No. 2 Armwood

As a result, Armwood is hungrier than ever entering the 2011 season. Quarterback Darryl Richardson joins an already star-studded cast that should be the best team in the Sunshine State.

Armwood's offensive line will be among the nation's best, and its combo of Matt Jones and Wade Edwards will cause fits for opposing defenses.

The Hawks' defense can be scary good. Sheldin Lewinson leads the defensive line. Eric Striker, who made 125 total tackles and 16 sacks last season, is back at linebacker. Jarvis McCall and Leon McQuay combined for six interceptions and 16 pass deflections, and they will terrorize opposing receivers.

Local look: "Armwood is without a doubt the class of the Tampa Bay area this year. The Hawks probably have the biggest OL in the state of Florida as well as University of Florida commit Matt Jones, who rushed for over 1,200 yards and 22 TDs last year. Their defense could be the prep equivalent of the '85 (Chicago) Bears." - Doug Pugh, Big County Preps



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School size: Class 6A


Enrollment: 1,900 (approx.)


2010 finish: 14-1, 4A runner up


Head coach: Sean Callahan


Career record: 183-71


Years at school: 21


Notable players coached:
Jarrett Buie (South Florida)
Matt Patchan (Florida)
Ryne Giddins (South Florida)




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Key losses:
QB Josh Grady
WR A.J. King
LB Jermaine McKinney

Key returners:
RB Matt Jones
LB Eric Striker
OL Cody Waldrop
DB Leon McQuay

Key newcomers:
QB Darryl Richardson (transfer)

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Toughest game: Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas). The Hawks are expected to travel to Las Vegas to take on a tough Bishop Gorman team that, like Armwood, plays a physical brand of football.

Top local contenders: Armwood is the class of the Tampa area and likely the entire state. Plant, which was nationally ranked to start the season last year, will be doing some major retooling. Defending 3A champion Jefferson loses Quentin Williams but could surprise some people.



Question marks: How will Darryl Richardson evolve behind center? That's the major question facing Armwood. By all accounts, Richardson has all the talent in the world, but is extremely inexperienced in Armwood's offense.

Outlook: Anything short of a 6A state title for Armwood would be a disappointment. All of the pieces are in place for a memorable season.

Coach quote: "We’re a senior team and we lost in the state championship game by three points. I think it’s fitting that we’re all seniors. We heard it so much after losing that game. I really think this group is on a mission. We don’t even have to talk about a state championship. Everybody knows where we expect to be." - Sean Callahan

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