TEAMS TO TURN THE CORNER
LENNARD: 19 losses and 1 win in the last two seasons for the Longhorns. Don’t expect the same over the next two seasons. A few more athletes, a new attitude and reasonable expectations will help the Longhorns knock on the .500 door this season. Tough district will be a big hurdle though.
LETO: Has not won a game on the field since 2009 (2-7). They will get one, two and maybe three this season. The Falcons are starting to keep some of their better athletes and the head coach is still in place. With a stable coaching staff and a few playmakers, Leto will start the slow incline of approaching winning seasons.
BLAKE: The last winning season for Blake was 2000 (6-5). The last few seasons, they have been inching closer and closer to hitting that mark. The athletes are there, the coaching staff is getting stronger and now the lights are bright. The moment is now for Blake and anything less than a .500 season would be a disappointment. Really, many outsiders think the Jackets have real shot at making the playoffs.
SOMEONE HAS TO THROW THE BALL OR HAND IT OFF
ERIC DAVIS, DURANT: Should provide more of a spark to the Cougar offense. First year starting QB for Durant and a great athlete; He will have some big targets to get the ball to, a few quality running backs to hand-off the ball to and when plays breakdown, he should be able to escape from pressure and make plays with his legs.
NOAH JOHNSON, ARMWOOD: Overshadowed by many of the bigger name quarterback prospects in the County. But no starting QB in our 4 county coverage area won more games. 14 wins and 1 loss as a first year starter for the Hawks, a more confident, stronger and confortable Noah Johnson could make him more dangerous.
TERRENCE WILLIAMS, SPOTO: Spoto was pretty excited when Williams walked through the doors. A true dual-threat QB will make defenses respect more than just the skill players for the Spartans. They will have to respect the QB as a passer and a runner. Expect the Spartan offense to spread the field more this season.
WHO, WHAT, WHEN?
ANDREW FAKOLADE, KING DE: Moving back to his natural defensive end spot from line backer, to cause havoc for the opposing offenses.
ASHANTE DENNARD, JEFFERSON LB: Will take on a leadership role and will be expected to thrive in a defense revolving around an active, athletic middle line backer.
DEVONTE WILLIAMS, EAST BAY DE: While Marcus Ford will receive much attention and double teams; Williams could have a monster season at the opposite defensive end.
TOP TEAMS???
ARMWOOD: Coming off a 14-1 season, concluding with a disappointing state title game, The Hawks will be refueled, hungry and just as experienced.
JEFFERSON: New quarterback and many new perimeter offensive threats. But that has never stopped the Dragons in the past. High scoring team is to be expected in 2014.
PLANT: The offensive line is the biggest question with a few new faces. Offensive staff expects Rex Culpepper to be more than adequate at the quarterback position and the defense should gel mid season.
TEAMS THAT SAY THE TOP TEAMS “AIN’T THE TOP TEAMS”
HILLSBOROUGH: 7-3 last season. two district losses to the two district playoff advancing teams.
SICKLES: 11-2 last season and a few snaps away from a semifinal appearance. The defense will need to fill some gaps, but the offense should not drop off too much.
JESUIT: 8-4 last season with a slow start. Expect a fast start this season. Very good offensive line and skill players. Faster and more cohesive 2014 team.
X – FACTOR TEAMS
TAMPA BAY TECH: 9-3, 7-4 and 6-4 the last few seasons. The Titan coaches are pressing their Titans for the “upward swing” in 2014. Collectively, the deep playoff run is what everyone one is looking forward to by TBT.
DURANT: 11-2 in 2012, dropped to 3-7 in 2013. Drastic difference in a competitive district with a few rivalry games. A number of teams will challenge the Cougars but a more athletic team will challenge back. Expect Durant to push for a playoff spot this season.