), Chris Molina (Sr., DL), Jonathan Vargas (So., ATH)

2017, takes over for Carlos Mollinedo, who is now the offensive coordinator at Reagan after compiling a 20-38 record in his time at Varela. The Vipers, who have lost 17 games in a row dating back to an Aug. 25, 2016 win over South Miami, haven’t made the playoffs since 2012 and haven’t had a winning season since 2013. A group of 15 lettermen and four starters return on each side of the ball from last year’s squad which was outscored 316-120. “Patience will prove fruitful in due time,” Ledan said.

WESTLAND HIALEAH WILDCATS (7A-16)

2017 RECORD: 0-10 THE COACH: Matthew Van Dusen THE PLAYERS: Samuel Otano (Sr., OL/DE), Josue Castro

(Sr., ATH), Dairon Medina (So., QB/DB), Edwin Gomez (Sr., RB/LB), Javier Amaya (Jr., OL/DL), Jorge Gonzalez (Sr., OL/ DL), Daivert Hernandez (Sr., FB/LB), Alejandro Diaz (Sr., QB/ DB), Eduardo Parapar (Sr., WR/LB), Axel Garcia (Sr., OL/DL) THE WORD: The Wildcats’ county record 44-game losing streak continues into 2018. It’s the fourth-longest losing streak in the country, but still a ways off the national record of 82 consecutive losses set by Glascock County in Gibson, Ga. in 1999. Van Dusen, entering his second season, said he has 23 players in his program including seven starters back on offense and eight back on defense. Otano (6-1, 220) had 56 tackles and nine sacks last season and anchors what Van Dusen expects to be an improved offensive line with Amaya Jr. (6-2, 265) and Gonzalez (6-2, 240). Van Dusen has also brought in two new assistant coaches. “We anticipate a large influx of ninth graders and transfers to push us to 30 to 40 players in the fall,” Van Dusen said. “If we get to 40 we will attempt to field a JV team.”

WESTMINSTER CHRISTIAN WARRIORS (3A-4)

2017 RECORD: 4-4 THE COACH: Ed Holly THE PLAYERS: Lucas Alonso (Sr., OG/DT), Iggy Wadskier (Sr.,

WR/FS), Gavin Roberts (Sr., LB/RB), Prince Young (Sr., WR/ DB), Darian Medran (Sr., LB), Nick Ordenes (Sr., WR), Tristan Roca (Sr., OLB), DJ Taylor (Sr., WR/LB), Eddie Cruz (Sr., OL/DL), Kavon King (Sr., OL/DL), Troy Smith (Sr,, LB/RB) THE WORD: The Warriors’ run of four consecutive playoff appearances came to an end last season. Holly, a former assistant at East Mississippi Community College and head coach at Coral Shores for five seasons, brings back six starters on offense and five on defense. Holly said he didn’t have any players with scholarship offers prior to the spring, but is hoping recruiting picks up over the summer. He’s got some prospects led by Alonso (6-2, 290) and Roca, a 6-foot, 170-pound All-Dade First Team selection who racked up 106 tackles and return an interception for a score last season.

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BROWARD

FLORIDA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

Broward NO SHOCKER: BROWARD IS LOADED

HE FOUR-PEAT DIDN’T HAPPEN FOR ST. Thomas Aquinas. The Venice Indians got in the way. But the Raiders will not stay down for long. Coach Roger Harriott has assembled one of the nation’s most talented teams yet again featuring dozens of future major college football players led by star running back Daniel Carter and linebacker Anthony Solomon. Although Aquinas isn’t defending a title, two other Broward powers are: three-time state champion Hollywood Chaminade in 3A and four-time state champion American Heritage in 5A. The Patriots, winners of 28 consecutive games entering the season, were hit hard by graduation but still expect to contend under coach Patrick Surtain. They’ll be challenged, though, by district rival Cardinal Gibbons, which has never won a state title, but appears talented enough to do so this season with one of the nation’s best pass rushers in Khris Bogle leading the way. The Lions, meanwhile, are looking to go back-to-back under coach Dameon Jones. The core of Chaminade’s talented defense is back led by safety Keontra Smith and a few key transfers in receiver John Dunmore (Delray American Heritage) and running back Willie Davis IV (Miami Central) should keep the offense humming. University School’s talented Class of 2019, meanwhile, led by running back Kenny McIntosh and star defensive back Josh Sanguinetti is looking to go beyond the state semifinals

Willis “Peanut” May STONEMAN DOUGLAS

BEST IN THE REGION 1. Top 5 Teams ■■ St. Thomas Aquinas ■■ Chaminade-Madonna ■■ Cardinal Gibbons ■■ University School ■■ Deerfield Beach

2. Player to Watch ■■ Kenny McIntosh Kenny McIntosh, University School

3. Sleeper Player ■■ Chris Hill

4. Team on the Rise in Class 4A. The Sharks believe they’ll have enough to get back to the state championship for the first time since winning it all in 2012. In Class 8A, where Broward hasn’t been king in this state since Flanagan climbed to the mountaintop in 2015, the Deerfield Beach Bucks and coach Jevon Glenn could be the favorites. The Bucks are loaded at receiver and led by star linebacker Ge’mon Eaford.

■■ Plantation

5. Best Atmosphere ■■ Cardinal Gibbons

6. Game of the Year ■■ Cardinal Gibbons at American Heritage

Nik Scalzo CARDINAL GIBBONS AT 5-11, 185 POUNDS HE

THERE WILL NOT BE A COACH IN the country dealing with more emotions this season than May, who carries the weight of leading a football team and school still reeling from the Valentine’s Day massacre that left 17 dead and claimed the lives of three coaches including offensive line coach Aaron Feis and athletic director Chris Hixon. “Our team has come closer than ever together as a family and will dedicate our efforts, determination and drive in honor of Coach Feis and Coach Hixon as well as the other 15 angels,” May said. “We’re going to honor them by not only giving it our all, but by having the number 17 on all our helmets this season.” Before every practice this spring and workout in the weight room, players have made it a ritual to rub the belly of a photo of Feis that hangs on a banner. Each week in the regular season, May said, the offensive lineman that has the best week of practice will wear No. 73 — Feis’ jersey number when he played for Douglas — on game day. The jersey will never be worn again after the season and Feis’ number will be retired.

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doesn’t have the ideal size coaches want in a quarterback. But few can match Scalzo’s heart, hunger and swagger. With scholarship offers from Kentucky, Illinois, UNLV, Akron, Buffalo, Central Michigan, FAU and nearly a dozen other schools in hand, the next thing Scalzo can do to impress coaches this fall is lead Cardinal Gibbons to its first state title. The Chiefs haven’t reached the state title game since 1990. His first task, though, will be getting Gibbons past four-time state champion American Heritage, winners of 28 consecutive games entering the season and the Chiefs’ biggest rival. Last November’s 58-57 shootout won by the Patriots in the regional final was of the greatest playoff games in Broward history. It left a bitter taste in Scalzo’s mouth.

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FLORIDA 2018

BROWARD

AMERICAN HERITAGE PATRIOTS (5A-16)

CARDINAL GIBBONS CHIEFS (5A-16)

QB), Kamryn Giles (Sr., DB), Andy Garcia (Jr., OLB), Tyler Milord (Sr., OL), Tyler Jones (Sr., RB), Lavelton Williams (Sr., RB), Clarence Burley (Sr., DB), Ruben Hyppolite II (Jr., LB), Daryl Porter Jr. (Sr., DB), Jaden McBurrows (So., DB) THE WORD: The Patriots enter the 2018 season on a 28-game winning streak and winners of four of the last five Class 5A state championships, but the roster was hit hard by graduation with 26 seniors gone including various four- and five-star recruits. Only 25 lettermen are back. Johnson (6-2, 225) had seven catches for 66 yards and two scores last season and is one of two starters back on that side of the ball. Garcia (6-1, 205) is one of two starters back on defense. He had 40 tackles and five sacks in 2017. Offensive line, defensive line and tackling are concerns Surtain says. “We’re gonna be smart, fast and physical,” Surtain said. “Everyone on this team has a chip on their shoulder and are ready to make a name for themselves and prove that we can win without the 4- and 5-star guys.”

Nikolas Ognenovic (Sr. TE), Vincent Davis (Sr., RB), Jamari Williams (Sr., OG), Yahweh Jeudy (Sr., OLB), Dimon Stewart (Sr., WR), Rashon Crooks (Sr., DT), Trevis Robinson (Sr., DE), Sidney Porter (Sr., DB), Daton Montiel (Sr., P), Chris Benestad (Sr., WR), Willie Hepburn (Sr., OG) THE WORD: The Chiefs’ only losses each of their last two seasons (four total) were to state champion and rival American Heritage in both the regular season and playoffs. With plenty of experienced starters back and Heritage sustaining heavy losses to graduation this is probably going to be Gibbons’ year to get to state. Bogle (6-5, 220) is one of the nation’s premier rush ends and is coming off a junior season in which he had 70 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, 13 1/2 sacks and a pair of safeties. Scalzo (6-0, 185) completed 57 percent of his 307 pass attempts last season for 2,065 yards, 23 touchdowns and only six interceptions. He’s got some exciting weapons in Davis (5-9, 170), who ran for 942 yards and 11 touchdowns last season, and Ognenovic (6-7, 245, eight catches, 57 yards, 1 TD in 2017).

ARCHBISHOP MCCARTHY MAVERICKS (6A-15)

CHAMINADE-MADONNA LIONS (3A-3)

DL), Cody Hallman (Jr., ATH), Bralon Brown (So., WR), Matt Kazdan (Sr., ATH), Clayton McGahee (Sr., OL) THE WORD: Llano (6-2, 220, 77 tackles and two sacks in 2017) and Zelch (6-1, 215, 47 tackles, 1 sack in 2017) are the leaders for the Mavericks, who bring back only three starters on each side of the ball and 16 lettermen. A handful of key players were lost to transfers, but Walker, who is entering his 42nd season as a head coach and seventh at McCarthy (he has a career record of 310-152), calls this group “as much fun as any that I have coached.” The Mavericks haven’t made the playoffs since 2012.

Te’Cory Couch (Sr., ATH), Cameron Williams (Sr., DE), James Williams (Sr., CB), Marlin Mayo (Sr., WR), Willie Moise (Sr., DT), Willie Davis IV (Sr., RB), Benjamin Onwuzo (Jr., CB), Joseph Habinowski (Jr., OT), Daelen Menard (Sr., QB), Ahmad Jordan (Sr., FS) THE WORD: The Lions are coming off their third state title since 2003 and the cupboard is hardly bare. Dunmore (6-2, 172), a transfer from Delray American Heritage, will help fill the shoes of Xavier Williams (Alabama) and Davis (5-8, 185), a transfer from Miami Central, will help replace Shaun Shivers (Auburn). There are plenty of holdovers from last year’s Class 3A state title team too including nine starters on defense. Smith (5-11, 195), Cameron Williams (6-5, 215) and Moise (6-3, 260) are all committed to the University of Miami and Couch (5-10, 165) is committed to Michigan. Menard (6-1, 190) is also back under center after a stellar season in which he completed 75 percent of his passes for 2,300 yards, 25 touchdowns and only three interceptions. Six starters return on offense overall.

2017 RECORD: 14-0 THE COACH: Patrick Surtain Sr. THE PLAYERS: Beau Johnson (Sr., TE), Edwin Rhodes (Jr.,

2017 RECORD: 7-4 THE COACH: Byron Walker THE PLAYERS: Alejandro Llano (Sr., DL), Jaxon Zelch (Sr.,

BLANCHE ELY TIGERS (7A-14)

2017 RECORD: 2-8 THE COACH: C.J. Wimberly THE PLAYERS: James Wallace (Sr., QB/DB), Jacory

Thurston (Sr., WR), Tyrese Crump (Sr., LB), Titus Baggs (Sr., ATH), Anthony Callaway (Sr., WR), Ladarius Queen (Sr., DB), Keven Walker (Sr., ATH) THE WORD: Wimberly, 35, hopes to bring some stability to Ely, which has gone 7-23 over the past three seasons and is now on its 10th head coach in the last 15 seasons. A former assistant at Stranahan, Coconut Creek and Ely, Wimberly has only 10 lettermen back from last year’s team and five starters on each side of the ball. Wallace (5-10, 185) is his best two-way athlete. “The upcoming senior class is filled with guys who didn’t get many opportunities in the past,” Wimberly said. “Guys such as Ladarius Queen, Jacory Thurston, Keven Walker, Tyrese Crump, and Titus Baggs are really working to improve their level of play. My coaches are doing a great job of getting all of them prepared for the season. They are starting to buy into our plan!”

BOYD ANDERSON COBRAS (6A-15)

2017 RECORD: 4-5 THE COACH: Darion Gray THE PLAYERS: Devon Thompson (Sr., LB), Tyerique Daley (Jr.,

WR), Travis McPhearson (Sr., OL), Tyjuan Ware (Sr., RB), Mahki Harrigan (Sr., DB), Dorrien Jones (Jr., LB), Kervin Choute (Jr., DL), Bryquion Allen (Sr., WR), Tyler Gresham (Jr., WR), Malahki Harrigan (Jr., RB), Clayton Eubanks (Sr., DL/OL) THE WORD: Gray, the former offensive line coach for the Cobras under Quincy Woods each of the last two seasons, is the fourth different head coach for Boyd Anderson in the last five seasons. The Cobras went 9-2 and won a district title in 2015 under Eddie Brown, but haven’t made the playoffs since. Six starters return on each side of the ball. Three starters are back on the offensive line led by McPhearson (5-11, 265) and Gray likes his three-headed backfield anchored by Ware (5-10, 185) and Harrigan (5-9, 165). “Boyd Anderson football has been trying to get back to the old glory days and this coaching staff has accepted the challenge,” Gray said. “Whether you come to the Snake Pit or we travel to your field you can expect a hard fought game.”

CALVARY CHRISTIAN EAGLES (3A-4)

2017 RECORD: 5-3 THE COACH: Kirk Hoza THE PLAYERS: Skylar Pearcy (Sr., QB), Daniel Jones (Sr.,

RB), Emmanuel Joseph (Jr., RB/LB), Josh Byles (Sr., DL), Jonathan Hardy (Sr., OLB), Tim Dalger (Sr., WR), Nick Santo (Jr., LB), Greg Janvier (So., WR), Samuel Williams (Jr, TE) THE WORD: Calvary, which hasn’t made the state playoffs since 2009, returns seven starters on each side of the ball and 16 lettermen from last year’s squad. Pearcy (5-10, 170) completed 51 percent of his passes for 681 yards, 10 touchdowns and three interceptions last season and has a few weapons back on offense. Jones (5-8, 170) led the team in receiving (19 catches, 293 yards, 4 TDs) and ran for 449 yards and four touchdowns on 55 carries last season. Joseph (5-8, 165) led the team with 41 tackles and four sacks in 2017. “As always senior leadership will go a long way towards shaping the season,” Hoza said. “There are eight seniors who have been in the program for years with a high degree of sweat equity. They are not only committed but they are talented. We anticipate they will move the group.”

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FLORIDA 2018

2017 RECORD: 11-2 THE COACH: Matt DuBuc THE PLAYERS: Khris Bogle (Sr., DE), Nik Scalzo (Sr., QB),

2017 RECORD: 12-2 THE COACH: Dameon Jones THE PLAYERS: John Dunmore (Sr., WR), Keontra Smith (Sr., S),

COCONUT CREEK COUGARS (5A-16) SEE FULL PAGE TEAM PREVIEW

COOPER CITY COWBOYS (7A-15)

2017 RECORD: 4-6 THE COACH: Danny Carlisle THE PLAYERS: Xander Stokes (Sr., QB), Mark Fontana (Sr., LB),

Arthur Brefil (Sr., RB), Braden Long (Sr., TE), Ray Batten (Sr., LB), Jason Molina (Sr. OL), Michael Ruma (Sr., LB), Raymond Yulfo (Sr., DL), Rashad Dollar (Sr., RB), Demetrios Koutsofios (Jr., DB) THE WORD: Carlisle, a former equipment manager and student assistant at Florida State under coaches Bobby Bowden and Jimbo Fisher, is thrilled to be back home coaching his alma mater after spending the last couple years serving as a defensive coordinator at a pair of Georgia high schools. A 2005 graduate who played linebacker and defensive end for the Cowboys, Carlisle was at Cooper City from 2009 to 2013 as the program’s strength and conditioning coach under Art Taylor. There’s work to be done. Only two starters return on offense, three on defense and 25 lettermen overall. Carlisle recruited 25 upperclassmen walking the hallways this spring to come out for football and the roster stands at over 100. He’s got a few leaders. “Xander Stokes is like having another coach out there,” Carlisle said. “He knows every players’ assignment on offense every play. He’s going to have a huge year for us. Mark Fontana is the leader on defense. I call him the hype man. Whenever the energy is low during practice we can count on Mark to get it going.” Cooper City has been to the playoffs only once in the past five seasons (2016) and has never advanced past the second round.

CORAL GLADES JAGUARS (IND.)

2017 RECORD: 4-5 THE COACH: Chris Baldwin THE PLAYERS: Zamir Jones (Jr., QB), Travis Philippeaux

(Sr., OT), Tyler Belmont (Sr., C), Vashan Vale (Sr., RB), Isaiah Brown (Jr., WR/DB), Atauni Young (Jr., OT), Malik Henderson (Jr., QB/WR), Josiah Delica (Jr., WR), Devante Sanchez (So., CB/WR), Nicholas Dobbs (So., LB/DE) THE WORD: The Jaguars have won four games in back-toback seasons under Baldwin and continue to improve. Six starters return on offense and three on defense. “We will be young,” Baldwin said.

CORAL SPRINGS COLTS (8A-11)

2017 RECORD: 6-4 THE COACH: Vinny Ziccardi THE PLAYERS: Chris Hill (Sr., ATH), Cam Bell (Sr., ATH),

Michael Jarrett (Sr., RB), Mark Azema (Sr., DL/TE), Delvonte Bouie (So., WR), Saul Garcia (Sr., DL), Dejohn Roberts (Sr., DL) THE WORD: Ziccardi has the Colts trending in the right direction. Coral Springs has improved from 1-9 to 4-5 to 6-4 over the last three seasons. Ziccardi is hoping 2018 will be the year his team makes its first playoff appearance since 2014. Coral Springs returns 10 starters on offense and five on defense and didn’t lose a single player to transfers this spring. Ziccardi believes his big, physical, athletic secondary, offensive line and skill positions are areas of strength. Hill (6-2, 185) and Bell (5-11, 195) have Division I scholarship offers. Jarrett (5-9, 175) ran

for nearly 900 yards and accounted for nine touchdowns in 2017. Azema (6-3, 240) compiled double-digit catches and sacks. Bouie (5-6, 160) is an exciting young player to watch. “One of the most talented classes in Coral Springs High history,” Ziccardi said of his seniors. “They stayed together to accomplish something special.”

CORAL SPRINGS CHARTER PANTHERS (4A-4)

2017 RECORD: 5-6 THE COACH: Matt Garris THE PLAYERS: Reynald Fleurival (Sr., ATH), Joseph Butler

(Sr., ATH), Dominic Pagano (Jr., WR), Keshaun Paisley (Sr., DL), Curtis Tucker (Jr., OL), Tyreek Ormil (Jr., DL), Joe Pozzuoli (Jr., LB), Jonathan Barr (Sr., TE), Ethan Wilson (Jr., ATH), Ladarius Edwards (Jr., LB) THE WORD: The Panthers went from winning the independent Southeastern Conference title with a perfect 11-0 record in 2015 to going through some growing pains in Garris’ first two seasons at the helm. But there is a belief this could be the first team in school history to qualify for the state playoffs. Ten starters return on offense and 11 on defense led by Fleurival (5-10, 175), who had 45 catches for 635 yards and nine touchdowns last season while also compiling 543 return yards and two more scores. Butler (5-11 175) anchored the defense with 32 tackles and four interceptions and helped on the receiving end as well last year (264 yards, 1 TD). Garris, a former graduate assistant at FIU, believes the Panthers are stacked up front on both the offensive and defensive lines. Linebacker, running back and tight ends are areas that need improvement he says.

CYPRESS BAY LIGHTNING (8A-12)

2017 RECORD: 5-4 THE COACH: Josh Shapiro THE PLAYERS: Justice Johnson (Sr., RB), Jacob Wucher

(Sr., FS), William Wilson (Sr., CB), Alejandro Andino (Sr., RB), Mikhale Allen (Jr., DB), Bernie Jadotte (Sr., OL/DE) Eugene Louis-Jacques (Jr., FS), Leonard Cohen (Sr., OLB) THE WORD: Shapiro, the athletic director at South Broward for the past four years and a former head coach at Everglades, Nova and South Broward, replaced legendary coach Mark Guandolo (272 wins in 31 seasons) in February. He’s got a least one impressive weapon at his disposal in Johnson (5-11, 170) who ran for 448 yards and two touchdowns on 38 carries over the final four games of the 2017 season. The Lightning haven’t made the state playoffs since their run to the 2012 Class 8A state title game where they lost a 53-50 shootout to Apopka.

DEERFIELD BEACH BUCKS (8A-11)

2017 RECORD: 8-3 THE COACH: Jevon Glenn THE PLAYERS: Ge’mon Eaford (Sr., OLB), Marcus Lafrance

(Sr., CB), Miles Dickens (Sr., DE), Robert Boyd (Sr., OT), Jaylan Knighton (Jr., RB), Virgil Lemons (Jr., DB), Brandon Dorlus (Sr., DE), Woody Jean (Jr., OL), Jerome Neal (Sr., FB), Javon Denis (Sr., DT), Dashaun Davis (Sr., ATH), Deajuan McDougle (Jr., WR), Derohn King (Jr., QB) THE WORD: Despite having one of the most talented teams in the state last season and coming off a trip to the state semifinals in 2016, the Bucks couldn’t get out of the first round of the playoffs last season. The good news: there’s an equally talented and hungrier squad back this season even after some heavy losses to graduation. Eaford (6-1, 220) is coming off a season in which he tallied 67 tackles, 14 for loss and two fumble recoveries. Knighton, an Oklahoma commitment, ran for 1,226 yards and 12 touchdowns as a sophomore and will anchor the offense. He’s got some future Division I offensive linemen in front of him led by Boyd (6-6, 300). The receiver position for the Bucks is absolutely loaded.

DILLARD PANTHERS (6A-15)

2017 RECORD: 6-5 THE COACH: Toriano Morgan THE PLAYERS: Shanoyd Whyte (Sr., DE), Jarad Jackson

(Sr., DL), Omari Hill (Sr., DB), Favion Harden (Jr., DB), Elijah Black (Jr., WR), Darrion Harris (Sr., CB), Sky Louis (Sr., RB/ WR), Lamont Scott (Jr., WR), Keon Gooding (Sr., QB) THE WORD: Morgan, who spent the past four years as offensive coordinator and passing game coordinator at Virginia Union, returned to his alma mater in February to replace longtime assistant turned first-year head coach Rickie Hemingway. Dillard has won back-to-back district titles, but has no playoff victories to show for it since the 2013 season. Although the program lost a few key players to transfers including star defensive lineman Brandon Ingraham (St. Thomas Aquinas), there is still talent around. Four starters are back on defense. Whyte (6-3, 250) and Jackson (6-2, 255) provide strength and size up front and Harden (6-2, 175) and Hill (6-0, 165) are the anchors in the secondary. Harris holds an offer from Tennessee State. On offense the Panthers will look to replace three year-starter Moise Francois at quarterback with a balanced attack. The Panthers return only one starter on that side of the ball. Louis (5-11, 203) will anchor a physical, downhill rushing attack.

DOUGLAS EAGLES (8A-11)

2017 RECORD: 5-4 THE COACH: Willis “Peanut” May Jr. THE PLAYERS: Christian Alcocer (Sr., ATH), Patrick Scullen

(Sr., OL), Charlie Rothkopf (Sr., DL), Aramis Warford (Sr., ATH), Dianjelo Amaay (Sr., DB), Ryan Kavanaugh (Sr., QB), Ocean Pardoie (Sr., OL), Gage Gaynor (Jr., OL), Roman Parodie (Jr., DB), Anthony Erale (Jr., DL) THE WORD: Six starters return on each side of the ball including four offensive linemen led by Scullen (6-3, 320) and Gaynor (6-3, 265), whose older brothers Chris (TCU)

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Coconut Creek Cougars @CREEKFOOTBALL1 BROWARDSCHOOLS1.COM/COCONUTCREEKHIGH

KEY PLAYERS: Tiawan Mullen (Sr., DB); D’Metri Walters (Sr., LB); Kenneth Peyton (Sr., WR); Elvin McCray Jr. (Sr., OL); Chris Jones (Jr., DL); Janito Cyriac (Sr., RB); Dave Bonnet (Sr., OL); Mar’cellus Culbreath (So., DB); DeMarcus McEachern (Jr., QB); Dionte Henderson (Sr., DB); Jacari Peak (Sr., WR)

2018 Schedule AUG. 24: @ CORAL SPRINGS AUG. 30: VS. GREELY WEST (CO) SEP. 7: @ MONARCH SEP. 14: VS. AMERICAN HERITAGE

(PLANTATION)

SEP. 28: @ CARDINAL GIBBONS OCT. 5: VS. HALLANDALE OCT. 12: VS. BLANCH ELY OCT. 19: VS. STRANAHAN OCT. 26: @ MIAMI JACKSON NOV. 2: @ BOYD ANDERSON SH

erald Cox won five state championships at Miami Central as an assistant coach from 2009 to 2015. So he knows what it takes to build a dynasty. Now in his third year at Coconut Creek, Cox, 32, has begun to see his new team show some of the same traits the Rockets did nearly a decade ago. “This team this year is going to be the total makeup of the things we’ve been doing within the program since we got there,” said Cox, who led Coconut Creek to a 4-4 season last fall after the Cougars went 1-9 in his first season at the helm. “You can see the coaching is finally showing through. You can see the weight room work is finally showing through. You can see the academic work showing through. It’s a complete makeup now of my initial vision.” Creek, which hasn’t been to the state playoffs since 2010 and struggled mightily in the early part of the decade, began an upward trend a couple seasons ago under former coach Kareem Reid. The school produced four major college signees in 2016 in cornerback Malek Young (University of Miami), safety Alexy Jean-Baptiste (Arkansas) receiver Benjamin Victor (Ohio State) and star cornerback Trayvon Mullen (Clemson). Then, Reid left to coach in Georgia. Enter Cox, who has worked to build his first strong senior class led by Mullen’s younger brother, Tiawan, a three-star, 5-11, 180-pound cornerback. The younger Mullen has 27 scholarship offers including ones from TCU, Louisville, Kentucky, UAB, Indiana, Pittsburgh, Ole Miss, UCF, USF, FIU and FAU. He will anchor a talented secondary for the Cougars. Culbreath (5-10, 180) started most of the season last year at safety as a freshman and could be the next great defensive back to come out of Creek once Mullen graduates. In all, six starters return on defense including D’Metri Walters, a 6-1, 200-pound lightning quick defensive end who had 13 sacks last season and has an offer from UAB

and Pikeville, and interest from USF, Hampton, FAMU and Akron. Christopher Jones, a 6-3, 225-pound rising junior, picked up an offer from Syracuse in the spring and is the team’s other rush end. “Tiawan has been the team captain for three years now and has helped increase the work ethic in the program and the competition level has risen,” Cox said. “The defense will be very physical and fast and will look to improve on their top 10 defensive total finish from last season.” Eight starters, meanwhile, are back on offense for Creek. If there is one unit that has really taken the next step in terms of development, Cox said, it’s his offensive line. Elvin McCray Jr. (6-3, 280) and Dave Bonnet (6-3, 285) will open a lot of holes for the running backs, led by veteran Janito Cyriac (5-9, 180), Cox said. At the skill positions, Cox loves the speed and physicality of players like Dionte Henderson (5-11, 185), Jacarri Peak (6-0, 185) and Kenneth Peyton (5-11, 180). “It’s going to be hard for teams to focus on just one guy on that side of the ball,” Cox said of his offense. Ultimately, though, it’s the big picture that excites Cox the most. He sees the kind of marriage developing between coaches and players he once saw at Central. He knows that level of excellence is what it’s going to take to compete in District 16-5A where four-time state champion American Heritage, uber-talented Cardinal Gibbons and fast-rising Miami Jackson will continue to be powers for years to come. “We have more than enough talent in the building now to compete,” Cox said. “We didn’t get a lot of attention last year, but prior to Hurricane Irma we started off on an upward trend. We have a lot of talent that can make some noise. Their work ethic is by far well ahead of where we have been in the past. It reminds me of the group we had at Miami Central in 2010 when the championship run really started.”

Cedrick Bennett Jr.

Dave Bonnet

Mar’cellus Culbreath

Janito Cyriac

Marcus Gervilus

Dionte Henderson

Chris Jones

Philip Lewis

Elvin McCray Jr.

Tiawan Mullen

Keon Smith Jr.

D’Metri Walters

FRIDAY READNIGHT MORE FOOTBALL AT FNFMAGAZINE.COM FLORIDA 2018

Quick Facts LOCATION: COCONUT CREEK, FL CLASS: 5A-4 2017 RECORD: 4-4 RETURNEES: 9 OFFENSE, 5 DEFENSE HEAD COACH: GERALD C. COX III ASSISTANT COACHES: KEON SMITH SR., WALTER WALKER, JEFFERY JOHNSON, CHRIS YEARGIN, WILLIE DAVIS, ROBERT HOLLIE, MOSES SINGLETARY, JAMES COOPER, RENAUD DEJUSTE, JOHNNIE SLOAN, MICHAEL CARTER.

RESERVE 2018 RESERVE FULL-PAGE 2019 FULL-PAGE COVERAGE! COVERAGE! CUSTOMCOVERPROJECT.COM CUSTOMCOVERPROJECT.COM

FNF MAGAZINE @FNFMAG @FNFMAG FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FLORIDA 2018

BROWARD

and Corey (University of Miami) are now playing Division I football. Alcocer (5-9, 175) is the playmaker with 750 allpurpose yards and eight touchdowns last season. Having just missed the playoffs last season despite finishing with a 4-1 district record, May expects his team to be right in the thick of the fight for a playoff spot again. Douglas hasn’t made the playoffs since 2007.

EVERGLADES GATORS (8A-12)

2017 RECORD: 2-8 THE COACH: Rodney Rumph THE PLAYERS: Destin Onwuzo (Sr., OLB/WR), Vamir Cadet (Jr.,

ATH), Larrion Moss (Jr., DB/WR) Jalen Tanelus (Sr., RB), Reginald Session (So., OL/DL), Kijuan Reid (Jr., DE), Kenneth Smith (Sr., OL), Roshane Reid (Sr., DB), Fredel Jean (Sr., DB), Justin Scott (Sr., OLB), Matthew Ruiz (Sr., QB), Dimitri Lewis (Sr., WR) THE WORD: The Gators have had three consecutive 2-8 seasons and haven’t made the state playoffs since 2010. Rumph hired new assistants to coach the offensive line, defensive line and running backs this offseason and has added several transfers. He expects the offensive line, defensive line and secondary to be the strengths. Quarterback, linebacker and receiver are areas of concern.

FLANAGAN FALCONS (8A-12)

2017 RECORD: 1-9 THE COACH: Michael Eugene THE PLAYERS: Jeshua Castillo (Sr., DB), Jovanny Gar-

riques (Sr., DL), Kamel Cameron (Jr., QB), Josiah Ganeus (Jr., DB), Semaj Jackson (Jr., ATH) THE WORD: Eugene, an assistant for the past seven years and the special teams coordinator when Flanagan won the state title in 2015, takes the reigns from veteran Al Lang. The Falcons went 9-3 and won the district title in 2016. The team was outscored 366 to 88 last season. The good news: Eugene has some hungry players who took their lumps last season including eight starters back on offense and seven on defense.

FORT LAUDERDALE FLYING L’S (7A-14)

2017 RECORD: 2-7 THE COACH: Richard Dunbar III THE PLAYERS: Kaleb Boateng (Sr., OL), Richard Dunbar IV (Jr.,

WR), Desmond Dorceus (Sr., LB), Demetris Dorceus (Sr., DL), Stanley Robinson (Sr., WR), Teron Brooks (Jr., RB), Massimo Foerch (Jr., QB), David McFadden (Sr., LB), Roy Gillyard (Sr., DB) THE WORD: The Flying L’s missed the playoffs last season, but have been there twice in the last four years and could have enough talent back to make it to the postseason three times in five years. Boateng, a 6-4, 297-pound three-star recruit with offers from 33 schools including Maryland, Boston College, N.C. State and Purdue, is one of four starting offensive linemen back. Eight starters returned in total on offense. Desmond Dorceus (6-3, 245), meanwhile, is one of six returning starters on defense. He had 14 sacks last season and along with his twin brother, Demetris, has multiple offers from Division I schools.

HALLANDALE CHARGERS (5A-16)

2017 RECORD: 4-6 THE COACH: Herman Lovett THE PLAYERS: Andrew Henley (Jr., ATH), Emmanuel

Morrency (Jr., RB), Rashaud Pratt (Jr., LB), Lens Bernadel (Sr., OT), Devin Taylor (Jr., DL) THE WORD: The Chargers, who have missed the playoffs each of the last two seasons after reaching the regional final in 2015, went through some growing pains in their first season under Lovett and bring back only 10 lettermen off last year’s team. Six are starters on offense including Bernadel (6-0, 250), who has a 3.7 GPA. Three starters return on defense led by Pratt (6-2, 200) and Taylor (6-2, 270). “I tell my players everyday just to be great,” Lovett said.

HOLLYWOOD HILLS SPARTANS (7A-15)

2017 RECORD: 2-7 THE COACH: Brandon Graham THE PLAYERS: Johnathan Sampson (Sr., LB/DL), Johnnie

Sampson (Sr., WR/LB), Holly Neher (Sr., QB), Malcolm King (Sr., LT), Michael Matthews (Sr., DE/LB), Jumari Edwards (Sr., RT), Cameron Owens (Sr., WR), Dwyane Bender (Jr., RB/QB), Jermile Lucas (So., WR), David Ferguson (So., DB), Karim Moise (So., DB), Torry Gary (So., WR), Elijah Bromley (So., RB), Antonio Dent (So., RB), Reggie Beaulier (So., LB) THE WORD: The Spartans haven’t been to the state playoffs since 2012, but are making progress under Graham, a 1998 graduate of Hollywood Hills now entering his second season as head coach. Neher was one of the most interesting stories in sports last year, becoming the first female at age 16 to start a game at quarterback and throw a touchdown pass. The Sampson twins are the team’s leaders, Graham said.

MCARTHUR MUSTANGS (7A-15)

2017 RECORD: 1-9 THE COACH: Pierre Senatus THE PLAYERS: Damion Powell (Sr., OL/DL), Dontae

Lunan (Jr., S), Kelvin Taylor (Sr., WR), Kamary Joseph (Sr., WR), Jaylen Taylor (Sr., RB), Horace Atkins (Jr., QB), Damar Richard (Jr., OLB), Michael McPhee (Sr., WR/DB), Devin Manning (Sr., DE/LB), Kevin Knowles (So., DB/WR) THE WORD: The Mustangs went from district champions and regional semifinalists at 11-1 in 2016 to the back of the pack in 2017. Senatus, a former assistant on four Miami Booker T. Washington state championship teams and the former head coach at Miramar and Hialeah over the last three seasons, takes over for Laron Culpepper, the Sun-Sentinel’s Coach of the Year in 2016. Senatus has a career record of 16-13. He expects the offense to be ahead of the defense early on in his tenure with most of his talent back on that side of the ball.

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FLORIDA 2018

MIRAMAR PATRIOTS (8A-12)

PEMBROKE PINES CHARTER JAGUARS (IND.)

Rodriguez (Sr., OL), Marcus Allen (Sr., OL), Brandon Baez (Sr., DB), Amir Harvey (Sr., WR), Clifton Miller (Sr., CB), Tyriq Brown (Sr., OLB), Hugh Dinnall (Sr., MLB) THE WORD: The Patriots, who were knocked off in the opening round playoffs as the No. 1 seed in the region last November, return four starters on offense and two on defense. “My top players would like to get back to the playoffs and rewrite what happened last year in our loss to Park Vista,” Scott said. Scott hired a new offensive coordinator in T.J. Johnson this off-season and he’ll have an experienced offensive line to work with led by Allen (6-3, 290) and Rodriguez (5-11, 250). Smith, a 6-foot, 170-pound left-handed quarterback, turned heads in 7-on-7 tournaments throughout the spring and appears to be a promising prospect.

(Sr., DB/WR), Matthew Cilli (Jr., OL), Bradley Jean-Louis (So., DE), Jason Lozama (Sr., OLB), John Cusack (Sr., OL/DL), Joshua Evans (Jr., DB/RB), Roman Benitez (Sr., DB), Diego McClaskey (Fr., LB), Ahmari Avin (So., MLB/FB) THE WORD: The Jaguars have played among the independents for the last few seasons and haven’t had a winning season since it last made the state playoffs in 2011. Willis, entering his second season at the helm, said his players have high character and discipline and are very coachable. But depth, strength and speed are all areas that need improvement. “Debbie Cilli is our booster president,” Willis said. “She handles everything for us off the field, the program would not be able to run without her. We appreciate her hardwork and dedication, she does so much for the program. She handles our meals, banquets, family night, homecoming, our budget and everything else it takes for our program to be successful.”

2017 RECORD: 8-2 THE COACH: A.J. Scott THE PLAYERS: Cedquan Smith (So., QB), Marcus

MONARCH KNIGHTS (8A-11)

2017 RECORD: 7-2 THE COACH: Willie Dodaro THE PLAYERS: Zach D’Mico (Jr., QB), Tyson McCloud (Jr.,

LB), Edwin LeBron (Jr., DB), Brady Brauner (Jr., WR), Mike Torrance (Sr., DL) THE WORD: The Knights went from 2-7 to 7-2 last season and return six starters on offense and four on defense. Although All-Broward two-way standout Xavier Restrepo transferred to St. Thomas Aquinas playmakers remain. D’Mico (6-2, 195) completed 51 percent of his passes for 551 yards and seven touchdowns last season in seven games. McCloud (6-2, 220) takes over the lead on defense following the graduation of leading tackler Austin Gray. McCloud had 25 tackles and five sacks last season. “Our kids expect to be successful, have positive attitudes and are all trying to be better than last year,” said Dodaro, a coaching veteran of 39 years. “After the last two years of losing it was great to get a winning season and we all hope to build on that.”

NORTH BROWARD PREP EAGLES (4A-4)

2017 RECORD: 7-3 THE COACH: Rex Nottage THE PLAYERS: Christian Pailett (Sr., QB/DB), Daniel Parker

(Sr., RB), Kurt Bernard (Sr., OL), Richard Bien-Aime (Sr., DL), Justin Doles (Sr., CB), Hunter Guinta (Sr., DE/WR), Thomas Carvajal (Jr., DB), Nick Rendon (Sr., OL), James Bentayou (Sr., RB), Trey Handley (Sr., LB), Matt Corlew (Sr., WR/FS), Dylan Goldstein (Sr., FB/LB), Renauch Gena (Sr., TE/DE) THE WORD: The Eagles almost made the playoffs for the first time since 2012 last season. Star receiver Kevin Austin (Notre Dame) has graduated, but Nottage, entering his 11th season at the helm, has seven starters back on defense and eight back on offense. Pailett (6-1, 180) shared the starting quarterback job last season and completed 49 percent of his passes for 583 yards, eight touchdowns and five interceptions. He also finished second on the team with 33 tackles on defense. He’s got help in the backfield back in Parker (5-7, 180), who led the team in rushing with 651 yards and 10 touchdowns on 75 carries. Most of the returning experience for the Eagles is on defense. Doles (5-11, 167) and Carvajal (5-10, 160) combined for 54 tackles and five interceptions last season.

NORTHEAST HURRICANES (6A-15)

2017 RECORD: 3-6 THE COACH: Nick Dellaria THE PLAYERS: Daniel Perez (Jr., MLB), Keyon Phillips (Sr., OT),

Donte Gosier (Sr., WR/DB), Shariff Rodriguez (Sr., RB/LB), Casey Smith (Sr., DB/WR), Greg Moore (Jr., LB), Sal DeLeon (Sr., RB) THE WORD: The Hurricanes began the 2017 season with a win over Hollywood Hills and ended it with another win over Pompano Beach. Between that there were a few tough, close losses to Douglas, Boyd Anderson and Boynton Beach in the program’s first season under Dellaria. Offensively, Rodriguez (5-10, 195), DeLeon (5-8, 175) and Gosier (6-0, 170) will once again play prominent roles. Last season Rodriguez and DeLeon combined for over 1,400 yards rushing and six scores while Gosier (20 catches, 322 yards, 5 TDs) led the team in receiving. Defensively, Perez (6-0, 205) is back to lead after racking up 85 tackles and four forced fumbles in 2017. Phillips (6-4, 250) is the top prospect for the Hurricanes with interest from USF, UCF and Pittsburgh. Northeast has gone a combined 5-46 since highly-touted receiver Stacy Coley (University of Miami, Minnesota Vikings seventh round pick in 2017) last led the program to the playoffs in 2012.

NOVA TITANS

2017 RECORD: 9-2 THE COACH: Kevin Huntley THE PLAYERS: Lance Hollis (Sr., DL), Anthony Williams

(Sr., LB), Xavier Clark (Jr., WR), Antoine Thompson (Sr., DB), Jonathan Nesbitt III (Jr., ATH), Richard Allen IV (Sr., CB) THE WORD: The Titans made the playoffs for the second time in three years last year behind Broward’s leading rusher Shaun Peterson (FIU) and All-Broward offensive lineman Dane Ferguson (FAU). Six starters return on each side of the ball. Huntley expects his team to be physical, fast and have a high football IQ. Size, depth and a vertical passing game are areas he says that need improvement. “We instituted three pillars as the foundation of our program — Commitment, Focus and Attention to Detail — and the players really took it to heart last year,” Huntley said. “It was repeated daily and throughout workouts and it became more than a mantra, it became reality by having one of the school’s best records in recent years.”

2017 RECORD: 0-9 THE COACH: Keidran Willis THE PLAYERS: William Manuel (Sr., QB/FS), Ralph Stewart

PINE CREST PANTHERS (4A-4)

2017 RECORD: 3-6 THE COACH: Troy Harrison THE PLAYERS: Kamran Kadivar (Sr., QB), Luke Kessinger

(Sr., OT), Kadin Katsch (Sr., WR), Brian Anderson (Sr., WR/ DB), Ryan Zimmerman (Jr., DE), Drew Amunategui (Jr., TE/DE), Ben Petri (So., WR/DB), Matt Taylor (Sr., OL/DL), Clayton Finney (Sr., LB), Jonathan Valdes (Sr., OL) THE WORD: Kadivar (6-2, 200) had a stellar junior season as a two-way threat, rushing for 320 yards and three scores while also throwing for 1,009 yards and 11 touchdowns. Katsch (5-9, 185) had 22 catches for 295 yards and three scores last season and is back as his leading target. The Panthers, an independent program for many years, haven’t been to the state playoffs since 1998. “We had lots of injuries last season that allowed our younger players a chance to get starting experience,” Harrison said. “But we will still be very young as a team. Our offensive and defensive lines will be undersized and many players will be going both ways.”

PIPER BENGALS (8A-11)

2017 RECORD: 1-9 THE COACH: David Coleman THE PLAYERS: Isaiah Bunn (So., OL), Jadus Rogers (Sr.,

DB), Cecil Powell, (Sr., DB), Tyler Jerome (Sr., OL), Reginald Taylor (Sr., OL/DL), Davonte Brown (Jr., DB), Karaun St. Louis (Jr., WR), James Ferriero Jr. (Jr., QB), Jimpson Jean (Sr., RB), Floyd Cooper (Sr., WR/RB), Vedale Stubbs (Sr., DL), Detrell McIntyre (Jr., DB) THE WORD: Not much went right for the Bengals last season after back-to-back 9-2 seasons and playoff appearances in 2015 and 2016. But Coleman remains hopeful because 23 players who started at least one game last season are back. Brown (6-2, 175) has offers from Bowling Green, Northern Illinois, Akron, Kentucky, N.C. State, Pittsburgh and Louisville and is among the top defensive backs in the Class of 2020. Rogers (6-0, 180) is coming off a season in which he had 84 tackles, 23 tackles for loss and four sacks.

PLANTATION COLONELS (8A-12)

2017 RECORD: 9-2 THE COACH: Steve Davis THE PLAYERS: Adrian Cole (Sr., CB), Gerard Nesbitt (Jr.,

QB), Kyle Walters (Sr., RB), Khalill Bryan (Sr., DT), Harold Sims (Sr., CB), Jakeem Hall (Sr., OLB), Anthony Summer (Sr., DE), Devon Corker (Sr., LB), Khamari Smith (Sr., ATH), Hammersham White Jr. (Sr., RB), Malik McNeil (Jr., OL/DL), Elishah Barnwell (Jr., RB), Otis Ragin (Sr., FS), Kebby Louidor (Sr., OLB), Jaheim Grace (Jr., RB), Trezmon Hall (Jr., DE/LB), Devin Howard (So., TE), Xavier Bolden (So., WR), Jacolby George (So., WR), Cameron Palmer (So., RB), Shomari Seymour (Fr., OT) THE WORD: Davis, who won a state title at Ely in 2002 and has a career record of 130-67 in his 17 years as a coach, got the Colonels back into the playoffs last season where they lost to eventual state runner-up Delray Beach Atlantic 29-14 in Round 1. Three starters return on offense and five on defense. Cole (5-11, 165) has received offers from a dozen schools including Toledo, USF, Syracuse, Pittsburgh, Bowling Green, Buffalo and Western Michigan and is the team’s top recruit. Nesbitt (6-3, 225) is a prospect to watch in the coming years.

POMPANO BEACH GOLDEN TORNADOES (5A-15) 2017 RECORD: 1-9 THE COACH: Melvin Jones THE PLAYERS: Tyler West (Sr., QB), Jordan Jaramillo

(Sr., ATH), Shemon Jenkins (Sr., DB), Corey Little (Sr., OL), Zachary Crooks (Jr., LB), Brandon Trueba (Jr., LB), Jackson Pace (Jr., OL), Bryce Gott (Jr., OL), Blake Loicano (Jr., QB), Jeremy Dominguez (Jr., OL) THE WORD: Pompano Beach hasn’t been to the state playoffs since 2004 and went through some growing pains in Jones’ first year at the helm last season. A group of 20 lettermen return including five starters on offense and six on defense. Jones said his players are coachable, good students and have a great attitude. “We will be young and ready to grow,” he said.

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BROWARD

SOMERSET ACADEMY PANTHERS (4A-4)

2017 RECORD: 8-2 THE COACH: Chance Benton THE PLAYERS: Vashon Bailey (Sr., OL), Mathew McCaus-

land (Jr., LB), Tyler Foster (Sr., WR), Ahmad Fitchett (Jr., RB), Pecey Cabrera (So., LB)

THE WORD: The Panthers, who had lost 27 of 30 games

heading into last season, put together one of the best seasons in school history in 2017 and return 17 lettermen including six starters on each side of the ball. Bailey (6-6, 280) is the team’s top recruit. There are playmakers all over the field. McCausland (5-11, 200) anchors the defense having racked up 58 tackles and three sacks last season. Foster (5-9, 170) led the team in receiving last season (32 catches, 474 yards, 6 TDs). Fitchett (5-9, 160) led the team in rushing with 715 yards and eight scores. “Somerset is a team that likes to have fun on offense and fly around and smack you on defense,” Benton said. “These kids have come a long way!”

SOUTH BROWARD BULLDOGS (7A-15)

2017 RECORD: 5-5 THE COACH: Keith Franklin THE PLAYERS: Allen Crawford (Sr., RB), T.J. Smith (Sr., QB),

Jermaine Hart (Sr., WR), Rodney Adderley (Sr., WR), Travis Dixon (Jr., OLB/RB), Billy Pierre (Sr., WR), Quadric Bullard (Jr., CB), Josue Alexandre (Sr., OT/DE), Jamaris Coleman (Jr., DE/LB), Claude Larkins (Jr., DE), Lequavis Saunders (Sr., OL/DL), Jerrold Pough (Jr., DB), Sebastian Lavan (Sr., C) THE WORD: The Bulldogs haven’t been to the playoffs since 2010, but that run could come to an end this season with what Franklin says will be one of the best offensive attacks in the county. Six starters are back on offense. Smith (6-2, 185) has offers from USF, Syracuse and Rutgers. Four starters are back on defense. “Skills and experience are our strengths,” Franklin said.

SOUTH PLANTATION PALADINS (8A-12)

2017 RECORD: 4-5 THE COACH: Cecil McNair THE PLAYERS: Leslie Buduah (Sr., DB), Jayce Collins (Sr.,

OL/DL), Anthony Holloway (Sr., WR), Christian Johnson (Sr., TE/DE), Cole Rettman (Sr., QB), Zach Thomas (Sr., OL), Nicholas Torres (Sr., WR), Jonathan Weaver (Sr., OG), Jabari Blankey (Jr., WR/DB), Zachary Koehler (Jr., MLB), Lionel Turene (Jr., DB/WR) THE WORD: McNair, a former assistant, takes over for Dominic Anderson after two seasons on the job. The Paladins, who haven’t been to the playoffs since Alex Collins (Baltimore Ravens) was still carrying the ball for them in 2012, bounced back from a rare winless season in 2016 and nearly finished .500 in 2017. Collins (6-4, 295) is the anchor on the offensive and defensive lines for the Paladins.

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS RAIDERS (7A-14)

2017 RECORD: 11-3 THE COACH: Roger Harriott THE PLAYERS: Anthony Solomon (Sr., OLB), Jordan Battle

(Sr., S), Jaden Davis (Sr., CB), Braylen Ingraham (Sr., DE), Jahmar Brown (Sr., OLB), Avery Huff (Sr., OLB), Daniel Carter (Sr., RB), Vinny Murphy (Sr., C), Curt Casteel (Sr., QB), Mariano Valenti (Sr., QB), Jason Munoz (Sr., DE), Julian Hernandez (Sr., OL), Semar Melvin (Sr., CB), Myles Bell (Sr., CB), Antonio Serrano (Sr., OL), Marlon Martinez (Jr., OL), Jake Pope (Sr., OT), Marcus Dumervil (Jr., OT), Nick Marino (Sr., DL), Bobby Washington (Jr., DL), Derek Wingo (Jr., OLB), Marcus Rosemy (Jr., WR), DJ Humes (Jr., LB), Devon Betty (Jr., OLB), Jamari Maybin (Jr., DL), Griffin Lampton (Jr., LB), Tyreak Sapp (So., DL), Tyriue Owens (Jr., DL), Joseph Kirner (Jr., TE), Jahvante Royal (Jr., WR), Rayne Tanega-Doster (Sr., DB), Guy McCarthy (Sr., WR), Joavan Ferguson (Jr., WR) THE WORD: The Raiders run of three consecutive state titles came to an end with a loss in the state semifinals to eventual champion Venice last year. Even with heavy losses to graduation Aquinas remains loaded with talent — especially on defense and up front on the offensive line. Solomon (6-1, 200) is headed to the University of Miami and is coming off a junior season in which he racked up 77 tackles, two sacks and a fumble recovery. The secondary is once again loaded and led by Battle (6-1, 187) and Davis (5-10, 166). Ingraham, a 6-4, 260-pound transfer from Dillard, has helped beef up the defensive line alongside Munoz (6-4, 250). Murphy, a 6-3, 285-pound South Carolina commitment, Pope (6-7, 275) and Dumervil (6-6, 300) anchor a big, beefy offensive line. Four-star running back Daniel Carter (5-11, 195) ran for 954 yards and 17 touchdowns last season. Rosemy (6-0 1/2, 190) is one of the top-rated juniors in the country according to 247Sports. com and one of many playmakers at receiver.

STRANAHAN DRAGONS (5A-16)

2017 RECORD: 5-5 THE COACH: Travis Harden THE PLAYERS: Trevontae Cunningham (Sr., DB), Jonathan

Solomon (Sr., WR/DB), Bryan Thomas (Sr., LS/OLB), Tre Brown (Sr., WR/FS), Loubert Exantus (Sr., OL), Eric Barton (Sr., DB/WR), Reggie Sharpe (Sr., OLB/DE), Devin Freeman (Sr., LB/RB), Matthew Keaton (Sr., QB/DB), Berthorony Anthony Roberts (Jr., OL), Dave Herard (Jr., ATH), Isaiah Jones (Jr., OL), Sherrick Francis (Jr., LB) THE WORD: Harden, 35, takes on his first head coaching job at his alma mater after previously coaching as an assistant at Deerfield Beach (defensive line coach), Plantation (defensive line coach) and Boyd Anderson (linebackers coach). The Dragons have not been to the playoffs since 2011 and have a young team when it comes to returning experience. Only three starters are back on offense and two on defense. Harden expects the secondary, led by Cunningham (5-11, 175), and the receivers, led by Solomon (5-10, 170), to be the strength of the team. Solomon, Harden says, is drawing interest from the

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USF “These guys understand what’s at stake and they all want to prove they can play big boy ball,” Harden said. “We’re not making any excuses because we are young or inexperienced. We’re going to line up and do things fundamentally sound.”

TARAVELLA TROJANS (8A-11)

2017 RECORD: 2-8 THE COACH: Charles Hafley THE PLAYERS: Vantraveous Williams (Sr., WR/SS), Prince

Bentley (Sr., DT), Joshua Young (Sr.. OL/DL), John Duron (Sr., RB/LB), Logan Rubin (Sr., QB), Jacquez Russ (Sr., OLB/DE), Keevon Clay (Sr., OG), Lane Kesterson (Sr., DL/ OL), Andre Mills (Jr., ATH), Stephan Arnold (Jr., FS), Michael Vicinanza (So., WR), Jeremiaiya Mitchell (So., CB) THE WORD: The Trojans haven’t had a winning season in four years and haven’t made the playoffs since 2011, but are looking to improve in Hafley’s second season at the helm. Eight starters return on offense and five on defense. Rubin (5-11, 195) has a team-best 4.1 GPA and scored a 1180 on the SAT. “Our senior leadership will be our strength,” Hafley said.

UNIVERSITY SCHOOL SHARKS (4A-4)

2017 RECORD: 10-2 THE COACH: Daniel Luque THE PLAYERS: Josh Sanguinetti (Sr., DB/WR), Kenny

McIntosh (Sr., RB), Xavien Flowers (Sr., DB/WR), Jordan Irizarry (Sr., WR), Michael Hurt (Sr., SB), Tyler Scott (Sr., S), Moezies Telfort (Sr., OLB), Christian Wells (Sr., WR) Johnathan Higgins (Sr., CB), Jalen Reeves (Jr., DE), Zach Cowheard (Jr., ILB), Christian Morales (Jr., C), Jalil Baubron (Sr., DL), Marcus Tate (So., OT), Emile Aime (So., MLB), Nick Vattiato (So., QB). THE WORD: The Sharks ended a three-year playoff drought and made it all the way to the state semifinals before falling to Cocoa 49-14. Most of the talent from last year’s team is back led by McIntosh (6-1, 205) on offense. The four-star recruit ran for 1,346 yards and 22 touchdowns as a junior and also had 347 yards receiving. Flowers (5-11, 165) and Irizarry (6-0, 180) combined to haul in 78 passes for 1,049 yards and 14 touchdowns, but will have a new quarterback under center throwing them passes this season. Defensively, Sanguinetti (6-2, 170) is one of 11 starters back and is considered one of the best safeties in the country. He had 48 tackles, seven interceptions and 12 pass breakups in 2017 and is an Under Armour All-American. Tate (6-5, 300) started 13 games on the offensive line and is one of the nation’s top prospects in the Class of 2021.

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WEST BROWARD BOBCATS (7A-15)

2017 RECORD: 8-3 THE COACH: Monte Dilworth THE PLAYERS: Khwan Mickens (Sr., CB), Dominic Tianga

(Sr., RB), Malcolm Denbow (Sr., SS), Willie Webb Jr. (Sr., OLB/RB), Jimmy Darr (Sr., DL/OL), Jason Montes (Sr., RB/ CB), Jason O’Keefe (Sr., WR/DB), Braden Davis (Sr., OL/DL), Zachary Kappes (Sr., OL/DL), Tyler Waxman (Sr., K/P/S) THE WORD: The Bobcats won the district title for the first time ever last season and return several key pieces from that team which reached the regional semifinals. Replacing quarterback and star defensive back Eric Hoff (Concordia University) will not be easy, but Dilworth has eight starters back on each side of the ball. Tiaga (5-10, 220) was the team’s leading rusher in the Single Wing offense and an All-Broward two-way standout with 979 yards rushing, 18 touchdowns and 28 tackles on defense as a junior. Air Force is interested Dilworth said. Mickens (5-11, 175) and Denbow (5-10, 180) have offers from NAIA’s University of Pikeville.

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WESTERN WILDCATS (8A-12)

2017 RECORD: 10-3 THE COACH: Adam Ratkevich THE PLAYERS: Jesse Rivera (Sr., QB), John Panchookian

(Sr., LB), Myles Wilson (Sr., DB), Gino Sandora (Sr., LB), Nick Dirdseye (Jr., LB), Rick Williams (Jr., DT), Brian Miller (So., LB), Kingsley Grissett (Sr., WR), Omar Simpson (Jr., CB), Emmanuel Akinbehinje (Sr., WR) THE WORD: The Wildcats made a run all the way to the Region 3-8A final last season after never having won a playoff game in school history before. Most of that team was lost to graduation, but a few quality transfers have arrived led by Sandora (6-0, 210) and Rivera (6-3, 200) from Archbishop McCarthy. Sandora had 84 tackles and Rivera threw for 1,087 yards and nine touchdowns last season. In all, three starters are back on offense and five on defense. Panchookian (5-11, 205) registered nine sacks last season. Wilson (6-1, 177) had four interceptions. “We believe that our Black Shirt defense will once again be among the best in South Florida,” Ratkevich said. “We have a new gunslinger and he is surrounded by an elite group of receivers.”

WESTMINSTER ACADEMY LIONS (3A-4)

2017 RECORD: 0-9 THE COACH: Tommy Lewis THE PLAYERS: Frankie Mistretta (Sr., OL), Blake Thifault

(Sr., ATH), Isaiah Livingston (Sr., DB), Matthew Romero (Sr., K), Donovan Lassiter (Jr., ATH), David Zhu (Jr., DL), Micah Lewis (Fr., RB), Tobias Lewis (Fr., DB) THE WORD: The Lions took their lumps last season in their first season under Lewis, a five-time state championship winning coach. Westminster was outscored 351 to 81 and was only within a touchdown of an opponent once all season. Five starters return on each side of the ball. Micah Lewis (5-6, 160) earned all-conference second team honors last season as an eighth-grader. Zhu (6-0, 200) is an exchange student from China. “This group is really looking to rebound from last year’s winless season,” Lewis said. “Adversity teaches life’s greatest lessons and this group is looking to apply what they’ve learned from last year, grow from it and improve this coming season. We can’t wait!”

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FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FLORIDA 2018

PALM BEACH

FLORIDA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

Palm Beach ATLANTIC, DWYER LEAD THE PACK ONCE AGAIN

HE PALM BEACH REGION IS LOADED WITH teams with state championship potential after many of the same programs were in positions to challenge for titles in 2017. Atlantic was on the cusp of winning a state title in 2017, but fell in a 17-7 dogfight against Dr. Phillips in the Class 8A final. The Eagles are loaded with talent once again and should make another deep run through the playoffs. Another team to watch is the always solid Dwyer program, led by head coach Jack Daniels, whom always competes in Class 7A. There were also a fair share of surprises in the Palm Beach region last year, with Palm Beach Central on the up-andup as a program. The Broncos, under the direction of coach Tino Ierulli, went 9-3 last fall and have one of the more veteran-laded squads in the area. The Broncos will have to compete with the likes of Atlantic in Class 8A, but are contenders nonetheless. Oxbridge Academy is coming off a very successful season, going 10-2. One cannot forget about the small schools in the area, as Pahokee will be right back in the hunt for the Class 1A state championship and they have the pedigree to boot. Joining the Blue Devils as a small school that’s preparing for a big 2018 season is Glades Day and King’s Academy. King’s Academy went 7-2 last fall and should be a contender in Class 3A.

BEST IN THE REGION 1. Top 5 Teams ■■ Atlantic ■■ Dwyer ■■ Palm Beach Central ■■ Glades Central ■■ Oxbridge Academy

2. Player to Watch ■■ Justin Wake

3. Sleeper Player ■■ Ja’Tarie Washington

4. Team on the Rise ■■ Seminole Ridge

5. Best Atmosphere ■■ Anquan Boldin Stadium, Pahokee

6. Game of the Year

Oxbridge Academy won 10 games in 2017.

■■ Atlantic at Pahokee

Jessie Hester

Akeem Dent PALM BEACH CENTRAL

GLADES CENTRAL

NO DEFENSIVE BACK IS

UNSURE OF HOW THE FORMER 11-year veteran NFL wide receiver was going to fair in his return to Glades Central? Hester’s reintroduction as head coach wasn’t too shabby, as the Raiders boasted a record of 7-4. Though that record is not exactly screaming state championship contender, the school sees better days ahead. Hester will get a chance to coach his son, Jymetre, in his second stint with Glades Central and makes the return that much more special for the former Florida State Seminole. As with anyone who takes over a program with high expectations, much is expected almost immediately with Hester pointing out that changing the current mindset of the program is imperative in getting back to state championship contention. Stops at Suncoast and Lake Worth before returning to Glades Central have proven providing learning experiences for Hester in his quest to rebuild the Raiders’ football program. One important matchup Hester must gain control of is the annual ‘Muck Bowl’ matchup with nearby Pahokee, in which the Raiders fell to the Blue Devils 33-27 in 2017. If Hester can get Glades Central back on the winning end of that legendary rivalry, the Raiders will be that much closer to state championship contention.

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FLORIDA 2018

more feared in the Palm Beach region than Akeem Dent, who stars for a Palm Beach Central team that is currently on the rise in Class 8A. The Broncos’ defensive secondary is led by the shutdown corner who has fielded offers from across the country and finally made his commitment to Willie Taggart’s Florida State Seminoles in the spring. The 5-star cornerback’s transfer from Pahokee several years ago has helped change the football landscape at Palm Beach Central.

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PALM BEACH

AMERICAN HERITAGE STALLIONS (3A-4)

BOYNTON BEACH TIGERS (6A-15)

(Sr., LB), Chris Mignone (Sr., OL), Zack Bohanon (Jr., QB), Matt Hall (Soph., WR/DE). THE WORD: The Stallions were contenders for the Class 3A state championship not too long ago, but 2016’s 2-7 record marked a down year for American Heritage which in turned made the 2017 campaign all more important to bounce back. Keith Hindsley and his staff were able to guide the club to a .500 record last season and hopes are they can be an above average squad this fall. American Heritage lost a lot key players from the last couple of seasons, but have restocked as 6-4, 180-pound sophomore Matt Hall should see time at wide receiver and defensive end. Zack Bohanon will get the nod under center for American Heritage.

(Jr., FS), Allen Israel (Jr., RB/LB), Guenson Alexis (Soph., QB). THE WORD: Thrown into the fray after being promoted from the team’s defensive coordinator to head coach, Derrick Crudup had a rough first season at the helm and went 3-7 after the Tigers went 6-4 the season prior. Now Boynton Beach is looking to get back to its winning ways in Crudup’s second season as head coach and he should have plenty of talent to make the turnaround happen. The team has been hit with some players transferring to other programs, including 6-6, 345-pound offensive lineman Brian Riddles leaving to Atlantic.

2017 RECORD: 5-5 THE COACH: Keith Hindsley THE PLAYERS: Connor Hindsley (Sr., WR), Marc Dagobert

ATLANTIC EAGLES (8A-10)

2017 RECORD: 11-2 THE COACH: T.J. Jackson THE PLAYERS: Kelani Ilimaleota (Sr., QB), Jalen Wring II

(Sr., LB), Aydin Henningham (Jr., WR), Henry Bryant III (Jr., FB), Javone Jackson (Jr., WR), Nygil Shannon (Soph., LB). Oh THE WORD: Four straight trips to the Class 8A playoffs for coach TJ Jackson and his Eagles has been very impressive, including that Atlantic has won a total of 31 games in the last three seasons. Atlantic’s successful 2018 campaign ended with a 17-7 loss to Dr. Phillips in the Class 8A state championship game and the Eagles are not looking to take any steps back, as they’re looking towards a return trip to Orlando. To do that, they’ll have to replace the likes of Corey Gammage and Cadarius Gaskin at the skill positions on the offensive end of the ball. Returning to the quarterback position will be senior Kelani Ilimaleota, who split time with Antoine Williams last year. Back at wide receivers for Atlantic is Aydin Henningham and Javone Jackson, whom both will need to fill in the void left by Gammage. The Eagles are deep at the linebacker position, with several underclassmen vying for major playing time.

BENJAMIN BUCCANEERS (IND.)

2017 RECORD: 7-3 THE COACH: Eric Kresser THE PLAYERS: Kaiir Elam (Sr., WR), Kia Rosado (Sr., WR),

Joseph Labovick (Sr., LB), Joseph Mariani (Sr., WR), Addison Matevia (Jr., DL). THE WORD: A pair of 7-3 campaigns in 2016 and 2017 was enough for Ron Ream to go out on a positive note and after 37 years of coaching at the school. The longtime Buccaneers coach stepped down during the off-season, finishing his high school coaching career with a career record of 241-141 and two appearances in the state championship game. With Ream now gone, replacing him is Eric Kresser, who had been the offensive coordinator with the program since 2014. Kresser lost some key players offensively, including quarterback Jordan Travis. Wide receiver Kai Rosado returns to the offense for the Buccaneers and brings back his 645 yards receiving from 2017.

BEREAN CHRISTIAN BULLDOGS (3A)

2017 RECORD: 3-7 THE COACH: Mario Jackson THE PLAYERS: Josh Lawler (Sr., LB), Chris Todd (Sr., DL), David

Rimes (Jr., RB), Wade Gill Jr. (Jr., QB), Chris Oakes (Jr., OL/LB). THE WORD: Going into his second season as head coach, Mario Jackson had a very young team last year and now with his Bulldogs having some varsity experience under their belt, hopes are the 2018 season bring some better results. Boasting just eight wins combined in the last couple of seasons, Berean Christian will rely upon some of its defensive starters returning to bolster the front seven. Seniors Josh Lawler and Chris Todd are the most experienced returners on defense and will to slow down opposing offenses.

