TAMPA BAY PRE-SEASON TOP TEN
Here’s a look at the top teams in the Tampa Bay area heading into the 2008 football season.
Compiled by Rod Gipson, MaxPreps.com
1. SEFFNER ARMWOOD
Armwood beat Lakeland Lake Gibson 31-14 in last weekend’s Kickoff Classic. Open the regular season Friday at Class 5A state contender and no. 2 ranked Tampa Plant. The battle of these Tampa Bay area powers will be televised live nationally on ESPNU.
2007: The Hawks were 13-1 last season, advancing to the Class 4A state semifinals.
What they’ve got: Nationally ranked by several outlets and publications, including a no. 14 ranking by Maxpreps.com, the Hawks are loaded across the board and primed for a run at another state championship. Returning players include versatile quarterback Mywan Jackson, all-state defenders Petey Smith (linebackers) and Ryne Giddins (defensive end).
How they’ll finish: Nothing less than a state championship is expected. After winning state titles in 2003 and 2004 and being the state runners up in ’05, the Hawks have come tantalizingly close during the past two seasons. Armwood’s biggest obstacles are again local foes Plant and Hillsborough and of course, regional rival Miami Washington, who has faced the Hawks in the state playoffs four of the past five seasons.
2. TAMPA PLANT
The Panthers romped over a solid Tampa Wharton 42-7 in its pre-season tune up. The Panthers, listed as no. 7 in the state and in the top 100 nationally by MaxPreps, host no.1 Armwood to open the season Friday.
2007: 11-2 and a Class 4A region finalist.
What they’ve got: Where do you start? All-State quarterback Aaron Murray threw for 4,000-plus yards and a state record 51 touchdowns last year. His top targets will be tight end Orson Charles and Tampa Gaither transfer Allen Sampson. The defense should be strong with DB Hunter Baldwin, LB Mike Mirabella, DL Austin Clark and DL Javon Mention (combined 489 tackles and 19 sacks) leading the way.
How they’ll finish: With little district competition, Plant will be at home to start the playoffs in mid November. Another date with Armwood could happen as the Panthers likely will travel deep into the state playoffs.
3. TAMPA CHAMBERLAIN
The Chiefs’ offense showed its pre-season dominance with a 35-20 win against Tampa Jesuit in which tailback Kenny Allen ran for 208 yards. Chamberlain opens the season at rival Tampa Gaither. Ranked 18th in the state by MaxPreps.com.
2007: 9-4 with an appearance in the Class 5A region finals.
What they’ve got: Quarterback Dontae Aycock. At 6-feet and 200 pounds, Aycock can throw downfield as easily as run around and over defenders. He’ll be joined in the backfield by Kenny Allen and Lamond Scott. An outstanding defensive front is lead by Eric Hammond and Dontavious Pyron on the line.
How they’ll finish: The Chiefs will face competition in an improved Class 5A, District 5 but should still capture the league title. And with as much talent this year as its ’07 squad, Chamberlain could make a run at another region final appearance.
4. LARGO
The Packers, arguably the best team on the Pinellas side of the Bay area, picked up where they left off last year by smashing Clearwater 49-8 in their pre-season contest. Largo opens the regular at home against Tarpon Springs East Lake.
2007: 13-1, highlighted by an undefeated regular season and Class 5A state semifinal appearance.
What they’ve got: Despite graduating starters across the offense and defense, the revamped Packers still have a ton of talent. Quarterback Ryan Eppes takes over for three-year starter Leonard Johnson. Tailback Marcel Durham will handle the carries out of the backfield. Largo’s defense features all-state linebacker Mike Marry and outstanding safety Mike Lang.
How they’ll finish: After going 23-3 during the past two seasons, Coach Rick Rodriguez’s program appears to be capable of maintaining its success. The Packers’ biggest challenge to another undefeated campaign will come October 3, when they travel to play rival Dunedin. That could be a lone speed bump to a likely district title and another possible regional appearance.
5. TAMPA HILLSBOROUGH
Hillsborough’s offense was on display in its 30-18 win against St. Petersburg Lakewood. The Terriers open the regular season Friday at longtime foe Tampa Jefferson.
2007: 9-3, advancing to the 4A region semifinals.
What they’ve got: In quarterback Tarean Austin and speedy tailback Lindsey Lamar, the Terriers have a one-two combination that can put points on the scoreboard. The backfield duo are just two of 15 returning starters the Terriers’ lineup. Defensive back Nate Singletary, linebacker Jerod Brisbon and defensive end Troy Mercer will lead the defense.
How they’ll finish: Not only do the Terriers have to deal with Class 4A, District 11 rival and top-ranked Armwood, Hillsborough likely will have to fend off Tampa Middleton and Tampa Bay Tech for the district’s other playoff spot to keep its string of nine straight playoff appearances alive. Do that, and the Hawks, or Plant Panthers could be will be waiting for another meeting in the regional round. Look for the Terriers to finish somewhere in between.
