2013 PREVIEW GUIDE: District 7A-10 Preview

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2013 PROJECTED FINISH

1. Palmetto
2. Lakewood Ranch
3. North Port
4. Sarasota
5. Braden River

HOW THEY FINISHED IN 2012

Braden River, 1-9
Lakewood Ranch, 5-5
North Port, 4-6
Palmetto, 8-4
Sarasota, 4-6

SCHOOL POPULATION (2012-2013)

Braden River – 1904
Lakewood Ranch – 1922
North Port – 2240
Palmetto – 1779
Sarasota – 1968

OFFENSIVE MVP

RB Josh Hicks, Palmetto

DEFENSIVE MVP

CB Joc Daniels, Palmetto

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DISTRICT OUTLOOK

Who’s In:

1. Palmetto – The Tigers are easily the clear cut favorite in this district despite the fact they are the smallest school in the district that is more at the level of Class 6A numbers. Palmetto will return a solid running back in Josh Hicks, but must find replacements at wide receiver, after the top three receivers graduated in the spring. Overall, Palmetto is the one with the bullseye on its back.

Fighting It Out:

2. Lakewood Ranch  – The Mustangs would like to make a return to the playoffs after making in 2011 and missing them this past season. They will have a nice mix of talent returning that will be a year old and a year more experienced then they were last season. However, the offensive line will be the question mark to watch. Some of the names to watch for include quarterback Chris Rex and running backs Chris Pearcey and A’Shawn Angel.

3. North Port  – Despite the fact this team has not beaten a Sarasota County school in the last few seasons, there have been improvements made and should continue on under new head coach Billy Huthman. We believe that the Bobcats might just have enough talent to play darkhorse within the district to create some havoc and put themselves in playoff contention . 

Got Work To Do:

4. Sarasota  – Despite returning a considerable number of seniors and an FHSF 7A Elite 1st Team wide receiver, Shawn Bane, Jr. The Saliors will find some heavy competition in their quest to the make the playoffs for the first time since the 2007 season. Spring Football for the Saliors didn’t go so well and will need to figure out how to cut down the turnover ratio, before a playoff spot can even be secured.

5. Braden River  – Curt Bradely took over late last offeseason and didn’t have enough time to really get the Pirates adjusted to the style of playing he wants to see from his squad. However, now with a full offeseason under Bradley, things are back to basics for this squad and improvement should be expected. However, don’t expect that improvement to be the biggest one or see them try to compete for a playoff spot just yet.

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