MaxPreps 2013 Preseason Xcellent 25 Football preview: No. 9 Booker T. Washington

If not for one loss in 2012, a game which it led much of the way, Booker T. Washington (Miami) might be the defending national champion.

If it's possible for a defending state champion to have a chip on its shoulder, it would be Booker T. Washington. Florida's defending Class 4A state champion is not even the top-ranked team in its own city.

The Tornadoes are loaded once more in 2013, with 14 returning starters.

In his third year behind center, quarterback Treon Harris gives the Tornadoes a reliable, proven commodity at the helm of the offense.



He'll have plenty of help, as Booker T. Washington has a strong set of skill players. Receivers Lamar Parker and Deltron Hopkins will be tough matchups for any defense, while running backs Krondis Larry and sophomore Mark Walton are a tremendous duo in the backfield.

Even without 2012 MaxPreps All-American Denver Kirkland, the offensive line returns three starters and will be another strength of the team.

The defense will be a little less experienced with six returning starters, but no less talented.

Defensive end Chad Thomas could step up to be the leader of this year's defense, replacing the departed All-American Matthew Thomas. Terry Jefferson will also help to fill his shoes.

The secondary will be led by Nigel Patten, a cornerback with multiple offers. Only a junior, Catravis Hudson earned experience playing as a sophomore last year.

James King, a 6-foot-2 linebacker, transferred in this spring and could be a difference-maker this fall.



Local look: "While there may not be a Matthew Thomas or Denver Kirkland lurking around this year, they will still have guys that will get the job done, including quarterback Treon Harris. No team should under estimate just what the Tornadoes can do. Even No. 2 Miami Central should not take its crosstown rival lightly as Washington will be looking to avenge last year's 37-26 loss to the Rockets. Expect the Tornadoes to likely make it back to Orlando for a third year in a row come early December."
- Joshua Wilson, FloridaHSFootball.com
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Size: Class 4A


Enrollment: 1,050 (approx.)


2012 finish: 13-1, Class 4A state champion


Head coach: Tim Harris


Career record: 82-10


Years at school: 9 (2002-2007; 2011-present)




Notable players coached:
DB Brandon Harris (Miami, NFL)

DB Davon Johnson (Miami)

WR Quinton Dunbar (Florida)

LB Matthew Thomas (Florida State){PAGEBREAK} No. of returning starters: 8 (offense), 6 (defense)

Key losses:

LB Matthew Thomas



OL Denver Kirkland

DB Michael Johnson


Key returners:

QB Treon Harris

WR Lamar Parker

LB/DE Chad Thomas



RB Krondis Larry

DB Nigel Patten

WR Deltron Hopkins


Key newcomers:

LB James King

LB James Johnson



DB James Darby{PAGEBREAK} Toughest game: Despite a major interstate showdown against Norcross, Booker T. Washington's game against Central will be the biggest of the season and perhaps one of the biggest games in the country. Two true heavyweights will do battle, with local bragging rights (and national title implications) on the line.

Question mark: Is this the best team in the state of Florida? The Sunshine state is loaded with elite teams across its classifications. Even if the team goes undefeated, there's the possibility that a team from a different classification might be considered the state's best, as unlikely as that seems.

Local outlook: In addition to Central, Northwestern should be much-improved and will be another solid team from Miami. Broward County will feature nationally-ranked Aquinas and University. Palm Beach County boasts Dwyer, which could be in store for a big season.

Overall outlook: The challenges will come early and often for Booker T. Washington, but the potential payout is great. If the team starts 2-0, it will be hard to deny it the No. 1 spot. The schedule also features Bishop Gorman, as well as a difficult playoff bracket. Come December, this could prove to be the nation's top team.

Coach quote: "We look forward to defending our state championship and making a run at our first national championship."
- Tim Harris Jr., offensive coordinator