DWYER PANTHERS

Head Coach: Jack Daniels
District: 7A-13
2015 Record: 10-2
Offensive Formation: Spread
Defensive Formation: 4-3

RETURNING ATHLETES

• QB Toddy Centeio, 6-1, 205, Sr. (1100 passing yards, 10 passing TDs, 4 interceptions)
• RB Jakairi Moses, 5-10, 185, Sr. (144 carries, 1400 rushing yards, 10 rushing TDs, 10 receptions, 136 receiving yards, 1 receiving TD; 2nd team FHSF Class 7A All-State Elite Team)
• LB Corey Dempsey, 5-11, 205, Sr. (70 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, 3 interceptions, 2 interception return TDs, 1 blocked FG)
• CB Cedrick Dort, 6-1, 170, Sr. (26 tackles, 1 interception)

NEWCOMERS ON THE FIELD

• WR Austin Evans, 6-5, 205, Sr.
• OLB Emmanuel Yisrael, 6-0, 190, Sr. (103 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, 1 fumble recovery TD, transfer from Oxbridge Academy)
• OLB/RB Raven Saunders, 6-1, 220, Sr. (22 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 sack, 4 forced fumbles, 36 carries, 101 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD, transfer from Oxbridge Academy)
• OT Antawn Lewis, 6-5, 285, Sr. (transfer from Palm Beach Gardens)

2016 SCHEDULE

• Aug. 26 at Boynton Beach, 7
• Sept. 2 BYE WEEK
• Sept. 9 vs. Palm Beach Central, 7
• Sept. 16 vs. Palm Beach Lakes, 7*
• Sept. 23 vs. Palm Beach Gardens, 7
• Sept. 30 at Olympic Heights, 7*
• Oct. 7 vs. Wellington, 7
• Oct. 14 vs. Royal Palm Beach, 7*
• Oct. 21 at West Boca Raton, 7*
• Oct. 28 at Forest Hill, 7*
• Nov. 4 at Atlantic (Delray), 7

STORYLINES TO FOLLOW

Deadly duo: Toddy Centeio and Jakairi Moses combined for over 20 TDs and more than 2,000 yards in the 2015 season – and they are back for another year with the Panthers. The two led Dwyer to an undefeated in district record, averaging 32.2 points per game, on their way to the district title. Royal Palm Beach, the only team that gave the Panthers any trouble last season, lost several key players to graduation, so it appears that Dwyer will be able to win the district outright, once again. With no one standing in their way, look for Centeio, a Temple commit, and Moses to throw and run for more than 1,000 yards, respectively.

Linebacker lovin’: Yielding a district-low 56 points to district opponents last season, defense is a focal point of the Dwyer Panthers’ success. Linebacker Corey Dempsey led the team in tackles and sacks last season and even found the end zone twice on interception returns. Transfers Emmanuel Yisrael and Raven Saunders from Oxbridge Academy will complement Dempsey nicely as parts of the linebacking core for Dwyer this season. Yisrael led his team in tackles last season, eclipsing triple digits with 103 tackles on the year. Saunders, an NC State Wolfpack commit, is a threat on both sides of the ball, playing outside linebacker and running back. The trio of Dempsey, Yisrael and Saunders combined for 195 tackles last season, and will look to surpass that number this season, looking to lead an elite Panthers defense to the 7A playoffs.

Back on top: In 2013, the Dwyer Panthers finished the season 15-0 as the class 7A Champions. 2014 was a down year for the program, winning just seven games, the fewest in recent history. Last season, Dwyer returned to their previous form, winning the district and posting a 10-1 record in the regular season. In the playoffs, the Panthers snuck by the Blanche Ely Tigers with a 16-14 victory, only to be knocked out of the postseason by St. Thomas Aquinas. Coincidentally, the last time that the Raiders did not win the class 7A championship was 2013, the year that Dwyer won out. If the Panthers want to reclaim their position of supremacy atop of Class 7A, they must make it past the Raiders. With the addition of Yisrael and Saunders, Dwyer’s defense should be able to limit the St. Thomas Aquinas offense. If Dwyer gets the rematch they want, look for a high-profile clash between two of the top offenses in their respective classification.

KEY NON-DISTRICT GAME TO WATCH

• Nov. 4 vs. Atlantic (Delray) – Although this game comes at the end of the year, this is a rivalry game between the two schools. With both teams likely already securing playoff spots as this is a Week 11 game, this could be a time that some of the backups get to showcase what they have skills wise for the 2017 season. Overall, don’t count out either one making some kind of statement in the end.

KEY DISTRICT GAME TO WATCH

• Oct. 14 vs. Royal Palm Beach – Considering the district can be competitive for the playoff spots, the game against Royal Palm Beach is never a game the Panthers can take their eyes off. However, if the Panthers play a solid game, there is no doubt they can take control of District 7A-13 with this game.

AUDIBLE FROM THE COACH

“Our strength this season will be returning so many players with experience,” Head coach Jack Daniels said. “Last season, we were a very young team and this year we are coming back with a group of veterans. Spring season went well and our players were able to grasp our scheme and execute it in the spring game. We are looking forward to seeing our hard work in the summer pay off in the fall.”

THE OUTLOOK

After falling in the Regional Semifinals to St. Thomas Aquinas last season, the Dwyer Panthers are out for revenge. Jack Daniels has been to state championships before and has been victorious. He knows what it takes to win.

Returning nine starters on either side of the ball, along with the addition of three key transfers, Daniels has all of the pieces that he needs to put Dwyer back on top. Toddy Centeio and Jakairi Moses will put up their fair share of points for the Panthers. Both quarterback and running back should see their productivity increase based on two key newcomers to the team.

Centeio, who threw for more than 1,000 yards last season, will have 6-5 WR Austin Evans lining up out wide for him. Where Centeio may lack the height to see over the line, standing at just 5-11, Evans will make his job very easy for him, out-reaching most defensive backs in the area. Moses’ rushing yards should increase with the presence of OT Antawn Lewis on the offensive line, blocking for the shifty back.

The linebacking core of the Panthers should be able to rival any in Class 7A. Dempsey and the pair of linebackers from Oxbridge will pose a threat to opposing quarterbacks and running backs every night. And shut-down corner Cedrick Dort will keep the aerial attack contained.

Dwyer will most likely cruise through their regular season schedule, until facing Atlantic on the road in early November. A win against the Eagles would give the Panthers the confidence necessary to go up against any team in Class 7A.

But a win against Atlantic will be hard to come by, as will each and every postseason game in the Class 7A playoffs.

The post 2016 PREVIEW GUIDE: Dwyer Panthers Team Preview appeared first on FloridaHSFootball.com.

NAPLES GOLDEN EAGLES

Head Coach: Bill Kramer
District: 6A-12
2015 Record: 11-2
Offensive Formation: Pro Set
Defensive Formation: 4-3

RETURNING ATHLETES

Name, Height, Weight, Year, Info & 2015 Stats in parenthesis
• S/LB Noah Biggs, 6-2, 205, Sr. (47 tackles, 6 TFL, 3 sacks, 1 INT, 2 FF and 1 FR)
• RB Marcelino Charles, 5-7, 170, Sr. (43 carries, 423 yds, 6 TDs)
• TE Chris Hanlon, 6-3, 220, Sr. (22 carries, 149 yds, 2 TDs; 8 rec. 95 yds, 1 TD)
• LB Kale Shust, 5-10, 185, Sr. (36 tackles, 4 sacks)
• WR Woodby Theork, 5-11, 170, Jr. (35 rec, 494 yards, 8 TDs. Holds offers from Rutgers and FAMU)
• QB Jordan Persad-Tirone, 5-10, 175, Jr. (Led team JV team to undefeated season last year)

NEWCOMERS ON THE FIELD

Name, Height, Weight, Year, Additional Info in parenthesis
• RB Cesare Mellusi, 6-0, 180, So. (Scored every 2.1 times touching the ball on freshman team. Holds an offer from Rutgers)
• DT Sawyer Schwarz, 6-2, 260, Sr. (18 tackles, 1 TFL, 3 sacks as a backup)
• CB Sam Faustin, 6-2, 175, Jr. (Will pick up where Tyler Byrd left off as long and tall corner with the ability to run quickly)
• WR Manny Cordova, 6-2, 170, Sr.
• WR Lucas Lee, 5-9, 160, Sr. (Between Cordova and Lee, they accounted for over 20 catches and 200 yds receiving and will bring depth to the wide receiver position)

2016 SCHEDULE

* – denotes district game
• Aug. 26 vs. American Heritage (Delray), 7:30
• Sept. 2 vs. Island Coast, 7:30
• Sept. 9 BYE WEEK
• Sept. 16 @ Gulf Coast, 7
• Sept. 23 vs. Immokalee, 7:30
• Sept. 30 vs. Golden Gate, 7:30*
• Oct. 7 at Lely, 7
• Oct. 14 at Palmetto Ridge, 7*
• Oct. 21 vs. South Fort Myers, 7:30
• Oct. 28 vs. Barron Coller, 7:30*
• Nov. 4 BYE WEEK

STORYLINES TO FOLLOW

Reload or rebuild?: That is a big question to ask when looking at the history of the Naples program under Coach Kramer. However, from the sounds of it, it will just be more of a reload for the Golden Eagles despite having to replace 25 seniors who all have graduated. The reload will start with the five returning starters who will be called upon to provide a leadership role. According to the Naples Daily News, the Golden Eagles are having to replace nearly the entire defense as well as the entire offensive line and backfield starters. With a lot of the holes needing to be filled coming in the skill position department, new faces including Jordan Persad-Tirone at quarterback and Sam Faustin at corner are going to have to develop fast to make sure the Golden Eagles stay in games.

Another nine-game schedule: The schedule for the Golden Eagles consists of only nine games once again after attempts to lock in a 10^th game have turned up empty handed. With the success Naples has had over the last few years with some deep playoff runs, it could be partly to blame as to why some teams are just flat out in refusing to put the Golden Eagles on their schedule. However, that has not stopped them from being successful and that extra bye week could be extra useful if anything unforeseen happens.

Who’s your rival?: Naples might not have a clear defined rival despite the fact that they play Lely every year for the Coconut Bowl, something the Golden Eagles have come to dominate in recent years. Coach Kramer tells us that everyone that they play on the schedule from Southwest Florida is pretty much a rival at this point. Considering out of all teams in Lee & Collier counties, only two teams have managed to come back home as state champions with Naples being one of them (the other being Immokalee), so it is certainly a good reason why these teams circle the games on the calendar against the Golden Eagles.

KEY NON-DISTRICT GAME TO WATCH

• Aug. 26 vs. American Heritage (Delray) – Given this was the only loss during the regular season last year for the Golden Eagles, this is certainly that key non-district game to watch. Both teams will certainly not looked like what they were last year when they hit the field, but it could certainly be a game that goes down to the wire which could allow Naples to get the season started off on the right note.

KEY DISTRICT GAME TO WATCH

• Oct. 14 vs. Palmetto Ridge – With Palmetto Ridge returning 9 seniors on defense, this could be a game that Naples will have to make sure they don’t get too overconfident in – even if it is at home. A win here will likely secure them the district championship. A loss, however, could put the district in complete chaos with Barron Collier looking to also steal some of the spotlight this season.

AUDIBLE FROM THE COACH

“[The] Golden Eagles will have to work hard in-season and out-of-season to continue the Naples Football tradition and uphold the legacy that is Naples High Football.” – Coach Kramer on the outlook of his team for 2016.

THE OUTLOOK

With only five starters back on both side of the ball, Naples certainly will have to make sure they are ready to come August 19 when they host St. Petersburg Lakewood in the kickoff classic. It will be the first glimpse of everything the Golden Eagles did during the summer and during the first weeks of practice.

But it might not be necessary at the same time.

During their spring classic against North Miami, the Golden Eagles were able to score nine points on the field before the offense even got a play in, according to the Naples Daily News. In that report, some of the players felt like they had a chip on their shoulder, especially after the way last season came to an end with a loss to Miami Central in the Class 6A state semifinals. The game saw the Golden Eagles walk all over North Miami with different ways of scoring, winning 50-13 in front of the home crowd. Coach Kramer did tell us that Jordan Persad-Tirone threw 2 TDs in the spring game in his debut as the leader of the offense.

The Golden Eagles, as we have established, are going to be relying on a lot of new players that are either rising up from the junior varsity or freshman teams to fill in some big voids left open by players like QB Kieran DiGiorno, RB Carlin Fils-Aime and DB Tyler Byrd. That is going to put the pressure on Persad-Tirone, Marcelino Charles and Sam Faustin to come around quickly to keep the look of the 2015 team.

Overall, look for the Golden Eagles to keep winning games, but don’t expect it to fully come at the pace they have come at over the last few years as the rising players take their place to continue building upon the excellence that Naples has built.

The post 2016 PREVIEW GUIDE: Naples Golden Eagles Team Preview appeared first on FloridaHSFootball.com.

NORTH BROWARD PREP EAGLES

Head Coach: Rex Nottage
Conference: Gold Coast Football Conference
2015 Record: 6-4
Offensive Formation: Multiple; Wing-T
Defensive Formation: 4-2-5

RETURNING ATHLETES

Name, Height, Weight, Year, Info & 2015 Stats in parenthesis
• WR Kevin Austin, 6-3, 190, Jr.
• RB/P Dymitri McKenzie, 6-0, 195. Sr. (584 yds rushing, 8 TDs; 45 tackles, 4 sacks, 34.6 punt average)
• TE/DE Kenny Henningsen, 6-3, 200. Sr.
• MLB Kallen Jennings, 6-1, 200. Sr. (66 tackles, 1 FR)
• WR/CB Anthony Gomez, 5-10, 170. Sr. (19 tackles, 3 INTs, 3 PBUs)
• FB/LB Kirby Burns, 5-10, 195. Jr. (57 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 FR)
• WR/FS Bradley Cooper, 6-3, 175, Jr.
• OL/DL Justin Bentayou, 6-3, 265. Sr.
• OL/DL Ted Arthur, 5-9, 240. Sr.
• QB/CB Logan Shooster, 5-10, 155. (29 tackles, 3 INTs, 5 PBUs, 1 blocked point)

NEWCOMERS ON THE FIELD

• RB/DB Dorian Cole, 5-10, 185. Sr.
• OL/LB Hunter Greggs, 5-10, 220. Sr.

