2013 PREVIEW GUIDE: District 5A-8 Preview

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2013 PROJECTED FINISH

1. Lakewood
2. Dunedin
3. Boca Ciega
4. Tarpon Springs
5. Gibbs

HOW THEY FINISHED IN 2012

Boca Ciega, 5-5 
Dunedin, 6-4
Gibbs, 3-7
Lakewood, 10-2
Tarpon Springs, 3-7

SCHOOL POPULATION (2012-2013)

Boca Ciega – 1491
Dunedin – 1392
Gibbs – 1402
Lakewood – 1325
Tarpon Springs – 1503

OFFENSIVE MVP

OL Isaiah Wynn, Lakewood

DEFENSIVE MVP

LB Brenton Allen, Dunedin

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DISTRICT OUTLOOK

Who’s In:

1. Lakewood – Lakewood has risen up over the last two years and made the playoffs as a district runner-up to then district rival, Robinson. Now with Robinson gone (and any Hillsborough County school) from the district, things are much more clearer for the Spartans to win the district. The talent and depth is there on both side of the ball and the incoming transfers during the offseason have helped make Lakewood the favorite in this district.

Fighting It Out:

2. Dunedin – Despite the fact that the architect of last year’s winning season (despite missing the playoffs) in head coach Max Smith is now gone as he departed for a graduate assistant job with Toledo, the Falcons could be in prime position to make the playoffs. While the team is nowhere near the prime it saw in the late 1980’s, the team does have some talent on both sides of the ball, but depth is always going to be a concern, especially for small school teams like Dunedin. Expect them to be in the playoff hunt down to the end of the wire.

3. Boca Ciega – A drop down in classification might actually help the Pirates as they were ever so close to the playoffs last season. This is another team where depth is going to be an issue, but there were some players last year from the junior varsity squad that were called up to help. if things come together quickly Boca Ciega could likely surprise a lot of people. 

Got Work To Do:

4. Tarpon Springs – The Spongers are looking to rebuild and rebound after what appeared to be a promising season last year collapsed after Week 2. A new quarterback has to be broken in and the defense which was one of the biggest issues for the collapse last season will need to be dealt with before the Spongers are ready to be playoff contenders.

5. Gibbs – While some talent in the skill positions is present for this team with several players holding FBS offers, new head coach Rick Kravitz has his work cut out for him. The roster saw some transfers during the offseason which did not help matters at all for Kravitz and will need to make sure protection on the lines is taken care of, otherwise it could be a very long season for the Gladiators.

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