District 4-3A preview

District 4-3A


Matanzas

Head Coach: Keith Lagoski

2008 Record: 3-7

Last time in playoffs: None

Key losses: Elliot Helland (QB/RB/DB), Justin Jackson (OL/DL), John Warren (WR), Clifford Miller (WR/RB)

Top Players: Nick Bachman (Sr., QB), Kendrick Roberson (Sr., DE/TE), Kristian Barclay (Sr., RB), Jarockest Jones (Jr., DB), David Ringing (DE), Brandon Jackson (Sr., OL), Josh Russell (Sr., RB)

News: Matanzas begins year four of their program (9-18, 3 years) with possibly its best team after having to completely rebuild last season. After back-to-back 3-7 seasons, now is the time to show some progress in the program. The Pirates should have motivation early on when they open the season against county rival Palm Coast in the schools first ever meeting. If Matanzas could steal a win there it might spark confidence to be able to compete in a district that includes Menendez, Palatka and St. Augustine.

Menendez

Head Coach: Keith Cromwell

2008 Record: 8-3

Last time in playoffs: 2008

Key losses: Kyle Allen (LB), Mike Maldonado (FS/P), Mike Ortiz (WR), Colby Alexander (DE), Dennell Wesley (DL), Jon Carter (QB), Markel Mosley (RB)

Top Players: Dustin Bryant (Sr., RB), Ryan Aiple (Sr., LB), Tony Steward (Jr., LB), Ryan Bryson (Jr., DE), Taylor Cino (Sr., RB), Matt Westover (Sr., DB), Hank Klein (Sr., DB), Titus Mitchell (Sr., DB), Zach Brown (Jr., QB), Ethan Gumble (Sr., QB)

News: Keith Cromwell has does an amazing job at Menendez in his short time their, taking a young program to their first winning season two seasons ago and to its first playoff appearance last season. Now the job is to make the program a consistent winner and consistent playoff contender. Whoever wins the starting quarterback job between Brown or Gumble, will have plenty of weapons to choose from including the Falcons go to guy Bryant, who the offense is built around. Defensively the Falcons are led by rising junior Steward, who should be on every major college scouts radar this season.


Palatka

Head Coach: Kyle Rice (first year)

2008 Record: 5-5

Last time in playoffs: 2006

Key losses: J.D. Kaymore (QB), AC Leonard (Jr., WR), James Colee (OL), Nick Johnson (TE), Ryler Dowdy (OL), Darius Mulberry (LB), Tim Johnson (LB), Rontrae James (SS)

Top Players: Kion Williams (Jr., RB), Joseph Williams (Sr., RB), Keyshaun Hamilton (Sr., TE)

News: Longtime coach and athletic director Wilson Edwards retired following the conclusion of the season. After 18 years at Tallahassee Lincoln, former Middleburg High player Kyle Rice wanted to move back home to be closer to his family and accepted the job. Upon leaving Lincoln, Rice leaves one state power for another as he moves on from Tallahassee Lincoln to Palatka. In his four years at Lincoln, Rice was 39-12, won districts four years in a row, won two regional championships, made two final four and finished second in the state last year losing to Tampa Plant in the 4A State title game. Rice moves to Palatka as part of ‘A new beginning’ phase, as the school replaces its principal, athletic director and football coach. Despite those changes, Rice won’t encounter many changes with his team as he returns six to seven starters in his multiple I-formation spread offense including both tailbacks senior Joe Williams and junior Kion Williams. Rice will have to replace departing starting quarterback JD Kaymore; but will have three guys battling it out in the remaining weeks for the starting spot including senior Darius Seay, junior Lavarius McCullough and sophomore Donte Roberts. Rice was dealt a devastating blow when starting receiver AC Leonard transferred to Ribault over the spring meaning Rice will rely heavily on newcomer tight end Keyshaun Hamilton. Defensively, Rice will implement a 4-3 and 4-6 scheme and will return six to seven starters back and will also move several players around.

St. Augustine

Head Coach: Joey Wiles

2008 Record: 12-1

Last time in playoffs: 2008

Key losses: Marlon Williams (RB), Cardale Brown (RB), Ethan Gumble (Sr., QB), Jerry Shugart (QB), Mike Mayoral (LB), Darryl Lee (DL), Ronnie Floyd (LB), Blake Brown (LB), T.J. Broxton (LB)

Top Players: Markis Merrill (Sr., WR/DB), Duane Brady (Sr., RB), Kyle West (Jr., QB), Brandon Brown (Sr., LB), Terek Odom (Jr., DL), Titarius Lyons (Sr., DL)

News: Wiles begins his fourteenth season at St. Augustine and has molded the Jackets into one of the area’s best program. Wiles must replace both tailbacks Williams and Brown, both quarterbacks Shugart and Gumble, who transferred to Menendez as well as three of the four linebackers. West saw action down the stretch including the playoffs to give the Jackets some much needed experience. Brown returns as the lone returning starter in the linebacker core and will be relied on heavily along with Odom and Lyons. Only a late field goal in the closing minute prevented the Jackets from advancing to another state final. Wiles has the talent to once again to get back there the state finals, providing his younger players grow up quickly.

Predictions
1. St. Augustine
2. Palatka
3. Menendez
4. Matanzas