2016 SCHEDULE

* – denotes conference game
•Aug. 26 vs. Pines Charter, 7*
• Sept. 2 at Coral Springs Charter, 7*
• Sept. 9 at Inlet Grove, 7*
• Sept. 16 at Key West, 7*
• Sept. 23 vs. Pompano Beach, 7*
• Sept. 30 BYE WEEK
• Oct. 7 at Westminster Academy, 7*
• Oct. 14 vs. Archbishop McCarthy, 7*
• Oct. 21 at Coral Glades, 7*
• Oct. 28 vs. Calvary Christian, 7*
• Nov. 4 vs. John Carroll Catholic, 7

STORYLINES TO FOLLOW

Can senior-laden group finally put North Broward over the hump?: For the past two seasons, North Broward Prep has found itself falling in the semi-finals of the Gold Coast Football Conference playoffs to Oxbridge Academy and Key West, respectively. But a previously younger group is now experienced, seasoned and ready to get over the hump. The Eagles lost just six seniors from last year’s team, most of their starting lineup is returning, not to mention new additions, most noticeably Greggs and Cole. Furthermore, although a bigger field this season, the Gold Coast Football Conference competition has evened out a bit in 2016, with North Broward rival Key West losing a bulk of seniors. The Eagles’ nucleus has yet to get past the semifinals in the playoffs, but with new talent and a more experienced squad this season, could it be the year North Broward gets the title they yearn?

Who will start at QB?: One uncertainty North Broward will have to cover before training camp ends will be, who will be under center for the Eagles in 2016? North Broward heads into camp with a quarterback competition underway between junior Logan Shooster and sophomore Christian Paillet. Although Shooster has made significant strides over the off-season and looks ready to lead this team, the youngster Paillet has shown massive potential and talent that can’t be overlooked. However, it’s expected the team will give Shooster the starting nod for the opener against Pines Charter.

Star wideout Kevin Austin: No question needed here, as four-star receiver Kevin Austin is in store for a monster junior season. The 6-3 junior has 18 offers including Miami (FL), Michigan State, Florida State, Tennessee, Duke, and 13 others. Austin has been described by outstanding athletic ability and killer speed and had 13 touchdowns for the Eagles his sophomore season. Austin is featured on the cover on the Friday Night Lights High School Football Magazine and leads a North Broward receiving group that is still very strong despite the loss of 6-4 N.C. State wide receiver C.J. Riley.

KEY CONFERENCE GAMES TO WATCH

• Sept. 16 at Key West – If the Eagles want to make a run at the Gold Coast championship this season, this is a must game win for them. With a least, a four bus trip to Southernmost city in the United States, the Eagles have to be mentally and physically prepared for this game in order to come out with a win in the end.

• Oct. 14 vs. Archbishop McCarthy – This is another must-win game for the Eagles, but they will have to be ready to play the perfect game in this one. With a lot of athletes returning for Archbishop McCarthy, it will be a tough test. However, if they at least win one of the two games between Key West and Archbishop McCarthy, the Eagles stand a great chance to still get to the championship game at least.

AUDIBLE FROM THE COACH

“We have a good outlook this season,” North Broward Prep head coach Rex Nottage said. “We have experience at both offensive and defensive skill positions, but our offensive and defensive lines lack size.”

THE OUTLOOK

North Broward Prep seems to have put together a team that can finally get past the semifinals and take home the Gold Coast Football Conference title, but a couple obstacles stand in their way. One is if they can beat Archbishop McCarthy. Archbishop McCarthy, 2015 GCFC champs, enter the season as favorites to repeat and have a lot more size on the inside than North Broward. The key for the Eagles will be to outplay the Mavericks at the skill positions, where North Broward – with athletes Austin, McKenzie, Cole, Gomez, Henningsen, and others – have a clear advantage.

What bit the Eagles in the rear in 2015 was their offensive line struggles. The team put out a young, undersized group last season and it was overpowered and overmatched in nearly every contest. But this season that line should improve with the addition of Greggs and more experience that some of the younger guys have. However, it still is a question mark. If North Broward plans on taking down Archbishop McCarthy for the GCFC crown, the offensive line will need to step up big. Another lackluster year from that group could lead to yet another early exit in the playoffs. The skill positions’ ability to thrive is dependent on the offensive and defensive lines’ ability to perform for the Eagles.

McCarthy appears as North Broward’s toughest challenge to overcome in search for a title, but the GCFC is more talented than in years past. Coral Springs Charter, Calvary Christian, Key West, and Westminster Academy all have talented groups and could pose serious threats to the Eagles this season. Whether it’s Paillet or Shooster at quarterback, either should be at least serviceable with the many weapons on offense North Broward has at their disposal.

How can the Eagles become GCFC champions? Their 0-3 2015 record against Archbishop McCarthy and Key West will have to change this season, and the offensive and defensive lines will be major deciding factors in North Broward’s success.

The post 2016 PREVIEW GUIDE: North Broward Prep Eagles Team Preview appeared first on FloridaHSFootball.com.

Plantation American Heritage – This change was so close to making the cut on changes, but given the nature of things it was hard to leave someone out. However, we can’t take a way the significance of what Mike Rumph did in the few years with the Patriots, helping them win the 2013 and 2014 Class 5A state championships. With the promotion of Pat Surtain, the Patriots should be able to keep things rolling for the foreseeable future.

Bishop Kenny – Mark Thorson steps down after guiding the Crusaders through some of its best seasons in school history with former Providence head coach Bobby Raulerson set to take over. Crusaders should be able to keep the success rolling under Raulerson’s watch.

Boyd Anderson – This would have been a possible top five change hadn’t been for the changes at Chaminade-Madonna. With Eddie Brown stepping away after turning around the Cobras to a 9-2 record, Quincy Woods will get the chance to lead things for 2016.

Clearwater Central Catholic – Another coaching change just right on the bubble here as John Davis finally hung up the whistle after his second stint with the Marauders, where he led them to the 2013 Class 3A state championship game before falling to Jacksonville Trinity Christian. Chris Harvey was promoted after serving as an assistant this past season.

Coral Springs Charter – After leading the team to its most successful season last year, Adam Miller was afford the chance to take a graduate assistant’s job at Florida International. Matt Garris, defensive coordinator last season was promoted to take over as head coach.

Ed White – The school is on its third head coach in as many seasons, but they couldn’t have found a bigger home run hire than FACA Hall of Fame head coach Kevin Sullivan to take over the reigns of the Commanders program after a failed second stint of former head coach Terry Gilliam. Sullivan’s hire could put the Commanders right back in the playoff hunt this season.

Edgewater – After getting the Eagles righted back to their winning ways under Rich Bedesem, the Orlando-area school hired former Florida Gator quarterback Chris Leak to take over, marking his first stint as a high school head football coach. After losing big time to a Mount Dora in the spring that is now on their fourth head coach in as many seasons, it remains to be seen how Leak will do with Edgewater.

Fleming Island – The Golden Eagles became noted for their success under Jeff Webb in the late 2000’s, while Frank Hall did a good job keeping the consistency together when he took over in 2012. However investigation involving the use of booster club money eventually forced Hall to step down for good with Damenyum Springs taking over as the interim head coach before finally being named the permanent head coach during the offseason.

RELATED: The Original Coaches Moving Van: The complete list of 2016 off-season coaching changes

Fletcher – After just one year under Ricky Medlock and seeing a one-point game be the difference between reaching the playoffs or not, Fletcher parted ways with Medlock and in turn promoted long-time assistant coach Kevin Brown who has spent all his coaching career at Fletcher, who also happens to be an alumnus of the Senators. In the end Brown, told us at the Jacksonville Media Day, that was unacceptable to Fletcher standards to miss the playoffs last season, thus resulting the change.

Fort Pierce Central – After guiding the Cobras through some of their best seasons in recent years, Josh Shaffer stepped down and to replace him was St. Thomas Aquinas defensive coordinator Matt Helmerich, who is bringing in some of the winning culture he inherited during his time with the Raiders.

Hallandale – After leading the team to its best season in school history with a regional final appearance in the playoffs, Dameon Jones stepped away from the coaching scene before recently taking the job at Chaminade-Madonna. Benedict Hyppolite was tapped to take over the program that is now considered one of Broward County’s most competitive teams now.

Jefferson County – After leading the Tigers through a turnaround that got them back to the playoffs Aaron Sheppard left to take the job down at Fort Pierce Westwood. The Tigers then turned to a familiar face in Jefferson County and former head coach Blair Armstrong for his second stint with the program. Armstrong who was previously at Hamilton County in 2013 and 2014 already as an impressive resume that includes a state championship from 1982 during his first stint with the Tigers. Armstron also lead Hamilton County to the 2014 Class 1A state championship game, which marked the first time in 40-years that program had reached a state championship game.

John Carroll – Mike Watkins put the Golden Rams back on the map through their winning ways which built up from being an independent power to being a district champion in District 3A-6 this past season. However a lateral move to Bay High School in Panama City was one of the biggest reasons in Watkins’ departure from the Fort Pierce school. In turn John Carroll hired former Fort Pierce Central head coach Chris Hutchings to continue what Watkins built up.

Lake Brantley – Longtime coach George Clayton hung up the whistle for good after taking over the program in the late 1990’s. Clayton, who lead the Patriots the 2006 Class 6A state championship game before falling to Miami Northwestern, leave the program in the hands of longtime assistant coach David Delfiacoo, who is also a Lake Brantley alum.

Lake Gibson – This was another big change that made the round the state when longtime Braves coach Keith DeMyer retired after 40-years of coaching in various capacities at schools around Polk County. DeMyer’s son Doug DeMyer, was promoted from assistant coach to keep the continuity intact at the Lakeland school that reach the state championship game twicee (2003 and 2004) under the elder DeMyer.

Mandarin – With Brian Braddock leaving for St. Augustine after leading Mandarin to its best finish in school history with a 12-1 record, the school quickly found their man in former Jacksonville Jaguars and former Andrew Jackson head coach Quinn Gray. With the bar set high, the challenge will be for Gray to lead the team to keep that bar right where it is now.

North Florida Christian – After six seasons that included winning the Class 2A state championship in 2011, Robert Craft left his alma mater for the same position at North Forsyth High School near Atlanta. The school quickly promoted assistant coach Steve Price to take over. Price might be remembered for spending three years as the head coach at Taylor County from 2009 until 2011.

North Marion – Just after two years after taking over the North Marion program, Stephen Field landed a college coaching job that was too good for him to pass up. With Field continuing North Marion’s success of reaching the playoffs that started under former head coach Craig Damon, it is now former Palatka and Interlachen head coach Willie Offord’s turn to keep the success going this year.

Oak Ridge – The school is going on their third head coach as in many seasons after Tyrone Sapp left the program after one season. In turn, the school hired Wekiva head coach Kenard Lang who led Wekiva to their first playoff berth in school history in the 2014 season. Lang is also noted for the success he had at nearby Jones in the late-2000’s.

Oakleaf – This was a big move that caught a lot of people around the state off guard as Derek Chipoletti stepped down to take a job in the private sector after leading Oakleaf to its best stretch of football in school history. That stretch include a 12-1 record in 2014 with the school’s first-ever regional finals appearance in Class 7A. Assistant head coach Steve Reynolds who served as head coach at Bradford in 2013 and 2014 was promoted to lead the Knights this season.

Pace – Replacing a legend is hard and this is certainly the case as Mickey Lindsey stepped down after 39-years of coaching, including 25 years as the head coach for the Patriots. However, Lindsey’s replacement was not far away as former assistant and Jay head coach, Kent Smith, was tapped to take the reigns of the program which has had much success over the years under Lindsey.

Pahokee – The Blue Devils were dealt a blow right before the playoffs last season when former head coach Alphonso Smith was removed from the sideline for improper conduct that eventually cost them game in the regional semifinals against Dixie County. However, Pahokee hopes they have found someone to stabilize things with Orson Walkes, a Pahokee alum, taking over the program to continue the tradition that the Blue Devils are known for.

Plant City – After leading the Raiders to their best finish in school history with a 12-1 record and an appearance in the regional finals, Greg Meyer stepped way early in the summer due to health issues. The school quickly appointed assistant head coach Robert Paxia as the new head coach to keep things going for a team that is expected once again to compete for a district championship this season.

RELATED: The Top Five (or Six) coaching change of the 2016 off-season

Plantation – For 11 seasons, Steve Davis lead the Plantation Colonels through one of their best stretches of football in a while. However, he felt it was time to hang it up and let someone new take over the program that has been highly competitive in Broward County. With that comes Jesse Norris who comes to Plantation from Culver-Stockton College in Missouri to continue the success of the Colonels program.

Ribault – The Trojans which have risen up as a program over the last few years will have a new man in charge to lead things as long time coach Anthony Flynn hung up the whistle. Flynn, who’s Trojans were just points away from the regional finals last season, will see longtime assistant coach and Ribault alum Kelvin Smith take over to build off that success.

Santa Fe Catholic – Just shortly removed off winning the Sunshine State Athletic Conference championship and undefeated season, Billy Dickerson announced his resignation as head coach. In turn the school quickly promoted assistant coach Zach Shelby to the lead the program to defend its conference title this season.

Sickles – After leading Sickles through its most successful stretch of football, Brian Turner stepped away from the game the school hired former Jesuit assistant Patrick Murphy, who recently was an assistant coach for a high school up in Tennessee. Murphy will be tasked with keep the winning culture that has become a staple for the Gryphons program.

South Sumter – The Sumter county school has not had to hire a new head coach since 1984 – that is 32 years for those keeping count. However, that changed this offseason when longtime head coach Inman Sherman finally hung up the whistle for good. Very quickly the school promoted longtime assistant coach Ty Lawrence to fill the shoes Sherman leaves behind. However, by promoting Lawerence will keep things intact for the program that has build a tradition around winning games and reaching the playoffs each season.

Suwannee – Jamie Rodgers quickly came in several years ago and got things kicking again for a Suwannee program that is home to four consecutive state championship that were won between 1987 and 1990. In 2014 the Bulldogs went the furthest in the playoffs, with a trip to the state semfianls, since the 1999 season when they finished as the Class 3A state runner-up to Glades Central under now current Navarre head coach Jay Walls. However, Rodgers leaped at the opportunity to return home to Baker County and the Bulldogs quickly hired alum and Maclay head coach Kyler Hall to lead the program for the foreseeable future.

Westmisnter Christian – Westminster was certainly not in a hurt when Sederick Irvin decided to step down after leading the team to three consecutive district championships. Quickly though, they found his replacement in former Miami Jackson head coach Earl Little to lead the team that will be in the hunt for their fourth consecutive District 3A-8 championship this season.

