District 2-3A preview

District 2-3A


Andrew Jackson

Head Coach: Kevin Sullivan

2008 Record: 11-1

Last time in playoffs: 2008

Key losses: Corey Addison (ATH), Benard Dawson (OLB), Demarcus Taylor (LB), Chris Campbell (RB), Johnnie Daniels (SS), Nigel Mitchell (QB), Demarcus Taylor (LB), Leonard Johnson (LB)

Top Players: Marquel Wade (Sr., WR/DB), Derek Owens (Sr., WR/DB), Dorian Guy (Sr., WR), Jeremiah Rackley (Jr., RB), Kennard Mahone (Jr., DB/RB), Altrevon Wilson (Sr., QB), Montavius Mack (Sr., OL/DL), Montaque Mack (Sr., TE), Jaquan Reed (Sr., DL), Kendricks Bailey (Sr., DE), Chris Huber (Jr., DL), Anthony Stinson (Sr., DL)

News: It wasn’t too long ago Jackson was not only everyone’s homecoming opponent but also the worst program in the Jacksonville area. Things changed ten years ago when they hired Kevin Sullivan, a virtual unknown coach from South Florida. Prior to Sullivan’s arrival, Jackson made just three playoff appearances in its 80 plus year history. Beginning his tenth season, Sullivan had guided the Tigers to the playoffs 7 of his 9 years missing only trips in 2002 and 2007. For Sullivan to get back to the playoffs he will rely on some new faces as he returns seven starters on offense and six on defense. Among those new faces he is counting on will Wilson, who has never thrown a pass despite seeing limited playing time last season. Wilson takes over for departing Addison (South Carolina) and Mitchell. Sullivan noted how they do this season will depend on how Wilson plays this season. Rackley (500 yards) returns as the lone returning tailback after Campbell graduated. Wilson will have three Division I-A wide receivers to throw to with the return of Owens, Wade and Guy. The team’s strengths is its receivers, defensive backs and offensive lineman according to Sullivan. Replacing most of the linebackers is a big concern for Sullivan along with quarterback play and the backfield according to Sullivan.


Bishop Kenny

Head Coach: Mark Thorson

2008 Record: 7-3

Last time in playoffs: 2006

Key losses: Brett Whitmire (QB), Tyler Rose (WR), Cody Anderson (WR/DB), Rossi Thompson (WR/FS), Rob Worthington (OL), Seth Foster (TE/DE), George Gosha (LB), Bobby Keneer (OLB)

Top Players: Neil Basford (Sr., TE/DE), Mark Butler (Sr., RB/DB), Chase Crabtree (Sr., SS/WR), Mark Thomas (Jr., RB), Kyle Caffey (Sr., LB), K.C. Pola (Sr., LB/FB), Sean Hector (Sr., DE/OT), Trenton Parete (Sr., QB), Kendrick Nelson (Sr., CB), Eric Apple (Sr., QB)

News: If Kenny is to get back to the playoffs, Thorson must replace most of his offensive line and his starting quarterback, while also relying on several inexperienced players. An offense that was about as balanced you could get (1,957 rushing, 1,656 passing) averaging 361.3 yards per game, will have several key holes to fill. Whitmire (1,566 yards, 20 TD’s) has moved on and will be replaced by either backup Parete or Paxon transfer Apple. Whoever wins the job will have to find a new go to guy with the loss of Rose (647 yards, 12 TD’s), Crabtree could become that guy after coming on late two years ago. Butler (1,401 yards, 16 TD’s) returns as the main threat in the running game and will be helped by Thomas. If history goes as planned, the district should come down to Jackson and Bishop Kenny, the teams have split the last four meetings with the Crusaders winning in 2005 and 2007.


Englewood

Head Coach: Theo Denson

2008 Record: 0-10

Last time in playoffs: 1998

Key losses: Derrick Williams (WR), Derrick Ivey (OL/DL), Antwan Richardson (RB), Robert Hill (LB), Jordan Young (LB), Adam Beraugard (OT/C), Casey Sermins (DT/OG), Corey Streeter (QB), Cedrick Collins (RB), Terrell Brown (CB)

Top Players: Christopher Lampley (Sr., QB), Andrew Faulk (Sr., WR/DB), Bishier Coles (Sr., RB), Jeremy Tyson (Sr., LB), Jad Hamel (Sr., OT), Chaquez Belton (Sr., SS)

News: After back-to-back losing seasons, including a current streak of 11 consecutive losses, Englewood made the decision to drop out of the Gateway Conference. With the exception of the district games, instead of taking on more established programs like Fletcher, Lee, First Coast and Sandalwood, the Rams will now take on smaller schools such as Baldwin, West Nassau, Yulee, Paxon, Stanton which should help them not only end the streak but possibly could see a winning season. In order to do that Denson must replace several holes including two year starter Streeter in his multiple spread offense. Denson noted that Rome wasn’t built in a day and part of the process of building a program is getting rid of the perception that Englewood always has great individual players but not great teams. Part of that philosophy Denton has tried to instill in his players is the attitude that they put on their pants just like anyone else does, you want to be the best you play the best, respect all fear none and that he would put his eleven up against anyone.


Forrest

Head Coach: Dennis Clemmons

2008 Record: 2-8

Last time in playoffs: 2007

Key losses: Trevon Fleshman (TE/DE), Richard Simmons (OL/DL), Jamal Foreman (WR/DB), Daven Hall (OL/DL), Michael Masline (OL/LB), Karon Wood (RB)

Top Players: Ceedrick Davis (Sr., OL/DL), Robert Brown (Sr., QB/WR/DB), Austin Fowler (Sr., OL/DL), Ronald Green (Jr., RB), Jarvis Guthrie (Jr., TE/DE), Jake Englishbee (So., K)

News: Two late season wins over First Coast and Englewood may not have served much purpose last season but could pay dividends this season. The wins have boosted confidence and might have spring boarded a potential playoff spot, with Englewood struggling, Kenny searching for several replacements and Parker suffering heavy attrition with transfers.


Terry Parker

Head Coach: Larry Reed

2008 Record: 7-3

Last time in playoffs: 2000

Key losses: Sam Barrington (ATH), Tavadius Glenn (Sr., DL), Ellis McGhee (QB), Michael Jeune (DE)

Top Players: Antonio Baker (Sr., RB), David Baker (Sr., LB), Kwame Barrington (Sr., RB), Dietrick Payne (Sr., RB/CB)

News: Quite an off season for Terry Parker, which saw their coach replaced and players transfer out. After coming off a rare winning season, Jim Scibble was forced to retire and former coach Larry Reed, who coached the Braves to their last playoff berth nine years ago, was brought back to take over the reign. Behind do it all South Florida signee Sam Barrington, the Braves nearly ended that drought last season, only a last second loss to Fletcher at home prevented them from going. Although several holes have to replaced, Reed does return nearly his entire backfield with Baker and Kwame Barrington, brother of Sam Barrington, returning. Mix that in with Payne who transferred in from nearby Arlington Country Day after rushing for 1,039 yards and 11 touchdowns last season, and the Braves offense will be straight while its defense rebuilds.

Predictions
1. Jackson
2. Bishop Kenny
3. Parker
4. Forrest
5. Englewood