BOCA RATON BOBCATS (8A-10)

2017 RECORD: 5-4 THE COACH: Brandon Walker THE PLAYERS: Antonio Gonzalez (Sr., RB/DB), Davion

Maxwell (Sr., ATH), Nick Ely (Sr., LB), Brandan Holcomb (Sr., DL), Michael Pratt (Jr., QB). THE WORD: The Bobcats are coming off another five-win season in which the program is now looking to replace a talented senior class, which included blue chipper Dante Lang. Lang ended up signing with the University of Florida and now Boca Raton must find some underclassmen to help fill in the big void left by the Gator signee. Boca Raton does return a few players to the up front seven group, including linebacker Nick Ely and multi-dimensional Brandan Holcomb. Holcomb at 6-2, 200-plus pounds can switch between playing at the linebacker position and on the defensive line.

BOCA RATON CHRISTIAN BLAZERS (IND.)

2017 RECORD: 5-4 THE COACH: Clay Shiver THE PLAYERS: Shane Sawyer (Sr., DB), Giacomo Fabi-

ani (Sr., QB), Kevin Kline (Jr., OL), Caelin Viner (Jr., OL/DL)

THE WORD: It was another 5-4 season for the Boca Raton

Christian Blazers and the team had a rough go of it to start in the preseason classic with a 42-0 loss to Marathon. After the preseason, though, the Blazers were able to slowly bring everything together with a season opening 29-0 victory over Scheck Hillel Community School and after returning to play from the Hurricane Irma hiatus, Boca Raton notched three consecutive wins over Miami Christian, Berean Christian and Somerset Academy-Canyons. The Blazers have some promising pieces back in the fold, with quarterback Giacomo Fabiani and offensive linemen Kevin Kline and Caelin Viner.

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2017 RECORD: 3-7 THE COACH: Derrick Crudup THE PLAYERS: Rosario Ulysse (Sr., OL), Verwayne Alexander

CARDINAL NEWMAN CRUSADERS (3A-7)

2017 RECORD: 5-4 THE COACH: Douglas Fanelli THE PLAYERS: Tommy St. Julien (Sr., QB), Jayson Martin

(Sr., WR), EJ Jackson (Sr., ATH), Chris D’or (Jr., RB), Jaydon Hood (Soph., RB). THE WORD: After starting off the 2017 regular season to a 5-1 start, Cardinal Newman wasn’t able to maintain the momentum in the final stretch of three games and lost to Glades Central, West Boca Raton and Archbishop McCarthy, respectively. Now the Crusaders must find the recipe to success in sustaining their winning ways from the first half of the season and under second-year head coach Douglas Fanelli, they’ll look to do so with a new crop of athletes under his watch. Sophomore running back Jaydon Hood looks to see more time in the backfield after an impressive freshman season.

DWYER PANTHERS (7A-13)

2017 RECORD: 11-2 THE COACH: Jack Daniels THE PLAYERS: Vernon Padgett (Sr., DL), Ronnie Folkes

(Sr., OL), Cedric Tucker (Sr., RB), Robert Armes (Sr., RB), Reginald Gadson (Sr., RB), Deuce Dunbar (Jr., QB). THE WORD: Another deep run in the Class 7A playoffs behind a talented crop of players had Jack Daniels’ Dwyer Panthers into the Class 7A, Region 4 semifinals before losing in a tough 6-5 game against Doral Academy. Though 7A-Region 4 has been thoroughly dominated by St. Thomas Aquinas as of late, the Panthers return enough starters from last year’s group to make another run towards the playoffs and potentially return to the region semifinals and beyond. Being tabbed as the successor to quarterback Trevor Omans, who threw for nearly 1,500 yards in 2017 is junior Deuce Dunbar. Joining Dunbar in the backfield is running back Cedric Tucker, who rushed for 297 yards last season. Also back on the offensive side of the ball are backs Robert Armes and Reginald Gadson, who will see plenty of time lined up at other positions on offense, including wide receiver.

FOREST HILL FALCONS (7A-13)

2017 RECORD: 9-2 THE COACH: Jude Blessington THE PLAYERS: Darius McClendon (Sr., QB/DB), Tracyn

Young (Sr., RB/LB), Chaz Eaton (Sr., FB), Devin Bailey (Jr., DB), Latrell Allen (Jr., DE), Bryyon Jones (Jr., RB). THE WORD: A seven-win improvement from last season was exactly what Forest Hill went through after finishing 2-7 in 2016. The Falcons finished 9-2 last season and reached the Class 7A postseason before being knocked out in the regional quarterfinal 31-26 by West Broward. Jude Blessington’s club now has found what could be the formula towards future success and many familiar faces will be back for their senior and junior seasons with the program. Much of everything starts on offense with senior quarterback Darius McClendon, who is a duel-threat under center. McClendon returns a plethora of players to the skill positions, including running backs Bryyon Jones, Chaz Eaton and Tracyn Young.

GLADES CENTRAL RAIDERS (4A-4)

2017 RECORD: 7-4 THE COACH: Jessie Hester THE PLAYERS: Steve Barrett (Sr., RB), Naquivian Jefferson

(Sr., WR), Frankivious Rolle (Sr., TE/DE), Kamare Stephens (Sr., WR), Jymetre Hester (Sr., WR), Kenderlin Dort (Sr., DB), Jaeze Tracey (Sr., QB). THE WORD: In Hester’s first full season back as head coach at Glades Central, the Raiders know the process in returning to being one of the state’s top programs is not going to be an overnight thing. Glades Central was able to win the annual ‘Muck Bowl’ in a 33-27 thriller over crosstown rival Pahokee but followed that up with a 44-21 loss to University in the Class 4A region semifinal. The Raiders now are in hopes that season No. 2 of Hester being back in the fold at Glades Central will bring some better on-the-field results and possibly a deep run through the Class 4A playoffs. Glades Central should be solid offensively, as they return many veteran-laden players to key positions like Steve Barrett at running back and Frankivious Rolle at tight end.

GLADES DAY GATORS (2A-4)

2017 RECORD: 5-4 THE COACH: Eric Pitts THE PLAYERS: Adrian Ruiz (Sr., OL/DL), Lorenzo Powe (Jr., RB/

LB), Anthony McPhee (Jr., WR/DB), Jacob Camacho (Soph., DB). THE WORD: Back-to-back five-win seasons for Glades Day is a step in the right direction for a program looking to get back into the conversation as one of the state’s elites in Class 2A. The Gators are going to have to get back to the drawing board when it comes to a signal caller, as last season’s quarterback Alex Mineo has graduated, leaving a void at the position. The offensive cupboard will not be empty by any means, with a couple impressive juniors back on the scene for Glades Day. Running back Lorenzo Powe had a stellar sophomore season in the backfield and

speedy wide receiver Anthony McPhee is also back. The offensive line will be led by 6-4, 325-pound lineman Adrian Ruiz.

INLET GROVE HURRICANES (IND.)

2017 RECORD: 1-7 THE COACH: Robert McKay THE PLAYERS: Keron Hines-Ward (Jr., ATH), D’ontaye Strawter

(Jr., OL/DL), Curtis Hough (Jr., LB), Abraham Pierre (Jr., OL/DL).

THE WORD: Former NFL wide receiver Michael Timpson

accepted the position of head coach a couple summers ago, but is already out as the lead man at Inlet Grove. Timpson, who left to take the athletic director job at Lake Worth, went 1-16 in his two seasons as the head coach for the Hurricanes and the school was left with the task of searching for their fifth coach in the last eight years. In to take Timpson’s place is former Tallahassee Godby assistant Robert McKay, who will be tasked with one of the toughest rebuilds in the Palm Beach area.

JOHN I. LEONARD LANCERS (8A-10)

2017 RECORD: 1-8 THE COACH: Keith Chattin THE PLAYERS: Frantz Derival (Sr., QB), Brandon Betancourt

(Sr., LB), Josue Austin (Jr., LB), Memphis Sams (Jr., LB). THE WORD: Of the many coaching changes that have taken place since the 2017 season concluded, John I. Leonard was another school that saw its coach depart, with Kevin Fleury stepping down after four seasons at the school. After seeing much success during his time at Palm Beach Gardens, including winning a state championship, the Lancers never saw similar results under Fleury’s watch. He leaves the school with a record of 11-28 and gives way to John I. Leonard’s hiring of Keith Chattin, who accepted the position back in December. Chattin, who most recently coached over at Lennard High School near Tampa, FL, posted winning seasons in 2014 and 2015 with the Longhorns and brings an uptempo offensive attack to John I. Leonard.

JUPITER WARRIORS (8A-9)

2017 RECORD: 1-9 THE COACH: Tim Tharp THE PLAYERS: Nicky Vardonas (Sr., RB), Tanner Nairn (Sr.,

K/P), Robert Armes (Sr., RB/DB), Mikey Robinson (Sr., WR). THE WORD: Second-year Jupiter head coach Tim Tharp has the Warriors on the right track from last season, with Jupiter winning the season finale against South Fork in a 14-11 decision. The Warriors are now looking to add a few more wins to its belt in year two under Tharp and Jupiter should have the players to help with the full turnaround this fall. Running back Nicky Vardonas saw time in the backfield in 2017 and with several key players graduating, should get more carries in the backfield along with fellow senior Robert Armes. Mikey Robinson is back on the roster and could see time at safety along with playing wide receiver for the Warriors.

JUPITER CHRISTIAN EAGLES (IND.)

2017 RECORD: 8-3 THE COACH: Jim Davis THE PLAYERS: Nicholas Bonilla (Sr., K), Gehtro Germinal

(Sr., WR), Spencer Shaddix (Jr., OL/DL), Jack Anderson (Soph., QB), Logan Lasher (Fr., RB). THE WORD: The ascension to the top has been steady for Jupiter Christian under the watch of head coach Jim Davis and now the Eagles are making waves in the independent conference. Jupiter Christian was able to top the 5-5 season they had in 2016 and follow up with a very successful 8-3 campaign last year. David, however, will have to fill the voids left by a slew of seniors whom are graduating and fill in the gaps. Looking to get the nod under center for the 2018 season is sophomore Jack Anderson, who will get his chance at a first full varsity campaign at quarterback. Freshman Logan Lasher has impressed at the running back position for Jupiter and should have a big season.

KING’S ACADEMY LIONS (3A)

2017 RECORD: 7-2 THE COACH: Keith Allen THE PLAYERS: Dillon Larson (Sr., RB), Cory Croteau

(Sr., WR), Drew Luchey (Sr., DB), Nick Van Reeth (Sr., OL), Brandon Prichard (Sr., DL), Jeremiah Scroggins (Sr., DB), Justin Wake (Sr., QB). THE WORD: An 11-0 season will always set the bar a bit high for your program and King’s Academy did just that in 2016, running the table and going undefeated as an independent program. The Lions were always going to be hard pressed to repeat the feat as they kicked off the 2017 campaign with the proverbial ‘X’ on their backs and a 7-2 season ensued for King’s Academy last year. Good thing for Keith Allen and crew is they’ll be returning many of their key players from last season and they’ll be able to battle amongst the teams in Class 3A, Region 3 to be the state’s best. Returning under center for the Lions is 5-10, 175-pound quarterback Justin Wake, who had a solid 2017 campaign. Also back, but on the defensive side of the football is defensive back Jeremiah Scroggins and defensive lineman Brandon Prichard.

LAKE WORTH TROJANS (8A-10)

2017 RECORD: 0-9 THE COACH: Don Hanna THE PLAYERS: Xzayvier Marseille (Sr., LB), Millennium Virgil (Sr.,

WR), Rumaldo Santos (Sr., SS), Anderson Lormon (Sr., LB/DL). THE WORD: In just two seasons as the school’s head coach, Micah Mays stepped down to take over the athletic director position at Palm Beach Lakes High School. In just two seasons as the head coach for the Trojans, Lake Worth went 4-14 under Mays. Last season was especially rough, with the program going winless at 0-10. Taking over in Mays’ place is former Village Academy coach Don Hanna, who spent nearly a decade with the Tigers.

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FLORIDA 2018

PALM BEACH

OLYMPIC HEIGHTS LIONS (7A-13)

2017 RECORD: 5-4 THE COACH: Chris Kokell THE PLAYERS: Anthony Cunningham (Sr., OL), Jack Coul-

son (Sr., WR), A.J. Wicihowski (Sr., WR), Stone Spadaccini (Jr., QB), Fuge Theodore (Soph., RB/DL). THE WORD: There’s no doubt that things are looking up over at Olympic Heights under the watchful eye of coach Chris Kokell, as the program has enjoyed back-to-back above .500 seasons. Despite graduating some key seniors from this past fall, the Lions are a team that’s continually on the rose and they’ll have plenty of playmakers to look towards this upcoming season. Olympic Heights’ wide receiving corps is what stands out on the offensive side of the football, with seniors Jack Coulson and A.J. Wicihowski leading the way. Both have college offers on the table and should have solid 2018 seasons. Up front on the offensive line, Anthony Cunningham is back to anchor the Lions’ protection.

OXBRIDGE ACADEMY THUNDERWOLVES (3A-2)

2017 RECORD: 10-2 THE COACH: Brendan Kent THE PLAYERS: James Meeks (Sr., RB), Charles Richardson

(Sr., QB), Antavious Lane (Sr., DB), Luis Gonzalez (Sr., RB), Dorian Jones (Sr., LB), Derrick Wells (Sr., DL), Josh PierreLouis (Jr., RB/LB), Jordan Cash (Jr., WR). THE WORD: The thorn that’s been in the side of Oxbridge Academy’s thigh the last couple of seasons has been that of Chaminade-Madonna in the postseason. In 2016, Oxbridge Academy fell to Chaminade-Madonna in the region final and last season fell 31-28 to the same club in the Class 3A state championship game. Ouch, that hurts just a little bit, but the Thunderwolves, heading into their eighth season of existence, have plenty of talent returning in hopes of getting back to the state title game. Quarterback Charles Richardson is back under center for Oxbridge and threw for 1,593 yards and 24 touchdowns last season. About the full complement of running backs are back in the stable, including seniors James Meeks and Luis Gonzalez. Jordan Cash had nearly 300 yards receiving for Oxbridge last season and returns with the most experience amongst receivers. Linebacker Dorain Jones, who made 55 tackles last season, is back in the fold.

PAHOKEE BLUE DEVILS (1A-4)

2017 RECORD: 9-3 THE COACH: Orson Walkes THE PLAYERS: Jamal Lowe (Sr., OL/DL), Ja’Tarie Wash-

ington (Sr., RB), Deshawn Richardson (Sr., OL/DL), Latarie Kinsler (Jr., DE), Octavious Bouie (Jr., OL/DL). THE WORD: Just about a couple seasons removed from having to vacate the Class 1A state championship, Pahokee is primed to win a state title again with what will be another star studded roster for the Blue Devils. Pahokee’s state championship hopes were dashed by Madison County in the playoffs, as the Blue Devils fell 28-10 and just short of reaching the title game. With several key players such as lineman Michael Police and defensive lineman Zathavien Morgan, Pahokee never looks to re-build and just re-loads as the Blue Devils once again have the athletes to contend. Everything offensively starts with the legs of shifty running back Ja’Tarie Washington, who rushed for over 1,500 yards last season. On the defensive side of the ball, Louisville commitment Latarie Kinsler will be one to watch as he recorded 23 sacks just a couple seasons ago.

PALM BEACH CENTRAL BRONCOS (8A-9)

2017 RECORD: 9-3 THE COACH: Tino Ierulli THE PLAYERS: Akeem Dent (Sr., DB), Renato Brown (Sr.,

DL), Jesus Santiago (Sr., DB), Trey Isaac (Sr., LB), Gen’Taris Oliver (Sr., ATH), Charles Stewart (Sr., RB), Brandon Hudgins (Sr., DL), Bryan Robinson (Jr., WR). THE WORD: Oh what a couple seasons can do for a program and that’s the story for Palm Beach Central’s football team, as the Broncos have legitimately gone from worst to first in Class 8A, District 9. After going through a rough 3-8 path just over a year and a half ago, the Broncos made the impressive jump to nine victories in 2017 and got some serious playmakers into the program prior to the campaign. Former Pahokee standout Akeem Dent stepped in and had an incredible first year with the Broncos, recording 82 tackles, five interceptions, four forced fumbles and returned two interceptions for touchdowns. Not too shabby of a debut? 6-5, 310-pound monster defensive tackle Renato Brown will anchor the defensive line after making 42 tackles a year ago.

PALM BEACH GARDENS GATORS (8A-9)

2017 RECORD: 3-7 THE COACH: Billy Clark THE PLAYERS: David Studstill (Sr., QB), Wisney Jean (Sr.,

DB), Kevon Purnell (Sr., RB), Da’Quan Hamilton (Sr., RB), Wendy Francois (Sr., LB). THE WORD: A disappointing 3-7 campaign after going 5-6 in 2016 has the Gators wondering if they can get back to their winning ways this 2018 season. Palm Beach Gardens graduated quarterback Chris Sancilio, whom threw for around 1,000 yards last fall but now will need to be replaced under center. Backup quarterback David Studstill is back and should get the first chance to replace Sancilio. Studstill will have some solid playmakers around him, including running backs Kevon Purnell, Da’Quan Hamilton. Both provide the team with a couple change of pace backs. On defense, the Gators return defensive back Wisney Jean and linebacker Wendy Francois.

PALM BEACH LAKES RAMS (7A-13)

2017 RECORD: 3-7 THE COACH: Al Shipman THE PLAYERS: Jalen Hall (Sr., QB), Tanner Franklin (Sr.,

RB), Eldridge Franklin (Sr., DB), Jailen Holman (Jr., ATH).

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FLORIDA 2018

THE WORD: After turning around in the program in what’s a very

tough Class 7A, District 13 with the likes of Dwyer and Olympic Heights, the Rams reverted back to their old ways and finished 3-7 this past season after going 8-3 in 2016. The Rams under the watch of Al Shipman are hoping to turn things around and get back to its winning ways, but will have to with some different faces at crucial positions on the field. Stud athlete Teja Young has graduated and replacing his explosiveness on the field will be tough for the Rams.

PARK VISTA COBRAS (8A-10)

2017 RECORD: 8-3 THE COACH: Brian Dodds THE PLAYERS: Nick King (Sr., RB), Tyler Thomas (Sr., QB),

David Kellier (Sr., LB), Demarco Augustin (Sr., DB), Dwayne Williams (Sr., DL). THE WORD: Park Vista head coach Brian Dodds has continued Park Vista’s rise to prominence over the last few years, as the Cobras once again finished with a stellar record of 8-3 for the 2017 season and the program heads into 2018 with high expectations. Dodds, who has a career record of 133-80, has over 100 kids in his program and has stockpiled talent for his spread offensive system and 3-4 defense. Much of the heavy lifting on the offensive side of the football will be put upon the shoulders of running back Nick King and quarterback Tyler Thomas. King and Thomas are both seniors, respectively, and look to carry the offense to potentially another district championship in Class 8A, District 10.

ROYAL PALM BEACH WILDCATS (7A-13)

2017 RECORD: 0-10 THE COACH: Elton ‘Al’ Gilkes THE PLAYERS: Yassine Moutaouakki (Sr., OL/DL), Frantz

Belamour (Sr., OL/DL), Austin Wallace (Jr., QB), Ezekiel Blake (Jr., WR), Arvian Gilbert (Jr., LB), Josue Charles (Soph., RB). THE WORD: In what could be the most disappointing season Willie Bueno has endured as a high school head coach, the former state champion’s team went through an 0-10 campaign. The winless season marked the final one for Bueno, as he stepped down after the 2017 campaign, ending seven seasons at the school. He leaves with a record of 40-34 during his time at Royal Palm Beach and begs the question: Who can turn things around for the Wildcats? The next to take a shot at doing has yet to be decided, as the school has tabbed Elton Gilkes as the team’s interim coach for the time being. Gilkes coached the team during the spring and the Wildcats have some promising pieces on offense, including Austin Wallace and sophomore running back Josue Charles.

SANTALUCES CHIEFS (8A-10)

2017 RECORD: 1-8 THE COACH: Brian Coe THE PLAYERS: Arthur Gray Jr. (Sr., WR/DB), Jerson

ST. ANDREW’S SCOTS (3A-4)

2017 RECORD: 7-2 THE COACH: Steve Howey THE PLAYERS: Anthony Molle (Sr., RB/LB), Hunter Watts (Sr.,

TE), Matt Goodman (Jr., LB), Jeremiah Young (Soph., QB). THE WORD: It was a complete turnaround year for St. Andrew’s football team, as they flipped their record from 2-7 in 2016 to 7-2 last season, marking a stellar comeback campaign under Steve Howey. The team will be under somewhat of a rebuild, however, with some of the key pieces now gone from the seven-win team. One vital piece was quarterback Wyatt Ruth, who threw for 2,142 yards and 29 touchdowns last fall. Looking to replace Ruth under center is sophomore Jeremiah Young, who saw limited action at quarterback last season.

ST. JOHN PAUL II EAGLES (3A-4)

2017 RECORD: 2-7 THE COACH: Jeff Dellenbach THE PLAYERS: Zachary Hammann (Sr., WR), Isaiah Rampart

(Sr., RB/LB), Mason DuBois (Sr., OL), Kyle Conger (Jr., DE). THE WORD: In St. John Paul II’s second season under a new school name, the Eagles dropped from three wins to two and are in hopes that season No. 3 will do the trick in turning around a program that’s notched five wins in two seasons. Last season’s quarterback Zachary Bohannon has transferred over to American Heritage, leaving a big hole at the signal caller position. Returning to the backfield, though, for the Eagles is quick-footed running back Isaiah Rampart, who rushed for over 300 yards last season. He’ll be joined on the offensive end by wide receiver Zachary Hammann.

SUNCOAST CHARGERS (5A-15)

2017 RECORD: 6-3 THE COACH: Brian Pulaski THE PLAYERS: Alex Baron (Sr., QB), Tyrese Davis (Sr.,

WR), Lashawn Eason (Jr., WR), Blaine Anderson (Soph., LB), Robert Davies (Soph., RB). THE WORD: In taking over for former Suncoast coach Jimmy Clark back in the 2016 season, the Chargers were in hopes that Bobby May would be in for the long haul. May lasted two seasons with the school and left after posting a solid 6-3 record this past year, highlighted by a 34-0 victory over Cardinal Newman during the regular season. The school will now turn to new head coach Brian Pulaski, whom formerly was the lead man over at Cardinal Newman. Pulaski was let go at Cardinal Newman, but didn’t have to wait long for his next opportunity as a head coach and will take over a Suncoast program that’s won 10 games over the last two seasons. Senior Alex Baron looks to be stepping into the starting role at quarterback, with Ryan Lantz now graduating.

VILLAGE ACADEMY TIGERS (2A-4)

2017 RECORD: 0-9 THE COACH: Dameon Hughes THE PLAYERS: Jalen Harrison (Sr., ATH), Guerdy Novin (Sr., ATH),

Jacques (Sr., WR/TE), George Limage (Sr., LB), Anthony Caldwell (Sr., DB). THE WORD: Fully changing the culture of Santaluces football was always going to be a tough one for head coach Brian Coe, who led the Chiefs for the first time last fall. Following up an 0-10 season in 2016, the goal was to take small steps forward and pickup a victory and Santaluces was able to end the winless drought and defeated Lake Worth 12-7 last year. Now the hopes are that one win can turn into multiple victories for a program that has gone 4-25 in the last three seasons of play. Coe will have some solid returns back on both sides of the football, including senior Arthur Gray Jr. at wide receiver and George Limage picking up the slack on defense at the linebacker position.

head coach Rod Huggins, who accepted the head coaching position after the 2016 season. That one season for Huggins ended up being enough, as he stepped down after the 2017 campaign concluded. In steps in former Santaluces assistant coach Damoen Huges, whom will take over a struggling program that had trouble fielding players last season. Village Academy ended up having to forfeit four games last season, but numbers are starting to go up a little but for the Tigers. With 14 players now back so far, hopes are under the direction of Hughes, the Tigers can compete after only scoring 20 points all last season.

SEMINOLE RIDGE HAWKS (8A-9)

WELLINGTON WOLVERINES (8A-9)

2017 RECORD: 9-3 THE COACH: James Parsons THE PLAYERS: Kaimyn Castilla (Sr., QB), Ty’Korian Brown

Ferrari Bernadotte (Soph., OL/DL), Darrise Bridgett (Fr., RB).

THE WORD: It was a very tough first go around for first-year

2017 RECORD: 4-5 THE COACH: Tom Abel THE PLAYERS: Mark-Antony Richards (Sr., ATH), Balitan

(Sr., WR), Sebastian Cardelle (Sr., DL), Peter Sinoviannis (Sr., LB), Kaleb Costain (Sr., DB), Corey Polk (Jr., RB), Tyler Booker (Jr., DL), Anthony Duncan (Jr., LB/DL). THE WORD: Seminole Ridge is back. The Hawks were turned around in a matter of one season and that was the welcoming sight of head coach James Parson, who took over after the 2016 campaign. With Seminole Ridge having over 150 kids out for football last season, Parsons was able to maximize everything he could get out of the team and led the Hawks to the Class 8A postseason. Though Seminole Ridge’s run in the playoffs would end in a 32-0 region playoff game against Palm Beach Central, make no mistake that the Hawks are not looking to be a one-and-done fluke. The Hawks return plenty of key pieces to make another run towards the playoffs this fall under Parsons. Defensively the Hawks bring back defensive linemen Sebastian Cardelle and Tyler Booker. On the offensive end, quarterback Kaimyn Castilla is back under center and he’ll have running back Corey Polk next aside him.

Celestin (Sr., WR/DB), Drew Jackson (Sr., WR), Joshua Schwartz (Jr., LB), Austin Wallace (Jr., QB). THE WORD: Wellington has had a hard time getting itself into the postseason picture in Class 8A and the 2017 season was another example of how close the Wolverines might be from contending in Class 8A, District 9. The Wolverines started off the 2017 with much promise after picking up a 27-13 victory over Royal Palm Beach. A three-game losing streak during the season to Seminole Ridge, Palm Beach Central, Dwyer derailed any chance Wellington had for an above .500 season. Now the Wolverines look to make the turnaround behind a talented senior and junior class, as quarterback Austin Wallace is back to lead the offense along with a solid wide receiving corps of Balitan Celestin and Drew Jackson.

SPANISH RIVER SHARKS (8A-10)

Alex Bordeau (Sr., DL), Mahari Mesidort (Sr., WR), Friedman Dor (Jr., WR), Marlin Brunson (Jr., WR), Kael Williams (Jr., WR). THE WORD: What a bounce back season it was for West Boca Raton in 2017, as the Bulls were able to pull it together from a struggling 1-8 campaign in 2016 to winning five games last year. Alphonso Moran has some reason for optimism now, as he returns a large number of the club’s top players from last season. Moran’s strength on offense is with the wide receivers, as he’ll return senior Mahari Mesidort and juniors Friedman Dor and Marlin Brunson. Also helping in the passing department is tight end Benji Vogel and offensive lineman Taylor Bachelder. On the defensive side of the football, defensive lineman Alex Bordeau headlines another solid front seven for the Bulls. Look for the Bulls to be contenders in Class 7A, District 13.

2017 RECORD: 3-6 THE COACH: Bill Ceasar THE PLAYERS: Connor Tribby (Sr., QB), Chris Wilson (Sr.,

SB), Dre Mon (Sr., K/P), Logan Perkins (Soph., OL/DL). THE WORD: Though the Sharks were able to notch three victories in 2017, the quality of the wins are looked at against some of the programs they were up against. With wins over Lake Worth, Leonard and Santaluces, all three teams combined to go 1-28 last season. The Sharks are hoping the results can improve this upcoming fall against some of the better teams in the area, but they’ll need certain players to step up on both sides of the football. Quarterback Connor Tribby is back and must make strides if the team is looking to take the next step.

WEST BOCA RATON BULLS (7A-13)

2017 RECORD: 5-4 THE COACH: Alphonso Moran THE PLAYERS: Benji Vogel (Sr., TE), Taylor Bachelder (Sr., OL),

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SPACE/TREASURE COAST

FLORIDA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

Space/Treasure Coast COACHING CHANGES CREATE STORYLINES

T’S ALL ABOUT THE NUMBERS THIS YEAR. Let’s talk how good this region was last year, and, how good it could be again if things hold true. The SPACE/TREASURE COAST/Treasure Coast area had solid playoff representation last year, with nine teams reaching the playoffs, and a state runner-up in Cocoa. But just how close was the area to jumping that number significantly higher? Had it been 2018, the region would have been quite a bit better represented, close to 30 percent better. Had the 2018 playoff criteria been in place — the region’s top six teams now qualify for the postseason instead of four in Classes 1A-4A — the area would have been sending two more programs to the postseason. Cocoa Beach, which finished fifth in Region 3-4A, would have qualified. And Astronaut, which finish just 3 one-hundredths of a point outside of sixth place, would have also gone. In Region 2-7A, Melbourne was 10th in the region points standings, but just 1.7 points away from a qualifying berth The numbers game doesn’t just pertain to razor-thin playoff misses or region finishes. The coaching carousel spun away in the area since the 2017 season came to a close, with 11 of the area’s 30 programs making head coaching changes. Even on an active cycle, a churn of nearly 40 percent of the coaches is substantial. The average tenure of the outgoing head coaches — 5.1 years.

Dan Burke MELBOURNE PALM BAY

BEST IN THE REGION 1. Top 5 Teams ■■ Cocoa ■■ Palm Bay ■■ Vero Beach ■■ Viera ■■ Melbourne Ctl. Catholic

2. Player to Watch ■■ Demarcus Harris

3. Sleeper Player

Viera linebacker Brock Holland.

■■ Ladarius Tennison That number is somewhat skewed by the departures of Cocoa’s John Wilkinson and Merritt Island’s Jeff McLean, coaches who combined for 24 seasons and 232 victories at their programs. They were the longest-tenured head coaches in the area behind Palm Bay’s Dan Burke. Six of the outgoing head coaches were on the job three seasons or less. Also moving on was former Viera head coach Kevin Mays, who spent seven season with the Hawks and had a Class 7A state runner-up appearance in 2015.

4. Team on the Rise ■■ Port St. Lucie

5. Best Atmosphere ■■ Barbecue Bowl, Cocoa vs. Rockledge

6. Game of the Year ■■ Cocoa vs. Rockledge

Willie Gaines COCOA THE TIGERS SEEM TO

AS MUCH AS THINGS HAVE changed in the region, one thing has not. Palm Bay coach Dan Burke has withstood the test of time in the Space/ Treasure Coast area, a remarkable feat for a public school coach in this social media era of high school football. Twenty-one seasons Twenty state playoff berths. Two state championships and 211 wins with the Pirates. For Burke, it’s a love of the game that started in 1986 when he began coaching at Winter Park Trinity Prep following a hall of fame playing career at UCF. He gave pro football a try with the USFL and later, in arena football, but it was coaching that ultimately won out. “We changed offenses every week, made a bunch of mistakes there,” said Burke, an Eau Gallie High School graduate, said of his first coaching stop. “But we had good parents, good kids. I was fortunate enough to move back home [in 1996]. We’ve always had good assistants and a great administration. If you don’t have that administrative support, it can be a real, real difficult task.” With the exception a state playoff miss in 2014, the Pirates under Burke have been a constant November and December team, even with the opening of two schools during his tenure (Bayside and Heritage). “I have been fortunate,” he said. So, too, has the Pirates program. READ MORE AT FNFMAGAZINE.COM

always have playmakers. And by the time Gaines wraps up his time in the region, he could be mentioned as one of the best to come through. The 5-10, 170-pound weapon can, and often does, line up anywhere for the Tigers. He’ll play in the secondary (two interceptions as a junior). He’ll line up in the backfield (1,349 rushing yards, 15 TDs). And he may even throw a couple passes or two in first-year coach Ryan Schneider’s new offense as the Tigers look to maximize the talent on their roster. Gaines is at the forefront of that, and he’ll be in a starring role if Cocoa gets back to Camping World Stadium in December for the third season in a row.

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FLORIDA 2018

SPACE/TREASURE COAST

ASTRONAUT WAR EAGLES (4A-3)

FORT PIERCE CENTRAL COBRAS (8A-8)

MARTIN COUNTY TIGERS (7A-6)

OL), Jaiden Dollard (Jr., ATH), Connor Ferguson (Jr., QB), Javon Garvin (Jr., LB), Mike Henderson (Jr., LB), Nathan Meeks (Sr., TE), Dominick Robinson (Sr., ATH), Abreon Torres (So., RB) THE WORD: It was progress in 2017 for the War Eagles, who doubled their win total and were competitive in all but three games. Both sides of the ball showed significant growth. Four of the top five backs return in Torres (578 rushing yards, 5 TDs), Garvin (243 yards, 4 TDs), Robinson (162 yards, TD) and Dollard (143 yards, 3 TDs). For a team that intends to run the daylights out of the ball, that’s key. One of those runners will emerge as the feature back to offset the graduation of a 1,400-yard rusher (Gibran Williams). Garvin is also the team’s top returning tackler (82). The next logical — and realistic — goal is the playoffs. Astronaut missed qualifying last year by .03.

Mason Burritt (Jr., RB); Richardson Dat (Sr., LB); Michael Francios (Sr., TE); Robert Moore (Sr., DL); Justin Ortiz (Jr., WR); Alex Stevens (Sr., C); Trenton Surloff (Sr., DE); Robbie Sullivan (Jr., WR); Jordan Tellez (Sr., DL); Bryce Tullis (Sr., DB) THE WORD: The Cobras hired Cameron to replace Brad Paulson in the offseason, and he becomes the fourth head coach in as many seasons at Central. Will that be the stability that Central needs? Surloff (37 tackles) is the team’s top returning tackler and much of the experience returning resides on that side of the ball. There will be new starters and essentially every skill position. Central lost 26 seniors to graduation so there’s room for underclassmen to step up into a starring role.

(Sr., LB), George Johnson (Sr., QB), Oliver Kelleher (Sr., WR), Trevor Parent (Sr., WR), Connor Slappey (Sr., CB) THE WORD: The Tigers start over with a new coach in Harris, whose recent head coaching experience came during a solid tenure at Palm Beach Central (38-27 from 2008-13). In a four-team district, the Tigers essentially need to win a head-to-head game against favorite Viera for a playoff berth, a game it lost 49-0 last season, and hasn’t won since 2011. Goal No. 1 for Martin County — improving the offense. The Tigers averaged just 18.3 points per game last season.

2017 RECORD: 4-6 THE COACH: Justin Worden THE PLAYERS: Louis Arnold (Jr., DL), Chase Blizzard (Sr.,

BAYSIDE BEARS (6A-14)

2017 RECORD: 1-8 THE COACH: Corey Broomfield THE PLAYERS: Colton Bleau (So., OL), Logan Brabham

(So., QB), Tony Dobbs (Sr., DL-RB), Dontavious James (So., S), Job Jean Charles (Jr., DB), Joseph Kasper (Sr., LB), Raquez Long (Sr., DB), Isiah Vanderwarker (Sr., DL), Davonney Voltaire (Fr., QB), Louis Sanchez (Jr., WR), THE WORD: Challenging doesn’t even do justice to Bayside’s 2016 season. The Bears were young and absorbed a season where they were outscored by an average of 33 points per game. Broomfield returns to his alma mater to coach, and with him, a handful of former Bayside teammates filling out the staff. The defense brings back six starters and gets a boost in a big way in the form of Vanderwarker (6-4, 375). There are a slew of underclassmen on this roster, with a heavy emphasis on the Class of 2021s. Seven linemen on both sides of the ball are sophomores.

CENTENNIAL EAGLES (8A-8)

2017 RECORD: 4-5-1 THE COACH: Jamar Cheney THE PLAYERS: Jadarius Bernard (Sr., DT), Cory Gray (Sr., QB),

John Moran (Sr., DT), Tahron Sims (Sr., S), Dwight Toombs II (Sr., S), Kenny Watson (Sr., S), Cedrick Wilcox IV (Sr., RB) THE WORD: There will be new starters at just about every skill position on the field for the Eagles, so that’s the concern entering 2018. The Eagles finished 12th in Region 1-8A in 2017. Defensively, Centennial has more experience coming back, so that’s where this season starts from. Toombs led the Eagles in tackles last season (103). Sims was third (79). Bernard (34 tackles) and Moran (29) add more returning depth for Centennial on the defensive side of the ball.

COCOA TIGERS (4A-3)

2017 RECORD: 11-2 THE COACH: Ryan Schneider THE PLAYERS: Willie Gaines (Sr., ATH), Hunter Gfell (So., OL),

2017 RECORD: 2-6 THE COACH: Jeff Cameron THE PLAYERS: Mark Allen (Sr., K); Jake Burritt (Jr., QB);

FORT PIERCE WESTWOOD PANTHERS (5A-15)

2017 RECORD: 6-3 THE COACH: Chris Hutchings THE PLAYERS: Malik Copeland (Jr., DL-LB), Cam Hargrove

(Sr., OT), Josh Haugabook (Sr., DL), James Gardner (Fr., LB), Antonio Green (Sr., S), Coy Gray (Sr., QB), Jenard Jones (Jr., RB) Willie Lewis (Sr., CB), Ahkeem Mitchell (Jr., LB), Quan Moore (Sr., WR), Reggie Peterson (Jr., LB), Tremaine Price (Sr., RB-CB). THE WORD: A district champ a season ago for the first time since 2010, Westwood picked up a new coach in Hutchings, who replaces Aaron Sheppard. Gray is a major playmaker and the Panthers will go as far as he takes them. Peterson was a late season call-up last season, but should see his production increase immensely. While there are plenty of seniors who will lead, Hutchings said underclassmen will be the key to this season’s program.

HERITAGE PANTHERS (6A-14)

2017 RECORD: 6-4 THE COACH: Mark Ainsley THE PLAYERS: Gio Cooks (Sr., OT), Nathan Etienne (Jr.,

LB-RB), Rashard Farmer (So., DB), Christian Gonzalez (Jr., TE), Matthew Hall (Sr., LB), Terrion Howard (Sr., C), Jumaine McDonald (Sr., DB), Jayquan Martin (Sr., RB), Reggie Reynolds (Jr., DB), Nigel Scott (Sr., QB), Mansa Walston (Sr., LB), Negail Wright (Sr., LB-RB) THE WORD: District champs last season, Heritage is positioned well for defense of that crown with just about every impact player back. Top quarterback Scott (1,278 passing yards, 12 TDs, 469 rushing yards) is back, along with top two backs Wright (874 yards, 13 TDs) and Martin (658 yards, 4 TDs), and top wideout McDonald (430 yards, 5 TDs). Etienne (91 tackles), Farmer (7 INTs) and Martin (7 sacks) lead a solid corps of defensive returnees for the Panthers.

HOLY TRINITY TIGERS (3A-2)

2017 RECORD: 2-7 THE COACH: Nate Hooks THE PLAYERS: Sullivan Altman (Sr., LB), James Black-

Caziah Holmes (Jr., ATH), Richie Leonard (Jr., OL), RaShean Lynn (Sr., ATH), Nicholas Parks (Sr., OL), Alex Petruzello (Sr., K), Dajavon White (So., DL), Jamari Williams (Sr., WR) THE WORD: Perhaps the biggest change on the Space Coast in terms of who’s in charge. Schneider takes over for John Wilkinson, who had the Tigers a state contender annually. They nearly won back-to-back championships in 2017 and return some major pieces from that team. Gaines is one of the most electric players in the state (1,350 rushing yards, 15 TDs in 2017). Petruzello hit 9 of 11 field goals and all but one of his 70 PATs. White had 47 tackles and eight sacks. But there are big losses, with just 10 starters returning.

strain (So., WR), Carlos Estronza (So., TE-RB), Latarious Hill (Jr., RB), Preston Milo (Sr., QB), Lino Odenat (Sr., S), Keyshawn Spencer (So., RB) THE WORD: The young Tigers had a learning experience in 2017, finishing last in points in Region 3A-2 after a playoff season the year before. Much of Holy Trinity’s youth returns, with Milo (1,087 passing yards, 11 TDs), Spencer (533 rushing yards, 5 TDs) and Hill (423 rushing yards, 2 TDs) back in the backfield. Blackstrain also returns out wide after leading the team in yardage (555 receiving) and TDs (7). Altman (126 tackles) and Estronza (54 tackles) were the team’s top tacklers. The Tigers should be able to contend for a postseason spot after taking their lumps last year.

COCOA BEACH MINUTEMEN (IND.)

JENSEN BEACH FALCONS (6A-14)

(Sr., OL-DL), Jake Mazziotti (Jr., QB), Joey Putnall (Jr., WBLB), Peter Sagorski (Jr., OG-DE), Tyler Swingle (Jr., OG-LB), Ryan Tsarnas (Sr., S-TB), THE WORD: An excellent season for the Minutemen, who followed a 6-5 season in 2016 with a .500 mark last year. It will be a grind to get back there, but it’s possible. Cocoa Beach graduated 18 players on what was already a tiny roster. Tsarnas is the top player returning. He was second on the team in rushing last year (616 yards, 7 TDs), second in receiving (184 yards, TD) and second in tackles (92). Lowe said that the offense is still coming together, although offensive line was in solid shape. With just three seniors, Safe to say that there will be numerous underclassmen in starring roles this season.

(Sr., CB), Dylan Duchene (Jr., QB), Dennis Dust (Sr., DE-TE), Colin Fadden (Sr., LB), Makai Sawtelle (Jr. LB), Jacob Thomas (Sr., TE), Terrence Wilson (Sr., S) THE WORD: The Falcons finished third in their district behind Heritage and Eau Gallie, and 11th in the Region 4 points. To reach the state playoffs for just the second time would require wins over both of those schools, programs that Jensen Beach has historically struggled against. Jensen Beach returns a decent amount of talent, most of those two-way players. Bess will find the ball in his hands as often as possible. Longtime rivalry games against South Fork and Martin County open and close the season.

EAU GALLIE COMMODORES (6A-14)

2017 RECORD: 2-7 THE COACH: Mickey Groody THE PLAYERS: Jay Allen (Sr., QB), Justin Bailey (So., DL),

2017 RECORD: 5-5 THE COACH: David Lowe THE PLAYERS: Jon Bears (Sr., FB-LB), Brady Lockwood

2017 RECORD: 5-4 THE COACH: Chris Sands THE PLAYERS: Jarrad Baker (Sr., RB), Jaden Gragg (Sr., S),

Zachary Passion (Sr., RB), Hunter Smith (Sr., QB) THE WORD: Eau Gallie finished 13th in the Region 6A-4 pack last year, well out of the mix for a state playoff spot. Sands, who coached at Brooksville Central last season, replaces Tim Powers as head coach. There’s reason to feel that a jump from a 5-4 season is ahead. Baker is a two-way star for the Commodores (37 tackles, 2 INT, 482 receiving yards, TD) and he’ll be relied upon to deliver another strong season. Smith passed for 1,161 yards (8 TDs) and led the team in rushing (453 yards, 9 TDs).

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FLORIDA 2018

2017 RECORD: 5-4-1 THE COACH: Tim Caffey THE PLAYERS: Jamarius Bess (Sr., QB-WR), Dre Dames

JOHN CARROLL GOLDEN RAMS (IND.)

Bryce Bevins (Sr., WR-S), Elijah Brackett (Sr., DL), Bradyn Bytheway (Sr., RB), Graham Kelley (Jr., OL) THE WORD: After a rough season in 2017, the Golden Rams drop down from Class 5A and into 3A. New coach Groody comes from Space Coast power Vero Beach after spending six seasons there. The Golden Rams get a reprieve from Class 5A play after moving down to compete in the South Florida Football Conference. Allen, a three-sport star at John Carroll, is one of just three returning starters on the offensive side of the ball and he’ll be counted on to deliver more than just offense this season.

2017 RECORD: 4-5 THE COACH: Rod Harris THE PLAYERS: Deshawn Anderson (Sr., DE), Kyle Bergener

MELBOURNE BULLDOGS (7A-6)

2017 RECORD: 5-4 THE COACH: Scott Grish THE PLAYERS: Michael Crist (Sr. OG), Dalton Duff (CB,

Sr.), Khalib Gilmore (Sr., CB-S), Davis Mallinger (So., RB-ATH), Dalton Roseman (LB-FB), Ben Shellenback (Sr. OL-DL), Will Shellenback (Sr., OL-TE-DE), Chance Urick (Sr., C), Nate Voshell (G, Sr.) Cory Vincitorie (Sr., S-WR), Antonio Wright (So., RB) THE WORD: The Bulldogs will be strong on the offensive line, bringing back four starters to help ease the transition of new starters at quarterback and running back. Mallinger (269 rushing yards, 3 TDs) is the most experienced runner coming back, followed by top receiver Vincitore (22 catches, 340 yards, 3 TDs). He also led the team with five interceptions. The Bulldogs were on the cusp of a playoff spot last season in points average, and an extra victory could push them into the conversation this year.

MELBOURNE CENTRAL CATHOLIC HUSTLERS (3A-2)

2017 RECORD: 8-4 THE COACH: Stacy Sizemore THE PLAYERS: Victor Caravano (Sr., OL), Michael Carley

(Sr., WR), Favian Galindo (Sr., DE-TE), Jaden Gonzalez (Sr., LB-RB), Anthony Santo (Sr., LB), Laanthony Valentine (Jr., RB-WR) THE WORD: The Hustlers built off of a stellar state semifinal appearance season in 2016 by finishing fourth in their region against a very challenging schedule and going two rounds deep into the state playoffs. On paper, the Hustlers will have some challenges replacing veterans. Valentine (807 rushing yards, 7 TDs) is about the only skill position player with experience returning. Gonzalez (51 tackles) was second on the team in tackles. But after posting two of the best seasons in school history under Sizemore (a combined 19-5 in two years), expectations don’t take a season off.

MERRITT ISLAND MUSTANGS (5A-14)

2017 RECORD: 6-4 THE COACH: Hurlie Brown THE PLAYERS: Wyatt Ashley (Sr., OL-DL), DeVyon Collins

(Jr., LB), Ben Clark (Sr., TE), Cody Clark (Sr., WR), Mason Davis (Sr., OT), Dylan Gertz (Jr., FB-LB), Egan Holt (Sr., TE), Desmond Jean-Baptiste (Sr., DB-RB), Rakwon Moore (Sr., S), Mike Moss (Jr., QB), Daythan Peterson (Jr., DB-DB), Ethan White (Sr., DE) THE WORD: The Mustangs tabbed Brown, a Merritt Island product, head coach during the offseason. Merritt Island is one of the most consistent teams in the area. It reached the state playoffs in 2017 as a points qualifier, the Mustangs’ 10th consecutive postseason trip. Brown knows the challenge will be a steep one. They graduated nearly two dozen players, including four All-Space Coast performers, and bring back just nine seniors. For a program that seldom misses a beat, don’t expect Merritt Island to slide because of it.

MERRITT ISLAND CHRISTIAN (2A-2)

2017 RECORD: 1-7 THE COACH: Greg Gage THE PLAYERS: Carson Brogdon (Sr., QB-LB), Barend

Fourie (Sr., NT-OG), Nick Kingsley (Sr., DE), Daniel Kobobel (Jr., RB-CB), Cam Parker (Sr., LB) THE WORD: A new coach in Gage takes the reins. As is the case with most smaller programs, the challenge here is simply numbers. Most players will line up on both sides of the ball. Parker will man a position that Gage calls the “cougar back,” a hybrid role of pass rusher/cover man to take advantage of Parker’s athleticism. Brogdon returns under center and Kobobel out of the backfield. An improvement on one win is expected, although healthy bodies will play a big role in that.

OKEECHOBEE BRAHMANS (6A-14)

2017 RECORD: 3-7 THE COACH: Chris Branham THE PLAYERS: Bracen Harvey (Sr., LB), Caleb Hartley (Jr.,

LB), Jalen Pryor (Sr., WR-CB), Veyon Washington (Jr., CB-S) THE WORD: The Brahmans slipped in 2017 after a fantastic 8-2, playoff season in 2016. It graduated one of the best players in the area in Jajuan Cherry, a USF signee, one of 16 seniors. Harvey is one of the better defenders in the region and he’ll have to anchor a unit that lost quite a bit on all three defensive fronts. Will the Brahmans be able to make up any ground in a 6A-14 where it won just one game in a year ago?

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SPACE/TREASURE COAST

PALM BAY (5A-14)

THE WORD: A new coach arrives in Diesel, the former

OT), Zachary Lovett (So., DE), Jaheem Mays (Sr., ATH), Tracy Penland-Holmes (So., OT), Jakobe Rutland (Sr., CB-S), Negail Wright (Sr., RB) THE WORD: A model of consistency in the area under Burke, the Pirates have missed the state playoffs just once since 1996 (a 7-3 season in 2014). A good bit of talent returns this year, with Alves and Davis headlining the offense, and Rutland back in the secondary. Rutland has the potential to move to offense when needed like he did in 2017, and the same goes for Davis, who can also play both ways. Alves and Wright will headline the backfield, big 200-pound runners who will pace the offense.

ST. EDWARD’S PIRATES (IND.)

2017 RECORD: 8-3 THE COACH: Dan Burke THE PLAYERS: Mike Alves Jr. (Jr., RB), George Davis (Sr.,

PORT ST. LUCIE JAGUARS (5A-15)

2017 RECORD: 6-4 THE COACH: Christopher Dent THE PLAYERS: Tim Bannon (Sr., DT), Datwan Blackwood

(Jr., WR), Demarcus Jamison (Sr., WR), Tajah Johnson (Sr., LB), Robbie Komar (Sr., QB), Deandre McFadden (Sr., DB), Brenden Mimnaugh (Sr., OT), Emmanuel Noel (Sr., RB), Cole Riccard (Sr., LB), Felix Roberts (Sr., RB), Donald Rutledge (Sr., CB), Kianza Smith (Sr., S), Montavious Yearby (Sr., RB) THE WORD: The Jaguars finished third in district play and 12th in playoff points, so there’s plenty of ground to be covered for Dent. But the progress made from Dent’s first season to his second was impressive. The Jaguars went 1-9 in 2016 to six victories, a remarkable turnaround for a program that isn’t historically a strong performer. Rutledge had seven interceptions last year and Yearby was a first-team all-area selection. This senior class is robust (two dozen upperclassmen).

ROCKLEDGE RAIDERS (5A-14)

2017 RECORD: 7-4 THE COACH: Wayne Younger THE PLAYERS: OC Brothers (Sr., S), Dorien Josey (Sr., DE),

Jalen Mitchell (Sr., RB), Trevor Phillips (Sr., TE), Ladarius Tennison (Jr., LB-RB), Jeffery Thomas (Sr., S) THE WORD: The Raiders’ best season since 2012 was last year with the Rock winning the district title and earning a No. 3 seed in Region 4, missing out on the No. 2 spot by just four-hundredths of a point. They beat rival Palm Bay twice, including an OT thriller in the playoff opener. Maybe there will be some depth issues after the Raiders graduated 24 players, but its Class of 2019 is stout, especially in the secondary. Tennison was an all-area player as a linebacker last season.

SATELLITE SCORPIONS (IND.)

2017 RECORD: 8-2 THE COACH: Ted Kimmey THE PLAYERS: JD Arnold (Jr., LB), Nick Bergeron (Sr.,

OL), Beau Cole (Sr., WR), John Hinkell (So., QB), Faiaaai “JJ” Vili (So., OL) THE WORD: A much-needed drop down from 5A to independent in 2017 resulted in the program’s best season since 1996 and significant momentum entering this year. Satellite had been buoyed by one losing season after another prior to 2017, but played in a postseason bowl game. Its offense sizzled (47.3 points per game). There are some major holes to plug this year, with Hinkell (361 passing yards, 4 TDs in 2016) moving into the starting spot. Cole is both the leading returning rusher (325 rushing yards) and leading receiver coming back (676 yards, 10 TDs).

SEBASTIAN RIVER SHARKS (6A-14)

2017 RECORD: 4-6 THE COACH: Chuck Kenyon THE PLAYERS: Alvin Barringer (Sr., RB-S), Corbin Gibson

(Jr., LB-WR), Elisha Green (Sr., C), Logan Jefferson (Sr., OG), Tim Smith (Jr., OL-DL), Shea Spencer (Sr., QB), Javian Tomlinson (Jr., RB-LB) THE WORD: A program-best 10-2 season in 2016 left a tough mountain to climb for first-year coach Kenyon and the Sharks, who finished under .500 for the first time since 2013. The offensive and defensive lines alone should give Sebastian River quite a bit of hope this season, with Green, Jefferson and Smith, one of the top juniors in the state, all returning. Can the Sharks narrow the gap between themselves and 6A-14 favorite Heritage? Their path to a playoff spot is going to be through a district title.

SOUTH FORK BULLDOGS (7A-6)

2017 RECORD: 1-8 THE COACH: Mike Lavelle THE PLAYERS: Charlie Althauser (Sr., LB), Connor Colozzo

(Sr., DB), Camp Gobler (Sr., LB), Kobe Jarmon (Sr., RB-WR), RJ Weaver (Sr., RB-DB), THE WORD: South Fork put up seasons of seven wins in 2014 and ’15, hit .500 in 2016 and then saw the bottom fall out last year. The Bulldogs enter the season on a seven-game losing streak, but have reason for optimism. A defense that surrendered a whopping 35.6 points per game last year should be a bit improved. Gobler (55 tackles, 8 TFL), Althauser (48 tackles, 8 TFL, 4 sacks) and Colozzo (38 tackles) are all returning starters. Weaver gets some help in the backfield with Jarmon’s move from wideout.

SPACE COAST VIPERS (5A-14)

2017 RECORD: 3-7 THE COACH: Matthew Diesel THE PLAYERS: Michael Barton (Sr., WR), Justin Brown (Sr.,

WR-CB), Hunter Pratt (Jr., DE), Deris Spivey (Sr., WR), David Torres (Sr., DE)

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defensive coordinator at Titusville. The Vipers have a stellar receiving duo back in Brown (675 yards, 6 TDs) and Spivey (503 yards, 2 TDs). Torres led the team in tackles as a junior (85). The Vipers may not be quite ready to crack the upper tier of this district with Rockledge and Palm Bay in the front, but it should approach a .500 or better record in what should be a season of growth under Diesel. 2017 RECORD: 4-6 THE COACH: Bill Motta THE PLAYERS: John Inman (So., OL-DL), T.J. Kenney (Sr.,

LB-TE), Michael Mangieri (QB-DB, Jr.), Patrick Qualie (Sr., OG), Britt Reisman (Sr., K-DB), Will Sternberg (Sr., RB-DB) THE WORD: Top running back Sternberg (542 rushing yards, 5 TDs) and receiver Kenney (12 catches, 169 yards) return, which should help returning quarterback Mangieri (538 passing yards) have an easier second season under center. The Pirates, who compete in the six-program Varsity Football FCS Division of the Sunshine State Athletic Conference, have got to do a better job with turnovers (21 last season) if they hope to close the gap between frontrunners All Saints and Canterbury.

TITUSVILLE TERRIERS (5A-14)

2017 RECORD: 1-9 THE COACH: Wayne Lawrence THE PLAYERS: Cory Anderson (Jr., WR), Tristin Aznoel-Azry

(Sr., OL), Zion Bovian (Jr., FB), Charlie Brown (Sr., LB), Tyler Bumgardner (Sr., OL), Jalen Butler (Jr., LB), Charone Curry (So., LB), Kionte Curry (So., WR), Bernard Fayson (Jr., RB), Kearsten Foltyn (Sr., CB), Khalil Grayson (Sr., OG), Alex Griggs (Sr., K), Deontae Howard (Sr., DE), Chandler Hunt (Sr., RB), Roc Irlbeck (Sr., WR), Deandre Jackson (Jr., RB), Joseph Mangano (Jr., OT), Chris Squires (Jr., QB), Michael Squires (Jr., WR), Robert Ware (Jr., DL), Dreon Wellington (Sr., DB) THE WORD: Eight starters on each side of the ball return for Titusville, which is a positive considering the Terriers ended the season on an eight-game losing streak. The Terriers are hopeful that the struggles of 2017 help pave the way for progress this season. Chris Squires passed for 1,239 yards and 10 TDs last season, most of those scores going to Anderson (373 yards, 4 TDs). It won’t take much to improve on 2017, and the Terriers, realistically, should do far better than just a win or two.

TREASURE COAST TITANS (8A-8)

2017 RECORD: 4-5 THE COACH: Irvin Jones THE PLAYERS: Xavier Correa (Jr., DE), Keegan Davis (So.,

TE-DE), Michael Dunn (Sr., LB), Nick Engler (Jr., QB), Joey Fleurjuste (Jr., LB), Josh Fleurjuste (Jr., DL), Gunnar Forgoress (Jr., DL), Jerry Johnson (Sr., OT), Brendan Joseph (Sr., LB), Sean Miller (Jr., DB-RB), Shamar Minnis (Sr., DB-RB), Cody Olsen (Jr., G), Travis Perdomo (Sr., C), Austin Ramirez (Sr., TE), Joel Rose (Sr., DE), Tyrec Thompson (Sr., WR-DB), James Wayne (Jr., OT) THE WORD: A bit of a slide for the Titans, who went two rounds in to the state playoffs in 2016, yet didn’t qualify under the new playoff system, despite finishing second to Vero Beach in 8A-8. That should change this season. Treasure Coast brings back 14 of 22 starters, most of those on the defensive side of the ball, and most all of those 14 having started for at least two seasons. Rose and Thompson are the headliners of those units. They won’t likely knock Vero Beach off the top, but a playoff spot should be in the conversation.

VERO BEACH INDIANS (8A-8)

2017 RECORD: 11-1 THE COACH: Lenny Jankowski THE PLAYERS: Daniel Bacon (Sr., S), Clayton Brown (Sr.,

OT), Nicholas Celidonio (Sr., QB), Javien Cuff (Sr., WR), Luke Gainey (Sr., LB), Demarcus Harris (Sr., WR), Jahfari Harvey (Sr., LB), Ryan Jankowski (Jr., QB), Jack Karshner (Sr., LB) THE WORD: Another perfect regular season for the Indians, who have won a whopping 43 consecutive regular season games dating back to October 2013. Until an 8A-8 team can close the gap, its Vero Beach’s stomping grounds. District games weren’t even competitive — the Indians won by an average of 38-3. Top passer Celidonio (2,079 yards, 22 TDs) and receiver Harris (1,001 yards, 11 TDs) return, as does No. 2 tackler Karshner (91). The Indians, once again, will battle for top team accolades in the area.

VIERA HAWKS (7A-6)

2017 RECORD: 8-2 THE COACH: Derek Smith THE PLAYERS: Sean Atkins (Sr., WR), Bear Bollinger (Sr.,

LB-TE), Brock Holland (Sr., LB), Garrett Kaminski (Sr., S), Gavin Lamp (Sr., OT), Hunter Lee (Sr., LB), Cortez Reid (Sr., CB) THE WORD: Smith moves over from the assistant coach spot and into the head coaching role to replace Kevin Mays, who led Viera to the state championship game in 2015. Viera won its fourth consecutive district title last season and hasn’t lost a district game since Oct. 18, 2013, a run of 14 straight games. Atkins is the top offensive skill position player back (857 receiving yards, 13 TDs) and the Hawks will lean on him heavily. Holland had a team-best 102 tackles, while Holland and Bollinger combined for 15 sacks.

The Frog – The Indisputable Game-Changer! MUCH THE SAME AS OTHER FOOTBALL

tech advances like cleats on shoes and the transition from leather helmets to hard plastic … The Frog is taking football training to an entirely new level. The Frog is an “INNOVATIVE TOTAL BODY TRAINING DEVICE” meant for athletes of all disciplines. It is the result of years of relentless hard work, research and development, and scientific testing by Frog Fitness, Inc. The Frog is already being widely accepted throughout the NFL, the NBA, Pro Motocross, and MMA. Even America’s most respected warriors throughout the U.S. Military are training with The Frog, and most recently Olympic athletes began adding The Frog to their training regimens. The end is nowhere in sight! Frog Fitness has partnered with FNF to supply various schools across the publication’s coverage area with Frogs. The Frog Fitness staff will now have the opportunity to reach out to well over 10,000 serious high school programs throughout the nation. Frog Fitness partnered in 2016 with one of the most prestigious programs in Florida –Cocoa High. Cocoa won its fourth Class 4A championship in program history in 2016. In 2017, returned to the state championship game, falling just short against Raines. Cocoa coach John Wilkinson, who switched schools this offseason and is now at New Smyrna Beach, shared his thoughts on The Frog.

Q&A WITH COCOA HEAD COACH JOHN WILKINSON What are your impressions of The Frog after your experience at Cocoa? “It’s unlimited in options. We can use it for warmup, conditioning at the end of practice, and competition days in the summer. Obviously it provides stability in the joints. The big thing is you’re conditioning the entire body so that you’re just as good in the fourth quarter as the first.” How does it make them stronger in the fourth quarter? “Everything is based on core strength and shooting for peak performance. We don’t want to have peak performance for a short amount of time. They want to have it as long as they possibly can. It helps us get over the hump with total body conditioning.” Will other sports teams at Cocoa use The Frogs? “We have an all-sports day and show them the benefits of what we’ve learned. The trainers from Frog Fitness were awesome. They said to keep in touch, and we have. We use it for every fall, winter and spring sports team. Every team benefits.” What has been the biggest surprise? “We’ve been impressed with how versatile the machine is. I would definitely purchase them because it’s a quick way to get a great workout or stretch.”

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FLORIDA 2018

SOUTHWEST

FLORIDA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

Southwest MANY ARE BACK FOR MORE

FTER BREAKING THROUGH WITH 13-1 record and a Class 7A state semifinal appearance in 2015, the sky appeared to be the limit for Braden River. However, despite posting an 18-4 record the past two seasons, the Pirates have not been able to get over one giant hump – District 7A-11 rival Venice. All four of Braden River’s losses since 2015 have come at the hands of the Indians, including two in consecutive 7A state playoff regional semifinals. Last year, Venice dispatched the Pirates 41-32 on its way to capturing the state championship crown. Things could be different in 2018. Braden River returns a slew of key performers on both sides of the ball while Venice must deal with the loss of nearly 30 seniors from its title-winning team as well as the departure of longtime coach John Peacock. Another team accustomed to deep state playoff runs is Naples, which made it to the Class 6A state semifinals in 2017 before falling to eventual state champion Miami Northwestern. Under the direction of coach Bill Kramer, who is entering his 21st season with the Golden Eagles, Naples has won 14 district, six regional and two state championships. This year’s edition appears poised to add some hardware to that crowded trophy case. The Golden Eagles have a star in running back Chaz Mellusi, a Clemson commit, and boast their typical shutdown defense. Back-to-back final

BEST IN THE REGION 1. Top 5 Teams ■■ Braden River ■■ Naples ■■ Venice ■■ Dunbar ■■ Immokalee

2. Player to Watch ■■ Derick Hunter

3. Sleeper Player

Naples, featuring star running back Chez Mellusi, is one to watch in 2018.

■■ Quashon Fuller

4. Team on the Rise ■■ Lehigh

four appearances is a real possibility. Dunbar had the misfortune of sharing a district with Class 5A state semifinalist Immokalee, which defeated the Tigers twice. Known for its deep well of speedy playmakers, Dunbar has the ability to score with anyone. If the defense can live up to its potential, the Tigers could wrest control of this region away from Immokalee.

Rodelin Anthony

5. Best Atmosphere ■■ Immokalee

6. Game of the Year ■■ Braden River at Venice

Derick Hunter Jr. DUNBAR

IMMOKALEE

THERE IS NOTHING SEXY

THE ADMINISTRATION AT IMMOkalee High School wanted one of their own to restore the program’s dominance following two subpar seasons where the Indians went a combined 10-13 in 2014 and 2015. They turned to former Indian great Rodelin Anthony and haven’t had a second thought about it. Anthony, a safety/wide receiver on Immokalee’s 2004 state championship team, is 20-6 in two seasons, guiding the team to a regional championship game in 2016 and a regional championship last season. The Indians pushed eventual Class 5A state champion Plantation American Heritage to the limit in a 28-21 state semifinal loss. A disciple of legendary Immokalee coach John Weber, one of only two Collier County coaches to win a state crown, Anthony is known for his enthusiasm and love of his community. Following Hurricane Irma, which devastated the Immokalee area last year, he and his team were front and center providing relief for displaced families. Immokalee’s measuring stick will always be how it fares against county rival Naples. Behind junior quarterback RJ Rosales and a handful of lethal skill players, Anthony and company will look to get back into the win column against Naples and continue its quest to reinstate the program’s nickname as the Bully of Collier County. 60

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FLORIDA 2018

about commanding double teams and taking up space on the defensive line while your teammates compile stats. In fact, Dunbar High School defensive end Derick Hunter Jr.’s 2017 stats – 54 tackles and a sack – don’t exactly jump off the page. However, an evaluation of Hunter’s sophomore and junior film tell the story of a selfless teammate who has no problems with a teammate setting the Lee County single-season sack record or another amassing over 100 tackles. All of Dunbar’s defensive success, which pushed the Tigers to an 18-7 record the last two seasons, starts with the 6-4, 276-pound four-star recruit. Hunter is focused on pushing Dunbar to a district title and past a regional final, a roadblock the last two seasons.

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SOUTHWEST

BARRON COLLIER COUGARS (6A-12)

2017 RECORD: 4-5 THE COACH: Mark Jackson THE PLAYERS: C.J. Addison (Jr., DE), Ryan Bloch (Sr., K),

Jarret English (Sr., T), Joseph Landy (Jr., G), Sean Means (SR., QB/P), Michael McLay (Sr., CB), Parker Narrell (Sr., TE), Drew Powell (Jr., WR), Jayden Rolle (Sr., DB/S), Elkhanan Tanelus (Sr., G), Sebastian Torres (Sr., DT), Cristian Tulbure (Sr., LB) THE WORD: The Cougars offense proved to be the team’s strength last season, averaging 32.5 points per game and propelling the team to a wild card playoff berth. However, Barron Collier will need to replace its leading passer and its top three rushers from that high-powered unit. However, the Cougars do return the 6-foot, 175-pound Rolle, who led the team with 35 catches for 477 yards and 6 touchdowns. Up front, the 6-2, 285-pound Tanelus and the 6-2, 271-pound Landy will anchor what figures to be a strong interior line. On the other side of the ball, the 6-2, 200-pound Addison (64 tackles) will lead the defense. The path to a district title is potentially blocked by rival Naples, but Barron Collier will challenge for the runner-up spot.

