TEAMS TO TURN THE CORNER
GULF: 1-9 last year. Word on the street, Gulf is doing all the right things to improve on their 2013 record. Offensive production will be key.
WIREGRASS RANCH: 0-20 in 2011 and 2012 to 4-6 last season. The attitude started at the top with the new leadership under Mike Lawrence. The Bulls have several playmakers that will make plays in key moments.
SOMEONE HAS TO THROW THE BALL OR HAND IT OFF
SHANE BUCENELL, WIREGRASS RANCH: Shane has one of the quickest releases in our four county coverage area. Very strong arm and runs well. Able to extend plays with his feet and make plays on the run.
JAMES PENSYL, LAND O’LAKES: Led the Gators to an 8-2 season and literally a few snaps away from the playoffs. Passed for 2345 yards in 2013, 5th best in the BCP coverage area.
JOEY CARUSO, HUDSON: Completed over 50 percent of his passes in 2013 and led Hudson to the playoffs for the first time since 2009. Very good passer while on the run and executes the play action offense “to a T” for head coach Mark Kantor.
WHO, WHAT, WHEN?
TRENTON SOTO, FIVAY WR – Arguably the most productive returning WR in Pasco County.
TYREE AUSTIN, PASCO CB – Cover corner, active and physical versus the run.
NATHAN JOHNSON, SUNLAKE RB – Pasco County’s second leading returning rusher. Over 1500 yards last year.
TOP TEAMS???
SUNLAKE: 2009 was the last time Sunlake won less than 8 games in a season (4-6). 41 wins since the Seahawks started playing a varsity schedule in 2007. The Birds have been the second most consistent winning team since 2009. Some star power with more teamwork.
PASCO: 7-4 doesn’t sound like the record for a Pasco Pirate team under Tom McHugh’s leadership. However, that was last season and a new season is just months away. Pasco had 4 double digit win seasons in the past seven years. Pasco will have a big offensive line, fast defense and playmakers will emerge as the season progresses.
LAND O’LAKES: 8-2 in 2013 and one win away from the playoffs. The Gators return with the top passer in the county (James Pensyl) but will need to fill some gaps on defense that was sack happy and controlled the air lanes in the secondary. A few questions about how the Gators will stop teams from scoring, but not many on how they will score.
TEAMS THAT SAY THE TOP TEAMS “AIN’T THE TOP TEAMS”
MITCHELL: Four straight seasons with 6 wins and 4 losses (2010-2013). On the opposite hand, four straight seasons without a post season visit. 2004 was the last post season appearance for Mitchell. But, the Mustangs are consistent and need to make one more jump to get to the playoffs.
ANCLOTE: District runner up in 2012, District Champions in 2013. The Pasco County program that seems to get overlooked, but not outworked. Since the start of their varsity season in 2012, Anclote has progressively increased their winning percentage each year.
ZEPHYRHILLS: 23 wins since Reggie Roberts took over in 2010. But the playoffs have evaded the Bulldogs since 2006. A stacked offensive backfield with Jaylen Pickett and Lorin Parker will provide lots of points for the Bulldogs.
X – FACTOR TEAMS
HUDSON: 6-5, playoff team a year ago.
FIVAY: 4-6 a year ago.