Zephyrhills – The Bulldogs had a lot of success under former head coach and alum Reggie Roberts who was dismissed after the season as the school wanted to have a full-time on campus head coach. However, the move wasn’t totally popular with the community given the success Roberts brought with two straight playoff apperances. However, things settled down when the school hired alum Nick Carroll who has been a long time assistant at nearby Sunlake in Land O’ Lakes to lead the next phase of football for the Bulldogs.

The post Other notable coaching changes of the 2016 off-season appeared first on FloridaHSFootball.com.

After going through the list there were six coaching changes that ended up making the cut with two being tied for the fifth spot. As such, there were many other changes that could have made this list, but did not make the cut. Those will be featured in our other notable coaching changes of the 2016 season in a separate article.

MORE: Other notable coaching changes of the 2016 off-season

Without further adieu, here is our top five, er., six coaching changes of the 2016 off-season:

1. MIAMI JACKSON

After Miami Jackson head coach Earl Little stepped down after two seasons at the helm, the question was who was going to lead the team going into the 2016 season. The answer was likely closer than what it had originally seemed.

Lakatriona Brunson, who is more familiar to reality television viewers as “Bernice” from truTV’s South Beach Tow, was hired as the new head coach for the Generals. That hire made her the first known female head coach to lead a high school football team among Florida’s nearly 560 11-man football programs.

She told USA TODAY High School Sports back at the start of spring football “she is happy if what she has accomplished has ‘open door’ for other women.”

Joining Brunson on staff will be former Miami Norland defensive coordinator Luther Campbell who will serve as her defensive coordinator. Campbell is better known to people in South Florida as “Uncle Luke” the former leader of the rap group 2 Crew Live.

Brunson, who is a physical education team at Miami Jackson, said in the same report that other women have been contact her and asking if they can coach with her.

In the end though, she is pretty much in control of things like any head coach should be as she sent players through strong conditioning drills and having them run track as part of what she calls building a ‘smash-mouth’ team.

Overall, it will be a fun season to watch to see how Miami Jackson fairs in Brunson first season which includes a big road trip to face Florida’s all-time wins leader in Corky Rogers at Jacksonville Bolles.

2. CHAMINADE-MADONNA

With just over 24 hours left to go before fall practices commenced, the biggest surprised of coaching changes took place when it was announced that Chaminade-Madonna head coach Jason Milgrom resigned.

The reasons, according to Milgrom, were that he didn’t like the direction of the way the program was going for his abrupt resignation.

And it appeared the result of his resignation was going to be a total dismantling of the Lions program that was expected to be in the hunt to possibly reach the Class 3A state championship this season.

However, the school moved rather quickly by hiring former Hallandale head coach, Dameon Jones to take over for at least this season. That move has kept the team united and has only resulted in one transfer out of many that had initially planned to transfer out, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

3. OXBRIDGE ACADEMY

A major internal investigation at Oxbridge Academy, that was initiated by founder Bill Koch, led to the dismissal of several people at the top including CEO Bob Parsons, athletic director Craig Sponsky and head coach Doug Socha, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported.

The dismissal of Socha, however rocked the Florida high school landscape, as the ThunderWolves were just coming off a successful spring season and had won their first district championship in District 3A-7 this past season, which was also the first year that Oxbridge Academy has been eligible for the playoffs in district play.

The report indicated that Socha’s contract as head football coach was not renewed for the upcoming season and in turn the school promoted defensive coordinator Brendan Kent to the position of head coach.

However, the process of change hasn’t been smooth as multiple reports from various media outlets have indicated some of the strongest players for Oxbridge Academy had transferred to other schools in the Palm Beach County area for the upcoming season. The change also canceled a trip to DeMatha Catholic in Maryland for a Week 1 contest, which eventually was filled in with defending Class 8A state champion Flanagan during the summer. The turbulence was all capped off when the school announced it would forfeit all athletic wins from the past two seasons due to impermissible benefits within the school.

It remains to be seen how well Oxbridge will fair during the 2016 season given that prior to Socha’s dismissal that the ThunderWolves were to be a top five team in Class 3A to start the season.

RELATED: The Original Coaches Moving Van: The complete list of 2016 off-season coaching changes

4. FLANAGAN

While it swirled around as rumor for much of last season that Devin Bush Sr. was likely going to depart for the college ranks, not much came from it.

It wasn’t until after Flanagan finally laid claim to their first football state championship in Class 8A that the rumors started to increase for Bush to make the jump.

When his son, Devin Bush Jr., signed with Jim Harbaugh and the Michigan Wolverines, the destination was starting to become much clearer for Bush Sr. for his first college job. The move was made official just over two weeks after National Signing Day, when the Miami Herald reported that Bush Sr. was hired by Harbaugh as a defensive analyst.

However, the successor to Bush Sr. at Flanagan was already in the building.

With just a few weeks before spring football, the school officially announced the promotion of Stanford Samuels Jr., the Falcons’ defensive coordinator the past three seasons, the Miami Herald reported.

Samuels told the Herald that the goal hasn’t changed in winning a state championship, which is something the Falcons will be defending this season and will have a big star in his own son, Stanford Samuels III, to help anchor the defense that became well known to fans the last few seasons.

As such, we don’t expect too much drop for the Falcons with this move.

T5. ST. AUGUSTINE

There will be a change of the guard at St. Augustine for the first time since 1996, as Joey Wiles stepped down to take the assistant athletic director position with Flagler College, a 4-year liberals arts college in the nearby historic downtown district in St. Augustine.

Wiles, who won’t be coaching football at the NCAA Division II program, as no such program exist, he leaves behind a legacy that turned St. Augustine from being nearly everyone’s homecoming to the team that teams in Northeast Florida rather not face when they were loaded.

According to Justin Barney at The Florida Times-Union, Wiles stepped down just two wins shy of 200 career wins at St. Augustine. However, with other stops along the way including Melbourne and Fort Pierce Central, Wiles hung up his high school coaching career with a win total of 242 to only 82 losses.

Wiles most notable achievements included taking the Yellow Jackets to three state championship games of the course of his tenure, winning one in 2005 in Class 3A with a perfect 15-0 record. It also worth noting that the Yellow Jackets haven’t missed the playoffs since 1999, which marked 17 straight years of reaching the postseason as of last season.

But the next person to lead the Yellow Jackets program under the post-Wiles era, would be found not far away.

That would be now-former Mandarin Head Coach Brian Braddock.

Braddock, one of two coaches who eventually became head coaches after spending time under Wiles, was hired to take over for his former mentor and coach in March after spending the past three seasons turning around the program at Mandarin including a 12-1 season this past year that included a trip to the regional finals in Class 8A.

For Braddock who played under Wiles in his three seasons at the helm, told The Florida Times-Union that “It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to return home,” considering he had no interest in leaving the job at Mandarin.

Overall, St. Augustine has been left in good hands to continue the success and tradition of what Wiles was able to build through in two decades.

T5. TRENTON

In just five seasons, Andrew Thomas pretty much did it all for Trenton.

Thomas took the Tigers from a team with aspirations of just winning a district championship and making the playoffs to a team that reached the Class 1A state championship three times in those five years, coming away with two championships in the process.

So after Trenton won its second Class 1A state championship in December, after defeating Port St. Joe for the second time in the same season, there was no idea that Thomas was even thinking about leaving the program that put the fourth-smallest county in area on the map.

However, the opportunity to coach a well known program in T.R. Miller in Alabama following behind in the footsteps of one of Alabama’s own legendary coaches in Jamie Riggs was too good to pass up. That opportunity came in late February.

“That is a job and place you can’t ignore. It is a great opportunity,” Thomas told the Gainesville Sun.

Thomas, will leave Trenton with 60-5 overall record in five seasons, having won two Class 1A state championships with the program in 2013 and 2015, while finishing as the Class 1A runner-up to Northview in 2012.

However, a familiar face was not far away that would be tapped to take over the program.

Within just a matter of weeks, Trenton hired Alachua Santa Fe head coach Bill Wiles, who previously coached the Tigers from 1997 until 2001, according a Gainesville Sun, report.

While at Santa Fe, Wiles able to lead a turnaround of the Raiders program that finished the 2015 season with a 9-4 record and a trip to the state semifinals where it fell to Class 4A state runner-up, Jacksonville Raines.

Overall, Trenton should stay the course for what Thomas has left to Wiles for his second stint with the program.

RELATED: Other notable coaching changes of the 2016 off-season

The post The Top Five (or Six) coaching changes of the 2016 off-season appeared first on FloridaHSFootball.com.

TOTAL CHANGES TO DATE: 143

School, Outgoing Coach, Incoming Coach

American: Anthony White; Joe Morgan
American Heritage (Plantation): Mike Rumph; Patrick Surtain
Anclote: Matt Wicks; Matt Kingsley
Andrew Jackson: Richard Barnes; Adam Ward
Arlington Country Day: Dejuan Green, Terry McGriff
Atlantic (Port Orange): Buster Davis; Matt Dixon
Baker County: Tom MacPherson; Jamie Rodgers
Bay: Jimmy Longerbeam; Mike Watkins
Bayshore: Elijahn Freeman; John Biezuns
Belleview: Phillip Yancey; John Brantley III
Bishop Kenny: Mark Thorson; Bobby Raulerson
Blanche Ely: Nakia Jenkins; Carl Wilburn
Bloomingdale: Brian Surcy; Max Warner
Boyd Anderson: Eddie Brown; Quincy Woods
Bronson: Cameron Porch; Curtis Stacey
Cardinal Gibbons: Michael Morrill; Matt DeBuc
Cardinal Newman: John Timmons; Brian Pulaski
Celebration: Dennis Thomas; Joel Smeenge
Central Florida Christian: John Davis; Chris Cook
Chaminade-Madonna: Jason Milgrom; Dameon Jones
Clearwater Central Catholic: John Davis; Chris Harvey
Coconut Creek: Kareem Reid; Gerald Cox
Colonial: Mike Short; Clint Johnson
Coral Reef: Javi Valdes; Joseph Petisco
Coral Shores: Ed Holly; Herbert James (co-coach)
Coral Springs Charter: Adam Miller; Matt Garris
Cornerstone Charter: Justin Dottavio; Erik Monson
Crystal River: Nate Varnadore; Tony Lewis
Cypress Lake: Xavier McCray; Richie Rode
DeLand: James Thomson; Vernon Shelton
Dr. Krop: David Hudson; Mike Farley
Doral Academy: Josh Sanders; Jase Stewart
Dunedin: Matt LePain; Todd Brooks
Dunbar: Phil Vogt; Shanon Reid
Duval Charter: Bernard Harrell; Shaun Lakey
East River: Doug Gabriel; Collin Drafts
Eastside: Jeff Parker; Ceddrick Daniels
Ed White: Terry Gilliam; Kevin Sullivan
Edgewater: Rich Bedesem; Chris Leak
FAMU DRS: Ira Reynolds; Rontarious Robinson
Father Lopez: Jason Dunlap; Matt Kanuss
Fernandina Beach: Josh Charles; John Pate
Flanagan: Devin Bush Sr.; Stanford Samuels Jr.
Fleming Island: Frank Hall; Damenyum Springs
Fletcher: Ricky Medlock; Kevin Brown
Florida Christian: Chris Rivera; Lamont Green
Florida Deaf: Eric LeFors; Christian DeNight
Fort Pierce Central: Josh Shaffer; Matt Helmerich
Fort Pierce Westwood: John Lima; Aaron Sheppard
Fort Walton Beach: Tommy Johnson; Phil Dorn
Franklin County: Tim Mathis; Randy Brock
Freedom (Orlando): Jeff Higgins; Carl Holden
Freedom (Tampa): Todd Donohoe; Floyd Graham
George Jenkins: Richard Tate; Chris Canning
Gulf: Bruno Buonsanto; Matthew Kitchel
Gulf Breeze: Chris Nemith; Bobby Clayton
Haines City: Jake Chapman; Mike Bonneville
Hallandale: Dameon Jones; Benedict Hyppolite
Hardee: Buddy Martin; Brian Kemp
Hialeah Miami-Lakes: Horane Allison; Tyronn Johnson
Highlands Christian: Max Fisch; Josh Harris
Homestead: Larry Coffey; Dorian Munroe
Immokalee: Dale More; Rodelin Anthony
Inlet Grove: Terry Bradden; Michael Timpson
Interlachen: Lantz Lowry; Joe Szymanski
Jay: Kent Smith; Melvin Kersey
Jefferson County: Aaron Sheppard; Blair Armstrong
John Carroll: Mike Watkins; Chris Hutchings
Jones: Kevin Lewis; Elijah Williams
Jordan Christian Prep: Grady Morrell; Brian Davis
Keswick Christian: Blake Englehardt; Phil Hayford
Keys Gate Charter: Roger Morgan; Pedro Neiva
King: Trey Thomas; Rafael Tolentino
Lake Brantley: George Clayton; David Delfiacoo
Lake Gibson: Keith DeMyer; Doug DeMyer
Lake Mary Prep: Kieth Walsh; Zac Carter
Lake Region: Craig Merson; William G. Roe (interim)
Lake Worth: Jesse Hester; Micah Mays
Lely: Culmer St. Jean; Maurice Belser
Lyman: Jeff Gierke; Dennis Thomas
Maclay: Kyler Hall; Lance Ramer
Mandarin: Brian Braddock; Quinn Gray
Marco Island Academy: Greg Fowler; Damon Coiro
Marianna: Mark Beach; John Donaldson
Miami Jackson: Earl Little; Lakatriona Brunson
Miami Killian: Cory Johnson; Javi Valdes
Miami Sunset: Joseph Petisco; Mandrell Nickel
Melbourne Central Catholic: Mike Riazzi; Stacey Sizemore
Merritt Island Christian: Brian Power, Jamie Bopp
Mount Dora: Donnie Burchfield; Chris Stephenson
Mulberry: Dedrick Dodge; Kenneth Grantham
Newberry: Kepa Sarduy; Richard Vester
North Florida Christian: Robert Craft; Steve Price
North Marion: Stephen Field, Willie Offord
Northview: Sid Wheatley; Derek Marshman
Oak Ridge: Tyrone Sapp; Kenard Lang
Oakleaf: Derek Chipoletti; Steve Reynolds
Orange Park: Craig Nosse; Tom MacPherson
Osceola (Seminole): George Palmer; Kevin Smalley
Oxbridge Academy: Doug Socha, Brendan Kent
Pace: Mickey Lindsey; Kent Smith
Pahokee: Alphonso Smith; Orson Walkes
Palmer Trinity: Rudy Fernandez; Mark Reese
Pine Ridge: Bob Goebel; Matt Yancey
Plant City: Greg Meyer; Robert Paxia
Plantation: Steve Davis; Jesse Norris
Port St. Lucie: Ryan Solesky; Chris Dent
Ransom Everglades: Joe Mancuso; Mosi Blake
Ribault: Anthony Flynn; Kelvin Smith
Ridge Community: Russ Rodgers; Richard Tate
Ridgeview: Charlie Libretto; Cameron Porch
Riverdale: Damon Jones; Tom Roszell
St. Andrew’s: Steve Howey; Jimmy Robertson
St. Augustine: Joey Wiles; Brian Braddock
St. Johns Country Day: Todd Zehner; Bill Sellinger
St. John Neumann: Simon Codrington; Damon Jones
St. John Paul II (Boca Raton): Willie Snead; Jeff Dellenbach
Santa Fe (Alachua): Bill Wiles; Cliff Harrell
Santa Fe Catholic (Lakeland): Billy Dickerson; Zach Shelby
Seabreeze: Skip Saunier; Troy Coke
Seffner Christian: Steve Lewis; Travis Puleo
Seminole (Sanford): Kerry Wiggins; Don Stark
Seminole Ridge: Scott Barnwell; James Parson
Sickles: Brian Turner; Patrick Murphy
South Miami: David Gray; Rick Munne
South Plantation: Nick Dellaria; Dominic Anderson
South Sumter: Inman Sherman; Ty Lawrence
Southeast: John Warren; Rashad West
Strawberry Crest: John Kelly; Ron Hawn
Suwannee: Jamie Rodgers; Kyler Hall
Suncoast: Jimmy Clark; Bobby May
Taravella: Dan Marguriet; Charles Hafley Jr.
Tarpon Springs: Mike Lube; George Kotis
Tavares: David LaMarre; Scott Armatti
Trenton: Andrew Thomas; Bill Wiles
Umatilla: Steve Seward; Ryan Mills
Wildwood: Casey Strickland; Fred Anderson (co-head coach)
Wekiva: Kenard Lang; Rich Bedesem
Wesley Chapel: Tico Hernandez; Anthony Egan
West Broward: Reyna Thompson; Monte Dillworth
Westland Hialeah: Greg Southwood; Les Jackson
Westminster Academy (Fort Lauderdale): Jake Sorg; Willie Tillman
Westminster Christian (Miami): Sedrick Irvin; Earl Little
Zephyrhills: Reggie Roberts; Nick Carroll