BAYSHORE BRUINS (5A-11)

2017 RECORD: 3-5 THE COACH: John Biezuns THE PLAYERS: Anthony Bobka (Sr., DL), RJ Bonis (Sr., LB),

Brian Coleman (Jr., QB), Le’Quayvaious Greene (Sr., WR), Daniel Haley (Sr., LB), Zy’Darrian James (Jr., RB), Jaemaal Newson (Sr., OL), Eishinner Sanon (Sr., RB), Alex Staley (Jr., C/G), Corey VonBorstel (Sr., LB) THE WORD: Bayshore will return 11 starters, seven on the defensive side of the ball. That veteran unit will be the key for the Bruins to post their first winning season since 2005. Bayshore’s offense, which will feature just three senior starters, is shifting to a spread attack, which should provide ample opportunities for the athletic Coleman. He’ll have a solid pair of playmakers in James and Greene and will be protected by the 6-4, 340-pound Staley. If the offense matures quickly, the Bruins will have the opportunity to seriously challenge for their first postseason berth in 13 years.

BISHOP VEROT VIKINGS (4A)

2017 RECORD: 4-4 THE COACH: Josh Vogelbach THE PLAYERS: Jacob Azizi (So., QB), Alex Crouch (Dr., C),

Derrick Doyscher (Sr., LB), Eddie Gaynor (Jr., OL), Dawson Graves (Sr., OL/DL), Alvin Lalanne (Sr., OL), Joslyn Mira (Sr., RB), Daniel Ogden (Sr., OL) THE WORD: In his debut season, Vogelbach, a Bishop Verot alumnae and the program’s all-time leading passing leader, saw his offense struggle to crack the end zone, averaging just 11.6 points per game while being shut out three times. The Vikings will rely on Azizi, who attempted just 31 passes in a reserve role in 2017, to take some big strides under center. He’ll get some help with the return of leading rusher Mira and a solid line led by the 6-2, 280-pound Gaynor. The defense may need to lead the way in the season’s early going and will look to Doyscher to anchor the front seven. If the offense takes a step forward, the Vikings can finish with a winning record and get back in the playoff picture.

BOOKER TORNADOES (5A-11)

2017 RECORD: 4-7 THE COACH: Dumaka Atkins THE PLAYERS: Eldrian Arnold (Sr., RB/WR/DB), Jacques

Bristol (Sr., DL/NT), Jeremiah Davis (Sr., RB/DB), Xavian Donely (Sr., DE/LB), Dejuan Gordon (So., RB/DB), Mario Evans (Jr., T/DE), Bryson Gregory (Sr., RB/LB), Tristin Hawes (Sr., LB/SS), Tony Register (Sr., DL/TE), Jamiren Spires (Sr., G/DT), Rasheed Robinson (Jr., DT), Kalvion Turner (Sr., WR/ DB), King Wakefield (So., QB/DB) THE WORD: Booker earned a playoff wild card berth and lost in the opening round to 5A power Immokalee last season. The Tornadoes’ offense, which averaged just 9.8 points per game, should be much improved in 2018. First-time starter Wakefield is a speedy, dual-threat under center and he has some explosive playmakers in Gordon, Arnold and Turner. Defensively, Bristol, Register and Robinson form the core of a strong front which is bolstered by some young but promising talent in the back seven. Look for Booker to make a return to the playoffs.

BRADEN RIVER PIRATES (7A-11)

2017 RECORD: 9-2 THE COACH: Curt Bradley THE PLAYERS: Mark Davis (Sr., ATH/DB), Bryan Gagg (Sr.,

QB), Noah Font (Jr., LB), Daniel Galvin (Sr., G/T), Dakota Hunt (Sr., C/T), Knowledge McDaniel (Sr., RB/WR), Zack Moore (Sr., T), Brodey Neal (Sr., T/G), Taylor Pawelkoski (Sr., LB), Cam White (Sr., RB), Daveon Wortham (Sr., WR) THE WORD: The Pirates advanced to 7A regional semifinals in 2017, where it lost to eventual state champion Venice; its second loss of the season to the Indians. Braden River returns a ton of talent and could be poised to surpass nemesis Venice in the Class 7A pecking order. On offense, the 6-3, 205-pound Gagg, who passed for 2,252 yards and 28 touchdowns, returns to lead the Pirates’ balanced attack. White will likely emerge as the team’s No. 1 rushing option while the speedy McDaniel (75 catches, 1,360 yards, 14 touchdowns) is an explosive weapon outside the numbers along with the 6-3 Wortham. Braden River has massive and athletic lines on both sides of the ball. On defense, top tacklers Font and Pawelkoski return to lead a unit that surrendered just 19.5 points per game against a strong schedule.

BRADENTON CHRISTIAN PANTHERS

2017 RECORD: 4-6 THE COACH: Dan Fort THE PLAYERS: Leo Campbell (So., RB/LB), Grayson Chatt

(So., OG/DT), Grayson Fuller (Sr., TE/LB), Daniel Hadden (Sr.,

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OT/DE), Diamante Isom (Sr., DT), Jordan Miller (Jr., RB/DB), Zach Seagreaves (Jr., QB/DB), Sheldon Spencer (So., WR/S) THE WORD: Fort had a solid debut season with the Panthers, steering the team to the second round of the Sunshine State Conference playoffs. Bradenton Christian has its sights set on a deeper postseason run this season and its collection of talent could make that a reality. Seagreaves (1,493 yards, 12 touchdowns) returns to lead an offense that lost its top rusher and top three receivers but does have some promising newcomers in Campbell and Spencer. On defense, the Panthers have a strong front seven, anchored by the 6-foot, 300-pound Isom. With SSAC champion St. Stephen’s reloading after losing a slew of senior leaders, Bradenton Christian could be poised to surpass the Falcons for the top spot in its division.

CANTERBURY COUGARS

2017 RECORD: 4-4 THE COACH: Derrick Crudup THE PLAYERS: Dominic Camarca (So., WR/DB), Jalen Ellis

(Sr., RB/DB), Brandon Lepore (Jr., DL), Tyler Muenscher (Sr., WR/DB), Nick Perez (Jr., QB/SS), Jorge Visbal (Sr., LB/DE), THE WORD: Once again, the Cougars advanced to the Sunshine State Athletic Conference playoffs, where for the second consecutive season they lost to All Saints’ Academy, despite a dominating 21-0 regular season win over the Saints. Canterbury’s offense returns some key playmakers, led by second-year starter Perez. The line play is also continuing to improve, with the 6-foot, 300-pound Lepore leading the way. In Crudup’s third season, look for Canterbury to finally claim that elusive postseason victory.

CAPE CORAL SEAHAWKS (6A-10)

2017 RECORD: 4-5 THE COACH: Dale More THE PLAYERS: Tre’shaun Clark (Sr., OT/DE), Anthony Cody (Sr.,

RB), Joshua Cruz (Sr., RB), Raichawn Edmondson (Sr., LB), Jaydin Feliz (Sr., WR), Michael Gary (Sr., LB/DE), Benjamin Haywood (Sr., WR/DB), Christian Morgan (Jr., RB), Parker Odell (Jr., QB) THE WORD: New head coach More, a Seahawks’ assistant since 2016, replaced Larry Gary, who stepped down after six seasons. More had two previous stops leading Southwest Florida football programs, going 1-17 with Cypress Lake in 2012 and 2013 and compiling a 6-6 mark with Immokalee in 2015, where he led the Indians to the second round of the Region 5A-3 playoffs. Odell, who split time under center last season, will likely grab the starting job in 2018. He’ll be joined in the backfield by a pair of talented rushers in Cody and Morgan. However, the strength of the Seahawks will be on the defensive side of the ball, which boasts some speedy playmakers, led by Gary and Edmondson. In a tough district that features North Fort Myers, Charlotte and Port Charlotte, the playoffs may be a long shot for Cape Coral.

CARDINAL MOONEY COUGARS (3A)

2017 RECORD: 4-5 THE COACH: Paul Maechtle THE PLAYERS: Ryan Bolduc (Jr., QB), Michael Bright (Jr.,

G), Tyler Copeland (Sr., WR), Matt Dellapietro (Sr., OL), Sam Koscho (Sr., RB/S), Nathan Marshall (Jr., OT/DE), Quinn McMenamy (Jr., LB), Michael St. Juste (Sr., DT) THE WORD: Maechtle, a Florida Hall of Fame coach who won two state championships with Southeast High in 1993-94, is back as a head coach. After serving as an assistant with the Cougars last season, he replaces Drew Lascari who left for Rutgers. Maechtle is hoping to field a team that is bigger, stronger and faster following an intense offseason program. Cardinal Mooney’s strength will likely be its front lines on both sides of the ball, which could help offset some inexperience at the skill position. The Cougars do have a solid back in Koscho, who will carry much of the team’s rushing load. Overall, it would be foolish to not expect Maechtle to have Cardinal Mooney challenging for the playoffs in the near future.

CHARLOTTE TARPONS (6A-10)

2017 RECORD: 5-4 THE COACH: Binky Waldrop THE PLAYERS: Nicholas Giacolone (Sr., LB), Jayden Grant

(Sr., FB/DE), Dustyn Hall (Sr., T/G), Jeremiah Harvey (Jr., RB/FS), Eddie Koor (Sr., C/DT), Kenny Scribner (Sr., K/P), Anthony Squitieri (Sr., QB), Chase Watter (Sr., DT/G) THE WORD: Charlotte took a step back in 2017, failing to qualify for the playoffs after advancing to the final four in 2016. The young Tarpons’ growing pains last season, however, should pay off this year with a more experienced squad. Harvey and Grant will likely shoulder much of the rushing load for an offense that lacks a proven pass-catcher and will have a first-time starter under center. The strength of Charlotte will be on its lines, anchored by the 6-3, 320-pound Hall, along with Koor and Watter. If Charlotte’s passing game can be adequate, the Tarpons will make a serious playoff challenge.

CLEWISTON TIGERS (5A-12)

2017 RECORD: 4-5 THE COACH: Brad Garrett THE PLAYERS: J’Quonne Banks (Sr., WR/DB), Donny

Creagh (Sr., WR/LB), Joshua Ewan (Sr., OL/DE), Winston Gilkes (Sr., WR/CB), Johntyrion Johnson (Jr., RB), Kalvyn Johnson (Sr., FB/LB), Chasman Ware (Sr., QB), Ja’Markis Weston (Sr., WR/DE), Trayquan Williams (Sr., RB/FS) THE WORD: Garrett, part of two state championship teams during three years as an assistant at Glades Day – his alma mater – didn’t reach the .500 mark in his first season, the Tigers first losing campaign since 2012. In a tough district, the opportunity for a dramatic improvement may be a bit limited but Clewiston, but the Tigers will be better. There’s a stable of talented runners, led by Johntyrion Johnson and a solid offensive lined, anchored by the 6-3, 250-pound Ewan. Defensively, Clewiston has a speedy secondary but may be a bit overmatched up front against

some top-tier opponents. Still, look for the Tigers to get back over the .500 mark and challenge for the wild-card berth.

COMMUNITY SCHOOL OF NAPLES (2A)

2017 RECORD: 5-2 THE COACH: Paul Selvidio THE PLAYERS: Damon Donalds (So., OL/DL), Jackenson

Felix (Sr., OT/DT), Zach Hurdis (Sr., TE/LB), Graham Murphey (Sr., WR/SS), Richard Reisinger (Sr., QB), Owen Stayer (Sr., TE/DE), Parker Weiss (Sr., WR), Jay Welle (Sr., G/DT) THE WORD: The Seahawks have posted a 33-8 record in Selvidio’s four years as head coach, but failed to make the playoffs last season for the first time since 2012. However, there’s a good chance that changes this season. The 6-4 Reisinger returns as the team’s starting quarterback and has plenty of playmakers in the passing game. Led by Weiss and Hurdis. Up front, Community School has a pair of imposing linemen in Donalds and Felix, who will power what should be a strong unit. On defense, the Seahawks have good size and should win the battle at the point of attack more often than not. If the first-time starters mature quickly, the Seahawks will find themselves back in the postseason.

CYPRESS LAKE PANTHERS (5A-12)

2017 RECORD: 3-6 THE COACH: Richie Rode THE PLAYERS: Keyon Brawner (Sr., QB/LB), Jack Carlson

(Sr., T), Justin Dedonato (Sr., QB/S), Kelsey Demps (Sr., RB/DB), Chris Joseph (Sr., RB/S), Angelo Smith (Sr., LB), C.J. Shedd (Jr., QB), Jermaine Teague (Sr., TE/DE), Travon Trotter (Jr., WR/S), Tyler Ulrich (Jr., G/DT) THE WORD: Despite matching its win total from 2016, the Panthers took a step forward last season, and could have easily posted a winning record, losing two games by a combined six points. Cypress Lake returns much of its offensive firepower, led by top passer Shedd (911 yards, 10 touchdowns, 1 interception) and the explosive Demps, who averaged 12,4 yards per carry and scored 8 touchdowns. However, for the Panthers to post their first winning record since 2006, it will need to make strides on the defensive side of the ball. In its four district losses last season, Cypress Lake allowed a tick under 37 points per game and was often overmatched by bigger offensive lines. Another offseason in the weight room should help narrow this gap.

DESOTO BULLDOGS (5A-11)

2017 RECORD: 4-4 THE COACH: Matt Egloff THE PLAYERS: Diovanni Diaz (Jr., DL), Dillan Evans (Sr.,

DE/LB), Ezra Hall (Jr., DE/TE), Arnold Mele (Sr., QB/FS), Nathan Rowe (Sr., RB/LB), Tyrese Smith (Sr., RB/LB), Trayvis Smith (Sr., RB/LB), Kawassmi Wilson (WR/SS) THE WORD: The Bulldogs finished with a .500 record, despite averaging just 7.1 points per game. That production should improve this season with the return of Mele under center and a stable of versatile backs, led by Rowe and Tyrese and Trayvis Smith. Defensively, DeSoto will be a bit undersized but should have the speed in the back seven to make up for this weakness. In a competitive district, it will take some offensive improvement for DeSoto to challenge for a postseason berth.

DUNBAR TIGERS (5A-12)

2017 RECORD: 8-4 THE COACH: Sammy Brown THE PLAYERS: Zavion Battle (Jr., RB), Brandon Benjamin

(Jr., RB/DB), Cinque Hopson (Sr., OL), Jadarius GreenMcKnight (Jr., ATH), Derick Hunter (Sr., DE/TE), Jarvis Jones (Jr., WR), Terrod Kearse (So., LB), Xavier McDonald (Sr., P), Albert Nunez (Jr., LB), Seneca Milledge (Sr., RB/DB), Major Williams (Sr., CB) THE WORD: The Tigers return 11 starters from last year’s regional semifinalist. Two of Dunbar’s losses came at the hands of district rival and 5A state semifinalist Immokalee. While the Indians should again be a formidable challenge, the Tigers bring back plenty of talent, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Battle, Benjamin and the blazing fast Milledge will be a nightmare for opposing defenses. Meanwhile, the 6-5, 290-pound Hunter is one of the state’s top defensive line prospects and will need to play like it, especially early as a young group gains varsity experience. If that process happens quickly, Dunbar could surpass last year’s results.

EAST LEE COUNTY JAGUARS (6A-11)

2017 RECORD: 3-5 THE COACH: Johnny Brown THE PLAYERS: Ja’Quayle Blanks (Sr., RB/SB), Thailand

Carey (Jr., QB), Jayden Clark (Sr., TE/DE), Emmanuel Devaney (Sr., LB), Kenneth Eleaby (Sr., RB/CB), Darius Parker (Sr., DE/LB), Jose Zamora (Sr., C/LB) THE WORD: Brown, formerly a head coach at Gateway Charter, replaces Dave Smith, who retired after posting a 10-36 record in five seasons with the Jaguars. His first task will be to jump start an offense that lost some valuable playmakers but does return some promising backs in Blanks and Eleaby. Deveney, who led the team with 98 total tackles last season, will captain a defense that lacks ideal size but has some athleticism. While the playoffs may be a long shot in 2018, East Lee could post the program’s second non-losing season in the past three years.

ESTERO WILDCATS (6A-11)

2017 RECORD: 4-4 THE COACH: Bradley Vojak THE PLAYERS: Myles Alceus (Sr., WR), Max Bosi (Sr., LB),

Marcos De La Cruz (Jr., LB), Frankie DeJesus (Sr., LB/DE), Tanner Elliott (Jr., QB), Matthew Hoag (Sr., LB), Jason Lopez (Sr., OL/DL), Jeremy Lopez (Sr., OL) THE WORD: Vojack, who served as interim coach for the final five games of the 2017 season, will start his first full season

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FLORIDA 2018

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as head coach. Last year, the Wildcats posted their first non-losing season since 2012 behind a defense that allowed just 16 points per game. That unit should once again be the strength of the team, led by a stellar linebacking corps, captained by De La Cruz, a ball of energy that will defend sideline to sideline. On offense, Estero has a prime-time playmaker in Alceus and a promising signal-caller in Elliott. The Wildcats nearly upset district power Fort Myers last season and could again challenge the Green Wave for the top spot.

EVANGELICAL CHRISTIAN SENTINELS (2A)

2017 RECORD: 6-3 THE COACH: Tyler Gold THE PLAYERS: Mark Fuchs (Sr., RB/LB), Corey Massey

(Sr., WR/S), Luke McDaniel (Jr., K/P), Kevin Murphy (Sr., DL), Logan Pearlman (Sr., QB), Cody Pittman (Sr., DL), Steven Rivera (Sr., LB), Tucker Rogers (Jr., RB/S), Tucker Tenbarge (Sr., G/DT) THE WORD: The Sentinels rebounded in a big way last season, after posting an 0-10 record in 2016. Evangelical Christian will contend for its first playoff berth since 2014, thanks to an offense led by the 6-4 Pearlman, who passed for 1,418 yards and 20 touchdowns, with just two interceptions and top target Massey, who caught 30 passes for 615 yards and 11 scores. The defense suffered some heavy losses to graduation and will need big-time contributions from Fuchs, Murphy and Rivera to solidify the front seven. Overall, look for the Sentinels to take another step forward in 2018.

FIRST BAPTIST LIONS (2A)

2017 RECORD: 6-3 THE COACH: Billy Sparacio THE PLAYERS: Jacob Allen (So., TE/DE), Dario Araya (So.,

RB/SS), Thomas Casey (Sr., WR/SS), Brady Dean (So., QB), Austin Edie (Sr., FB/LB), Zach Leamon (Sr., T), Logan Maxfield (Sr., OT/DT), Nick Tompkins (Sr., WR/LB) THE WORD: The Lions saw their string of first consecutive postseason appearances snapped in their first non-district season. A number of key losses to graduation won’t make an immediate return to the playoffs easy, but First Baptist can make the leap if its young players mature rapidly. The Lions’ physical run game will be lead by a solid offensive line, keyed by Leamon and Maxfield and a stable of tough runners. Defensively, First Baptist will be solid, especially in the front seven. Sparacio, the founder of the Lions’ program, hasn’t had a losing season since 2010 – their second varsity season – so don’t expect a major fall-off.

FORT MYERS GREEN WAVE (6A-11)

2017 RECORD: 7-4 THE COACH: Sam Sirianni Jr. THE PLAYERS: Davarseah Barnes (Sr., C/T), John Coleus (Jr.,

QB/SS), Mason Evans (Sr., WR), Marcus Finger (Sr., G), Malachi Jimenez (Sr., OL), Rolf Julmisse (Sr., LB), D.J. LaRosa (Sr., OL), Landen Luettich (Sr., TE), Peyton Mitchell (Sr., DE), Willie Neal (Sr., RB/WR/CB), Milan Tucker (Sr., WR/CB), Sias Young (Jr. ATH) THE WORD: A young Green Wave squad still managed to advance to a regional final for the second consecutive season in 2017, losing to Naples. Fort Myers has the talent and experience to take the next step this year and make it to the state semifinals for the first time in a quarter-century. The speedy Neal, who led the team in both passing and rushing last season, returns to power a big play offense that features a dangerous downfield target in Tucker, who averaged 16.5 yards per catch and had seven touchdown grabs. Fort Myers will be solid up front on both sides of the ball and has a strong back seven on defense, anchored by Coleus, who had a team-leading 92 tackles in 2017.

GATEWAY CHARTER GRIFFINS (4A)

2017 RECORD: 1-5 THE COACH: Ben Daley THE PLAYERS: Berven Blanc (Jr., DT), Billy Blanc (Sr., NG), Alan

Cooper (Sr., G), Shawn Corgelas (Sr., G/LB), Michael Garcia (Sr., DE), Nathan Morales (Sr., RB/DB), Michael Stabile (Sr., G/DT) THE WORD: Daley is Gateway Charter’s fourth different coach in the past four seasons. During that time, the Griffins have won just five total games. For a program turnaround to begin, continuity is a must. Gateway Charter does have some depth and experience on both of its front lines, led by 6-3, 320-pound Billy Blanc along with Corgelas and Garcia, both listed at 6-3, 250 pounds. Steady play on both lines would go a long way toward the Griffins finally getting some positive momentum.

GOLDEN GATE TITANS (6A-12)

2017 RECORD: 2-6 THE COACH: Mike DiGrigoli THE PLAYERS: Renaldo Alexandre (Sr., DE), Daimein Altimeaux

(Sr., DL), Jouvensly Bazile (Sr., RB/ATH), Phillip Decius (Sr., LB), Junior Dorvilien (Sr., RB), Jay Herard (Sr., QB/ATH), Patrice Jean (Sr., RB/LB), Hunter Jones (Sr., WR), Nikki Liberal (Sr., WR), Heron Lozano (Sr., LB), Cherlson Paul (Sr., OL), Ariel Posadas (Sr., DL/ TE), Allen Philippe (Jr., LB), Jordan Williams (Sr., WR/CB) THE WORD: The Titans posted their fewest wins since 2009 last season but gained some valuable varsity experience that should pay off in 2018. Herard, who led the team in passing and rushing last season, returns under center and has his top target back in the 6-3 Liberal. The offensive line, anchored by the 6-4, 280-pound Paul, should provide ample running room and protection so look for Golden Gate to improve its offensive output. On the defensive side of the ball, the Titans have a trio of solid linebackers in Decius, Jean and Philippe. While the district is a challenging one, a program-record 31 seniors means Golden Gate should challenge for the postseason and has a chance to finish with its first winning record since 2014.

GULF COAST SHARKS (7A-12)

2017 RECORD: 4-3 THE COACH: Tom Scalise THE PLAYERS: Luke Baker (Sr., TE/WR), Tuff Bohan-

non (Sr., LB), Eli Carter (Sr., DB), Griffin Kaye (Sr., OL),

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FLORIDA 2018

Kenneth Martin (Sr., DE), Adam Masterson (Sr., DB), Tobey McDonough (Sr., QB), Zachary Stenberg (Sr., DE) THE WORD: Scalise, an assistant with the Sharks the past three seasons, takes over for Pete Fominaya, who went 29-31 in six seasons at Gulf Coast, reaching the playoffs three times and capturing the program’s first district title. The Sharks graduated some top offensive performers, including the Sharks’ all-time leading passer in Kaden Frost and much of its offensive line, but do return a massive receiving target in the 6-5 Baker for McDonough, who will likely be the team’s starting quarterback. On defense, the Sharks are solid at all three levels and should once again make it tough on opponents to reach the end zone. While the playoffs may be a year or so away, there’s a good chance Gulf Coast can post its fourth consecutive winning season, which would be the best stretch of football in the program’s 21-year history.

IDA BAKER BULLDOGS (6A-10)

2017 RECORD: 1-7 THE COACH: Todd Nichols THE PLAYERS: Chance Harrington (Sr., OT/DT), Evan

Hubbard (Sr., QB), James Logan (Sr., WR/SS), Ronaldo Louissant (SR., G), Shomari Mason (Sr., RB), John Pascale (Sr., LB), Juan Sosa (Sr., OT), Blaise Sparks (Sr., OL), Ty’Darius Timmons (Sr., DE/LB) THE WORD: The Bulldogs had a rough season in Nichols debut, posting their worst mark since 2010. The culprit was an overmatched defense that allowed 43 points per game. An offseason in the weight room should help offset some of Ida Baker’s struggles at the line of scrimmage. On offense, the Bulldogs return their leading usher and receiver in Mason, the team’s best playmaker. Hubbard will be the fulltime starter after splitting time under center in 2017. While a serious challenge for the playoffs is likely a season or two away, look for the Bulldogs to approach the .500 mark.

IMMOKALEE INDIANS (5A-12)

2017 RECORD: 12-1 THE COACH: Rodelin Anthony THE PLAYERS: Edgerrin Anderson (Sr., LB/S), Casey Chaney

(Sr., DL), Joel Deleon (Sr., WR/DE), Eddie Joseph (Sr., WR/FS), R.J. Rosales (Jr., QB), Charles Toombs (Jr., RB/FS), Jaravious Toombs (Sr., LB/DE), Nicolas Turrubiartez (Sr., TE/LB) THE WORD: The Indians had a tremendous season in 2017, advancing to the state semifinals where they lost a 28-21 decision to eventual state champion American Heritage Plantation. Immokalee’s offense, which averaged 46.4 points per game last season, will again be triggered by Rosales, who passed for 2,154 yards and 35 touchdowns, with just four interceptions. However, the Indians did lose their three top rushers and top five pass catchers to graduation so some firsttime varsity starters will need to fill those skill position roles. On the defensive side of the ball, Immokalee has an explosive back seven, led by Charles Toombs, who led the team with nine interceptions. While the offensive inexperience likely means the Indians will struggle to match last year’s explosive scoring pace, Immokalee will still be a force in Class 5A.

ISLAND COAST GATORS (6A-10)

2017 RECORD: 0-9 THE COACH: Jim Wiseman THE PLAYERS: Tyrone Campbell (Sr., ATH), Isaiah Graham

(Jr., QB), Brodrick Hamilton (Sr., LB), Traigh Harigan (Sr., WR), Tyler Harris (Sr., TE), Clifton Henderson (Sr., DB), Trey Irick (Sr., RB), Damien Jennings (Sr., RB), Dylan Shipley (Jr., WR/DB), Omari Smith (Sr., S) THE WORD: Wiseman, formerly an assistant at Ida Baker and Charlotte high schools, takes over for John Schwochow, whose 3-26 record in three seasons. Step one for the former offensive coordinator is improving a unit that averaged 6.7 points per game. The Gators do return their most experienced passer in Graham and have some athletic skill position talents in Campbell and Jennings. Island Coast will need some time to get bigger and stronger on both lines. This is unlikely to be a quick turnaround, but the Gators will show improvement in 2018.

LABELLE COWBOYS (4A)

2017 RECORD: 2-8 THE COACH: Chris Siner THE PLAYERS: Hugo Armijo (Sr., LB/K), Maynard

Blackmon (Sr., RB/DE), Fred Davis (Sr., RB), Bryce Hall (Sr., QB/WR), Johntyrion Johnson (Jr., RB/DB), Micah Mudge (Sr., TE/DT), Agustin Perez (Sr., TE/LB), Tyler Vahle (Sr., DL), Leland Wilson (Sr., OL/LB) THE WORD: The Cowboys were hamstrung by an inconsistent offense that averaged just 14.9 points per game last season. That unit figures to be much improved this year, thanks to the return of its top passer (Hall) and top two rushers (Blackmon and Davis). Their experience should pay big dividends if LaBelle’s offensive line solidifies. On defense, the Cowboys are normally undersized, but make up for it with grit and hustle, something epitomized by the linebacking trio of Armijo, Perez and Wilson. Look for LaBelle to bounce back in 2018.

LAKEWOOD RANCH MUSTANGS (7A-11)

2017 RECORD: 3-5 THE COACH: Christopher Culton THE PLAYERS: Caleb Browner (Sr., CB), George Davis (Sr.,

QB), Travis Freeman (Sr., K), Drew Mitts (Sr., FB/LB), Charles Reid (Sr., CB), John Riley (Sr., T), Drake Theriot (Sr., TE/DE) THE WORD: Culton, a former assistant coach at Navy, takes over for Mick Koczersut, who resigned in January. The first matter will be improving an offense that averaged just 11.8 points per game. The Mustangs’ attack on that side of the ball may be a work in progress. On defense, Lakewood Ranch has some senior leadership, especially

in the secondary. That unit should help the Mustangs stay competitive while their offense builds. Being in a district that includes defending state champion Venice, powerful Braden River and a strong Palmetto program means improvement may be show up on the scoreboard for Lakewood Ranch this season.

LEHIGH LIGHTNING (6A-11)

2017 RECORD: 3-5 THE COACH: James Chaney THE PLAYERS: Paul Barton (Jr., LB/DE), Leonard Burger

(Jr., OT), James Chaney (Sr., RB/DB), Ty’Ge Davis (Jr., DB), Tar’varish Dawson (So., CB), Kenneth Dula (Jr., OT/DL), Quashon Fuller (Sr., DE), Delshawn Green (Sr., QB/WR), A.J. Kelly (Sr., WR/CB), Debel Massolas (Sr., OT/DE) THE WORD: The Lightning struggled with injuries last season and failed to secure consecutive playoff berths for the first time in program history. The team lost a number of key contributors to graduation, especially on the defensive side of the ball but there’s still plenty of talent here. Green, a two-way threat, returns to run the offense, which features a pair of dangerous playmakers in Chaney and Kelly. Lehigh’s strength will be in its line play, which includes a top talent in Fuller. While Fort Myers remains a district favorite, the Lightning have the potential to create a little thunder in Class 6A.

LELY TROJANS (5A-12)

2017 RECORD 2-8 THE COACH: Fritz Jacques THE PLAYERS: Kenneth Anyaehie (Sr., LB), Loopert

Denelus (Sr., G/DT), Jonis Dieudonne (Jr., QB/RB/SS), Henderson Francois (Sr., RB), Seth Hooks (Sr., LB), Zach Hurdis (Sr., TE/LB), Chevy Octa (Jr., WR/RB), Luc Thelice (Sr., WR/CB), Wendy Yonard (Jr., RB/LB) THE WORD: The Trojans’ offense struggled mightily last season, averaging just 9.7 points per game. Losing the playmaking Francois in the preseason classic didn’t help. The speedy running back returned for the final three games and led Lely with 426 rushing yards. Having Francois for a full season and the continued maturity of some young but talented skill position players should lead to a massive offensive improvement. Defensively, the Trojans have plenty of speed, especially on the back end and should be much more competitive in a tough district.

LEMON BAY MANTA RAYS (5A-11)

2017 RECORD: 5-4 THE COACH: Don Southwell THE PLAYERS: Kyle Dragon (Sr., OT/DT), Liam Johnson

(Sr., G/DE), Ryan Johnson (Sr., QB/FS), Devante Roberson (Sr. CB), Tye Walchle (Sr., RB/LB), Riley Ward (Sr., SB/FS) THE WORD: Southwell led the Manta Rays to a winning season in his first campaign and will look to build upon that in 2018. Lemon Bay’s run-heavy attack has a pair of solid backs in Walche and Ward. Defensively, Lemon Bay held opponents a shade under 24 points per game. The Manta Rays are strong on the front line and solid in the back seven. If the offense can reach its potential, Lemon Bay can make a strong push for the playoffs.

MANATEE HURRICANES (8A-6)

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MARCO ISLAND ACADEMY MANTA RAYS (2A)

2017 RECORD: 3-6 THE COACH: TBA THE PLAYERS: Joshua Ames (Sr., RB/SS), Christ Fersoma

(Jr., DB), Cameron Foss (Sr., OL/DL), Kyler Howard (So., QB), Wendy Luders (Sr., RB/LB), Jackson O’Shea (Sr., OL/DL), Tyler Pasko (Sr., ATH), Josh Victor (Sr., RB/LB) THE WORD: The Manta Rays will have their third coach in four seasons after Damon Coiro, who went 5-13 in two seasons, unexpectedly resigned in the spring. Marco Island, which averaged 17.7 points per game last season, should be able to improve that number with Howard back under center for a second season. Defensively, the Manta Rays have good size on the line, but lack speed in the back seven. Incremental improvement is possible for a program that has yet to produce a winning season.

MARINER TRITONS (5A-12)

2017 RECORD: 2-6 THE COACH: Travis Smith THE PLAYERS: Reggie Brooks (Jr., RB/DB), Elijah Calderon

(Jr., OT/DT), Justyn Cordones (Sr., G), Rashawn Hunter (Sr., S), Richard Moore (Sr., OL), Angel Torres (Sr., QB/FS), Justin Troche (Sr., LB), Victor Wright (Sr., TE/LB) THE WORD: The Tritons haven’t posted a winning season since 2007. To do so in 2018, Mariner will have to shore up a defense that allowed an average of 31.6 points per game. Offensively, the Tritons will have a number of first-time starters but do possess some promising players, led by Brooks and new starting quarterback Torres. The line play should be solid on both sides of the ball and on defense, Hunter will lead a secondary that has some playmakers. While sharing a district with Immokalee and Dunbar means a top-two finish is unlikely, the Tritons could progress towards the .500 mark.

MOORE HAVEN TERRIERS (2A)

2017 RECORD: 11-1 THE COACH: Max Manin THE PLAYERS: Nate Crawford (So., RB/FS), Justin Connell

(So., T/NG), Kelton Hallback (Jr., TE/DE), Robert Harris (Jr., T), Isaac Harper (Jr., WR/DB), Garrett Pallandino (Sr., SB/CB), L.J. Sampson (Jr., QB), Lorenzo Sampson (Jr., RB/LB), Conner Thomas (Sr., G/T), Dawyna Washington (So., RB/SB) THE WORD: Manin had quite the debut season for the Terriers, running off 11 consecutive wins before falling to eventual 2A state champion Champagnat Catholic in the regional final. On

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Manatee Hurricanes @MANATEEFB MANATEEFOOTBALL.COM

KEY PLAYERS: Keyon Fordham (Sr., ATH), Carter Sysak (Sr., OL), Brandon Dossey (Sr., LB), Anthony Squiterri (Sr., QB) Frank Waiters (Sr., DB), Omar Lagarde (Sr., C), Justin Porter (Jr., LB), Ryan Ives (Jr., DT), Mike Oliver (Jr., FS), Napoleon Harris (Jr., TB), Axel Lepvreau (Jr., K), Irone Jackson (Soph., ATH)

2018 Schedule AUG. 17: PRE: NORTH MIAMI AUG. 24: @ LAKELAND AUG. 31: PALMETTO SEPT. 7: @ BRADEN RIVER SEPT. 14: @ NEWSOME SEPT. 21: STEINBRENNER SEPT. 28: ALONSO OCT. 5: @ PALM HARBOR OCT. 12: SARASOTA RIVERVIEW OCT. 9: @ TAMPA RIVERVIEW NOV. 2: @ VENICE

usuf Shakir took over as Bradenton Manatee’s fourth head coach since 1981 the week following the school’s spring game last year. It left Shakir with an abbreviated offseason to get his bearings and familiarize himself with his players. The result was a 5-4 season where one of Florida’s blue blood programs lost to Kissimmee Osceola in a regional quarterfinal. Going into this year with a full offseason under his belt, Shakir expects big things from his young but experienced squad in Class 8A. “It’s easier just really getting to know the kids more than anything else and try to help them be in the best situation possible,” Shakir said. “You can’t really coach kids in a football game until you know how they’re going to respond, how they’re going to act. You learn that through training.” Shakir, Manatee’s first black head coach, was known for inspiring players’ commitment to the weight room in his past stops at St. Petersburg Gibbs and his alma mater, Tallahassee Lincoln. In eight seasons at Lincoln, he led the Trojans to a Class 4A state title in 2010 and a Class 7A runnerup finish in 2012. He understood the pressures of taking over a program with a strong tradition of winning. Manatee owns five state crowns with its last coming in 2011 and is among the top 10 in most state playoff games won. “How can you not embrace this tradition?” Shakir said. “This is one of the top programs in the state and the country. They’ve played over 100 years of football at Manatee. It is the creme de la creme. Coming in I just wanted to learn as much as I can and get to know as many people as I can who have made this place a special place.” The Hurricanes were dealt a huge blow midway through the 2017 season when quarterback Keyon Fordham injured his elbow against Sarasota Riverview. The team went 2-3 down the stretch, including the loss to district champion Riverview, eventual state champion Venice and Osceola in the playoffs.

This season Fordham will return to his natural position as a playmaker at slot receiver and running back on a team with no shortage of experience at the skill positions. Fordham, a senior, hands over the keys to the pass, power-option offense to Anthony Squitieri, a transfer from Punta Gorda Charlotte who threw for 205 yards and five touchdowns in seven games last season with the Tarpons. Joining Fordham in the backfield is junior speedster Napoleon Harris, who ran a 10.8-second 100-meter dash last spring, and 6-1, 185-pound sophomore Irone Jackson. Manatee returns two of its three starting wide receivers from last season in Mike Oliver and Wes Coleman. “It still really matters how our offensive line comes together,” said Shakir of the unit that returns four starters, including two sophomores and two seniors. Defensively, the Canes, which gave up almost 23 points per game last season should be bigger up front with the emergence of 240-pound tackle Quinton Rome. Manatee’s biggest strength could be a group of four experienced linebackers led by sophomore Justin Porter and senior Brandon Dossey, who won a state wrestling championship last season. Ethan Walz and Joseph Lui also have starting experience. In the secondary, 6-2, 175-pound safety Frank Waiters is one of the top athletes in Manatee County. Manatee opens its season at six-time state champion Lakeland on August 24 before dates with county foes Palmetto and Bradenton Braden River. It faces key District 8A-6 games at Lithia Newsome and home against Riverview on Sept. 14 and Oct. 12, respectively. While at Lincoln, Shakir was used to traveling throughout the state seeing different kinds of offenses and defenses. However, at Manatee, you don’t have to travel too far to find a powerhouse school.

Axel Lepvreau

Brandon Dossey

Carter Sysak

Donevan Ausborn

Ethan Walz

Frank Waiters

Irone Jackson

Joseph Lui

Justin Porter

Keyon Fordham

Mike Oliver

Napoleon Harris

Omar Lagarde

Wes Coleman

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Quick Facts LOCATION: BRADENTON, FL CLASS: 8A-6 2017 RECORD: 5-4 RETURNEES: 16 TOTAL HEAD COACH: YUSUF SHAKIR ASSISTANT COACHES: BRION CARNES, LARRY RYANS, THOR MILLER, MIKE BARRETT, JERMAINE MITCHELL, DOMINIQUE DUNBAR, TRACY SANDERS, ROB WILLIAMS, DENNIS STALLARD

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SOUTHWEST

offense, run-heavy Moore Haven will need to replace leading rusher John Cox, who piled up 1,815 yards and 25 touchdowns last season. The good news is the Terriers have plenty of explosive athletes who should combine to fill the backfield void along with a massive front, led by the 6-3, 350-pound Connell, the 6-6, 320-pound Harris and the 6-foot, 300-pound Thomas. On defense, Moore Haven’s speedy back seven can run down anyone who manages to get through that imposing line. Look for the Terriers once again to be a force in Class 2A.

NAPLES GOLDEN EAGLES (6A-12)

2017 RECORD: 10-2 THE COACH: Bill Kramer THE PLAYERS: Loobert Denalus (Sr., DL), Dorian Hinton (Sr.,

T), Chez Mellusi (Sr., RB), D’Andre St. Jean (Sr., DB), Ar’quel Smith (Jr., LB), Elan Sommala (Jr., RB), Jett Su (Sr., DL), Marc Viechec (Sr., LB), Jake Walker (Sr., T), Drew Wiltsie (Sr., QB) THE WORD: Naples advanced to the Class 6A state semifinals last season, losing 42-7 at Miami Northwestern, the eventual state champion. Mellusi, a Clemson commit, rushed for 1,505 yards and 19 touchdowns in 2017, and could surpass those numbers this year behind a solid offensive line, led by tackles Hinton and Walker. Wiltsie, undefeated as a junior varsity quarterback, will take over under center and should upgrade the Naples passing game. Defensively, the Golden Eagles have a fantastic linebacking corps, led by tackling machine Viechec (126 tackles) and Smith (90 tackles, 10 sacks). The perennially powerful Golden Eagles have an inviting path back to the final four this season and the talent to perhaps play for the state title.

NORTH FORT MYERS RED KNIGHTS (6A-10)

2017 RECORD: 9-1 THE COACH: Dwyane Mack THE PLAYERS: Malcomb Battle (Sr., T/DT), Tyrone

Campbell (Sr., WR/CB), Hayden Knighton (Sr., G/DT), Hunter Kobylanski (Sr., RB/LB), Terry Lindsey (Jr., RB/FS), Nick Perez (Jr., QB/WR), Blaise Sparks (Jr., T), Adolphus Taylor (Sr., G/NG), Christopher Young (Sr., G/DT) THE WORD: Mack, who spent 16 seasons as an assistant coach in Lee County, gets his first head coaching opportunity, taking over for former Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Earnest Graham, who went 25-14 with one playoff appearance in four seasons. Last year, the Red Knights won a district championship, but were upset by rival Fort Myers in a regional semifinal. North Fort Myers will need to find a way to replace its top passer, rusher, receiver and tackler from last season’s squad so some regression is possible. Perez, a first-time starter, doesn’t have a whole lot of experienced skill position players to rely on, though Kobylanski and Lindsey will give him some backfield threat. The strength of this team will be on its lines, led by Knighton and Young. If the young talent matures, the Red Knights will again challenge for the top spot in a tough district.

NORTH PORT BOBCATS (7A-11)

2017 RECORD: 3-7 THE COACH: Brian Hatler THE PLAYERS: Chris Butler (Sr., RB/LB), Brett Butler (Jr.,

G/DT), Nick Caster (Sr., QB/FS), Joshua Hogue (Sr., C/LB), Andrew Koennemann (Sr., G/LB), Dominic Spurlock (So., LB), Brian Taylor (Jr., RB/LB), Jalien Whye (Sr., RB/LB) THE WORD: The Bobcats held their own in non-district play in 2017, winning three of their five games. However, in a loaded district that included eventual state champion Venice, along with Braden River and Palmetto, North Port couldn’t match up and lost all five games by an average score of 41-7. Narrowing that gap won’t be easy but the Bobcats should be more competitive in 2018. Taylor could very well be the team’s best all-around player; he’s the top playmaker on offense and led the team in both sacks and interceptions last season. Line play will be an issue, especially against the big boys. With a number of underclassmen playing key roles, the hope is that they can grow together and mount a postseason challenge in 2019.

OUT-OF-DOOR THUNDER

2017 RECORD: 6-2 THE COACH: Ken Sommers THE PLAYERS: Paxton Banks (Jr., G/LB), Austin Brinling

(Sr., QB/CB), Michael Coppola (Sr., RB/LB), Tucker Harris (Sr., T/DE), Ryan Ives (Jr., DE/LB), Brian Lutton (Jr., TE/WR), Ethan Marino (Sr., G/LB) THE WORD: The Thunder advanced to the second round of the Sunshine State Athletic Conference playoffs last season, losing to eventual champion St Stephen’s. Out-of-Door allowed 103 points in two losses to St. Stephen’s and just 73 points in its other six games, all wins. Look for the Thunder to narrow that gap this season with a solid core returning on both sides of the ball.

PALMETTO TIGERS (7A-11)

2017 RECORD: 7-4 THE COACH: Dave Marino THE PLAYERS: David Burston (Sr., WR), Eddravian Butler

(Jr., RB), Luke Gullett (Sr., G), Ethan Ingham (Sr., G), Johnnie Jones (Sr., RB), Reese Lyons (Sr., DE), Anthony Marino (Sr., QB), Kobe Mays (Jr., WR), Charles Miller (Sr., DE), Will Rumph (Sr., LB), Brandon Waiters (Sr., LB), Lajohntay Wester (Jr., QB/WR) THE WORD: The Tigers are coming off their best season in seven years, advancing to the regional semifinals and handling a brutal non-district schedule with ease, thanks largely to a defense that allowed an average of just 18,8 points per game. This year, Palmetto has some offensive firepower to go with its shutdown defense with Jones and Butler providing serious game-breaking threats out of the backfield and Wester and Mays stretching opposing defenses. Sharing a district with powers Venice and Braden River makes it tough to claim an automatic playoff berth; however, look for Palmetto to again be playing in the postseason.

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FLORIDA 2018

PALMETTO RIDGE BEARS (6A-12)

2017 RECORD: 6-3 THE COACH: Chris Toukonen THE PLAYERS: Tyler Burton (Sr., LB), Ryan Ciresi (Sr., WR),

Trillvon Fils-aime, (Jr., LB), Kamante Grimes (So., WR/SS), Spencer Herard (Sr., CB/FS), Nathan Seitz (Sr., WR), Colby Singletary (Jr., RB/LB), Cristian Torres (Jr., RB/SS) THE WORD: The Bears made their second playoff appearance in the past three seasons, losing in the first round to Fort Myers. To return to the postseason in 2018, Palmetto Ridge needs to improve a defense that surrendered a shade under 30 points per game last year. There’s a good chance that happens as the Bears boast a strong back seven, led by Singletary (98 tackles) and ballhawks Fils-aime and Herard. Offensively, Palmetto Ridge will be working with a first-time varsity start at quarterback but there’s some playmakers in the passing game with Grimes and Ciresi. While Naples will continue to dominate the district, if the Bears get solid play on their lines, they should make another playoff push.

PORT CHARLOTTE PIRATES (6A-10)

2017 RECORD: 7-3 THE COACH: Jordan Ingman THE PLAYERS: Chris Clark, (Sr., RB/LB), Devin Hunter (Jr.,

LB), Marc Jean-Louis (Sr., RB), Brandon Leacock (Sr., DE/ LB), Solomon Luther (Jr., DB), Caden Marcum (Sr., T/G), Jake Monzeglio (Sr., LB), Alex Muse (Sr., QB/WR), Tyler Perry (Sr., WR/CB), Chase Shatney (Sr., RB/DB) THE WORD: Last season, the Pirates narrowly lost in the first round to state semifinalist Naples. Port Charlotte’s formula is to pair a versatile, rugged running game with a shutdown defense and that plan looks poised to succeed again in 2018. Clark and Shatney form a solid backfield duo while Muse, a transfer from rival Charlotte, should make the Pirates more of a threat in the passing game. Port Charlotte’s defense, which allowed just 11.4 points per game last season, should again be formidable with an excellent back seven. Despite its inclusion is a killer district, look for the Pirates to again emerge as a playoff team.

RIVERDALE RAIDERS (7A-12)

2017 RECORD: 4-5 THE COACH: James Delgado THE PLAYERS: Da’Reous Bell (Jr., RB/LB), Quantavius Brown

(Sr., RB/LB), Mark Caglioti (Sr., OT/DT), Raekwon Clark (Jr., QB/ DB), Jaylin Cochran (Sr., WR/S), Trace Dunn (Sr., OL/DL), Zac Luna (Sr., WR/S), Eric Molina (Sr., RB/LB), Conner O’Brien (Sr., TE/DT), Myquan Schackleford (Sr., ATH), Joey Terebieniec (Sr., RB/LB), Keenan Walker (Sr., LB/S) THE WORD: Two one-point victories helped the Raiders secure their most wins since 2014. Taking the next step this season will mean getting more consistent on the defensive side of the ball. Riverdale allowed 37.3 points per game in losses to three playoff teams last season. Offensively, Clark is a dual-threat but must improve in the passing game. The Raiders’ balanced rushing attack saw Brown, Bell and Clark all gain at least 400 yards and combine for 14 rushing touchdowns in 2017. Riverdale should be solid up front, with the 6-1, 300-pound Caglioti anchoring the offensive line. The Raiders can challenge for their first playoff berth since 2010.

RIVERVIEW RAMS (8A-6)

2017 RECORD: 11-2 THE COACH: Josh Smithers THE PLAYERS: Ali Boyce (Sr., RB), Johnny Dawson (Sr., LB),

Kye Dixon (Sr., T/DE), Zydarrian Grable (Sr., QB/WR/DB), Julian Lowenstein (Sr., FB/LB), LaDream Saunders (Sr., DT/DE), Antrone Thomas (Sr., RB/SS), Malachi Wideman (Jr., WR/FS) THE WORD: Smithers, who took over last summer after longtime coach Todd Johnson stepped down, had quite a debut, leading the Rams to the regional final where they lost to eventual state champion Dr. Phillips. Grable gives Riverview a dual threat under center. He’ll be aided by Boyce, the team’s leading rusher in 2017, and the 6-4 Wideman, a big-time target. Defensively, the Rams, who allowed 10.9 points per game last season, should again by stingy on that side of the ball. Riverview is strong at all three levels, with Saunders, Dawson and Thomas among the leaders. The Rams should make a return to the state playoffs.

SARASOTA SAILORS (7A-11)

2017 RECORD: 5-5 THE COACH: Spencer Hodges THE PLAYERS: Peyton DeWitt (Sr., T/G), August Drews

(Jr., TE), Bryan Gagg (Sr., QB), Luke Johnson (Sr., LB), Mac Mitchell ((Jr., C/G), Robbie Peterson (Sr., WR/CB), Charles Ward (Sr., WR/CB) THE WORD: Hodges, a Manatee High alum and former assistant at Braden River, takes over the Sailors program, replacing Brian Ryals. Sarasota faded down the stretch last season, losing four of its final five games. The Sailors haven’t finished with a winning record since 2006 and sharing a district with Venice, Braden River and Palmetto doesn’t make that goal likely this season. However, look for Sarasota to start making strides under Hodges this season.

SOUTH FORT MYERS WOLFPACK (7A-12)

2017 RECORD: 5-5 THE COACH: Brian Conn THE PLAYERS: Nate Badeau (Jr., TE/DE), Damian Bloomer

(So., QB), Ronnie Cody (Sr., WR/CB), Tyrant Davis (Sr., WR), Bryan Emmanuel (Sr., WR/DB), Raheem Gibson (So., QB), Isaiah Greene (Sr., LB/DE), Jacques Guillembet (Sr., LB), Demarion Johnson (Jr., FB/LB), Quayvon McClinton (Sr., WR/ CB), Jaivon Thomas (Sr., RB/DB), Freddie Ward (Sr., RB/LB) THE WORD: In Conn’s first season, the Wolfpack’s up-tempo offense struggled to put points on the scoreboard, especially early in the season. South averaged just 20.2 points per game

and will have to improve that production to get back to the playoffs. Young quarterbacks Bloomer and Gibson could both see time under center and will be aided by the return of Ward, who had a team-high 844 rushing yards and six touchdowns in 2017. On defense, the Wolfpack’s strength will be in the secondary where they have speed to burn. If the lines come together, the South can maintain their top spot in the district.

SOUTHEAST SEMINOLES (5A-11)

2017 RECORD: 2-6 THE COACH: Brett Timmons THE PLAYERS: Demetrius Bryant (Sr., LB), Frankie Clercius

(Sr., RB/LB), Kam’ron Green (Sr., DE), Chauncey Green (Sr., LB), E’rion Neri (So., WR), Brandon Shannon (Sr., RB/SS), Clyde Townsend (Sr., WR), Dylan Zervos (So., QB) THE WORD: Timmons, who played on Southeast’s state title teams in 1993 and 1994, takes over for Rashad West. As a coach, Timmons started the football program at Out-of-Door Academy, leading the Thunder to the state semifinals in 2009. Last season, Southeast got off to a 6-2 start but an eligible player forced the Seminoles to forfeit six games and derailed a promising season. Zervos, a first-time starter will get the nod under center this year. He’ll be aided by a steady rusher in Clerciu and a pair of promising wideouts in Neri and Townsend. The strength of this team, however, will be on the defensive side of the ball, with veterans Shannon (82 tackles, 16 for loss), Bryant (74 tackles) and the 6-3 255-pound Green leading what could be an imposing unit.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA CHRISTIAN KINGS (2A)

2017 RECORD: 4-4 THE COACH: Bill Moore THE PLAYERS: Cayden Baker (Jr., OL/DL), Nick Gerald

(Sr., T), Brandon Lawrence (Sr., RB/CB), C.R. Marciano (Jr., WR/DB), Kyle Nolen (Jr., LB), Andrew Redd (Jr., G/LB), Noah Sheffield (Sr., WR/CB), Joseph Vazquez (Sr., WR/CB) THE WORD: Moore, a former coach and athletic director in Alabama, replaces Mike Marciano, whose compiled a 17-20 record in four seasons and led the team to its first-ever playoff appearance last season. The King’s struggled mightily against more veteran programs last season and will again be a bit undersized. The offense will be a work in progress after losing its top passer and two top rushers to graduation. Overall, it may take Moore a year or two to build SFCA back into a playoff team.

ST. JOHN NEUMANN CELTICS (2A)

2017 RECORD: 9-1 THE COACH: Damon Jones THE PLAYERS: Thomas Balboni (Sr., QB), Eddy Garcon (Sr.,

LB), Nyre Handy (Sr., WR), Jensen Jones (Sr., RB/LB), Ryan Nelson (Sr., CB), Mauricio Santamarina (Sr., C/LB), Oliver Wasam (Sr., WR/SS) THE WORD: Jones led the Celtics to their first undefeated regular season and the most wins in school history in 2017. Unfortunately, Neumann ran into eventual state champion Champagnat Catholic in the opening round of postseason play. Jones piled up 2,785 total yards of offense, including rushing for 1,654 yards (8.8 yards per carry) and 23 touchdowns. Balboni, Jones’s backup under center last season, will be the starter this year and has a pair of solid receiving targets on Handy and Wasam. On the defensive side of the ball, the Celtics lost some key contributors from a unit that allowed just 10.1 points per game last season but should still be strong. A return to the playoffs appears to be an achievable goal.

ST. STEPHEN’S FALCONS (IND.)

2017 RECORD: 10-0 THE COACH: Tod Creneti THE PLAYERS: Ty Barker (Jr., WR/DB), Tyler Burnham

(Sr., T/DE), Truman Carlsen (Sr., LB), Dylan Davis (Jr., C/ DT), Jordan Edwards (Sr., WR/CB), Destin Falls (Sr., TE/DE), Jarrett Millican (Sr., RB), Cam Vining (Jr., QB/LB) THE WORD: The Falcons won their second consecutive Sunshine State Athletic Association championship last season. St. Stephen’s will make its quest for a third straight title without some key components on both sides of the ball who were part of the program’s most decorated graduating class. Still, there’s plenty of talent remaining, led by Vining, who figures to replace all-time touchdown leader Fred Billy under center. Burnham will key a defense that has the potential to be every bit as imposing as recent Falcons’ squads. The bottom line is St. Stephen’s will continue to be a team to reckon with in the SSAC.

VENICE INDIANS (7A-11)

2017 RECORD: 14-1 THE COACH: Larry Shannon THE PLAYERS: Noah Carr (Sr., S), Brandon Gregory (Sr., RB/

WR), Denique Mayfield (Sr., LB), Carson Peters (Jr., C/T), Chris Sauickie (Sr., WR), Zack Sessa (Sr., K), Carson Sullivan (Sr., DE/DT), Hayden Wolff (Sr., QB), Weston Wolff (So., WR) THE WORD: The Indians captured the second state championship in program history, defeating Bartram Trail to claim the 7A crown. They’ll have a new coach to begin their title defense with assistant Shannon taking over for John Peacock, who led Venice to six district titles, two regional titles and one state championship in 11 seasons. Despite losing nearly 30 seniors from last year’s team, the Indians have plenty of talent returning, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Gregory, who rushed for 671 yards and 8 touchdowns last season, should take over as the Indians’ lead back. The 6-5 Hayden Wolff, a transfer from Lemon Bay, will take over under center and will have a pair of huge 6-4 targets in Weston Wolff and Sauickie. On defense, Venice is stacked at all three levels with Sullivan (136 tackles, 6 sacks), Mayfield (129 tackles, 4 sacks) and Carr (104 tackles, 6 interceptions) powering what is an excellent unit. The question will be do the Indians have enough offensive firepower to navigate a brutal district, which include hard-charging Braden River?

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TAMPA BAY

FLORIDA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

Tampa Bay BOUNCE BACK YEAR IN STORE FOR TAMPA BAY

ASED UPON PAST RESULTS, IT WAS SOMEwhat of a ‘down’ year in the Tampa Bay region when it came to schools in the region making noise in the playoffs. Armwood ended up the lone representative of all schools in the Tampa Bay area, losing in a 21-16 nail biter to Miami Northwestern in the Class 6A state championship game. The Hawks have lost a lot of key defensive players due to graduation, but the expectations for the Hawks are never to rebuild, but to reload under head coach Evan Davis. Armwood should be right there amongst the top programs in the area and state for that matter, but Tampa-area nemesis Plant is back atop as the area’s best team, with the return of several key starters on offense and defense. The Panthers undoubtedly will be contending for a state crown in Class 7A this fall. Throughout Hillsborough County there’s plenty of programs looking to supplant Armwood and Plant, but none have gotten there yet. Matt Thompson and Jesuit were on the cusp in 2016, but took a step back in 2017. Tampa Catholic and Berkeley Prep are slowly returning to form but they have a ways to go. Looking outside Hillsborough County we head into Pinellas County where the Largo Packers are making the argument as one of the top team in the county. Clearwater Central Catholic and Clearwater haven’t taken any steps back and will be playoff teams this fall. You can also throw East Lake, Lakewood and St. Petersburg in the discussion as top clubs.

Ryan Benjamin RIVER RIDGE

BEST IN THE REGION 1. Top 5 Teams

■■ Tampa Plant ■■ Seffner Armwood ■■ Clearwater ■■ Wiregrass Ranch ■■ Clearwater Central Cath.

2. Player to Watch ■■ Braxton Plunk

The Plant Panthers next-man-up mentality has helped sustain their success.

3. Sleeper Player ■■ Joshua Youngblood

4. Team on the Rise Heading north into Pasco and Hernando counties, Nature Coast, Hernando, River Ridge, Mitchell, Wiregrass Ranch and Zephyrhills are vying as the best programs along the Suncoast. Hernando, who nearly upended Green Cove Springs last year in the playoffs, recently promoted assistant Rob Kazmier to the position of head coach and looks to return the Leopards to past glory. With 83 schools in this region, there should be no shortage of excitement in the air once August rolls around.

■■ Tampa Catholic

5. Best Atmosphere ■■ Shark Tank, Nature Coast

6. Game of the Year ■■ Clearwater Central Catholic at Jesuit

Jayion McCluster LARGO DOES THE LAST NAME

THREE STRAIGHT DISTRICT championships (2014-2016) for the River Ridge Royal Knights was halted by the arrival of Zephyrhills. However, former Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ long snapper and current head coach Ryan Benjamin has accepted the challenge head-on of returning River Ridge to form. His Royal Knights have remained the symbol of consistency in Pasco County over the past few years. River Ridge has reached the postseason four straight times and looks to make it five despite losing some key seniors from a year ago. Benjamin, who graduated from River Ridge and ended up being a part of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Super Bowl XXXVII winning team, has proven himself as a motivator in the off-season and the Royal Knights have the talent to win a district championship this fall, competing with likely Zephyrhills for the top spot. For some, coming off a 7-4 season isn’t a bad thing, but it’s not the norm at River Ridge. Benjamin will be working with a less veteran-laden group, but has always expected more out of his players and that is what makes him one of the area’s best coaches. What was a stagnant program just a decade ago has been turned into a well-oiled machine ever since Benjamin’s arrival. READ MORE AT FNFMAGAZINE.COM

sound familiar? It should, as Jayion’s older brother, Dexter, starred at Largo before tearing up the scene at Ole Miss and then getting drafted into the NFL. Greatness lies within the family bloodlines for McCluster and his performance in the 2017 season has led everyone to believe the hype that is surrounding the Packers’ program heading into 2018. McCluster was an all-around performer for Largo last year and Division I programs took notice, as he currently holds offers from LSU, Miami, Oregon, Boston College and Florida. The Packers will be one of the top teams in Pinellas County and much of that can be a testament to McCluster’s impact on both the offensive and defensive sides of the field.

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FLORIDA 2018

TAMPA BAY

ADMIRAL FARRAGUT BLUE JACKETS (2A-3)

2017 RECORD: 5-6 THE COACH: Rick Kravitz THE PLAYERS: Percy Speights (So., OL/DL), Keywaun

Abrams (Sr., OL/DL), Kyler Reynolds (Sr., LB), Avontrell Hazzard (So., OL/DL) THE WORD: Rick Kravitz stepped onto the scene at Admiral Farragut and helped turn the program around quickly, as the Blue Jackets reached the postseason and are already in position for a promising future. Though the team loses several seniors such as linebacker Khalan Tolson and athlete Keondrae Miller, Kravitz has talent back in the fold with the strength of the team being in the trenches. Currently the Blue Jackets have several standout sophomores ready to step up, including Percy Speights and Avontrell Hazzard. Linebacker Kyler Reynolds will head up the defense and brings veteran leadership.

ALONSO RAVENS (8A-6)

2017 RECORD: 5-5 THE COACH: Ron Perisee THE PLAYERS: Jael Feliz (Sr., LB), Jonathan Negron (Sr.,

OL/DL), David Rodriguez (Sr., WR), Jacob Russell (Sr., DL), Parker Snead (Jr., QB), Harold Cook (Jr., QB) THE WORD: There’s a lot of change going on at Alonso and for the second consecutive season, the Ravens will have a new head coach. Reggie Crume came and went after taking the position at Alonso last offseason. Crume left to become the next head coach at Calvary Christian and Ron Perisee takes over in his place. The Ravens have a lot to replace on both sides of the ball, as quarterback Gavin Denboer graduated and takes his 2,004 yards and 19 touchdowns with him. Sticking around are returners Jael Feliz and tight end David Rodriguez, who had 312 yards receiving last fall.

ANCLOTE SHARKS (5A-8)

2017 RECORD: 7-3 THE COACH: Matt Kingsley THE PLAYERS: Maurice Sturgis (Jr., RB), Demitrik Jenkins

(Jr., DE), Manny Higgins (Sr., WR), Chris Kehoe (Jr., QB), Jyhren Francis (Sr., WR/DB), Ricky Vargas (Sr., WR/DB), Tim Foots (Jr., DL), Kevin Bolling (Jr., WR/DB), Andrew Ferrell (Sr., RB) THE WORD: Anclote’s offense is undergoing a new look as quarterback Tim Dallaire graduated and offensive coordinator Nate Barlow departs from the program after six seasons. The Sharks have plenty of skill players to help step up behind new starting quarterback Chris Kehoe, who is a junior. Receivers Jyhren Francis, Manny Higgins and Ricky Vargas are all speedy targets. Kingsley has tabbed Andrew Ferrell as the team’s starting running back. Tim Foots and Demitrik Jenkins anchor the defensive line for the Sharks.

ARMWOOD HAWKS (6A-7)

2017 RECORD: 14-1 THE COACH: Evan Davis THE PLAYERS: Ricardo Watson (Sr., LB), Dwayne Wells

Jr. (Sr., DB), James Range (Sr., LB), De’Kwan Hughes (Jr., DB), Shanar Harris (Jr., OL/DL), Nolan Troyer (Jr., OL/DL), Desmond Watson (Soph., DT). THE WORD: One of Armwood’s most talented teams in school history is taking a hit with graduation, as quarterback Devin Black, running back Brian Snead and linebacker James Miller are all on the way out. The Hawks, under second-year head coach Evan Davis, are legendary for re-stocking their roster and look to be talented despite losing several Division I college players. Ricardo Watson returns at outside linebacker and fellow senior James Range at middle is a plus for a strong defensive front seven for Armwood. The Hawks will have another strong secondary behind the defensive line unit, as defensive backs Dwayne Wells Jr. and De’Kwan Hughes both will patrol the back. 316-pound defensive tackle Desmond Watson is just a sophomore and should be the next in line of great defensive interior linemen.

BERKELEY PREP BUCCANEERS (3A-3)

2017 RECORD: 5-4 THE COACH: Dominick Ciao THE PLAYERS: Jakob Hines (Sr., RB), Joshua Youngblood

(Sr., QB), Adam Hutchinson (Sr., DB), Jaylen Harrell (Jr., LB). THE WORD: The Buccaneers had their work cut out for them in 2017, as they took a step back in the win column and went from nine wins in 2016 to just five this past year. Losing some top players like tight end Zach Mathis and offensive lineman Nick Petit-Frere are huge losses for the Buccaneers on the offensive side of the football and Ciao will need to plug up the holes voided by graduating seniors. The focal points of the offense do return, however, with quarterback Joshua Youngblood and running back Jakob Hines returning. Youngblood rushed for 855 yards and also threw for 672 through the air. Hines was the ultimate backfield complement to Youngblood, rushing for more than 1,000 yards.

BISHOP MCLAUGHLIN CATHOLIC HURRICANES

2017 RECORD: 3-7 THE COACH: Tico Hernandez THE PLAYERS: James Frick (Sr., ATH), Derek Stager (Sr.,

QB), Brandon Beinhauer (Sr., LB), Frank Vera (Sr., OL/DL). THE WORD: Former Wesley Chapel head coach Tico Hernandez took over at Bishop McLaughlin Catholic last season and in his first season at the helm, the Hurricanes took a step back from the Jeff Swymer-era. The Hurricanes finished at 3-7 and are now left to see what they can do to move the needle while playing as an independent. Hernandez has bolstered his coaching staff and added former Ridgewood High School head coach Jay Fulmer as his offensive coordinator. Fulmer has been known traditionally as

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a run-first coach, but he’ll be running more of a wide-open system at Bishop McLaughlin. Taking the reins under center will be senior Derek Stager, whom looked impressive in the team’s spring game against Carrollwood Day.

