Pre-season Preview
Manatee vs. Tampa Bay Tech
We were looking forward to this match-up. Unfortunately, the game has been canceled due to covid concerns at Manatee. But, this one had all the makings for a good one. So we still want to highlight some players we were excited to observe.
Manatee Hurricanes
2020 Record: 8-2 (Lost to St. Thomas Aquinas (0-45) in the playoffs)
Players to watch
2022 QB Jayce Berzowski – 6’2” 185 lbs
Jayce completed 124 out of 200 pass attempts (62%) for 1,682 yards in 2020. He threw 19 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. His top four receivers from last season graduated.
2022 RB Kyree Jones – 5’8” 225 lbs
Kyree rushed for 878 yards and 13 touchdowns on 196 carries averaging 4.5 yards per carry. He added 8 receptions for 73 yards and 1 touchdown.
2022 FS Tyreak Allen – 6’ 185 lbs
Tyreak made 27 solo tackles from the secondary (33 total). He added 3 tackles for loss, and 1 interception. He also contributed to special teams where he returned kicks and punt. He returned a punt for a 36 yard touchdown against Sarasota.
2022 MLB Cornell Thomas – 6’ 215 lbs
Cornell totaled 53 tackles as a junior including 34 solo. He added 4 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, and 2 fumble recoveries.
Tampa Bay Tech Titans
2020 Record: 8-4 (Lost to Bloomingdale (33-36) in the playoffs)
Players to watch
2023 QB Xavione Washington – 6’2” 190 lbs – (Transfer from Tampa Catholic)
His sophomore statistics are no longer available, but he put up big numbers at TC. He will do the same at TBT, especially throwing to Greg Gaines.
2022 WR Greg Gaines – 6’2” 180 lbs
The Iowa State commit pulled in 43 receptions for 804 yards and 13 touchdowns in twelve games as a junior. He averaged an outstanding 18.7 yards per reception.
2022 RB James Evens – 5’11” 215 lbs
The Titans’ top rusher from last season left for IMG, so the running back position is one to watch. Someone needs to step up, and Evans will probably be that player.
2022 DE Keyon Clark – 6’3” 230 lbs
Clark put up unbelievable numbers against a tough schedule as a junior. He recorded 40 solo tackles, 29 assists, and 32 tackles for loss. 32 tackles for loss. TBT’s opponents better game-plan ways to help out their offensive tackles this season. He also had 11.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 3 fumble recoveries. Clark and fellow senior defender Jadyn Church will headline another stout TBT defense.