The post The Original Coaches Moving Van™: The complete list of 2016 off-season coaching changes appeared first on FloridaHSFootball.com.

Any corrections, changes or additions to this list can be sent to football@floridahsfootball.com.

All kickoff classics are scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET unless noted.

* – will count as a regular season game

THURSDAY, AUGUST 18

Ribault at Atlantic Coast
Estero at Bishop Verot
Hillel at Boca Raton Christian, 4
Nova at Cardinal Gibbons
Navarre at Chiles
Matanzas at Clay
Stranahan at Cooper City
Key Gate Charter at Coral Gables, 4
Bozeman at Cottondale, 7 CT
Monarch at Cypress Bay
Mater Academy at Delray Beach Atlantic
St. Thomas Aquinas at Dillard
Fletcher at Ed White
Sandalwood at First Coast
Westside at Fleming Island
Reagan at Gulf, 6
West Port at Hernando
Mourning at Hialeah-Miami Lakes, 4
All Saints at International Community
John Carroll at Jensen Beach
Escambia vs. Lincoln at Gene Cox
Miami Springs vs. Miami High at Curtis Park
Coral Reef vs. Miami Jackson at North Miami Stadium
Murphy, Ala. at Milton, 7 CT
Palm Harbor University at Mitchell
Wiregrass Ranch at Nature Coast Tech
Santaluces at Palm Bay
Ransom Everglades at Palmer Trinity
North Bay Haven vs. Rutherford at Bozeman HS, 7 CT
Berkeley Prep at Sarasota
Admiral Farragut at South Sumter
Hudson at Springstead
The Villages at Trenton

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19

Countryside at Alonso, 7:30
Key West at Delray American Heritage
Booker T. Washington at Plantation American Heritage, 7:30
Tarpon Springs at Anclote, 7:30
Terry Parker at Andrew Jackson
Columbia at Apopka
Fort Lauderdale at Archbishop McCarthy
Lighthouse Academy at Aucilla Christian, 6:30
Kissimmee Liberty at Avon Park, 7:30
Jay at Baker, 7 CT
Baker County at Baldwin
Dixie Hollins at Barron Collier
Mulberry at Bartow, 7:30
Astronaut at Bayside
Immacualta-La Salle at Belen Jesuit, 4
Lecanto at Belleview
Keswick Christian at Bishop McLaughlin
Northview at Uriah Blackshear, Ala., 7 CT
Chamberlain at Bloomingdale, 7:30
Dunedin at Boca Ciega
Douglas at Boca Raton
Palmetto at Booker, 7:30
Oak Ridge at Boone
Columbus vs. Boyd Anderson at Ansin Sports Complex
Jupiter at Boynton Beach
River Ridge at Braden River, 7:30
Clearwater Academy at Bradenton Christian
Bishop Snyder at Bradford
East Ridge at Broooksville Central, 7:30
Everlgades Prep at Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian
Fort Myers at Cape Coral
DeSoto County at Cardinal Mooney
Indian Rocks Christian at Cental Florida Christian
Clewiston at Charlotte, 7:30
Jefferson County at Chiefland
Freeport at Chipley, 7 CT
Wesley Chapel at Citrus
Bayshore at Clearwater Central Catholic, 7:30
Clearwater at Cocoa
Trinity Prep at Cocoa Beach
West Broward at Coconut Creek
Celebration at Colonial
Berean Christian at Community School
Highlands Christian at Coral Shores
Father Lopez at Crescent City
Pensacola Washington at Crestview, 7 CT
South Lake at Crystal River, 7:30
Orange City University at DeLand
Harmony at Deltona
Jones at Dr. Phillips
Williston at Dunnellon
Brandon at Durant
Sunlake at East Lake, 7:30
Lemon Bay at East Lee County
Lake Howell at East River
Palatka at Eastside
Viera at Eau Gallie
Paxon at Episcopal
Mariner at Evangelical Christian
Englewood at Fernandina Beach
Clearwater Calvary Christian at Orlando The First Academy
Weeki Wachee at Fivay
Gainesville at Flagler Palm Coast
St. Andrew’s at Florida Christian, 7:30
Port St. Joe at Florida High, 7:30
Ocala Vanguard at Forest
John I. Leonard at Forest Hill
Centennial vs. Fort Pierce Westwood at Lawnwood Stadium
Dixie County at Fort White, 7:30
Wewahitchka at Franklin County
Middleton at Tampa Freedom, 7:30
Tampa Catholic at Gaither, 7:30
Space Coast at Kissimmee Gateway, 7:30
Seminole at Gibbs
Moore Haven at Glades Day
Bainbrige, Ga. vs. Godby at Gene Cox
Dunbar at Golden Gate
Gulliver Prep at Goleman, 4
Fort Walton Beach at Gulf Breeze, 6 CT
Immokalee at Gulf Coast
Orlando Freedom at Hagerty
Fort Meade at Haines City
George Jenkins at Hardee, 7:30
Bell at Hawthorne, 7:30
Pembroke Pines Charter at Hialeah, 3:30
Coral Glades at Hialeah Gardens, 3:30
West Nassau at Hilliard, 7:30
East Bay at Hillsborough, 7:30
Blountstown at Holmes County, 7 CT
Palm Glades Prep at Inlet Grove
Bronson at Interlachen, 7:30
Ridgeview at Keystone Heights
Jefferson at King
Cardinal Newman at King’s Academy
Lakeland at Lake Gibson, 7:30
Mainland at Lake Mary
First Academy-Leesburg at Lake Mary Prep
Kathleen at Lake Wales, 7:30
Alachua Santa Fe at Lake Weir, 7:30
Glades Central at Lake Worth
Lake Region at Lakeland Christian, 7:30
Sarasota Riverview at Lakewood Ranch, 7:30
Foundation Academy vs. Legacy Charter at Walker Field
Island Coast at Lely
Southeast at Leto, 7:30
Munroe Day at Maclay
Armwood at Manatee, 7:30
Bartram Trail at Mandarin
Arnold at Marianna, 7 CT
Gateway Charter at Marco Island Academy
Auburndale at Martin County
Avant Garde at The Master’s Academy
Rockledge at Melbourne
Northside Christian at Melbourne Central Catholic
Creekside at Menendez
Sebastian River at Merritt Island
Ferguson at Miami Coral Park, 3:30
Winter Haven vs. Miami Killian at Tropical Park
Dwyer vs. Miami Northwestern at Milander Park
Dr. Krop at Miami Palmetto, 4
Wolfson at Middleburg
American at Miramar
Doral Academy at Monsignor Pace, 7:30
Walton vs. Mosley at Bozeman HS, 7 CT
Lake Nona at Mount Dora
St. Francis Catholic at Mount Dora Christian
Lakewood at Naples, 7:30
Yulee at Nease
Port Orange Atlantic at New Smyrna Beach
Pensacola Catholic at Niceville, 7 CT
Duval Charter at North Florida Educational
Lehigh at North Port, 7:30
Camden County, Ga. at Oakleaf
Oak Hall at Ocala Christian
Bishop Moore at Ocoee
LaBelle at Okeechobee
Lyman at Olympia
Boca Raton St. John Paul II at Olympic Heights
Bishop Kenny at Orange Park
Orlando Christian Prep at Orangewood Christian
Oxbridge Academy at Seminole Osceola, 6:30
Newberry at P.K. Yonge, 7:30
Choctawhatchee at Pace, 7 CT
Village Academy at Pahokee
Fort Pierce Central at Palm Beach Central
Wellington at Palm Beach Lakes
Ida Baker at Palmetto Ridge
West Boca Raton at Park Vista
Tate at Pensacola, 7:30 CT
North Broward Prep at Pine Crest
Cypress Creek at Pine Ridge
Robinson at Pinellas Park
St. Petersburg Catholic at Poinciana
Arlington Country Day at Ponte Vedra
Victory Christian at Port Charlotte, 7:30
Seminole Ridge at Port St. Lucie
Bay at Rickards
Frostproof at Ridge Community, 7:30
Pasco at Ridgewood, 7:30
Cypress Lake at Riverdale
Plant City at Riverview, 7:30
Bolles at Robert E. Lee, 6
Seabreeze at St. Augustine
Benjamin at St. Edward’s
St. Stephen’s at St. John Neumann
Branford at St. Johns Country Day
Pierson Taylor at St. Joseph
St. Petersburg Northeast at St. Petersburg, 7:30
Holy Trinity, St. Cloud at Satellite (Jamboree)
Lake Placid at Sebring
Evans at Sanford Seminole
Seffner Christain at Shorecrest Prep
Sneads at Liberty County
International School of Broward at Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy, 4
Pompano Beach at Somerset Canyons, 4
Hallandale at South Broward
Palm Beach Gardens at South Fork
Largo at South Fort Myers, 7:30
Graceville at South Walton, 7 CT
Out-of-Door at Southwest Florida Christian
North Miami Beach at Spanish River
Newsome at Spoto, 7:30
Lake Brantley at Spruce Creek
Cedar Creek Christian at Stanton
Sickles at Steinbrenner, 7:30
Jesuit at Strawberry Crest, 7:30
Treasure Coast at Suncoast
Madison County at Suwannee, 7:30
Blake at Tampa Bay Tech, 7:30
Lessburg at Tavares
Lafayette at Taylor County, 7:30
Santa Fe Catholic at Tenoroc
Winter Springs at Timber Creek
Lake Highland Prep at Titusville
Buchholz at Trinity Catholic
Seven Rivers Christian at Deltona Trinity Christian
North Marion at Jacksonville Trinity Christian, 7:30
Merritt Island Christian at Triumph Christian
Eustis at Umatilla
Providence at Union County
Lake Minneola at Orlando University
Raines at University Christian
Westminster Academy at University School
Plant at Venice, 7:30
Hamilton County at Vernon, 7 CT
Palm Bay Heritage at Vero Beach
Leon at Wakulla, 7:30
St. Petersburg Canterbury at Warner Christian
Oviedo at Wekiva
Pine Forest at West Florida, 7 CT
North Florida Christian at West Gadsden
Kissimmee Osceola at West Orange
Lennard at Wharton, 7:30
Cornerstone Charter at Windermere Prep, 5
Edgewater at Winter Park
Land O’ Lakes at Zephyrhills
St. John Lutheran at Zephyrhills Christian

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20

Chaminade-Madonna at Deerfield Beach
Miami Beach at Braddock, 10:00 a.m.
Miami Carol City at IMG Academy
Miami Norland at Creekside, Ga., 7:30*
Royal Palm Beach vs. Miami Central at Milander Park

No Kickoff Classic Listed
Archbishop Curley
Aukela Christian
Bell Creek
Blanche Ely
Fort Myers Canterbury
Carrollwood Day
Christ’s Church
Coral Springs
Coral Springs Charter
Coral Springs Christian
Eagle’s View
East Gadsden
Everglades
FAMU
Faith Christian
Naples First Baptist
Flanagan
Florida Deaf
Halifax Academy
Harvest Community
Hollywood Hills
Homestead
Jordan Christian Prep
Jupiter Christian
Landmark Christian
Liberty County
Marathon
McArthur
Miami Country Day
Miami Edison
Miami Southridge
Miami Sunset
North Fort Myers
North Miami
Oakland Park Northeast
Pinecrest Prep
Piper
Rocky Bayou Christian
St. Cloud
Tallahassee St. John Paul II
Somerset Silver Palms
South Dade
South Miami
South Plantation
Southwest Miami
Taravella
Varela
West Oaks
Western
Westland Hialeah
Westminster Christian

The post 2016 Statewide Kickoff Classic schedule appeared first on FloridaHSFootball.com.