BLAKE YELLOW JACKETS (6A-7)

2017 RECORD: 4-6 THE COACH: Duane Thomas THE PLAYERS: Adrian Harvey (Sr., LB), Khalid Scott (Sr.,

DB), Jamie Waters (Sr., OL/DL), Ja’Quez Riggins III (Jr., QB). THE WORD: Duane Thomas took over the Yellow Jackets starting with the 2017 season and the Yellow Jackets saw some promising results from the get-go under their new head coach. Blake was able to pull off four wins, with victories over Lennard, Wharton, Brandon and King. The Yellow Jackets, though, were hit with penalties by the FHSAA and had to forfeit games to Middleton and Robinson. On the field, Blake was able to win six games, but must continue the upward trend in Thomas’ second year as the school’s lead man. Thomas has a returner at the quarterback position in Ja’Quez Riggins III, who played admirably in his sophomore season. The defense lost several key starters, but do return defensive back Khalid Scott and linebacker Adrian Harvey.

BLOOMINGDALE BULLS (7A-9)

2017 RECORD: 7-4 THE COACH: Max Warner THE PLAYERS: Levi Williams (Sr., WR), Rodney Roseboro

III (Sr., RB/LB), James Lowe (Sr., DB), Ethan Carde (Sr., OL), Jaylen Roberts-Lawson (Sr., DB) THE WORD: The Bulls just continue to chug along under the leadership of head coach Max Warner. All he has done is take a team that went 1-9 a couple seasons ago to a combined 13 victories in the last two years. Warner heads into his third season at the helm with even higher expectations for his program, though he’ll need to do so with a different cast of players. Tyler Hunter was the heart and soul of the Bulls’ attack in 2017, throwing for 2,484 yards and 27 touchdowns. Hunter is now graduated and heading off to college and Warner most find replacements on offense. Senior running back Rodney Roseboro III is a candidate to take on more of a workload in the backfield after rushing for 314 yards last season.

BOCA CIEGA PIRATES (6A-9)

2017 RECORD: 3-7 THE COACH: Max Smith THE PLAYERS: Karen Taylor (Sr., TE/DE), Dontres Williams

(Sr., DE), Jruh Sourie (Sr., WR), Cornelius Cutliff (Sr., WR/ DB), Taffrey Peterman (Soph., QB). THE WORD: The former Dunedin head coach, Max Smith has some solid talent coming back to Boca Ciega for the 2018 season and it all starts on the defensive line for the Pirates. Seniors Karen Taylor and Dontres Williams were a couple of the better defensive ends in the St. Petersburgarea, as the two book ends combined for 35 tackles and four sacks. A lot will have to be replaced on the offensive end of the football for Boca Ciega, as the Pirates graduated some key starters, including quarterback Osby Green, who threw for over 1,500 yards last season. Stepping into the saddle will be sophomore Taffrey Peterman, who likely get the nod for Smith’s offense. Jruh Sourie and Cornelius Cutliff are the top returning pass catchers.

BRANDON EAGLES (6A-7)

2017 RECORD: 3-7 THE COACH: Dean Eychner THE PLAYERS: J’Lon Horton (Sr., RB), Phillip Harris (Sr.,

RB), Asheron Michel (Sr., RB), Lawiltaye Robinson (Jr., DB). THE WORD: Back to back 3-7 records has been the end results the last two seasons since the program reached the postseason in 2015. Brandon coach Dean Eychner knows it’s going to be another battle in getting the Eagles back into postseason contention and he hopes a strong senior class will help towards those matters. Amongst those returning to the roster are running backs J’Lon Horton and Phillip Harris. Both contributed the last couple of seasons and will be key in helping turnaround the Eagles fortunes.

CALVARY CHRISTIAN WARRIORS (3A-3)

2017 RECORD: 7-3 THE COACH: Reggie Crume THE PLAYERS: Kendrick Mayor Jr. (Sr., DB), Jaden Celeste

(Sr., LB), David Crossan (Jr., DL), CJ Burge (Jr., QB). THE WORD: After five seasons at the helm at Calvary Christian, Todd Yoder resigned as the school’s head coach in late February. Yoder led the school to the only two postseason berths the program has ever exeprienced and compiled an overall record of 27-23. Stepping into his shes is former Alonso head coach Reggie Crume, who also was the lead man at Palm Harbor University. Coaching at his third school in three years, Crume brings one of the area’s most innovative minds on the offensive side of the football and should be able to continue Calvary Christian’s upward trend. Though the Warriors lost some very skilled players to graduation, like safety Amari Burney and receiver Kade Burley, Crume should have no problem assembling a solid program at Calvary.

CAMBRIDGE CHRISTIAN LANCERS (2A-3)

2017 RECORD: 9-3 THE COACH: Bob Dare THE PLAYERS: Justin Froelich (Sr., WR), Mikal Willeke (Jr.,

QB), Gavin Martinez (Soph., DB), Justice Williams (Soph., OL/DL), Kyle Pierre (Soph., LB). THE WORD: Bob Dare just led the program through what can be labeled one of the best stretches in team history and with many of the top players during that string of 18

wins in two seasons now graduated, the Lancers will have to find new stars. One of the biggest shoes the team will have to fill is at the running back for Andrew Cunningham, who was the perennial workhorse back for Cambridge Christian. Another position they’ll need to fill is quarterback Jaylin Jackson, who threw for over 2,000 yards last fall. Getting the nod for the 2018 season will be junior Mikal Willeke, who threw for over 300 yards last season in cleanup duty. Willeke has high expectations this season, and could be a 1,500-yard passer in his first campaign as the full-time starter.

CARROLLWOOD DAY PATRIOTS (2A-3)

2017 RECORD: 2-7 THE COACH: Mark Jones THE PLAYERS: Chris Butash (Sr., QB), Jayson Gruden (Sr.,

WR), Shelton Quarles Jr. (Jr., WR/DB), Julian Cabrera (Sr., ATH), Chris Sheppard (Jr., WR/DB). THE WORD: Mark Jones, who was a former receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, took over the head coaching position from previous coach Lane McLaughlin and had to endure through some growing pains in the 2017 season. Despite the team equaling the number of wins from the 2016 campaign, the Patriots were able to discover they have a capable quarterback in Chris Butash. Butash now heads into his senior season as the go-to-guy on offense and he had a solid showing in Carrollwood Day’s spring game win over Bishop McLaughlin. Amongst others that will be back on the field for the Patriots will be Shelton Quarles Jr., who is the son of former Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ middle linebacker Shelton Quarles, and Jayson Gruden, the son of current Oakland Raiders coach Jon Gruden.

CENTRAL (BROOKSVILLE) BEARS (5A-7)

2017 RECORD: 2-7 THE COACH: John Warren THE PLAYERS: RJ Harrington (Sr., RB), Tayvon Brown (Sr.,

RB), Sean Fribbley (Jr., QB), Zach Carmack (Jr., OL). THE WORD: Central is going through what would be labeled as a transition period, with former coach Chris Sands stepping down and taking the same position at Eau Gallie High School on the East Coast. The Bears are now led by new head coach John Warren, who brings more of a defensive-minded mentality and a ground-oriented rushing attack. Warren and his staff will have its hands full trying to keep up with the likes of Hernando and Nature Coast Technical, as both schools reside not too far away from the Bears. Central graduated both quarterback Izzy Zena and running back Justin Fribbley, both of whom were the top players on offense for the Bears. Warren will rely more on the legs of tailback RJ Harrington and speedster Tayvon Brown.

CHAMBERLAIN CHIEFS (6A-7)

2017 RECORD: 8-3 THE COACH: Jason Lane THE PLAYERS: Brian Casazza (Sr., LB), Tyler Riddell (Sr.,

QB), Quadre Hearns (Sr., RB), Kevonta Montgomery (Sr., WR), Kaleb Long (Jr., WR), Donte Taylor (Jr., LB), Johnny Walker (Jr., DE). THE WORD: No coach in Hillsborough County can be anymore thrilled about his situation at the quarterback position than Chamberlain’s Jason Lane. Lane has one of the top dual-threat signal callers back at the controls in senior Tyler Riddell, who helped lead the Chiefs to the postseason in 2017. Riddell was a monster through the air and on the ground, as he completed 170-of-278 passes for 2,464 yards and 30 touchdown passes to go along with 168 yards rushing. Riddell should be in contention for best player in Hillsborough County next season and for good reason, as he’ll have another talented cast of players around him on the offensive end of the ball. Senior linebacker Brian Casazza will lead the Chiefs front seven on the defensive side.

CITRUS HURRICANES (5A-7)

2017 RECORD: 5-4 THE COACH: Nate Varnadore THE PLAYERS: Antonio Shamblin (Sr., RB), Mikey Gatto

(Jr., WR), Connor Bishop (Jr., QB), Jacob Freier (Jr., WR). THE WORD: Heading into his second full season as the head coach at Citrus, Nate Varnadore should feel right at home with where the Hurricanes are at as a program. Citrus has already reaped benefits from Varnadore’s first season as the lead man, with the former Belleview assistant leading the club to an above .500 record and inching ever closer to getting back to the playoffs. Citrus had a seniorheavy class last season and will rely on some fresh faces on both sides of the ball in order to take the next step as a program. The Hurricanes looked good in their spring game 29-10 victory against Gulf and had contributions from several newcomers to the offense, including running back Antonio Shamblin and quarterback Connor Bishop.

CLEARWATER ACADEMY KNIGHTS (IND.)

2017 RECORD: 7-6 THE COACH: Jesse Chinchar THE PLAYERS: Jamar Johnson (Sr., ATH), Hudson Regensburg

(Sr., OL/DL), Demetrius Davis (Sr., QB), Lorenzo Neal (Sr., DE)

THE WORD: As an encore to the program’s first season of

organized 11-on-11 football, the Knights were able to follow that up with an even better 2017 season, which saw Clearwater Academy win seven games. After a preseason 29-13 loss to Poinciana and season opening loss to Indian Rocks Christian, Clearwater Academy was able to notch victories Agape Christian Academy, Bradenton Christian, Kingdom Prep and Four Corners. Jesse Chincar has done an admirable job in leading the Knights’ program in their infant years as a program and he’ll have a solid core of players returning to the club, including athlete Jamar Johnson and defensive end Lorenzo Neal.

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CLEARWATER CENTRAL CATHOLIC MARAUDERS (3A-3)

2017 RECORD: 11-1 THE COACH: Chris Harvey THE PLAYERS: Rory Hicks (Sr., QB), Jerjuan Newton (Sr., DB),

Kennedy Roberts (Sr., TE/DE), Logan Watts (Sr., LB), Jerzhan Newton (Jr., TE/DE), Cade Richards (Jr., DE), Zac Elam (Jr., OL). THE WORD: Year 2 of the Chris Harvey-era at Clearwater Central Catholic was even better than the opening act, as the Marauders improved upon the nine-win total the year previous and finished with 11 victories in 2017. Harvey has proven in two seasons and 20 wins, that he was more than prepared to take over one of Pinellas County’s best private school programs and with a slew of starters back on both sides of the ball, the Marauders are on schedule to rack up more wins and make a run at the Class 3A state championship. It all starts on the offensive end of the football for CCC, as they return starting quarterback Rory Hicks, who looked good against Clearwater in the spring game. Hicks has a plethora of talented skill players to throw to, including Kennedy Roberts and Jerzhan Newton.

CLEARWATER TORNADOES (6A-9)

2017 RECORD: 6-5 THE COACH: Don Mesick THE PLAYERS: Qua-Shawn Perry (Sr., FB), Anthony Hope (Sr.,

LB), Keanan Musgrove (Sr., S), Terrance Shaw (Sr., ATH), Rent Montie (Jr., QB), Marcus Jeter (Jr., RB), Keedrik Murray (Jr., WR). THE WORD: Clearwater has been stable at quarterback the last couple of seasons, with Austin Day starting in 2016 and Colin Wray the team’s starter for most of last season. Wray transferred to Clearwater from Steinbrenner, but has since graduated and that has now left the quarterbacking duties left to junior signal caller Rent Montie. Montie saw action last season when Clearwater got big leads, and threw for 186 yards on 18-of-29 passing and six touchdowns against just three interceptions as a sophomore. Coming off another season that saw the Tornadoes reach the playoffs, but one that ended with a 37-13 loss to North Fort Myers, expect Mesick to have a bounce back season with one of his more talented teams in recent memory.

COUNTRYSIDE COUGARS (7A-10)

2017 RECORD: 6-4 THE COACH: Eric Schmitz THE PLAYERS: Reece Metheney (Sr., TE), Chris Cooper

(Sr., QB), Tyrese Fortune (Sr., RB), Ray Campbell (Sr., ATH), Brandon Warren (Sr., ATH). THE WORD: Some serious talent left with Countryside’s most recent graduating class. Offensive lineman Ethan Gemma and wide receiver Kyle Cosgriff departing are big blows to the Cougars’ offense that found a groove in coach Eric Schmitz’s system last fall. Now coming off a two-win improvement season, Schmitz must plug in some holes on both sides of the football and in a very talent-rich area, the Cougars have some candidates all across the roster to fill in the voids. Senior tight end Reece Metheney returns to the offense and becomes one of the top targets for quarterback Chris Cooper, who saw time on the field last year when Derek Jenkins was injured. Cooper threw for 842 yards and nine touchdowns on 46-of-85 passing.

CYPRESS CREEK COYOTES (4A-3)

2017 RECORD: 0-10 THE COACH: Mike Johnson THE PLAYERS: Devin Santana (Sr., WR), Jehlani Warren

(Jr., QB), Jalen Warren (Jr., ATH), Tyson Gillot (Jr., LB). THE WORD: Pasco County’s newest football program came onto the scene for the 2017 campaign and seemingly with a bang, as the Coyotes defeated Gulf in an impressive 12-0 contest. Though they picked up the win later on in the season as well it would be all for naught, with Cypress Creek having to forfeit the wins due to an ineligible player. The Coyotes, though, were very competitive for a first-year program that didn’t play a junior varsity schedule first before advancing to the varsity level. Mike Johnson had all juniors and sophomores on his inaugural club and will have his first senior class, with wide receiver Devin Santana leading the bunch.

CRYSTAL RIVER PIRATES (5A-7)

2017 RECORD: 5-5 THE COACH: Cliff Lohrey THE PLAYERS: Deandre Parker (Sr., QB), Jaden Williams

(Sr., FB), Kyle Robinson (Sr., DB), Tyler Sandek (Sr., LB), Garner Langlo (Soph., OL/DL). THE WORD: The Pirates have been out of the playoff talk because of the rise of Hernando and Nature Coast in Class 5A, District 7. With the Leopards likely going through a transition phase with coach Bill Vonada stepping down, Crystal River has a chance to reassert themselves into the playoff conversation and clinch their first berth since the 2016 season. New Crystal River coach Cliff Lohrey loses playmaker Tyrek Scriven to graduation, but he has plenty of talent on the edges to unleash against opposing defenses, including quarterback Deandre Parker and fullback Jaden Williams. The defense will likely be more of the calling card for the Pirates this upcoming campaign, as they’ll have several key players back on that side of the ball in senior Tyler Sandek and defensive back Kyle Robinson.

DIXIE HOLLINS REBELS (6A-9)

2017 RECORD: 2-7 THE COACH: Dale Caparaso THE PLAYERS: Jordan Lewis (Sr., ATH), Tobias Ellis (Sr.,

DL), Kamari Yates (Sr., ATH), Chendrick Cann (Jr., QB), Garion Young (Jr., RB). THE WORD: Coming over from Spoto, Dale Caparaso is at his third head coaching stop in the Tampa Bay area, having also previously coached at Pasco High School in Dade City. The former Pirates lead man took over the program from Shane Wheeler and the Rebels had plenty of growing

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pains last season along the way, winning just two games against Dunedin and Seminole. Dixie Hollins has one of the tougher schedules amongst Pinellas County squads and start off the season against Monarch at the Disney Wide World of Sports. With starting quarterback Trevor Burke now graduating, taking over under center will be Chendrick Cann, who saw limited time last season as a sophomore. All-everything Garion Young will be all over the field on offense after amounting over 350 yards receiving and over 200 on the ground in 2017.

DUNEDIN FALCONS (5A-9)

2017 RECORD: 0-9 THE COACH: Mitch Disney THE PLAYERS: Torey Castleberry (Sr., RB), Braidy Warner

(Sr., WR), Jaquaveon Crankfield (Jr., ATH), Matt Alexander (Jr., OL/DL), Samuel Mahoney (Soph., ATH). THE WORD: Coming over from Northeast High School, Mitch Disney had one of the toughest jobs in all of Pinellas County in looking to turnaround a Dunedin program coming off an 0-10 season under former coach Todd Brooks. Brooks stepped down during the summer in 2017 and Disney was brought upon as a long-term solution to returning pride to the Falcons. Dunedin went 0-9 in Disney’s first season as the head coach, but the Falcons do return several key players from last season’s club and could prove to be difference makers this time around. Jaquaveon Crankfield is one of the most athletic players in the area and could see time at several skill positions, including running back and receiver.

DURANT COUGARS (7A-9)

2017 RECORD: 6-4 THE COACH: Michael Gottman THE PLAYERS: Aaron Novo (Sr., LB), Cameron Jossi (Sr.,

OL), Kevontae Crews (Sr., RB), Cyril Clark (Sr., LB), Demarcus Governor (Sr., S), Corey Barnes (Jr., DB), Makenzie Kennedy (Jr., QB), Wyatt DeWitt (Jr., OL). THE WORD: After starting the 2017 season off with very promising results, going 5-1 through their first six games, the Cougars were not able to sustain the level of success in the second half of the season. Durant lost four times in its final five games, with losses coming to East Bay, Tampa Bay Tech, Bloomingdale and Armwood down the stretch. The Cougars had to watch the postseason from afar knowing they were just a couple wins away from clinching a berth. Durant looks to get back on the right track with another talented group in the wings. Michael Gottman will be breaking in a new starter at quarterback in junior Makenzie Kennedy and he’ll be protected by one of the better offensive lines in east Hillsborough County, led by 6-4, 245-pound Wyatt DeWitt.

EAST BAY INDIANS (7A-9)

2017 RECORD: 5-4 THE COACH: Frank LaRosa THE PLAYERS: Levi Marshall (Sr., LB), Dillon Rodriguez

(Sr., OL), Tre Everett (Sr., RB/CB), Jontrell Oliver (Sr., DL), Jaden Lopez (Jr., LB) THE WORD: East Bay is making sure that nothing comes easy for this group as it pertains to becoming an elite Hillsborough County program, with the Indians kicking off the preseason against Lakeland. No one should be surprised that the Indians are looking to schedule the top teams in the area, as East Bay has plenty of talent to boot. Especially on the defensive side of the football, where LaRosa has some big-time playmakers awaiting opposing offenses. Indians defensive back Tre Everett has received tons of attention from schools during the spring and well into the summer and holds an offer from Eastern Kentucky and others. The linebacking corps is the team’s strength on the defensive side of the football, with senior Levi Marshall and junior Jaden Lopez back in the fold.

EAST LAKE EAGLES (7A-10)

2017 RECORD: 5-5 THE COACH: Bob Hudson THE PLAYERS: Carson Kozma (Sr., DL), Ryan Rupe (Sr.,

TE), Daniel Slaughter (Sr., RB/LB), Hunter Swetokos (Jr., FB/TE), Matt Trotto (Jr., QB), Ryan Cunningham (Soph., RB), Jake Lang (Soph., DL/LB). THE WORD: The Eagles string of postseason appearances came to an abrupt end this past season when the FHSAA forced the school to forfeit its first three wins against Palm Harbor University, Largo and Pinellas Park due to an ineligible player. Bob Hudson’s club nearly still pulled off reaching the postseason anyways, despite having to play through one of the toughest schedules in all of Pinellas County. With away contests against Lakeland and Ware County (Georgia), East Lake did itself no favors when it came to scheduling, but now will have a clean slate heading into the 2018 campaign. East Lake looks to get back on track in Class 7A, District 10 and will have to do so with a whole new cast of characters on both sides of the ball.

Chris Taylor and former Land O’ Lakes coach Brian Wachtel, all helping run the show. The feature back for the Falcons looks to be Jayvon Wilson, who was Ridgewood’s leading running back in 2017.

FREEDOM PATRIOTS (7A-8)

2017 RECORD: 3-6 THE COACH: Henry Scurry THE PLAYERS: Nick Snow (Sr., OL/DL), Eric Brown Jr.

(Sr., OLB), Sebastian Bove (Sr., WR), Kenny Young (Sr., LB), Mason Edwards (Jr., QB). THE WORD: After just one season as the head coach and three at the school overall, Floyd Graham decided it was time to hang it up. Graham coached for 27 years and left a Freedom program that has seen plenty of turnover since 2002, with six different head coaches. Freedom brought on board former Fort Pierce Central coach Henry Scurry as the school’s new head coach and hopes to help lead the Patriots after back-to-back three-win seasons. The Patriots’ top lineman returning will be senior Nick Snow, who will assuredly see time on both the offensive and defensive lines.

GAITHER COWBOYS (7A-8)

2017 RECORD: 7-4 THE COACH: Kirk Karsen THE PLAYERS: Shave Scott (Sr., QB), Jeromy Reid (Sr., RB),

Jaedin Andrews (Sr., RB), Hunter Mintzer (Jr., DB), Robert Zanders (Jr., ATH). THE WORD: After taking on what was a crazy storyline to start the 2016 season, with former Gaither coach Jason Stokes suspended due to an investigation into use of ineligible players, Kirk Karsen took over the program and was able to keep the Cowboys upright and above the .500 mark. Karsen in his first season led Gaither to the Class 7A postseason, but his club fell in the regional quarterfinals in a 56-0 loss to Viera. The team did lose one of its better senior classes in recent memory, with linebacker Matthew Wood and lineman Donovan Jennings both graduating. Karsen will have plenty of holes to fill in Year 2 at the helm, but he has proven that he is more than capable of leading the Cowboys back into postseason contention.

GIBBS GLADIATORS (5A-9)

2017 RECORD: 2-7 THE COACH: Antonio Knox THE PLAYERS: Deonnte Brooks (Sr., QB), Anthony Fuller

(Sr., FB/LB), La’darius Henry (Sr., FS), Caleb Burney (Sr., LB). THE WORD: In his first season back as the head coach at Gibbs, the results weren’t what many remember from the first go around for Antonio Knox. Knox was able to go 6-5 in his first stint as the Gladiators head coach, but dropped to 2-7 this past 2017, with only wins coming up against Boca Ciega and Dunedin. Knox’s job will be to get the once proud Gibbs program back on the map and he’ll have plenty of talent along the roster to make it happen. On the offensive side of the ball, everything starts with returning signal caller Deonnte Brooks, who is back for his senior season. Defensively, linebacker Anthony Fuller and free safety La’darius Henry are the team’s top player on defense.

GULF BUCCANEERS (5A-8)

2017 RECORD: 2-8 THE COACH: Jason Grain THE PLAYERS: Mario Pena (Sr., DL), Charles Walls (Sr.,

RB/SS), JJ Hayes (Sr., CB/FS), Peyton Hollenbeck (Sr., G/ DE), Tyler Pastorius (Jr., RB) THE WORD: Heading into Year 2 of the Jason Grain-era at Gulf, one thing the Buccaneers were able to finally pull off was a win, something they didn’t do the previous season. Now with a couple wins under the team’s belt, Grain is hoping to see more gains on the field for the Buccaneers as they showed some signs of improvement in games against rivals like Anclote, Hudson and Fivay. The Buccaneers are more senior-laden than they have been in years past and they’ll have several they can lean upon, including running backs Charles Wells and Tyler Pastorius. Lineman Peyton Hollenback back in the lineup is a welcoming sight and should be one of the team’s top players once again this upcoming fall.

HERNANDO (BROOKSVILLE) LEOPARDS (5A-7)

2017 RECORD: 7-3 THE COACH: N/A THE PLAYERS: David Hale Bronson (Sr., RB/LB), Shemar

2017 RECORD: 1-8 THE COACH: Matt Durchik THE PLAYERS: Jayvon Wilson (Sr., RB), Isaiah Gardner (Sr., RB),

Lawson (Sr., RB), Bronson Tafelski (Sr., QB), Isreal Fields (Sr., RB), Jacob Hackney (Sr., OL). THE WORD: What could be the most surprising turn of events to happen all spring long in high school football in the Tampa Bay area, Hernando coach Bill Vonada stepped down just a couple weeks before the team’ spring scrimmage against Sunlake. Vonada, who also was head coach at Springstead High School for over 10 seasons, cited many changes for his resignation, which included resources becoming less and less available to high school programs. The Leopards were able to knock off the Seahawks 7-0 in the spring game, but will spend the summer searching for a new head coach. In the meantime, the Leopards do have one of the more talented rosters in Hernando County, which includes running backs David Hale Bronson and Isreal Fields.

THE WORD: The transfer bug worked the other way around

HILLSBOROUGH TERRIERS (6A-7)

FIVAY FALCONS (5A-8)

Matt Quinn (Sr., TE), Dion Denmark (Jr., OL), Bryan Hair (Jr., QB).

for Fivay’s football program this off-season, as the Falcons have welcomed several new players that are coming over from Ridgewood High School, which closed down after the 2017-2018 school year. With the Rams no longer fielding a football, the districts were split primarily between Fivay and Gulf, respectively. The team’s numbers have risen significantly because of it and now Matt Durchik and his new-look staff, which includes former Fivay head coach

2017 RECORD: 8-4 THE COACH: Earl Garcia THE PLAYERS: Jordan Brown (Sr., CB), Dontae Hopkins

(Sr., RB), Tyler Thomas (Sr., QB), Terence Doston (Sr., WR), Shannon Burke (Sr., DL), Edson Edmond (Jr., LB), Levaris Jackson (Jr., OL). THE WORD: The Terriers grew up on the offensive side of the football and now have one of the top rushing attacks in

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FLORIDA 2018

Tampa Developer Brings New Technologies and Multi-Acre Lagoons to Florida Communities

ETRO DEVELOPMENT GROUP, A LOCAL Tampa Bay developer, is proud to be at the forefront of a community-lifestyle revolution. No longer satisfied with the traditional way of doing things, they have opted to create their own winning game plan for Florida master planned communities. What began in 2003 as a company building roads, amenities and infrastructure for new homesites has evolved into an elite, proactive developer with their focus on 21st century innovation and expansion. This is the developer of Metro Places communities, exclusive ULTRAFi technology, the new Connected City and the very first to bring Crystal Lagoons to the United States. Even with all of this in their playbook, they have no plans to slow down. “With Metro Places we see so many touch points to create neighborhoods where people truly love to live, work and play with unmatched amenities like Metro Lagoons, impressive technology with our ULTRAFi brand and even cool events like our Battle of the Blocks,” said Greg Singleton, President of Metro Development Group. “We have a winning team here and are having a great time putting our ideas and our talents together to bring these connected communities to our homeowners.” METRO LAGOONS BY CRYSTAL LAGOONS A big win for this team is that Metro Development Group is the very first to bring the world’s top amenity to the United States. In April they celebrated the grand opening of their first Metro Lagoon at their community of Epperson featuring VIP guest and Crystal Lagoons Global Ambassador, Michael Phelps. The community of Epperson in Wesley Chapel is the first of nine planned Lagoon Communities by Metro, all located throughout West Central Florida. The introduction of these lagoons will forever change the way people view coastal living in the beautiful sunny state of Florida since

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FLORIDA 2018

Metro has brought the best of the coastline to many inland counties where each will be surrounded by shores of resortstyle fun, beauty and tropical relaxation. CONNECTED CITY The Connected City in Pasco County is a new city under development that will be infused with technology, imagination and endless possibilities. The Connected City is built from the ground up on a framework of the fastest internet and WiFi speeds available, thanks to their ULTRAFi technology. The area has been designated the prestigious honor as the first Smart Gigabit Community built from the ground up in the country by US Ignite, which is another big victory for this developer. At the epicenter of the Connected City are two new expansive communities, Epperson (now open) and Mirada (coming soon). At the heart of these communities, each will have a Metro Lagoon by Crystal Lagoons ranging in size from over 7 acres to 15 acres. Developing the first and only Smart Gigabit Community in the United States means the Connected City is uniquely positioned to offer the most advanced healthcare system ever imagined. The Connected City will be a national showcase for modern health and wellness as they capitalize on the latest technology and bring healthcare, including plans for a sports performance institute into the 21st century. “Our goal isn’t to improve upon what has been done before in the health and wellness industry, but to totally reimagine it to enhance people’s lives,” said Kartik Goyani, Vice President of Operations with Metro Development Group and the visionary behind the Connected City. The look, the feel, the function is different in a Connected City. This area sets the bar for connected living with a multitude of user-friendly tech advances like telehealth, autonomous vehicle paths, wind and solar powered street lights and expansive WiFi Parks. From the gym to the classroom and all points in between, with an entire area infused with high speed internet and centered around Metro Lagoons, the possibilities are endless. FNF MAGAZINE

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Hillsborough County to complement their passing game. That passing attack is led by senior quarterback Tyler Thomas, who threw for over 1,000 yards a couple seasons ago and has some of the best senior classes around. Returning to the backfield is running back Dontae Hopkins, who rushed for close to 600 yards last fall and with the graduation to Da Da McGee, expect Hopkins to see a lot more of touches at running back. The Terriers’ defense played a big role in the club being able to reach the postseason in 2017 and the front seven is bolstered by linebacker Edson Edmond and defensive lineman Shannon Burke.

HUDSON COBRAS (5A-8)

2017 RECORD: 5-5 THE COACH: Tim Hicks THE PLAYERS: Darius Smith (Sr., RB), Dominick Ru-

tigliano (Sr., ATH), Patrick Coleman (Sr., TE/DE), Dylan Dilandro (Jr., QB). THE WORD: The Cobras had a very solid first year under the watch of former Lake Weir coach Tim Hicks. Few thought Hudson would be able to come together so quickly after experiencing one of the wackier off-seasons in trying to find a head coach. With Hicks and Hudson trending upward, the Cobras are eyeing to compete in a very tough Class 5A, District 8 against nearby River Ridge and Zephyrhills. The Cobras will be led on the offensive side of the ball by quarterback Dylan Dilandro and running back Darius Smith. Smith at 190 pounds, is the battering ram for Hudson’s offense. Dilandro throws a nice ball and his top targets in the wide receiving corps will be Dominick Rutigliano and Patrick Coleman.

INDIAN ROCKS CHRISTIAN GOLDEN EAGLES (2A-6) 2017 RECORD: 8-3 THE COACH: Mark Buchanan THE PLAYERS: Andy Roberts (Sr., QB/K), Tyler Brown-

Williams (Sr., RB/LB), Terry Williams (Sr., LB), Darius Collins (Sr., RB), Zac Elam (Jr., LB). THE WORD: It didn’t take Indian Rocks Christian head coach Mark Buchanan too long in guiding the Golden Eagles back to the playoffs. After finishing 4-6 and out of the postseason following a magical 12-1 run in 2015, the Golden Eagles got back to their winning ways in 2017 and qualified for the Class 2A postseason. Indian Rocks Christian did it behind one of the top rushing attacks in all of Pinellas County and they’ll return many of the main cast of players the spearheaded the Golden Eagles backfield. Quarterback Andy Roberts is back to control the offense and he’ll be joined by running backs Darius Collins and Tyler Brown-Williams. Both Collins and Brown-Williams have the potential to each break for over 500 yards rushing this fall.

JEFFERSON DRAGONS (5A-10)

2017 RECORD: 8-3 THE COACH: Joe Midulla THE PLAYERS: Jarod Gunn (Sr., LB), Niko Duffey (Sr., RB),

Nick Walker (Sr., RB), Rahkevious Bartley (Sr., DL), Jarod Gunn (Sr., DL/LB), Dontavius Smith (Sr., WR), Bruce Jackson (Jr., QB). THE WORD: It was a tumultuous season for Jefferson’s football program and Jeremy Earle in 2017, which it was discovered that the Dragons’ coach had a player living with him and was suspended for three games. Earle’s run of 13 seasons as a coach at Jefferson came to an end, which put a stop to one of the best tenures in Hillsborough County. Earle was 48-27 in seven seasons as the head coach and has been replaced by Joe Midulla, who was a longtime defensive coordinator under Earle. Midulla will have a lot to address, including at the quarterback position, with the team in search of its third starter in the past three years — from Cade Weldon to Matt Gaffney to incumbent Bruce Jackson, whom looks to get the nod under center for the Dragons.

JESUIT TIGERS (5A-10)

2017 RECORD: 6-5 THE COACH: Matt Thompson THE PLAYERS: Larry Hodges (Sr., WR), Matthew Pittman

(Sr., RB), Jaden Pask (Sr., DB), Jake Lewis (Sr., OL/DL), Greg Gyenis (Jr., OL), Enzo Tedesco (Soph., QB). THE WORD: Life proved to be very tough after Malik Davis, who rushed for 2,469 yards and scored 33 touchdowns for the Tigers in 2016, graduated. His production was obviously sorely missed by Matt Thompson and Jesuit, which was evident when the club fell from 12 wins to six last season. Thompson will have a sophomore starter at quarterback Enzo Tedesco, who threw for 728 yards and two touchdowns last season. Tedesco was thrown into the fire as a freshman, with 10 interceptions being a product of that, but the Tigers will have a solid core surrounding Tedesco. Wide receiver Larry Hodges is back as the team’s top pass catcher and Matthew Pittman at running back rounds out the Tigers offense.

KESWICK CHRISTIAN CRUSADERS (IND.)

2017 RECORD: 5-5 THE COACH: Phil Hayford THE PLAYERS: Rio Jenkins (Sr., OL/DL), Maverick Fulvi (Jr.,

SB/CB), Silas Schoel (Jr., QB), Tylon Thompson (Jr., WR). THE WORD: In Hayford’s 35th season coaching a team in Pinellas County, he was able to get a lot more out of his group in comparison to the 2016 team that was only able to muster up one win through nine contests. Now Hayford enters his 36th season of coaching and he’ll have to work with one of his more inexperienced clubs in recent memory, with the Crusaders continuing their play as an independent program. Silas Schoel saw plenty of playing time under center in his sophomore season and should get more opportunities to throw the ball this fall after throwing for just over 400 yards in 2017. Wide receiver Tylon Thompson will be Schoel’s top target on offense, so expect the junior to have a breakout year.

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KING LIONS (6A-7)

2017 RECORD: 0-10 THE COACH: N/A THE PLAYERS: Dallas Lindor (Sr., QB), Deanta Pittman

(Sr., TE/DE), Adrian Adams (Jr., ATH), Darius Tolbert (Jr., RB), Jakhari Porter (Soph., LB) THE WORD: Year 2 was just as tough as the first go around for King head coach Rafael Tolentino and it ended with his resignation after the season concluded. The former Orlando Oak Ridge assistant came over to King with much promise, but the Lions weren’t able to pick up a single win throughout his two year stint as the Lions’ head coach. The Lions are now looking for their sixth coach since the 2006 season and still haven’t officially named anyone the lead man heading into the summer workouts. Whomever takes on the Lions’ head coaching gig will most definitely have to change the losing culture over the last two seasons and nab that elusive victory.

LAKEWOOD SPARTANS (5A-9)

2017 RECORD: 9-2 THE COACH: Cory Moore THE PLAYERS: David Woods (Sr., LB), Javon Moore (Sr.,

RB/FB), David Woods (Sr., LB), Derrick Thomas (Sr., DE), Shamar Hill (Sr., RB), Gregory Spann III (Jr., QB). THE WORD: One of the top schools in terms of having players end up playing in the National Football League was able to have a solid 2017 season, with the Spartans boosting their win total from five to nine in a matter of one season. Lakewood has always been rich in football tradition and Cory Moore’s current bunch is ultra-athletic and should be able to hang with most in the state. The Spartans haven’t scheduled any easy matchups for themselves either, as Lakewood will go on the road to face Dunnellon and Naples Barron Collier. Both games will take the Spartans out of their comfort zone of St. Petersburg, but should help them once it becomes playoff time. Though several key offensive starters have graduated, the Spartans just reload and have several players vying to step up into key roles. Quarterback Gregory Spann III is back under center after throwing for 974 yards last season.

LARGO PACKERS (6A-9)

2017 RECORD: 8-3 THE COACH: Marcus Paschal THE PLAYERS: Jaquaze Sorrells (Sr., DL), Solomon

Brown (Sr., SS), Keon Gulley (Sr., QB), David Ayd (Sr., OL/ DL), Jayion McCluster (Jr., RB), Quavon Matthews (Jr., WR), Jacob Campbell (Jr., OL/DL), Anthony Darnell (Soph., LB). THE WORD: It’s not going to be any easy road to start off the 2018 campaign for Largo, as Marcus Paschal’s group will start off the preseason against a resurgent Orlando Jones team that went 10-2 last fall. The Packers, though, have easily one of their most talented teams in recent memory and they can be thanked by the talents of defensive lineman Jaquaze Sorrells and running back Jayion McCluster, younger brother of Largo legend Dexter McCluster. Sorrells has his fair share of Division I offers lying across his table, with Alabama, Clemson and Oregon all on his radar. McCluster isn’t too far behind Sorrells in the interest level department by Division I heavyweights, as the tailback has fielded offers from LSU, Miami (FL), Oregon, Boston College and Florida.

LECANTO PANTHERS (5A-7)

2017 RECORD: 0-10 THE COACH: Greg Harper THE PLAYERS: Hunter Pitts (Sr., DL), Devonte Edwards (Sr.,

OL/DL), Ryan Rogers (Jr., QB/K), Vinny Graham (Jr., TE/LB). THE WORD: It has been a downward steady slope for the Panthers since the 2015 season, which was when Lecanto went 7-4 and clinched a berth in the Class 5A postseason. Oh how that seems like it was so long ago for the Panthers, as they’ve gone 2-17 since then and their Class 5A, District 7 hasn’t done them any favors whatsoever. In a district that includes Crystal River, Hernando and Nature Coast, Lecanto has a tough uphill climb if they are looking to get back into the playoff picture anytime soon. The Panthers will return some upperclassmen whom looked promising during the spring, including quarterback Ryan Rogers and linebacker Vinny Graham. Up front is the strength for Lecanto with senior Hunter Pitts anchoring the defensive line.

LENNARD LONGHORNS (7A-9)

2017 RECORD: 0-10 THE COACH: Matt Kitchie THE PLAYERS: Miguel Trujillo (Sr., MLB), Justin Williams

(Sr., DE), Corey Freeman (Sr., RB), Justin Dixon (Jr., QB). THE WORD: Former Land O’ Lakes and Leto coach Matt Kitchie came to Lennard last off-season in hopes of righting the ship, as the Longhorns were coming off a 2-8 campaign in 2016. Things only took a turn for the worse the Longhorns, as they went through a winless season in 2017 and only scored 84 points throughout the entire campaign. Now Kitchie really has his work cut out for him in competing in a very tough Class 7A, District 9, which boasts the likes of Tampa Bay Tech, Bloomingdale and Durant. Quarterback Justin Dixon and running back Corey Freeman are the top yardage producers returning on offense for the Longhorns.

LETO FALCONS (7A-8)

2017 RECORD: 0-9 THE COACH: Joey Jaime THE PLAYERS: Adrian Hernandez (Sr., RB), Isaiah Jordan (Sr.,

TE/DE), Juan Pablo Prada (Sr., LB), Rafael Diaz (Jr., WR/DB). THE WORD: Finding ways to win on the field has been the toughest job for anyone who’s taken on the gig at Leto and for Joey Jaime, the 2017 season was no different to anything in recent memory. The Falcons scored 22 points the entire season and couldn’t find many positives in another winless season on the field. Leto was able to pickup a win in 2016, but that came via a forfeiture against Sickles because of an ineligible player. Its

back to the drawing board for the Falcons and finding playmakers amongst the group will be key in Leto trying to be competitive on the field for the 2018 season. Running back Adrian Hernandez is back and will get plenty of touches on offense.

LAND O’ LAKES GATORS (6A-6)

2017 RECORD: 4-5 THE COACH: Chad Walker THE PLAYERS: Nathan Howard (Sr., ATH), Clayton Hendrik-

sen (Sr., OL/LB), Kyle Leivas (Sr., RB), Eziah Williams (Jr., WR), Ethan Forrester (Jr., QB), Myron Bloom (So., LB). THE WORD: The Brian Wachtel-era is over at Land O’ Lakes, with the former Mitchell head coach stepping down after a 4-5 campaign. Wachtel is now running the defense over at Fivay High School. Stepping into Wachtel’s shoes is new head coach Chad Walker, who comes with plenty of experience on the collegiate level as an assistant. Walker is being tasked with rebuilding what was once a proud program that made the playoffs perennially under the watch of the late John Benedetto. The Gators have plenty of talent returning from last season’s team, including running back Kyle Leivas and linebacker Myron Bloom, whom Walker is very high on. “I think Myron is the best linebacker I’ve been around instinctively,” Walker said. “He’s a good player. (Colleges) have come and looked at him. He has a huge ceiling.”

MIDDLETON TIGERS (5A-10)

2017 RECORD: 5-5 THE COACH: Fred Reid THE PLAYERS: Curtavian Simpson (Sr., RB/DB), Jaylen

Faison (Sr., QB), Adrian Adams (Sr., DB), Jakob Haynes (Jr., K/P), Johnnie Brown (Jr., DL). THE WORD: Back-to-back 5-5 campaigns for the Tigers is a promising, tall telling sign for a program that was struggling to win games not too long ago. Middleton is heading in the right direction under Fred Reid and last season started off with a bang, with the Tigers picking up impressive victories over King (47-0), Alonso (27-6) and Leto (52-0) in the first three games of the season. The Tigers are now looking to sustain that success throughout the course of a season and Reid’s bunch will square off against Gibbs in the preseason before heading into their regular season slate of games. Quarterback Cyrus Wade graduated, which means the team needs to groom a new starter, but a steady dosage of tailback Curtavian Simpson should help ease the pain.

MITCHELL MUSTANGS (6A-6)

2017 RECORD: 11-1 THE COACH: Andy Schmitz THE PLAYERS: Kymmani King (Sr., DB), Dominic Marino

(Sr., DE), Nick Ferrini (Sr., LB), Tyler Williams (Jr., RB), Nic Fairbank (Soph., QB). THE WORD: Coming off what is the best season in program history, Mitchell has a lot of work to do if they look to stay on top in Class 6A, District 6 against the likes of Springstead, Sunlake, Land O’ Lakes and Pasco. Andy Schmitz and his staff will have to find a way to replace a slew of starters on both sides of the football, including replacing quarterback Jakob Mattos, running Mychael Hamilton and wide receiver/defensive back Tank Peters. All three were vital pieces to the Mustangs’ impressive run and all have now graduated. Returning though is heavily recruited defensive back Kymmani King, who could see time at quarterback this fall. The defense, run by defensive coordinator Justin Fenton, returns a couple standouts in linebacker Nick Ferrini and defensive end Dominic Marino.

NATURE COAST (BROOKSVILLE) SHARKS (5A-7) 2017 RECORD: 7-3 THE COACH: Cory Johns THE PLAYERS: Dajour Morgan (Sr., LB), Colton Owen

(Sr., LB/DL), Mike Weston (Sr., RB), Isaiah Heeke (Sr., OL), Joshua Vance (Sr., TE), Fabian Burnett (Jr., QB). THE WORD: Cory Johns took over Nature Coast’s program and saw positive results in his first season at the helm, guiding the Sharks to a playoffs appearance. Something the Sharks are very used to, however, is reaching the postseason and expectations are high in Year 2 for Johns, as he returns one of the top offenses in Hernando County behind quarterback Fabian Burnett and running back Mike Weston. Both Burnett and Weston combined for over 1,000 yards rushing in 2017 and now are expected to top those numbers and then some. Linebacker Dajour Morgan is getting a lot of looks from college coaches throughout the spring and summer months and is Nature Coast’s big hitter in the front seven.

NEWSOME WOLVES (8A-6)

2017 RECORD: 6-4 THE COACH: C.J. Yockey THE PLAYERS: Dylan King (Sr., QB), Isaac Trammel (Sr.,

RB), Calhoun Wolverton (Sr., OL), Alec Torres (Sr., OL), Kyle Hoerner (Jr., OL). THE WORD: A 12-year run was all she wrote for Newsome coach Kenneth Hiscock, who retired after the end of the 2017 season. Enter the Wolves’ new head coach in C.J. Yockey, who took over the program in December. Yockey was elevated from the position of quarterbacks coach to lead man and brings continuity and familiarity to the program. His job now is to make sure Newsome remains the consistent playoff contender it has been in years past. Yockey has several starters back on each side of the ball. Yockey’s offensive line is the strong suit of this year’s club, as four starters return, including Matt Rainey, Alec Torres, Kyle Hoerner and Calhoun Wolverton. Running back Isaac Trammel will get the lion’s share of the carries in the backfield.

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NORTHEAST VIKINGS (6A-9)

2017 RECORD: 5-5 THE COACH: Jeremy Frioud THE PLAYERS: Ceveghnqez Guyden (Sr., RB), Xavier

McDonald (Sr., SS), Khaishef Edwards (Jr., ATH), Jake Spencer (Jr., QB). THE WORD: One of the biggest head scratchers of the offseason was the transfer of Northeast quarterback Keon Gulley to Largo, which is a huge blow to the Vikings offense heading into summer camp. Gulley was the heart and soul of what the Vikings did through the air and on the ground, with the signal caller throwing for 2,062 yards passing and rushed for 295. With Gulley now a Largo Packer, Jeremy Frioud is left to pickup the pieces and make the offense go. Make no mistake about it, Northeast still has the talent to make up for the loss. Running back Ceveghnqez is back on the offensive end after rushing for 456 yards last season. Joining him is wide receiver Khaishef Edwards, who totaled over 1,000 yards receiving last season.

NORTHSIDE CHRISTIAN MUSTANGS (2A-6)

2017 RECORD: 2-7 THE COACH: Mike Alstott THE PLAYERS: Jordan Bolds (Sr., ATH), James Anson (Sr.,

OL/DL), Alec Johnson (Jr., WR), Caleb Yawn (Jr., ATH). THE WORD: After enjoying his first 10-plus win season at Northside Christian, former Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ fullback Mike Alstott took a step back in 2017 when they lost several key players from the previous season. The Mustangs were a green bunch that had to go through some tough patches against teams in Class 2A, District 6 and now have to start over again at the quarterback position with the graduation of 2017 starter Tyler Rhodes. Andrew Roberts was the incumbent for the Mustangs, but transferred to Indian Rocks Christian, so Alstott will need athletes such as senior Jordan Bolds and Caleb Yawn to step up on the offensive end. 6-2, 260-pound lineman James Anson will anchor the line for the Mustangs.

OSCEOLA SEMINOLES (6A-9)

2017 RECORD: 2-8 THE COACH: Kevin Smalley THE PLAYERS: Jaden Celeste (Sr., RB/LB), Jake Annand

(Sr., QB), Reese Wyatt (Sr., RB), Nick Quinn (Sr., DE). THE WORD: It wasn’t going to be an overnight rebuild at Osceola, with longtime coach George Palmer retiring and handing over the reins to Kevin Smalley. Growing pains were going to come for the Seminoles, as Osceola was only able to win games against Dunedin and Dixie Hollins a year ago. The Seminoles were competitive in several other games, but now look to take the next step in the turnaround under secondyear coach Smalley and he has returners to lean upon this fall. Quarterback Jake Annand is back to run the offense and Reese Wyatt, who rushed for over 300 yards last season, will be the go-to back for Osceola on offense.

PALM HARBOR UNIVERSITY HURRICANES (8A-6)

2017 RECORD: 4-5 THE COACH: John Scargle THE PLAYERS: Wyatt Beasey (Sr., QB), Gunner Wilson (Sr.,

DB), Andre Bonney III (Sr., RB), Channing Young (Sr., TE/DL), Zack Allen (Jr., FB/LB). THE WORD: Playing within a district that includes heavyweights like Manatee and Sarasota Riverview hasn’t been easy sledding for Palm Harbor University the last couple of seasons. With a couple of the area’s top programs sitting just south of them, the Hurricanes have their work cut out for them if they look to seriously compete in Class 8A, District 6. Heading into the program’s second season under the watch of head coach John Scargle, the Hurricanes saw mixed results at 4-5 but know they had to replace a lot of pieces from the 2016 club. One more year in Scargle’s system and the Hurricanes should see more wins in the column. Quarterback Wyatt Beasey is back in the fold after throwing for 1,879 yards and nine touchdowns last season.

PASCO PIRATES (6A-6)

2017 RECORD: 3-7 THE COACH: Tom McHugh THE PLAYERS: Dylan Wood (Sr., QB/LB), Jacquez Mobley

(Sr., RB), Cody Rand (Jr., OL), Darrion Robinson (Jr., WR). THE WORD: Despite upping their win total by two from a season ago, Pasco has definitely seen better days under Tom McHugh and the Pirates hope that the 2018 season could be the opportunity for the program to get back to the .500 mark. The Pirates will have to do so without its leading rusher from a year ago in Early Knight, who is no longer on the team. Knight rushed for over 700 yards in 2017 and will be missed. Quarterback Dylan Wood must shoulder more of the load in the run game and improve upon his seven passing touchdowns. The talent cupboard is still there at Pasco, with wide receivers Jacquez Mobley and Darrion Robinson lining up out wide. With Jim Ward calling the offense for Pasco, the Pirates have instilled continuity on the coaching staff.

PINELLAS PARK PATRIOTS (7A-10)

2017 RECORD: 8-3 THE COACH: Kenneth Crawford THE PLAYERS: Lawrance Toafili (Jr., RB) Nolan Wasoba

(Sr., DB), Brandon Coppola (Jr., QB), Derek Bryant (Jr., RB), Malique Gary (Jr., WR), Alvin Mathis (Jr., LB). THE WORD: Make no bones about it, the Patriots want to run the ball and run it down your throat until you submit. Pinellas Park was Pinellas County’s best rushing team for the 2017 season, as Kenneth Crawford’s bunch averaged 337 yards on the ground for the season and clinched a berth to the Class 7A postseason along the way. The offense remains mostly intact, with quarterback Brandon Coppola back for his junior year and the backfield has the top running backs returning. The key piece

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to all of this is the return of junior running back Lawrance Toafili, who rushed for a team-high 1,691 yards and 21 touchdowns last season. Fellow running back Derek Bryant is back to give some relief in the run game whenever needed and Coppola’s top target in the game will be wide receiver Malique Gary.

PLANT PANTHERS (7A-8)

2017 RECORD: 12-2 THE COACH: Bob Weiner THE PLAYERS: Walter Wilbon III (Sr., RB), Leonard Parker

(Sr., ATH), Smoke Mungin (Sr., DB), Jared Valdes (Sr., LB), Tervarese Blackmon (Sr., DL), Everett Smalley (Sr., DL), Jude May (Sr., QB), Tyler Gleason (Jr., QB), Christian Carvaial (Jr., RB), Frank Murphy Jr. (Jr., WR). THE WORD: ‘Quarterback U’ at Plant is how the Panthers have been viewed over the last 13 years, as Bob Weiner’s program has always been able to produce Division I-level signal callers. Last season was no different with Jordan McCloud, who took the reins at quarterback and played out of his mind, throwing for 2,426 yards, 26 touchdowns and also rushed for 389 on the ground. Plant made their annual run through the Class 7A state playoffs before being upended in the state semifinals against Bartram Trail 34-29 on the road. Now Weiner and his staff will have to plug in at the many voids left by a solid senior class. First at the quarterback position, which currently sees several competing for the starting spot, including East Lake transfer Tyler Gleason. The backfield will be what Plant will lean upon to start the fall, as they return two capable work horses in senior Walter Wilbon III and Christian Carvaial.

PLANT CITY RAIDERS (7A-9)

2017 RECORD: 4-6 THE COACH: James Booth THE PLAYERS: Ashton Mincey (Sr., LB), Tyreke Harrison (Sr.,

DB), James Gordon IV (Sr., LB), Tashaun Ward (Sr., RB/DB), Braxton Plunk (Sr., QB), Eric Wilson (Jr., RB), Emmanuel Baez (Jr., DE), Zamir Knighten (Jr., RB), Demario Williams (Soph., WR). THE WORD: Former Bloomingdale and Manatee coach James Booth stepped in as the head coach at Plant City for his first season and was able to develop a solid identity for the Raiders on the offensive end of the football: Plant City loves to throw the football. The offense went through quarterback Braxton Plunk, who had a stellar junior season under center for the Raiders, throwing for 2,126 yards and 20 touchdowns. The backfield will have some running threats to help keep defenses honest on their end, as tailbacks Eric Wilson and Zamir Knighten are back to share the rock. Demario Williams had a huge freshman season, accounting for over 700 yards his first season on varsity and he’s back for his sophomore campaign.

RIVER RIDGE ROYAL KNIGHTS (5A-8)

2017 RECORD: 7-4 THE COACH: Ryan Benjamin THE PLAYERS: DJ Mann (Sr., ATH), Kyle St. John (Sr., QB),

Tyler Poirier (Sr., TE), Quinton Stedman (Jr., WR), Travis Hawks (Jr., QB), Anthony Roussos (Jr., LB). THE WORD: After winning three straight district championships, River Ridge had to finally settle for second place in Class 5A, District 8 behind Zephyrhills, which the teams battled in two classics in the regular season and playoffs. Though the Royal Knights fell 35-31 to the Bulldogs in the opening round of the Class 5A postseason, River Ridge should be solid once again despite losing some key players on both sides of the ball. Ryan Benjamin is looking to see if a quarterback can step up in the open competition that has spilled into the summer, with Kyle St. John and Travis Hawks both vying for the position. Whomever is throwing the ball will have some good receivers to throw to, including wideout DJ Mann, Quinton Stedman and tight end Tyler Poirier.

RIVERVIEW SHARKS (8A-6)

SEFFNER CHRISTIAN CRUSADERS (2A-5)

2017 RECORD: 1-8 THE COACH: Travis Pauleo THE PLAYERS: Josh Gregory (Sr., RB/DB), Christian Helms

(Sr., WR/DB), Caleb Warren (Sr., TE), Isaiah Knowles (Jr., QB), Tristan Kistler (Jr., TE/LB). THE WORD: It was not the kind of season Seffner Christian was expecting coming off a very successful 2016 season that saw the program finish 7-4 in Travis Pauleo’s first as the school’s head coach. The Crusaders went 1-8 last season despite returning one of the better up and coming quarterbacks in Isaiah Knowles. Knowles still did his thing under center for the Crusaders, completing 88-of-192 passes for 1,350 yards and 17 touchdowns. His growth at quarterback will be the key for the Crusaders this season if they look to get back to their winning ways. Tight ends Caleb Warren and Tristan Kistler are a couple sure-handed targets for Pauleo.

SEMINOLE WARHAWKS (7A-10)

2017 RECORD: 3-7 THE COACH: Chris Miller THE PLAYERS: Antonio Sorrells (Sr., RB), Steven Anderson

(Jr., DL), Delton Hall (Jr., DL), Justin Cervoni (Jr., DB), Garrett Kline (Soph., QB). THE WORD: The turnaround process under former Admiral Farragut coach Chris Miller was thought to be one that could potentially be a swift change, but it’s going to take a little longer to get things right in Warhawk country, but the program is trending in the right direction. Coming off a season that saw a 2-win improvement from the 2016 campaign, Miller’s team was able to pickup victories over Dunedin, Osceola and an upset win against Countryside. With a quality win under their belt, confidence is going to be the key for Seminole team moving into the 2018 season and the Warhawks have the talent to really make some noise in Class 7A, District 10. Defensive linemen Steven Anderson and Delton Hall headline a strong front seven for the Warhawks.

SEVEN RIVERS CHRISTIAN (LECANTO) WARRIORS (2A-2) 2017 RECORD: 9-3 THE COACH: Monty Vann THE PLAYERS: Brendan Rooks (Sr., RB/FS), Logan Ful-

ford (Sr., TE/DE), Riley Brown (Jr., QB), Brock Summers (Soph., TE/DE)

THE WORD: After five seasons at the helm for Seven

Rivers Christian coach Rayburn Greene and three straight years with 8-plus wins for the Warriors, Greene stepped down as the school’s head coach. It was the second time in as many years that Greene has stepped down as Seven Rivers’ head coach. Greene compiled an impressive 33-11 mark during his last four seasons with the Warriors and now the program is going to be led by new head coach Monty Vann, who was previously a head coach at Trinity Christian in Deltona and went 21-20 during his time there.

SHORECREST PREP CHARGERS (IND.)

2017 RECORD: 1-6 THE COACH: Steve Dudley THE PLAYERS: Cole Persinger (Sr., LB), Cooper Lanigan

(Sr., TE/DE), Hunter Ramirez (Sr., LB), Ashton Reynolds (Sr., OL/DL), RJ Ayers (Sr., DL).

THE WORD: It was just one of those seasons that got away from

Shorecrest Prep, as inclement weather combined with Hurricane Irma coming through the area definitely derailed some of the Chargers’ regular season. Shorecrest Prep’s lone win of the season came against Gateway Charter and that was late in the campaign. Steve Dudley and his staff definitely have their work cut out for them in hopes of getting the Chargers back above the .500 mark but the team will be more senior-laden then it’s been in quite some time. The defensive line looks to be the strong suit of the team, with seniors Cooper Lanigan, Ashton Reynolds and RJ Ayers all returning to bolster the front seven.

2017 RECORD: 4-6 THE COACH: Michael Thornton THE PLAYERS: Cameron Lyles (Sr., ATH), TJ Robinson (Sr.,

SICKLES GRYPHONS (7A-8)

ROBINSON KNIGHTS (5A-10)

LB), Brandon Davis (Sr., LB), Don Brown (Sr., OL), Joseph Sandorf (Jr., QB). THE WORD: Year No. 2 for Sickles coach Patrick Murphy saw a lot more promise for the second-year lead man, as the Gryphons were able to improve in the win column by two and also were competitive in several big games. Games against teams like Alonso (19-16 loss), Durant (28-14 loss), Wiregrass Ranch (21-14 loss) and Gaither (19-7 loss) could be viewed as just a few plays away from being a victory. Heading into Year 3 in the Murphy era and Sickles is in its best position to compete with teams within Class 7A, District 8. Seniors Ryan Gomes and linebacker Jackson Powell will be counted on to bring senior leadership this fall.

WR), Jamarcus Hall (Sr., ATH), Centrelo Sommers (Sr., LB), Dominic Gonnella (Jr., RB). THE WORD: Back to back 4-6 campaigns for the Sharks has meant that Riverview has stayed consistent with its play for the last couple of seasons under coach Michael Thornton and crew. Riverview was able to knock off Freedom (11-0 win), Alonso (28-24 win), Strawberry Crest (34-0 win) and Palm Harbor University (30-10 win). The Sharks play in an ultra-tough Class 8A, District 6 amongst the likes of Manatee and Sarasota Riverview in the same district, which has made the road to the playoffs that much harder. Thornton will need to break in a new starter at quarterback, with Reagan Jorgensen graduating. Running back Dominic Gonnella will shoulder more of the load offensively after rushing for 377 yards last season. 2017 RECORD: 3-5 THE COACH: Craig Everhart THE PLAYERS: Devin Jandura (Sr., LB), Kobe Copple (Sr.,

QB), Christopher Rolack (Sr., LB), Quinton Lane (Sr., WR), THE WORD: After five seasons leading the team, Shawn Taylor finally stepped down as the head coach of Robinson following the 2017 season. Taylor has Robinson instilled in his blood, after graduating from the school back in 2000 and returning to eventually become the program’s head coach after Mike DePue retired. Robinson’s administration has tabbed Craig Everhart as the program’s next head coach following a disappointing 3-5 season, which saw the Knights only defeat Spoto and Middleton on the field and picking up a forfeit victory against Blake. Everhart, the team’s offensive coordinator last season, will have his work cut out for him but does return starting quarterback Kobe Copple, who threw for over 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns a season ago.

2017 RECORD: 3-7 THE COACH: Patrick Murphy THE PLAYERS: Ryan Gomes (Sr., RB), Jackson Powell (Sr.,

SPOTO SPARTANS (5A-10)

2017 RECORD: 4-5 THE COACH: Melvin Jenkins THE PLAYERS: Kobe Smith (Sr., RB), Jerson Singleton (Sr.,

QB), Elijah Jacobs (Sr., DB), Marcus Cobbins (Sr., DB). THE WORD: One season was enough for David Seafross over at Spoto, as the Spartans went 4-5 in his only campaign with the program. Replacing Seafross as the head coach is former Plant City defensive coordinator Melvin Jenkins, who was named the school’s coach in January. Jenkins brings a ton of experience over from a successful stint with the Raiders and hopes to bring longevity and stability to a program that needs it. Dale Caparaso was the program’s first head coach and stayed on for eight seasons before stepping away. The Spartans had a very balanced offensive attack, averaging 157 yards through the air and 154 on the ground.

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FLORIDA 2018

TAMPA BAY

SPRINGSTEAD (SPRING HILL) EAGLES (6A-6)

2017 RECORD: 7-3 THE COACH: Mike Garofano THE PLAYERS: Nathan Sims (Sr., RB), Adrian Fribbley (Sr.,

RB), Adam Bass (Sr., LB), Max O’ Rourke (Jr., QB), Adrian Cabrera (Jr., LB), Colby Mcmillan (Jr., OL). THE WORD: No team felt the hurt of missing out on the 2017 playoffs like Springstead, as the Eagles finished as the runner-up in Class 6A, District 6 but had to watch only Mitchell advance out of the district and clinch a postseason berth. The Eagles lost some key players from the 2017 team, including running back Randy Morgan and wide receiver Zack Meyer. Despite the losses due to graduation, Garofano still returns one of the top teams in Hernando County and Springstead should be in the thick of it in 6A-6, as they still have one of the top backfields in the district. Enter running backs Nathan Sims and Adrian Fribbley, both of whom could be 1,000-yard rushers when it’s all said and done.

STEINBRENNER WARRIORS (8A-6)

2017 RECORD: 2-7 THE COACH: Andres Perez-Reinaldo THE PLAYERS: Josh Harris (Sr., RB), Tony Bartalo (Jr., QB),

Haden Carlson (Jr., QB), Deon Silas (Soph., RB). THE WORD: It was a tough 2017 season for the Warriors, as they battled through injuries, a rotating chair at the quarterback position and playing within one of the tougher districts in Class 8A. With a solid off-season, spring and summer worth of workouts, Andres Perez-Reinaldo’s bunch are looking to get back on the right track. The good news is he’s got a couple capable signal callers vying for the starting spot. Both juniors Tony Bartalo and Haden Carlson saw time at quarterback, with the latter throwing for over 500 yards last season. The Warriors will need to solidify that position, but whomever gets the nod will have some solid receivers to throw to. Sophomore Deon Silas played very well as a freshman last season on varsity.

STRAWBERRY CREST CHARGERS (7A-9)

2017 RECORD: 2-8 THE COACH: Ron Hawn THE PLAYERS: Jalen Brown (Sr., RB/DB), Hasan Sharrieff (Sr.,

RB/DB), Jaquell Narine (Jr., RB/FS), D.J. Brannon (Jr., LS/DE). THE WORD: Slowly but surely, things are starting to turn around at Strawberry Crest. Ron Hawn, who was in his second season as the Chargers head coach after coming over from Pinellas County (Seminole/Tarpon Springs) was able to take a winless team in 2016 and pickup two victories in 2017 (wins against King and Lennard). Hawn wants to build off the success in 2017 and move towards the .500 mark this season. For his squad to do that, he’ll need some of his returners to step up on both sides of the football. Strawberry Crest has one its best backfields to recent memory, with seniors Jalen Brown, Hasan Sharrieff and junior Jaquell Narine all returning.

ST. PETERSBURG GREEN DEVILS (7A-10)

2017 RECORD: 6-5 THE COACH: Joe Fabrizio THE PLAYERS: Dwaun Brown (Sr., LB), Matthias Boyd (Sr.,

DL), Javien Newton (Sr., LB), Derrel Kelley III (Jr., RB), Tonio Shavers (Jr., QB). THE WORD: One thing that everyone knows about a Joe Fabrizio team is expect his club to run the ball and run it a lot. St. Petersburg rushed for an average of 143 yards per game and scored 37 total touchdowns as a team. Though the Green Devils went from eight wins in 2016 to six in 2017, the future is bright for St. Petersburg as several key players are back. Everything starts at the quarterback position with two-way threat Tonio Shavers, who threw for 811 yards last season and rushed for more on the ground. He’ll be joined in the backfield by a stable of running backs, including Derrel Kelley III, who rushed for 540 yards last season. The defense should be solid once again, with starters Javien Newton, Dwaun Brown and Matthias Boyd returning.

ST. PETERSBURG CATHOLIC BARONS (3A-3)

2017 RECORD: 3-7 THE COACH: Shannon Brooks THE PLAYERS: Lawrence Grimes (Sr., QB/CB), Quienton

Williams (Sr., RB/DB), Javon Gifford (Sr., DB), Andrew Fievet (Soph., TE). THE WORD: In St. Petersburg Catholic coach Shannon Brooks’ first season as the head man, he was able to guide his team to three wins and those victories came against Shorecrest Prep, Northside Christian and Marco Island Academy. With the 2017 season in the rearview mirror, Brooks is looking to improve upon last year’s record and take the Barons to the next level in Class 3A, District 3. Brooks returns several key starters on both sides of the ball, especially on defense and it all starts with a talented secondary led by cornerback Lawrence Grimes. Grimes will be joined by two other seniors in the secondary, including Quienton Williams and Javon Gifford.

SUNLAKE SEAHAWKS (6A-6)

2017 RECORD: 4-6 THE COACH: Bill Browning THE PLAYERS: Jonathan Hoback (Sr., TE), Hunter Watts

(Sr., QB), D’Narijo Troupe (Sr., DB), Tevon Davies (Sr., OL), Chance Coleman (Jr., LB). THE WORD: Being below .500 is something the Seahawks haven’t experienced in quite some time. Despite going 4-6 in 2017, the Seahawks were able to still compete amongst the top clubs in Class 6A, District 6, which included Mitchell, Springstead, Land O’ Lakes and Pasco. Sunlake coach Bill Browning returns for his 12th season with the Seahawks and he’ll have to break in another quarterback, with Ryan Kasper

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FLORIDA 2018

graduated. The offensive line will also need some re-tooling, with Jacob Goodloe and Nick Dieguez both graduated. Browning does have somebody ready to take over under center, with senior Hunter Watts looking solid during the spring. The Seahawks perennially have solid linebacking corps, with Chance Coleman next in a long line of hard hitters.

