Manatee isn't just the top team in Florida this season - it's the top team in all of America.
Photo by Marc Estrada
13-2
Head coach: Joe Kinnan
Team previewManatee begins 2012 as not only the top team in the Sunshine State (an accomplishment in its own right,) but as the
top team in the entire country. Quarterback
Cord Sandberg and receiver/running back
Anthony Lauro give the team plenty of options on offense, while the defensive line will be something truly special, as
Demarcus Christmas,
Blake Keller,
Marquis Dawsey and
Derrick Calloway all return. Manatee is the only 7A champion on our list of
Florida state football champions over the past 10 years.
2. Washington (Miami)2011 finish: 12-2
Head coach: Tim "Ice" Harris
Team previewBooker T. Washington has all the pieces to be the top team in the powerful Dade/Broward County region of Florida - and to make a run at a state title. The
No. 9 team in the Preseason Xcellent 25 has a remarkable 18 starters return from last year's team that fell just short of capturing a 5A title. This season, quarterback
Treon Harris will again lead the offense while blue-chip linebacker
Matthew Thomas will take charge of the defense. An intriguing interstate showdown with Cedar Hill will be an excellent test for this talented Tornadoes squad.
3. Plant (Tampa)2011 finish: 14-1
Head coach: Robert Weiner
Team previewArguably the top public school program in Florida over the last five years, Plant is a state and national powerhouse thanks to head coach Robert Weiner. The 2012 Panthers may be the most talented team the school has had, which says a lot considering the likes of Aaron Murray, Orson Charles and James Wilder have suited up for Plant. Quarterback
Aaron Banks, running back
Wesley Bullock and receiver
Dereck Mann provide plenty of offensive firepower while
Richy Klepal leads a massive offensive line. The defense features Georgia commit
Paris Bostick. Plant ranks No. 2 on our June, 2011 list of
Florida's Top 10 football dynasties.
4. Central (Miami)2011 finish: 13-1
Head coach: Telly Lockette
Team previewOne would be hard-pressed to find a more potent set of running backs than the Rockets' duo of Florida State commit
Joseph Yearby and Clemson-bound
Dalvin Cook. Though Central has to replace a number of starters from last year's squad, there should be no shortage of qualified replacements. An early-season game against nationally ranked Grayson will certainly test the team's offense. Central will need to replace one player whose name is found on our
Florida Class of 2012 Division 1 football signees list.
5. St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale)2011 finish: 10-3
Head coach: Rocco Casullo
Team previewSt. Thomas Aquinas suffered some growing pains during Rocco Casullo's first year at the helm. Look for the Raiders to bounce back in 2012. Quarterback
John O'Korn is poised to take over behind center as one of eight starters back on offense. Running back
Fred Coppet and receiver
Corey Holmes will provide a spark. Defensive end
Joey Bosa will power the team's defense. A matchup with last year's No. 1 team, Don Bosco Prep, will be one of the country's most anticipated games. St. Thomas Aquinas ranks No. 2 on our list of
Florida's Top 10 most consistent football programs.