GAINESVILLE HURRICANES

Head Coach: Mark Latsko
District: 6A-5
2015 Record: 8-5
Offensive Formation: Spread/Unbalanced Power I
Defensive Formation: 4-2-5

RETURNING ATHLETES

Name, Height, Weight, Year, Info & 2015 Stats in parenthesis
• OL/DL Deion Webb, 6-3, 315, Sr. (11 tackles, 3 TFL)
• WR Sean Wiggs, 5-10, 165, Sr. (10 rec., 177 yds, 3 TDs)
• WR Tyrik Baker, 5-10, 170, Sr. (12 rec. 146 yds)
• LB Thomas Kemp, 6-1, 190, Sr. (40 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 sack)
• SS Javon Smith, 5-10, 175, Sr. (100 tackles, 6 TFL, 4 sacks, 2 INTs)
• OL/DL Josh Williams, 6-0, 315, Sr.
• OL Cordell Peters, 6-2, 315, Sr.
• LB Ty Boyd, 6-0, 200, Sr.

NEWCOMERS ON THE FIELD

Name, Height, Weight, Year, Additional Info in parenthesis
• QB Luke Matthews, 5-10, 155, So.
• CB Kaijon Scott, 6-3, 165, Sr.
• WR Isaiah Wilson, 6-1, 175, Sr.
• FS Micaiah Lacroix, 6-4, 192, Sr.
• RB Moon Bryan-Mitchell, 5-10, 160, Jr.
• RB Willie McKnight, 5-10, 175, Jr.
• WR Jalen Kelsey, 6-1,, 170, So.

2016 SCHEDULE

* – denotes district game
• Aug 25. vs. Columbia, 7:30
• Sept. 2 at First Coast, 7
• Sept. 9 at Clay, 7
• Sept. 16 vs. Lake Weir, 7:30*
• Sept. 23 vs. North Marion, 7:30
• Sept. 30 vs. Forest, 7:30*
• Oct. 7 at Buchholz, 7:30
• Oct. 14 at Vanguard, 7:30*
• Oct. 21 vs. Leesburg, 7:30*
• Oct. 28 vs. Eastside, 7:30
• BYE WEEK

STORYLINES TO FOLLOW

Rebuild on the way?: From what it looks like, this could certainly be the case for the Hurricanes. When you lose 29 seniors, that will certainly be an issue you can’t ignore. However, when you lose 29 seniors and several assistant coaches to crosstown rival Eastside, including Cedderick Daniels who was named to the head coaching position at that school, that can certainly be an issue. The question will be if Gainesville can come through this challenge given the toughness of teams like Vanguard and Forest down in Ocala who will also be in the mix for District 6A-5’s two playoff spots.

Hardwood meets gridiron: For the first time in several years, the Hurricanes will be tapping into the hardwood of the Gainesville varsity basketball team to fill in holes at skill position slots. Kaijon Scott, Isaiah Wilson, Micaia Lacroix and Kishon Mayes will all have a spot on the roster for the Hurricanes and it appears they are going to need to contribute quickly to keep things going for the Hurricanes, who did lose a crop of talent from last year’s regional finalist team.

That schedule is burning hot..well somewhat hot: Gainesville certainly has one of the state’s toughest schedules and will play six teams that reached the playoffs last season, including Eastside who had made it in with just one win. Columbia and North Marion expected to be tough challenges right out of the gate in the first half of the schedule with First Coast looking to possibly rebound in the process as well. District foes Vanguard and Forest will certainly be challenges as well in trying to lock up the two playoffs spots for District 6A-5.

KEY NON-DISTRICT GAME TO WATCH

• Oct. 7 at Buchholz (at Citizens Field) – This is a city rivalry game not to miss. This year will be the 45^th meeting of the two teams and according to the Gainesville Sun the last few games have come down to the wire with Buchholz winning last year’s contest 32-28 after winning the game in 2014 with a game winning field goal, 23-20. Even if both teams are down when this game comes around, you should expect to see a big turnout that a rivalry game should have.

KEY DISTRICT GAME TO WATCH

• Oct. 14 at Vanguard – This will be a statement game for the Hurricanes. Not only did the Hurricanes fall flat against the Knights last season in the regular season, in part thanks to a few player suspensions, it put the Hurricanes on the road during the playoffs. However, the Hurricanes did get revenge, but with Vanguard bringing a lot of their skill guys back this season, this is a must-win game for the Hurricanes to make a statement to the local area as well as the state.

THE OUTLOOK

After having some great season over the last seven years, the Hurricanes might be facing their toughest challenge in a long time.

Gone is three-year starter quarterback Caelan Christian, receiver Dock Luckie, offensive lineman Andrew Markham as well as defensive lineman Jordan Giberti just to name a few of the key players lost due to graduation. Christian has a big season last year which he accounted for nearly 3,000 yards of the Hurricanes’ offense.

Stepping in under center this year will be Luke Matthews who is the son of former Florida Gator quarterback, Shane Matthews. Matthews who saw limited action last season will certainly have to pick up the speed and tempo of the game to keep the Hurricanes in position to win games. He will also have to do this without some season and well experienced receivers which could make things tough depending on who they are playing.

However, not everything is a total loss cause when it comes to experience as Thomas Kemp and Javon Smith are back in the secondary for the defense. Smith, who had 100 tackles last season from his linebacker spot will certainly be called upon to help be the senior leader the defense will need as they fill in some holes with new and inexperienced athletes.

There might be a little brightness for the Hurricanes as they managed to climb back to a 10-point defeat to West Orange in their spring classic At one point, according to the West Orange Observer the Hurricanes were up 14-0 on West Orange after exploiting the Warriors’ young secondary before falling behind 35-14 as the start of the fourth quarter.

Overall, the Hurricanes might have some growing pains this season, but if they can come together and make the correct moves while winning the games they need to, the Hurricanes will certainly back in position to get back into the playoffs come early November.

The post 2016 PREVIEW GUIDE: Gainesville Hurricanes Team Preview appeared first on FloridaHSFootball.com.

Head Coach: Brian Kells
District: 8A-2
2015 Record: 8-2 (on the field record)
Offensive Formation: Wing-T; Multiple Formations
Defensive Formation: 5-3

RETURNING ATHLETES

Name, Height, Weight, Year, Info & 2015 Stats in parenthesis
• RB Lorenzo Lingard, 6-1, 190, Jr. (703 rushing yards on 112 attempts, 6.3 YPC, 8 TD; Offers from Florida State, University of Miami, Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Duke, Florida, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Iowa, Louisville, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Pitt, South Carolina, Syracuse, Tennessee, USF, Bowling Green, Florida Atlantic, Georgia Southern, Marshall, and Troy)
• RB/DB/WR Lawrence Coleman, 5-10, 5-11, 180, Sr. (1,000 all purpose yards, 5 TD)
• QB Cody Braden, 6-1, 175, Jr. (900 passing yards, 5 TDs)
• LB Cody Collins, 6-0, 205, Sr.
• LB Peyton Henley, 5-10, 190, Sr.
• DL Jacob Paradis, 6-2, 250, Sr.
• DL Trevor Gregory, 6-3, 270, Jr.
• OL Dru Braten, 6-4, 280, Sr.

NEWCOMERS ON THE FIELD

Name, Height, Weight, Year & Addition Info in parenthesis
• RB Marquis Mickens, 5-10, 215, Sr. (1,144 rushing yds, 12 TDs, 154 receiving yards, 1 TD; Offers from Central Michigan, Florida Atlantic, Kentucky, Louisville, Marshall, Memphis, Toledo, Troy and Western Michigan; Transfer from Lake Mary)
• DB/WB Micah Mickens, 5-10, 180, Jr. (Transfer from Lake Mary)
• DB Marlon Harris, 6-1, 195, Jr. (First year starter)
• LB Cody Collins, 6-0 205, Sr. (Transfer from DeLand)

2016 SCHEDULE

* – denotes district game

Aug. 26 vs. Deltona, 7
Sept. 2 at New Smyrna Beach, 7
Sept. 9 at Bishop Moore, 7:30
Sept. 16 at Seminole (Sanford), 7*
Sept. 23 at Lake Brantley, 7*
Sept. 30 at Lyman, 7*
Oct. 7 at Oviedo, 7*
Oct. 14 at Winter Springs, 7*
Oct. 21 at Lake Mary, 7*
Oct. 28 vs. Lincoln, 7
Nov. 4 BYE WEEK

STORYLINES TO FOLLOW

Explosive backfield: Alone, Lorenzo Lingard is enough for any offense to be dangerous when running the ball. The number 2 running back in the Class of 2018 with offers from Florida State, Miami (FL), and Alabama, to name a few, looks to add onto his sophomore year success. Now add transfer, Marquis Mickens from Lake Mary, a 5-10 senior who has offers most notability from Memphis and Kentucky, you have yourselves a back field like none other. I haven’t even mentioned senior Lawrence Coleman, an all around pure athlete who had over 1,000 yards of all purpose-yards last season for the Titans. Of course, a nearly unstoppable running game calls for sneaky play action passes from quarterback Cole Braden who threw for 900 yards as a sophomore.

Defensive Blunders: The Titans are taking their biggest hit on the defensive side of the ball. Although the team is returning with 7 starters on defense, University lost five core pieces including second team all-state Qua Brown, a safety and punt returner who is headed to Southern Illinois. In addition to Brown, the Titans lost safety Jimmy Nealy, cornerback Tre Dann and cornerback Lulu Hamilton. Not to mention, all-state honorable mention linebacker Matt Zook graduated and will be attending Warner University in the fall. These are big time losses for a team that started out 5-0 last season. However, there is hope. Micah Mickens, the brother of Marquis, will be joining the defense and Marlon Harris and Devin McGhee return with key experience that will help the young Titans up and coming.

Redemption Year: Any Titan fan knows what happened last season. After earning the school’s first playoff berth, the team self-reported an ineligible player on the team and had to forfeit all 10 of it games and missed playing in the postseason. This season is a chance for Coach Kells and company to redeem themselves and possibly make a playoff run. However, before we jump head to November, University must find a way to duplicate or improve upon last season’s 8-2 record in a rather tough district.

KEY NON-DISTRICT GAME TO WATCH

• Sept. 9 at Bishop Moore – If the Titans want to make a statement early in the regular season, then this is their opportunity. Fresh off of a Class 5A state championship season, the Bishop Moore Hornets are not a team to be messed with. For University, this is one of the toughest games outside of their district foes. Both teams graduated the majority of their defenses from last season, so this could be a high-scoring matchup. Lorenzo Lingard might run into trouble against Bishop Moore’s Notre Dame commit Jonathon MacCollister and Michigan State Commit Donovan Winter, both key defenders for the Hornets. We expect this one to stay close and could possibly end in a University upset over Bishop Moore.

KEY DISTRICT GAME TO WATCH

• Sept. 23 at Lake Brantley – One of two losses last season for the Titans came against Lake Brantley. Heading into last year’s game, University was undefeated on a five-game winning streak. Lake Brantley narrowly escaped winning 24-20 and in the end, on top of the district standings. However, the Patriots graduated quarterback Jared Bernhardt who threw for 1 TD, 102 yards on 6/11 passing and rushed for an additional 189 yards. This is a revenge game for Coach Kells and University. Expect these two teams to compete for the district champinoship again, so this could very well determine who finishes on top once again. Now, the Titans must hope history doesn’t repeat itself.

AUDIBLE FROM THE COACH

“Last year the kids worked really hard and we had some success, but we’re in a pretty tough district, so going 8-2 is not easy,” – Head Coach Brian Kells

THE OUTLOOK

As I mentioned above, Lorenzo Lingard is the number two running back in the nation for the class of 2018. With numerous division one offers, Lingard will have to live up to expectations hoping he can finally stay injury free for one full season. The Titans now have two backs that combined for over 2,000 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns in Lingard and transfer Marquis Mickens. The dynamic duo of Mickens and Lingard should put points on the board for Head Coach Brian Kells. Quarterback Cole Braden had a great sophomore year and should have an even better junior season in hoping to lead the team to the playoffs.

In this year’s spring game, Mainland defeated University 13-7 after three quarters of varsity play. Mickens debut for the Titans was put on hold due to a mild knee sprain. However, Kells isn’t worried and said plainly, “He’s got a great future for us, so we wanted to make sure we’d have him ready in the fall,” he told the Daytona Beach News-Journal. Wide receiver Lawrence Coleman averaged 8.4 yards per touch and that appears to be promising for the offense. If Coleman can compete at a high level, the Titans offense is one that will be hard to stop when they start scoring. Simply put, the Titans are loaded on offense.

Defensively, University will have work to do. In a rather tough district, role players will have to step up big time. We expect the high-powered offense to carry the young but talented defense for the first few games. Replacing four defensive backs plus all-state linebacker Matt Zook is no small task for coach Kells. DeLand transfer Cody Collins should help along with Peyton Henley who can be an effective linebacker if need be. Micah Mickens joins his brother on the Titans and as we mentioned above, will be a big key in defensive success. Despite losing star players, the experience is still there on both sides of the ball with 15 starters returning.

Last year left a sour taste in the players’ mouths of University. For the first time in school history, the Titans had reached the playoffs and were expected to face Mandarin in the regional quarterfinals. Except that matchup never happened and the Titans didn’t play in the postseason. That was then and this is now. All you can do is ask yourself: what if?

Well, opportunity is knocking on the front door of coach Brian Kells’ office. With one of the best running back tag teams with Lingard and Mickens in the state of Florida, the Titans must prove that they were meant to play in last year’s regional quarterfinal. They did, of course, go 8-2 and made the case in court that the ineligible player had little contribution to the team’s success. The ineligible player participated in 37 plays out of more that 1,400, but as the school and the team learned, player contribution has no bearing in cases involving ineligibility. Mistakes were made and if the Titans want to play in the postseason and prove that they earned it last season, University must simply unite as one and answer the question “what if?” on the field of play. Expect this year’s University’s football program to be playing with a new-found passion for proving themselves on and off the field as a successful and disciplined program and one that, if they play their cards right, a postseason team.

The post 2016 PREVIEW GUIDE: University Titans (Orange City) Team Preview appeared first on FloridaHSFootball.com.