SUPERIOR COLLEGIATE LEGION (IND.)

2017 RECORD: 6-4 THE COACH: BJ Hall THE PLAYERS: Ethan White (Sr., OL), Demetrius Davis (Sr.,

QB), Alan Riggins (Sr., ATH), Chris Scruggs Jr. (Sr., WR), Greg Pressley (Sr., WR), Keyvone Lee (Jr., RB). THE WORD: The first year Superior Collegiate Legion team, guided by former Tampa Bay Storm quarterback BJ Hall, was able to come onto the 11-on-11 scene last year with a splash. The new school was able to notch victories over Cambridge Christian (58-40 win), Pasco (40-36 win) and Northside Christian (58-34 win), which all became milestones for a team starting from the ground up. There’s no reason to believe the Legion will be taking any steps backwards as an independent team this fall, as Hall has put together a tougher schedule for his program, which includes the likes of Nature Coast Technical in the preseason and followed up with games against Fort Meade, Pasco and IMG Academy. The addition of Florida commit Ethan White from Calvary Christian was big news in March.

TAMPA BAY TECH TITANS (7A-9)

2017 RECORD: 11-2 THE COACH: Jayson Roberts THE PLAYERS: Treshaun Ward (Sr., RB), Xavier Freeman

(Sr., RB), Isaiah Stephens (Sr., WR), Ervin Washington (Sr., DB), Chris Daniels (Sr., DB), Myron Scott (Soph., ATH). THE WORD: One of Tampa Bay Tech’s most talented teams in history graduates many of its top players from a memorable 2017 campaign. That list includes quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who is now tossing passes at Indiana University. Along with losing Penix to graduation, the Titans also lost wide receiver Levi Jackson and linebacker Lesley Miller IV. Tampa Bay Tech coach Jayson Roberts does have a solid core of players on his roster and the spring displayed some promising up and coming players who will be stepping up for the Titans this fall. A lot of the load offensively will be placed on the legs of senior running back Treshaun Ward, who had a huge season in 2017. Ward led the Titans in the ground attack with 1,272 yards and scored 15 touchdowns.

TAMPA CATHOLIC CRUSADERS (3A-4)

2017 RECORD: 7-4 THE COACH: Mike Gregory THE PLAYERS: Charlie Dean (Sr., QB), Jalen Bussy (Sr.,

RB/CB), Ahmarean Brown (Sr., WR/CB), Caleb Tate (Sr., ATH), Garrett McGowan (Sr., DL), Quincy Hipps II (Jr., ATH), Joseph Hodge (Jr., RB). THE WORD: 2017 was a bounce back season for Mike Gregory and crew, as the Crusaders were able to win seven games and get back to the Class 3A postseason, in which they ran into rival Clearwater Central Catholic for the second time and fell narrowly 37-35. That was bad news last season, but the good news this season for the Crusaders is they return a bulk of their yardage on the offensive end of the ball and shouldn’t miss a beat. Tampa Catholic returns starting quarterback Charlie Dean under center and he had a solid junior campaign, Dean threw for 1,743 yards and 14 touchdowns last season. He’ll be joined on offense by running backs Jalen Bussy and Jospeh Hodge, whom rushed for nearly 300 yards last season.

TARPON SPRINGS SPONGERS (5A-9)

2017 RECORD: 5-5 THE COACH: George Kotis THE PLAYERS: Dearrian Wright (Sr., RB/LB), Deandre

Ruffin (Sr., WR), Montae Harris (Sr., DB), Anthony Fowler (Jr., FB/DL). Adam Hardy (Jr., QB) THE WORD: The Spongers survived a brutal second half of the regular season, which almost did them in when it came to trying to clinch a playoff berth in Class 5A, District 9. Tarpon Springs ended up reaching the postseason and lost 40-0 to Lakewood in the region quarterfinal. With it being the first time in quite some while that the Spongers reached the postseason and their rival, East Lake, was not in the playoffs, Tarpon Springs looks to build off that momentum heading into this season under George Kotis. Kotis was able to figure out his quarterback-of-the-future problem by moving Justice Parham out to receiver and installing Adam Hardy under center. Hardy played well, throwing for over 600 yards and should be one of the top quarterbacks in north Pinellas County.

WEEKI WACHEE HORNETS (5A-7)

2017 RECORD: 3-7 THE COACH: Jacob Gray THE PLAYERS: Amar Walker (Sr., DB), Sebastian Class (Sr.,

RB), Brian Strickland (Sr., ATH), David ‘Vaughn’ Sykora (Jr., QB), Jonathon Higgins (Jr., DL). THE WORD: Leave no doubt about it, as Sebastian Class goes, so does the Hornets. Class rushed for nearly 1,500 yards in 2017 and what the senior tailback does for an encore will be fun to watch this season. Class was impressive in Weeki Wachee’s 18-14 spring victory over Anclote, rushing for 178 yards on 27 carries. Class isn’t the only weapon on offense, with junior quarterback David Sykora back under center for the Hornets. Weeki Wachee’s spread offense has weapons across the board, including athletes Amar Walker and Brian Strickland. Gray believes the defense will be much improved this season. “Defensively we’ve found some dudes who have committed themselves in the weight room and really have a nose for the football.”

WESLEY CHAPEL (5A-8)

2017 RECORD: 6-4 THE COACH: Anthony Egan THE PLAYERS: Seth Petty (Sr., OL/DL), Tyler Wittish (Jr.,

DL), Keith Walker (Jr., RB), Jelani Vassell (Soph., ATH). THE WORD: Some very high expectations were put on the shoulders of Wesley Chapel head coach Anthony Egan, as the Wildcats seemed to have the team ready to breakthrough in Class 5A, District 8. With a solid run game behind Dexter Leverett and defensive back Isaiah Bolden patrolling the secondary, many felt the Wildcats were potentially the team to beat other than River Ridge and Zephyrhills. Bolden ended up being removed from the team by Egan and Anclote ended up dashing any hopes Wesley Chapel had of reaching the postseason. Egan has a good core of players back on board for this upcoming season and it’ll all start with two-way lineman Seth Petty, who named to the Sunshine Athletic All-Conference team last season.

WHARTON WILDCATS (7A-8)

2017 RECORD: 2-8 THE COACH: David Mitchell THE PLAYERS: John Dixon (Sr., DB), Deandre Carter (Sr.,

DB), Dillon McCain (Sr., QB), Layth Said (Sr., DE), Mike Zellam (Jr., DL/LB), David Hoyt (Jr., OL). THE WORD: The last couple of seasons haven’t been kind to Wharton’s football program, as David Mitchell and crew have gone 6-13. After starting off the season with a promising 19-14 victory over Brandon, the Wildcats ended up losing games to Blake, Wiregrass Ranch and Freedom — all in a row. Wharton’s only other victory came against Leto, which didn’t win a game last season. Now Mitchell will have to find a way to turn around what was once was a proud Wharton program – one that in the past was accustomed to reaching the postseason year in and year out. Amongst those looking to help the cause is returning starting quarterback Dillon McCain, who got valuable playing time last fall. Lineman David Hoyt will anchor a veteran offensive line.

WIREGRASS RANCH (7A-8)

2017 RECORD: 7-3 THE COACH: Mark Kantor THE PLAYERS: Grant Sessums (Sr., QB), Dorian Grain (Sr.,

SS), Kasean Riegeo (Sr., DL), Noah Abael (Sr., LB), Cameron Lee (Sr., LB), Dylan Ribolph (Jr., LB), Nick Gaviano (Jr., LB), Connor Lenczzen (Jr., LB). THE WORD: Mark Kantor has Wiregrass Ranch on the rise and the 2017 season was no different, as the Bulls reached the postseason and eventually lost to Lakeland in the region quarterfinals. The strength for the Bulls is its linebacking corps, as Kantor brings back five capable players that can rotate in and out. Grant Sessums is back at the helm at quarterback for Wiregrass Ranch and could be the difference maker for the Bulls in facing district rival Plant. “We’re young, but we are experienced,” Kantor said. “We tend to say that we are young because we don’t have a large senior class, but the guys that are part of our youth movement have played significant time for us. It’s always tough in this district and our schedule is demanding. It’s going to be a challenge to get to the top. The Plant Panthers are the Plant Panthers. They’re going to be prepared as always.”

ZEPHYRHILLS BULLDOGS

2017 RECORD: 10-2 THE COACH: Nick Carroll THE PLAYERS: Ja’Quan Sheppard (Sr., ATH), Tre’pavis

Mobley (Sr., WR), Johnathan Alford (Sr., OL), Doug Crawford (Sr., QB), Brandon Jones (Sr., LB), AJ Mathis (Jr., OL), Ja’varrius Wilson (Jr., LB), Zyre Roundtree (Soph., RB). THE WORD: Three points. Three points is all that separated Zephyrhills from advancing to the Class 5A, Region 2 championship. The Bulldogs ran up against Green Cove Springs Clay in the region semifinals and lost in a 52-49 shootout. Graduating from that special team is a lot of the key offensive components, including quarterback Charles Harrison III and running back Elijah Thomas. Stepping in at the quarterback position will be Pasco High School transfer Doug Crawford, who started several games for the Pirates last season. Crawford will have a bevy of targets to throw to on the perimeter, including Ja’Quan Sheppard and Tre’pavis Mobley. Up front on the offensive line, the Bulldogs return plenty of experience and some new up and comers, including AJ Mathis and Johnathan Alford.

ZEPHYRHILLS CHRISTIAN WARRIORS

2017 RECORD: 7-3 THE COACH: Mike Smith THE PLAYERS: Eugene Davis (Sr., LB), Jacoby Braxton (Sr.,

QB), Javion Hanner (Sr., RB), Tommy Scott (Sr., RB), Kavbion Marbra (Sr., WR). THE WORD: The Warriors came onto the scene last season and won five straight games to start off the 2017 season. Mike Smith was able to guide the Warriors to their first ever state playoff berth in Class 2A, eventually losing to Lakeland Victory Christian 12-0. Despite the postseason loss, Zephyrhills Christian Academy looks to be a force in Class 2A again and they’ll have the necessary playmakers to make it happen once again. Quarterback Jacoby Braxton stepped in admirably into the Warriors run-first offense and was able to throw for 841 yards and eight touchdowns last fall. Braxton will be joined by running back Javion Hanner, who rushed for just under 1,000 yards last season. Wide receiver Kavbion Marbra was the team’s leading pass catcher with 344 yards.

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HEARTLAND

FLORIDA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

Heartland LAKELAND LEADS THE PACK ONCE AGAIN

HERE’S NEVER A SURPRISE AS TO THE TOP team in the Heartland region of Florida, with the Lakeland Dreadnaughts always seemingly having the best program out of Polk County. Who can argue whether Bill Castle’s program can handle another season full of high expectations and whether it will be contending for another state championship in Class 7A? Lakeland has the talent to do it again, but there’s a plethora of other teams in the area that can qualify as viable contenders in their respective classifications. Take for example nearby Lake Gibson, a program just a year removed from reaching the Class 6A state title game. There’s no reason to believe that the Braves won’t be in the conversation again this fall. Digging deeper into the other classifications throughout the region and you will find teams on the rise such as Lake Wales, who was able to pull together a quick turnaround and has one of the best quarterbacks in Polk County. We head further south and find Avon Park is a program to be reckoned with in Class 4A, as the Red Devils reached the playoffs last season and have the talent to return. Some experts take for granted the lower classifications in the Heartland region, but small-school power is everywhere, with Fort Meade starting to regain strength in Class 1A and Victory Christian and Lakeland Christian coming off solid campaigns in 2017.

LaVaar Scott SEBRING

BEST IN THE REGION 1. Top 5 Teams ■■ Lakeland ■■ Lake Wales ■■ Sebring ■■ Avon Park ■■ Lakeland Christian

2. Player to Watch ■■ Travis Williams

3. Sleeper Player ■■ Idris Williams

Lake Gibson is one to watch in 2018

4. Team on the Rise ■■ Lake Wales

Several teams will be looking to bounce back from disappointing seasons from a year ago, including Haines City, which heads into its second season under Michael Bonneville, and Lake Region, who hired former Gaither coach Jason Stokes to help guide their program from the bottom of Class 6A, District 8.

5. Best Atmosphere ■■ Bryant Stadium, Lakeland

6. Game of the Year ■■ Sebring at Lake Wales

Chayil Garnett LAKE WALES THE DUAL-THREAT

WITH SO MANY GREAT HEAD COACHES IN THE AREA, LaVaar Scott has found a way to standout after having created lots of success at Sebring. In the last three years that Scott has led the Blue Streaks program, Sebring has racked up 22 wins. Though the Blue Streaks ended the 2017 campaign with a whimper and lost 42-0 to Seffner Armwood in the Class 6A playoffs, make no mistake about it, Scott has this Sebring program trending in the right direction. Highlands County is well known for its high school football, but more for its beautiful golf courses and speed racing but Scott is generating interest in Sebring Football by bringing the community together at Firemen’s Field. Scott boasts a talented core of players back, including outside linebacker Roger Yarde, who has college offers from Nebraska, Temple and the University of South Florida. The Blue Streaks are not shying away from other talented teams when it comes to building their schedule, either, as they’ll face the likes of Hardee, Lake Wales, Naples Lely and Kathleen. Sebring’s 2018 schedule might be one of the toughest around in the Heartland region. If there’s any coach who’s been considered underrated in the area, Scott is certainly one of them.

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quarterback from Lake Wales is just starting to garner the college interest from many programs around the Southeast and currently holds offers from Central Michigan, Charlotte, Florida Atlantic and Southern Miss. The amount of offers Garnett has now will pale in comparison to what he’ll have if he has a repeat of his 2017 season, in which the signal caller threw for 1,582 yards and 16 touchdowns. If he can replicate that during his junior season with the Highlanders, Garnett’s stock will most certainly rise. The reemergence of Lake Wales as a program is due in part to the effort and results Garnett has created as its starting quarterback.

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FLORIDA 2018

HEARTLAND

ALL SAINTS ACADEMY SAINTS (IND.)

FROSTPROOF BULLDOGS (1A-4)

LAKE GIBSON BRAVES (6A-8)

OL/LB), Carl Christensen (Jr., QB), Tyson Gurnsey (Jr., DB) THE WORD: The Saints took a couple steps back in the win column, as the team was 7-3 in 2016 and finished 5-5 last fall. All Saints Academy will be moving forward with a new head coach, with Stuart Weiss taking over for Rob Hollway Jr. Weiss will be taking over a Saints’ club that was very balanced offensively, averaging 133 yards through the air and 121 on the ground. The new head coach will have to do it, however, without some key players from a year ago. Quarterback Carl Christensen will be back under center for the Saints, with the junior throwing for over 1,000 yards last season and nine touchdowns. Christensen was also the team’s top runner in 2017, rushing for 452 yards and scoring three times. Fisher Williams looks to be the go-to-guy in the passing game for Christensen, as the receiver was second on the team in receiving with 367 yards and two scores.

Zach Lee (Sr., OL/DL), Josh Warren (Sr., DB), Justin Edwards (Jr., DL), Qualley Baker (Jr., DT) THE WORD: The Bulldogs saw change happen quickly for a program looking to get back into the Class 1A playoff picture, as Frostproof was able to snatch the Class 1A, District 4 championship and defeat Wildwood 59-38 in the region semifinal round. Frostproof was knocked out of the 1A playoffs when they faced Pahokee in the region final and lost 42-28. Shannon Benton’s club isn’t far off from competing for a state championship and he’ll have many of his key players from a season ago back in the fold for 2018. The defensive line should once again be a strength for the Bulldogs, as they’ll return juniors Justin Edwards and Qualley Baker. On the offensive side of the ball, Benton will look once again to quarterback TJ Botd and running back Mark Poe to help generate offense for Frostproof.

(Sr., RB), Jaharie Martin (Sr., DL), Chris Howard (Sr., WR), Hunter Brozio (Sr., LB), Daniel Derius (Sr., DB). THE WORD: Just a year removed from being in the state championship game, Lake Gibson experienced a slightly down campaign in 2017. The Braves, who reached the Class 6A state championship in 2016, were not same team and it showed. Lake Gibson was able to reach the postseason, but were knocked out in the region quarterfinals by Tampa Hillsborough in a 14-9 loss. There’s plenty of reason for optimism to go around for Lake Gibson this upcoming season and one of the reasons is quarterback Travis Williams. Williams threw for more than 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns and he’ll be joined in the backfield by fellow senior Lavarrion Nereus, who looks to take on the bulk of the carries with Travell Jones having graduated.

AUBURNDALE BLOODHOUNDS (6A-8)

GEORGE JENKINS EAGLES (8A-7)

2017 RECORD: 5-5 THE COACH: Stuart Weiss THE PLAYERS: Fisher Williams (Sr., WR), Will Garcia (Jr.,

2017 RECORD: 3-7 THE COACH: Billy Deeds THE PLAYERS: Keimorjie Richardson (Sr., LB), Jocquet

Jiles (Sr., RB), Nathan Beymer (Sr., TE), Malik Bikar (Sr., LB), Norman Babers (Jr, QB). THE WORD: Just when the Bloodhounds were starting to turn the corner, they went in another direction in 2017. Auburndale, after a 5-5 campaign in 2016 were thought to be a club on the rise, dropped to a 3-7 record last fall and finished 1-4 in its final five games of the campaign. Billy Deeds will have his work cut out for him in 2018, as the Bloodhounds must replace several key seniors from last season. One positive was Auburndale was able to run the ball effectively, rushing for 161 yards per game. Quarterback Norman Barbers will be the starting point for the Bloodhounds’ offense, with the signal caller throwing for 409 yards and rushing 812 on the ground. Joining Barbers in the backfield will be Jocquet Jiles, whom becomes the next in line at the tailback position. 6-6 tight end Nathan Beymer will be the top target for Barbers in the passing game.

AVON PARK RED DEVILS (4A-6)

2017 RECORD: 8-2 THE COACH: Jerry Hudnell THE PLAYERS: David Martin (Sr., RB), James Satine (Sr.,

SB), Drake Manus (Sr., QB), Dah’quan Braswell (Sr., TE/DE), Jalen Turner (Sr., LB), Jordan Constant (Sr., WR/DB), Earl Collins III (Sr., WR). THE WORD: It was a strange 2017 season for the Red Devils, but the results on the field didn’t change much. Avon Park was able to win eight games under the direction of former head coach Wade Jackson with one win being a forfeit victory over Desoto County. The Red Devils have all the pieces to repeating another solid campaign. Avon Park reached the Class 4A playoffs and after dispatching Lake Highland Prep 34-17 in the region semifinal, the Red Devils ran into the buzzsaw that is Cocoa, losing 62-7 in the region final. The run game proved to be the club’s bread and butter, averaging a stellar 253 yards a contest. Jygwan Rooks has graudated, which leaves the quarterback position vacant, but new head coach Jerry Hudnell will have plenty of athletes to choose from in terms of distributing the ball offensively. Backup Drake Manus looks to take over under center, with David Martin and James Satine getting carries at running back.

BARTOW YELLOW JACKETS (7A-7)

2017 RECORD: 3-7 THE COACH: Rayshawn Tiller Sr. THE PLAYERS: Napoleon Clark (Sr., FS), Adrian Barrett (Jr.,

OL/DL), Da’zarrion Tollie (Soph., QB), Maurice Bell (Soph., RB) THE WORD: It was a tough first season at the helm for Bartow head coach Rayshawn Tiller Sr., whom took over the program last spring. Tiller will look to turnaround a Yellow Jackets team that has won seven games in the last two seasons. Bartow lost a few key seniors from last fall, but have plenty of underclassmen prepared to step up. Quarterback Cory Rowe graduated, but sophomore Da’zarrion Tollie becomes the incumbent for the Yellow Jackets. The team will have another sophomore also seeing time on offense in running back Maurice Bell. Both Tollie and Bell will give the offense some continuity for the next couple of seasons. The defense graduates many players as well, but free safety Napoleon Clark returns and becomes the veteran leader in the secondary.

FORT MEADE MINERS (1A-4)

2017 RECORD: 5-5 THE COACH: Jemalle Cornelius THE PLAYERS: Dearrick Howard (Sr., QB), Kameron

Simmons (Sr., RB), JyKiece McGowan (Jr., ATH), Reese Lott (Jr., RB), Zori Johnson (Soph., LB). THE WORD: Hovering around the .500 mark has been a bit out of the norm for a program that’s used to competing for Class 1A state championships. After going 6-4 in 2016, the Miners finished at the .500 mark but are hoping 2018 may be the turnaround season. The Miners saw their postseasons dreams dashed by the likes of neighboring Frostproof, whom defeated Fort Meade 33-28 in the regular season finale. Fort Meade has a lot to replace on the line of scrimmage, starting with lineman Cleveland Reed graduating. Devin Westbrook graduates, with backup Dearrick Howard looking like the next in line to take his place. Zori Johnson stepped up defensively for the Miners as a freshman and should see plenty of snaps his sophomore campaign.

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FLORIDA 2018

2017 RECORD: 7-5 THE COACH: Shannon Benton THE PLAYERS: TJ Boyd (Sr., QB), Mark Poe (Sr., RB/LB),

2017 RECORD: 6-4 THE COACH: Chris Canning THE PLAYERS: Jonavan Carr (Sr., WR), Kyle Murphy (Sr.,

LB), Reasean Crayton (Sr., WR), Jackson Morgan (Sr., QB), Dylan Oliver (Sr., DB) THE WORD: From 1-8 to 6-4. That’s exactly what Chris Canning was able to do in one year’s time at George Jenkins, putting the Eagles back into the conversation as one of Polk County’s better football programs. A quick 3-0 start to the season was a big reason for the team’s change in fortunes, as the Eagles were able to rush out to victories over Mulberry, Bartow and Lake Region. George Jenkins was also able to notch victories over Haines City, Tenoroc and Poinciana later in the season and that should carry over into 2018. The Eagles had around 20 seniors on last season’s club and Canning and crew will need several players to step up if George Jenkins looks to continue its winning ways. Jackson Morgan is a candidate to start under center, with a bevy of receivers back in the mix like Jonavan Carr and Reasean Crayton.

HAINES CITY HORNETS (8A-7)

2017 RECORD: 0-10 THE COACH: Michael Bonneville THE PLAYERS: Damione Motley (Jr., RB), Malik Bataille

(Jr., DB), Nicholas Leary (Jr., TE/LB), Stanley Pierre Gilles (Jr., OL/DL), Steven Cesar (Jr.., RB). THE WORD: Coach Michael Bonneville got a firsthand taste of how things have been at Haines City, with the head coach arriving from perennial powerhouse Dr. Phillips the off-season prior. Though the team looked sensational in the preseason classic against Lake Region, winning 52-6, the Hornets weren’t able to amount to much after that. Close losses to Class 1A’s Frostproof and Polk County rival George Jenkins have haunted Haines City throughout the off-season but also served as reminders that the Hornets are not far from winning a few games against quality opponents. The Hornets are loaded with a solid junior class of players and they’ll lean heavily upon giving them snaps as sophomores. Running backs Damione Motley and Steven Cesar will get looks in the backfield.

HARDEE WILDCATS (5A-11)

2017 RECORD: 7-4 THE COACH: Brian Kemp THE PLAYERS: Hardee Pace (Sr., OL/DL), Jean St Louis

(Sr., RB), Randy McLeod (Sr., RB), Isaac Moreno (Sr., LB), Matt Tyson (Sr., FB/LB), Weston Shraeder (Jr., QB), Evan Webster (Jr., T). THE WORD: Fifteen wins in two seasons isn’t too shabby for third-year head coach Brian Kemp. The former Union County coach had some high expectations for the Hardee Wildcats and the program is starting to see the results of the confidence has instilled in the players. Kemp’s squad kept everything mostly on the ground, rushing for 191 yards a game and passing for 85 yards a contest. The defensive secondary proved to be one of the better amongst the Heartland region schools, picking off 15 passes. Kai Washington was the engine that made the offense move last season, but Kemp will now turn to junior Weston Shraeder. Shraeder will be surrounded by plenty of options on the offensive end, including running backs Jean St Louis and Randy McLeod.

KATHLEEN RED DEVILS (7A-7)

2017 RECORD: 4-6 THE COACH: Irving Strickland THE PLAYERS: Jonathan Lewis (Sr., DL), Brendan Gant

(Sr., DB), Dominique Walker (Sr., QB), Torean Sealey (Sr., WR), Tariq Sanders (Sr., DE), Kendall Dennis (Jr., DB). THE WORD: What direction is Kathleen football heading? The Red Devils went 5-5 a season ago, which is not a typical Kathleen Football campaign. The early season struggles in 2017 might’ve been what did in Kathleen, with the Red Devils starting off 0-3 and losses to Lake Wales, Vanguard and Ridge Community. Though in the annual matchup against crosstown rival Lakeland was just a 10-3 loss, the Red Devils hope to close the gap this fall. Quarterback Dominique Walker is back to lead Kathleen’s offense and he’ll have an experienced wide receiving core, led by senior Torean Sealey. Jonathan Lewis will be a contributor on the defensive line for Strickland.

2017 RECORD: 6-4 THE COACH: Doug DeMeyer THE PLAYERS: Travis Williams (Sr., QB), Lavarrion Nereus

LAKE PLACID GREEN DRAGONS (4A-6)

2017 RECORD: 4-6 THE COACH: Andy Judah THE PLAYERS: Cade Simmons (Sr., TE), Quwesmael Sholtz

(Jr., QB), Katwan Ward (Jr., RB), Javari White (Soph., RB), Shamar Mitchell (Soph., WR) THE WORD: Playoffs? Former Indinapolis Colts’ coach Jim Mora echoed those words over a decade ago when being asked about the postseason and for awhile Lake Placid wasn’t a program given serious playoff consideration. The Dragons, however, have made an incredible turnaround under the watchful eye of former head coach Jerry Hudnell and qualified for the Class 4A playoffs last season. Lake Placid ended up being soundly defeated by Cocoa in a 63-8 affair, but it was accomplishment to reach the postseason nonetheless. New Lake Placid head coach Andy Judah returns many key players on the offensive side of the ball from a year ago, as quarterback Quwesmael Sholtz will return under center for the Dragons. He’ll be flanked by junior running back Katwan Ward and sophomore Javari White.

LAKE REGION THUNDER (6A-8)

2017 RECORD: 0-10 THE COACH: Jason Stokes THE PLAYERS: Bryce Smith (Sr., DE), Eric Ward (Sr., LB),

Will Davis (Sr., LB/DL), Thomas Nance (Sr., WR), Cleotis Anglin (Jr., QB). THE WORD: Gee Roe was out as Lake Region coach after the 2017 campaign concluded and administration decided to look outside of Polk County for his replacement. The school ended up selecting a coach with plenty of head coaching experience in Jason Stokes, who was a longtime lead man over at Tampa Gaither. The former Cowboys coach made a couple stops in Pinellas County before landing on his feet with Lake Region and is now tasked with the job of turning around a Thunder program that has gone 3-17 in the last two seasons. Stokes is eager to start the rebuilding process and he’ll need some of the seniors to step up, including senior linebackers Eric Ward and Will Davis. Senior Bryce Smith is back on the defensive line for an experienced Lake Region front seven.

LAKE WALES HIGHLANDERS (6A-8)

2017 RECORD: 7-3 THE COACH: Tavaris Johnson THE PLAYERS: Lyle Hiers (Sr., OL), Michael Head (Sr., WR),

Joshua Green (Sr., SS), Johnny Richardson (Jr., RB), Chayil Garnett (Jr., QB) THE WORD: The Highlanders are coming off a bounce back season that paid major dividends -- from 1-8 in 2016 to 7-3 in 2017 and just narrowly missing the playoffs. The Highlanders have a plethora of talent returning on both sides of the football and one very promising player returning is quarterback Chayil Garnett. The junior signal caller threw for 1,582 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2017 and will shoulder even more of the passing game load this season. Garnett isn’t alone in producing on offense, with Johnny Richardson in the backfield. As a sophomore in 2017, Richardson rushed for 1,004 yards and scored 12 touchdowns.

LAKELAND DREADNAUGHTS (7A-7)

2017 RECORD: 10-1 THE COACH: Bill Castle THE PLAYERS: Deyavie Hammond (Sr., OL), Keon Zipperer

(Sr., TE), Latrell Jean (Sr., DE), Tre Huntley (Sr., DE), Jaharie Martin (Sr., LB/DL), Demarcus Bowman (Jr., RB), Zay Roberson (Jr., DB). THE WORD: The Dreadnaughts were not far off from making a run through the Class 7A postseason, but a familiar foe in Tampa Plant ousted them in the region semifinal. The Panthers defeated the Dreadnaughts in a 13-10 defensive battle, leaving Lakeland to wonder what could’ve been. Coach Bill Castle’s teams don’t dwell on playoffs losses, and in 2018 Lakeland returns another stacked roster of student-athletes, including a few transfers entering the mix. Returning on offense are major college recruits Deyavie Hammond and tight end Keon Zipperer. Also returning on offense is running back Demarcus Biwman, who is starting to get his fair share of looks from universities around the country. On defense, linebacker Jaharie MArtin and defensive end Latrell Jean headline a solid front seven.

LAKELAND CHRISTIAN VIKINGS (3A-3)

2017 RECORD: 8-2 THE COACH: Danny Williams THE PLAYERS: Cole Kramer (Sr., QB), Austin Perdicaris

(Sr., RB), Shane Burke (Sr., DB), Trent Mason (Sr., WR), Idris Williams (Fr., RB).

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HEARTLAND

THE WORD: Life after star quarterback Tate Whately is what Lakeland Christian is preparing for in the offseason. Luckily the Vikings have a few options in place. Cole Kramer threw for 152 yards last season and becomes the heir apparent to taking over under center for Lakeland Christian. The Vikings were a much more balanced team on offense, despite having Whately as the focal point. The run game averaged near 150 yards a contest and much of that can go to the play of tailback Idris Williams, who played plenty last season as an 8th grader. Williams rushed for 388 yards and still has four solid years with the Vikings. On the defensive side of the spectrum, safety Shane Bruke returns after racking up 56 tackles on defense in 2017.

8A postseason this fall behind a veteran-laden group. Many of Tate’s players on the varsity will be seniors and he’ll have some solid defensive backs returning, including Kristavion Harris and Edwin West. 6-4, 265-pound lineman Brian Michael MacDonald is the steady rock on the offensive line.

MULBERRY PANTHERS (4A-3)

SEBRING BLUE STREAKS (6A-8)

(Sr., DL), Arian Smith (Jr., QB), Isaiah Stancil (Jr., RB). THE WORD: It will be Kenneth Grantham’s third season at the helm for the Panthers and each season they’ve taken a step forward. The 2017 campaign proved to be no different for Mulberry football. The Panthers were able to win four games on the field, which included victories over Poinciana, Tenoroc, Lake Region and Wesley Chapel Cypress Creek. Mulberry’s wins were another step in the rebuilding process and the club was able to find much of its success running the football, with an average of 181 yards per game. Tyler Stepp and Elijah Cooper have both graduated, which means Mulberry will need to find some new playmakers on offense. The Panthers will no further than Arian Smith, who rushed for over 800 yards in 2017. Defensively, Willie Lampkin was hard to stop on the defensive line after racking up over 50 tackles last season.

RB), Roger Yarder (Sr., ATH), Norris Taylor (Sr., WR), Pyshon Mathis (Jr., QB), Austin Smith (Soph., LB). THE WORD: After racking up 16 wins between the 2015 and 2016 seasons, the Blue Streaks had expectations set high for another 8-plus win campaign in 2017. Six straight wins to start the season seemed to make an extended 6A playoff run a distinct possibility, but Sebring wasn’t able to keep the momentum going. The Blue Streaks lost threestraight to close out the season, including a 42-0 playoff loss to Seffner Armwood. Now LaVaar Scott and crew are looking to right last season’s late year swoon and they’ll have to do so without some of the top offensive players from a year ago. Quarterback Brian Lane and tailback Ralph Smith both have graduated. Scott will replace these two positions with senior DJ Williams and junior Pyshon Mathis. 300-pound lineman Zack Yanis will look to pull double duty on both the offensive and defensive lines for Sebring and sophomore linebacker Austin Smith has impressed many and gets the nod on the varsity roster.

2017 RECORD: 4-6 THE COACH: Kenneth Grantham THE PLAYERS: Isaiah Guinyard (Sr., WR), Willie Lampkin

RIDGE COMMUNITY BOLTS (8A-7)

2017 RECORD: 6-4 THE COACH: Richard Tate THE PLAYERS: Kristavion Harris (Sr., DB), Edwin West (Sr.,

DB), Dyreon Outsey (Sr., WR), John Bishop (Sr., LB), Brian Michael MacDonald (Sr., OL). THE WORD: Two years back on the job for head coach Richard Tate has amounted to a couple of postseason appearances for the Bolts, as they reached the Class 8A playoffs last fall. Ridge Community ended up facing perennial powerhouse Dr. Phillips in the region quarterfinal, losing 35-7. The Bolts started off 2017 season to a 3-0 start and picking up key wins over Boca Raton, Kathleen and George Jenkins. Now with 14 wins in the last two season, Ridge Community isn’t sneaking up on anyone these days. The Bolts are aiming to make a run through the Class

SANTA FE CATHOLIC CRIMSON HAWKS (IND.)

2017 RECORD: 4-4 THE COACH: Zach Shelby THE PLAYERS: No players provided by the school THE WORD: Only a couple years removed from being an

11-0 independent championship team, Santa Fe Catholic has found it difficult to replicate that same success. 2017 RECORD: 6-3 THE COACH: LaVaar Scott THE PLAYERS: Zack Yanis (Sr., OL/DL), DJ Williams (Sr.,

TENOROC TITANS (4A-6)

2017 RECORD: 1-8 THE COACH: Chris Davidson THE PLAYERS: Josh Allred (Sr., QB), Rillio Marius (Sr., RB),

Donavan Decosta (Sr., SB), Jaydin Graham (Jr., LB), Ralph Blanford (Jr., OL). THE WORD: The Titans seemed to be heading on the right path after winning four games in 2016, but 2017 became a turn in the other direction as the program lost eight straight contests before winning the season finale against Haines City. Tenoroc has seen several players transfer out after the difficult season, but the Titans will have a chance to get off on to a strong start when they face independent Santa

Fe Catholic on Aug. 24th in a preseason classic. Head coach Chris Davidson has some solid athletes to work with on the offensive end, including running back Rillio Marius and slotback Donavan Decosta. Throw mammoth lineman Ralph Blanford into the mix and Tenoroc has some reason for optimism heading into the 2018 campaign.

VICTORY CHRISTIAN STORM (2A-2)

2017 RECORD: 10-2 THE COACH: Kendrick Stewart THE PLAYERS: Jaydon Hunter (Sr., LB), James Harrison

(Sr., DB), Jose Peralta (Sr., DL), Jeremiah Byrd (Jr., QB), Parker Thomas (Jr., RB), Jaquan Randolph (Jr., WR). THE WORD: The only two losses Victory Christian experienced last season was a 16-8 loss to Class 1A Fort Meade and a 28-7 dispatching by University in the Class 2A playoffs. Victory Christian was able to replicate the success its enjoyed over the years under coach Kendrick Stewart, who now heads into his second campaign as the school’s lead man. Quarterback Jeremiah Byrd returns under center for the Storm and is coming off a stellar sophomore campaign. Byrd threw for 903 yards and 19 touchdowns and he’ll have plenty of talented receivers to throw to, including returning wideout Jaquan Randolph. On the defensive side of the ball, 280-pound defensive tackle Jose Peralta is a rock in the middle. Hard hitting safety James Harrison is also back in the mix.

WINTER HAVEN BLUE DEVILS (7A-7)

2017 RECORD: 5-4 THE COACH: Charlie Tate THE PLAYERS: Tucker Trueheart (Sr., LB), Javun Thomas

(Sr., RB), Deven Marrall (Sr., LB), Kalani Soule (Sr., TE), Tavares Spann (Sr., DB), Elijah Dugar (Sr., LB), Eric Williams (Jr., QB). THE WORD: It was an eye-opening season for then sophomore quarterback Eric Williams. Williams was able to enjoy an impressive season on varsity, despite being just a sophomore and he was able to handle the pressure, as he threw for 1,046 yards and 13 touchdowns. Williams will be missing the abilities of running back Ja’veon Marlow, who rushed for 1,366 yards in 2017. Likely taking over the starting role this fall will be senior Javun Thomas, who rushed for 270 yards last season. Thomas was second on the team in the rushing department and will pair up nicely with Williams in the backfield. 6-3, 220-pound tight end Kalani Soule will be a big target for Williams in the passing game and should be primed for a huge senior season.

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CENTRAL

FLORIDA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

Central PLAYOFF TEAMS ABOUND IN 2018

HE CENTRAL FLORIDA REGION WILL HAVE its share of excitement and there’s plenty of great storylines to follow along the way. Setting the bar at its highest would be to keep an eye on which programs will be in the hunt for a state crown this fall and the suitors out there range from the usual contenders to newbies on the rise. Dr. Phillips is coming off a state championship season in 2017 and will be looking to repeat as champions this fall. One cannot forget about Wekiva, a program on the rise and aiming to knock Dr. Phillips off its pedestal in Class 8A. Apopka has reloaded and remains a threat to make a deep postseason run once again. Some teams have a ‘disclaimer’ for this upcoming season after losing many key starters due to graduation last year. Lake Brantley had one of the top rushing offenses in the state, but will have to revamp its backfield. Jones High School is coming off a 10-win season under Elijah Williams, but can the Tigers replicate the magic? New Smyrna Beach should be greatly improved under the watch of former Cocoa coach John Wilkinson, who guided the Tigers to district titles and state championships. East Ridge has made the case they’ll be much improved heading into this fall’s season and the Knights should be back to their old selves.

Elijah Williams JONES

BEST IN THE REGION 1. Top 5 Teams ■■ Dr. Phillips ■■ Apopka ■■ Wekiva ■■ Lake Brantley ■■ Bishop Moore

2. Player to Watch ■■ Michael Kern

3. Sleeper Player ■■ Marvin Scott Dr. Phillips is back for more

4. Team on the Rise ■■ Jones

Lake Nona’s Michael Kern and Trinity Prep’s Spencer Fetter both could be 3,000-yard plus passers this season and will be fun to watch. The list goes on and on with the numerous big-name prospects scattered throughout the region. Are you ready for the ride?

5. Best Atmosphere ■■ Roger Williams Field, Apopka

6. Game of the Year ■■ Dr. Phillips at Apopka

Spencer Fetter TRINITY PREP LAST SEASON’S 2,917

IT’S NO COINCIDENCE THAT JONES has seen the resurgence of its football program under the watch of head coach Elijah Williams, who has steered the Tigers back to consistent winning ways. Williams doesn’t plan to see his program drop off whatsoever after enjoying a 10-win season last fall. His Tigers will face another tough fall schedule that they’ll have to get through in order to prove themselves once more, with teams such as Wekiva on the preseason slate before facing off against Bishop Moore, West Orange and Oxbridge Academy. One of Jones’ biggest wins of last season that was an example of where the Tigers have come as a program was when they knocked off Bishop Moore 37-7 midway through the 2017 campaign. This signature win against the Hornets proved to many around the area and state that Williams and the Tigers have arrived as a power in the central Florida region. Williams was brought out of retirement to restore the Jones football program to prominence and that’s exactly what he has done in two seasons. For a school that’s just walking distance away from Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Williams’ vision is to see his program playing “around the corner” for a state title in the near future. 76

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FLORIDA 2018

passing yards was quite the feat for Trinity Prep quarterback Spencer Fetter, who is going to be heavily watched by college scouts and Florida high school football enthusiasts. Fetter could threaten to throw for more than 3,000 yards and potentially reach the 40-touchdown mark this fall. Though the numbers sound like something out of a video game, Fetter can do it. The signal caller isn’t generating interest from the big time Division I schools around the country yet, but Ivy League programs have taken notice, with universities such as Havard, Brown and Cornell having offered the pro-style quarterback.

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CENTRAL

AGAPE CHRISTIAN SAINTS (2A-4)

CENTRAL FLORIDA CHRISTIAN EAGLES (IND.)

DELTONA TRINITY CHRISTIAN EAGLES (2A-3)

(Jr., QB/FS), Carlos Reed (Sr., WR/CB), Jimmie Boatwright (Sr., WR/CB). THE WORD: Agape enters into its 12th season of varsity football, but the Saints haven’t had the best stretch the last couple of seasons and have gone1-19 in the last two years. The Saints are hoping a change can happen with the current group of players that experienced the last couple of seasons with the program. Agape Christian features many players who will have to play both ways, with Denardo Gray starting at quarterback and also seeing time at free safety.

(Jr., RB), Macena Gay (Sr., HB/FS), Malachi Rennie (So., ATH). THE WORD: Central Florida Christian went through another coaching change the off-season previous, with Jeremy Campbell stepping in for former Eagles head coach Chris Cook after one year. Amongst those that will be returning is a couple of tailbacks that contributed heavily to the Eagles’ offense. Senior halfback Macena Gay along with junior Supreme Richardson are returning to the backfield for Central Florida Christian.

APOPKA BLUE DARTERS (8A-4)

COLONIAL GRENADIERS (8A-3)

TE), Justin Hill (Sr., WR), Jordan Jackson (Jr., ATH), Caleb Lee (Jr., DE), Jacob Mullee (Sr., QB), Tyrique Scott (Jr., LB). THE WORD: After leading the Eagles to a seven-win season in 2016, Monty Vann wasn’t able to replicate those same results in 2017 and saw his group drop to 2-8. Vann has since left the program to become the head coach at Seven Rivers Christian in Citrus County, leaving Troy Rayburn to take over the team on an interim basis. Now Deltona Trinity will try and rebound from the down year with several key offensive players back, including quarterback Jacob Mullee and wide receiver Justin Hill.

Williams (Sr., LB), Jalen Carter (Sr., TE), Curtis Williams (Sr., DL), Jecoryan Davis-Hamilton (Jr., QB/RB), Jackson Darlington (Jr., QB/FB), Billy Riley (Jr., SS), Eric Wright (Soph., RB). THE WORD: The Blue Darters’ offensive line last season was one of the top units in the state of Florida, but Apopka will have to adjust losing three senior starters in Will Barnes, Ed Montilus and Shaderrick Bradford to graduation. Apopka coach Rick Darlington will have to mold the lines once again to pave the way for tailback Jecoryan Davis-Hamilton, who is primed for his best season yet. Davis-Hamilton was extremely impressive in Apopka’s spring jamboree and scored four touchdowns combined in victories against Pine Ridge (35-7 win) and Orange City University (42-13 win). Cornelius Williams and wide receiver Eric Wright are also key players on offense to watch out for. Apopka will start Jackson Darlington at quarterback, whom had a solid spring and summer worth of workouts.

(Sr., QB), Luis Valdez (Sr., WR), Jaylin Pierre (Jr., DE), Kevin Martin (Jr., OL). THE WORD: University of Florida graduate and longtime Grenadiers assistant coach Donny Hodges got his first taste of being a head coach in 2017 at Colonial and it was a bumpy road in Year 1. Inheriting a program that’s won just 20 games over the past 10 seasons, Hodges and his Grenadiers were only able to notch one victory over Cypress Creek (24-21 win) mid-season and were mostly out-manned against every other team. Hodges’ strong suit is developing players and he’ll continue that into this season, as Colonial brings back a number of players moving up into the varsity ranks after a large senior class recently graduated.

ATLANTIC SHARKS (4A-5)

(Jr., OL/DL), Nicholas Stutchman (So., QB). THE WORD: It was another rough season for Cornerstone in 2017, notching just two victories on the year. The Ducks were staring at a winless season with two games to go last year before ending the 2017 campaign on a two-game winning streak and defeating Four Corners (9-6 win) and Merritt Island Christian (49-0 win). With a one-win improvement Erik Munson and his staff have something to build off of for his club heading into the fall, as the Ducks return a bevy of players to the roster.

2017 RECORD: 0-10 THE COACH: Victor Floyd THE PLAYERS: Rickey Floyd (Sr., RB/LB), Denardo Gray

2017 RECORD: 8-4 THE COACH: Rick Darlington THE PLAYERS: Cornelius Williams (Sr., ATH), Kamron

2017 RECORD: 0-10 THE COACH: DJ Mayo THE PLAYERS: Rio Goodwin (Jr., QB), Zamari Davis (Jr.,

WR), Omariji Gentle (Jr., DL), Kenny Weatherspoon (Jr., DB), Guyvin Williams (Sr., DB). THE WORD: Atlantic lasted all of one season with Kendall Bradley taking over the program he spent after spending the previous four years as an offensive analyst for the University of Missouri. Bradley went 0-10 as the school’s head coach and was fired in November. Taking over for Bradley is DJ Mayo, who has previously coached at Spruce Creek High School as the defensive coordinator. Mayo looks to recreate the winning tradition the Sharks had pre-Bradley era and with the team being primarily sophomore-laden in 2017, he’ll have plenty of returners to help the cause.

BISHOP MOORE HORNETS (5A-13)

2017 RECORD: 8-3 THE COACH: Matt Hedrick THE PLAYERS: Dale Thomas (Sr., QB), Jake Kiefer (Sr., RB),

Matt Savard (Sr., RB), Channing Stotts (Sr., DB), Jackson Canfield (Sr., LB), Dylan Brazil (Jr., WR). THE WORD: The Hornets reached the Class 5A postseason once again under the direction of longtime head coach Matt Hedrick, but fell in the region quarterfinals against American Heritage, 56-27. Bishop Moore now must look towards this fall and replace a stellar senior class that included running back Trilion Coles and quarterback Keanu Kong. Replacing Kong under center will be senior Dale Thomas, who saw limited action at quarterback. The backfield will be a running back-by-committee for Bishop Moore, with seniors Jake Kiefer and Matt Savard both seeing carries on offense.

BOONE BRAVES (8A-3)

2017 RECORD: 9-3 THE COACH: Andy Johnson THE PLAYERS: Owen Connell (Sr, QB), Liam Miller (Sr., DB), Trent

Bivens (Sr., TE/DE), Justin Thomas (Sr., OL), Naquan Baker (Sr., DL), Jonas Joseph (Jr., FB), Christian Roberts (Jr., WR/DB). THE WORD: A four-win improvement for the Braves was impressive, but Boone’s run through the Class 8A playoffs may have trumped that. Andy Johnson’s squad was able to reach the region semifinals before falling to Wekiva 24-20 on the road. A 28-13 victory against Flagler Palm Coast was a big confidence boost for a team that will need to fill in plenty of holes after a big senior class graduated. Johnson’s bunch showed off their offensive prowess in the spring in a 31-14 victory against Olympia. Boone’s offense will lean upon quarterback Owen Connell to run the show as a dual-threat option under center.

CELEBRATION STORM (7A-5)

2017 RECORD: 1-9 THE COACH: Jay Sobke THE PLAYERS: Jacob Eddowes (Sr., QB), Jaheim Sutton

(Sr., RB), Blaize Guzel (Sr., DB), Alfonso Sorrano (Sr., DL), Romeo Medina (Jr., RB). THE WORD: Celebration’s second-year head coach Jay Sobke, who spent the 2016 season as an interim head coach at Harmony, had to go through some growing pains in Year 1. Replacing the Storm’s senior-laden lineup from a year ago won’t be too difficult, as a myriad of players saw plenty of playing time during the 1-9 campaign in 2017. The quarterback position is solidified, with senior Jacob Eddowes entering his first and lone season as the team’s starter. The Storm will have a couple capable running backs in the backfield to assist Eddowes, with senior Jaheim Sutton and Romeo Medina in the fold.

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2017 RECORD: 2-8 THE COACH: Jeremy Campbell THE PLAYERS: Frank Ward (Sr., DB), Supreme Richardson

2017 RECORD: 2-7 THE COACH: Donny Hodges THE PLAYERS: Kahmare Tyler (Sr., LB), Tanner Bozeman

CORNERSTONE CHARTER DUCKS (2A-4)

2017 RECORD: 1-9 THE COACH: Erik Monson THE PLAYERS: Jacob Rabaja (Sr., LB), Jackson Maldonado

CYPRESS CREEK BEARS (8A-5)

2017 RECORD: 3-7 THE COACH: Bob Goebal THE PLAYERS: William Enriquez (Sr., FB), Willie Enriquez

(Sr., FB), Andre Washington (Sr., WR), Bryon Fraley (Sr., LB), John Mariani (Jr., QB). THE WORD: Following what was Cypress Creek’s best season in over a decade on the field, finishing at 5-5, former coach Shaun Lorenzano’s team took a step back in the win column in 2017 and fell to 3-7. The Bears started off the 2017 season with a bang, getting wins over Windermere Prep (37-0 win) and Celebration (37-0 win). After that, however, the Bears couldn’t find a victory and dropped seven games in a row, including a heartbreaking 24-21 loss to Colonial. After a season that saw 17 starters return to the program, new head coach Bob Goebal will have to find a way to get the program back to the .500 mark.

DELAND BULLDOGS (8A-1)

2017 RECORD: 2-7 THE COACH: Stephen Allen THE PLAYERS: Matthew Bailey (Sr., TE/OLB), Dionte

Marks (Sr., WR/OLB), Eric Moore (Sr., OL/DL), Jason Murphy (Sr., OL/DL), Anthony Bruten (Sr., OL/DL), Chris Brown (Sr., DB), Avantae Williams (Jr., DB/ATH). THE WORD: Stephen Allen put the building blocks down after finishing his first season at the helm at Deland and Year 1 saw some mixed results. The Bulldogs finished with two wins, matching their total from the 2016 campaign. Deland was able to upend Pine Ridge (14-12 win) midway through the campaign and in the latter part defeated Daytona Seabreeze 14-10 in the final regular season game. Allen had a big junior class last year and with all of them now seniors, many will be expected to help turnaround Deland in a big way. The offensive line should be the team’s strong suit, with Eric Moore, Jason Murphy and Anthony Bruten leading the way this fall.

DELTONA WOLVES (6A-13)

2017 RECORD: 4-6 THE COACH: Allen Johnson THE PLAYERS: Ramel Harrell (Sr., DB/ATH), Kamiron Hill

(Sr., DL), Traquan McNair (Sr., DL), Latrell Faison (Sr., LB), Tyler Wiggins (Sr., OL), Tyler Bowen (Sr., OL), Veron Moye (Sr., LB), Dillon Torres (Sr., QB), Nate Cook (Sr., LB). THE WORD: After an impressive 8-3 season in 2016, the Wolves had a bit of a drop off this past season as Deltona fell to 4-6 and missed out on the Class 6A postseason. Off-season workouts were ramped up afterwards by coach Allen Johnson and Deltona looks to get back on track with getting above the .500 mark this fall. Much of the emphasis on offense well rely upon the arm of quarterback Dillon Torres, who is back for his senior season. The Wolves’ defensive front seven is the team’s most veteran-laden unit, with defensive line Kamiron Hill, Traquan McNair and linebacker Nate Cook all return.

2017 RECORD: 2-8 THE COACH: Troy Rayburn THE PLAYERS: Caleb Bulleman (Sr., LB), Marlon Bradley (Sr.,

DR. PHILLIPS PANTHERS (8A-5)

2017 RECORD: 13-2 THE COACH: Rodney Wells THE PLAYERS: Jay Ward (Sr., DB), Kenyon Baron (Sr., LB),

Bryan Bell-Anderson (Sr., CB), Cameron Williams (Sr., SS/ OLB), Jaquarri Powell (Sr., OLB/SS), Japerri Powell (Sr., OLB/ SS), Stephen Dix (Jr., MLB), Brandon Fields (Jr., RB), Canaan Mobley (Soph., QB). THE WORD: It was time to get the job done for Dr. Phillips’ football program in 2017, as they reached the Class 8A state championship game in 2016 only to fall Miami Southridge. That wasn’t the case for the Panthers last year, as they were able to knock off Delray Beach Atlantic, 17-7, for all the marbles and players got to show off their shiny rings a few months later. The new championship rings will have to serve as a reminder of the hard work put in by the program and serve as motivation for the next group in line looking to win a state title. The Panthers do have a slew of starters they’ll need to replace if they look to make another run to Orlando, as quarterback BeSean McCray, wide receiver Michael Fox and defensive back Tanner Ingle are all graduated. Sophomore Canaan Mobley will get an opportunity to replace McCray at quarterback after seeing time during the spring.

EAST RIDGE KNIGHTS (7A-5)

2017 RECORD: 7-4 THE COACH: Jason Robinson THE PLAYERS: Sammy Becorest (Sr., WR), James Tharp

(Sr., WR), Andy Thurston (Sr., LB), Bobby Pfender (Sr., OL), Carlos Rodriguez (Sr., OL), Nicholas McCorkie (Sr., OL), Alex Garcia (Sr., ATH), Ryan Michel (Sr., DB), AJ Thomas (Jr., ATH), Kyeandre Magloire (Jr., ATH). THE WORD: Entering his fifth season at East Ridge, Ashour Peera was able to finally lead the program back to the promise land of the postseason, which marked the Knights first playoff appearance in six years. Now having some postseason experience under its belt, East Ridge is looking to do a lot more in Class 7A this time around, as the club returns several of the key starters from the 2017 team and especially on the offensive side of the football. The Knights went through a coaching change, with Jason Robinson taking over for Peera, but shouldn’t see much of a drop off this fall. With 14 of 21 starters returning, the top returner looks to be junior athlete Kyeandre Magloire. The offensive line is also a strength for East Ridge, as three senior starters are back to bolster the front, with Bobby Pfender, Carlos Rodriguez and Nicholas McCorkie all back.

EAST RIVER FALCONS (7A-4)

2017 RECORD: 9-2 THE COACH: Tony Piccalo THE PLAYERS: Hunter Atkinson (Sr., OL/DT), Aadonis

Harris (Sr., RB), Jason Dozier (Jr., QB), Jay Henry (Jr., LB), Luis Cueva (Jr., K). THE WORD: East River made the big jump from 6-5 in 2016 to improving by three wins under former assistant coach Tony Piccalo, who has the Falcons off and running in the right direction. The Falcons reached the Class 7A playoffs only to get knocked off by Tampa Plant 43-0 in the opening round. Despite the blowout loss in the postseason, Piccalo’s squad has several key players returning to help guide East River back to the postseason once again. Getting a shot under center will be junior signal caller Jason dozier, after limited action in 2017.

EDGEWATER EAGLES (7A-4)

2017 RECORD: 9-3 THE COACH: Cameron Duke THE PLAYERS: Jay Ward (Sr., DB), Robert Harvey Jr. III (Sr.,

QB), Hudson Driggers (Sr., LB), Daniel Green (Jr., OL/DL), David Anderton (Jr., OL), Joseph Miller (So., LB). THE WORD: Cameron Duke was hired away from Lake Highland Prep at the end of the 2016 season and it’s been smooth sailing since for the Eagles. Duke took a winless team in 2016 to led them to nine victories last year, including key wins over Olympia (45-36 win), Lake Minneola (27-26 win in overtime) and a playoff victory against Buchholz (31-21 win). Edgewater fell in the region semifinal round of the Class 7A playoffs against Fleming Island (23-7 loss), but certainly have a bright future ahead of them after clinching a playoff berth in 2017. Returning to the roster will be senior defensive back Jay Ward along with junior offensive lineman David Anderton.

EUSTIS PANTHERS (5A-13)

2017 RECORD: 5-5 THE COACH: Mike Hay THE PLAYERS: Shamar Buggs (Sr., ATH), Jacob Foltz (Sr.,

OL), Patrick Horan (Sr., LB), Shamir Briggs (Sr., RB), Tanner Romano (Sr., QB), Javon Yates (Jr., DL).

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FLORIDA 2018

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THE WORD: Eustis equaled the number of wins from the

2016 season, as Mike Hays’ group was able to match the five wins and he retains many of his starters from last year’s group. The Panthers return 17 of 21 starters from last year and Shamir Buggs looks to be the club’s go-to-guy behind one of the top offensive lines in the area. That offensive line will be spearheaded by Division I prospect Jacob Foltz, who already holds offers from several BCS schools. Linebackers Patrick Horan and Jack Hopkins both solidify a powerful front seven group. Defensive tackle Javon Yates, who comes into the season at 300-plus, will clog up anything coming up the middle of the defense.

EVANS TROJANS (8A-4)

2017 RECORD: 3-7 THE COACH: Greg Thompson THE PLAYERS: Stanley Mentor (Sr., OL), Antwan Morris Jr.

(Sr., LB), Al Blaise (Sr., OL), Eric Doctor (Jr., SS). THE WORD: After another 2-0 start for the second consecutive season, Evans didn’t win another game until the final contest of the campaign when the Trojans defeated Colonial 54-24. The Trojans were able to at least improve by a game in 2017 and Evans looks to continue the upward trend this fall. He will have some capable seniors who can help with the cause. Offensive linemen Stanley Mentor and Al Blaise are returning up front and should be able to bring a calm to the offense, On defense, senior linebacker Antwan Morris Jr. heads up a stout front seven.

FAITH CHRISTIAN LIONS (IND.)

2017 RECORD: 9-1 THE COACH: Andre Dobson THE PLAYERS: Makai Burris (Sr., RB), Zak Thomas (Sr.,

RB), Jason Terry (Sr., LB), Ty Poorman (Jr., QB), Malcolm Taylor (So., RB). THE WORD: It was another splendid season for the Lions in 2017, finishing the year 9-1 and reaching the playoffs for the second consecutive campaign. Faith Christian is led by fifth-year coach Andre Dobson, who has picked up 17 wins in the last two years and has the Lions on the right track. One of the reasons for faith about the 2018 season is Faith Christian returns the bulk of their offense, including 1,000-yard running back Makai Burris. Also joining Burris in the backfield is running backs Zak Thomas and Malcolm Taylor, whom should be complements to the ground game. Junior quarterback Ty Poorman is also back on offense after throwing for over 800 yards last season.

FATHER LOPEZ GREEN WAVE (3A-3)

2017 RECORD: 5-4 THE COACH: Matt Knauss THE PLAYERS: Rashane Gittens (Sr., OL/DL), Steven

Rehrig (Sr., OL/DL), Ryan Utter (Sr., CB), Cam Green (Sr., WR/CB), Michael Milton (Sr., RB/CB), Ryan Waddell (Jr, MLB), TJ Lockley (So., QB). THE WORD: Father Lopez football program has Matt Knauss entering his third season as the leader for the Green Wave. The offense was lead heavily on offense by quarterback Michael Dormeyer, who has since graduated and leaves the Green Wave needing a new signal caller. That new quarterback will be last year’s backup TJ Lockley, who saw playing time behind Dormeyer. Lockley will step in as a sophomore starter and hopes to pickup the full-time varsity play calling quickly. Joining him on offense is running back Michael Milton and protecting up front is linemen Steven Rehrig and Rashane Gittens.

FIRST ACADEMY ROYALS – ORLANDO (3A-4)

2017 RECORD: 9-1 THE COACH: Leroy Kinard THE PLAYERS: Rolous Frazier (Sr., RB/CB), Owen Pifer (Sr.,

RB), Hunter Smallback (Sr., TE/DE), Matthew Edwards (Sr., WR), Robert Smith (Jr., OL/DT). THE WORD: It was another season to remember for the Royals in 2017, as the program enjoyed another season in which they were able to win nine games or more. Now the Royals head into the fall of 2018 hungrier for a deep run into the Class 3A playoffs and despite last season ending a bit prematurely, First Academy certainly has the skill players back to do the job. One of the biggest reasons to believe that the Royals are candidates to win 10-plus games again is the return of running back Rolous Frazier, who rushed for over 1,000 yards last season. Frazier will also be joined by tailback Owen Pifer, who rushed for over 500 last season.

FIRST ACADEMY EAGLES – LEESBURG (IND.)

2017 RECORD: 3-7 THE COACH: Sheldon Walker THE PLAYERS: Sammy Punt (Sr., QB), Kanyon Walker (Sr.,

WR/CB), J.D. Greenwood (Sr., DB/WR), Treavon Cummings (Jr., RB/WR/DB). THE WORD: Things turned around a bit for First Academy, as they were able to salvage the second half of the 2017 season after starting off the season with four losses before ending up winning three out of their last six contests. Now heading into the 2018 campaign, the team has a lot of holes to fill at multiple positions, but not at the quarterback position with the return of Sammy Punt. Punt threw for over 800 yards last season and started to find his groove later in the 2017 campaign. He’ll have plenty of returning receivers to throw to, including Kanyon Walker, J.D. Greenwood and Treavon Cummings.

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FLORIDA 2018

FLAGLER PALM COAST BULLDOGS (8A-1)

HARMONY LONGHORNS (7A-5)

Donovan Montoyo (Jr., QB), Tyquarious Jenkins (Jr., RB), THE WORD: After several seasons as a defensive coordinator at Mainland, Travis Roland walked into Flagler Palm Coast for his first head coaching job and didn’t do too shabby in Year 1 to say it mildly. Roland led the Bulldogs to an impressive 9-1 record in his first season at the helm, including notching a playoff berth in the process. Despite the Bulldogs falling to Boone in the opening round of the Class 8A playoffs, Flagler Palm Coast returns a plethora of players from last season’s playoff group and should be primed for another winning year under Roland. Bulldogs have returning juniors Marc Genis and Tyquarious Jenkins to help carry the load in the backfield.

(Sr., LB), Christian Holloway (Sr., DL), Keon James (Sr., DB), Ahmeen Dinzey (Jr., DB), Kareem Dinzey (Jr., DB). THE WORD: Don Simon completed his first season as the head coach at Harmony and the Longhorns are already reaping the benefits from his inaugural campaign. Simon took a three-win team from 2016 and already doubled that total last fall. More good news going the Longhorns’ way is the return of many upperclassmen to key positions, including quarterback Nate Herstich. The Longhorns’ strengths lie within their defense, with the secondary being the strong suit. Senior Keon James, along with juniors Ahmeen Dinzey and his brother, Kareem, Harmony’s defense should be one of the better units in central Florida.

FOUNDATION ACADEMY LIONS (2A-4)

JONES TIGERS (4A-5)

Gebers (Sr., OL), Warren Sapp II (Sr., DE), Henry Austad (Jr., QB), Khalil Brown (So., RB). THE WORD: Henry Austad got his opportunity to guide the Lions’ offense in 2017 and filled in admirably in a transition season under center. As a sophomore, Austad threw for 1,081 yards and nine touchdowns while also rushing for 435 on the ground, scoring seven times. Heading into his junior season, Austad has a better understanding of the expectations laid down for him this fall and the team is ready for another strong year in Class 2A, District 4. Expect the Lions to run behind offensive lineman Cameron Gebers exclusively, after he notched 36 pancake blocks last fall. Expect big things from Warren Sapp II, the son of the NFL Hall of Famer, who also appears on the cover of the 2018 edition of FNF Florida magazine.

(Sr., RB), Daquan Evans (Sr., DB), Bryan Moore (Jr., DL), Jaden Robinson (So., WR). THE WORD: The graduation of many seniors from last season’s bunch has the Tigers looking for players to step up into the voids left behind, as Jones looks to maintain the level of success they’ve had the last couple of years. Quarterback Quadry Jones graduated after a pair of 2,000-yard seasons under center, which leaves the Tigers searching for the incumbent. Likely getting the nod on offense will be senior Corvondre Curate, after seeing minimal playing time as a senior. Curate has one of the better supporting casts in Orlando, with the return of dependable running back Gregory Fields and sophomore wide receiver Jaden Robinson, who stepped up in 2017 as a freshman. The defensive line will be anchored by defensive tackle Bryan Moore.

FREEDOM PATRIOTS (8A-5)

LAKE BRANTLEY PATRIOTS (8A-2)

WR), Edwin Gomez (Sr., LB), Nick Wright (Jr., QB), Demorie Tate (Jr., RB). THE WORD: Carl Holden was removed as the Freedom coach and the administration looked outside of the area to find its next lead man. The man tabbed to lead the Patriots is former Palm Bay High School offensive coordinator Phil Vogt, who replaced Holden back on March 15. Vogt is tasked with re-building an offense that was shutout three times last season and is in need of a new look. Not having to find a bunch of pieces on the offensive end is a blessing in disguise for Vogt, who will have the services of junior quarterback Nick Wright, who threw for 897 yards and seven touchdowns last season.

(Sr., DB), Damarious Good (Sr., QB/RB), Reynaldo Neptune (Sr., DE), Kyrion Bradford (Jr., RB), Joshua Roberts (Jr., LB). THE WORD: Talk about running the football exclusively, as Lake Brantley heavily relied on the ground game to tear up opponents up front on defense. The Patriots averaged 395 yards per game running the ball, but now with the graduation of tailbacks Devin Frater and Brett Haecker, Lake Brantley will have to look elsewhere for runners to tote the rock on offense. The two most likely candidates to become the main ball carries for Lake Brantley are senior Damarious Good and junior Kyrion Bradford, who rushed for over 600 yards last season. Good also could be the go-to-guy under center in Lake Brantley’s run-oriented offense this fall. The defense is bolstered by return of senior linebacker Caleb Caslow to the front seven.

2017 RECORD: 9-1 THE COACH: Travis Roland THE PLAYERS: Jordan Belle (Sr., ATH), Marc Genis (Jr., RB),

2017 RECORD: 7-3 THE COACH: Brad Lord THE PLAYERS: Grayson Wagner (Sr., WR), Cameron

2017 RECORD: 3-7 THE COACH: Phil Vogt THE PLAYERS: Daequan Tate (Sr., RB), Chris Thomas (Sr.,

GATEWAY PANTHERS (8A-7)

2017 RECORD: 7-4 THE COACH: Marlin Roberts THE PLAYERS: Maurice Adams (Sr., QB), Tyler Tyrell (Sr.,

RB), David Edwards (Sr., ATH), Timothy Usilton (Jr., LB), Phillip Banqura (Jr., RB). THE WORD: The graduation of stud defensive end Dennis Briggs, who was able to accumulate over 30 college offers, hurts the Panthers up front on defense. Despite the loss of Briggs, Gateway is coming off a seven-win season and can still put up plenty of points on offense with the return of senior Maurice Adams at quarterback. Adams threw for 703 yards and six touchdowns a year ago. Adams can also utilize the weapons he has standing with him in the backfield in tailbacks Phillip Banqura and Tyler Tyrell, whom both combined for nearly 1,000 yards on the ground. Leading the defense is linebacker Timothy Usilton, who made over 100 tackles last fall.

