2013 PREVIEW GUIDE: District 5A-5 Preview

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2013 PROJECTED FINISH

1. North Marion
2. Dunnellon
3. Eastside
4. Suwannee
5. Crystal River
6. Belleview
7. Santa Fe

HOW THEY FINISHED IN 2012

Belleview, 3-7
Crystal River, 6-4
Dunnellon, 5-5
Eastside, 6-6
North Marion, 5-6
Santa Fe, 1-9
Suwannee, 3-7

SCHOOL POPULATION (2012-2013)

Belleview – 1540
Crystal River – 1234
Dunnellon – 1149
Eastside – 1315
North Marion – 1315
Santa Fe – 1072
Suwannee – 1213

OFFENSIVE MVP

RB James Allen, North Marion

DEFENSIVE MVP

DL Kewian Jones, Dunnellon

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DISTRICT OUTLOOK

Who’s In:

1. North Marion – While the Colts have been accustom winning its district in most years, a reality check was given when Eastside stole the championship from them last season. While they don’t have Reggie Wilkerson anymore, James Allen is a potential prospect who is rising up and put up over 1,000 yards in rushing in 2012. Expect the Colts to return back to the top of the district this season.

Fighting It Out:

2. Dunnellon – The Tigers had a down season last year considering how many times they have been playoff contenders over the last decade. For Frank Beasley he will have to make sure that the games that they didn’t win last year can be won this year and get Dunnellon back int the playoffs this season. Expect Division I prospect Keiwan Jones to be a big leader for the team this season. 

3. Eastside – The Rams surprised a lot of people last season, winning games that most thought they were certainly going to lose including ones against Dunnellon, Crystal River and North Marion, all district rivals. Their is some talent back this year, including some three-year starters, there is a question if the Rams could do it again and make the postseason. For now it is likely going to be a three-way fight for the second playoff spot this season.

4. Suwannee – One of only two programs in the state has ever won four state championships in a row and one of those two is Suwannee. While things aren’t the same now, the Bulldogs are heading into their second season with Jamie Rodgers as their head coach and he was able to improve the team some what compared to 2011. Now with a switch in districts, Suwannee looks poised to improve its win total this season while competing what is going to be a tough district.

Got Work To Do:

5. Crystal River – A rebuilding project has started for the Pirates as Nate Varnadore took over during the offseason in hopes to revive a team that has been ever so close to making the playoffs. While there are a few starters returning on each side of the ball, don’t expect Crystal River to totally transform over night, but do expect them to be competitive in this tough district. 

6. Belleview – Belleview improved in the win column last season, but there is still a long road ahead for the Rattlers who face several tough district opponents this season in this seven team district. While the win-total can be improved, talent is the biggest thing that will need to emerge further to help the Rattlers get back to levels they saw as recently as several years ago.

7. Santa Fe – The Raiders are having to continue a rebuilding process that started last year during Bill Wiles first year at the helm of the northern Alachua County program. Finding talent to develop will be a must this year for things to improve and it won’t be easy when looking at a district that has a lot of teams that are playoff worthy this season.

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