VENICE INDIANS

Head Coach: John Peacock
District: 7A-11
2015 Record: 10-2
Offensive Formation: Multiple
Defensive Formation: 4-3

RETURNING ATHLETES

Name, Height, Weight, Year, Info & 2015 Stats in parenthesis
• RB Matt Laroche, 5-10, 175, Sr. (128 carries, 1,090 yds, 13 TDs, 1 receiving TD; HM FHSF Class 7A All-State Elite Team)
• QB Bryce Carpenter, 6-2, 201, Jr. (1,523 yds passing, 19 TDs, 9 INTs; 130 carries, 708 yds, 12 TDs; HM FHSF Class 7A All-State Elite Team)
• WR Javion Heiligh, 6-4, 195, Jr. (63 catches, 987 yds, 14 TDs; 3rd team FHSF Class 7A All-State Elite Team)
• TE Aaron Hacket, 6-4, 245, Sr. (28 catches, 6 TDs, holds 40+ offers)
• RB Court Doss, 5-10, 210, Jr. (823 yds rushing)
• OG Kyle Johnson, 6-2, 225, Sr. (Leader of the offensive line)
• MLB Caleb Smith, 6-1, 225, Jr. (98 tackles in 9 games)
• MLB Steele Wilson, 6-1, 210, Sr. (112 tackles, 7 TFL, 2 INTs; HM FHSF Class 7A All-State Elite Team)
• OLB Trevor Keller, 6-10, 195, Sr. (89 tackles, 4 INTs)
• OLB Drew Strietch, 6-0, 195, Jr. (81 tackles, 4 TFL)
• DE Riley Pracher, 6-4, Jr. (65 tackles, 5 sacks)
• DE Finn Laskowski, 6-6, 235, Sr. (45 tackles, 7 sacks)
• CB Jared Bailey, 5-10, Jr. (43 tackles, 4 INTs)
• K Zack Sessa, 6-2, 185, So. (54 of 57 PATs, 8 of 13 FGs – long of 50, Avg 52.2 yds on kickoffs; Also had 19 catches for 206 yds as a receiver; 2nd team FHSF Class 7A All-State Elite Team)
• P Austin Moulton, 5-9, 238, Jr. (33.6 yd punt avg)

NEWCOMERS ON THE FIELD

Name, Height, Weight, Year, Additional Info in parenthesis
• CB Jeremy Trebbles, 5-10, 175, Jr. (Transfer from Sarasota. Has developed into one of the best players for the Indians)
• DT Tyrone Barber, 6-4, 290, Jr. (Transfer from North Port. Expected to be a dominate player for the Indians)

2016 SCHEDULE

* – denotes district game
• Aug. 26 vs. Camden County, Ga., 7:30
• Sept. 2 at Riverview (Sarasota), 7:30
• Sept. 9 vs. Manatee, 7:30
• Sept. 16 at North Port, 7:30*
• Sept. 23 vs. Coral Reef, 7:30
• Sept. 30 vs. Sarasota, 7:30*
• Oct. 7 BYE WEEK
• Oct. 14 vs. Braden River, 7:30*
• Oct. 21 at Lakewood Ranch, 7:30*
• Oct. 28 at Palmetto, 7:30*
• Nov. 4 vs. Booker, 7:30

STORYLINES TO FOLLOW

Can Venice take back the district?: This is a question that is weighing heavily on the minds of the team and for the fans. For a long time Venice has traditionally dominated and won its district in most years, but Braden River flexed a big muscle last season on the Indians – twice! With a lot of key players returning that have had experience on the field, there is no doubt that the Indians will challenge Braden River to take back the top spot. However, they must keep an eye on what Palmetto is doing as well.

Experience will be huge: As we already mentioned, their will be a ton of players returning – 18 of those starters – to the field for the Indians this season that have plenty of experience. What is even nicer for Venice is the fact that half of the players returning with experience are underclassmen! So the roster is certainly stacked up to make a deep playoff run – if the Indians get that far – but it could hard for most teams on the schedule to compete against a roster that is talent heavy as this.

Challenges Ahead: Venice is not stranger to putting some challenging games on the schedule and they will come pretty quickly. The kickoff classic will see the Indians hosting Tampa Plant which could show a better – and much more improved – glimpse of the Indians than what was shown in a 15-14 spring game loss to Lakeland. Week 1 will feature Camden County which should provide an ultimate test for the Indians with rival Manatee coming to town Week 3. All of that should set the tone for how the Indians will play for the entire season.

KEY NON-DISTRICT GAME TO WATCH

• Aug 26. vs. Camden County – If Camden County weren’t on the schedule, Manatee would be in this slot. However, this game will be a big one to watch as the rarity of Camden County coming into Florida for three straight weeks will be in the second week when the Wildcats come to make a visit. Camden County will already be 1-0 or 0-1 coming into this game depending how the game against Oakleaf goes the week before, which ironically doesn’t count for Oakleaf. Venice will have to keep an eye on that game to prepare so they can find a way to victory at home.

KEY DISTRICT GAME TO WATCH

• Oct. 14 vs. Braden River – As we mentioned before, Braden River bested Venice twice last season in Bradenton last season, but now the Pirates will have to make the trip down to face the Indians in what could decide the district champion. Both teams have returned some skill players for this which will only setup the shop to make it another competitive and exciting games for the fans to see. Time will tell if the Indians can get the Pirates tethered down, a goal Coach Peacock stressed to us.

THE OUTLOOK

The case has been set for the Venice Indians this year – get revenge on Braden River.

Looking at what the Indians bring back in terms of talent are huge and possible way bigger than what last year’s team consisted of.

Bryce Carpenter, who had a break out season last year as a sophomore quarterback will certainly be able to improve upon those numbers this season. Carpenter is dangerous as they come when looking at a dual-threat quarterback and can either beat you up through the air or on the ground. Carpenter will certainly be helped out with WR Javion Heiligh and TE Aaron Hackett helping to catch balls.

Venice’s rushing attack will also be huge this season with Matt Laroche returning after having posted over 1,000 yards last season and will also have Court Doss to help keep things fresh in the rotation. This could certainly prove to be a challenge for teams to game plan around given that the quarterback and two running backs can get the ball moving up and down the field.

Defensively, expect the Indians’ to do a ton of damage especially with the talent returning along the line and with the linebacker positions. The defense also got bolstered with two transfers coming during the offseason with Tyron Barber coming over from North Port) and Jeremy Trebbles who came down from Sarasota. It wouldn’t be surprising if most defenses are suppressed to the point of scoring very few points, if any at all during the season.

Special teams will also be a huge factor for the Indians lead by Zack Sessa who, was one of the top kickers in the state last season, never mind the fact he is only going to be a sophomore this season.

Overall, the goals are simple for Venice: Improve the record, beat Braden River and make a deep playoff run. If there is one thing that Coach Peacock things will help make that happen it is his team’s work ethic and toughness to go along with the experience. All of that should make it for a fun season for Indians fans – and fans of high school football all over the state.

The post 2016 PREVIEW GUIDE: Venice Indians Team Preview appeared first on FloridaHSFootball.com.

OAKLEAF KNIGHTS

Head Coach: Steve Reynolds
District: 7A-3
2015 Record: 8-2
Offensive Formation: Multiple Spread
Defensive Formation: 4-3

RETURNING ATHLETES

Name, Height, Weight, Year, Info & 2015 Stats in parenthesis
• DB Nick Roberts, 5-11, 175, Sr. (4-year starter who hold multiple offers, has 11 career INTs; Last season had 3 picks, 2 FR, 5 passes defensed; HM FHSF 7A All-State Elite Team)
• WR Rontrez Morgan, 5-11, 170, Sr. (4-year starter, career with 70 catches and 650 rec yds. Committed Indiana State)
• QB Jordan Johnson, 5-11, 175, Sr. (1,735 yds passing, 17 TDs; HM FHSF 7A All-State Elite Team)
• DB Kwame Clark, 5-10, 180, Sr. (5 career INTs, 9 career PBUs)
• TE/FB Dominque Mitchell, 6-1, 245, Sr. (15 catches in 2015)
• DT Jayon Bradley, 5-10, 260, Sr. (3-year starter)

NEWCOMERS ON THE FIELD

Name, Height, Weight, Year, Additional Info in parenthesis
• RB Keshawn King, 6-0, 175, So. (Played JV last season, but already has a 67 varsity TD run to his credit)
• RB Jakobie Baker, 5-9, 185, Jr. (Stint at LB last season, but has switched to RB)
• OL Mitch Cutherbertson, 6-2, 225, Jr. (Throw back player – tough, hard nosed and very coachable)
• OL Jalen Rivers, 6-5, 325, Fr. (Coaches believe he will be a big name for the Oakleaf offense)
• DE Chantz Williams, 6-4, 215, Fr. (Another athlete coaches believe will be a big name for Oakleaf)

2016 SCHEDULE

* – denotes district game
• Aug. 26 at Westside, 7
• Sept. 2 at Orange Park, 7
• Sept. 9 at Ponte Vedra, 7
• Sept. 16 at Buchholz, 7:30*
• Sept. 23 vs. Clay, 7
• Sept. 30 at Fleming Island, 7:30*
• Oct. 7 BYE WEEK
• Oct. 14 vs. Arlington Country Day, 7
• Oct. 21 vs. Creekside, 7*
• Oct. 28 vs. Bartram Trail, 7*
• Nov. 4 vs. North Marion, 7

STORYLINES TO FOLLOW

New Sheriff in town: After four of watch under Derek Chipoletti, the reins of the Knights program are being handed over to a man who followed behind him when he left Bradford to take the Oakleaf job. That would be Steve Reynolds. Reynolds who went 9-11 in two seasons at Bradford in 2012 and 2013 takes over a team that has rose through the ranks of success in Clay County football that is only one of four teams in the county to have at least reached the regional finals. Reynolds won’t be left without anything the cupboard as most of the coaching staff that was there under Chipoletti has remained intact during the transition. Chipoletti stepped down to take a job in the private sector.

Next man up?: There are going to be some BIG shoes to fill as the departure of Shaquille Quarterman leaves a big hole at the linebacker position. Having been the senior leader for the defense last season, that role transitions to someone new this season? Who will that be? The question remains unanswered at this point, but that main person to assume the shoes of Quarterman could certainly become apparent during fall camp before things get started with a huge preseason game when they host Camden County, Ga. on August 19.

Offense should be consistent, defense will be young: If there is one bright thing about the potential of this team, it will be the offense which will be lead once again by quarterback Jordan Johnson. Johnson who threw for over 1,700 yards last season will be the key piece to keeping thing consistent while the defense comes together around a few new players, especially as the front seven of the defense will be young, but helped by a veteran secondary. This should help keep Knights in the mix for a playoff spot.

KEY NON-DISTRICT GAME TO WATCH

• Sept. 23 vs. Clay – If Camden County were a regular season game (which it will be next season) it would certainly fill this slot. However, that does not downgrade the matchup with Clay by any means. This has become a fun overall matchup for fans of both schools and has been a battle that ultimately has decided who win’s the St. Vincent’s Clay County Cup for the last few seasons. Overall, expect a packed house of fans from both teams at The Dungeon for this one.

KEY DISTRICT GAME TO WATCH

• Sept. 16 at Buchholz – Can’t stress the importance of this game enough (along with another key district game against Bartram Trail on Oct. 28). This game came down to the final minutes and the final plays which ended up costing Oakleaf a win, plus ultimately a spot in the playoffs last season. This season Buchholz returns quite a few skill guys that are going to contribute big once again this season. With that said, having to make a trip down to Gainesville for this game could be something that could prove a challenge on the field depending on how fast the Knights can come together, especially on defense.

THE OUTLOOK

With a new head coach, but some familiar taking the reins of the program, the transition for the Oakleaf football program has not been faced with difficulty as some programs would go through with a new head coach coming in from outside the program.

With that said the biggest thing for the Knights to worry about is how fast their defense can develop. Having to replace most of your defensive line with younger players who may or may not have enough experience will be a key thing to watch. Even though the secondary is made up of more veterans, this could be problematic if opposing offense have their way too easily early on in the season.

Offensively, you should expect to see a lot of consistency, which should help keep Oakleaf in competitive games as the defense comes around. Jordan Johnson has been a consistent passer for the Knights and there should be no reason to expect that to change. He will have the abilities of Rontrez Morgan to be able to help pick up yards though the air while also having newcomers Keshawn King and Jakobie Baker helping in the backfield to move the ball down the field as well.

Overall, the Knight will certainly be in the playoff hunt once again this season in District 7A-3. If the Knights did learn from their mistakes last year that cost them a playoff spot despite going 8-2, they will certainly be in the dance come mid-November. However, they must keep an eye on the talent that both Buchholz and Bartram Trail have cultivated or it could be a very long season for the Knights – something they certainly don’t and shouldn’t have to think about.

The post 2016 PREVIEW GUIDE: Oakleaf Knights Team Preview appeared first on FloridaHSFootball.com.

MATER ACADEMY LIONS

Head Coach: Rocco Casullo
District: 7A-4
2015 Record: 11-2
Offensive Formation: Multiple
Defensive Formation: Multiple

RETURNING ATHLETES

• DB Latavious Brini, 6-2, 190, Sr. (55 tackles, 3 forced fumbles, 4 INT, 2 interception return TD)
• RB Daniel Doriscar, 5-8, 185, Sr. (122 carries, 1,128 yds, 17 TDs)
• WR Tyreek Benton, 5-10, 180, Sr.
• DB Darius Nixon, 5-10, 180, Sr.
• FS Nez Dacosta, 5-10, 180, Sr.
• LB Jonathan Francois, 6-1, 225, Sr.
• QB Marlon Serbin, 6-0, 175, Jr.
• DB Rayne Tangea-Doster, 5-11, 175, So.
• SS Devonta Lopez, 5-11, 175, Sr.
• OL Andy Gonzalez, 5-11, 220, Sr.
• OL Claudio Hernandez, 6-3, 250, Sr.

NEWCOMERS ON THE FIELD

• QB Kaywon Hanna, 5-7, 165, Sr. (transfer from North Miami)
• DB Jordan Silva, 6-1, 185, Sr.
• WR Eric Demps, 6-0, 176, Sr. (transfer from Nova)
• CB Terrell Williams, 6-1, 170, Jr.
• OLB Jarell Knight, 6-4, 210, Sr.
• WR Marcus Lodge, 6-3, 175, Jr.
• TE Devon Elam, 6-4, 210, Sr. (transfer from Saint Thomas Aquinas)
• DB AJ Thurston, 5-8, 165, Jr.
• RB Montavious Brini, 6-2, 190, So.
• LB Edwin Sosa, 6-0, 210, Sr.
• DL Daniel Walker, 6-3, 270, Sr. (transfer from Nova)
• OL Frank Melgarejo, 6-0, 210, So. (transfer from Coral Reef)
• WR Travon Roberts, 5-8, 161, Sr. (transfer from Norland)
• WR Lio-undre Gallimore, 5-8, 159, Sr. (transfer from Norland)
• LB/DE Mikel Jones, 6-2, 215, So. (transfer from Champagnat Catholic)

2016 SCHEDULE

• Aug. 26 at Miramar, 7
• Sept. 2 at South Miami, 3:30 (at Tropical)*
• Sept. 10 vs. Reagan, 7 (at Milander)*
• Sept. 17 vs. Mourning, 7 (at Milander)*
• Sept. 23 at Doral Academy, 7*
• Sept. 30 BYE WEEK
• Oct. 8 at Goleman, 7 (at Milander)*
• Oct. 15 vs Miami Springs, 7 (at Milander)*
• Oct. 21 vs. Westland Hialeah, 7:30 (at Milander)*
• Oct. 28 at Miami Sunset, 3:30 (at Tropical)*
• Nov. 4 at Hialeah-Miami Lakes, 7:30 (at Milander)

STORYLINES TO FOLLOW

Youth in the backfield: Montavious Brini currently holds 8 Division I offers – heading into his sophomore season. The 6-2 running back is capable of busting his way through the line and is fast enough to outrun defensive backs once in the open field. With Brini in the backfield for the 2016 season, the Lions ground game looks to be in good shape. After dominating their district last season Mater’s opponents will throw everything they have at the agile back, in an effort to slow down a prolific Lions’ offense. The only question for Brini is how high his ceiling is. And heading into his second year of high school already bigger than several NFL running backs, the future is bright.

