Boca Ciega went 5-5 in 2012 which was the schools best year since 2009. Head coach Antez Brinson looks forward to building on his team’s success and is excited about participating in 5A District 8.

The new district allows the Pirates to revitalize natural rivalries with Gibbs and Lakewood High School. Brinson says that playing for local bragging rights gives every game an extra bit of “ump.”

The Pirates have been attacking the weight room and have focused on getting players to fully grasp the fundamentals of the game. Brinson says that 7-on-7 is a tremendous asset but also can be a liability if kids stop focusing on the basics such as tackling and blocking; hence, the teams renewed emphasis on fundamentals.

Brinson says that he pleased with the Spring and that he is seeing an increased commitment and a changing culture which are the steps that must happen to successfully rebuild the program.

Here is a list of key players that Pirates fans should watch out for in 2013.

** WR/S Jaylann Wimbush- Jaylann has been on varsity since his freshmen year and Brinson expects him to have a breakout senior year in 2013. Wimbush was recently put on the Double Nickle 55 list (top 55 prospects in the Bay without a D-1 offer).

** QB/RB/S Jarquez Johnson- Johnson is a tremendously skilled athlete that never misses a workout. He also never misses a play on the field for the Pirates playing offense, defense and special teams.

** QB/WR/DB Jaire Balloon- The 5’8 150lb senior athlete will play many roles for the Pirates in 2013.

** WR/S/LB Kenyatta Anderson- The soon to be Junior has been excelling on the camp circuit. He was considered a standout at both E-7 and Ignite and has big part of the Unsigned Preps 7-on-7 squad. Brinson says that he “makes plays all over the field with his super aggression” and has a “nose for the football.”

** OL Khalil Harris- Brinson calls his starting center the “ultimate high school football player.” Harris is extremely smart and makes all of the offensive calls at the line of scrimmage. Though he lacks size he more than makes up for it with heart and extreme football intelligence.

** RB/DB Jongae Murphy- Murphy will spend most of his time at the running back position and Brinson expects him to put up big numbers in 2013.

** DB/WR/QB Saviean Smith – The 6’1 165lb freshmen has been a workout warrior all spring and has also been working on team unsigned preps.

** Brinson feels that his linebacker core will be the team’s strength lead by middle linebacker Jordan Williams.

** Other names to watch out for include: (S) Dontell Green, (S) Darius Lattimore, (TE/DE) Augie Marsilia and Robert Posey.

– Anthony Peace