North Central Florida has its own brand of high school football like other parts of the state do. The games are big, the fans are screaming loud for their teams and the excitement of when the playoffs gets here brings the spotlight to the teams. Which of these teams might have the chance to make a big run this season? Look here as we introduce our Preseason Top 10 for North Central Florida.
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1. Columbia (10-2)
Why: The Tigers are coming off their third straight season of least reaching the regional semifinals or further under head coach Brian Allen. While most thought last year’s team was the team to make a run to the state finals, anything can possibly happen. Allen is taking over running the offense alongside his head coaching duties and will see a backfield that could burst through for huge numbers during the season. The leading player that will be the teams most exciting player to watch will be RB Lonnie Underwood.
2. South Sumter (12-1)
Why: The South Sumter Raiders are at it again as they annually draw over 100 players who want to make the roster that usually ends up consisting of 60 athletes. 15 starters are back between both sides of the ball for Inman Sherman’s program and the Raiers are already being considered a serious threat to make a run to Orlando this season. One player to keep an eye on is Anderson Faulk, who likely be racking up a whole bunch of yards once again on the ground at his running back position.
3. North Marion (9-3)
Why: The Colts come back stocked with a lot of talent even with new head coach Stephen Field taking over the reins after being guided Craig Damon for over a decade. Division I talent and speed appears to be at no shortage at the school in Sparr and a couple of players to keep eye on include RB James Allen who was the team’s leading rusher last season and Caleb Seiler who will lead the offense at quarterback.
4. Trinity Catholic (8-4)
Why: Trinity Catholic is another team always looking to be locked and ready to go each season. The Celtics have a big change to improve upon last year’s record with players like DL Jordan Woods, LB Ulysees Gilbert and LB Marquis Hendrix all back on the roster. All three of those guys and several more are being recruited as Division I prospects. The biggest thing is the team will have to stay healthy, but the chance of a run to the state finals in Class 3A could be a challenge as Trinity Christian – Jacksonville stands in the way.
5. Suwannee (8-3)
Why: The Bulldogs have made a nice turnaround last season after just winning three games in 2012, which lead them to their first playoff appearance in a decade. The defense is returning eight starters this season that allowed very few points in district wins last season. Suwannee might not be full of Division I talent, but the heritage that surrounds the program is enough that could help push the Bulldogs over the top this season as a possible district champion.
6. Springstead (11-2)
Why: The Eagles were the first team in Hernando County to reach the regional finals and have now won two straight district titles. Now the expectations are even higher for the program, but that is going to come on the heels of having to replace 16 starters who were instrumental in that run. LB Conor Ross is going to be one guys to watch who will be going into his fourth year starting on the defense.
7. Gainesville (9-3)
Why: The Hurricanes are going to be in a challenge spot this season with only six starters returning between both sides of the ball. In most years Gainesville could simply reload, but this might not be as easy this season. The schedule is going to be tough as the Hurricanes open with Columbia at home next week, a team they lost to 49-7 last season in a rain delayed game in Lake City. Just don’t count out the Hurricanes, yet.
8. Trenton (12-1)
Why: Trenton finally brought home Gilchrist County’s first state championship in football last season after getting revenge for an earlier loss to Dixie County in the state semifinals and upsetting favorite Blountstown in the finals. The key to winning this year will be the defense as nine starters are returning for the program. They will be the pivotal point as the offense will have to rebuild with the likes of QB Stephen Smith gone due to graduation. However, do expect WR Hamp Cheevers to continue to contribute on both sides of the ball this season as well.
9. Citrus (9-2)
Why: After reaching the playoffs last season under Rayburn Greene, the Hurricanes will have a new coach in Justin Taylor. The plan is to continue building off the success Citrus has seen build up over the last few seasons. However, there are some key holes to fill on both sides of the ball that could put Citrus in a pinch this season, but the chance for the Hurricanes to reach the playoffs again is certainly there.
10. Dixie County (11-1)
Why: The Bears were an expected favorite to make its first run to the state finals since 1971, but fell just short after getting defeated by Trenton in the state semifinals. The defense is expected to be really good this year and expected defensive leader Trey Simmons could be poised for a breakout year. However, the shoes of Duke Dawson, who is now at the University of Florida, will have to be filled and sometimes that is no easy task, especially for a small-town, small-school team like Dixie County.
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