Dunedin – Before the “Dougie” was popular there was the “Dirty Bird” and before there was a shift in the balance of power in Pinellas County, there was Dunedin and its football program that was destined for continued success. Things have changed a little bit to say the least, however it’s not for lack of an effort from Mr. Anthony Diviney.
There’s a myriad of questions you could ask Dunedin Falcons QB about the game of football, where he’s going to play at the next level, and what he thinks balance means in an offense. Chances are by the end of that conversation you would want more time to talk to him about anything that comes to mind beyond those questions mentioned as well.
The 5’11” 185lb Senior has probably had enough of the coaching carousel on Pinehurst Rd. in North Pinellas that has seen (with the addition of Max Smith this Spring) the total number of Head Coaches now reach four in as many years. This “Dirty Bird” (as the Falcon Faithful affectionately refer to Dunedin) possesses a cannon attached to his right shoulder and seems to have had enough of losing as well compiling a grand total of 3 wins in two seasons.
Throughout the ups and downs one thing is brilliantly clear however; without even an ounce of cliche attached to it Anthony Diviney is a football player that loves this game and will do whatever it takes to make his dreams a reality. The extremely engaging and charismatic signal-caller is excited about the chance to put all of that strife and stress behind him an move on.
“I’m very excited. I can tell they (new coaching staff) are working hard and the team is rallying around them.” said Diviney, who also acknowledges that given the right person in place could see themselves on a meteoric magic carpet ride that could see the Falcons once again battling for bragging rights in north county. “It’s amazing how ridiculously good this program could be with the right person in place. The players are around.”
It’s not so easy to spark interest in a seemingly fledgling program that can generate descriptions like “sleeping giant” and ‘”scary good when they want to be”, but that’s just fine with Anthony. When asked if he’d rather have 11 guys playing both ways that want to be there versus two-deep at every position but halfheartedly in it, he was not at all shy about his answer. “I want the best at every position, but I want guys to give 110%.” It’s not just lip service when Diviney says this either. He means it. 
For the better part of last decade, it’s been either Countryside or Dunedin that has represented North Pinellas in the playoffs, however the last two seasons with the turnover and shifting of players throughout the county has seen some tough times. Anthony points to one of the biggest setbacks with regards to the coaching turnover is the complacency that has a tendency to surface when dealing with new schemes, terminology, etc. It can effect the preparation and the overall attitude as well; “One of the things that has happened is other kids see it and they say they don’t want to come out or don’t want to put the time in to make themselves get better. It’s different this year though.”
Diviney is not shy either about why he likes playing the QB position. Almost as if he channeled the mentality of the best Point Guard in the NBA without hesitation he said it’s because of one thing. “I’m a football player. Touching the ball on every play is what I love the most. I love being in a position to make plays. I want the ball in my hands” Something that his current Offensive Coordinator Don Mesick can agree with. “His biggest attribute is his arm strength and his ability to step into the pocket and make the throw that’s needed. I cannot wait to get started with him.”
Although his options are somewhat limited at the moment regarding his size, one can surmise that this by no means is a deterrent nor is it a reason for him to believe he cannot get it done on the next level in college. “Not being D1 doesn’t mean you’re out of the game. Not every player that went to the league was D1. Guys who end up going to the smaller schools often end up being better in my opinion. They feel like the amount of work they have to put-in in order to get noticed is that much more and that gives them the edge. ”
A self-proclaimed Green Bay Packers Fan with an extra-special affinity for Aaron Rodgers, Diviney was asked about what his “vision” of what an offense should be. “I gotta say honestly that a perfect ratio of 50/50 run & pass is what works the best for me. You have to keep them honest with the running game.” Even when trying to get him to be a little selfish by admitting that they should throw more, he isn’t taking the bait. “What Mike McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers are able to do without the luxury of having the greatest running game with their play-action is sick.”
So what next? With Spring Conditioning under way the Falcons sporting a new 9-team District (8-5A) along with Pinellas foes Gibbs and Lakewood and six Hillsborough County squads. “The most beautiful thing about this year is we’ve played only two of those teams. It’s a new thing. Fresh start. A chance to sit down, watch film and forget about everything that happened last year.” The Spring Season also brings forth different hopes and goals along with opportunities to do bigger and better things from the year before. Asked about the 7v7 and the overall Spring Season, Diviney was yet again candid with his response; “It’s an opportunity (7v7 Season) for coaches to see what they’ve got and an opportunity for players to make themselves better.”
Diviney knows what he needs to do. It’s evidenced by his last-second situational call when given a hypothetical game situation. Timeout. On the opponents 20 yard line and one play left. Diviney says he’s calling the play for his favorite target TE Domenic James. “I like to spread the field, so I’m going with 4 Verticals and then I’m gonna hit my guy on the seam where only he can get it. Going to go over the LB and just under the safety. I know he’s going to make that play for me.”
Indeed. Then again, this should be your standard expectation of this young man. A candid, honest answer. Just like the one he gave unsolicited when talking about playing at the next level. “Anybody that wants me to play for them at the next level I’d be more than happy to.” I would say that to anybody that wants to consider this and make it happen you will not regret it. The Falcons and their Coaching Staff certainly won’t argue with you.