HAGERTY HUSKIES (7A-4)

2017 RECORD: 8-2 THE COACH: Phil Ziglar THE PLAYERS: Walter Codero (Sr., QB), Tyler Kielma (Sr.,

2017 RECORD: 6-4 THE COACH: Don Simon THE PLAYERS: Nate Herstich (Sr., QB), Roland Hayes III

2017 RECORD: 10-3 THE COACH: Elijah Williams THE PLAYERS: Corvondre Curate (Sr., QB), Gregory Fields

2017 RECORD: 4-6 THE COACH: David Delfiacco THE PLAYERS: Caleb Caslow (Sr., LB), Rashad Gourdet

LAKE HIGHLAND PREP HIGHLANDERS (4A-5)

2017 RECORD: 6-4 THE COACH: Ben Bullock THE PLAYERS: Malik Davis (Sr., QB/LB), Eric Acosta (Sr.,

OL/DL), Darreyl Williams (Sr., CB), Mark Fromang (Sr., OL/ DL), Hayden Brouillette (Sr., QB). THE WORD: Ben Bullock replicated some of the success he has had with his previous stops at Mount Dora and Ocoee. The Highlanders were able to finish a respectable 6-4 on the season and return many of the key parts on the offensive end of the ball to remain competitive in Class 4A, District 5. Lake Highland Prep brings back starting quarterback Hayden Brouillette, who goes into his second season as the starter. He’ll have a very experienced offensive line in front of him, with seniors Eric Acosta and Mark Fromang back blocking.

LAKE HOWELL SILVER HAWKS (7A-4)

2017 RECORD: 3-7 THE COACH: David Wensyel THE PLAYERS: Dennis Dudley (Sr., RB), Darius Young (Sr.,

RB), Lee Hoang (Sr., DB), Matthew Lee (Sr., DL), Jack Benzia (Sr., DE), Kyle Shaouni (Jr., LB/DL). THE WORD: Hagerty will take aim at its fourth-straight winning season after just missing out on the Class 7A playoffs last season. The new FHSAA postseason format didn’t benefit the Huskies whatsoever, but Phil Ziglar’s bunch has a chance to get back to its winning ways and stay within striking distance in Class 7A, District 4. Though Ziglar lost several senior starters from last year, including quarterback Jack Chandler and running back Oliver Hart, Hagerty has always been able to re-load quickly and 2018 should prove no different.

RB), Chase Bennett (Sr., ATH), Zach Levenson (Jr., QB), Kevin Byrd (Jr., WR). THE WORD: The steps in the right direction that were built the previous 2016 season took a couple steps back in 2017, with the Silver Hawks dropping to 3-7 and graduating many senior starters. The defensive secondary took a big hit with Greg Hayward, Steven Mackey and Kenyon’Ta Skinner all graduating. Lake Howell brings back much of the offense, however, and will lean upon junior quarterback Zach Levenson to guide the Silver Hawks back above the .500 mark. Joining Levenson back on offense is a group of running backs, which includes Dennis Dudley, Darius Young and Chase Bennett.

HALIFAX ACADEMY KNIGHTS (2A-3)

LAKE MARY RAMS (8A-2)

Kilgore (Sr., QB), Clive Vernon (Jr., RB), Freddie Rogers (Jr., DB). THE WORD: The Knights inched themselves a little closer to the .500 mark after a 3-6 season in 2016, with the Knights finishing the year with four wins. A plus mark for Halifax Academy is they will return starting quarterback Devin Kilgore, whom took the bulk of the snaps last season as a junior. Paired up with fellow returning senior Chauncey Williams, the Knights’ offense should be more fluid and has more weapons surrounding Kilgore. The backfield lost many of its top running backs due to graduation, but expect junior Clive Vernon to step up with carries to be had.

WR), D.J. White (Sr., DL), Seraiah Abram (Sr., WR). Brock Johnson (Jr., LB), Graylon Ross (Jr., LB), Dylan Brazil (Jr., ATH), Dylan Gonzalez (Jr., DB). THE WORD: With 140 kids in the program heading into this fall, the Rams will be fully stocked on the varsity and junior varsity and Scott Perry is especially happy to see 14 of his 21 starters return from last year’s seven-win group. The 2017 version of the Rams’ were able to make the three-win improvement from 2016, when the program went 4-6. Perry says that this fall’s team should have a very much improved defense and that side of ball returns nine starters. Perry, who is in

2017 RECORD: 4-5 THE COACH: Shamus Dougherty THE PLAYERS: Chauncey Williams (Sr., WR/DB), Devin

2017 RECORD: 7-4 THE COACH: Scott Perry THE PLAYERS: Ben Moxley (Sr., OL), Pedro Rodriguez (Sr.,

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his 14th year at the helm at Lake Mary, has one of the more veteran coaching staff’s around, with offensive coordinator Adam Donnelly back for his 13th season and defensive coordinator Rob Marler is in just his second.

LAKE MARY PREP GRIFFINS (IND.)

2017 RECORD: 6-3 THE COACH: Keith Walsh THE PLAYERS: Camden Desch (Sr., RB), Andy Browning

(Sr., LB), Lionel Matos (Sr., RB), Marvin Holifield (Sr., RB). THE WORD: Scoring wasn’t an issue for Lake Mary Prep compared to the previous one-win season the Griffins had to endure through, as they posted a five-win improvement in 2017. Though Lake Mary Prep will have to replace the likes of quarterback Walker Dycus and Jessie Freelander, the Griffins’ offense should be well stocked once again with senior running back Camden Desch in the backfield. Andy Browning returns on defense at linebacker to shore up the front seven.

LAKE MINNEOLA HAWKS (7A-4)

2017 RECORD: 5-5 THE COACH: Walter Banks THE PLAYERS: Christopher Beckett (Sr., DT/G), Kenan Johnson

(Sr., ATH), Jacob Johnson (Sr., TE/DE), Devin Cole (Jr., QB).

THE WORD: Lake Minneola struggled in 2016, only post-

ing one victory against Edgewater. But 2017 was a different story and the Hawks were able to improve in the win department and notch five wins, with key victories coming against Eustis (20-13 win), West Port (29-6 win), Ocoee (47-27 win) and Leesburg (55-47 win). Walter Banks’ defensive unit was a solid group, especially on the defensive line with senior Christopher Beckett who will be heading up this fall’s bunch. Lake Minneola’s offense will be transitioning to a new starter at quarterback, but with the skill players returning, the Hawks should have no problem scoring points.

LAKE NONA LIONS (7A-5)

2017 RECORD: 7-4 THE COACH: Anthony Paradiso THE PLAYERS: Michael Kern (Sr., QB), Moises Aracena

(Sr., RB), Dominik Johnson (Sr., ATH), Christian Sosa (Sr., LB), Ethan Johnson (Jr., WR), Mekhi Bethel (Jr., LB), Javier Gratacos (Jr., DL). THE WORD: The Lions return one of the top quarterback prospects in the state of Florida in signal caller Michael Kern, who threw for 3,383 yards and 39 touchdowns last fall. The 314 yards per game averaged by Kern and the Lions through the air was unmatched by teams throughout the Orlando area and Anthony Paradiso will have his man under center for one more campaign. Paradiso, though, has to replace two 1,000-yard receivers from last season’s club and that will be no easy task. Wide receiver Ethan Johnson is the lead candidate to become Kern’s No. 1 target in the passing game, with running back Moises Aracena being a solid option out of the backfield.

LEESBURG YELLOW JACKETS (6A-5)

2017 RECORD: 4-6 THE COACH: Mark Oates THE PLAYERS: AJ Graham (Sr., QB), Jatavian Solomon (Sr.,

RB), Rashon Scott (Sr., RB), Travon Alston (Sr., WR), Raheem Cuyler (Sr., WR). Troy Haynes (Sr., DB), Isaiah Byrd (Jr., LB). THE WORD: Leesburg welcomed Mark Oates as the new head coach last season, which he replaced Doug Allison who went 6-14 in the two previous seasons. The Yellow Jackets saw immediate change with the program, including on the field results. Leesburg picked up two more wins than the previous season and head into the fall aiming to get above the .500 mark. Several key senior starters graduated from last year’s club, including quarterback Wyatt Rector and linemen Dallas Clark and Christian Gonzalez. The Yellow Jackets will be breaking in some new players on the offensive end of the ball, with newbies AJ Graham starting at quarterback senior Jatavian Solomon likely seeing an increased workload in the backfield.

LEGACY CHARTER SCHOOL EAGLES (IND.)

2017 RECORD: 4-5 THE COACH: Jarrett Wiggers THE PLAYERS: Dallas Powell (Sr., RB), Zach Stanley (Sr.,

DL), Julian Fletcher (Jr., RB), Trent Phillips (Jr., WR), Jacob Worley (Jr., QB). THE WORD: After what looked to possibly be a disaster of a season for Legacy Charter School turned into a nearly .500 one for the Eagles. Jarrett Wiggers’ team opened up the 2017 season with five straight losses before ending the campaign on a four-game winning streak, which included wins over Central Florida Christian Academy (37-0 win), First Academy (52-28 win), Shorecrest Prep (28-21 win) and Ocala Christian (41-6 win). Now the Eagles would like to take the momentum from the second half of last season into the start of this fall, as they return several key components to the team and that includes junior quarterback Jacob Worley.

LIBERTY CHARGERS (7A-5)

2017 RECORD: 4-6 THE COACH: Brandon Pennington THE PLAYERS: Donavin Johnson (Sr., RB), Jaelen Ray (Sr.,

QB), Elejah Nejad (Sr., DB), Marcus Lindor (Sr., DB), Emundo Maldonado (So., DL). THE WORD: Former UCF and NFL wide receiver Doug Gabriel’s time at Liberty lasted just one mere season after taking over for Cory Johns, who is now at Nature Coast Technical. Gabriel was asked to step down after the Eagles’ final regular season game, a 67-0 win over Lake Region, and the former NFL’er was taken by surprise with the news. Liberty has appointed former St. Cloud assistant coach Brandon

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Pennington as the school’s next head coach and he’ll have some solid weapons on the offensive side of the football. Running back Donavin Johnson will need to replace King Perry, who rushed for over 700 yards last season. Good news is quarterback Jaelen Ray, who threw for over 2,000 yards in his junior campaign, is back under center.

LYMAN GREYHOUNDS (8A-2)

2017 RECORD: 4-6 THE COACH: Dennis Thomas THE PLAYERS: Vincent Thomas (Sr., RB), Kaleb Womack

(Sr., RB), Nate Jefferson (Sr., WR), Brandon Cherenfant (Sr., LB), Javon Nelson (Sr., LB), Justin Zessin (Sr., DB). THE WORD: Lyman has to overcome the loss of a big senior class graduating, with several key starters on both sides of the ball now gone. Dennis Thomas was able to lead his Greyhounds to one more victory than in 2016 and his expectations are to continue to the upward trend. The Greyhounds were one of the top rushing teams in the area, as Lyman averaged around 250 yards per game and have a couple running backs returning to handle the rock. 2017’s leading rusher Vincent Thomas returns after rushing for 777 yards last year. He’ll be joined by fellow senior Kaleb Womack, who will see a lot more time in the backfield. Last year’s leading receiver Nate Jefferson also returns after catching 29 passes for 750 yards last fall.

MAINLAND BUCCANEERS (6A-13)

2017 RECORD: 9-4 THE COACH: Scott Wilson THE PLAYERS: Shawn Daffin (Sr., TE), Deandre McMillion

(Sr., RB), Da’Onte Ireland (Sr., LB), KJ Brathwhite (Sr., ATH), Tyler Christlieb (Sr., OL), John Endara (Sr., OL), Jonathan Richard (Jr., WR). THE WORD: Mainland reloading is where most high school football programs would like to be at as the Buccaneers were able to reach the Class 6A postseason once again before falling to Carol City in the region semifinals. Scott Wilson’s group will have to follow that motto of ‘not rebuilding, just reloading’ again this fall, as his Buccaneers have to replace a number of senior starters from last season on both sides of the ball. The quarterback situation remains unsettled heading into the summer, but whomever is under center will have a bevy of options to throw to. Returning out wide is 6-3 tight end Shawn Daffin and junior wide receiver Jonathan Richard. The defense is very experienced, with returning senior linebacker Da’Onte Ireland leading the front seven.

MASTER’S ACADEMY EAGLES (IND.)

2017 RECORD: 5-4 THE COACH: Jermel Jones THE PLAYERS: Matthew Gillis (Sr., QB), Mossett Matthews

(Sr., RB), Nick Doyle (Sr., LB), Zack Rodriguez (Jr., S/RB). THE WORD: A smooth start to the regular season in 2017 ended up turning into a disappointing 2-4 record the rest of the way for the Eagles. After a solid 48-6 win against Lake Mary Prep in the preseason, Master’s Academy followed that up with wins against Ocala Christian (54-7 win), Bell Creek Academy (63-12 win) and Orangewood Christian (32-30 win). Jermel Jones and staff will have to find creative ways to keep the team engaged for the entire regular season. The Eagles’ backfield remains fairly intact, with senior Mossett Matthews and junior two-way starter Zack Rodriguez both slated to return. Back at quarterback is senior Matthew Gillis.

MATANZAS PIRATES (6A-13)

2017 RECORD: 6-4 THE COACH: Don Matthews THE PLAYERS: Trenton Steward (Sr., ATH), Jacob Miley

(Sr., WR), Branden Gilyard (Sr., DB), Seaton Waldhauer (Sr., OL), Corey VanDyke (So., LB). THE WORD: Make that back-to-back playoff appearances for the Pirates. It took Robert Ripley just three seasons to get Matanzas to the playoffs, making the program’s first appearance back in 2016 and they were able to repeat the feat last season. Though Matanzas fell in the opening round of the playoffs in a 33-0 loss to Miami Northwestern, the Pirates are hungry to make it three postseason berths in a row and they have the firepower to make it happen once more. The Pirates will have to do it under new coach Don Matthews, who replaces Ripley as lead man. The team’s top threat on offense remains athlete Trenton Steward, who could see time all over the field on offense, including at the quarterback position.

MOUNT DORA HURRICANES (4A-2)

2017 RECORD: 5-4 THE COACH: Chris Stephenson THE PLAYERS: Austin Berg (Sr., WR), Tyler Schwarz (Sr.,

QB), Paxton Ellison (Sr., ATH), Sean King (Sr., DL), Isayah Hatter (Jr., RB). THE WORD: Mount Dora has plenty of returning talent on both sides of the football as they hope to build off the 5-4 record from 2017. The Hurricanes will have to rebuild the secondary, however, with the graduations of defensive backs Tommy Jeckovich and Caleb Vea. Stephenson’s squad was once again in the hunt for a spot in the postseason in Class 4A, District 2 and have a solid core to work with. Quarterback Tyler Schwarz returns under center for Mount Dora after throwing for 1,797 yards and 19 touchdowns last season. Austin Berg is back as Schwarz’s top target at receiver, with running back Isayah Hatter also returning after rushing for 829 yards last fall.

MOUNT DORA CHRISTIAN BULLDOGS (IND.)

2017 RECORD: 9-1 THE COACH: Kolby Tackett THE PLAYERS: Jesiah Pierre (Sr., LB/RB), Antonio Wyckoff

(Sr., OL/DL), Kevin Davina (Jr., QB), Tyler Allen (Jr., RB), Ryan Wilson (So., OL). THE WORD: Kolby Tackett was been handed the keys to Mount Dora Christian and he’s got the Bulldogs back to their consistent winning ways after a 9-1 season in 2017. The Bulldogs now know how to win week-to-week, but are looking to sustain that with no let down in 2018 and Tackett shouldn’t have any problem replicating the success. Two-way star Jesiah Pierre is one of the team’s top returning players, with the senior seeing time at running back on offense and linebacker on defense. An important piece to the team’s offense is back with quarterback Kevin Davina heading into his junior year as the starter for the Bulldogs. Look for Tyler Allen to have a big workload in the backfield.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH CUDAS (6A-13)

2017 RECORD: 4-6 THE COACH: John Wilkinson THE PLAYERS: Jaleel McRae (Sr., DB), Einai Carter

(Sr., RB), Zazion Hudson (Sr., WR), Bryce Carter (Sr., LB), Demetric McCoy (Sr., DB), Antonio Mascote (Jr., RB), Dadrian Wood (Jr., DB). THE WORD: Back-to-back 4-6 campaigns for the Cudas had been the story for previous head coach Kevin Hubbard but New Smyrna Beach will be doing it under a new head coach. Former Cocoa coach John Wilkinson takes over as the school’s next head coach, as he replaces Hubbard who went 14-16 during his three seasons as the Cudas’ lead guy. Wilkinson did incredible work as the head coach at Cocoa, as he was the school’s coach for 13 seasons and led the Tigers to four state championships and racked up an impressive record of 143-27 during that span. Wilkinson led the Tigers back to the 2017 Class 4A final against Jacksonville Bolles, but coming up short. New Smyrna Beach with the addition of Wilkinson should be considered as a team to watch in Class 6A.

OAK RIDGE PIONEERS (8A-5)

2017 RECORD: 4-6 THE COACH: Clint Johnson THE PLAYERS: Malik Davis (Sr., QB), Colin Hamilton (Sr.,

WR), Darius Wyatt (Jr., LB), Blake Raymond (Jr., OL/DL). THE WORD: Clint Johnson was back in familiar territory, having taken over a program that he was an assistant coach of in 2015. In Johnson’s first go around as the Pioneers’ lead man, Oak Ridge was able to post a 4-6 record but saw some improvement despite having the same record in 2016. The Pioneers will be held bent to try and reach the postseason this year, as they feature several key players back on both sides of the football and should be a contender in Class 8A, District 5. Amongst those back for Oak Ridge includes quarterback Malik Davis, who threw for 1,564 yards and 20 touchdowns a year ago.

OCOEE KNIGHTS (7A-4)

2017 RECORD: 1-9 THE COACH: Aaron Sheppard THE PLAYERS: Nassir Carter (Sr., LB), Chris Benton (Sr.,

RB/LB), Matt Hogan (Sr., OL/DL), Jeremiah Fails (Sr., WR/ DB), Kendall Bohler (Sr., WR/DB). THE WORD: Ocoee welcomes in its fourth head coach in five years as Aaron Sheppard takes over the program from Jason Boltus, who lasted just one season at Ocoee. Boltus ended up going 1-9 in his only season as the Knights’ head coach and resigned from the position in November. It took only a month for Ocoee’s administration to tab the school’s next head coach in Sheppard, who led Fort Pierce’s Westwood High School to the postseason the past couple seasons. The Knights are just a couple years removed from a seven-win season, so the talent pool should be there for a quick turnaround under Sheppard this fall.

OLYMPIA TITANS (8A-5)

2017 RECORD: 6-5 THE COACH: Travis Gabriel THE PLAYERS: Taelson Jean (Sr., RB/LB), Justin Duffy (Sr.,

LB), Jakari Ross (Sr., OL/DL), Garrett Velin (Jr., QB), Bryce Turner (So., LB). THE WORD: Kyle Hayes was dismissed as Olympia’s head coach back in December after failing to get any further past the region quarterfinals the last two seasons. The Titans notched a pair of 6-5 seasons the last two years, but expectations by the school’s administration are much higher than that and has led them to appointing Travis Gabriel as the next head coach. The former Boone defensive coordinator becomes the school’s fifth head coach in Olympia’s 17-year history and the 39-year old is being tabbed to get the Titans beyond the region quarterfinals. Olympia’s top returners on the offensive side of the football is quarterback Garrett Velin, who replaces Joe Milton from last year. The linebacking corps is arguably the team’s strongest unit, with Taelson Jean, Justin Duffy and sophomore Bryce Turner all back in the fold.

ORANGEWOOD CHRISTIAN RAMS (IND.)

2017 RECORD: 8-3 THE COACH: Bill Gierke THE PLAYERS: Kyle Bowman (Sr., TE/DB), Troy McPeak (Sr.,

RB/LB), Daniel Nieves (Jr., QB), Kenny Brown (Jr., RB/DL). THE WORD: After a 2-9 season in 2016, legendary coach Bill Gierke and the Rams were able to bounce back in 2017. An impressive 8-3 season and wins coming against teams like Cocoa Beach (28-7 win), First Academy (47-12 win) and Faith Christian (41-21 win) helped Orangewood Christian

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CENTRAL

find success last year. Despite a solid crop of seniors departing due to graduation, the Rams still retain many of the key players that contributed last season, which includes senior running back/linebacker Troy McPeak and junior running back/defensive lineman Kenny Brown. Both players will need to be paramount on both side of the football if the Rams look to duplicate 2017’s eight wins.

ORLANDO CHRISTIAN PREP WARRIORS (IND.)

2017 RECORD: 6-4 THE COACH: Guerschom Demosthenes THE PLAYERS: Arnell Walker (Sr., DB), Malik Tolbert (Sr.,

WR/FS), Connor Edel (Sr., QB), Jalen Carr (Sr., RB), Gabriel Tejada (Jr., ATH). THE WORD: Following another 2-2 start to the year like 2016, Orlando Christian Prep was able to rattle off four wins in their final six games. The Warriors picked up victories against Seffner Christian (35-21 win), Master’s Academy (27-0 win) and Holy Trinity Episcopal (41-8 win). All three victories were crucial to Orlando Christian Prep being able to finish above the .500 mark last season. The Warriors have some key skill players back, including defensive back Arnell Walker and senior Malik Tolbert, who will contribute at wide receiver and free safety.

OSCEOLA KOWBOYS (8A-7)

2017 RECORD: 10-1 THE COACH: Doug Nichols THE PLAYERS: Kiyantae Harrison (Sr., LB), Malachi Wilson

(Sr., DB), Davon Wells (Jr., QB), Dwayne McGee (Jr., RB). THE WORD: The Kowboys lost a heartbreaker in the second round of the 2017 playoffs, losing to Dr. Phillips 17-13, the team’s only loss of the year. One thing Osceola does not worry about is having to rebuild, they focus on reloading the roster. The Kowboys lost running backs Malcolm Davidson and Jakobe Thomas due to graduation, but return junior Dwayne McGee to the backfield. The Kowboys also have a new quarterback in place in junior Davon Wells, who took limited snaps under center last year.

OVIEDO LIONS (8A-2)

2017 RECORD: 6-4 THE COACH: Matt Dixon THE PLAYERS: Morgan Mitchell (Sr., QB), Carter Berkoben

(Sr., OL), Markell Lewis (Sr., DB), Jeremiah Henry (Jr., DL), Keonte Coffie (Jr., RB). THE WORD: Landing Matt Dixon as the school’s head coach paid dividends early, as the program has already seen a two-win improvement in just one season. Many around the school are excited to see what Year 2 has in store at Oviedo and Dixon will have one of the more talented rosters the team has had in recent memory. Dixon will return his starting quarterback in Morgan Mitchell, who has thrown for 4,089 yards and 29 touchdowns in his high school career. He’ll be joined in the backfield by running back Keonte Coffie, who rushed for 1,588 yards and scored 11 touchdowns.

PIERSON TAYLOR WILDCATS (1A-8)

2017 RECORD: 7-3 THE COACH: Antuarn Williams THE PLAYERS: Jaden Reeves (Sr., RB), Kamiron Hill (Sr.,

RB), Pablo Andres (Sr., OL), Dawson Beatty (Sr., DB), Alan Munoz (Jr., OL). THE WORD: The Wildcats make sure of one thing: to run the ball effectively. Pierson Taylor rushed for 334 yards per game on the ground and were one of the top rushing teams in central Florida. The experienced offensive line from a year ago, however, has since graduated and players like Alex Rodriguez, Jarod Molve and Ethan Jacoby are gone. Also graduated are running backs Jaquvais Williams and Grant Guyer in the backfield, leaving voids behind the quarterback. No worries, though, for Antuarn Williams and the Wildcats as they have plenty of firepower back on the team. Amongst those coming back is running back Jaden Reeves, who rushed for over 700 yards last fall.

PINE RIDGE PANTHERS (6A-13)

2017 RECORD: 2-9 THE COACH: Kenny Pickens THE PLAYERS: Keith Gutierrez (Sr., RB/LB), Dillon Torres

(Sr., QB), Phillip Johnson (Sr., DB), Daniel Dale (Sr., DL). THE WORD: Pine Ridge brought in alum Kenny Pickens to run the show after a four-year stint as the defensive coordinator at University and the first-year coach had a rough go of it in 2017. The Panthers finished well below the .500 mark, but the bright side for Pine Ridge is the amount of competitive games they were in last fall. Winnable games against DeLand (14-12 loss), Mount Dora (19-12 loss) and Crescent City (49-35 loss) were all positive signs that the Panthers are not far away from competing with Class 6A, District 13.

POINCIANA EAGLES (5A-13)

2017 RECORD: 2-8 THE COACH: Phillip Prior THE PLAYERS: Ben Brown (Sr., OL), Wyatt Adkins (Jr., OL),

Kolton Richards (Jr., QB), Norris Andrew (So., DL). THE WORD: It’s 17 years and counting for the Eagles when it comes to not making the postseason and 2017 ended up becoming the last straw for Poinciana and its marriage with coach Ken Knapczyk. After three seasons at the helm, Knapczyk resigned as the school’s head coach back in November. Taking over the Eagles will be new head coach Phillip Prior, who was a former offensive coordinator at schools like Chiles and Leon in the Tallahassee area. He will be tasked with ending the Eagles’ long playoff drought.

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FLORIDA 2018

SEABREEZE SANDCRABS (6A-13)

2017 RECORD: 4-6 THE COACH: Troy Coke THE PLAYERS: Da’Shaun Hugee (Sr., RB), Devaughn

Broom (Sr., LB), Amarri Davis (Sr., DL), Edon Coma (Jr., OL), Isaiah Shirley (So., WR). THE WORD: Coach Troy Coke returns for his third season at Seabreeze following a 4-6 campaign in Year 2 and was able to bounce back from a dismal first season where he won just one game. The Sandcrabs look to be on their way up, but lose a solid group of graduating seniors including quarterback Brevin Glaze, offensive lineman Andrew Frailey and linebacker Harper Giles. All three were key contributors and Coke has to find their replacements on offense and defense. Likely to be Seabreeze’s go-to-back is senior Da’Shaun Hugee and sophomore Isaiah Shirley could be one to watch for out at wide receiver. 300-pounder Edon Coma shores up an offensive line that’ll need to be one of the best in the area.

SEMINOLE SEMINOLES (8A-2)

2017 RECORD: 9-2 THE COACH: Don Stark THE PLAYERS: Gabe Rodriguez (Sr., OL), Desmond Brown

(Sr., RB), Grayden Krull (Sr., WR), Diautri Robinson (Jr., ATH), Zion Jackson (Jr., WR), Timmy McClain (So., QB). THE WORD: A 54-21 loss to Apopka in the region quarterfinals was how Seminole’s season ended last year. Stark sees his Seminoles having a lot of work to do if they want to come anywhere near the success of the last couple of seasons. Senior offensive lineman Gabe Rodriguez is back up front and should bring veteran leadership to a group breaking in new starters in key positions.

SOUTH LAKE EAGLES (5A-13)

2017 RECORD: 1-9 THE COACH: Mark Woolum THE PLAYERS: Kelly Joiner (Sr., RB), Baylee Heuser (Sr.,

QB), Mile Nafield (Sr., WR), Antonio Chapman (Sr., DL). THE WORD: To say the 2017 season was a tough one for the once proud South Lake program is a major understatement, as the Eagles were only able to squeak out a single win against Liberty to open the season. After that, it was all downhill for Mark Woolum and his bunch, with the Eagles losing nine in a row, including a forfeit losses to Crystal River, Eustis and Ocala Forest. The pieces are there for South Lake’s offense to potentially come alive, as quarterback Baylee Heuser is back with running back Kelly Joiner and top receiver Mile Nafield also in the mix.

SOUTH SUMTER RAIDERS (4A-4)

2017 RECORD: 0-9 THE COACH: Ty Lawrence THE PLAYERS: Ryann Hinton (Sr., OL), Travis Holland (Sr.,

DE), Snoop Jackson (Sr., DB), Trace Smith (Jr., OL). THE WORD: In what became one of the most disappointing seasons the Raiders have faced in quite some time, South Sumter had to endure through the pain of a winless season under Ty Lawrence. The Raiders had plenty of problems across the board throughout the season, from injuries, inexperience and not being able to get opposing team’s offenses off the field. On the defensive line, Lawrence will return senior Travis Holland and on offense, lineman Ryann Hinton is the senior leader in the trenches.

SPRUCE CREEK HAWKS (8A-1)

2017 RECORD: 8-2 THE COACH: Andy Price THE PLAYERS: Hayden Flood (Sr., RB), Deeshari Keith

(Sr., DB), Tyler Berrong (Sr., DL), Phillip Bailey (Sr., QB), Rob Menello (Jr., OL), Patrick Murphy (Jr., OL), Maximus Campbell (Jr., WR/CB). THE WORD: The rise of the Hawks has been steady and it culminated in a playoff berth last season in Class 8A, in which Spruce Creek fell in the region quarterfinals to Winter Park, 42-14. Despite the playoff loss, the Hawks will be able to build off from the experience and have the talent to make a return trip, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Returning as the team’s top target at receiver is junior Maximus Campbell, who played a big role in the passing game last year, and running back Hayden Flood, who is back for his senior campaign.

ST. CLOUD BULLDOGS (7A-5)

2017 RECORD: 4-6 THE COACH: Bryan Smart THE PLAYERS: Seth Johnson (Sr., ATH), Dezmond Pierce Lacey

(Sr., DB), Tanner Krisle (Sr., LB), Cameron Priester (Jr., QB).

THE WORD: The return of 2,000-yard passer Colt Smith

wasn’t enough for St. Cloud to get back in the playoff picture in 2017. Smith has since graduated and leaves a big void under center for the Bulldogs on offense, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have viable options to turn to. Senior Seth Johnson did a little bit of everything for Bryan Smart last season, including rushing for over 100 yards and surpassing 700 yards receiving. With graduations all over the board on offense, expect Johnson to be the focal point. The defense should be a solid unit, with senior defensive back Dezmond Peirce Lacey patrolling the secondary and Tanner Krisle back to help out St. Cloud’s front seven.

TAVARES BULLDOGS (5A-13)

2017 RECORD: 4-6 THE COACH: Scott Armatti THE PLAYERS: Chris Thompson (Sr., QB), Taylor Lunsford (Sr.,

WR), BryTavion Jackson (Jr., MLB), Javaris McMillan (So., ATH).

THE WORD: It may have been just a two-win improvement

from 2016 to 2017 for Tavares, but Scott Armatti has the

Bulldogs heading in the right direction after winning only one game in 2015. Tavares has been steadily climbing the win column ladder the past three seasons and now are on the cusp of hovering around the .500 mark heading into the 2018 campaign. The Bulldogs will need to focus their team around the strengths and on defense it will start with junior middle linebacker BryTavion Jackson. The hard hitter played a lot in his sophomore season and bolsters a strong front seven for Tavares.

THE VILLAGES BUFFALO (4A-4)

2017 RECORD: 5-5 THE COACH: Richard Pettus THE PLAYERS: Nate Williams (Sr., RB), Marcus Wright (Jr.,

WR), Kemyus Mannuel (Jr., DB), Mac Harris (Jr., QB), Corey Goldwire (So., RB). THE WORD: The Buffalo slipped to 3-7 in 2016, but were able to bounce back from the disappointing season and go 5-5 last fall. With The Villages getting closer to being a team that could contend for a playoff spot in Class 4A, District 4, the Buffalo now have their sights set on getting above the .500 mark with plenty of returning talent on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Mac Harris is back for his junior season after starting as a sophomore. More will be put upon Harris’ shoulders to get the Buffalo going on the offensive end. The backfield is set with returning running backs Nate Williams and Corey Goldwire.

TIMBER CREEK WOLVES (8A-3)

2017 RECORD: 3-7 THE COACH: Jimmy Buckridge THE PLAYERS: Caleb Blake (Sr., DB), Peter Hayes-Patrick

(Sr., RB), Brendan Lightsey (Sr., CB), Nick Jackson (Sr., DL), Ian Reilly (Jr., QB). THE WORD: One thing that will be a big positive for Timber Creek is the bulk of its offense is back for 2018, as the Wolves return many of the key starters from 2017 including quarterback Ian Reilly, who got valuable playing time as a sophomore, and running back Peter Hayes-Patrick. Hayes-Patrick was the top player on the Wolves offense last season, rushing for over 1,000 yards in his junior season. Goal is this time, however, to equate the solid offensive numbers into victories, as Timber Creek was only able to pull off three wins last fall.

TRINITY PREP SAINTS (3A-3)

2017 RECORD: 8-2 THE COACH: Mike Kruczek THE PLAYERS: Spencer Fetter (Sr., QB), Jackson Soapes

(Sr., OL), Michael Evans (Sr., WR), Dylan Norman (Jr., OL), Tommy Tight (Jr., WR). THE WORD: It was a flip of the regular season records for the Saints from 2016 to 2017, as Trinity Prep went from a 2-8 team to 8-2 record. Everything starts with the offense and the play of quarterback Spencer Fetter, who led an offense that averaged 297 yards a game in 2017. Fetter threw for 2,917 yards and 32 touchdowns last fall and is expected to aim for a 3,000-yard plus season and close in on the 35-touchdown mark. He will be surrounded by a very talented core of skill players, including wide receivers Michael Evans and junior Tommy Tight, who had over 300 yards receiving a year ago. The offensive line is big up front, with 300-pounders in senior Jackson Soapes and junior Dylan Norman.

UMATILLA BULLDOGS (4A-4)

2017 RECORD: 1-7 THE COACH: Ryan Mills THE PLAYERS: Glen Register (Sr., QB/K), Blake Traylor (Sr.,

LB), Michael Conover (Sr., DL), Tysen Coates (Jr., WR/DB). THE WORD: The Bulldogs finally ended the winless drought and defeated First Academy 55-7 in their home opener. The team, unfortunately, was not able to muster another win. Umatilla is now 1-18 in its last couple of seasons and hopes it can find a way to inch themselves a little closer to the .500 mark this fall. The front seven for Ryan Mills and crew should be the team’s strong suit, with seniors Blake Traylor and Michael Conover returning at linebacker and defensive tackle, respectively.

UNIVERSITY TITANS – ORANGE CITY (8A-2)

2017 RECORD: 5-4 THE COACH: Brian Kells THE PLAYERS: Thomas Schiffman (Sr., OL/DL), Jalyx Hunt

(Sr., DB), Eric Hartless (Jr., TE), Kyle Metiam (Jr., RB). THE WORD: Coach Brian Kells has compiled a 29-10 record in four seasons with the Titans and University took a dip in the win column from the 2016 campaign, as they won eight games that year. Heading into this fall, the Titans are aiming to get back into the thick of things in Class 8A, District 2 and despite losing some graduating seniors like quarterback Cody Braden and running back Lorenzo Lingard, University should have a myriad of weapons on offense and defense. The offensive line will be headed up by senior Trevor Gregory, who was a standout last season as a junior starter.

UNIVERSITY COUGARS – ORLANDO (8A-3)

2017 RECORD: 2-8 THE COACH: Derrick Warren THE PLAYERS: Devoe Thomas (Sr., RB/LB), Jordan Torres

(Sr., LB), Luis Valdez (Sr., OL/LB), Derek Santos (So., DL). THE WORD: It has been a rough go of it for Derrick Warren and his staff, as the Cougars have gone 3-17 in the last two seasons but they are hoping to finally turn things around in 2018. The Cougars had a sizable graduating class in 2017 and have plenty of voids to fill on both sides of the football. The defensive side of the ball will be strong in the front seven, as the Cougars return plenty of experienced

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linebackers. Seniors Devoe Thomas and Jordan Torres are a couple players that should see plenty of time at linebacker for University.

WEST ORANGE WARRIORS (8A-4)

WARNER CHRISTIAN EAGLES (2A-3)

Tyler Jones (Jr., DB), Lexan Coleman (Jr., OL/DL), Daniel Harrington (Jr., DL). THE WORD: The Warriors are back to their winning ways under the watch of head coach Bob Head, but West Orange has to fill voids all over the field due to graduation and the Warriors could be faced with another rebuilding season. All starts with the quarterback position for West Orange, as they welcome back 6-5 signal caller Cyr Brenden to the lineup. The tall, poised quarterback should bring some continuity to an offense that will need to stay on the field and keep the Warriors in games throughout the fall.

2017 RECORD: 2-7 THE COACH: Christopher Green THE PLAYERS: Carlos Smith (Sr., WR), Marvin Scott (Jr.,

RB), Travis Hubbert (So., MLB), Tyshawn Blount (So., ATH). THE WORD: Getting back to the basics is the key for a once proud Warner Christian program that has totaled just five wins in the last two years. The Eagles have to maximize their ability as long as they have running back Marvin Scott on offense, as the fleet-footed tailback has been immeasurable in terms of importance to Warner Christian’s offense. Scott is a 1,000-yard threat every season and remains the Eagles go-to-guy on offense.

WEKIVA MUSTANGS (8A-4)

2017 RECORD: 12-2 THE COACH: Rich Bedesem THE PLAYERS: Tyler Davis (Sr., OL/DL), Malcolm Green

(Sr., DB), Brandon Hill (Sr., SS), Rian Dain (Sr., OLB), Terrance Moore (Sr., WR), Solomon Edgerton (Sr., RB). THE WORD: Wekiva fell just short of reaching the state championship game in 2017. The Mustangs had their magical run end against Dr. Phillips at home in a 28-7 loss. The loss to this day remains in the minds of anyone who was on Wekiva’s roster last season and the goal remains to get back to the postseason and make another deep run. It’ll start with the Mustangs’ stiff defense, which is led by a very talented secondary in seniors Malcolm Green and Brandon Hill. The offense has some solid pieces back in the fold, with running back Solomon Edgerton and wide receiver Terrance Moore returning.

2017 RECORD: 7-4 THE COACH: Bob Head THE PLAYERS: Cyr Brenden (Jr., QB), Nemea Hall (Jr., RB),

WILDWOOD WILDCATS (IND.)

2017 RECORD: 8-1 THE COACH: McKinley Rolle THE PLAYERS: Demarlon Lollar (Sr., ATH), Devin Pinkard

(Jr., RB), CJ Williams (Jr., OL/DL), Oscene Mikell (So., QB). Devin Allen (So., LB). THE WORD: First-year head coach McKinley Rolle’s dreams of taking Wildwood from the bottom of the bunch and resurrecting a once-proud program that claimed state championships in the 1960s and 1970s might be coming to fruition faster than he could’ve ever imagined. Rolle took a winless Wildcats team from the 2016 season and led Wildwood to an impressive 8-1 campaign last fall as an independent squad. While the Wildcats can’t compete for a state crown in a classification, the Wildcats are still on the right path under Rolle and could be on the way to an undefeated season in 2018.

WINDERMERE PREP LAKERS (IND.)

2017 RECORD: 10-1 THE COACH: Jacob Doss THE PLAYERS: Kai Patterson (Sr., QB), Jared Blount (Sr.,

OL), Mason Russell (Sr., FB/LB), Blake Stillwell (Jr., WR). THE WORD: Can anyone in the independent circuit stop Windermere Prep? The Lakers have been a near

unstoppable force in the Sunshine State Athletic Conference, although they did come up short in their bid for the conference’s championship. Windermere Prep fell 49-21 to Saint Stephen’s Episcopal in the SSAC’s championship contest, but the Lakers have many of the weapons returning this season. Quarterback Kai Patterson has been one of the best kept secrets in the central Florida region, as the signal caller is back for his senior season with the Lakers and is poised to put up big numbers this 2018 campaign.

WINTER PARK WILDCATS (8A-3)

2017 RECORD: 12-1 THE COACH: Tim Shifflet THE PLAYERS: Cullen Honohan (Sr., WR/S), Xylon Chat-

man (Sr., LB), Paul Coutinho (Sr., FB/TE), Gino English (Sr., QB). THE WORD: Cameron LeGree no longer headlines the Wildcats’ offense and that’s one of biggest questions heading into this 2018 season for Winter Park: Who will start at quarterback for Tim Shifflet? The Wildcats would like to keep its success on the field ongoing, as they’re an impressive 21-5 over the last two seasons and filling the void under center is key. Getting the nod for Winter Park most likely will be senior Gino English, who saw time in five games last season for the Wildcats. Through the minimal amount of playing time English was able to attain, the junior completed 15-of-24 passes for 260 yards. He’ll have some weapons back to throw to, with senior Cullen Honohan and tight end Paul Coutinho both returning.

WINTER SPRINGS BEARS (8A-2)

2017 RECORD: 0-10 THE COACH: Steve Mikles THE PLAYERS: Marquel Robinson (Sr., WR), Kimly Menard

(Sr., TE), Luke Morgan (Jr., QB), Keshon Brown (Jr., DB). THE WORD: Winter Springs stumbled once again in 2017 in Curtis Smith’s third and final season as the head coach of the Bears. Smith resigned as the school’s coach after finishing 6-24 in three seasons at Winter Springs. The Bears hired former Hagerty defensive coordinator Steve Mikles as the next head coach and he’ll be tasked with turning around a program that is in the midst of a 14-game losing streak.

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BIG BEND

FLORIDA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

Big Bend PLAYOFF TEAMS ABOUND IN 2018

IG BEND-AREA TEAMS FLOURISHED UNDER the playoff format implemented last season: 17 of 29 teams qualified. The Class 1A championship pitted Blountstown against Madison County. Class 7A was the lone class in which the region was hurt: Only Lincoln advanced instead of the guaranteed two schools under the old format. Expect Year 2 of the format to be similar. In Class 1A, eight area teams dominated the 16-team playoff field. State champion Madison County must replace its skill-position players while Blountstown, Chipley and Holmes County must rebuild their lines. Port St. Joe is, perhaps, best positioned with a large senior class, a significant number of returning starters and new coach Greg Jordan, who guided Blountstown for the past decade. Jordan’s move highlights the six offseason coaching moves in the region, meaning nearly half of the area’s programs have coaches hired since the end of the 2016 season. Both area college-affiliated high schools, Florida State University School (3A) and FAMU Developmental Research School (2A), reached the playoffs last year and appear poised for deep runs this season. Both have veteran, seniorladen rosters. FAMU has the makings of one of the area’s best defenses. Class 5A promises the most intrigue. All three schools – Wakulla, Godby and Rickards – made the playoffs. Godby and Rickards have large senior classes, but Wakulla has

Greg Jordan PORT ST. JOE

BEST IN THE REGION 1. Top 5 Teams ■■ Wakulla ■■ Godby ■■ Lincoln ■■ FSU School ■■ FAMY DRS

2. Player to Watch ■■ Kelvin Dean

Wakulla High School should lead the rush of Big Bend-area playoff teams. Photo/Tampa Bay Times

3. Sleeper Player ■■ Ahmari Harvey

a more equal dispersal of all-star-caliber talent across the position groups. So the team in this class that went the furthest in last year’s playoffs has fewer weak spots. The area’s three biggest schools are looking to rebound. Chiles was the only one with a winning record, but missed the playoffs. Lincoln reached the second round but still finished below .500. Both Chiles and Lincoln have skill-position players and enough talent returning to believe the playoffs are realistic goals.

4. Team on the Rise ■■ Jefferson County

5. Best Atmosphere ■■ Madison County

6. Game of the Year ■■ Godby at Wakulla

Raymond Woodie III FSU SCHOOL THE UNEXPECTED HIGH

THE REGION’S BIGGEST COACHing move this offseason was all of 50 miles on State Road 71. Veteran coach Greg Jordan left his alma mater, Blountstown, after 12 seasons, 11 playoff appearances and a 105-39 record (113-42 career) to take over a program with an even greater tradition of recent success: the Port St. Joe Sharks. The move came less than two months after he guided Blountstown to its second state-runner-up finish of his tenure. “There is never an easy time, but for us the time was right,” Jordan told WJHG-TV in January. “It was hard decision to leave, but it was an easy choice to come to Port St. Joe.” Jordan replaces John Palmer, who stepped down because of health concerns after 11 seasons (2001-2007 and 201417) and a 95-40 record. Port St. Joe is coming off 8-4 (2017) and 6-4 (2016) seasons after reaching the state final in 2015. The Sharks have won four state championships (1971, 1984, 2005 and 2014) in addition to a six-man football title in 1941. The 1984 title came in Class 2A; the other three came in Class 1A. Jordan inherits a senior-laden squad that is built to make a serious run at adding to its state trophy case. Almost all of its skill-position players return.

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FLORIDA 2018

school journey of Raymond Woodie III comes to an end in Tallahassee. The question remains whether his collegiate career begins there. The son of Florida State linebackers coach Raymond Woodie Jr. is expected to play for Florida State University School (Florida High) after transferring from Sheldon (Eugene, Ore.) during the winter. He will have suited up for four schools in his four years of high schools. His moves largely matched his father’s: Raymond Woodie Jr. has work at the University of South Florida, Oregon and Florida State. Regardless, Woodie III is a four-star prospect as a defensive back who ranks among the state’s top 50 recruits. College programs love his length and his physicality.

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AUCILLA CHRISTIAN WARRIORS (2A)

FLORIDA ST. UNIVERSITY SCHOOL SEMINOLES (3A)

(Sr., OL/DL), Andrew Burrus (Sr., WR/LB), Dillon Stowers (Sr., WR/DB), Blake Wirick (Sr., RB), Evan Courtney (Sr., LB), Brady Browning (So., QB). THE WORD: Something interesting may be brewing in Monticello. Four sophomores and eight juniors are expected to return from last year’s program, which despite being a young, inexperienced squad nearly finished with a winning record. Evan Courtney and Blake Wirick are part of a small senior class, which bodes even better for the 2019 season. Wirick earned honorable mention status for the all-state team for his 155-carry, 1,201-yard, 14-TD effort last season. Courtney anchors the defense at linebacker.

ATH), Jolan Gilley (Sr., DL), Anthony Belton (Sr., OT), Rudy Blas (Sr., LB), Cordell Clay (Sr., CB), Javan Morgan (Sr., CB), T.J. Rosier (Sr., LB), Travis Green (Sr., DE), Raymond Woodie III (Sr., S). THE WORD: Combine a large pool of experienced skill-position players, an athletic senior class and 14 returning starters (20 letter winners) and it is easy to see why the Seminoles have high expectations. Linebackers Rudy Blas and T.J. Rosier and corners Javan Morgan (55 tackles, 4 INTs) and Cordell Clay give Hickman the chance to field a senior-dominated defense. For the third season, the offense is in the hands of Bryson Hill (157 comp., 2,077 yards, 57 comp. pct.), who is also the team’s leading returning rusher. Morgan is the leading returning receiver. Ahmari Harvey will be a key player to watch. He had 94 tackles, including 70 solo, to go with three interceptions as a freshman. And senior safety Raymond Woodie III (6-1, 192), who transferred in over the winter, instantly ranked among the state’s top 50 prospects.

2017 RECORD: 4-4 THE COACH: Colby Roberts THE PLAYERS: Levi Stafford (Sr., WR/DL), Ayush Patel

BLOUNTSTOWN TIGERS (1A)

2017 RECORD: 11-2 THE COACH: Beau Johnson THE PLAYERS: Trent Peacock (Sr., QB), Kentrell Lawson

(Sr., LB), Trevon Smith (Jr., ATH), Carson Hatchett (Jr., OL), Trent Smith (Sr., RB). THE WORD: After three seasons a defensive coordinator, Johnson takes over as the Tigers aim for their third state final appearance in six seasons (2013, 2017). The key will be line play. The Tigers will have four new offensive line starters, building around Hatchett (6-2, 240), but the run game is well-stocked. Johnson plans to run the wishbone with Peacock (6-0, 175), a dual-threat quarterback who completed 69 percent of his passes for 1,215 yards and ran for 480 yards. Trevon Smith (6-1, 180) produced 664 rushing yards, 233 receiving yards and 240 return yards. Every defensive line starter in the 3-4 alignment will be new although five starters on that side return. Lawson, who finished with 132 tackles, is expected to anchor the defense.

CHILES TIMBERWOLVES (7A-1)

2017 RECORD: 6-4, 1-1 THE COACH: Kevin Pettis THE PLAYERS: Garrett Greene (Jr., QB), Tyler Keltner (Sr.,

K), Bryant McKnight (Sr., DB), Sam Neely (Sr., C), Tyrique Paramore (Jr., RB). THE WORD: Chiles’ success does not depend solely on Garrett Greene, a true dual-threat at quarterback, taking another step forward. But he will be a big key. He ran for 889 yards and passed for 535 a season ago. With a year of experience, look for his passing percentage to improve even though Chiles must replace the receiver corps. The second run option, Tyrique Paramore (98436) also returns. Elsewhere, Chiles will be a young team. More sophomores (25) than seniors (15) are on the preseason roster.

CHIPLEY TIGERS (1A)

2017 RECORD: 8-4 THE COACH: Blake Wilson THE PLAYERS: Andrew Lawton (Sr., DB), Zac Wilson (Sr.,

RB/LB), Caden George (Sr., DT), Steven Sanders (Jr., C/T), Amari Carswell (Jr., T), Jamison Spencer (Sr., DB). THE WORD: Andrew Lawton (168 carries, 1,129 yards) provided half of a powerful 1-2 punch in the backfield last season. He has the spotlight alone entering this season. He is one of seven seniors who were on the spring roster for the young squad. While the defense will feature a number of new faces, the cupboard is far from bare. Linebacker Zac Wilson earned all-state, first-team status with a team-high 151 tackles. Lawton and Jamison Spencer return in the secondary, where they also ranked among the team leaders in tackles. Senior Caden George provides a big presence on the defensive line (6-8, 300 pounds).

COTTONDALE HORNETS (1A)

2017 RECORD: 7-3 THE COACH: Tyler Addison THE PLAYERS: Tyrus Dudley (Sr., DL), Payton Melvin (Sr.,

OL), Dalvin Barnes (Sr., QB/S), Dominique Pittman (Sr., RB), Eriq Hendricks (Sr., DB), Eddie Henderson (Sr., DL), Daniel Maloy (So., OL/DL). THE WORD: Success this season will be built from the lines outward. While 12 letter winners return, only seven starters (4 offensive) do. The veterans are concentrated: Six of the 10 seniors on the spring roster are linemen. Tyrus Dudley (5-11, 290) and Payton Melvin (6-4, 295) anchor the lines. Both are drawing recruiting interest after Dudley recorded 19 tackles for loss last season, and Melvin graded out to 87 percent. Eddie Henderson, a 6-5, 330-pound defensive linemen, is also drawing interest. Dominique Pittman is looking to build off a 1,200-yard, 14-touchdown season in the spread offense. Senior Dalvin Barnes has the inside track at quarterback. On the back end of the 3-4 defense, Eriq Hendricks (40 tackles, 3 INTs) provides reliability.

FAMU BABY RATTLERS (2A)

2017 RECORD: 6-5 THE COACH: Cedric Jones THE PLAYERS: Keyon Pollocks (Sr., DB), Adrelin Robinson

(So., QB), Montae Moore (Sr., DL), Xavier Nelson (Sr., S), Justin Stubbins (So, WR), Daryl Wilson (Sr., RB), Jayshen Lee (Jr., WR), Josiah Barber (Sr., DL), Jalen Randolph (Sr., LB), Terrell Haire (Jr., G/T), Derrick McKinnon (Jr. LB/WR). THE WORD: A repeat of a 5-5 regular season will be a disappointment to the Baby Rattlers, who are loaded – particularly on defense. Start with second-team, all-state lineman Montae Moore (16 sacks, 36 tackles for loss), who didn’t even rank in the top two in tackles a season ago. That honor went to linebacker Jalen Randolph (144 tackles) and safety Xavier Nelson; both are seniors this year. Defensive back Keyon Pollocks also returns off his second-team, all-state caliber season. On offense, sophomore Adrelin Robinson is in line to start at quarterback. The team’s leading rusher, Daryl Wilson, returns as does the No. 2 receiver, Justin Stubbins.

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2017 RECORD: 7-6 THE COACH: Jarrod Hickman THE PLAYERS: Collier Spinosa (Sr., OL), Ahmari Harvey (So.,

FRANKLIN COUNTY SEAHAWKS (1A)

2017 RECORD: 6-4 THE COACH: Tony Yeomans THE PLAYERS: Ethan Riley (Sr., RB), Alex Hardy (Sr., TE/CB),

linebacker this season, and Womble expects a breakout season from junior linebacker Gage Lang. Tyler Lang returns to lead the run-dominant offense out of the wing-T. Almost all of the other ball-handlers will see significant action for the first time.

JEFFERSON COUNTY TIGERS (1A)

2017 RECORD: 4-7 THE COACH: Leroy Smith THE PLAYERS: Da’shon Davis (Sr., WR), Amantez Ford (Sr., OT/

DT), Javion Patrick (Sr., WR), Lazarus Tucker (OL/DL), Le’Vontae Camiel (Jr., DL), Josh Aiken (Sr., QB), Ohija Mashburn (Sr., LB/ OL), Zhyki Price (Sr., WR/DB), Danzell Crumitie (Sr., TE/LB), Brian Crumity (So., OL/DL), Jacquez Hughes (So., ATH). THE WORD: The Tigers are not only eyeing a winning season but also a playoff berth thanks to key returning players throughout the field. The Tigers need to find a quarterback who can get the ball to receiver Da’shon Davis, who is committed to Troy University, and Jacquez Hughes, who made a splash as freshman with seven special teams TDs, two offensive TDs and four interceptions. Le’vontae Camiel and Gekobe Smith give the Tigers foundation pieces on the defensive line. Camiel looks to build on his 14 sacks and six forced fumbles, which helped him earn second-team All-Big Bend area honors. Amantez Ford (281 pounds) and Lazarus Tucker (330) give two big bodies on the offensive line.

JOHN PAUL II PANTHERS (IND)

Rufus Townsend (Sr., RB/ LB), Colton Evans (Sr., LB), Tonnor Segree (Sr., C/DE), Lamarius Martin (So., WR/RB), Javon Pride (QB/RB), Zander McCalpin (Jr., OL/DL), Abner Ramirez (Sr., ATH). THE WORD: Is a playoff appearance at hand? The signs point to yes. A large senior class (15) combines with a number of young players who either gained varsity experience a year ago or are coming off two years of great success on the junior varsity/middle-school level. And two more teams in each region qualify for the playoffs this season. There will be two keys: how well the team improves its tackling and physicality to complement the raw skills of speed and strength.

(Jr., C). Willie Evans (Jr., WR/DB), EC Presnell (Sr., WR/DE). THE WORD: France Green, a veteran assistant in the Tallahassee area who played collegiately for Tulane, steps into the top role after serving as assistant head coach last season. He inherits a small but talented team that is coming off the program’s best season and three consecutive winning seasons. Receivers Queandre Ray and Willie Evans are the top returning receivers. Ray is a cornerstone on defense as a defensive back.

GADSDEN COUNTY JAGUARS (4A)

LEON LIONS (7A-1)

ton (So., DL), Quayae Lewis (Sr., G/DT), James Murray (Sr., FB/MLB), Tyler Howard (Jr., DE), Rolando Jimenez (Sr., K), Ja’heim Knight (Sr., QB), Rayland Moye (So., WR/LB), Koleion Rich (Sr., RB), Shaun Potter (Sr., LB). THE WORD: The primary offseason task for Joseph Striplin and his staff is replacing the skill positions. While Ja’heim Knight gives the Jaguars a dual-threat at quarterback, he and almost all of his receivers and backfield partners will be new. Striplin has a shorter to-do list on defense. Zandavian Atkins and Jerius Charleston have college-career aspirations and give the Jaguars cornerstones throughout the field. Senior Shaun Potter may join them with a repeat of last season’s 66-tackle, 4-sack performance.

RB), Donovan Mobley (Sr., WR), Parker Wilson (Sr., RB), Timari Brown (So., DT), Khamari Brown (So., DE), Abdul Muhammad (Sr., DB/WR), Aaron Baca (Sr., G/C), Jon Lowery (Sr., QB), Jeremiah Brown (So., LB), Miles Sanders (Jr. OLB/DE) THE WORD: The Lions are counting on an improved defense built around the Browns. Sophomores Khamari Brown (6-0, 230) and Timari Brown (6-1, 263) played in every game a year ago and combined for 77 tackles. Sophomore Jeremiah Brown (LB) recorded 37 tackles in seven games. Comparatively, junior Miles Sanders (5-9, 197) is an old man on defense. Senior Abdul Muhammad anchors the secondary. The offense will have a new quarterback under center.

2017 RECORD: 2-7 THE COACH: Joseph Striplin THE PLAYERS: Zandavian Atkins (Sr., CB), Jerius Charles-

GODBY COUGARS (5A-2)

2017 RECORD: 10-2, 2-0 THE COACH: Corey Fuller THE PLAYERS: Cortez Andrews (Sr., S), Kyler Laing (Sr.,

DE), Tarian Lee (Sr., LB), Tony Street (Sr., RB), Kymani Ottley (Jr., OL), Javon Solomon (Sr., DL), Quentin Jones (Sr., G), Kimiri Thomas (Sr., TE), Jordan Wiggins (Sr., OL), Kamari Young (Sr., TE), Macho Arza (Jr., WR). THE WORD: The Cougars have unfinished postseason business after bowing out in the second round. And the ingredients are there with nearly 30 seniors on the roster, plenty of size in the trenches and a talent-laden defense led by the heavily recruited duo of safety Cortez Andrews (6-2, 205) and defensive end Kyler Laing (23 tackles for loss, 15.5 sacks). Laing and offensive guard Quentin Jones (6-3, 320) earned All-Big Bend Area first-team status from the Tallahassee Democrat. On offense, the Cougars need to settle on a quarterback and replace almost all of their receiving corps. But they can always hand off to senior running back Tony Street (114 carries, 812 yards) and rely on a veteran offensive line, anchored by Kymani Ottley (6-4, 220), Jordan Wiggins (6-4, 265) and two veteran tight ends.

GRACEVILLE TIGERS (1A)

2017 RECORD: 1-9 THE COACH: Tommy Roberts THE PLAYERS: Xavian Sorey (So., QB), Damion Robinson

(So., WR), Joseph Claiborne (Sr., RB/LB), Andre Brown (Sr., WR), Cedric Williams (Sr., DB), Gabe Elrod (Sr., DT). THE WORD: The Tigers look poised to restore the roar this season for first-year coach Tommy Roberts even though the schedule includes seven 2017 playoff teams. Causes for optimism start with seven returning starters on both sides of the ball, 25 letter winners and the fact 20 freshman and sophomores in the program last season now have a year of experience on the field and in the weight room. One of those, Xavian Sorey, moves from running back to quarterback (and strong safety) and will take the reins of the spread offense.

HOLMES COUNTY BLUE DEVILS (1A)

2017 RECORD: 7-4 THE COACH: Kevin Womble THE PLAYERS: Jayden Mathis (Sr., LB), Bailey Rich (Sr., OL),

Zaveion Mathews (Sr., ATH), Darrell Powell (Jr., DB), Tyler Lee (Sr., QB), Gage Lang (Jr., FB/LB), Jamin Marks (Sr., C). THE WORD: The Blue Devils’ bid to return to the playoffs and increase their win total for a fourth consecutive season will rest largely in the trenches. The team returns several linemen on both sides of the ball, including seniors Jamin Marks and Bailey Rich, who is a four-year starter. Senior Jayden Mathis moves to middle

2017 RECORD: 8-2 THE COACH: France Green THE PLAYERS: Queandre Ray (Sr., SB/DB), Brenden Deanda

2017 RECORD: 0-10, 0-2 THE COACH: Garrett Jahn THE PLAYERS: Lee Klein (Sr., OG/OT), Antonio Davis (Sr.,

LIBERTY COUNTY BULLDOGS (1A)

2017 RECORD: 1-9 THE COACH: Derek Causseaux THE PLAYERS: Destin Fletcher (Sr., RB), Alex Garcia (Sr., FB),

Caleb Peddie (Sr., C), Blake Clark (Jr., DE), Austin Waller (So., CB).

THE WORD: The Bulldogs are trying to get back to the standard

the program set from 2009-2015 when they won at least seven games every season. Second-year coach Derek Causseaux has some building blocks. Senior Destin Fletcher is the backfield standout; the running back turns around and plays cornerback. Junior fullback Alex Garcia also returns with experience.

LINCOLN TROJANS (7A-1)

2017 RECORD: 5-7, 2-0 THE COACH: Quinn Gray THE PLAYERS: Chris Beard (Jr., QB), Kamari Morales (Sr.,

TE), Marko Skarica (Jr., WR), Jalion Henry (Sr., OL), Jourdan Jones (Sr., LB), Jalon Griffin (Sr., RB), Evan Quigley (Sr., OL). THE WORD: The Trojans have reasons all over the field to think about a long playoff run. Start with tight end Kamari Morales (6-3, 232), a senior who had more than a dozen college offers before spring ball. He is far from the only prospect. Seniors Jalion Henry (6-2, 225) and Evan Quigley (6-2, 280) anchor the offensive line. Henry was a team captain a year ago. They will help Beard, a dual-threat QB who passed for 2,310 yards and 23 TDs and ran for 481 yards last season. Skarica (26 catches, 435 yards, 7 TDs) gives Beard another familiar target. On defense, teams are likely to avoid senior Isaiah Hendley, who ranked second in tackles (88, 66 solo) last year as a defensive back. Senior Jourdan Jones should build on his 55 tackle season.

MACLAY MARAUDERS (2A)

2017 RECORD: 5-5 THE COACH: Lance Ramer THE PLAYERS: Jack Brady (Sr., P), Chukwuma Okoroji (Sr.,

WR/CB), Brecht Heuchan (Jr., QB), A.J. Miller (Jr., RB/CB), Eljin Rhymes (Sr., OL/DL). THE WORD: After a two-year youth movement, a veteran-laden squad harbors playoffs dreams. All but three Marauders who touched the ball last season are scheduled to return. Quarterback Brecht Heuchan is third-year starter. He has thrown for 3,000 yards with a 50-percent completion percentage. Junior A.J. Miller (running back) is a dual threat (606 yards rushing, 223 receiving). Senior Chukwuma Okoroji (wide receiver) is drawing recruiting interest, as is punter Jack Brady. Senior Eljin Rhymes is one of the veterans on the offensive line. Senior Luke Widener and junior Owen Tabah are anchors on defense, which has seven players who appeared in at least nine games returning. Miller was the team’s leading tackler (53).

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MADISON COUNTY COWBOYS (1A)

SNEADS PIRATES (1A)

Zane Herring (Jr., OL), Zac Coe (Jr., OL), Pat Hampton (Sr., DL), Daquarius Thompkins (Sr., WR), Avery Holton (Sr., DT), Jarod Johnson (Sr., WB), Vinsonta Allen (Jr., RB), Rod Johnson (Jr., RB/DB). THE WORD: It is very difficult to repeat as state champions in Florida, but don’t bet against the Cowboys, who have seven oneloss or undefeated seasons in the past 14 years. The defense is loaded and both lines are filled with veterans. Senior all-state cornerback Travis Jay (8 INTs), a Florida State commit, leads the unit. But senior defensive linemen Terray Jones (24 TFL) and Patrick Hampton apply the pressure up front. On the offensive line, juniors Zane Herring and Zac Coe showed potential for high ceilings last season.

Hayes (Sr., DL), Trent Johnston (Sr., LB), Calvin Stringer (So., RB), Alonzo Hill (So., RB), Zach Thomas (So., OL), Ryan Cloud (Sr., DL), Dillon Arnold (Jr., OL). THE WORD: The Pirates look to run their way to success this season behind an experienced offensive line and two sophomore running backs, who started as freshmen a year ago. Coach Bill Thomas reports Calvin Stringer and Alonzo Hill have each added 20 pounds of muscle in the weight room, which will help them in the triple option attack. Their improvement will create more opportunities for Courtavious Garret. Among the eight offensive starters returning are five linemen, led by tackle Zach Thomas, senior center Ryan Cloud and junior Dillon Arnold. Ball security and replacing the secondary are the focal points in the preseason. Jay Nathan Hayes (20 tackles for loss) and Trent Johnson (75 tackles) lead the defense.

2017 RECORD: 14-0 THE COACH: Mike Coe THE PLAYERS: Travis Jay (Sr., CB), Terray Jones (Jr., DT),

MARIANNA BULLDOGS (4A)

2017 RECORD: 5-5 THE COACH: John Donaldson THE PLAYERS: Sean Yowell (Sr., T), Jon Hermann (Sr., LB/

FB), Jacorian Jones (Sr., G/DT), Dayvon Ferguson (Jr., T), Malachi Aydelotte (Jr., RB/LB), Jaden Smith (Jr., FB/CB), Lemonte Baker (Jr., C/NG), Jeremiah Castro (Jr., WR/LB). THE WORD: After breaking an eight-season playoff drought, the Bulldogs are looking for back-to-back trips. They have a great deal to replace, which prompted a backto-fundamentals focus in the spring. However, they can trot out a big line on both sides of the ball, should they choose. And that will give Marianna a chance as it sorts out its skill positions in the early going. Either Tanner Spooner or Ben Wiggins, both juniors, will likely get the nod at quarterback.

MUNROE BOBCATS (2A)

2017 RECORD: 1-9 THE COACH: Joseph Gaddy THE PLAYERS: Michael Starling (Sr., RB), Julian Harrison (Sr.,

ATH), Josh Glynn (Sr., ATH), Steven Burdick (Sr., DL), Jaddon Derrico (Sr., WR), Nathan Bot (Jr., DB), Xavier Gray (So., ATH), Ronald Dickey (So., DL), Tyler Dickey (Fr., TE), Max Reinhard (Sr., WR). THE WORD: A new coach, veteran roster (13 seniors/juniors) and eight returning starters on both sides of the ball give one of the smallest schools in the state that fields a varsity team cause for optimism. Michael Starling (700 all-purpose yards, 71 tackles) leads the skill-position players. Julian “J.R.” Harrison plays multiple positions on both sides of the ball, as do most players on the roster, and handles return duties.

