Top 5 Private Schools in Pinellas County.
Pinellas small school experts Daniel Krause, Jessica Shultz and BCP’s Eric Clark, got together for a roundtable on Pinellas County Private schools for the 2011 season going into the spring.
Daniel Krause-
1.
Clearwater Central Catholic
While John Davis teams are known for their prolific offense and let-it-fly QB’s, this year’s CCC team is going to have a scary fast and hard hitting defense. Lead by the return of Branden Leston and Paul Del Prete (both seniors); the Marauders also welcome back Sr. corner Devon Garrett and hard hitting Jr. Mike Stevenson at safety. Expect CCC’s offense to get a solid speed boost from last year as the WRs and RBs are being worked hard in the summer.
2.Admiral Farragut
How far can Rawshawn Jenkins (USF commit) take the Blue Jackets? Last year he took them to a 9-1 record and a berth in the 2nd round of the state playoffs. Expect much of the same this year.
3.Indian Rocks Christian
Based on the roster I have from last year, and watching the video, they are clearly #3 at the moment. SPC might take this spot, but IRCS has been far more consistent 6-8 win team over the past few years.
4.St. Pete Catholic
No coach yet at SPC; however, whomever lands the job is going to have some solid talent to work with. Class 2012, RB, Ryan Green is among the best small school backs in the entire Bay Area. While the defense is going to give up a lot of points this year, Green and Jacquel Cooper (Sr.) can will take the team into a few shootouts where they can steal a few games.
5.Canterbury
While Ryan Green might get the recognition at SPC, don’t “sleep” on Canterbury’s Brent O’Neal. O’Neal is a rising Sr, who lead the Crusaders with 1,200yrds rushing and 16 TD’s last year. Canterbury also has a solid amount returning from the 7-3 team last year (Remember, this team was 9-1 two seasons ago).
Jessica Shultz-
1.Clearwater Central Catholic
Last season the Marauders had two problems; they couldn’t catch, and the team is a classic textbook example of bad things happening if you don’t spend a significant amount of time in the weight room. Multiple times last season, CCC’s offense would move the ball, only to stall due to easy passes being dropped; however, it wasn’t just passes CCC struggled to catch, it was also breaks. The FHSAA declared Clearwater transfer, Branden Leston ineligible to play football for the entire year, despite having Clearwater’s permission to transfe,r. While one player doesn’t make or break a team, consider this; Coach John Davis felt that Leston was the best player… “wait for it”… at EVERY position on the field. Leston was expected to lead the WR’s on offense and start at LB on defense.
2.Admiral Farragut
Rayshawn Jenkins and a huge O-line, should be around 8-2 this year.
3.Indian Rocks Christian
Lots of returning firepower, playoff team with lots to build off of. Big spring game against SPC in may.
4.Canterbury
Brent O’Neal is the best RB at the private level right now, whose going to block for him? Shouldn’t matter, he’s proven to make his own holes.
5.St. Pete Catholic
Expect Ryan Green to run hard all year. No defense to speak of, but should score lots of points.
Eric Clark-
1.Clearwater Central Catholic
They are the popular pick and rightfully so. Ever sense the Mancuso saga and SPC’s down fall CCC has been the top dog among Pinellas private schools. John Davis in his second year at CCC has already built him a winning machine. With talent at all the skill positions the biggest question mark is at QB. There are 3 young QB’s who will battle it out this spring.
2.Admiral Farragut
As long as Rayshawn Jenkins stays put, this will be a team to be reckoned with this year again.
3.St. Pete Catholic
I am going with SPC over IRC for one reason and it’s no mystery…RYAN GREEN. This youngster is arguably the most talented player at SPC since Chris Davis.
4.Indian Rocks Christian
They were a playoff team a year ago and will likely return again this year with many starters returning.
5.Canterbury
Brent O’Neal is a one man wrecking crew on offense and defense. He will be difficult to stop for opposing teams. He is also blazing fast having clocked a 4.46 laser 40 time.