Five teams to watch in Class 2A for 2013

Continuing our series of teams to watch, we dive into Class 2A where there are some teams that we will be keeping our eyes on heading into the summer and fall.

DADE CHRISTIAN CRUSADERS | District 2A-8

Dade Christian finally made history of their own by getting to their first ever state championship game in school history and kept it close until the end against University Christian. One of the biggest questions is how to replace ATH Terrance Alls, who could pretty much do everything on both sides of the ball. However, they will have linebacker Victor Young back, who had over 100 tackles alone last season.

FIRST BAPTIST (NAPLES) LIONS | District 2A-6

First Baptist made an impressive playoff run last season, which was their first time ever in the playoffs a program, coming just one game short of competing for a state championship. This season things are going to be about reloading for this team that will have a lot returning talent. The biggest thing to note is that they are going to be a little bit more competitive on the schedule, as the Lions are scheduled to travel to Immokalee and take on the 2012 Class 5A runner-up, the Immokalee Indians in Week 3.

NORTH FLORIDA CHRISTIAN | District 2A-1

North Florida Christian experienced what would be called a down season with a second round exit in the playoffs last season. This was a result of injuries and some key players from the 2011 state championship team that had moved on due to graduation. The biggest question will be to see if the Eagles can get the talent positioned to where they can challenge again for the state championship in Class 2A again. Will they be able to do it?

WARNER CHRISTIAN EAGLES | District 2A-3

Warner Christian has always been a staple of the playoff scene over the last five plus years and this past season they came within one game short of making it back to the state finals for the first time since 2010. However, one of the biggest questions here is who will step in to the fill the shoes of RB Marcus Dixon? Dixon, the leading rusher for the Eagles has since moved on due to graduation and finding a replacement is a must need to continue to compete at the same level.

UNIVERSITY CHRISTIAN FIGHTING CHRISTIANS | District 2A-2

The defending Class 2A state champions will be stepping up its competition just a little bit in 2013, with a trip out of state in the unofficial Week Zero, but will still find plenty of teams wanting to stop them in every way possible. A couple of the biggest questions include finding a replacement for DE Marquis Haynes who was a disruptive force on the Fighting Christians’ defense. Also who will take over and lead the helm as Tim Betros has graduated from the program. Betros has the notable distinction of being the first player in Florida to lead two different teams and win state titles with both of them.