The game field at Countryside High was littered with college coaches from all around. One goal in mind, see talent. Coaches walked the sideline with offers to handout and many of the Bay Area players received those offers. Florida, Alabama, FIU, FAU, Ball State, Iowa State, Citadel, USF, UCONN, Jacksonville, West Virginia and Indiana attended.
The scrimmage was intended to provide on the job training for inexperienced game referees/officials. For the high school coaches, the scrimmage provided a great learning environment and teaching tool for their respective teams.
For us, we wanted to see our stud players perform at a high level. We wanted our good players to force us to pay more attention to them. We wanted unknown players to jump out at us. All three were accomplished!
Most Improved
Boca Ciega: The Pirates, from top to bottom looked like a team. The coaching staff was uniformed, the players were well behaved and the whole team seemed very organized. Boca faced a more experienced Countryside squad, but held their own. As a team, they worked their screen game fairly well. A number of times they caught Countryside off guard with well executed and timely screens. Countryside’s offense punched the Pirate defense in the mouth a few times, but never did Boca panic, never pointed fingers and never displayed discouragement. The players led by Caleb McCullough and Amari Mount fought and made many big time plays.
Top TEAM
Countryside was sound from all angles. Yes, many times it was evident that it was still early in spring practice. But, the simplicity was effective on both sides of the ball. QB, Christian Strong had an excellent showing. He displayed accuracy, good feet and mechanics. He completed the majority of his passes (a few drops by receivers) and tossed a few balls where he squeezed the pass between a few defenders (good arm strength). Marrieo Taylor was the go to guy and energized his team with some plays he made. TE AJ Sattinger was solid. Tough to bring down in the open field and adds to an already massive offensive line. Mike Love, DE and Mike Johnson, CB are as good as advertised. More on them below.
Just Stupid
Lakewood is STUPID talented. It still starts with returning QB, Tracy Johnson. Trickles down to a crazy good group of receivers (Rodney Adams, Marquez Valdes and Joc Ellison). Carries on to a massive offensive line anchored by Logan McNeil and Isaiah Wynn. Then pours into the defense which will be led by rising senior Shaquill Griffin, Shaquem Griffin and LB Austin Copeland. That’s not it…there is more. See below.
Made us look good
Amari Mount, Boca Ciega, 2013 LB
Played DT last year, but is a natural inside backer. Played like a man today.
Caleb McCollough, Boca Ciega 2013 ATH
Played RB and CB today. Multi talented player. Good speed and skill.
Auggie Sanchez, Northeast 2013 DE/OLB
Force anywhere he lined up.
Ryan Davis, Northeast 2015 QB
At times he looked like Charlie Ward in his prime at FSU. Slippery, but just as dangerous throwing the ball.
Mike Love, Countryside 2013 DE
As good as advertised
Mike Johnson, Countryside 2014 CB
Legit BCS corner. High ceiling
Austin Copeland, Lakewood 2013 LB
Will be one of the most disruptive players in Tampa Bay
Marquez Valdes, Lakewood 2013 WR
Rodney Adams was really good, but Valdes arguably had the best day and open plenty of scouts’ eyes.
Andrew Matyk, Osceola 2013 QB
Threw some beautiful balls today
Have forced BCP to pay more attention
Malcolm Ervin, Lakewood 2013 RB/LB
Darquez Watson, Lakewood 2014 WR/TE/DB
Ben Bryant, Lakewood, 2014 FS/WR
Kenyatta Anderson, Boca 2015 LB
Jervonte Holmes, Boca 2014 DE/TE
Fortune Gamble, Boca 2013 RB
Chris McCray, Boca 2014 OT
Jaylaan Wimbush, BOca 2014 WR/S
Dontario Fowler, Northeast, 2013 WR/CB
There were a few secondary players for Ocseola that impressed also