As football kickoff inches closer around the country, MaxPreps forecasts the top five teams in the state of Florida for the 2009 season.
{VIDEO_49ee5916-8640-43f0-8f40-96c45f8614a7,floatRightWithBar}1. Xaverian Brothers
Coming off a 7-4 season, the Hawks have the talent coming back to make 2009 a special season. Last year, three of the team’s four losses were by one touchdown or fewer. This year, head coach Charlie Stevenson’s team has a great shot at a Division I Super Bowl berth—and crown. The offensive line, led by Cam Colwell, will be a strong point for the Hawks, while quarterback Alex Phelan brings experience and leadership at the quarterback position. Colwell will also see time on defense, another strong suit for Xaverian. An interesting match up with Hudson Catholic (N.J.) awaits in week six.
2. Everett
While a two-loss season is very unusual for the Crimson Tide, don’t expect head coach John DiBiaso’s program to slip from the top of the state rankings. Everett will contend for another state title in 2009. Division I cornerback Jim Noel is gone, but his brother Rodman, also a D-I recruit, remains. Jonathan DiBiaso will line up behind center, and brings some varsity experience despite being only a sophomore. Everett’s schedule is brutal, but the Crimson Tide will be ready to claim a birth in another Super Bowl.
Defending champ B.C. High has the depth to make another title run.
Mike Braca
After losing three of its first four games, Brockton had an outstanding rebound that saw the team rattle off eight straight wins before falling to Boston College High School in the Super Bowl. The good news for coach Peter Colombo is that twelve starters are returning, led by seven on the team’s defense. Dominique Williams will lead a powerful secondary, and Greg Hilliard will be a force at linebacker. Sam Previte gained valuable seasoning at quarterback last year, and will be back to guide the offense in 2009.
4. Boston College High School
The defending Division I Super Bowl winner will have a lot of holes to fill, but Boston College High has room for optimism. One of the state’s top players, two-way lineman Andrew Tallman, is back after a junior season that was limited to the Eagles’ final two games because of injury. He’ll be a boost to the team at tight end and defensive end. A.J. Orekeke will lead the secondary. Skill players need to emerge on offense, but given the program’s tremendous depth, that will likely not be a problem.
5. Natick
Natick finished 9-2 last season, but returns Scott McCummings, who is arguably the top quarterback in the state. He accounted for 19 total touchdowns last season, and is a major running threat. Receiver Brett Flutie will once again be one of McCummings’ top targets; he hauled in 34 catches for 589 yards, including two 100-yard games. The duo will lead Natick’s attempt to avenge last season’s only two defeats, consecutive losses to Walpole and Framingham that ended the team’s season.