6. TAMPA BAY TECH
The Titans defeated Plant City 27-0 in exhibition play and open up on the road at Valrico Bloomingdale.
2007: 6-4, finished third in Class 4A, District 11, missed playoffs.
What they’ve got: A wrecking ball of a running back in junior Maurice Hagens. Coming off a 1,300-yard, 10-touchdown performance as a sophomore, the 5-foot-11, 225-pound Hagens is primed for more. Receiver Darius Anderson and quarterback Angel Rodriguez will contribute but the Titans may be even better defensively. TBT forced six turnovers in its pre-season shutout win. And that is coming off four shutouts posted last season.
How they’ll finish: If it wasn’t for their district alignment, the Titans most certainly would be a playoff team. As it stands, they’ll have to fight for a wildcard berth with Tampa Hillsborough and Tampa Middleton. Tech hosts Middleton on Halloween night and plays at the Terriers the next week. That stretch will determine if the Titans make the playoffs for the first time since 2001.
7. TAMPA GAITHER
The Cowboys used their offensive prowess to top Plant City Durant 27-7 in pre-season play. Gaither hosts rival Chamberlain on opening night.
2007: 8-4, reached the Class 5A region semifinals.
What they’ve got: Running back Jarvis Giles. A shifty burner who has shown durability and toughness while topping 1,000 yards in each of the past two seasons, Giles is the center of the Gaither offense. Quarterback Kamren Hawkins is more seasoned and has a big target in 6-foot-3 receiver Justin Lattimore. George Daines and Yemi Oyegunle will lead the defense from their linebacker spots.
How they’ll finish: Gaither is looking to avoid a repeat of last year when it started the season 0-2. The Cowboys also are trying to start the year with a win against Chamberlain, a squad they haven’t beat since 2000. Chamberlain even beat Gaither twice last season – on opening night and in the region semifinals. Still, the Cowboys have plenty of ammunition to make a playoff run.
8. DUNEDIN
Dunedin had little trouble in its tune up game, smashing Brooksville Central 49-8. The Falcons will get a solid test in their opener against a good St. Petersburg Boca Ciega team.
2007: 7-5 and advanced to the Class 5A region semifinals.
What they’ve got: A 1,900 yard rusher in Adaris Bellamy, who scored 20 touchdowns a season ago while being named all-state. The Falcons defense returns seven starters, including linebackers Bryan Morris and Ali Chieab and defensive end Antonio Talley.
How they’ll finish: There will be challengers but Dunedin should rule the roost in Class 5A, District 10. But circle October 3. Dunedin hosts Largo for Pinellas County supremacy and a leg up on the home date if the teams face each other again in the regional round of the playoffs.
9. TAMPA ALONSO
The Ravens’ passing game seemed to be in mid-season form during their 27-21 pre-season win against Clearwater Countryside. Alonso opens up at home against a rebuilding Tampa Robinson team on Friday.
2007: 5-5, finished third in Class 5A, District 6 and missed playoffs.
What they’ve got: Part-time starter at quarterback last year C.J. Bennett. Now a junior with playing experience under his belt, Bennett was sharp in pre-season, completing 23 of 34 passes for three touchdowns in three quarters of work. Receivers Jesse Anaya and Shaine Mathis are playmakers although Ravens’ coach Mike Heldt is still looking for production on the ground. Defensively, Alonso is lead by all-state performer Demonte McAllister, a defensive tackle who consistently wreaks havoc for opposing offenses.
How they’ll finish: Despite losing its last four games of the season in 2007, Alonso was a last-second field goal loss to Tampa Sickles from securing a playoff spot. With an experienced offense and an aggressive and talented defense, Alonso could challenge district foe Chamberlain for the league title but likely will earn the wildcard spot.
10. TAMPA CATHOLIC
The Crusaders topped Naples Lely 23-15 in pre-season play. Tampa Catholic begins the regular season at Clearwater Central Catholic Friday.
2007: 11-3, lost in the Class 2A state championship game 28-7 to Madison County.
What they’ve got: Coach Bob Henriquez’s team is loaded. Quarterback Christian Green was named all-state as a sophomore in 2007. He returns with wide receivers Kenny Broadnax and A.J. Mulkey and running back Henry McCloud. Key defenders include defensive end Brandon Green, linebacker Colin Carter and defensive back Ralph Grover.
How they’ll finish: The Crusaders graduated some key members of it offensive line but otherwise return its team intact. TC has all the tools to make another run at a state title game appearance. Key regular season Class 2A, District 5 matchups against Lennard and St. Petersburg Catholic will go a long way towards determining the Crusaders post-season chances.
ALSO KEEP AN EYE ON:
Tampa Wharton
St. Petersburg Gibbs
Clearwater Central Catholic
Dade City Pasco
Tampa Middleton
St. Petersburg Keswick Christian
St. Petersburg Boca Ciega
Brandon
St. Petersburg Northeast
New Port Richey Ridgewood