Five teams to watch in Class 3A for 2013

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We are heading into Class 3A in our series of teams to watch for 2013 in all eight classifications around the state. Class 3A this upcoming season is going to look a little different as there was some shuffling around during reclassification. That shuffling around sent both teams from last year’s Class 3A state final, University School and Madison County up to Class 4A. Who will take the lead this year? Very possible one of these five teams could.

AMERICAN HERITAGE STALLIONS (DELRAY) | District 3A-7

American Heritage is coming off a great season, minus the fact they did not get to a chance to repeat as state champions. However, with University School now in Class 4A, the Stallions are now looking to make another run again, but will have some holes to fill talent wise. However, their schedule is already setting up to be challenging again and will have usual suspects like Glades Central on the list, but will also add Cocoa to the list for regular season matchups.

CLEARWATER CENTRAL CATHOLIC MARAUDERS | District 3A-5

Clearwater Central Catholic was one team to keep a big eye out for last season and will be the same way again this year. The Marauders who tore through Tampa Bay are looking to the do the same again and in hopes of reaching Orlando this season to play for a state championship. Overall, the Marauders return a lot of talent this season and it would not be surprising if they can go on a run and give everyone a fit.

FORT MEADE MINERS | District 3A-4

Fort Meade has always been a team to keep an eye on year-in and year-out. The Miners are what you call the small, rural town type of team that is built upon winning and the numerous state championship appearances can attribute to that fact. Now the biggest question facing the Miners is how to stay atop of a district that features four other playoff potential teams including Berkeley Prep, Lakeland Christian, Tampa Catholic and Frostproof. Knowing that the district will be a challenge, will the Miners be able to keep its talent strong enough to make the playoffs this season?

TRINITY CATHOLIC CELTICS | District 3A-2

The Trinity Catholic Celtics have been one of the best teams in the state over the last five plus years that includes a few trips to the state finals and a few pieces of hardware to matchup with it. The Celtics have always had a knack for putting together a challenging schedule year in and year out and this year will see an out-of-state trip to Calvert Hall, MD and trips to perennial playoff contenders, Cleawater Central Catholic and Tampa Jesuit. Are the Celtics prepared to make a run back to Orlando for the first time since 2010?

TRINITY CHRISTIAN CONQUERORS (JAX) | District 3A-1

Trinity Christian looked really promising last season to make a possible run to the state finals, but was ultimately cut short in the first round of the playoffs. There will be some holes to fill for the Conquerors including replacing defensive back Nick Washington, who has since graduated. Overall, though the Conquerors are going to be looking to be at the top of their district which is now only three teams. Will Trinity Christian bounce back and take a lead in Class 3A this year?