CAN NOT BE TOPPED OR TOP DOGS TO BE TOPPED
Clearwater Central Catholic – In 2013, the boys went 11-3 District Champions, Regional Champions and State Runner-Up. Not a bad year for a team that switch QBs mid season. Luckily, the same QB is back this year with a veteran offensive line and maybe more weapons to distribute the ball to.
East Lake – One game away from the State Title game in 2013. 13-1, best season under Bob Hudson; best season in School history. District Champions and Regional Champions with a bunch of confidence. The target is on the back of the Eagles. But if any team can handle it, it is them. They have the coaching leadership, team make up and enough talent to replicate the 2013 season.
Lakewood – The core of 2013 10-4 team returns and adds some serious additions. Head Coach Cory Moore led the Spartans to a District Championship and Regional Championship last season. But it feels like “Orlando or bust” this year. Arguably one of the most talented and explosive teams in Pinellas annually, Lakewood should be exciting to watch this year again.
SOPHOMORE ROCK STARS
Saivion Smith, Lakewood ATH – double sided playmaker who will see the ball in several different ways offensively. 2000 all-purpose yards should be a realistic goal.
Julian Santos, East Lake OL – Will take on the role of Mason Cole this year. But aligned inside. East Lake will likely pound the ball again this year and run behind Santos often.
Nate Demint, Pinellas Park ATH –plays tight end, defensive end, linebacker and could line up at H-back if needed. Could lead the Patriots in tackles this season.
Garrison Bryant, Clearwater QB – young star on the rise. If all the stars align correctly, Bryant could post some solid numbers in 2014. Offensive line play will be crucial.
Craig Watts, Gibbs S – will play both sides of the ball this year, primarily defensively as the last line of defense. However, turnovers are the name of the game and Watts is good at creating them.
QB SHOW STOPPERS
Jeff Smith, Clearwater Central Cath. – Smith carried his team to the State Finals last season and left the field after a gutsy performance. Expectations are high again for the Marauders because the returning offensive threats and offensive line. Smith has the ability to light up the stat book this season.
Ryan Davis, Lakewood – arguably the most explosive prospect in Pinellas County. A veteran starter with 3 years of experience and plenty of snaps. Davis spent the offseason improving his throwing technique and becoming more in tune with the Lakewood offense which will revolve around him this season.
Donovan Hale , Largo – big time athlete that is trying to grow as a quarterback. Throws a great ball on the run and has been improving his pocket presence, footwork and mechanics. Hale will have several teammates to throw to that will make him look great this year.
COMBO QUEST
If you are a defensive guy…or girl, this combo should be a household name for you: Pinellas Park LBs Kal-El Williams and Nate Demint. The inside gap plugger (Williams) and the scraper on the outside (Demint). Together the two make for one of the best LB combos in the Bay.
The sleepers: ATH KENYATTA ANDERSON and QB Derrick Cook at Boca Ciega. The Pirates have not been a juggernaut, but these two will make some noise this year. Cook is a darn good passer and Anderson will catch plenty of passes from him and also be a threat as a RB.
RB Michael Ford and TE Mitchell Wilcox at Tarpon Springs provide the Spongers with a dynamic run threat of Ford carrying the rock and Wilcox sealing the edge and also an attack style passing game because both are excellent receivers.
HISTORY DRIBBLETS
Clearwater Central Catholic has 11 District titles to go along with their 17 playoff appearances. Last season was the first time in school history the football team made it to the state championship game. CCC has advanced to three Final 4′s and has 3 straight playoff appearances now.
Largo has an impressive, 15 District titles and 17 playoff appearances. Though very dominant in Pinellas, the Packers have not competed in a state title game. Largo has been to two final 4′s and has 9 straight playoff appearances which they expect to continue this season.