NORTH FLORIDA CHRISTIAN EAGLES (2A)

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2017 RECORD: 8-3 THE COACH: Steve Price THE PLAYERS: Jaxon Giles (Jr., OL), Von Hayes (Sr., DB),

Jon Railey (Jr., RB), Deandrae McCray (So., WR), Quan Myrick (Sr., LB), TJ Ward (Sr., CB), DeAngelo Mitchell (Sr., WR), JD Jerry (Sr., QB), JT Price (So., T/G), Tim Jackson (Jr., C/DT), Lance Neal (Jr., T/NG), Raymond Jackson (Sr., LB). THE WORD: Ten seniors return for a last bid to gain the program’s eighth state title and first since 2011. In addition to the veteran experience, coach Steve Price likes his team’s speed. Both attributes play out at linebacker, in the secondary and at the skill positions. JD Jerry returns at quarterback after missing last year (injury). Jon Railey and Von Hayes rushed for nearly 1,000 yards last year. Hayes, however, excels at defensive back; he received all-state honors last year. Deandrae McCray and DeAngelo Mitchell accounted for the majority of the receiving yards. While the senior class lacks size and linemen, JT Price (6-3, 260), Tim Jackson (6-0, 287) and Lance Neal (6-1, 250) form the cornerstones in the trenches.

PORT ST. JOE SHARKS (1A)

2017 RECORD: 8-4 THE COACH: Greg Jordan THE PLAYERS: Kendre’ Gant (Sr., WR), Payton Edwards

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(Sr., WR), Cam Harmon (Sr., CB), Khayyon Zaccaro (Sr., RB/ DB), Darius Townsend (Sr., DL), Caleb Butts (Sr., LB). THE WORD: Coach Greg Jordan moves the 50 miles south down State Route 71 and brings a history of success with him after winning more than 100 games at Blountstown. He inherits a team that reached the second round of the playoffs last year and boasts a large senior class (approximately 20) ready to take the next step. Those seniors include the skill positions, starting with returning quarterback Josh Butts (883 yards passing, 815 rushing), leading receivers Kendre Gant (434 yards, 22 ypr. avg.) and Cameron Harmon (277, 19.8 ypr. avg.). Harmon and Gant also anchor the defensive secondary. Khayyon Zaccaro, the team’s leading tackler, also returns.

RICKARDS RAIDERS (5A-2)

2017 RECORD: 5-5, 0-2 THE COACH: Quintin Lewis THE PLAYERS: Trevor Solomon-Wilson (Sr., WR/DB), Malik

2017 RECORD: 2-8 THE COACH: Bill Thomas THE PLAYERS: Courtavious Garret (Sr., QB), Jay Nathan

TAYLOR COUNTY BULLDOGS (3A)

2017 RECORD: 8-4 THE COACH: Tanner Jones THE PLAYERS: Max Kallschmidt (Sr., DE/LB), Buddy

McGrew (Jr., RB), Decorian Bellamy (Sr., QB), Zoe Roberts (Jr., WR), Gregory Warf (Sr., OL/DL), Demari Stephens (Jr., WR), Travis Day (Sr., G), Devante Glover (Sr., CB), Kavan Thomas (Sr., LB), Cade Johnson (Sr., LB), Joseph Morgan (Sr., NG), Nathan Hendry (Sr., C). THE WORD: The task during the offseason is to replace 26 graduated seniors that powered the Bulldogs to their best record since 2010. To match that success, a talented core of veterans and the defense will have to lead the way on a squad lacking the depth of past seasons. Decorian Bellamy takes over at quarterback and can look to two returning receivers: Zoe Roberts and Demari Stephens, who is 6-5. Upperclassmen can be found on both lines, starting with Gregory Warf and Travis Day. Running back Buddy McGrew ran for 586 yards and nine touchdowns on 86 carries a year ago.

VERNON YELLOWJACKETS (1A)

2017 RECORD: 4-5 THE COACH: Gerald Tranquille THE PLAYERS: Dyvion Bush (So., QB), Cristian Proctor (Sr.,

Ath), Demetreious Walston (Sr., LB), Joseph Jenkins (Sr., OL), River Basinger (Sr., WR), Tyler Watford (RB, CB). THE WORD: With 12 returning starters, including seven on defense, Vernon is setting its sights on leaving the .500 neighborhood behind. In addition to the returnees, the YellowJackets should benefit from a handful of arrivals via transfer, who are expected to play significant roles. Tranquille sees a better balanced team that, while lacking the play-making ability of last season, will be more comfortable with the offense and defense in its second go-round. Senior two-way lineman Joseph Jenkins is the standout in the trenches. Dyvion Bush passed for 623 yards.

WAKULLA WAR EAGLES (5A-2)

2017 RECORD: 9-3 THE COACH: Scott Klees THE PLAYERS: Keyshawn Greene (Jr., LB), Darius Wilkins

(Sr., OL), Jaylon Worsham (Jr., QB), Hunter Busen (Jr., K), Dorian Allen (Sr., CB), Jeremy Harvey (Sr., CB), Lamonta Peterson (Sr., RB), Jazonte Hicks (Sr., LB). THE WORD: Doubters bet against the War Eagles playing deep into November again at their peril. Wakulla has proven, all-star-caliber talent anchoring almost every position group. Junior linebacker Keyshawn Green, who has committed to Florida State, draws much of the attention. But senior linebacker Jazonte Hicks and two senior cornerbacks, Dorian Allen and Jeremy Harvey, will make teams pay for that preoccupation. On offense, the one-two punch of quarterback Jaylon Worsham (1,559 passing yards, 753 rushing yards) and running back Lamonta Peterson (712 yards, 10 ypc. average) – both juniors – returns. Senior kicker Hunter Busen possesses one of the strongest legs in the region: 35 touchbacks, a 39.2-yard average per punt and a long of 48 yards in field goals (9 of 12 overall) last season.

WEWAHITCHKA GATORS (1A)

2017 RECORD: 3-7 THE COACH: Bobby Johns THE PLAYERS: Elijah Shackelford (Sr., T), Alex Edwards

(Sr., G/MLB), Beau Brown (Sr., TE/OLB), Jacob Salerno (Sr., WR/CB), Cody Lee (Sr., CB), Tyreeq Thomas (Jr., RB). THE WORD: The strength of the Gators is likely to be on defense this season. Of the likely senior class, most fill the linebacker and secondary ranks. The most notable exception is Elijah Shackelford (6-0, 290), who will anchor both lines at tackle and is drawing the most college interest among the senior class. Tyreeq Thomas and Jacob Salerno are among the skill position players with previous experience.

Darisaw (Sr., DL), Chris Pendleton (Sr., RB), Jaden Barber-Lee (Sr., OLB/TE), McKinley Wilson (Sr., LB), Alton Hall (Sr., WR/DB), D’Eryk Pete (Sr., QB), Kelvin Dean (Sr., RB), Trey Freeman (Sr., LB). THE WORD: The Raiders are poised for a quick rebound with the largest senior class in the region – nearly three dozen on their spring roster. The diamond in the class is Trevor Solomon-Wilson, an uncommitted wide receiver/defensive back who is rated among the top 100 prospects by some recruiting services. Senior defensive lineman Malik Darisaw (25 TFL, 10 sacks) will draw the most attention from opponents. The skill positions received a major upgrade with the transfer of senior Kelvin Dean, the Class 1A offensive player of the year (232 carries, 1,836 yards) at Chipley. Chris Pendleton is the top returning rusher.

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FIRST COAST

FLORIDA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

First Coast RAINES’ STATE TITLE PROVIDES INSPIRATION

AINES COACH DERAN WILEY HAD BEEN HERE before only to leave dejected. It remained one of the more staggering rites of fall on the First Coast. No public school from Duval County had won an FHSAA state championship before Raines in 1997, or since. There were contenders every season, but, like clockwork, they always came up short. It was always the private school behemoths, the record-setting programs like Bolles, Trinity Christian and University Christian, standing on the podiums come December. Wiley’s Vikings had come up one abysmal fourth quarter away from beating Miami Booker T. Washington in 2015, but the streak raged on — until Dec. 7, 2017. That’s when the Vikings denied Cocoa back-to-back Class 4A state championships with a one-for-the books 13-10 comeback victory. That win not only helped Wiley cement his legacy at his alma mater, but gave Duval County a shot of adrenaline across the board following one letdown after another. If Raines can do it, why can’t the remaining Duval County public schools? “I think we’ll compete,” Wiley said. “I know we lost a lot, but we’ve got a lot of guys and they’re hungry.” About those other area state championship contenders. The 2017 season was a stellar one along the First Coast. While Trinity Christian’s shot at history of winning five state championships in a row ended in the regional finals, the storylines were strong.

Wayne Belger BOLLES

BEST IN THE REGION 1. Top 5 Teams ■■ Raines ■■ Trinity Christian ■■ Bartram Trail ■■ St. Augustine ■■ Baker County

Raines coach Deran Wiley (left) with the Jacksonville Jaguars’ Tom Coughlin.

2. Player to Watch ■■ Tye Edwards

3. Sleeper Player ■■ Cameron Sapp

St. Johns County program Bartram Trail reached its first state title game, falling to Venice (37-24) in the Class 7A championship. Baker County had never been five rounds deep into the playoffs before its blistering run to the 5A game before getting flattened by Plantation American Heritage. And 2A power University Christian had a shot at a program-first three-peat, but lost to Hialeah Champagnat Catholic 24-7. Expect those same programs to be in the mix in 2018 for lengthy playoff runs, with UC at the forefront.

4. Team on the Rise ■■ Menendez

5. Best Atmosphere ■■ Raines vs. Ribault

6. Game of the Year ■■ Raines vs. Ribault

Jeremiah Payton FLETCHER IT WAS A BIT OF AN

WHEN CORKY ROGERS, THE state’s most successful football coach resigned due to health reasons last spring, Bolles’ search for his replacement lasted all of a few days. He was in the same building. Who better to take Rogers’ spot than longtime assistant Wayne Belger? The transition was probably about as smooth as one could be. Belger not only played quarterback for Rogers when he coached at Robert E. Lee in Jacksonville, but he’d coached with him virtually his entire adult life. Belger started on staff at his alma mater with the Generals and eventually came to Bolles when Rogers did in 1989. Rogers retired at 73 years old and a record of 465-84-1. He led Bolles to 10 of its 11 state championships. “It was a little different [being a head coach], I think the fact that we kept our staff together helped an awful lot, and having Corky there still [to call] was big, obviously,” Belger said. “We’d been together so long football-wise and he did a lot of things I didn’t have to. As a head coach, you’re having to oversee everything. I had to get more involved in the defense, had to deal more with parents. It wasn’t bad. “ Belger and the Bulldogs had a strong 2017 season, going 8-3 and reaching the state playoffs for the 25th consecutive season, the longest active playoff streak in the area.

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unusual season for the area’s top recruit in the Class of 2019. Fletcher needed a jolt of offense under center and tabbed Payton, a dynamic receiver, to play that part. The Senators pulled Payton from the wideout spot for much of the season and let him take snaps. He was such a good athlete that the plays were going to come, and they did. But the 6-2, 180-pound Payton is far more dangerous catching passes than throwing them, and Fletcher, a seven-win team the last two seasons, would love nothing more than to match Payton up on defensive backs weekly. But don’t be surprised to see Payton roaming the secondary this season, too.

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FLORIDA 2018

FIRST COAST

ANDREW JACKSON TIGERS (4A-1)

BISHOP SNYDER CARDINALS (IND.)

(Sr., WR), Ahmad Levy (Sr., LB-S), Rashod Levy (Sr., S-RB), Artis Maddox (Jr., ATH), Chris Mangham (Jr., WR-CB), Daquan Sneed (So., OL-DL), Jajuan Turner (Jr., QB-WR-S), Demarcus Webb (So., OL-DL), Javier Witcher (Sr., OG-DL), Andrew Young (Sr., OL-DL) THE WORD: The Tigers enter their second season under Atwater, and at least they don’t open it on a major losing skid like they began 2017 (19 games). Jackson struggles with small roster size, but it has games on the schedule that are certainly winnable. The Tigers won’t take a major leap forward, but there should be a realistic expectation to at least win three games. The big spot to fix comes on the offensive side of the ball where the Tigers scored just 52 points all season.

(Sr., LB), Tyler Townsend (Sr., LB-WR), Pedro Velez (Jr., RB), Josh Williams (So., QB), Tre Williams (Jr., DB) THE WORD: Steady progress for the Cardinals, who have gone from 2-8 to 5-5 over 2016-17 and muscled their way into the Sunshine State Athletic Conference playoff conversation. Velez (365 rushing yards, 5 TDs) and Bailey (289 rushing yards, 6 TDs, 553 passing yards, 4 TDs) are the Cardinals’ two biggest returning weapons on offense. Fordham (45 tackles) is the top defender back. If there’s a slide, it’s probably a slight one, but Snyder full expects to once again be in the postseason mix in the SSAC First Coast division, pressing Christ’s Church and Cedar Creek.

ATLANTIC COAST STINGRAYS (7A-2)

2017 RECORD: 8-3 THE COACH: Wayne Belger THE PLAYERS: Kyle Coffindaffer (Sr., LB), CJ Grimes

2017 RECORD: 1-9 THE COACH: Antoine Atwater THE PLAYERS: Ricky Dove (Sr., ATH), Christopher Green

2017 RECORD: 2-8 THE COACH: Jimmy Hill THE PLAYERS: Nathan Brady (Sr., OL), Patrick Bryant (So.,

WR-S), Demetrius Byrd (Sr., DB), Joshua Coffey (Sr., FB-TE), Kingsley Eguakun (Sr., OL), Ryan Hoprich (Sr., LB-P), Jhakais Pippens (Jr., OL), Markiel Ross (Sr., RB), Jordan Singletary (Sr., LB-TE), Marcus Triliegi (Sr., OL), Jordan Williams (So., WR-DB), Joseph Wingate (Jr., WR) THE WORD: It was a mostly down season in 2017 for the Stingrays, who didn’t produce enough offensively to stay in the hunt in 7A-2. Eguakun was an excellent lineman and anchors what should be the team’s best unit, with most veterans on the line returning. Byrd’s four interceptions last year put him among the area’s top 15 in the area. Hoprich was one of the area’s top punters (39.5 yard per punt average ranked eighth). But there needs to be considerable improvement from the Stingrays when they have the ball to have a shot in this region.

BAKER COUNTY WILDCATS (5A-5)

2017 RECORD: 13-2 THE COACH: Jamie Rodgers THE PLAYERS: Jakari Anderson (Sr., DE), Tyler Burnsed (Sr.,

2017 RECORD: 5-5 THE COACH: Travis Markoski THE PLAYERS: Christian Bailey (Sr., QB), Malik Fordham

(Jr., OL-DL), Tahari Harris (Sr., DE-OL), Justin Jones (So., TE-LB), Jakobe Lavoile (Sr., RB-S), Preston Nolan (Sr., OL-LB), Carl Otero (Sr., FB-LB), Michael Richburg (Jr., OL-DL), Tamichael Shellman (Jr., QB-S), Sammy Stevens (Sr., WR-OL) THE WORD: This could be an excellent follow up season for the Warriors, who lumbered in to 2017 on the heels of a 1-9 season. They gave chase to a state playoff spot right down to the wire. There’s going to be a bit of a moderate rebuild in the backfield with the graduations of a pair of 1,000-yard backs. Shellman passed for 254 yards last season, but this is a ground-based team and would like to remain that way. Harris (4 sacks) and Nolan (3 sacks) are back to front the pass rush. Jones (53 tackles) is the top returning tackler.

CEDAR CREEK CHRISTIAN SAINTS (IND.)

2017 RECORD: 3-7 THE COACH: Kevin Sullivan THE PLAYERS: Alex Anthony (Sr., DE-LB), Austin Castro (Sr.,

2017 RECORD: 3-7 THE COACH: Jamie Gamel THE PLAYERS: Jonathan Brazle (Jr., WR), Isaiah Conner

CHRIST’S CHURCH EAGLES (IND.)

LB), Richie Coffey (Sr., WR-DB), Noah Crews (Sr., OL), Elijah Eckels (Sr., RB), Xavier McGriff (Jr., WR), Kevon Moore (Sr., DL), Christian Sanderson (Jr., WR-RB), Gavin Screws (Sr., QB), Dale Walker (So., DE), Jahari Wilkins (So., OL) THE WORD: The Indians made the move up in classification from 1A last season and fared well enough. They didn’t reach the postseason as they did in 2016, but ended the season on a four-game winning streak. Screws enters 2018 as one of the stronger arms on the First Coast (2,390 passing yards, 26 TDs). He’s also capable outside of the pocket (team-best 407 rushing yards, 5 TDs) to make up for the absence of a true No. 1 back. Three of the team’s top four receivers return, with McGriff (664 yards, 7 TDs) and Sanders (411 yards, 3 TDs) the big ones. Playoffs should be on the agenda this season.

LB), Cadence Lampp (Jr., RB), Gabe Lindo (Jr., OT), Jacob Reeves (Sr., DE) THE WORD: Five players are back on offense and four on defense in what is one of the Eagles’ smallest senior classes under Stomps. They’ve never had a season under .500 under the fourth-year coach. Christ Church’s goal is to contend in the First Coast division of the Sunshine State Athletic Conference and should have the inside lane on doing that. Lampp is the biggest returner among the backfield players (131 rushing yards, TD last season) and his role will grow. The bulk of the experience returning is on the offensive line, with both tackles returning. Keene (111 tackles) led the team last year, and Reeves (52 tackles) was fourth.

2017 RECORD: 6-3 THE COACH: Jim Stomps THE PLAYERS: Matt Jaroszeski (Jr., OT), Kole Keene (Sr.,

CLAY BLUE DEVILS (5A-5)

2017 RECORD: 9-4 THE COACH: Josh Hoekstra THE PLAYERS: Ricky Bernabeu (Sr., FB), Mike Carns

DB), Devin Ellison (Sr., RB), Kaleo Fowler (Sr., RB), Colby Grant (Sr., WR), Griffin Helm (Sr., ATH), Gunnar Hitzeman (Sr., WR), Robby Love (Sr., DL), Colin Milite (Sr., DT) THE WORD: The Bears had been building their entire history for a season like 2017 when they played for the 7A state title. The bad news is that Bartram graduated just about every big offensive piece from that team, save for Ellison (1,261 rushing yards, 17 TDs), Helm (658 receiving yards, 6 TDs) and Hitzeman (617 receiving yards, 5 TDs). Bartram has been able to absorb graduation losses better than most programs around and will find itself rumbling in the mix for a state playoff berth. It just might not look like it has in the recent past with video game-like numbers on the scoreboard.

(Sr., OL), Jordan Collins (Sr., OL), Chris Davis (Jr., TE), Cody Devore (Sr., LB), Marcus Dixon (Sr., DB), Ross Doan (Sr., OL), Wilguens Dorvilus (RB, Sr.), Joe Grelli (Jr., OL), John Haymore (Jr., OL), Alec Holt (Jr., DB), Kenny Johnson (Sr., DL), Spencer Lesage (Sr., WR), Christian Sweat (Sr., WR) THE WORD: The Blue Devils blended the ground and vertical games well last year during another run to the regional finals. Clay has done well to absorb graduation losses under Hoekstra and will have to find both new starters at quarterback and lead running back due to graduations. Clay has been excellent at running the ball, due in large part to such good play at the offensive line. Lesage (667 receiving yards, 8 TDs) is the top offensive player back. Devore (72 tackles, 3 sacks) was the team’s third-leading tackler a year ago.

BISHOP KENNY CRUSADERS (5A-4)

CREEKSIDE KNIGHTS (7A-3)

RB-SS), Jordan Ellis (Sr., LB), Clayton Gallaher (Sr., WR-DB), Jonathan Jones (Sr., WR-DB), Curtis Leggett (Jr., OL-DL), Caniem Maxwell (Sr., WR), Cameron Moewe (Jr., OL-DL), Bryce Mullenix (Sr., LB), Cade Sams (Sr., WR-FS), Neil Politano (OT, Jr.), Tucker Talbott (Sr., QB) THE WORD: The Crusaders were so close to a playoff berth in 2017 in what was the area’s most challenging district. They were one defensive stop away from beating rival Bolles for the first time since 1977, too. Talbott is Kenny’s top returning weapon after passing for 1,548 yards and 12 TDs a season ago. Sams and Maxwell are back as wideouts. The Crusaders graduated a good bit of playmakers on both sides of the ball. Ellis and Sams combined for 89 tackles last season.

QB), Bryan McKnight (So., LB), Conan Mueller (Sr., TE-S), Saul Storey (Sr., OL), Evan Wiley (Sr., LB), Ian Wiley (Sr., DB) THE WORD: One of the area’s most pleasant surprises in 2017, the Knights shed a 22-game losing skid right out of the gate and were more than competitive most of the season. They did it by cutting down their giveaways (only 7 in 2017) and getting extremely efficient production from a pair of quarterbacks. Lavatai (614 passing yards, 11 TDs, no INTs) is the main offensive performer back. Defensively, three of the team’s top tacklers return in McKnight (73), Evan Wiley (70) and Ian Wiley (60). Contending for a state playoff spot is the next step in the progression, although cracking that postseason tier in Region 1-7A is a steep climb.

2017 RECORD: 7-3 THE COACH: Bobby Raulerson THE PLAYERS: Jaylon Bass (Sr., CB), Nzuri Charles (Sr.,

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FLORIDA 2018

optimism, but the numbers do. Wiley came in late to the team last year and had only a handful of players to work with. But the Panthers have had more than three dozen players in camp early, substantially more than they had a season ago when there were less than 10. Duval is still going to be extremely young and reliant on many players with backgrounds in other sports. If the Panthers can stay somewhat healthy — they lost a handful of starters in the opening game last year — the win total will jump.

(Sr., DB), Michael Jubron (Sr., OL), Bryson Kirksey (Sr., DB), Jayden McCloud (Sr., RB), Ben Netting (Jr., QB), Chris Sanders (Sr., WR), Pearson Toomey (Sr., OL) THE WORD: The Bulldogs first season in the transition from iconic coach Corky Rogers to Belger went well, although Bolles lost its playoff opener for the first time since 1989 in a three-OT classic to Trinity Christian. Sanders was a major performer at receiver (58 catches, 1,037 yards, 9 TDs) in his first season with the Bulldogs. Impact pieces remain on defense, with multi-year producers Grimes, Kirksey and Coffindaffer back. Even with notable holes from graduation, the expectation will be for the Bulldogs to win, or at least push for the 4-5A title. History suggests that they’ll be right there.

BALDWIN INDIANS (3A-1)

2017 RECORD: 11-4 THE COACH: Darrell Sutherland THE PLAYERS: Johnny Burkett (Sr., OL), Harry Bowker (Sr.,

John-Paul Commander (Jr., TE-DE), Christian Graham (Sr., WRDB), Josh Williams (Sr., DB-WR), Darnell Wilson (Jr., DB-WR)

THE WORD: The record doesn’t reflect reason for

EAGLE’S VIEW WARRIORS (2A-1)

(Jr., OL-DL), Anthony Grossi (Sr., C-DT), Anthony Harper (Sr., OL), Kareem Mixson (Sr., RB-WR-LB) THE WORD: The Saints had been packaged in the same region as powerhouse University Christian for years, so moving down to play as an independent in the Sunshine State Athletic Conference is a welcome step. Going independent is a path that Cedar Creek will contend in. It has been a state playoff qualifier under Gamel before and could be in line for a significant improvement, record-wise, in 2018 against more level competition. Expect the Saints to be in the playoff conversation for the First Coast region in the SSAC.

BARTRAM TRAIL BEARS (7A-3)

2017 RECORD: 1-7 THE COACH: Kevin Wiley THE PLAYERS: Bryce Bowers (Jr., QB), Blaine Buck (Sr., OL-DL),

BOLLES BULLDOGS (5A-4)

OL-DL), Noah Carter (Sr., QB), Jon Green (Sr., RB), Chase Hancock (Sr., TE), Kelton Knabb (Sr., LB-RB), Chris Smith (Sr., WR) THE WORD: How do the Wildcats follow the best season in school history that saw them play for the Class 5A state title? The arrow has pointed up in Glen St. Mary since Rodgers returned in 2016. The Wildcats are a combined 22-4 under Rodgers. The challenge this season is in numbers, where Baker County lost two dozen players to graduation. A handful of veterans remain, with quite a bit of the offensive workload now falling to players like Green and Carter. Even with those graduations, don’t expect a rebuilding season here. 2017 RECORD: 5-5 THE COACH: Steve Shields THE PLAYERS: Howard Allen (Sr., OL-DL), Bear Barnes (Sr.,

DUVAL CHARTER PANTHERS (IND.)

2017 RECORD: 4-6 THE COACH: Sean McIntyre THE PLAYERS: Shane Calhoun (Jr., TE), Tai Lavatai (Sr.,

2017 RECORD: 6-4 THE COACH: Frank Andrea THE PLAYERS: Miron Billings (Jr., RB-OL), JD Cunningham

ED WHITE COMMANDERS (6A-4)

OL-DL), Omari Fiffer (Sr., LB-RB), Isaiah Flowers (Sr., RB-ATH), Shawnell Hall (Sr., DB), Chaz Hirschman (Jr., QB), Yontez Jarrell Sr., OL), Jaison Patterson (So., RB), Zorian Stanton (Jr., WR), DeAndre Telfair (OL, Sr.), Cedrick Woodson (Jr., DB). THE WORD: The Commanders are in a challenging district with a power in St. Augustine, so the likely path to the playoffs is as a wildcard in the region. White graduated its top back, but returns Flowers (553 yards, 6 TDs). The backfield production is essential in this offense. Patterson should be much bigger part of the offense after rushing for three TDs last year. Woodson had four interceptions and blocked three kicks last season. Anthony was tops on the team with 10 sacks. Fiffer will be a big two-way force. This is a team that should be at .500 or better.

ENGLEWOOD RAMS (6A-4)

2017 RECORD: 2-8 THE COACH: JD Stalvey THE PLAYERS: Laramie Bowen (RB-LB, Jr.), Edward

Holmes (Sr., WR), Jordan Mitchell (Jr., RB), Ian Switzer (Sr., ATH), Chivas Parrish (Jr., DB), Colin Williams (Sr., LB) THE WORD: The Rams have perpetually struggled in Duval County. Can a new coach in Stalvey help reverse a rough trend for Englewood? The Rams want to be a Power-I running team and would prefer a battery of backs to set that in motion. Bowen, Mitchell and Switzer will all have that chance to manufacture yardage. This is a multi-year rebuilding process, but it has to begin somewhere. District 6A-4 will be an uphill battle, but a tick upwards in the win column wouldn’t be out of the question. There are 25 players returning (11 starters) and Stalvey is familiar with the program after being promoted from assistant.

EPISCOPAL EAGLES (3A-1)

2017 RECORD: 4-6-1 THE COACH: Mark Brunell THE PLAYERS: Jack Barksdale (Sr., TE-S), Zack Blair (Sr.,

QB), Matthew Cooper (Sr., WR), Freddy Dollison (Sr., OL), Mike Hodges (Sr., WR-OL), Justin McKee (Sr., RB-OL), Curry Pajcic (Sr., RB-LB), Jacob Tylski (Sr., OL) THE WORD: The Eagles had an unforgettable 2016 season, winning eight games and reaching the playoffs. The following act wasn’t as kind, with graduations sapping Episcopal of just about every veteran playmaker around. Blair (227 rushing yards, 3 TDs, 498 passing yards, 6 TDs) and Pajcic (217 rushing yards) are the biggest offensive producers returning. Episcopal staying healthy will determine how much of an improvement it can make on 2017. Most of its mainstays play both ways and injuries last season really chipped away at it, especially on defense.

FERNANDINA BEACH PIRATES (4A-1)

2017 RECORD: 5-5 THE COACH: Jude Swearingen THE PLAYERS: Jonathan Beckett (Sr., C-DE), Zach Burwell

(Jr., WR-DB), Chase Boyd (Jr., RB-DB), Joe Fallon (Sr., OL-DL), Uriah Giedrys (Sr., LB-DE), Devin Jennings (Sr., RB-LB), Nathan Manning (Sr., DE-TE), Toraino Nelms (Jr., WR-DB), John Powell (Sr., LB-RB), Nick Vanlennep (Sr., K), Evan Shuman (Sr., TE-DE) THE WORD: The Pirates posted their first non-losing season since 2008 last year, a major step forward. Defense has leading tackler Powell coming back (94 tackles), but there are a boatload of graduation losses across the board. Only 12 seniors return. Offense took the brunt of the losses, so expect to see some growing pains as the younger players find their roles, especially at quarterback and on the offensive line. Defense should be in better shape to start the season and will be what the Pirates hang their hats on early under first-year coach Swearingen.

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FIRST COAST

FIRST COAST BUCCANEERS (7A-2)

2017 RECORD: 3-7 THE COACH: Marty Lee THE PLAYERS: Cole Beckham (Sr., LB-TE), Antonio Bell

(Jr., DE), Charles Best (Jr., WR), Davon Davis (Jr., DB-WR), Jalen Fowler (WR, Jr.), Jamaal Gelsey (Jr., LB), Jamarre Hayes (Jr., S), Tyler Howard (Sr., DL), Darius Lewis (Sr., WR), Arden Luster (So., QB-LB), Maaki Marshall (Sr., LB), Tyree Saunders (Jr., WR), Isaac Sletten (Sr., OG-LS) THE WORD: There’s a little bit of optimism around the Buccaneers this season, and reason to believe that they’ll be able to emerge from the doldrums. A defense that was solid in 2017 (219.8 yards per game) should be as good or better. Lewis (438 receiving yards, TD) should be able to double his totals from last year. Gelsey had 70 tackles and two interceptions, both tops on the team. Marshall followed with 58. The growth area remains under center, where the Buccaneers continue to search for a quarterback who can elevate them to the next level.

FLEMING ISLAND GOLDEN EAGLES (7A-3)

2017 RECORD: 10-3 THE COACH: Damenyum Springs THE PLAYERS: Jeremiah Jackson (Jr., DL), Jake Libretto

(Sr., DL), Dewayne McBride (Jr., RB), Max Michaels (Sr., FB), Eugene Oglesby (Sr., S), Landon Perry (Sr., DB), Azzie Ramirez (Sr., WR), Glenn Rodgers (Sr., DE-TE), Sam Snyder (Sr., TE-OL) THE WORD: What a season 2017 was for the Golden Eagles, who rode a pulverizing, linebacker-heavy defense to the regional finals. It’s a testament to just how good that defense was that the Golden Eagles made it as far as they did. Fleming’s offense was no-frills, low production, and ultimately, its undoing. There are still remnants of that defensive unit in place, and Springs is a defensive-minded coach. But the goal should be finding a way to give the offense a pulse. It was the area’s ninth-worst statistical unit a year ago. McBride could be a breakout 1,000-yard back after coming close last year.

FLETCHER SENATORS (7A-2)

2017 RECORD: 7-3 THE COACH: Kevin Brown THE PLAYERS: Brad Ashmore (Jr., OL), Bruce Benard (Sr.,

C), DJ Bennett (Sr., LB-DE), Levi Centeno (Sr., DL), Devon Lingle (Jr., QB), Hunter May (Sr., DE), Jalen Mitchell (Sr., DB), Jeremiah Payton (Sr., WR), James Schaefer (Sr., K-P) THE WORD: Back-to-back seven-win seasons for the Senators, although they had the misfortune of being on the wrong end of rough scheduling in the new playoff format. Defense was the backbone for Fletcher last year, ranking seventh on the First Coast (205.8 yards per game). Payton returning to his natural receiver position and not playing quarterback should help. He rushed for 627 yards (5 TDs), but is far more dangerous as a pass catcher, even if his numbers in 2017 (19 catches, 265 yards, TD) didn’t reflect it. Schaefer was a spot on field goal kicker (7 of 9) and had a 39.5 yard per punt average. May led the area in sacks (18) and Bennett had 86 tackles. If the offense can take a step forward, Fletcher won’t have to worry about trying to split hairs in playoff points.

FLORIDA SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF AND THE BLIND DRAGONS (IND.) 2017 RECORD: 2-7 THE COACH: Travis Homewood THE PLAYERS: Fernando Dopic-Fernandez (Jr., FB),

Garrett Hunt (Jr., OL), Reynaldo Suero-Perez (Jr., RB), Floyd Veal (Sr., OL-DL), Max Veloz (Jr., OL-DL) THE WORD: A new coach in Homewood will try and get the Dragons back on the right path after a combined 2-15 record over the last two seasons. Florida Deaf enjoyed one of the best stretches in its lengthy history from 2012-15 (combined 27-11), but has struggled since. Roster size will play a large part in this season, with most players contributing on both side of the ball. Suero-Perez will lead the offense, with Dopic-Fernandez also logging significant carries. An experienced offensive line with three starters returning should be a strength for the Dragons.

HARVEST COMMUNITY WARRIORS (IND.)

2017 RECORD: 3-4 THE COACH: Lonnie Marts THE PLAYERS: Nick Brooks (So., LB), Chad Elder (Fr., QB),

postseason spots available this season. Most of the Red Flashes players will play on both sides of the ball and injuries are significant for a program of this size. Backfieldby-committee will be the approach on offense.

MANDARIN MUSTANGS (8A-1)

2017 RECORD: 2-8 THE COACH: Bobby Ramsay THE PLAYERS: Kas Absolu (Sr., ATH), Demario Douglas

(Sr., ATH), Nick Harris (Sr., DL), Terrell Jennings (Sr., RB), Zack Mills (Sr., OL), Kris Mitchell (Sr., WR), Travis Moss (Jr., LB), Darian Oxendine (Sr., ATH), Matt Shimko (Sr., OL), Michael Shimko (Sr., OL) THE WORD: The Mustangs slipped badly in 2017, with both their offense and defense near the bottom in the area. There are reasons for optimism though. Ramsay will have had a full cycle under him after coming in late in the process. Jennings (622 rushing yards, 5 TDs) is back, along with top receiver Absolu (339 yards, 4 TDs). Douglas and Mitchell were big receiving threats, too, and the addition of transfer Oxendine could make this offense shoot up the standings.

MENENDEZ FALCONS (5A-5)

2017 RECORD: 8-4 THE COACH: Jerry Skipper THE PLAYERS: Tye Edwards (Sr., RB), Tre Evans (Jr., DB),

Izez Hayward (Sr., LB), Matt Gill (Sr., OL), Noah Gillan (Jr., TE), Michael King (Jr., QB), Kenny Logan (Sr., ATH), Cameran McInnis (Jr., DL), Step Salanci (Sr., OL), Tristan Willis (Sr., DB) THE WORD: No doubt the most anticipated season at Menendez in quite some time. The Falcons won a state playoff game and took eventual state runner-up Baker County down to the wire in the second round of the postseason. Edwards was a monster when the Falcons put him in the backfield (767 rushing yards, 10 TDs, 11.8 ypc). Logan is a two-way star who rushed for 637 yards and nine TDs, and led the team in receiving (478 yards, 3 TDs). It will be interesting to see how Menendez transitions without Darian Oxendine running the offense. A definite buzz around the Falcons.

MIDDLEBURG BRONCOS (6A-4)

2017 RECORD: 1-9 THE COACH: Karl Smeltzer THE PLAYERS: Tyler Bryant (Sr., RB), Noah Janda (Sr., DE),

Joe Justino (Jr., QB), Cole LeClair (Jr., OL), Kevin Littles (Sr., WR), Devin Moody (Sr., TE), Brody Senn (Jr., LB), Trevor Todd (Jr., WR), Colby Warner (Jr., OL) THE WORD: Quite a bit of a slide after reaching the state playoffs in 2016 as a surprise team. The Broncos have a decent amount of talent returning. Offense needs to improve, but the real work has to come on the defensive side of the ball. Middleburg allowed 38.2 points per game last year, albeit, the majority coming against solid competition. 6A-4 has some wiggle room behind presumptive favorite St. Augustine and the Broncos capitalized on that in 2016. Their path to the playoffs now is essentially through points and their schedule remains challenging. But this shouldn’t be another one-win season.

NEASE PANTHERS (6A-4)

2017 RECORD: 3-6 THE COACH: Tim Krause THE PLAYERS: Jacob Allsup (Sr., S), Gabe Blakely (Sr., S),

Peyton Brocksmith (Sr., LB), Nic Bunkowsky (Sr., S-WR), Trevor Dickson (Jr., RB), Jacob Gmeiner (Sr., WR), Preston Staples (Sr., QB) THE WORD: After making the playoffs two seasons ago as a district champ, the Panthers have struggled. Offensively, they have to replace the biggest part of their offense, with new starters at the No. 1 running back spot and top three pass-catching positions. Staples passed for 943 yards and 14 TDs last year and is the headliner of a young offense. The bulk of the experience is on the defensive side of the ball, with Allsup (59 tackles), Blakely and Brocksmith (both 46 tackles) returning.

NORTH FLORIDA EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE EAGLES (2A-1)

2017 RECORD: 1-8 THE COACH: Rico Robinson THE PLAYERS: Anthony Cooks (So., TE-OL-DL), Torry

Jordan Hughes (Jr., OL-DL), Justino Neikirk (Fr., WR-RB), Kennedy Neikirk (Sr., RB-LB), John Uhland (Sr., OL) THE WORD: The Warriors graduated one of the best players in program history in Gavin Marts (Navy signee), so the challenge will be steep in trying to fill his positions. Kennedy Neikirk is the veteran of the team and will be asked to anchor both side of the ball. He’s the leading returning rusher (310 yards, 3 TDs) and he’ll need to boost those substantially for Harvest to contend in the Sunshine State Athletic Conference. Brooks (23 tackles) and Hughes (19 tackles) are the top players back on defense. Harvest’s main challenge will be with its roster and having to play athletes both ways just about at all times.

Crooms (Jr.,CB-WR), Taris Dowdell (Jr., CB-WR), Demetrius Ellis (So., LB-OL-DL), Ta’merick Johnson (Jr., OL-DL), Jaylin Orange (So., RB-LB), Shakur Stokes (So., QB-WR-DB) THE WORD: The Eagles have been up (5-4 in 2016) and down (1-8 last year) in their brief history and they’ll be playing under their third different head coach in that span. The one thing that they haven’t been afraid of, however, is competition, facing whomever they can. Stokes was a standout last year (1,145 passing yards, 11 TDs) and he’s about the most experienced skill-position player back in the lineup. Two-way players fill the lineup. The Eagles will again take their lumps, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them be in the playoff mix shortly.

HILLIARD RED FLASHES (1A-3)

OAKLEAF KNIGHTS (7A-3)

QB-WR), Elijah Eckels (Jr., LB-RB), Tywuan Lee (So., RB) THE WORD: The Red Flashes graduated just nine players from what was a solid showing in 2017. That being said, there’s a new coach in Sauls and quite a bit of youth on the roster. Hilliard finished eighth in its region in points standings last year, but will benefit from the expanded

(Sr., RB), Mehlyn Clinkscale (Sr., WR), Keshawn King (Sr., RB), Dexter Moore (Sr., LB), Jalen Rivers (Jr., OT), Chantz Williams (Jr., DE) THE WORD: Things fell apart for the Knights last season with an offense that had no consistent passing attack. Garis enters as the new head coach from a Ponte Vedra

2017 RECORD: 4-5 THE COACH: Drew Sauls THE PLAYERS: Vanzant Brand (Sr., OG), Nathan Dowie (Jr.,

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2017 RECORD: 2-8 THE COACH: Frank Garis THE PLAYERS: Allan Adams (Sr., OT), Jamaric Bonner

program that was in the 5A state championship game two years ago. King may be the area’s top back after rushing for 1,427 yards and 16 TDs last season. Moore (96 tackles) is the defensive headliner. Oakleaf was better than its record indicated — five losses by a touchdown or less — but it has underachieved significantly since its lone playoff season in 2014. This could be a year where Oakleaf reaps the benefits of that challenging season a year ago.

ORANGE PARK RAIDERS (5A-5)

2017 RECORD: 1-9 THE COACH: Tom MacPherson THE PLAYERS: Kendy Charles (Jr., DE), Terrance Johnson

(Sr., WR), Silas Little (Sr., OL), AJ Mealer (Sr., ATH), Robbie Reynolds (Sr., LB), Zykeim Sermons (Sr., RB) THE WORD: It was a significant step backwards in 2017 for the Raiders. They went from a 4-5 season with realistic chances to have been a six-win team in 2016, to just a 12-point victory from a winless season. The big letdown came on defense, where the Raiders allowed 380.5 yards per game. That number ranked last in the area. Offensively, the Raiders had potential and enter 2018 with more of it. Sermons is the top runner back (573 yards, 2 TDs), as well as Johnson (428 yards, 6 TDs). Johnson could take snaps (224 passing yards, 4 TDs), but he’s better suited as a receiver. Charles led the Raiders with 41 tackles and four sacks.

PAXON GOLDEN EAGLES (5A-3)

2017 RECORD: 2-8 THE COACH: Steve Brown THE PLAYERS: Brycen Blakeslee (Sr., DL), Devon Dingle

(Sr., OL), Gabe Border (Sr., LB-P), Ethan Brigance (Sr., DE), Carson Jackson (Sr., LB), Joel Rose (Sr., LB) THE WORD: Since winning five games and reaching a postseason bowl in 2014, Paxon has been a two- or three-win team. Last year was a struggle in the turnover department (minus 17). The offense graduated just about every skill position contributor and will need to be almost totally rebuilt. Border is a major building block on defense (team-best 102 tackles) and was a top-10 punter in the area (39.5 average). Blakeslee and Brigance will be the top returning pass rushers.

PONTE VEDRA SHARKS (5A-4)

2017 RECORD: 7-4 THE COACH: Matt Toblin THE PLAYERS: Kyle Barker (Sr., QR), Mark Calvin (Sr., RB),

Cole McCormick (Sr., LB), Collin Magill (Jr., RB), Pete Merlini (Sr., DL), Jack Murrah (Sr., QB), Jacobi Myers (So., QB), Tommy Zitiello (Jr., DB) THE WORD: There was a little bit of a learning curve after coming off of a 13-win, state runner-up season in 2016. But the Sharks were one of the area’s most consistent teams and a factor in the area’s most challenging districts. This season should be better than 2017, with both Murrah (1,296 passing yards, 15 TDs) and Calvin (447 rushing yards, 3 TDs) back. Myers was solid in spot duty last year and remains a must-watch player. Defensively, the Sharks were multi-faceted and caused teams problems, including shutdown performances against both Bishop Kenny and Bolles. Zitiello was the team’s second-leading tackler (73).

PROVIDENCE STALLIONS (3A-1)

2017 RECORD: 3-6 THE COACH: Bobby Dan McGlohorn THE PLAYERS: Carson Beck (Jr., QB), CJ Brooks (Jr.,

OL-DL), Jordan Brown (Jr., RB-DB), Cavin Calder (Sr., S), Kai Darabi (Jr., OL-DL), Luis DeLaTorre (Sr., DB-RB), Michael Gilligan (Sr., WR-S), John Godwin (Jr., LB-S), Mac Hughes (Sr., OL-DL), Blake Hawk (Sr., WR), Noah Mitchell (Sr., WR-LB), Sebastian Reichhardt (Sr., OL) THE WORD: Providence lost a glut of talent from last season’s team and brings in a new coach in McGlohorn. Beck had a breakout season as a surprise starter due to injury and passed for 994 yards and 12 TDs. Godwin is the leading returning tackler (37) and Calder had a pair of interceptions last season to tie for the team lead. It’s still going to be an uphill climb for Providence, which may have one of its smallest roster sizes in years.

RAINES VIKINGS (4A-1)

2017 RECORD: 13-1 THE COACH: Deran Wiley THE PLAYERS: Kobe Bates (So., QB), Javon Bonsell (Sr.,

LB), Matt Drayton (Sr., WR), Howard Ford (Sr., OL), Jamond Goodwine (Jr., DL), Jamon Handy (Sr., WR), Aric Horne (Sr., LB), Bryant Maddox (Sr., OL), Brandon Marshall (Sr., RB), Janorris Robertson (Jr., DL) THE WORD: How do the Vikings follow up a historic championship season? By trying to do it again, says coach Deran Wiley. They graduated all-everything quarterback Ivory Durham IV, but the cupboard is far from empty. Marshall was a dominant back (1,709 rushing yards, 22 TDs) and could contend for the area rushing title this year. Bonsell led the Vikings with 10 sacks and Robertson was a menace at the line of scrimmage. Maddox and Ford return to anchor the line. Barring something strange, the Vikings are well-positioned to march back down and defend their long-overdue state title.

RIBAULT TROJANS (5A-3)

2017 RECORD: 7-4 THE COACH: Kelvin Smith THE PLAYERS: Bobby Brown (Sr., CB), Keonta Jenkins (Jr.,

S), Chris Johnson (So., TE), Josh Jones (So., RB-WR), Devin Norman (Sr., WR), Josh Roberts (Sr., RB)

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FLORIDA 2018

FIRST COAST

THE WORD: Ribault’s defense was once again a physical,

smashmouth unit able to hem in most offenses on a week-to-week basis. The offense held the Trojans back as the ground game never got moving and made things difficult vertically. Roberts was good when he was able to get lanes to work with in 2017. Johnson has potential as a matchup problem down the field. The Trojans will make it four consecutive state playoff berths if they can keep up their defensive prowess and stem the issues that have plagued them on the offensive side of the ball.

RIDGEVIEW PANTHERS (5A-5)

2017 RECORD: 6-4 THE COACH: Cameron Porch THE PLAYERS: Austin Childers (Sr., LB), Tyler Huff (Sr.,

QB), Brian Jackson (Sr., WR), Denali Lindo (Jr., WR), Cory Nicholson (Sr., OT), Caleb Plyler (Sr., RB), Dominic Stanfield (Sr., DE), Anthony Troupe (Sr., OT), Jaiden Turner (Sr., RB) THE WORD: It was an exceptional season for the Panthers, who snapped a monster losing streak last season. The bad news was how things ended, with four losses over the final five weeks. The gap in 5A-5 remained large, which is what the Panthers will focus on closing this year. The return of Huff (1,623 passing yards, 21 TDs) is a big boost for Ridgeview. Plyler (381 rushing yards) and Turner (305 yards) return in the backfield, with Lindo (427 receiving yards, 5 TDs) anchoring the wideouts back. There are quite a bit of expectations for Ridgeview in 2018, a step in the right direction.

ROBERT E. LEE GENERALS (7A-2)

2017 RECORD: 9-2 THE COACH: O.J. Small THE PLAYERS: Jurial Caldwell (Sr., WR), Deshaun Davis

(Sr., DB), Logan Davis (Sr., OL), Kevonte Doles (So., RB), Trevor James (Sr., LB), Tahveon Nicholson (Sr., RB), Jacob Olds (Sr., DL), Joel Rose (Sr., LB), Cameron Sapp (Sr., QB), Robert Simmons (So., DB), Dedrick Smith (So., LB-DE) THE WORD: Lee graduated a ton from 2017, including sensational quarterback Derrick Jones. So the fall off should be massive in 2018, right? Not so fast. The Generals have a 17-player senior class, with Nicholson (398 receiving yards, 7 TDs) and Caldwell (585 yards, 10 TDs) headlining the wideout corps. Sapp, who transferred from Parker, could be poised for a breakout season for a playoff team. The defense lost most of its secondary from a back four that was arguably the best public school quartet in the area. Small has done a fantastic job of keeping the Generals rolling with the punches of graduation.

SANDALWOOD SAINTS (8A-1)

2017 RECORD: 5-5 THE COACH: Adam Geis THE PLAYERS: Kobe Baynes (Jr., OG), Adam Burns (Jr.,

FS), Antonio Clary (Sr., ATH), Jered Geis (Sr., WR), Kyjuan Herndon (Jr., RB), Brandon Jennings (LB, So.), Clarence Perrier (Sr., DT), Jahquez Robinson (Jr., DB), Jeff Sims (Jr., QB), Calvin Sinclair (Jr., DE), Izais Smith (Sr., DE) THE WORD: The Saints finished strong to even things out at .500, but it felt like a bit of a disappointment. Sandalwood didn’t find its stride until the final slice of the season. Sims played well as Sandalwood transitioned from a power-running team into a more vertical attack, finishing fourth in the area in passing in the regular season (1,931 yards, 18 TDs). Defense is in good shape with the addition of Robinson to the secondary. Jennings is a rising defensive star. Smith and Sinclair will be positioned for double-figure sack totals. The bigger question for the Saints, is can they win a district title?

STANTON BLUE DEVILS (5A-3)

2017 RECORD: 6-4 THE COACH: Mike Healey THE PLAYERS: Tac Chown (Sr., DB), Kerry Darelus (Sr., LB),

Ricky Flores (Sr., OL), Favian Hamilton (Sr., TE), Christian Johnson (Sr., OL), Abdullah Khokhar (Sr., LB), Trey Oliver (Sr., DB), Joey Roggio (Sr., DL), Logan Warming (Jr., LB), Jordan Webster (Sr., RB) THE WORD: What a 2017 for the Blue Devils. The school known as one of the best academic institutions in the country had sacrificed success in the process since opening as a magnet school in the mid-1970s. It hadn’t posted a winning season decades. How to follow that up? They bring back leading tackler in Darelus (108) and leading rusher Webster (731 yards, 8 TDs), two major assets. Stanton won’t get close to the playoffs, but another season like 2017 will keep this unlikely momentum surging forward.

ST. AUGUSTINE YELLOW JACKETS (6A-4)

2017 RECORD: 12-1 THE COACH: Brian Braddock THE PLAYERS: Nick Barlow (Sr., LB), Michael Early (Sr.,

QB), Brandon Johnson (Sr., RB), Jaden McDowell (Jr., DB), Jeremy Michaux (Sr., OT), Jarien Ramos (Sr., CB), Rylan Shugart (Sr., LB), Cornelius Stewart (Sr., DT), Robert Zuzu II (Sr., DE) THE WORD: The run to the state semifinals was a solid feat in Braddock’s second season. Much of the offensive talent graduated, so there’s going to be a slew of new skill position players trying to get St. Augustine back to the state playoffs, a spot it hasn’t missed since 1998. The Yellow Jackets always find offensive stars, but the strength here is on defense. Zuzu had 80 tackles (12 TFL) and eight sacks a year ago. McDowell had 46 tackles and four interceptions. There’s a lot of talent on this defense, and a lot of expectations for what again should be a stellar St. Augustine team.

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FLORIDA 2018

ST. JOSEPH FLASHES (2A-2)

THE WORD: No team in the area benefitted from the new

OL), James Drysdale (Sr., LB-RB), Christian Kes (Sr., CB), Patrick Lane (Sr., S-LB), Michael Mugford (Jr., OL), Evan O’Halloran (Sr., TE), Dillon Ott (So., WR-DB), Sam Ryan (Jr., LB), Ethan Senderling (Jr., LB-WR), Dylan Thibault (Sr., QB) THE WORD: Quite a few impact players returning for the Flashes. Thibault is the biggest one back on offense. He passed for 1,739 yards and 19 TDs last season and added six rushing TDs. Drysdale posted 112 tackles to lead the Flashes defense, and he returns as one of the better defensive players in the area. Last season was St. Joseph’s return to state series play after taking the independent path for years. It didn’t challenge for a playoff spot, but perhaps that changes this season for a somewhat veteran Flashes program.

WESTSIDE WOLVERINES (5A-4)

2017 RECORD: 4-4 THE COACH: Brannon Tidwell THE PLAYERS: Brian Donor (Fr., OL), Michael Bleau (Jr.,

ST. JOHNS COUNTRY DAY SPARTANS (IND.)

2017 RECORD: 1-6 THE COACH: Derek Chipoletti THE PLAYERS: Max Arnold (So., WR-S), Marcus Coleman

(So., WR-CB), Ashton Correia (Sr., OL-DL), Grayson Hall (Jr., OL-DL), Alex Mosborg (Sr., OL-LB), Patrick Lindholm (Sr., WR-S), Eli Morton (Jr., RB-LB), John Nowicki (So., OL-DL), Joe Shimko (Jr., OL-DL), Wyatt Smith (Sr., OL-DL), Brady Walden (Sr., WR-CB) THE WORD: The Spartans endured their lumps in 2017 and graduated most of the offensive playmakers from that team. Walden had 320 receiving yards (4 TDs) and is the top skill player returning. A good portion of the offensive line is also back, a building block for what will again be a team that learns on the fly. St. Johns will need to run the ball more efficiently to take some pressure off of its passing game. The Spartans’ 662 rushing yards in the regular season were an area-low. The late spring addition of Chipoletti as coach was a stunner for the small program. He’s been a prover program-builder in stops at Bradford, Fleming Island, Oakleaf and Williston.

TERRY PARKER BRAVES (5A-4)

2017 RECORD: 3-7 THE COACH: Char-ron Dorsey THE PLAYERS: Joe Brown (Sr., DB), Jose Candelario (Sr.,

RB), Dante Lawrence (Sr., OL-DL), Ahmad Moody (Sr., ATH), Demarius Thompson (Jr., RB), Tyrone Williams (Jr., ATH), Will Wyche (Jr., QB) THE WORD: Quite a bit of optimism around the Braves this offseason, and it’s much needed. A new coaching staff has given Parker a shot of much-needed adrenaline after years of losing. Will that carry over into a regular season that promises to be a baptism by fire? The Braves are in arguably the area’s most vaunted district and will have virtually no chance against most of the teams there. But steady progress is there. Lawrence is a four-year starter. Williams may wind up as the team’s most relied-upon player. Parker could have five or six regular contributors at running back.

TRINITY CHRISTIAN CONQUERORS (5A-4)

2017 RECORD: 9-4 THE COACH: Verlon Dorminey THE PLAYERS: Miles Brooks (Jr., CB), Andrew Brown

(Sr., LB), Marcus Crowley (Sr., RB), Fred Davis (Jr., CB), Justin Hill (Sr., WR), Dominique Killens (Sr., DE), CJ Lockett (Sr., DE), Trevon McClain (Sr., DT), Dylan Pate (Sr., WR), Kamari Stephens (Sr., DT), Austin Thomas (Sr., QB), Isaiah Washington (Sr., WR) THE WORD: Another season of big expectations for the Conquerors, who won 5A-4 last year despite moving up two classifications after four consecutive titles in Class 3A. Trinity lost more stars on defense than any other team in the area, but it has been able to absorb those better than any team in the area, too. There is major talent on the defensive line, with big time players in Lockett and Killens off the edge. Washington (957 receiving yards, 10 TDs) is in the conversation as a top 3 wideout in the area. Crowley emerged as a true home run back (1,210 yards, 12 TDs). Brooks and Davis are the next in line among major college corners from Trinity.

playoff system more than the Warriors, who escaped a no-win district alignment of the past with the likes of Bolles and Raines, and finished second in their region. It hosted its first state playoff game since 1978. The expectations are even greater this year in Callahan. The Warriors graduated essentially their entire offense from 2017, so expect a lot of new faces there. Starling was third on the team in tackles last year (81). 2017 RECORD: 1-8 THE COACH: Rodney Dubose THE PLAYERS: Donovan Booker (Sr., LB), Kenneth Davis

(Sr., WR), Jared Ealey (Jr., ATH), Javon Gantt (Sr., WR), Jordan Hines (Sr., OL), Zamar Hopkins (Jr., DB), Jakius Hunt (Sr., LB), Jalil Jackson (Sr., QB-DB), Wasiu Lawal (Sr., DB), Ditannon Otis (So., QB), Katadrick Storey (Jr., WR), Dalton Wilson (Sr., RB) THE WORD: The Wolverines had been fairly consistent since reaching the state playoffs in 2014, winning at least four games a season since until really falling off last year in the area’s most challenging district. Otis is the top returning offensive player after passing for 363 yards (3 TDs) last year in more of a supporting role. Gantt had a step-up season (354 yards, 6 TDs). The offense will be much improved. The defense will need to take a major step forward after allowing 40.3 points per game. District-wise, there’s probably not room to contend.

WOLFSON WOLFPACK (4A-1)

2017 RECORD: 1-9 THE COACH: Dennis Bettinger THE PLAYERS: Byron Bird (Sr., LB), Kevon Bryant (Sr.,

QB-DB), Daquaris Fulton (Jr., RB-DB), Cameron Harris (Sr., WR), Clyde Holland (Jr., TE-LB), Omari Jackson (Sr., WR-DB), Jelani Lang (Sr., RB-DB), Christian Macauley (Jr., OL-DL), Ray Murphy (So., LB-RB), Maddison Robinson (Sr., OL-DL) THE WORD: The Wolfpack move on to a new coach in Bettinger, who will try and lay a foundation for the Wolfpack. He’s the ninth coach in the past 10 seasons for Wolfson, which is a combined 19-73 in that span. Wolfson will be a team reliant on a handful of seniors, with Fulton, Lang and Murphy splitting up carries. Bryant will be the go-to player under center. There’s not a huge reason to think a big improvement is ahead, but the schedule is crafted for three or four victories and a small scale of something to build on.

YULEE HORNETS (5A-3)

2017 RECORD: 3-6 THE COACH: Josh Burch THE PLAYERS: Sanchez Albertie (Jr., RB), Antwuan

Alexander (Sr., DB-RB), Austin Barber (So., OL), Josh Glover (Sr., LB-DE), Gavin Knight (Jr., LB), Maurice Moore (Sr., DB), Ian Myers (Sr., WR), Cole Richardson (Sr., RB), Jordan Richo (Sr., LB), Jaheim Robinson (Sr., LB), JC Simpson (Sr., RB), Bryson Williams (Jr., LB) THE WORD: It was a transition year for the Hornets, who brought in new coach Burch. Yulee has been heavy on good defense, with its 225.9 yards per game average in 2017 one of the area’s best. Richo (61 tackles) returns to headline that unit. To take a step forward, Yulee has to improve on offense, which it hopes it has done with the hire of Terrence Flagler, a Nassau County football icon, as its offensive coordinator. Simpson led the team in rushing last year (663 yards, 7 TDs). It would not take much for Yulee to be a contender in 5A-3.

UNIVERSITY CHRISTIAN CHRISTIANS (2A-1)

2017 RECORD: 10-3 THE COACH: David Penland III THE PLAYERS: Joseph Carter (So., LB), Ridge Jacobs

(So., QB), Cody Kopp (Jr., WR), Max McClendon (Jr., RB), Noah Robertson (Jr., OT-C), Sami Safar (Sr., K), Jaedon Stoshak (Sr., WR-S), Derrick Stumph (Sr., DE), Caleb Thomas (Sr., OG) THE WORD: Defense has continued to be excellent at UC (239.2 yards per game allowed last year) and it has taken center stage in the Christians’ run to three straight state title games. UC was denied a three-peat last year by Champagnat (24-7), but will be in the mix again to return to Orlando for a fourth straight season. Offense will need Jacobs to grow up quickly under center, and he’ll have good weapons on the outside in Stoshak and transfer Kopp. McClendon slides into the featured back role. While the names may be somewhat new, title vision remains for the Christians, whose schedule in 2017 was one of its most challenging ever.

WEST NASSAU WARRIORS (4A-1)

2017 RECORD: 9-2 THE COACH: Rickey Armstrong THE PLAYERS: Cam Atwater (Sr., DB), Eli Canode (Jr., TE),

Damon Harris (Sr., RB), Trey McCullough (So., OL), Centari Mitchell (Jr., ATH), Dallas Mumford (Sr., QB), Jeremy Starling (Sr., DL), Davian Williams (Sr., WR), Javon Wright (Sr., RB)

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NORTH CENTRAL

FLORIDA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

North Central NO RIGHT ANSWER AS TO WHO IS BEST

ANGUARD’S OFFENSE IS LOADED WITH Leonard Manuel, Glover Cook, Miller Merriweather-Lewis and Kimo Clarke. Columbia has talent throughout its lineup with Dylan Blair, Marquez Bell, T.J. Jones and Ethan Umstead. There’s just no right answer to who’s best in the North Central region. But don’t think this region is just about those two teams. The Gainesville area features Gainesville and Bradford, though both are facing question marks. Following Mark Latsko’s resignation, defensive coordinator Patrick Miller was promoted to head coach after his predecessor won two district championships. Bradford reached the state semifinal round last year but must retool to prove it belongs among the elite teams in the region. Still, Gainesville has nine starters coming back from an offense that averaged 33.3 points per game, and Bradford appears to have an excellent coach in Brian Tomlinson, whose team reached the state semifinal round in just his first year. There are worse situations for teams to be in. Dunnellon can’t seem to get over the hump, losing in the regional championship game for three consecutive seasons. But junior quarterback Javon Lee and senior wide receiver Maurice Goolsby have the talent to make 2018 the year the Tigers go on a deeper postseason run. Don’t overlook West Port this season. The Wolf Pack hasn’t traditionally been among the top teams in the region,

Demetric Jackson FORT WHITE

BEST IN THE REGION 1. Top 5 Teams ■■ Vanguard ■■ Columbia ■■ Gainesville ■■ Bradford ■■ Dunnellon

2. Player to Watch ■■ Kimo Clark

3. Sleeper Player

Trevonte Rucker, Vanguard

■■ Mark Pitts

4. Team on the Rise but quarterback Brian Maurer and safety Quitman Kincaid are both receiving Power 5 interest and the team is returning a lot of talent and experience. The North Central region also features Belleview offensive tackle Michael Tarquin, Dunnellon athlete Ja’Quavion Fraziers and Suwannee offensive lineman Josh Braun, all of whom have Power 5 scholarship offers. All this talent will keep opposing coaches up at night.

■■ West Port

5. Best Atmosphere ■■ Columbia

6. Game of the Year ■■ Gainesville at Vanguard

Josh Braun SUWANNEE THE THIRD BRAUN MAY

FORT WHITE HEAD COACH Demetric Jackson is a busy person. He’s preparing the Indians for what he hopes will be their fourth consecutive winning season while handling his full-time teaching career. Oh, and he’s also the mayor of Fort White, a town of about 600 people. “The town of Fort White, it’s a small town, so it’s not a whole lot going on, like some of the other bigger cities,” Jackson said. “There are things I have to control and take care of. It just came natural to me. Really, it just kind of flowed right into it.” After a playing career at the University of Florida, Jackson began serving on the city council in Fort White in 1998. He became the mayor pro tem in 2012 when the previous mayor suffered a health problem, and was elected as full-time mayor in 2014. He’s up for re-election in August, and there are no term limits, so Jackson could continue serving in this role as long as he keeps winning. Like a good politician, Jackson credits the people around him for helping him be successful. “A lot of it, you have to delegate,” Jackson said. “I’ve been fortunate I’ve had good people around me. When you have good people around you, you can get things done in an efficient manner.”

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be the best one. Suwannee junior Josh Braun is already a highly regarded recruit with multiple Power 5 scholarship offers, following the path of his brothers Trey, who played at Georgia Tech, and Parker, who plays there now. “Trey is my academic role model,” Josh said. “He was able to graduate from Georgia Tech and get his MBA all for free. My middle brother, Parker, is more of the football role model. You have to be intense, you have to be nasty, you can’t slack. A mixture of those two things made me who I am now.” The youngest Braun certainly has the athleticism and academics to excel. After a lengthy youth basketball career, the 6-foot-6, 320-pounder plans to play No. 1 doubles for Suwannee’s tennis team next spring and compete in weight lifting. He also has a 4.0 GPA.

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FLORIDA 2018

NORTH CENTRAL

BELL BULLDOGS (1A-3)

BUCHHOLZ BOBCATS (7A-3)

(Sr., ATH), Colton Spears (Sr., LB), Gage Slayton (Sr., DL), John Weston Powers (Jr., RB) THE WORD: The Bulldogs face something of a rebuild this season. The good news: They have senior quarterback Johnathon Walls, senior athlete Nicholas Walls, and junior running back John Weston Powers. The challenge: They must replace their entire offensive line. “If the offensive line can develop like we need, we should be in for a good year,” Bulldogs head coach Joey Whittington said. The Bulldogs return only four players on defense, though that includes senior linebacker Colton Spears, who had 70 tackles a year ago, and senior defensive lineman Gage Slayton. Whittington believes his defensive line needs to improve but says the senior leadership, the back seven on defense (a group that includes senior Mitchell Moore and juniors Joey Pinna and Trevor Pittman) and the special teams play will be strengths.

(Sr., DL), Jakhai Mitchem (Sr., RB), Cam Orth (Sr., QB), Isiah Michel (Sr., WR) THE WORD: The Bobcats have the skill position players for a solid season. Their offense will be led by senior quarterback Cam Orth, who completed nearly 60 percent of his passes last year, and senior athlete Trent Whittemore, a three-star recruit committed to Florida. Senior running back Jakhai Mitchem, senior wide receiver Isiah Michel and junior offensive tackle Mark Pitts are players to watch under first-year offensive coordinator Steve Reynolds. The Bobcats return only five starters on defense but have senior defensive end Noah Keeter, who had 80 tackles, nine tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks in 2017. One player to watch is junior Armando Acosta, who had 99 tackles, 18 tackles for loss and 6 1/2 sacks last fall. “Should have a quality senior-led squad in 2018,” Bobcats head coach Mark Whittemore said.

BELLEVIEW RATTLERS (5A-6)

CHIEFLAND INDIANS (1A-3)

(Sr., DL), Malik Johnson (Sr., ATH), Zian King (Sr., RB), Tre Mobley (Jr., ATH) THE WORD: The Rattlers won six games in each of the past two seasons but have the pieces to take a step forward in head coach Mike Kelly’s second year with the program. His team returns eight offensive starters and nine defensive starters. He believes the Rattlers running game should be a strength behind senior offensive lineman Michael Tarquin, a three-star recruit with multiple Power 5 scholarship offers, and senior running back Zian King, who rushed for 598 yards last season. Kelly points to senior athlete Malik Johnson, who only played in two games in 2017, as a player who could make a big impact this fall. The Rattlers lost their three leading tacklers from 2017 but do have senior defensive lineman Davonte Jones coming back. He had 59 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss and four sacks last season. Kelly believes the team’s commitment and leadership should be strengths but said depth and physicality will need improvement.