Questions behind center: Transfer Kaywon Hanna from North Miami will likely prove to be a heavy asset for the Lions’ offense. The athletic quarterback scorched defenses last season on the ground and through the air, but after a losing season with the Pioneers, Hanna is trading in his green and gray uniform for Mater green and gold. But with quarterback Marlon Serbin returning for action, Coach Casullo is faced with a difficult decision. Hanna will be a senior in the fall while Serbin will be entering his junior year, but also has more time at the school. With summer drawing to a close it is likely that Casullo has already picked, or is close to deciding, who will lead the Lions’ offense. Whoever it is setting up behind center, they will have an array of tall receivers on the perimeter as well as Montavious Brini teaming up with them in the backfield.

Out for vengeance?: After posting a 46-9 record in four years at the helm of the powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas, Casullo left Fort Lauderdale for Hialeah Gardens and the Mater Academy Lions. In his first year with Mater, Casullo faced off against his old program in the 7A Regional Finals. With a 60-7 victory over the Lions, the Raiders sent their former coach home. A loss like that is not an easy one to swallow for Mater, and with both programs looking promising in the preseason, it would not be unlikely for them to meet again in the playoffs. Coach Casullo is on the hunt for his third state championship and revenge against his old program while the Raiders look to ‘three-peat’ as 7A champs could certainly be a storyline that could later this season.

KEY NON-DISTRICT GAME TO WATCH

• Aug. 26 at Miramar – With the limited non-district schedule, it was clear this game would be the non-district game to watch. A win for the Lions over a Miramar program that is considered to be waffling now might not have as a big of an impact as could have had if it was played a year or two earlier. However, it won’t take a way from the fact Miramar is a known program and still has some talent that could compete with the Lions and that is why this will be a game to watch to see how Mater gets things going for the season.

KEY DISTRICT GAME TO WATCH

• Oct. 28 vs. Miami Sunset at Tropical – This will be an early afternoon game, but it could also be a potential game that will decide the district as it did last year. Miami Sunset has gone through a coaching change this off-season and the impact of that change are not totally known yet. With that Mater has a solid chance here to win the district outright fully in this game, if they have not done so before getting to this game.

AUDIBLE FROM THE COACH

“We have a lot of experience returning to the team, eight starters on offense and seven on defense,” head coach Rocco Casullo said. “We also have a strong mix of newcomers to the program. The team expects to challenge for the district championship and make a deep run into the 7A playoffs. Our strengths are definitely our defense and running game, our quarterback play and kicking will ultimately decide how far we go.”

THE OUTLOOK

After reaching the 7A Regional Finals last season and advancing to the playoffs in 2014, anything short of a state finals appearance for the Lions would be a disappointment.

Coach Casullo had led teams to state championships before (twice), and returning more than half of his starters on both sides of the ball, the team looks to be a legitimate title contender in one of the most competitive classifications in the state.

In 2015 Mater Academy boasted the highest scoring offense in the district, scoring 450 points on the year, good for a 32-point average. On the other side of the ball, Georgia commit Latavious Brini leads a defense that held opponents under 10 points six times. But as the season progressed, that stingy defense lost its edge. In the last five games of the year, a defense that gave up an average of 17 points on the year could not hold any opponent under 19 points, and gave up a whopping 60 points in a loss to the eventual 7A champs, St. Thomas Aquinas.

Despite returning eight starters on offense, there are still quarterback questions for Mater. Perhaps the addition of Hanna to the team will prompt both he and Serbin to new heights. Or, as evidenced by several similar situations in the NCAA and NFL, the competition between the two will prove detrimental to the team. As of now, it is still unclear who will be taking snaps come the Aug. 26 kickoff.

Many new faces on Mater this season came to the school via transfers. Quarterback Kaywon Hannah and a trio of receivers in Eric Demps, Travon Roberts and Lio-undre Gillmore will see considerable playing time with a high-powered offense in place. As for the defensive side, Brini will have LB Mikel Jones lining up alongside him, causing havoc for opponents.

After the Lions clashed with the Sunset Knights twice last season, both teams are sure to be looking ahead to their Oct. 28 matchup at Sunset. Sunset won the district outright, going undefeated against district opponents. On the other hand, Mater lost just one game in the regular season, a 24-16 loss at home to the Knights and the Lions were ultimately district runner-ups. Just three weeks later the two teams met again in the play Regional Semifinals. This time Mater got the best of Sunset and advanced to the Regional Finals.

Mater and Sunset will battle it out atop the district this season, battling for seeding in the playoffs which both teams already have their eyes set on. Several teams in the district are losing a considerable number of seniors and the high number of returning starters for Mater will be helpful as they clash with teams full of underclassmen.

Casullo’s experience and the Lions’ talent on both sides of the ball is enough to lead the team back to the posteason. The real concern is what Mater can do once they get back into the cutthroat 7A playoffs.

The post 2016 PREVIEW GUIDE: Mater Academy Lions Team Preview appeared first on FloridaHSFootball.com.

FOUNDATION ACADEMY LIONS

Head Coach: Brad Lord
District: 2A-4
2015 Record: 8-4
Offensive Formation: Wing-T
Defensive Formation: N/A

RETURNING ATHLETES

Name, Height, Weight, Year, Info & 2015 Stats in parenthesis

• RB Jaquane Patterson, 5-10, 185, Sr. (552 rushing yds on 55 carries, 5 TDs; Offers from Indiana State and University of New Hampshire; All-District player, 2nd Team FHSF Class 2A All-State Team Elite Team, FACA team)
• CB/WB/RB Lance Axson, 5-11, 175, Jr. (2 INTs, 90 IR yds, 2 TD IR; 45 tackles, 1 sack, 2 CF
All-District player, 3rd team FHSF Class 2A All-State Team Elite Team)
• CB/SS/ATH Lester Axson, 6-3, 185, Sr. (4 INTs, 170 IR yds, 28 tackles, 11 passes deflected; Offers from University of Connecticut, Furman, and James Madison; All-District Player, FACA Team, 2nd FHSF Class 2A All-State Team Elite Team)
• QB Elijah Stimmell, 6-3, 190, So. (483 passing yds, 4 TDs, 15 rushing yds)
• QB/FS Cory Rahman, 6-3, 180, Sr. (32 tackles, 3 INTs; 7 rushing yds)
• RB/DB Anthony Recchia, 5-9, 160, Sr. (16 tackles, 2 sacks; 92 rushing yards on 7 carries)
• DL/FB/OL Dillon Hall, 5-9, 205, Sr. (39 tackles 5 sacks; All-District Player)
• OLB/SS/WR Evan Thompson, 5-11, 200, Sr. (87 rushing yds on 20 carries, 5 TDs; 161 receiving yards, 7 catches; 76 tackles, 4 sacks, 76 KO yds, 1 CF; All-District Player, FHSF Class 2A All-State Team Elite Team, FACA Team; Offer from Florida Tech)
• OLB/FB/TE Kyle Krueger, 6-0, 190, Sr. (65 tackles, 5 sacks, 3 INTs, 33 INT yds, All-District Player)
• K/P Brandon Barnes, 5-9, 160, Sr. (37 KOs, 1,542 KO yds; 5 P, 145 P Yds, 1 in the 20; 33-35 PAT, 2nd Team FHSF Class 2A All-State Team Elite Team, All-District Kicker
• FS/P Chaz Cannon, 6-1, 176, Sr. (20 tackles, 1 INT, 10 KO, 390 KO yds, 9 P, 392 P yds, 4 P in the 20; average 43 Yds per punt, longest P 60 yds; All-District Punter)
• OL/DL Sydal Barton, 6-2, 333, Sr. (24 Pnk Blks, 35 tackles, 1 sack, 2 Fmb Rec, 1 TD FR; 2nd Team FHSF Class 2A All-State Team Elite Team, FACA Team, All-District Player)

NEWCOMERS ON THE FIELD

Name, Height, Weight, Year, Addition Info in parenthesis

• FB/DE Warren Sapp Jr., 5-11, 190, So.
• ATH/S Austin Mathis, 5-10, Jr. Transfer
• WR/S Luke Chase, So.
• DE/OL Gian Reyes, 6-2, 195, So.

2016 SCHEDULE

* – denotes district game
• Aug. 26 at West Orange, 7
• Sept. 2 vs. The First Academy (Orlando), 7
• Sept. 9 at Carrollwood Day (at Skyway – Tampa), 7
• Sept. 16 at Northside Christian, 7
• Sept. 23 vs. St. Petersburg Catholic, 7
• Sept. 30 vs. Cornerstone Charter, 7*
• Oct. 7 at Jordan Christian Prep, 7
• Oct. 14 at Victory Christian, 7*
• Oct. 21 at Harvest Community, 7
• Oct. 28 vs. West Oaks Academy, 7
Nov. 4 BYE WEEK

STORYLINES TO FOLLOW

Can the Lions repeat as district champions?: Last season, it came down to a 34-28 overtime win over Victory Christian Academy for Foundation Academy to claim its first district title in school history. This year, the Lions will have to dig deep and follow the senior leadership of running back Jaquane Patterson and cornerback Lester Axson. After changing the offense after week four last season to a Wing-T concept, Foundation Academy rushed for 2,400 in only eight games. This year, look for Patterson and company to add to those numbers. District 2A-4 has four teams and expect Foundation and Victory Christian Academy to compete for the title just like last season.

Will the offensive line deliver?: According to coach Brad Lord, the strength of the Lion offense is their offensive line. Led by three 2015 All-District players Sydal Barton, Jordan Boast, and Eddie Loss, the o-line is big, strong and moves well. With big time depth and two physical tight ends in Kyle Krueger and Kenny Ames, while Jaquane Patterson should have no problem running up the gut of any defense. As long as the offensive line stays disciplined and healthy, coach Brad Lord shouldn’t have to worry. However, if the Lions are plagued by injuries, it could mean trouble for quarterbacks Elijah Stimmell and Cory Rahman.

Kicking and screaming?: It’s hard to find a kicker in high school who is consistent and has a booming leg. Well no need to go searching for coach Brad Lord; he has two. The Lions return All-District kicker Brandon Barnes and All-District Punter Chaz Cannon. Barnes was 33-35 on PATs last season and Cannon averaged 43 yards a punt landing four punts inside the 20. Barnes finished 63rd in the state according to MaxPreps for most PATs made. Cannon and Barnes are a kicking duo that will cause problems for the defense on special teams.

KEY NON-DISTRICT GAME TO WATCH

• Sept. 2 vs. The First Academy (Orlando) – When these two teams faced off last year in week two, the Lions traveled to The First Academy and came home with a 28-14 loss. Jacob Murphy and Gabe Walker, now graduates of Foundation, were the ones doing the scoring while on defense, the Lions gave up three touchdowns and 157 rushing yards to Daquan Newkirk, a now graduate of the First Academy. All of that is set in stone. This season, the Lions are hosting the Royals seeking for revenge. For coach Brad Lord this game is an early test to see just how serious the Lions are about making a deep run in the playoffs.

KEY DISTRICT GAME TO WATCH

• Oct. 14 at Victory Christian – As we mentioned before, last year’s district title came down to this one game. Regulation time wasn’t enough for the two teams as the Lions escaped at home 34-28. One month later in the 2A Regional Final, Victory Christian edged Foundation, 12-7 to advance to the state semifinals. Clearly there will be little love found between the two sides during this year’s matchup. Victory Christian will be hosting, but if senior Jaquane Patterson and head coach Brad Lord mean business, then the Lions can return home lined up for a second-straight District title. This is one of the most important games this season for Foundation Academy and perfect opportunity to make a statement on the field.

AUDIBLE FROM THE COACH

“Our offensive line has really pushed it in the off season. They were outstanding at Down and Dirty camp and we look for that to carry over into the season. If we stay focused and get better each week we should make a run for the district championship.” – Head Coach Brad Lord

THE OUTLOOK

Returning with nine starters on offense and eight on offense, the Foundation Academy Lions have the tools set in place to repeat as District champions for the first time in school history. In its spring game, Foundation Academy defeated Seffner Christian, 48-14, on May 13 at Walker Field. Jaquane Patterson led the Lion rushing attack with two touchdowns and 101 yards. In the second quarter, the Lions broke the game open by scoring 28 points. Defensively, Lester Axson returned an interception for a touchdown during the scoring spree in the 2nd quarter. Warren Sapp Jr. recovered a fumble among several turnovers the Lions forced. If anything was a signal of how this season will go, this surely was a big one for coach Brad Lord.

The Lions can repeat if they play the way they did against Seffner Christian. Replacing senior quarterbacks Jacob Murphy and Deondre Pride will be difficult for the Lions. At the quarterback position, sophomore Elijah Stimmell and senior Cory Rahman will start off sharing duties. Stimmell has big game experience including throwing for 151 yards and a perfect 4-4 last season when the Lions defeated Agape Christian, 35-8. As for Rahman, he is a “very gifted athlete and is a dual threat” according to coach Brad Lord. Behind a strong offensive line with three returning All-District players, as stated above, both Stimmell and Rahman will have a fair amount of time in the pocket to pass.

Expect Foundation Academy to put points on the board in the fall. With a talented backfield led by Jaquane Patterson, the rushing attack is key for offensive success. Patterson will be joined in the backfield by a stable of athletes which includes Lance Axson, Anthony Recchia, Lester Axson, Evan Thompson, Dillon Hall, Cory Rahman, Warren Sapp Jr., and Kyle Krueger. Robert East, Foundation’s offensive coordinator has plenty to work with in the fall in hopes of returning to the playoffs.

