Here are the 2015 Preseason North Suncoast Regional Rankings from FloridaHSFootball.com
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1. South Sumter Raiders
2014 Record: 11-1
Why: Inman Sherman has built South Sumter into a small school state power over the last twenty plus years making the playoffs 19 of the last 23 years. The staple of the program has always been a dominant defense and that continues with the return of senior lineman Montel Presley (55 tackles, 25 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, 3 blocked kicks) and junior lineman Carson Wells (88 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 4 sacks). Senior quarterback Broughton Martin played well in the spring as did senior tailback Isial Flowers and junior fullback Bokeyon Rice, whom both saw a lot of action while senior JT Taylor sat out injured.
2. Sunlake Seahawks
2014 Record: 9-3
Why: In seven years, Sunlake has become the model of how to build a program from scratch. Coach Bill Browning has guided the Seahawks to a 45-10 record the last five years, including three playoff appearances. A balanced offense that accumulated 1647 passing and 2109 rushing, was gutted by graduation, however returns its second leading senior receiver Nick Valdes (28 catches for 516 yards/2TDs). While new playmakers emerge on offense, the Seahawks will rely on a defense which features junior athlete Chris Galdos (75 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 5 sacks) junior defensive back Ryan Clark (53 tackles, 4 interceptions) and senior linebacker Spencer Jarvis (73 tackles,13 tackles for loss).
3. River Ridge Royal Knights
2014 Record: 10-2
Why: What a turnaround for the Royal Knights, 15-25 the last four years including 3-7 the previous year, the Knights won nine regular season games and one playoff game before falling in the second round. The top rushing team in Pasco County with 3,338 yards returns its leading rusher in Chris Schwarz (2689 yards, 27 TDs) from an offense that averaged 30.7 points per game. A defense, which surrendered 14 points a game, returns junior linebacker Jake Berg (107 tackles, 13.5 TFL, 4.5 sacks), senior end Patrick Cook (83 tackles, 3 sacks) and junior end Noah Guido (44 tackles, 5 sacks).
4. Pasco Pirates
2014 Record: 6-4
Why: Over the last five years, Pasco has been the model program in the Suncoast area going 49-11; however the Pirates struggled last season ending their six year playoff run. Pasco could have as easily been undefeated, losing all four games by eight points or less and 19 points combined. Sophomore quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (18 of 31 for 160 and 3 TDs in 2014) threw for 226 yards and 5 touchdowns in the spring game and will lead an offense which returns its top three rushers seniors Jakiah Felder (825 yards, 7 TDs), Eric Wilson (244 yards, 3 TDs) and Michael Washington (237 yards, 1 TD). Five star senior defensive back Jayvaughn Myers (31 tackles, 5 pass deflections), who commited to Florida, will also be a long threat at receiver. Keep an eye on freshman athlete Javionne Hanner who had a huge spring and summer and is starting to get noticed.
5. Zephyrhills Bulldogs
2014 Record: 8-3
Why: Zephyrhills had knocked on the playoff door the last three years (20-10) but it wouldn’t open. Finally they were able to pry it open, all be it with a first round loss. Now the players know what its like and have a taste of it. The Bulldogs, who averaged 38.5 points per game, were quite predictable on offense, running the ball 75% of the time, rushing for 2924 yards yet teams still couldn’t stop them. Second leading rusher junior Antwione Sims (573 rushing, 9 TDS on 63 carries) is back along with leading receiver senior Jackie Tucker (22 cacthes for 503 yards, 8 TDs). TJ Lee (139 tackles) and Kevin Lee (60 tackles) lead a defense that averaged 20 points a game.
6. The Villages Buffaloes
2014 Record: 8-3
Why: The Buffalo rolled into the playoffs with a ton of confidence riding a four game losing streak, however left quickly with a 54-0 loss to Raines. The poor performance should serve as plenty of motivation for them heading into the season. Junior quarterback Landoe Noe (448 yards, 2 TDs), its top four rushers and all 29 touchdowns junior tailback Jabari Jiles (1301 yards, 19 TDs), senior Kole Harris (312 yards, 5 TDs), senior Tyler Counts (461 yards, 4 TDs) and sophomore Scott Lane (130 yards, 1 TD) are all back. Harris (55 tackles), Counts (60 tackles) and Dylan Leiva (4 INTs) lead a defense that surrendered barley 10 points a game.
7. Nature Coast Sharks
2014 Record: 6-4
Why: The once consistent playoff bound team has become mediocre at best. Nature Coast needs to learn how to close out games as of the four losses, three were by a touchdown or less. Senior quarterback Jamison Carnegie (351 passing, 579 rushing, 10 TDs), senior tailback Deshawn Smith (1498 yards, 14 TDs, 119 receiving, 1 TD) the leading rusher and receiver are both back. Matthew Robinson (113 tackles, 3 sacks) leads a rebuilding defense that will rely on a lot of new faces and underclassmen.
8. Hudson Cobras
2014 Record: 6-4
Why: There is a lot of optimism at Hudson these days as the Cobras return the majority of a highly potent offense including quarterback Justin Griffin (781 yards). An offense that has put up 31 touchdowns in 2013 and 30 touchdowns last season, should surpass 35 this season. Six of their top seven rushers return (2072 out of 2843 yards) including Billy Werner (1098 yards, 10 TDs) from an offense that ran the ball 74% of the time. Leaders senior lineman Drake Carson (44 tackles, 3 sacks) and Nate Munson (130 tackles), who doubles as a fullback and ran for 772 yards and 5 touchdowns, are back.
9. Gulf Buccaneers
2014 Record: 8-3
Why: The celebration and enjoyment of making the schools first playoff berth since 2008 came to an abrupt holt, when several of its top returning play makers Malik Cobb and DeAndre Hopkins transferred to Tarpon Springs. The good news for coach Jason Messamore is several key lineman are back for an offense that averaged 32.7 point per game and was well-balanced with 2478 passing yards and 2481 rushing yards. Underclassmen such as Tank Peters, Issiah Groen and Tyree Hawkins will have to emerge as new play makers on offense.
10. Anclote Sharks
2014 Record: 0-10
Why: Nothing went right for Anclote last season resulting in an unthinkable winless season. A year later, the Sharks are considered to be one of the dark horses in the area and may even battle for a playoff spot. If that is to happen it will be because of a highly productive offense led by senior quarterback Brandon Vinkler (724 yards, 5 TDs), tailback Braxton Johnson (733 yards/5 TDs), and Matthew Elkins (165 yards, 2 TDs). Denver Eldredge (63 tackles) and Dante Clark (55 tackles) lead the defense.
Next Five On The Bubble: Mitchell, Land O’Lakes, Springstead, Wiregrass Ranch, Citrus
