Five teams to watch in Class 4A for 2013

This year Class 4A is going to be one fun and wild classification to watch after reclassification sent a few of the top teams from 5A and 3A into this classification. While we could truly put more than five teams on this list, we want to stick to it for the purposes of this series.

BOLLES BULLDOGS | District 4A-3

This list would not be fitting if it didn’t mention perennial state title contender, the Bolles Bulldogs. While Bolles made it back to Orlando last season to try to defend their Class 4A state championship, they did so with a few injuries and not as much speed and talent as Booker T. Washington had. And this year might be the same way when it come to speed and talent. The big question that now lurks for this storied program is to see if the Bulldogs can develop through out the season to keep the streak going in what is now a bit more challenging Class 4A North.

BOOKER T. WASHINGTON TORNADOES | District 4A-8

The Tornadoes will be back in full action this season as they prepare to defend their Class 4A state championship with what should be another challenging schedule. QB Treon Harris will be back again to finish out his senior year and will be the leader to get the team back to Orlando once again. Now we do know that the Tornadoes will be nationally ranked to start the season and will need to be ready for what appears to be a challenging first game against Norcross, GA on August 24th.

COCOA TIGERS | District 4A-5

While Cocoa has continued its recent success of being a very successful team, this year’s squad appears to be a bit younger and that means a lot of work to do. However, that still has not stopped head coach John Wilkinson from scheduling a national game and a few tough in state challenges including a trip to American Heritage (Delray). If Cocoa expect to contend, they will have to get stronger and better quickly, especially before the playoffs come November.

MADISON COUNTY COWBOYS | Distric 4A-2

2012 Class 3A Madison Countystate runner-up is making a jump up to Class 4A, and it is expected that the Cowboys will be right in the thick of things again to make another run to Orlando again. Of course, no schedule has never been easy for Madison County, where this year they will take on Class 6A state runner-up Gainesville, annual playoff contender Pace and a road trip to DeLand, a team that has been a force to be reckoned with in recent years. Will the Cowboys have what it takes to get back to Orlando for the third straight year in a row?

UNIVERSITY SCHOOL SUNS | District 4A-7

The University School Suns make the jump to Class 4A after winning their first state championship last season in Class 3A. University School might not be traveling out of state this upcoming season, but the schedule will still be a challenge with games lined up including ones against Class 8A runner-up Cypress Bay, Boyd Anderson, Glades Central and defending Class 6A State Champion, Miami Central. However, the biggest question is to see how the Suns fill in the holes and try to stay at the top of their game with this heavy loaded schedule.=