Last year the Lions claimed the school’s first ever football district championship. Under coach Brad Lord, Foundation Academy is 44-38. A roster filled with experience and talent, a strong schedule, luck on their side, the Lions can compete and repeat in the fall. Unless of course Victory Christian and the rest of the District has anything to say about that, the Lions should feel confident about this upcoming season. As coach Brad Lord stated, as long as the team stays disciplined and healthy, Foundation Academy should make a run for the district championship.

The post 2016 PREVIEW GUIDE: Foundation Academy Lions Team Preview appeared first on FloridaHSFootball.com.

COCOA TIGERS

Head Coach: John Wilkinson
District: 4A-5
2015 Record: 10-3
Offensive Formation: Multiple
Defensive Formation: Multiple

RETURNING ATHLETES

Name, Height, Weight, Year, Info & 2015 Stats in parenthesis
• QB Bruce Judson, 5-10, 200, Sr. (7,000 total yards, 100 TD through junior season)
• RB Timmy Pratt, 5-10, 185, Sr. (1,607 rushing yards, 15 TD)
• LB Jekevius Henry, 6-1, 180, Sr. (111 tackles, 4 sacks)
• DE Howard Stewart, 6-0, 220, Jr. (68 tackles, 6 sacks)
• LB Zach Beagle, 6-0, 210, Jr. (119 tackles, 1 INT)
• LB John Smith, 6-0, 185, Jr. (105 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 INT)
• OL Naceiya Gilmore, 5-10, 265, Sr. (3 year starter)
• DL JD Lennear, 6-0, 225, Sr. (35 tackles, 3 sacks)
• C Josh Padrick, 6-0, 270, Jr. (2 year starter)
• WR Juwan Armstrong, 5-9, 170, Sr. (13 catches, 215 yards, 4 TD)
• WR Javon Spencer, 5-8, 165, Sr. (9 catches, 169 yards, 1 TD)

NEWCOMERS ON THE FIELD

Name, Height, Weight, Year, Info & 2015 Stats in parenthesis
• RB Javian Hawkins, 5-9, 165, Jr. (1,105 rushing yards, 14 TD; Astronaut transfer)
• DT Ian Newton, 6-1, 300, Sr. (29 tackles, 2 sacks; Heritage transfer)
• RB Lasedrick King, 5-7, 180, Sr. (1,060 rushing yards, 11 TD; Heritage transfer)
• DE CJ Bartley, 6-2, 175, Sr. (77 tackles, 3 sacks; Heritage transfer)
• DB Dezmon Morgan, 6-3, 190, Sr. (28 tackles, 2 INT, Melbourne transfer)
• DB Josh Ramirez, 5-10, 145, Sr. (19 tackles, 3 INT; Heritage transfer)
• QB Brad Canarie, 6-2, 185, Sr. (465 passing yards, 3 TD; Astronaut transfer)

2016 SCHEDULE

* – denotes district game

• Aug. 28 vs. Trinity Christian (Jacksonville), 2
• Sept. 2 at Bishop Gorman, Nev., 7 MT
• Sept. 9 TBA
• Sept. 16 vs. Lake Highland Prep, 7pm*
• Sept. 23 at Viera, 7pm
• Sept. 30 TBA
• Oct. 7 vs. Mainland, 7pm
• Oct. 14 vs. Jones, 7pm*
• Oct. 21st at Astronaut, 7pm*
• Oct. 28th at Atlantic (Port Orange), 7pm*
• Nov. 4th vs. Rockledge, 7pm

STORYLINES TO FOLLOW

Exceptional Experience: The Cocoa Tigers have eight offensive starters returning and nine returning starters on defense. Senior quarterback Bruce Judson and company will have plenty of firepower on offense and defensively, seniors Jekevius Henry and JD Lennear must step up. 13 seniors and another five juniors, the Tigers’ core group is full of talent and experience; something that is key when facing off against teams like Bishop Gorman, Nev. and Viera. Under head coach, John Wilkinson the Tigers are 121-24 and have reached the Class 4A state semifinals for the past five years. Looking to get back to the state championship game for the first time since 2010, senior experience will lead the way for this 2016 team.

Super Schedule: To start things off, the Tigers host Trinity Christian (Jacksonville) a team that is fresh off a Class 3A state title over American Heritage (Delray). The following week, Cocoa heads out west to face powerhouse Bishop Gorman in Las Vegas, Nevada. Bishop Gorman finished last season ranked 1st in the state of Nevada and 7th in the nation. That’s only the first two weeks. During this tough schedule, the Tigers will be tested each week. They have two holes to fill in the schedule (weeks three and six) and yet despite this, it is not an easy road for head coach John Wilkinson. So far they already have four teams that reached FHSAA regional finals or further; a Class 3A state champion, a 7A runner-up and of course Bishop Gorman who dominated Nevada. This tough schedule will test Cocoa early and often.

Talented Transfers: The Tigers have seven transfer athletes, four of which are from Heritage (Palm Bay). With two additions in the backfield in Javian Hawkins (Astronaut transfer) and Lasedrick King (Heritage transfer), Cocoa’s rushing attack will be fun to watch and difficult to stop. Last year’s team averaged 344.2 rushing yards per game so expect that number to jump with Hawkins and King joining Timmy Pratt on offense.  6’3 defensive back Dezmon Morgan (Astronaut transfer) joins 5’10 defensive back Josh Ramirez (Melbourne transfer) to add height and speed to the Cocoa defense. Will the transfers hurt team chemistry? Possibly, but they surely add more talent to this already strong Cocoa team.

KEY NON-DISTRICT GAME TO WATCH

Sept. 2 at Bishop Gorman, Nev. – The Tigers are used to traveling around the nation for games. Last season, Cocoa traveled to Ohio to face St. Edward High School, a team that finished number one in the state after an OHSA Division 1 Title and ranked 6th in the nation. Bishop Gorman is entering this season 3rd on MaxPrep’s Xcellent 25 rankings. This game is something to keep your eye on as it is a true test against a top nationally ranked opponent for the Tigers. Did I forget to mention: it’s going to be 104 degrees in Vegas and drop down to the 70s at night. I’m no weatherman, but expect the dry heat to have an effect on Cocoa when they face Bishop Gorman.

KEY DISTRICT GAME TO WATCH

Oct. 21 at Astronaut – In case you completely breezed through the newcomers to watch section of this preview, do me a favor and look again. Notice anything? Out of the seven transfers, two are from Astronaut. Running back Javian Hawkins and quarterback Brad Canarie will be facing off against their old team on the road in an important district game. Last year this game determined who was district champion as Cocoa won at home. 49-7.

THE OUTLOOK

This spring, the Tigers had an inner team scrimmage instead of a regular spring game. However, we can expect similar results from last season despite little information from the spring. Year in and year out, the Cocoa Tigers have been one of the better teams in the state of Florida. A difficult schedule indeed, the Tigers have a lot to prove on the field. However, they have defensively struggled against elite competition. Last year they surrendered 131 points in three losses to IMG Academy, St. Edward, Ohio and Booker T. Washington. For the Tigers to reach the semifinals, they must tighten up on defense.

For the past five season, Booker T. Washington has booted Cocoa out of the playoffs and have put them out of the state semifinals. If Tigers meet the Tornadoes for the sixth straight year in the Class 4A Regional Final, quarterback Bruce Judson will have to have the game of his life. In last year’s 33-14 loss, Judson threw two interceptions and Timmy Pratt was held to 52 rushing yards. Judson, Pratt and wide receivers Juwan Armstrong and Javon Spencer must step up in the playoffs if the Tigers have any sort of state title aspirations.

Armstrong and Spencer will be the top targets for Judson and they must deliver when the ball is thrown their way. A week one matchup against Class 3A Champs Trinity Christian is a perfect opportunity for the two wide receivers to show off their talent and to prove themselves. Week two is the ultimate road test for the Tigers. Traveling to Nevada to face a top national team in Bishop Gorman, the Tigers’ defense will have to pull an upset out west. Anything can happen in the wild wild west.

For the past five years, Cocoa has been 8 quarters away from a state title. Head coach John Wilkinson knows how to win and there’s a reason he schedules teams like Viera and Mainland in addition to Bishop Gorman and Trinity Christian. It will be no easy task but this can be the year for the Tigers. Expect Cocoa to breeze their way into the state playoffs in hopes of finally winning a state title. The combination of a very difficult schedule, a smart head coach, and senior leadership should be enough for the Tigers to capture their second football championship in school history and first since 2008.

The post 2016 PREVIEW GUIDE: Cocoa Tigers Team Preview appeared first on FloridaHSFootball.com.

PLANT CITY RAIDERS

Head Coach: Robert Paxia
District: 7A-9
2015 Record: 11-2
Offensive Formation: Power Spread
Defensive Formation: 4-2-5

RETURNING ATHLETES

Name, Height, Weight, Year, Info & 2015 Stats in parenthesis
• QB Corey King, 6-2, 185, Sr. (1,708 yds, 16 TDs, 7 INTs; 67 carries, 388 yds, 7 TDs; HM FHSF Class 7A All-State Elite Team)
• WR/DB Antoine Thompson, 6-1, 180, Sr. (32 rec, 745 yds, 6 TDs)
• RB/WR/KR Tydre Ward, 5-5, 160, Sr. (32 carries, 168 yds, 1 TD; 7 rec, 116 yds, 4 return TDs)
• LB Steven Ogletree, 6-0, 235, Sr. (138 tackles, 10 TFL, 9 sacks; 1st team FHSF Class 7A All-State Elite Team)
• OLB/SS Cody Cribbs, 6-0, 235, Jr. (43 tackles, 9 sacks)
• OLB/SS James Gordon IV, 6-1, 210, So. (51 tackles, 2 sacks)
• FS/CB Tammarion Faison, 5-9, 170, Sr. (57 tackles, 6 INTs, 2 TFL, 13 breakups, 1 FF; 1st team FHSF Class 7A All-State Elite Team)
• DL Corey St. John, 6-1, 285, Sr. (25 tackles, 1 sack)

NEWCOMERS ON THE FIELD

Name, Height, Weight, Year, Additional Info in parenthesis
• RB Treshaun Ward, 5-10, 175, So. (19 carries, 87 yds, 1 TD)
• FS/CB Tyreke Harrison, 6-0, 160, So.
• MLB Ashton Mincey, 5-10, 225, So. (21 tackles)
• DE/TE Austin Eldridge, 6-3, 220, Jr. (Transfer from Strawberry Crest)

2016 SCHEDULE

* – denotes district game
• Aug. 26 vs. Armwood, 7:30
• Sept. 2 at Jefferson, 7:30
• Sept. 9 vs. Brandon, 7:30
• Sept. 16 at Strawberry Crest, 7:30*
• Sept. 23 vs. East Bay, 7:30*
• Sept. 30 at Tampa Bay Tech, 7:30*
• Oct. 7 vs. Bloomingdale, 7:30*
• Oct. 14 vs. Durant, 7:30*
• Oct. 21 BYE WEEK
• Oct. 28 at Lennard, 7:30*
• Nov. 4 at Freedom (Tampa), 7:30

STORYLINES TO FOLLOW

New coach, but same tune: Following the most successful season in school history, Greg Meyer stepped down due to health concerns and in steps in Robert Paxia who served as the offensive coordinator under Meyer this past season. But will anything change in how Plant City keeps on building off the success? The indicators all point to no and it shouldn’t as there were no staff changes made when Paxia was promoted, according to the Plant City Observer.

Strong Defense: With 7 of 11 starters returning to the field on this season, there should be no doubt that Plant City can get things done again week-in and week-out defensively. The defense, which has been a big thing for the Raiders, will have four linebackers returning that will keep that going, especially with Steven Ogletree who is expected to lead that group. However, will the loses of TJ Chase and Peyton Collins in the secondary hurt? It shouldn’t with Antoine Thompson and Tammarion Faison returning.

Big Shoes To Fill: With the lost of Markese Hargrove, Hillsborough County’s Guy Toph Award winner last season, there will be some big shoes to fill in when it comes to carrying the rock for the Raiders. Coach Paxia tells us that several guys who fought for carries will pick up the slack. However, who is going to emerge from that group to shine for the Raiders? That question might not be answered until we are a few weeks into the season, which could mean that the Raiders will have to rely on QB Corey King to deliver a little bit more through the air and should have the help of Antoine Thompson and Tydre Ward to make those plays happen.

KEY NON-DISTRICT GAME TO WATCH

• Aug. 26 vs. Armwood – This is a game that the Raiders have had circle on the calendar for nearly a year. This is the game the want to win and to make a statement against the 2015 Class 6A state runner-up. Why so important? It was the only game that Plant City loss before going on 11-game winning streak that carried them to the District 7A-9 championship and to the Class 7A Regional Finals.

KEY DISTRICT GAME TO WATCH

• Oct 14. vs. Durant – This is a battle to show who dominates Plant City as the Raiders host crosstown rival Durant. Not only with this being a rivalry game, this will be an important district game as in most recent years, Durant has been in the mix for a playoff spot like Plant City has been as of recent as well. The rivalry which is known as the Battle for the James L. Redman Cup, has a unique story behind it as it is names as the principals of both Plant City and Durant are sisters with the Cup being named after their father. Most recent scores: 2015 – Plant City, 21-16; 2014 – Durant, 9-7; 2013 – Plant City, 14-13.

THE OUTLOOK

Last year was the best season in the history of the Plant City Raiders football program and they couldn’t be more proud to take that pride going into this season.

The Raiders took the field during the spring and played a half at home (Hillsborough County public schools play half of a jamboree involving four programs at select sites each spring) against nearby district rival, Strawberry Crest, besting the Chargers 20-2. According to the Tampa Bay Times, both Tydre Ward and Corey King had a solid showing for the one half and appeared they were in control of what they were suppose to be doing on the field.

Given the establishment of the tone set in the spring and with a quick and easy transition to a new head coach, that should bode well for the Raiders coming into the season. Given the fact there are 12 of 22 starters returning to the field, with a lot of those players having had significant playing time already, there should not be much of a learning curve for the Raiders to go through.

With that said, expect Plant City to easily contend with teams like Tampa Bay Tech, Durant, Lennard and East Bay for both playoff spots, and – gasp – a potential to see a district tiebreaker shootout to help resolve things in District 7A-9 this season.

The post 2016 PREVIEW GUIDE: Plant City Raiders Team Preview appeared first on FloridaHSFootball.com.