Spring Football is finally here. Let us pad up and jump in the middle of the huddle. Below are the top 3 teams with the MOST TO GAIN, MOST TO LOSE AND MUST STAY THE SAME.
Most to Gain
Chamberlain
2011 Record : 1-9
IT COULD HAPPEN: The Chiefs are one of the most talented teams in the Bay Area. Armed with skilled players and big limeman, the excitement under new head coach, DJ Mayo is building. After a 1 win season in 2011, the Chiefs have no where to go but up.
BIG QUESTION: Who is the QB? If Chamberlain has no solid signal caller this season and defenses can zoom in on stopping Xavier Johnson, Chambo’s season could end 5-5 at best.
Boca Ciega
2011 RECORD: 4-6
IT COULD HAPPEN: Boca could realistically can make the playoffs this season. Their toughest task right now, looks to be a highly talented Largo team.
BIG QUESTION: Can the Pirates score points? Boca was second to last in the league in points scored with only 198 on the season.
Lakewood
2011 RECORD: 6-4
IT COULD HAPPEN: May sound funny, but Lakewood has plenty of doubters. Plenty of people raving about their talent, but questioning their “want to.” The name of the game is “WIN” and for the 1st half of the 2011 season, the Spartans did just that before dropping the last 4 games of the season.
BIG QUESTION: Can Lakewood defeat the Top Hillsborough County teams in their district? For Lakewood to be recognized as more than just a hub for talent, but a state contending team, the Spartans must defeat their foes from across the water.
Most to Lose
East Lake
2011 RECORD: 9-4
IT COULD HAPPEN: The expectations for the Eagles are too high now. A school best 9-4 2011 season, a potential record setting QB and an “Almost” upset performance vs Plant in round 3 of the state playoffs last season, have made the Eagles a team to look forward to seeing.
BIG QUESTION: Can the Eagles be the #1 team in Pinellas? In order to do this, they must hammer CCC and beat Countyside. Can it be done?
Jefferson
2011 RECORD: 6-4
IT COULD HAPPEN: Jefferson can be a one lose team for the 2012 regular season, with their only potential lose to 2011 district champion, Armwood. Hillsborough will be a battle and Sickles will be prepared. Don’t be surprised if a more balanced class of Dragons contend for a district title.
BIG QUESTION: How will the offensive line gel? The Dragons broke in a five man offensive line last season that looked like a line with no varsity experience. If the 2011 season was a learning season, then 2012 should be special for the now veteran offensive line.
Tampa Catholic
2011 RECORD: 6-4
IT COULD HAPPEN: TJ Harrell could be one of the most impressive two-way players this season. Chivarski Corbett and Zach Benjamin can put up big numbers. Tampa Catholic can win the district.
BIG QUESTION: Still the same question as last season; how much will 2014 QB, Chivarski Corbett improve? His development is key to the Crusaders success.
Must stay the Same
Steinbrenner
2011 RECORD: 7-3
IT COULD HAPPEN: Steinbrenner can be a 300 point team this season and upset a few favorites in the district. Problem for the Warriors, the favorites in the district will be better in 2012 than they were in 2011
BIG QUESTION: 2014 RB, Jake Carroll’s rehabilitation from a season ending injury last season. If Carroll comes back healthy, will the Warriors have the best running attack in the 7A-7 district?
Durant
2011 RECORD: 7-4
IT COULD HAPPEN: Durant can make the playoff again. Simple! They have the players, they have the experince. It could happen.
BIG QUESTION: Can the Cougars stop anybody? Though Durant scored 371 points, they allowed 24 points per game in2011.
Sunlake
2011 RECORD: 10-2
IT COULD HAPPEN: Sunlake could very well be an eight win team this year. Hernando will be a big wall to climb and Land O’ Lakes will be stout.
BIG QUESTION: How does Sunlake replenish their running attack? Top 3 rushers from 2011 will graduate this year.