LB), Wyatt Hammond (Sr., QB), Brandon Bowers (Jr., DL), Kirk Williams (Sr., WR), Jalen Rutledge (Jr., ATH), Sedrick Moultrie (Jr., LB) THE WORD: The Indians produced a three-win improvement last fall and could be even better in their second season under head coach Adam Gore. “We had 26 first-year lettermen last year, a super young team,” Gore said. “We will still be junior-heavy but looking forward to coaching kids with experience next year.” The Indians have two quarterbacks, senior Wyatt Hammond and junior Ty Corbin, who completed 48.2 percent of his passes and rushed for 341 yards and eight touchdowns last fall. “Ty Corbin is small but doesn’t know it,” Gore said. “He plays big, and we expect big things out of him this year. Wyatt Hammond is the most experienced player we have.” Junior running back/linebacker Jarrett Jerrels, who Gore calls “an animal,” figures to start on offense after averaging 7.7 yards per carry last season. He’s also a force on defense after collecting 94 tackles, three tackles for loss and two interceptions last fall. Hammond and junior linebacker Sedrik Moultrie are other defensive players to watch.

2017 RECORD: 4-6 THE COACH: Joey Whittington THE PLAYERS: Johnathon Walls (Sr., QB), Nicholas Walls

2017 RECORD: 6-5 THE COACH: Mike Kelly THE PLAYERS: Michael Tarquin (Sr., OL), Davonte Jones

BRADFORD TORNADOES (4A-2)

2017 RECORD: 10-2 THE COACH: Brian Tomlinson THE PLAYERS: Jeremiah Vaughn (Sr., RB), Jaquez Mosley

(Sr., DL), Adrien Ciena (Sr., QB), Pedro Carter (So., QB), James Martin (Sr., ATH), Nathaniel Davis (Jr., ATH), Jackson Smith (Jr., QB), Gavin Woods (Jr., OL) THE WORD: Tornadoes head coach Brian Tomlinson couldn’t have had a much better debut season after his team reached the state semifinals. However, the Tornadoes have to do some retooling if they want to make another deep run. Senior running back Jeremiah Vaughn is back after rushing for 975 yards and 11 touchdowns a year ago, giving the team a steady presence in the backfield. The Tornadoes have three options at quarterback: senior Adrien Ciena, junior Jackson Smith and sophomore Pedro Carter, who attempted just five passes last season. The Tornadoes return eight defensive starters, including senior defensive lineman Jaquez Mosley, who had 83 tackles and seven tackles for loss last fall, and junior athlete Nathaniel Davis, who had 103 tackles and three interceptions in 2017. Tomlinson believes his team needs to develop strength and speed quickly and overcome its lack of experience to be successful once again but likes the Tornadoes’ chemistry and work ethic.

BRANFORD BUCCANEERS (1A-3)

2017 RECORD: 5-5 THE COACH: Tim Clark THE PLAYERS: C.J. Pepper (Sr., ATH), Aaron McQuay (Sr.,

RB), Dylan Bonds (Sr., DL), Dakota Stevens (Sr., LB), Caleb Kessler (Sr., OL) THE WORD: The Buccaneers look to build on last season’s win total improvement behind a large group of returning skill position players that gives them a deep offensive backfield. Running back Aaron McQuay rushed for 1,135 yards last season and will be an important piece alongside athlete C.J. Pepper. The Buccaneers will need their production to help overcome a young offensive line that will be led by senior Caleb Kessler. The team returns nine starters from a physical and experienced defense that only allowed an average of 23 points per game last year. Defensive lineman Dylan Bonds and linebacker Dakota Stevens are key players on that side of the ball. “If our senior group leads the right way and promotes full buy-in from the younger players, I’m excited about what we can accomplish with this group,” Buccaneers head coach Tim Clark said.

BRONSON EAGLES (1A-4)

2017 RECORD: 0-9 THE COACH: Seth Stebbins THE PLAYERS: Mason Clifton (Jr., QB/LB), Levi Warmack

(Jr., RB/LB), Cole Langston (Sr., WR/DB), Eddie Goodman (Sr., WR/CB), Garin Osteen (Sr., OL) THE WORD: The Eagles have their fifth head coach in five seasons after hiring Seth Stebbins, who resigned following three seasons and a 9-21 record at Hamilton County. They hope to improve upon last season’s winless record behind junior quarterback Mason Clifton and junior running back Levi Warmack. They have an assortment of players that includes senior wide receiver Cole Langston and senior offensive lineman Garin Osteen.

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FLORIDA 2018

2017 RECORD: 5-6 THE COACH: Mark Whittemore THE PLAYERS: Trent Whittemore (Sr., ATH), Noah Keeter

2017 RECORD: 5-5 THE COACH: Adam Gore THE PLAYERS: Ty Corbin (Jr., QB), Jarrett Jerrels (Jr., RB/

COLUMBIA TIGERS (7A-2)

2017 RECORD: 7-4 THE COACH: Brian Allen THE PLAYERS: Dylan Blair (Sr., QB), Kylen Callum (Jr.,

RB), Jordan Smith (Jr., RB), Marquez Bell (Jr., WR), T.J. Jones (Sr., WR), Ethan Umstead (Sr., LB), Sirr Rollins (Sr., DB), Jaylen Brown (Sr., LB) THE WORD: The Tigers hope to make a deeper run in the postseason after losing in overtime in the first round of the playoffs last year. To help them finish with a winning record for the eighth consecutive year under head coach Brian Allen, they have senior quarterback Dylan Blair, who completed 53.3 percent of his passes for 1,597 yards last season, and junior running backs Kylen Callum and Jordan Smith, who combined for more than 650 rushing yards. Junior Marquez Bell and senior T.J Jones had nearly 1,500 receiving yards between them, giving the Tigers depth at their skill positions. Senior linebacker Ethan Umstead and senior defensive back Sirr Rollins provide the foundation for the Tigers defense.

CRESCENT CITY RAIDERS (1A-4)

2017 RECORD: 7-2 THE COACH: Clarence Williams THE PLAYERS: Naykee Scott (Jr., QB), Bernard Wright III

(Sr., ATH), Niico Gause (Sr., WR), Kevin Williams (Jr., LB), Willis Glover (Sr., DL) THE WORD: The Raiders won seven games last season for the first time since 2009, a mark they could reach again considering they have 17 starters (eight on offense, nine on defense) returning. The team’s offense revolves around sophomore quarterback Naykee Scott, who completed 58.3 percent of his passes for 2,118 yards and 19 touchdowns and rushed for 713 yards and 14 scores last fall. The Raiders also have senior athlete Bernard Wright III, who collected 742 all-purpose yards last fall, and senior wide receiver Niico Gause, who caught 35 passes for 603 yards and five touchdowns and returned three kickoffs for scores in 2017. The defense should be improved after allowing an average of slightly more than 26 points per game last year. The unit has junior linebacker Kevin Williams, who led the team with 66 tackles and five tackles for loss last year, and senior defensive lineman Willis Glover. Raiders coach Clarence Williams is worried about a lack of depth.

DIXIE COUNTY BEARS (1A-3)

2017 RECORD: 11-1 THE COACH: Eric Richeson THE PLAYERS: Carlos Williams Jr. (Sr., RB/DB), Fitzgerald

Warren (Jr., RB/LB), Derrick Charboneau (Sr., RB/DB), Eli Bray (Sr., DL) THE WORD: The Bears had an excellent first season under head coach Eric Richeson, improving by seven wins and reaching the second round of the playoffs before losing to eventual state champion Madison County. Whether they can repeat that success may come down to how quickly they can rebuild on defense, where they lost 10 of their top 13 tacklers. That unit will be led by senior defensive backs Carlos Williams Jr., junior linebacker Fitzgerald Warren and senior defensive lineman Eli Bray. The run-heavy offense

returns Williams and Warren, who rushed for more than 1,350 yards last season. Keep an eye on senior Derrick Charboneau on both sides of the ball.

DUNNELLON TIGERS (4A-2)

2017 RECORD: 8-3 THE COACH: Price Harris THE PLAYERS: Julian Tucci (Sr., TE), Javon Lee (Jr., QB),

Maurice Jefferies (Sr., LB), Maurice Goolsby (Sr., WR), Ja’Quavion Fraziars (Jr., DB), Linwood Daniels (Sr., WR), Averian Hamilton (Jr., DB), Kelvin Stocker (Sr., LB), Jayden Jones (Jr., DL) THE WORD: The Tigers have lost a regional championship game for three consecutive years, but head coach Price Harris sees a lot of pieces to help his team get over the hump. The Tigers offense starts with junior quarterback Javon Lee, who passed for around 1,900 yards and rushed for about another 600. He’ll be throwing to senior wide receiver Maurice Goolsby, a four-star recruit with multiple Power 5 scholarship offers and had around 700 receiving yards last year. Protecting Lee may be a problem. “OL will be the biggest question mark heading into 2018,” Harris said. “They will not be very experienced and could start a few sophomores up front.” The Tigers defense returns five starters, including junior defensive back Ja’Quavion Fraziars, who had 69 tackles and nine interceptions and holds multiple Power 5 scholarship offers, and senior linebacker Maurice Jefferies, who collected 112 tackles and 22 tackles for loss last fall. Senior linebacker Kelvin Stocker is another player to keep an eye on.

EASTSIDE RAMS (5A-6)

2017 RECORD: 5-4 THE COACH: Cedderick Daniels THE PLAYERS: Anthony Richardson (Jr., QB), Deion

Jenkins (Jr., RB), Darnell Greenwood (Sr., RB), Torry Gamble (Jr., WR), David Rowe (Sr., WR), Kidron Mays (Sr., DB), Brent Clark (Jr., LB), Vermonte Williams (Jr., DL) THE WORD: The Rams took a big step forward in head coach Cedderick Daniels’ second year, going from consecutive one-win seasons to five victories last fall. The pieces are in place to continue the trend. Junior quarterback Anthony Richardson completed 51.5 percent of his passes for 1,234 yards and rushed for 470 yards and 13 scores last season. The Rams should also have plenty of depth in their running game with junior Deion Jenkins and senior Darnell Greenwood back. The Rams defense lost its three top tacklers, but senior defensive back Kidron Mays and junior linebacker Brent Clark and junior defensive lineman Vermonte Williams figure to lead the unit after combining for 140 tackles last season.

FOREST WILDCATS (6A-5)

2017 RECORD: 6-4 THE COACH: Rayburn Greene THE PLAYERS: Robert Wesley (Sr., RB), Lamarkces Bas-

sett (Sr., WR), Chase Oliver (Jr., LB), Grant Aderholt (Sr., DL) THE WORD: The Wildcats will have a new head coach in Rayburn Green, who went 33-11 over the past four seasons with Seven Rivers Christian and has received praise for his ability to build programs. The Wildcats will need some rebuilding after losing their starting quarterback and their top two rushers. Senior running back Robert Wesley figures to be the team’s top skill position player, and senior wide receiver Lamarkces Bassett is another valuable piece. The defense loses a lot of talent, but junior linebacker Chase Oliver and senior defensive lineman Grant Aderholt combined for 109 tackles, 23 tackles for loss and four sacks last fall.

FORT WHITE INDIANS (3A-1)

2017 RECORD: 7-4 THE COACH: Demetric Jackson THE PLAYERS: Corey Dryden (Sr., RB/DE), Kameron Cal-

houn (Jr., LB), Stanley Maxwell (Sr., RB), Derrick Roberson (Jr., LB), Matthew DiMauro (Sr., OL), J.J. Calhoun (Sr., OL), Terrance Jones (Jr., WR/DB), Donavon Jenkins (Sr., DB), Declan Messer (Sr., OL), Brayden Summers (So., ATH) THE WORD: The Indians are looking for their fourth consecutive winning season but may have to do some retooling along the way. They lost five starters on offense but have senior running back Corey Dryden and senior offensive lineman Matthew DiMauro to build around. “Corey and Matt are four-year starters and two of the hardest-working players I have ever coached,” Indians head coach Demetric Jackson said. “Tough, hard-nose players that are committed and are great leaders.” Dryden will split time in the backfield with senior running back Stanley Maxwell, while DiMauro headlines an offensive line that returns four of its five starters from last year. Jackson said the team needs to find more depth on its offensive line and find and develop a quality quarterback. The defense returns five starters, but Jackson believes the unit will be faster and bigger. Junior linebacker Derrick Robertson recorded 82 tackles last fall, and Dryden added another 76. Also keep an eye on junior linebacker Kameron Calhoun.

GAINESVILLE HURRICANES (6A-5)

2017 RECORD: 8-3 THE COACH: Patrick Miller THE PLAYERS: Jalen Kelsey (Sr., WR), Luke Matthews (Sr.,

QB), Niles Cromwell (Sr., RB), D’Verik Daniel (Sr., DB), Gental Hunt (Jr., DL), Tramel Brown (Jr., OL), Tylan Roundtree (So., DL), Kinnzon Hutchinson (Jr., RB), Michael Cromarty (Jr., DB) THE WORD: The Hurricanes are well positioned for another excellent offensive year. They return nine starters from a group that averaged 33.3 points per game last season. Leading that group is senior wide receiver Jalen

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Kelsey, who had 49 catches for 949 yards and nine touchdowns last season, and senior quarterback Luke Matthews, who completed 62 percent of his passes last season for 2,491 passing yards and 25 touchdowns. The offensive line, led by up and coming junior Tramel Brown, should be a strength. “Expecting a lot from the offensive line, the most experienced group on the team, for leadership,” said Hurricanes head coach Patrick Miller, who spent the past two seasons as defensive coordinator before being promoted in March. The defense only returns four starters but still has senior D’Verik Daniel, who is moving from linebacker, where he had 92 tackles, three sacks and three interceptions last season, to safety. He’ll join a defensive backfield that includes junior Michael Cromarty.

HAMILTON COUNTY TROJANS (1A-3)

2017 RECORD: 1-9 THE COACH: Ric Whittington THE PLAYERS: Melvin Brown (Sr., WR/LB), Bailey Hawkins

(Sr., RB/DB), Keyvon Webb (Sr., RB/DB), Daryll Daniels (Sr., WR/LB), Nick Straughter (RB/LB) THE WORD: The Trojans have struggled the past three seasons, going 9-21, before hiring head coach Ric Whittington. He spent the past five seasons as a defensive coordinator, working at Bell and Williston, before taking his first head coaching opportunity. “He’s what we need,” Hamilton County athletic director Mike Cohen told the Suwannee Democrat. “He’s young and he can relate to them. I feel like he is going to get the guys pumped up.”

HAWTHORNE HORNETS (1A-4)

2017 RECORD: 7-2 THE COACH: Cornelius Ingram THE PLAYERS: Kahleil Jackson (Sr., QB), Devonte Bowie (Sr.,

WR), Cecil Brown (Jr., LB), Alphonso Williams (Sr., WR/DB), Marcus Williams (Sr., TE/DL), Harold Scott (Sr., WR/DB) THE WORD: The Hornets have improved by one win in each of the past three seasons and have the pieces in place to continue that trend. Senior quarterback Kahleil Jackson is back after completing 51.8 percent of his passes for 1,488 yards and 24 touchdowns against just one interception last season. Seniors Devonte Bowie and Marcus Williams are the team’s top receiving threats. The defense also returns plenty of talent, including junior linebacker Cecil Brown, Williams, and senior defensive backs Alphonso Williams and Harold Scott.

INTERLACHEN RAMS (4A-2)

2017 RECORD: 2-8 THE COACH: Matt Yancey THE PLAYERS: Uveekie Fields (Sr., RB), Gavin Grayson

(Sr., LB), Kentrell Strickland (Jr., DL), Christian Marshall (So., QB), Mike Reed (Sr., DB) THE WORD: The Rams face something of a rebuilding season after losing their head coach and eight offensive starters. Matt Yancey was promoted from offensive line coach to head coach shortly before spring practices began, taking over a team that revolves around senior running back Uveekie Fields, who ran for 1,029 yards and eight of the team’s 12 rushing touchdowns last fall. “Uveekie Fields can be one of the best backs in the area,” Yancey said. “We’re going to try to put him in a position to utilize his skillset as much as possible.” Sophomore quarterback Christian Marshall is stepping into the starting role. The Rams do return seven defensive starters, including senior linebacker Gavin Grayson, junior defensive lineman Kentrell Strickland and senior defensive back Mike Reed. “We are going to be very young in spots and have to rely on some guys who played JV last year,” Yancey said.

KEYSTONE HEIGHTS INDIANS (4A-2)

2017 RECORD: 4-5 THE COACH: Charles Dickinson THE PLAYERS: Dan Dodd (Sr., OL), Carter Semione (Sr., LB),

Ty Friedlin (Jr., RB), Josh Hughes (Sr., DL), Joey Baxter (Jr., OL) THE WORD: The Indians hope to build upon last season’s two-win improvement, something that may come down to how their skill position players develop. Junior running back Ty Friedlin, who rushed for 636 yards and three touchdowns last season, is the top returner in all-purpose yards. “It will be crucial for someone to step up at our QB and RB positions,” Indians head coach Charles Dickinson said. One positive: The Indians return all of their offensive linemen from last season, a position group led by senior Dan Dodd and junior Joey Baxter. The defensive line should be strong with senior Josh Hughes leading the group after he collected 54 tackles last season. Senior linebacker Carter Semione is a player to keep an eye on. Dickinson said the passing game, defensive efficiency, and special teams would be possible weaknesses and added the running game figures to be a strength.

LAFAYETTE HORNETS (1A-3)

2017 RECORD: 9-2 THE COACH: Joey Pearson THE PLAYERS: Ben Massey (Sr., WR), Jaxson Beach (Jr.,

QB), Garris Edwards (Sr., RB), Malik Jennings (Sr., DB), Levi Sutley (Sr., LB) THE WORD: The Hornets hope to build upon last season’s win total improvement behind an offense that returns all of its skill position players. That group is led by junior quarterback Jaxson Beach, who completed 65.7 percent of his passes for 2,001 yards and 28 touchdowns and rushed for 731 yards and 11 touchdowns last year. The Hornets have leading rusher Garris Edwards returning after he ran for 1,033 yards and 13 touchdowns a year ago and senior wide receiver Ben Massey, who had 777 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns through the air last fall. Hornets head

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coach Joey Pearson, however, is concerned about his offensive line, which is replacing all five starters. The defense only returns four starters, which leaves them lacking experience at linebacker outside of senior Levi Sutley, who had 76 tackles and eight tackles for loss last season. Senior defensive back Malik Jennings is a player to watch.

P.K. YONGE BLUE WAVE (4A-2)

2017 RECORD: 2-7 THE COACH: Marcus McDonald THE PLAYERS: Israel Wilcox (Sr., RB), Carter Kutchko

Brian Dillard (Sr., WR/DB), Tristaven Pitts (Jr., LB), Tajhe McFarland (Jr., DB), Diamonde Simpkins (Sr., DL) THE WORD: The Hurricanes improved by three wins last season in head coach Will Dettor’s second season and have reason to be optimistic in 2018. Junior quarterback Tayari Green is back after completing 55.1 percent of his passes for 1,151 yards and rushing for 861 yards. Senior athlete Gene Reid gives Green another option in the offense. The core of last season’s defense returns with defensive backs Brian Dillard and Tajhe McFarland, defensive lineman Diamonde Simpkins and linebacker Tristaven Pitts.

(Sr., QB), Jacari Byrd (Jr., LB), Nick Maccioli (Sr., OL), Deon Dexter (Jr., DL) THE WORD: The Blue Wave hopes to build upon last season’s one-win improvement after an overhaul of the coaching staff and a new quarterback. Senior quarterback Carter Kutchko transferred from fellow Class 4A program Interlachen after completing 60 percent of his passes for 2,624 yards and 21 touchdowns in 2017, helping solidify what was a trouble spot last year for the Blue Wave. His new team features an excellent backfield duo in senior running back Israel Wilcox, who rushed for 445 yards and five touchdowns last fall, and junior Jacari Byrd, who had six rushing touchdowns in 2017. First-year head coach Marcus McDonald believes his team’s speed, athleticism and tempo will be strengths this season. The biggest question will come on defense, where the Blue Wave lost its top three tacklers from last season. Players such as Byrd and junior defensive lineman Deon Dexter will be counted upon to fill that void.

NEWBERRY PANTHERS (3A-1)

PALATKA PANTHERS (5A-5)

LAKE WEIR HURRICANES (6A-5)

2017 RECORD: 5-5 THE COACH: Will Dettor THE PLAYERS: Tayari Green (Jr., QB), Gene Reid (Sr., ATH),

2017 RECORD: 3-7 THE COACH: Richard Vester THE PLAYERS: Rashad Opato (Sr., DL), Kobe Delima (So.,

ATH), Trovon Banks (Sr., LB), Jeremiah Crews (Jr., QB), Wyatt Parrish (Jr., RB), Pernell Sylvester (Sr., RB), Cole Jackson (Sr., OL), Garrett Wood (Sr., K) THE WORD: The Panthers suffered their first losing season since 2013 last year, partly the result of graduating 30 seniors over the past two seasons. They’ll be young once again in 2018 with a senior class of between eight and 10. “Our young guys are talented and will need to step up and play well for us to have success,” Panthers head coach Richard Vester said. “The process of working hard and being united as a brotherhood has not changed. Excited about the energy and effort this group comes with on a daily basis.” Senior running back Pernell Sylvester rushed for 402 yards and five touchdowns last season and should help as the Panthers break in junior quarterback Jeremiah Crews. The Panthers have a new defensive coordinator, whose unit will be led by senior linebacker Trovon Banks, the team’s leading returning tackler after having 35 in 2017, and senior defensive lineman Rashad Opato, who had 31 tackles a year ago.

NORTH MARION COLTS (5A-6)

2017 RECORD: 3-7 THE COACH: Willie Offord THE PLAYERS: Zac Offord (Jr., ATH), Jyron Gilmore (Jr.,

ATH), Keniuel Gates (Sr., ATH), Corey Wilsher (Sr., QB), Chase Kleehammer (Sr., OL), Tre Davis (Jr., LB), Nate Ion (Jr., LB), Timothy Mickens (Sr., OL), Brenden Shipp (So., ATH), Luke Rose (Jr., DB) THE WORD: The Colts hope the experience developed last season helps them avoid their third consecutive losing season. “We are returning 97 percent of our starters from the 2017 season,” Colts head coach Willie Offord said. “Our key players have gained significant and valuable playing experience from the 2017 season.” Offord believes the team’s athleticism and speed will be strengths, things senior Keniuel Gates and juniors Zac Offord and Jyron Gilmore bring. The Colts offense will be helmed by senior quarterback Corey Wilsher, who threw for 2,374 yards and 26 touchdowns over three seasons at Belleview. Willie Offord hopes his team’s offensive line play will improve, something seniors Chase Kleehammer and Timothy Mickens will be responsible for. Offord believes his defense needs to reduce the number of big plays it allows and improve its defensive line play, but the group returns a talented trio in junior linebackers Tre Davis and Nate Ion and junior defensive back Luke Rose.

OAK HALL EAGLES (2A-2)

2017 RECORD: 7-3 THE COACH: Matthew DiBernardo THE PLAYERS: Rocky DiBernardo (Jr., ATH), Thomas

George (Sr., DL), Grant Pita (Sr., DL) THE WORD: After three excellent seasons under head coach Matthew DiBernardo, the Eagles will have to rebuild. Last season’s passing leader and top two rushing leaders are gone, putting pressure on junior athlete Rocky DiBernardo to step up. DiBernardo, who may be the team’s starting quarterback, was among the team’s top rushers and receivers in addition to splitting time at quarterback. The defense will be highlighted by senior defensive linemen Thomas George and Grant Pita.

OCALA CHRISTIAN CRUSADERS (INDEPENDENT)

2017 RECORD: 1-9 THE COACH: Dale Jackson THE PLAYERS: Colton Bloom (So., QB), C.J. Williams (Sr.,

RB), Zach Jackson (Sr., WR), Logan Macias (Sr., DL), Akeem Simpson (Sr., DL) THE WORD: The Crusaders are going through a rebuilding process after struggling the past few seasons. Sophomore quarterback Colton Bloom was the team’s top passer last year, while senior running back C.J. Williams rushed for 203 yards and performed well on defense. Keep an eye on defensive linemen Logan Macias and Akeem Simpson, both seniors.

2017 RECORD: 2-8 THE COACH: Willie Fells THE PLAYERS: Treyvon Williams (Sr., WR), Mitchell McKin-

non (Sr., QB), Jacob Burney (Sr., OL)

THE WORD: The Panthers face a drastic overhaul in 2018.

They have a first-year head coach in Willie Fells and return just three starters on each side of the ball. Fortunately for the Panthers, senior wide receiver Treyvon Williams and senior offensive tackle Jacob Burney are back. Senior Mitchell McKinnon will take over the starting quarterback role after inconsistent play at the position last year. The defense allowed an average of 34.7 points per game last season with a lot of seniors who have graduated, which means the Panthers will need their young players to step up.

SAINT FRANCIS WOLVES (2A-2)

2017 RECORD: 8-2 THE COACH: Scott McDaniel THE PLAYERS: Calvin Littles (Fr., WR), Jacquez Jackson

(Sr., WR), Stone Brush (Sr., OL), John D’Allessio (Sr., DL), Sim Haug (Sr., LB) THE WORD: The Wolves took a major step forward last season, going from four wins to eight, but face something of a rebuilding project with just five starters on both sides of the ball returning. The team has two good skill position players in freshman wide receiver Calvin Littles and do-everything senior wide receiver Jacquez Jackson, and senior Stone Brush was the Wolves best offensive lineman last season. Senior linebacker Sim Haug is the leading returning tackler after he had 61 last season, and senior defensive lineman John D’Allessio was just two behind him. “Coming off a historic year for our program, we are looking to build,” McDaniel said. “We went 8-2 and played for our conference title, but we want more. We want to win it. Replacing many talented seniors won’t be easy, but we think we have a group of players ready to do the job.”

SANTA FE RAIDERS (4A-2)

2017 RECORD: 1-8 THE COACH: Dock Pollard THE PLAYERS: Rodney Peterson (Sr., DL), Da’shaun Odem

(Sr., WR), Deonte Graham (Sr., ATH), Kynian Murphy (Jr., DB), Darrius Powell (Jr., LB), Gerrell Richardson (So., DB), Leon Watkins (Jr., RB), T.J. Jenkins (Sr., OL), Manny Castillo Jr. (Sr., OL), Gunnar Dougherty (Jr., OL) THE WORD: The Raiders hope an overhauled coaching staff, which includes new offensive and defensive coordinators, along with plenty of returning talent, can help them break out. The Raiders have nine offensive and 10 defensive starters coming back. Raiders head coach Dock Pollard believes the experience across the roster will pay big dividends. He also believes the team has a lot of depth at its skill positions, including senior wide receiver Da’shaun Odem and junior running back Leon Watkins. Pollard believes the team’s offensive line will need to improve, something senior T.J. Jenkins and Manny Castillo Jr. and junior Gunnar Dougherty will be responsible for. The defense includes senior defensive lineman Rodney Peterson, junior defensive back Kynian Murphy and sophomore defensive back Gerrell Richardson. “New staff, new focus, new direction,” Pollard said. “There’s a proud heritage and legacy rooted in our community. We expect to restore that pride in 2018.”

SUWANNEE BULLDOGS (5A-3)

2017 RECORD: 5-6 THE COACH: Kyler Hall THE PLAYERS: Josh Braun (Jr., OL), Carlton Hall (Sr.,

RB), Jaquez Moore (So., QB), Tyree Taylor (Jr., QB), Reagan Berry (Jr., OL), Dawson Chitwood (So., QB), Kale Twiggs (Jr., DB), Antonio White (Jr., ATH), Jay Williams (Sr., DL), Billy Duchaj (Sr., DL) THE WORD: The Bulldogs hope to right themselves after a rare losing season last fall. One reason to be confident: experience and talent along the offensive and defensive lines. Leading the offensive line are junior Josh Braun, who holds multiple Power 5 scholarships offers, and junior Reagan Berry. They’ll be opening holes for senior running back Carlton Hall. There figures to be a position battle at quarterback between junior Tyree Taylor and sophomore Jacquez Moore, both of whom started last season. The Bulldogs defense will be led by defensive linemen Billy Duchaj and Jay Williams, both seniors. The secondary

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needs improvement, Bulldogs head coach Kyler Hall said, but the group has junior Kale Twiggs. “All four starters return on the defensive line and will be expected to lead some young, talented players on defense,” Hall said. “Josh Braun anchors an offensive line that could end up being the strength of this team.”

TRENTON TIGERS (4A-2)

2017 RECORD: 8-3 THE COACH: Ben Jacqmein THE PLAYERS: Jacob Guthrie (So., ATH), Wyatt Langford

(Jr., RB), Blake Hall (Sr., ATH), Cole Hafner (Sr., LB), Caleb Morgan (So., ATH), Conner White (Sr., OL), Jacob Morgan (Jr., DL), Jordan Fulmer (So., RB), Wyatt Lovelace (Sr., DB) THE WORD: The Tigers face something of a rebuilding project if they hope to continue their run of success. They return just five offensive starters and seven defensive starters. “We are a very young team with an awesome sophomore class,” Tigers first-year coach Ben Jacqmein said. “We will have to learn under fire.” After losing two players who rushed for more than 1,000 yards apiece last year, the Tigers turn to do-everything star Wyatt Langford. The junior running back is a star athlete—he’s already committed to play baseball at Florida—who rushed for 629 yards and nine touchdowns last year. Senior athlete Blake Hall, who transferred from Port St. Joe, is expected to be a big part of the offense as well. Langford led the defense with 69 tackles last season, and senior linebacker Cole Hafner is a player to keep an eye on after he’s gained weight in the offseason.

TRINITY CATHOLIC CELTICS (3A-3)

2017 RECORD: 6-3 THE COACH: Andrew Thomas THE PLAYERS: Corey King (Sr., RB/DB), King Redd (Sr.,

QB/LB)

THE WORD: The Celtics enjoyed a solid rebuilding year

last season, but it remains to be seen if they can have similar success this fall. Senior Corey King figures to be the focal point of the offense, while senior King Redd will likely be the starting quarterback. They are the team’s top returning tacklers, too. Andrew Thomas takes over the program, becoming the fifth head coach in school history. He led Trenton, a Class 1A program, to a 60-5 record and two state championships from 2011-15. The program was successful behind a high-scoring, run-heavy offense.

UNION COUNTY TIGERS (1A-3)

WEST PORT WOLF PACK (7A-4)

LB), Hosea Robinson (Jr., DB), T.J. Robinson (Sr., LB), Sidney Johnson (Sr., OL) THE WORD: The Tigers reached the playoffs last season, something they’ll aim to do again while returning 14 starters (nine on offense, five on defense). The big question will be, Who replaces running back Charles Strong, who signed with Texas A&M? “We are going to have to rely on others this year to carry the load for us offensively,” said Tigers coach Ronny Pruitt, whose team will have a new offensive coordinator in Joe Szymanski. The defense returns plenty of talented players who will be in their second year under defensive coordinator Kepa Sarduy. Junior defensive back Hosea Robinson, senior linebacker T.J. Robinson and senior linebacker Trevor Robinson combined for 183 tackles last season. Someone to keep an eye on: junior defensive lineman Agelu Nunu, who bench-pressed 475 pounds as a sophomore.

WR), Domonique McBride (Sr., WR), Tank Rackard (Sr., WR), Bryce Ramirez (Sr., WR), Nathan Leslie (Sr., LB), Quitman Kincaid (Jr., DB), Jordan Jackson (Sr., DB), Tawuon Sherriff (Sr., DB), Kalyn Purter (Sr., DB) THE WORD: The Wolf Pack appears set for a breakout year with nine offensive and seven defensive starters returning. The team’s passing game returns intact with senior quarterback Brian Maurer, a three-star recruit with multiple Power 5 offers who completed 57.5 percent of his passes for 2,512 yards last season. He’ll have senior wide receivers Tank Rackard, Domonique McBride and Travis Isaac, who combined for 160 receptions for 1,890 yards and 16 touchdowns last year. Other players to keep an eye on include tight end Reshaad Hill and running back Keivontae Brown. The defense will be led by its secondary, which includes junior Quitman Kincaid, who had 92 tackles and three interceptions last year and has multiple Power 5 offers, and seniors Jordan Jackson, Tawuon Sherriff and Kalyn Purter. The linebacker group will be led by Nathan Leslie, who had 89 tackles and three sacks last season, but the defensive line will have to overcome youth.

2017 RECORD: 6-5 THE COACH: Ronny Pruitt THE PLAYERS: Agelu Nunu (Jr., DL), Trevor Rogers (Sr.,

VANGUARD KNIGHTS (6A-5)

2017 RECORD: 11-1 THE COACH: Edwin Farmer THE PLAYERS: Leonard Manuel (Jr., ATH), Miller

Merriweather-Lewis (Jr., OL), Glover Cook (Sr., RB), Antonio Smith (Jr., DL), Markheem Glover (Sr., DB), Bryce Langston (So., DL), Trevonte Rucker (So., WR), Kimo Clarke (Sr., RB), Dakarri Thorton (Sr., WR), Jordan Howard (Sr., ATH) THE WORD: The Knights have the pieces to make another deep playoff round after reaching the regional final round last season. The Knights are stacked at running back, where they have senior Kimo Clarke, who transferred from Lake Weir after rushing for 1,613 yards and 21 touchdowns last season; senior Glover Cook, who had 816 rushing yards and four touchdowns; and junior athlete Leonard Manuel, who had 678 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. The offensive line is led by Miller Merriweather-Lewis, a top recruit. The team only has six defensive starters returning, which puts pressure on defensive linemen Antonio Smith and Bryce Langston and senior defensive back Markheem Glover to step up. “We have had talent and good senior leadership come out of Vanguard, so our expectations of this team are high,” Knights head coach Edwin Farmer said. “The team is looking for players to set the tone and give the overall effort to make plays.”

2017 RECORD: 4-6 THE COACH: Matt Franklin THE PLAYERS: Brian Maurer (Sr., QB), Travis Isaac (Sr.,

WILLISTON RED DEVILS (1A-4)

2017 RECORD: 5-6 THE COACH: Justin Wentworth THE PLAYERS: Quinyon Mitchell (Sr., RB/DB), C.J. Strange

(Sr., QB), Jermon Collins (Sr., ATH), Leon McMahon (Sr., LB), Malcolm Coker (Sr., DL) THE WORD: The Red Devils hope to break through in 2018 after three consecutive five-win seasons. They have a three-year starting quarterback in C.J. Strange leading their offense. The senior completed 43.2 percent of his passes for 1,565 yards and 15 touchdowns last season. He’ll be relying upon two-way player Quinyon Mitchell in the ground game and passing game. The defense, which returns seven starters, is led by senior linebacker Leon McMahon, who had 62 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and four sacks a year ago, and senior defensive lineman Malcolm Coker, who had 38 tackles. Keep and eye on senior athlete Jermon Collins on offense and senior linebacker Joseph Sistrunk on defense. Red Devils head coach Justin Wentworth believes his team’s playoff experience and senior leadership should pay dividends this season but adds that lack of depth and youth on both lines could be weaknesses.

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PANHANDLE

FLORIDA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

Panhandle PANHANDLE TOP-HEAVY WITH TALENT

AKE YOUR PICK: WEST FLORIDA, NAVARRE AND Crestview. Not so easy, right? West Florida reached the state semifinal round last season and returns enough talent to make another deep playoff run seem like a possibility this season. Jaguars quarterback Trevor Jordan is a three-year starter, and teammates Darius Washington and Antarrius Moultrie both have opportunities to play in college. The defense will be very athletic and fast. Navarre brings back senior athlete Dante Wright, a player you need to see to believe. He set a program record with 28 touchdowns last season (15 through the air, 10 on the ground, two on defense and one on special teams). The Raiders have a lot of other pieces coming back. Crestview can reach the 10-win mark for the third consecutive season behind its collection of skill position players, but the Bulldogs will need to find a starting quarterback. Their home game Sept. 21 against West Florida should be the best the Panhandle region will offer this season. Gulf Breeze proved its excellent 2016 in head coach Bobby Clayton’s first season wasn’t a fluke with last year’s 8-3 finish. What can quarterback Dylon Kelley, running back Tyler Dittmer and wide receiver Spencer Segal do for an encore? Can the Dolphins rebuild their defense? Baker made the state semifinal round last season and have the pieces for another deep run if they can rebuild a defense that lost eight starters. The group allowed an average

Jimmy Ray Stephens WALTON

BEST IN THE REGION 1. Top 5 Teams ■■ West Florida ■■ Navarre ■■ Crestview ■■ Gulf Breeze ■■ Baker

2. Player to Watch ■■ Dante Wright

Crestview’s Jay Stanton rushed for 1,100 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2017.

3. Sleeper Player ■■ Alex Noble

of less than 19 points per game last season, meaning the Gators can build an excellent unit. Barely missing the top five teams in the region is Niceville, which is seeking its 15th consecutive winning season under head coach John Hicks, a remarkable streak of consistency. The Eagles have the skill position players to accomplish the feat. Other teams to keep an eye on include Escambia, which is overhauling its skill position group, and Tate, which is replacing nine offensive starters.

4. Team on the Rise ■■ Bay

5. Best Atmosphere ■■ Niceville

6. Game of the Year ■■ West Florida at Crestview

Adrian Medley PENSACOLA ADRIAN MEDLEY’S LIFE

MANY COACHES DREAM OF working at a Power 5 college, but Walton head coach Jimmy Ray Stephens has been there and done that. He’s more interested in helping children and building a program. Stephens helped Florida win a national championship in 1996, worked at Tennessee for four years and spent six years at Middle Tennessee State before starting at Walton in 2012. The Braves went 0-10 the year before he took over and went 10-1 in 2015. “You get great feelings of accomplishment when you can do something like that and you feel appreciated,” said Stephens, who is entering his 42nd year of coaching (22 in college, 20 in high school). “I wanted to come back and try to make a difference in the kids’ lives because the college level didn’t really feel like that was the case. A lot of times at the college level, you just feel unappreciated, so you just kind of put all that stuff together, that’s why I decided to come back.” Not everything has gone perfectly. The Braves won just three games in each of the past two seasons, a stretch Stephens admits was challenging. But he’s happy to be where he is, working with his athletes and rebuilding his offensive game plan around his players. “I certainly questioned myself many times since [leaving the college ranks],” Stephens said, laughing, “but you can never look back.” READ MORE AT FNFMAGAZINE.COM

took a drastic turn with one conversation three years ago. “Coach [Mike] Mincy, I saw him in the hallway, and he said, ‘Have you ever played football?’” the Pensacola senior offensive lineman said. “I said, ‘Nah.’ He said, ‘Come out and try it.’ I came out and I started liking it and started getting offers.” The process of going from large freshman with no football experience to three-star recruit with scholarship offers from elite Power 5 programs across the country wasn’t that easy. Medley remembers sitting in film sessions with Mincy and learning the game. Now, he’s got an opportunity to play for a large program while earning a college education. “I know it made my mom happy,” Medley said. “My mom’s been praying for this.”

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FLORIDA 2018

PANHANDLE

ARNOLD MARLINS (5A-1)

2017 RECORD: 4-6 THE COACH: Josh Wright THE PLAYERS: Daveno Ellington (Sr., WR), Cade Ledman

(Sr., QB), Terry Byers (Sr., LB), Elijah Mosley (Sr., OL), Thomas Risavalto (Sr., ATH), Jerian Hardrick (Sr., RB), Casey Peppers (Sr., TE), Braxon Dye (Sr., OL), Robbie Houston (Sr., ATH), Coby Lopanec (Sr., OL) THE WORD: The Marlins can post their first winning season since 2014 behind their quality offense. Senior quarterback Cade Ledman threw for 1,253 yards and rushed for 357 yards and five touchdowns last fall. He’ll be counting upon senior wide receiver Daveno Ellington, who caught a team-high 24 passes for 311 yards in 2017. Senior running back Jerian Hardrick, a powerful player who bench presses 370 pounds and squats 525, also returns after rushing for 430 yards last year. The team’s offensive line—led by senior Elijah Mosely, who has 25 career pancake blocks—should be a strength, especially with the return of senior Coby Lopanec from a shoulder injury. Senior linebacker Terry Byers returns after collecting a team-high 93 tackles last season, but the Marlins will need other players on that side of the ball to step up after the defense lost a lot of talent. Senior Thomas Risavalto will be heavily relied upon.

BAKER GATORS (1A-1)

2017 RECORD: 12-1 THE COACH: Matt Brunson THE PLAYERS: J.R. McLaughlin (Sr., RB), Derek Peoples

(Sr., WR), Peyton Rockwell (Sr., QB), Zach Mason (Sr., OL), Brian Holley (Sr., TE) THE WORD: The Gators have the pieces to make another deep playoff run after losing in the state semifinal round last year. Senior running back J.R. McLaughlin figures to be the focal point of the offense after rushing for 1,228 yards and 26 touchdowns last season. Senior Derek Peoples gives the Gators a threat at wide receiver after he caught 35 passes for 633 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2017. “J.R. McLaughlin and Derek Peoples look to have a great senior year,” Gators head coach Matt Brunson said. “Peyton Rockwell will move into [the] QB position with a new offensive line.” One player to keep an eye on is senior offensive lineman Zach Mason. The Gators allowed an average of just 18.8 points per game last season but only return three starters on defense. “This year’s team has had a great off-season, put up great numbers in the weight room and is excited to write their chapter in the Baker Football tradition,” he said.

BAY TORNADOES (5A-1)

2017 RECORD: 2-8 THE COACH: Mike Watkins THE PLAYERS: Tanner Reese (Sr., P), A.J. Guilford (Sr.,

DL), Christian Morgan (Jr., OL), Dalton Retherford (So., LB), Blayne Watkins (Jr., QB) THE WORD: Tornadoes head coach Mike Watkins sees a lot of reasons for optimism in 2018. “Very young team last year,” the third-year coach said. “Eight starters were sophomores and a starting freshman inside linebacker. Seventy kids out for spring [workouts] as compared to 50 last year and 38 the first year. Excited about the growth in the offseason and look forward to a great year upcoming.” The Tornadoes return five offensive starters, including junior quarterback Blayne Watkins, who threw for 1,053 yards and eight touchdowns last season, and junior offensive lineman Christian Morgan. Watkins believes that A.J. Guilford, JaQuanta Brown and J.J. Brown must step forward on the offensive line and that the team needs to find some reliable options at wide receiver. The Tornadoes defense returns six starters, largely on the defensive line, which will feature Guilford, both Browns and Emmanuel Holmes. Watkins says the secondary will be inexperienced.

BOZEMAN BUCKS (1A-1)

2017 RECORD: 5-4 THE COACH: Jason Griffin THE PLAYERS: Hunter Kruger (Sr., RB), Tyler Bates (Sr.,

ATH), Zach Foster (Sr., QB) THE WORD: The Bucks won five games in each of the past three seasons but face a rebuilding project under Jason Griffin, who is a first-time head coach after working as an assistant at Arnold, Mosley and Rutherford. Senior quarterback Zach Foster could be the starter after attempting just three passes last season, and senior running back Hunter Kruger will attempt to fill a gaping hole in the backfield after rushing for nearly 800 yards and seven touchdowns last season. Senior Tyler Bates figures to receive some touches, whether at running back or wide receiver.

CHOCTAWHATCHEE INDIANS (6A-3)

2017 RECORD: 5-5 THE COACH: Greg Thomas THE PLAYERS: Brady Peters (Sr., QB), Reggie Fain

(So., RB), Mario Banks (Jr., RB), Markus Maloy (Sr., WR), Marketrius Warmble (Sr., DB), Sion Yu (Jr., LB) THE WORD: The Indians improved by two wins last season and could improve upon that mark behind an enviable backfield. Sophomore running back Reggie Fain rushed for 717 yards and seven touchdowns last season, while junior running back Mario Banks had 332 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Senior quarterback Brady Peters, if he takes over the starting role, faces a big task but would have senior wide receiver Markus Maloy. The defense will be led by senior defensive back Marketrius Warmble and junior linebacker Sion Yu.

CRESTVIEW BULLDOGS (6A-3)

2017 RECORD: 10-1 THE COACH: Tim Hatten THE PLAYERS: Devin Voisin (Sr., WR), Jaden Voisin (Sr., WR),

Bryson Norris (Sr., OL), Jay Stanton (Sr., RB), Terrell Holliday (Jr., ATH), Torian Mays (Sr., DL), Weston Tew (Sr., QB)

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FLORIDA 2018

THE WORD: The Bulldogs have the pieces to win at least 10

games for the third consecutive season this fall. Senior wide receivers Devin Voisin and Jaden Voisin are back after collecting 1,104 yards and 13 touchdowns through the air last year. Senior running back Jay Stanton returns after rushing for 1,086 yards and 13 touchdowns last fall, giving the Bulldogs another quality skill position player. One player to keep an eye on is senior offensive lineman Bryson Norris, the team’s top player in the position group and who is 6-3 and 340 pounds. The Bulldogs defense returns eight starters, including junior athlete Terrell Holliday, who had 46 tackles last fall, and senior defensive lineman Torian Mays. Bulldogs head coach Tim Hatten believes the team’s work ethic and experience should be strengths but thinks his squad needs to improve upon turnovers.

ESCAMBIA GATORS (6A-1)

2017 RECORD: 8-3 THE COACH: Mike Bennett THE PLAYERS: Av Smith (Jr., QB), Jayvhon Blackmon (So.,

WR), Frank Peasant (Jr., LB), Noah Lord (Sr., LB), Patrick Sanders (Sr., DB) THE WORD: The Gators improved by three wins last season and must rebuild their skill position group if they hope to continue that trend. Junior quarterback Av Smith should help after completing 62.1 percent of his passes for 911 yards and rushing for another 115 yards last season as the starter. Still, the Gators need younger players to step up in the running and receiving games. The defense returns a solid core to build around: linebackers Frank Peasant and Noah Lord, a junior and senior, respectively, and senior defensive back Patrick Sanders.

FORT WALTON BEACH VIKINGS (6A-3)

2017 RECORD: 4-6 THE COACH: Philip Dorn THE PLAYERS: Kevin Quinn (Sr., QB), Jaheem Colbert (Jr.,

QB), Kaleb Williams (Jr., LB), Grant Sanders (Sr., LB), Daquis Upshaw (Sr., DB) THE WORD: The Vikings face a major rebuilding project this season. Senior Kevin Quinn and junior Jaheem Colbert figure to be vying for the starting quarterback job after attempting just 26 passes last season. The top three rushers and top four receivers are gone, as are the top seven tacklers from a season ago. Linebackers Kaleb Williams and Grant Sanders, a junior and senior, respectively, and senior defensive back Daquis Upshaw figure to be the core of this year’s Vikings defense.

FREEPORT BULLDOGS (1A-1)

2017 RECORD: 5-5 THE COACH: Shaun Arntz THE PLAYERS: K’wan Powell (So., RB), Justin Clark (Sr., LB),

Kadyen Inns (Sr., LB), Kobe Phillips (Jr., OL), Cade Layton (Sr., DL) THE WORD: Running back K’wan Powell was a revelation as a freshman last season, when he rushed for 1,695 yards and scored 24 touchdowns. Whether the 5-9, 190-pound sophomore can repeat that success will go a long way to determining how the Braves offense performs this season. Bulldogs coach Shaun Arntz hopes the team could turn around its passing game, but he likes the team’s work ethic and focus. “This team will be a well-rounded, hard-working team,” he said. “We will have a very strong rushing attack and focus on being as physical as possible in the trenches.” Junior offensive lineman Kobe Phillips and senior defensive lineman Cade Layton will be important parts of the Braves’ line play. Also keep an eye on senior linebackers Justin Clark and Kadyen Inns, who combined for 163 tackles last season.

GULF BREEZE DOLPHINS (6A-2)

2017 RECORD: 8-3 THE COACH: Bobby Clayton THE PLAYERS: Dylon Kelley (Sr., QB), Tyler Dittmer (Sr.,

RB), Spencer Segal (Sr., WR), Spencer Wirth (Sr., K), Cooper Harris (Sr., P), Carl Taylor (Sr., LB), Bo Berens (Sr., LB) THE WORD: The Dolphins proved last year that their giant improvement in head coach Bobby Clayton’s first season in 2016 wasn’t a fluke, and they’re poised for an excellent 2018. Their skill position player group is loaded. Senior quarterback Dylon Kelley is back after completing 58 percent of his passes for 1,243 yards and 15 touchdowns and rushing for 418 yards and seven touchdowns a year ago. Senior running back Tyler Dittmer is also back after rushing for 2,089 yards and 22 touchdowns in 2017, while senior wide receiver Spencer Segal comes back after collecting 729 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. Senior kicker Spencer Wirth made 42 of 45 point-after attempts and five of six field goal attempts. The defense loses its top five tacklers from last season but has senior linebackers Carl Taylor and Bo Berens, who combined for 107 tackles last year.

JAY ROYALS (1A-1)

2017 RECORD: 6-5 THE COACH: Melvin Kersey THE PLAYERS: James Eddings (Sr., RB), Cameron

Driscoll (Sr., OL) THE WORD: The Royals took a drastic step forward in head coach Melvin Kersey’s second season, going from one win in 2016 to six wins in 2017. Their offense figures to revolve around do-everything star running back James Eddings. Senior offensive lineman Cameron Driscoll provides the Royals some leadership in the trenches, too.

MILTON PANTHERS (6A-2)

2017 RECORD: 3-7 THE COACH: Harry Lees THE PLAYERS: Stephen English (Jr., DB), Noah Wingate

(Jr., ATH)

THE WORD: The Panthers had their second consecutive

three-win season last fall in head coach Harry Lees’ first year with the program. They’re going to have to rebuild their offense if they want to have a successful 2018. Junior

athlete Noah Wingate figures to be the focal point of the Panthers offense, which lost its starting quarterback and two quality wide receivers. Junior Stephen English returns in the defensive secondary after a good 2017.

MOSLEY DOLPHINS (5A-1)

2017 RECORD: 7-5 THE COACH: Jeremy Brown THE PLAYERS: Alex Noble (Jr., RB), Josh Lingenfelter (Sr.,

WR), Matt Stephenson (Jr., TE), Jaylin Wodford (Sr., DB), Nick Smith (Jr., DL), Castor Gay (Sr., OL) THE WORD: The Dolphins hope to build upon last season’s three-win improvement but will have to find some firepower on offense to do so. They lost 3,000 rushing yards, a void that junior running back Alex Noble will be called upon to fill in part. Senior wide receiver Josh Lingenfelter and junior tight end Matt Stephenson figure to be relied upon in the Dolphins passing game. The Dolphins return all of their starters on the defensive line, including junior Nick Smith, and have 6-1, 190-pound defensive back Jaylin Wodford, who holds multiple scholarship offers from FBS programs. Still, the Dolphins lost all three of their starting linebackers and must find players to pair with Wodford in the defensive backfield. “Our team returns a lot of talent from last year’s 7-5 team,” Dolphins coach Jeremy Brown said. He added his team’s strength should be a strength because it should have 25-plus players who can bench press at least 300 pounds.

NAVARRE RAIDERS (6A-2)

2017 RECORD: 9-2 THE COACH: Jay Walls THE PLAYERS: Dante Wright (Sr., ATH), Christopher

Williams (Sr., RB), Quinn Caballero (Sr., WR), Josh Carter (Sr., LB), Jordan Jefferson (Sr., DL), James Segrest (Sr., DL), Cameron Thomas (Sr., DB), James Segrest (Sr., DL) THE WORD: The Raiders are hoping for their seventh consecutive winning season under head coach Jay Walls, and they have one big reason for optimism: Dante Wright. The senior athlete set a school record with 28 touchdowns last season, doing his damage through the air (39 catches for 913 yards and 15 touchdowns), on the ground (36 rushes for 567 yards and 10 touchdowns), on defense (two of his four interceptions were returned for touchdowns) and special teams (one punt returned for a touchdown). Running back Christopher Williams and wide receiver Quinn Caballero, both seniors, will be key factors in the offense. Senior linebacker Josh Carter figures to be the focal point of the defense after recording 106 tackles and five sacks last season, but the Raiders have depth with defensive linemen Jordan Jefferson and James Segrest and defensive back Cameron Thomas.

NICEVILLE EAGLES (6A-3)

2017 RECORD: 6-4 THE COACH: John Hicks THE PLAYERS: Jack White (Sr., WR), Will Koch (Jr., QB), T.J.

Pope (Sr., RB), Payton Kerle (Jr., LB), Xavier Graham (Sr., OL) THE WORD: The Eagles are looking for their 15th consecutive winning season under head coach John Hicks. They’re in a good spot to accomplish that goal with senior wide receiver Jack White and junior quarterback Will Koch. White collected 1,123 all-purpose yards last fall, which included 503 on the ground, nearly 400 through the air and 221 on kickoff returns. He gives Koch, who already has an FBS offer, a welcome target. Senior running back T.J. Pope gives the Eagles another talented skill position player after he rushed for 711 yards and 10 touchdowns last year. The defense figures to revolve around junior linebacker Payton Kerle, who had 64 tackles and 10 tackles for loss in 2017. Still, the defense only returns two starters from last year and won’t have much experience heading into the fall. “Back to basics is the tone of this year’s team,” Hicks said.

NORTH BAY HAVEN CHARTER BUCCANEERS (4A-1) 2017 RECORD: 5-5 THE COACH: Andy Siegal THE PLAYERS: Rawyn Tynan (Sr., QB), Trey Egert (Jr., OL),

Vincent Weaver (Sr., OL) THE WORD: The Buccaneers made the first postseason appearance in program history last season, momentum first-year head coach Andy Siegal hopes to build off of. “This is a team that’s been to the playoffs, so it’s not a project where you take over a team that’s 0-fer, and you have to teach them how to win, walk and chew gum,” Siegal told WMBB-TV. “Football-wise, I think we can build something special that’s already been started. I just want to build on that foundation and take this thing as high as we can get it.” Siegal has senior quarterback Rawyn Tynan to helm his offense and two quality offensive linemen to build around in senior Vincent Weaver and junior Trey Egert.

NORTHVIEW CHIEFS (1A-1)

2017 RECORD: 2-8 THE COACH: Derek Marshman THE PLAYERS: Lance McLaughlin (Sr., LB), Jayden Jackson (So.,

RB), Rayvon Bush (Sr., WR), Seth Killam (Sr., DB), Trent Peebles (Jr., RB), Keegun Johnston (Sr., OL), Matt Caine (Sr., DL), Aunterio Minor (Jr., RB), Adam Aliff (Jr., LB), Johnny Windham (So., OL) THE WORD: Despite last season’s record, the Chiefs have plenty to be optimistic about this year. They return nine starters on both sides of the ball, including sophomore running back Jayden Jackson, who had 1,100 all-purpose yards as a freshman. The offense will also feature senior wide receiver Rayvon Bush, who averaged nearly 20 yards per catch last season; junior running backs Aunterio Minor and Trent Peebles, who had nine touchdowns and 500 rushing yards, respectively; and senior offensive lineman Keegun Johnston. The Chiefs defense revolves around its linebacker group, which includes senior Lance McLaughlin, who had 101 tackles a year ago, and junior Adam Aliff, who had 50. “Our numbers are up and have created a very competitive atmosphere,” Chiefs head coach Derek Marshman said. “We have 18 starters returning, so we will be experienced in a lot of key positions. We are excited about our 2018 season.”

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PANHANDLE

PACE PATRIOTS (6A-2)

2017 RECORD: 3-6 THE COACH: Kent Smith THE PLAYERS: Damean Bivins (Sr., RB), Kason Lincke (Jr., QB),

Earin Holland (Sr., LB), Aidan Gilroy (Sr., TE), Robert Wright (Sr., DB), Donovan Pendergrass (Sr., LB), Caleb Vincent (Sr., DB), Blake Bullock (Jr., K), Daniel Tate (Sr., OL), Joe Morgan (Sr., DL) THE WORD: What does senior running back Damean Bivins do for an encore? He rushed for 2,190 yards and 20 touchdowns last season, giving the Patriots the start of a stellar backfield this season. Junior quarterback Kason Lincke returns after throwing for 1,281 yards and 13 touchdowns and rushing for 250 yards and three touchdowns in 2017. The defense is led by senior defensive back Robert Wright, who had 59 tackles and two interceptions last season. Other players to keep an eye on are senior defensive back Caleb Vincent, who had 38 tackles and two interceptions in 2017; senior linebacker Earin Holland, who had 44 tackles a year ago; and senior tight end Aidan Gilroy, who had seven catches for 103 yards and two scores last year.

PENSACOLA TIGERS (5A-1)

2017 RECORD: 4-6 THE COACH: Mike Mincy THE PLAYERS: Adrian Medley (Sr., OL), Hunter Rayburn

(Sr., OL), Ernest Stallworth (Sr., WR), Najahte King (Sr., LB), Kaylen Travis (Sr., DB) THE WORD: The Tigers look to build upon last year’s two-win improvement with a team that features seven players who hold a Division I scholarship offer. The offense starts with offensive linemen Adrian Medley and Hunter Rayburn, both seniors with multiple Power 5 offers. The Tigers also have senior wide receiver Ernest Stallworth, who caught 32 passes for 575 yards in 2017. After allowing an average of 24 points per game last season, the Tigers defense returns nine starters, including senior linebacker Najahte King, who had 137 tackles, and senior defensive back Kaylen Travis, who had 72 tackles and two interceptions. The Tigers have plenty of experience and speed, but head coach Mike Mincy believes his team needs to improve upon its special teams.

PENSACOLA CATHOLIC CRUSADERS (3A-1)

2017 RECORD: 2-8 THE COACH: Matt Adams THE PLAYERS: Christian Murphy (Sr., RB), Ja’Kobie Jackson

(Jr., WR), Mitrez Rawls (Jr., LB), C.J. Davis (Jr., LB), TaDarius Dunn (Sr., DB), Tyree Dunn (Sr., DL), Robert Parker (Sr., OL) THE WORD: Crusaders head coach Matt Adams hopes his expected team strengths of speed, toughness and experience can pay off. “We are very excited about our team speed,” Adams said. “We hope that our team speed can help produce some big plays.” Senior running back Christian Murphy has been clocked at 10.79 and 22.04 seconds in the 100- and 200-meter dashes, speed that helped him rush 35 times for 506 yards and six touchdowns last fall. Junior wide receiver Ja’Kobie Jackson led the team last season with 37 receptions for 471 yards and three touchdowns. The defense returns senior defensive back TaDarius Dunn and senior defensive lineman Tyree Dunn, who collected 126 tackles between them a year ago. Junior linebacker C.J. Davis is a player to keep an eye on.

PINE FOREST EAGLES (6A-1)

2017 RECORD: 4-6 THE COACH: Jason McDonald THE PLAYERS: Martin Emerson (Sr., DB), Anwar Lewis

(Sr., RB), John Gill (Sr., OL), Taajhir McCall (Sr., DL), Devon Witherspoon (Sr., DB), Jaylen Clausell (Jr., DL), THE WORD: The Eagles hope to get back on track in head coach Jason McDonald’s second season. His team returns 15 starters (seven on offense, eight on defense). Senior quarterback Cal West only completed 42.7 percent of his passes last fall, but he did throw six touchdowns against two interceptions. The Eagles also have senior running back Anwar Lewis, who rushed for 1,011 yards and 10 of the team’s 20 rushing touchdowns last fall. He’ll be working behind an offensive line that McDonald would like to see improvement from but is led by senior John Gill, who has received multiple FBS scholarship offers. The defense stars several players, including senior defensive back Martin Emerson, who holds multiple Power 5 offers; senior defensive lineman Taajhir McCall; and junior defensive lineman Jaylen Clausell.

ROCKY BAYOU CHRISTIAN KNIGHTS (2A-1)

2017 RECORD: 2-8 THE COACH: Josh Childers THE PLAYERS: Aaron Grabinger (Jr., ATH), Dylan Rodriguez

(Sr., DL), Christian Neese (Sr., LB), William Ferguson (Jr., LB) THE WORD: The Knights hope to improve upon last season’s win total improvement but face a lot of turnover in their attempt to do so. Junior athlete Aaron Grabinger figures to be the focal point of their offense. He is the team’s top returning passer, rusher and receiver. The defense returns a lot of talent, including senior defensive lineman/linebacker Dylan Rodriguez, who had 58 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and three sacks last season. Senior Christian Neese and junior William Ferguson give the Knights two excellent options at linebacker after combining for 99 tackles last year.

RUTHERFORD RAMS (4A-1)

2017 RECORD: 3-6 THE COACH: Loren Tillman THE PLAYERS: James Caldwell (Sr., RB), Montell Bouie

(Jr., LB), Chris Dickerson (Jr., CB), Bryson Short (Sr., DE), Donovan Smith (Sr., ATH), De’Aundrea Akins (Sr., WR), Jared Q. Anderson (Jr., LB), Tye Davis (Jr., DL), Jeremiah Page (Sr., DL), Austin Sheppard (Jr., OL) THE WORD: The Rams improved by two wins last season, success they hope to continue. Their offense returns senior running back James Caldwell, who had 536 rushing yards last season, but the Rams will have to replace their two quarterbacks from

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last season. Senior wide receiver De’Aundrea Akins, who had 15 catches for 155 yards last year, gives whoever earns the starting quarterback job a welcome target. Junior Austin Sheppard will lead what should be a young but big and strong offensive line. The Rams return plenty of talented players on defense, including junior linebacker Montell Bouie, who led the squad with 70 tackles in 2017; senior defensive lineman Jeremiah Page; and junior cornerback Chris Dickerson. Rams head coach Loren Tillman believes the team’s depth and speed will be strengths.

SOUTH WALTON SEAHAWKS (4A-1)

2017 RECORD: 3-7 THE COACH: Phil Tisa THE PLAYERS: Jaden Page (Sr., WR), J.M. Allen (Jr., WR), Alex

Strain (Jr., RB), Drake Roberts (Jr., QB), Cade Rowland (Sr., DB) THE WORD: The Seahawks suffered just their second losing season since 2012 last fall and hope to avoid a repeat behind their skill position players, inside linebackers and defensive backs. “I expect us to have a better season,” Seahawks coach Phil Tisa said. “Last year, we were young and moved up in classification. I am hoping that the year’s experience will make us a better team.” Senior Jaden Page, imposing at 6-4 and 210 pounds, and junior J.M. Allen, both wide receivers, combined for 62 catches for 722 yards and all 10 of the team’s touchdowns through the air last fall, giving junior quarterback Drake Roberts much-welcomed targets. Senior defensive back Cade Rowland is the leader of a defense that returns six starters from last season.

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TATE AGGIES (6A-1)

2017 RECORD: 6-4 THE COACH: Jay Lindsey THE PLAYERS: Hunter Riggan (Sr., QB), Patrick Palmer

(Sr., ATH), James Kitt (Sr., DL), Dontavious Fields (Jr., DL), Cole Stokes (Sr., OL) THE WORD: The Aggies face a big rebuilding project if they want to continue their recent run of success under head coach Jay Lindsey. “We are replacing nine starters on offense but are excited about a lot of these guys who may not have a ton of experience but are talented,” Lindsey said. “Defensively, we will be in Year 2 in our system. We have a good front seven and a solid secondary behind them. We have a group full of players eager to compete. We will only continue to get better, considering our inexperience and youth.” The Aggies do have senior quarterback Hunter Riggan, who threw for 1,112 yards and 12 touchdowns and rushed for 905 yards and nine touchdowns last season, back. Senior athlete Patrick Palmer is the team’s top returning skill position player other than Riggan. The Aggies defensive line, led by senior James Kitt and junior Dontavious Fields, should be a strength.

WALTON BRAVES (4A-1)

2017 RECORD: 3-7 THE COACH: Jimmy Ray Stephens THE PLAYERS: Eyin Cole (Sr., WR/DB), Kentrell Parker (Sr., RB/

DB), Bryce Crowder (Sr., OL/DL), Dalton Whitehurst (Jr., QB/LB)

THE WORD: The Braves have two excellent skill position players

to build their offense around. Wide receiver Eyin Cole who has received an FBS scholarship offer, and quarterback Kentrell Parker, who collected 1,945 all-purpose yards and averaged 32 yards on kickoffs last season, can cause a lot of havoc. Cole also leads what should be a good secondary. Braves head coach Jimmy Ray Stephens believes his defensive line and linebackers need to show improvement. Junior Dalton Whitehurst will play a role in helping fix the Braves’ struggles at linebacker. To combat what he sees as a lack of depth, Stephens plans to use more players both ways. “We expect they will grow up and perform better this year,” he said. “Potential to be much improved this year with more senior leadership.”

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WASHINGTON WILDCATS (6A-1)

2017 RECORD: 3-7 THE COACH: Dredrick Bell THE PLAYERS: Julian Robinson (Sr., RB), Amari Severson

(Jr., DL), Joe Slattery (Sr., QB), Shawn Roberts (Sr., DB), Michael Poljak (Sr., LB) THE WORD: The Wildcats added two wins last season, and it’ll be up to first-year head coach Dredrick Bell to continue that trend. Bell is taking over after being the school’s athletic director. He’ll have senior quarterback Joe Slattery and senior running back Julian Robinson to build his offense around. The defense returns many of its top players from last season, including junior defensive lineman Amari Severson, senior linebacker Michael Poljak and senior defensive back Shawn Roberts. Bell went 9-24 in three seasons at Marengo High in Alabama prior to coming to Washington. “I don’t think I ever got out of coaching,” Bell told the Pensacola News Journal. “I’ve been disconnected from it, but I always stayed connected to the game.”

WEST FLORIDA JAGUARS (5A-1)

2017 RECORD: 12-2 THE COACH: Rhett Summerford THE PLAYERS: Darius Washington (Sr., OL), Trevor Jordan

(Sr., QB), Antarrius Moultrie (Sr., LB), Amir McDaniel (Sr., DB), K.O. Burrell (Sr., WR), Keyshawn Swanson (Sr., DB), Jahiem Simmons (So., RB), Simeon Price (So., ATH) THE WORD: The Jaguars reached the state semifinal round last season and have plenty of reasons to think they can make another deep playoff run in 2018. Senior quarterback Trevor Jordan, a three-year starter who knows the offense well, threw for 2,188 yards and 29 touchdowns last season and will have a deep group of skill players to rely upon. Senior offensive lineman Darius Washington, a three-star recruit with multiple Power 5 offers, leads an offensive line that needs to be retooled after losing three starters from last season. The defense returns six starters from last year, including senior linebacker Antarrius Moultrie, who had 106 tackles in 2017, and senior defensive back Amir McDaniel, who has received multiple FBS offers.

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FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FLORIDA 2018