Tampa Preseason Football Top 20
T1. TAMPA PLANT – The defending Class 4A champions move up a notch to Class 5A this season. The Panthers are still strong at quarterback (Phillip Ely – although he’s nursing a sore back), receiver (Allen Sampson) and on defense (Mike Mirabella). But contending in 5A means playoff games against powerhouses Lakeland and/or Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. Plant opens at home Friday against No. 5 Tampa Bay Tech.
File photo by Chad Pilster
Plant's Javonte Martin (3) tries to make a play during last year's Florida 4A state final.
T1. SEFFNER ARMWOOD – The Hawks are obviously good enough to be alone in the top spot and may very well be soon into the season. New quarterback Josh Grady appears to be settling in well, and running back Matt Jones averaged seven yards a carry last season. And now without a Plant obstacle in Class 4A, the Hawks have one less hurdle. Armwood kicks off the season at No. 9 Lithia Newsome.
3. TAMPA HILLSBOROUGH – Put this in perspective. Hillsborough went to the playoffs nine straight seasons before just missing out in 2008. And the Terriers have been to the postseason 13 times in the past 15 seasons. Think standouts Tarean Austin (QB) and Terrence Mitchell (DB) are motivated? Hillsborough hosts Jefferson this week.
4. LARGO – After two straight seasons losing in the Class 5A state semifinals to St. Thomas Aquinas, the Packers may be ready for a breakthrough – at Class 4A. The Packers drop down a level and return a nasty defense led by Sean Holte and Mike Douglas. Largo will have little trouble navigating regular-season traffic in preparation for another playoff run. Largo opens Thursday at home against rival Dunedin.
5. TAMPA BAY TECH – After a breakthrough season last year, coach C.C. Culpepper’s team has a chance to take an immediate next step. With dominant rusher Maurice Hagens and a still-improving defense, the Titans no longer have Hillsborough and Armwood as district foes. Tech moves up to Class 5A, District 7 and quickly becomes the team to beat. Opening night for Tech? At No. 1 Plant.
6. TAMPA ALONSO – Alonso senior quarterback tossed five touchdown passes in the jamboree-styled, three-team kickoff classic with Tampa Freedom and Tampa Sickles. The Ravens have offensive weapons galore and a defense that may surprise. They’ll tangle with Plant for the 5A-5 district title. Alonso hosts Brandon to start the season.
7. TAMPA WHARTON – Despite losing top players, the Wildcats still have enough in the tank to contend. Behind a potent running game led by Shane McEwen, Wharton likely will find a way to contend come November. The team just needs to choose a quarterback between Ryan Hatter and DeAndre Mills. It would help if coach David Mitchell did it before Friday’s home game against No. 10 Spoto.
8. TAMPA CATHOLIC – The Crusaders were moments away from the state championship game last year. (A trip they did make the season before, although it ultimately resulted in a loss.) The 2009 Crusaders boast plenty of returning players, most notably quarterback Christian Green, and a ton of talent spread throughout the lineup. Tampa Catholic begins another title quest Friday at Groveland South Lake.
9. LITHIA NEWSOME – The Wolves, the defending Class 5A-6 district champs, will have plenty of opportunities to prove it earned that crown. Newsome’s talented team isn’t afraid to run the ball behind the strength of junior back Conner Powers. But the schedule is daunting: Opening night at home against No. 1 Armwood, followed by Jefferson and Alonso.
10. BROOKSVILLE NATURE COAST – No team had more controversy last season than Nature Coast. Nature Coast’s 9-0 start turned into a postseason disqualification after brawls against Brooksville Central and Groveland South Lake. Coach Jamie Joyner was replaced with Mark Lee, and the Sharks were not allowed to have a spring game. Now the richly talented squad is trying to rebound. The Sharks start at Brooksville Central.
11. CLEARWATER COUNTRYSIDE – The Cougars return a veteran playoff team led by quarterback Jimbo Chmelik and heavily recruited offensive tackle Tyler Moore. They're at St. Petersburg Boca Ciega for openers.
12. TAMPA JEFFERSON – Junior quarterback Quentin Williams is legit. He passed for 288 yards and five touchdowns in last week’s exhibition. The Dragons kick off the season at No. 3 Hillsborough.
13. RIVERVIEW SPOTO – Linebacker Rodney Williams leads a solid defense for the Spartans. In addition to his 105 tackles, he also is an effective runner. Open at No. 7 Wharton.
14. TARPON SPRINGS – The Pasco County single-season rushing record holder Adrian Golden brings his talents north to the Spongers this season. Tarpon opens at Palm Harbor.
15. DADE CITY PASCO – The Pirates have a talented tandem in receivers Hakeeme Ishmar and Chaise Dunn. They open Sept. 11 at home against Plantation American Heritage.
16. ST. PETERSBURG – The Green Devils return a veteran playoff team. They host Tarpon Springs East Lake to kick off 2009.
17. PLANT CITY DURANT – The Cougars have dropped down from 6A to 5A. Without looking ahead, they may battle Newsome for 5A-6 superiority. They open at home against Tampa Chamberlain.
18. TAMPA GAITHER – Somehow, someway, Gaither is always in the playoff mix. It may be tough this year, though, with seven playoff teams on the schedule. The Cowboys host neighborhood rival Sickles to start.
19. TAMPA JESUIT – The proud Tigers program is out to rebound from a four-win 2008. They open on the road at tough Lakeland Kathleen.
20. ST. PETERSBURG LAKEWOOD – The Spartans rang up 53 points in last week’s exhibition against Tampa Robinson. And 18 came on defense. Lakewood hosts Gibbs for starters.
OTHERS TO WATCH: Tampa Freedom, St. Petersburg Northeast, Tampa Berkeley Prep, New Port Richey Gulf, Brandon, Tampa Sickles.