Clicking on the title of this post, you probably thought it would take you to a top team list or some type of “Dominating” team list. Not reeeeaaally. This list contains a few teams who Tampa Bay should keep a close eye on for various reasons: Not very good last year, but have talent; Need to take that next step; Expected to be very competitive or even a big surprise.
Take a look at a few teams that COULD open eyes this year:
Chamberlain
“No way in the universe can they go 1-9 AGAIN”
-Chiefs have too much. They had a lot [talent]last season. So what’s the deference? Chamberlain returns with a winning attitude. New staff have re-energized the Green and Gold and they believe they are a playoff team. Anthony Davis and Marcus Stewart will upgrade the defense. Ronnie Scott at QB, will provide a different dimension to an offense that will depend on the legs of Xavier Johnson.
Durant
“Time to get over the hump”
-Cougars have been, “right there” too many times. They have either been 1 game away from the playoffs or an early exit. A few summer incoming transfers and some poised veterans will merge for the Courgars to have a big year. Durant also has a very underrated offensive and defensive line.
Plant City
“Who is the playmaker?”
-Daz Patterson and Bennie Conney have been gone for months. How do the Raiders replace the production of a 2700 yard passer and a 800 yard rusher (before injury)? Landon Galloway is the front runner for the QB starting QB job. All eyes on him. Who is the RB? The defense is loaded with skill. A very athletic offensive line should help to produce respectable numbers on offense.
Sickles
“Shake up”
-Hillsborough, Armwood and Jefferson are expected to be talented and good each year. Leto and Strawberry Crest at the bottom of the 6A-8 district. Which leaves Sickles slap in the middle. Nate Mills returns from a 1700 yard 2011 season with more weapons than those guys in the Expendables. DeAndre Mathis, Chet LeVay and Bilal Salat are as good as they get at WR. Ray Ray McCloud is penciled as the starting running back and is one of the best in the 2015 class. Surprisingly, the defense is fast and aggressive. Lots of skill and experience.
East Bay
“Can’t Wait”
-No one but East Bay knows what to expect from East Bay this season. Indians were in the majority of the games they lost last season and have been at it all spring and summer. Newsome and Durant will be the favorites in their district. However, 4-6 or 5-5 will not be good enough this year for the Boys in Gibsonton. They have a solid running back duo, young QB and improving defense. The makings for a playoff season.
Clearwater Central Catholic
“Stacked”
-Super talented, but can they beat Tampa Catholic AGAIN? Can the coaching staff bring all the talent together and beat the teams they are NOT suppose to beat? I.E. East Lake…Could be a magical season for CCC.
Palm Harbor
“The foundation”
-Palm Harbor didn’t just need to replace a QB. They had to replace the foundation of their offense (QB Billy Pavlock). Seems like Tyler Kaminski has done just fine. The sophomore QB led the Hurricanes to a 49-13 thrashing of Ridgewood. Will he and the team continue the impressive performances throughout the season? Will they beat the top of the class in Pinellas?