Week Zero: Trio of teams kicking it off

Trio of teams set to kick off season

While nearly 555 Sunshine State teams are participating in either a Kickoff Classic or Pre-Season Jamboree, three statewide teams actually kickoff their season this weekend by traveling out of state for their regular season opener.

East Gadsden, Trinity Christian and University School will be kicking off their season in Georgia, Kentucky and Ohio respectively.      

East Gadsden (0-0) at Bainbridge (0-0)

When: Friday, August 24, 8 p.m. 
Where: Bainbridge, Georgia
Stadium: Centennial Field
Last week: Bainbridge knocked off Chamblee 38-11 in a pre-season scrimmage, East Gadsden was idle  
Outlook: When Dothan, Alabama called and cancelled their game over the summer, Bainbridge was forced to look elsewhere for their season opener. Bainbridge called around and East Gadsden took them up on their offer.    
East Gadsden is coming off a 10-3 season, which saw the Jaguars clinch their first playoff appearance in school history while advancing to the state semifinals under second year coach Corey Fuller, a former FSU defensive back.    
Fuller has a lot of reasons to think his program can go even further this season. In the offseason Fuller hired former Robert F. Munroe head coach Joey Striplin as his new offensive coordinator. 
Striplin and Fuller implemented a new pro-style offense in the fall and have plenty of weapons back, including leading rusher Jarrell Reynolds (1,183 yards, 11 touchdowns) and quarterback Treveze Robinson (1,244 passing yards, 19 touchdowns).       
Junior Geomarey Smith who plays both on the defensive line and at linebacker is the leader of a defense, which also returns up and coming star sophomore cornerback Jannoris Cunningham. 
Bainbridge was 8-3 last season under longtime coach Ed Pilcher, falling in the first round of the playoffs to Ware County.   
Like East Gadsden, Bainbridge also has plenty of weapons returning in its split-back veer offense, including both senior tailbacks Terry Lewis and Damain Bouie.
Bouie carried the ball just two times last week and scored twice on long runs of 46 and 43 yards, while Lewis added 55 yards on seven carries.     
Junior quarterback Preston Norris along with receivers senior AJ Miller, junior Greg Cooper and freshman Curtis Keaton look to counter the offense with a solid passing game.

Trinity Christian (0-0) vs. Good Counsel, Tenn. (0-1)

When: Saturday, August 25, 2 p.m.
Where: Louisville, Kentucky
Stadium: Papa John’s  
Last week: Good Counsel dropped a 14-7 decision to Christ Presbyterian Academy, Trinity was idle. 
Outlook: The second annual Bluegrass High School Football Showcase is a quadruple header at Louisville’s Papa John’s Stadium, featuring teams from Florida, South Carolina, Indiana, Tennessee and Kentucky.
The Conquerors and Cougars are the second game of the day following a game between teams from Indiana and Kentucky.
Trinity is led by 22 year head coach Verlon Dorminey (199-56), who has guided the Conquerors to 11 district titles, three state championships (2002, 2003, 2010) and two state runner-up finishes (1999, 2009). 
The Conquerors, who were 8-4 last season, are led by four star defensive back Nick Washington, and two star quarterback Oshay Carter.
Washington, a Florida commit, picked off two passes and scored 11 touchdowns last season; while Carter, a Georgia State commit, threw for 1266 yards and 16 touchdowns.
While Carter and Washington will be the focal point of the offense, Dorminey can also rely on tailbacks Jalin Buie, Jeffrey Holland, Talib Williams, Isiah Ford, fullback Anthony Jordan, wide receivers Kevin Tolliver, Ben Edwards and Mark Anthony along with lineman Jimmie Bowers and Quenton Wright.    
Goodpasture was 8-4 last season, ending a twelve year run of winning at least nine games.
Since opening in 1972, the Cougars have advanced to the state playoffs 27 of the schools 40 years, advanced to 14 state semifinals, won three state titles (1995, 1999, 2001), finished as state runner-ups six times, while going 141-39 since the 1999 season.
Goodpasture opened their season, where they finished last year losing to Christ Presbyterian Academy following a second round loss to CPA last season.
CPA, coached by former University of Florida quarterback Ingle Martin, held off a late fourth quarter rally to stun Good Pasture 14-7 again in both teams season opener.
Trailing by seven late in the fourth quarter, the Cougars drove to the Lions 10-yard line but a 13 yard sack pushed them back to the 27-yard line taking the Cougars out of scoring position.

Fort Lauderdale University (0-0) at Trotwood Madison, Ohio (0-0)

When: Sunday, August 26, 3 p.m. (ESPN)
Where: Deerfield, Ohio
Stadium: Kings High School
Outlook: The 15^th Annual Skyline Chili Crosstown Showdown kicks off Aug. 17-26 in Southwest Ohio. This event continues to be recognized as the nation's biggest and longest-running high school football spectacle. This year's Showdown will showcase 42 schools playing 21 games over a 10-day stretch. Schools are comprised from Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus, Northern Kentucky, Maryland and Florida.
Trottwood, coached by Maurice Douglas (74-46), was a perfect 15-0 last season and defeated Avon in the D-II State Championship Game. The Rams are loaded and could make a case for the state's most talented roster, with 13 D-I college recruits and counting.
One of those players is cornerback Cam Burrows, a five-star recruit who recorded 46 tackles, 12 pass break-ups and four interceptions, who has committed to Ohio State.
Douglass has five other Top 100 prospects in linebacker Mike McCray II (Michigan commit), defensive end Tre Williams-Brown (uncommitted), defensive end Jarrod Clements (Illinois commit), offensive lineman Cody Collins (Marshall commit) and defensive back Reon Dawson (Illinois commit).
Five more players who will be playing on Saturdays include tailbacks  Israel Green (uncommitted) and Ashton Jackson (uncommitted); linebacker Verondtae Wilkinson (uncommitted); offensive lineman  Ryan Reese (uncommitted); and wide receiver Kendric Mallory (uncommitted).
University is 24-2 the past two seasons and was a Class 3A state runner-up in 2010 as well as a regional finalist in 2011.
Head coach Roger Harriott is 51-11 in five seasons and has plenty of offensive weapons including senior wide receiver Jordan Cunningham, a top-25 receiver in the country who has received 44 offers.
Defensively Maquedius Bain, who committed to FSU, is a beast at his defensive end position, after accumulating 51 tackles, five sacks and four blocked field goals.  
Skai Moore is a three-star recruit at linebacker with 26 offers, including Rutgers and Vanderbilt. Fellow linebacker Nick Internicola is headed to Rutgers after totaling 33 tackles and four sacks last season.
On offense, sophomore tailback Jordan Scarlett rushed for 568 yards, averaging 10.1 yards per carry as a freshman last year, while senior Jordan Budwig will anchor the offensive line.

2012 Kickoff Classics

 

 

2012 Kickoff Classics

 

Aug. 22

Archibishop McCarthy at Nova

 

Aug 23

Choctaw at Arnold
West Port at Belleview
International Community,Santa Fe Catholic at Central Florida Christian
Western at Coral Glades
West Broward at Coral Springs
Weekie Watchee at Crystal River
Palatka at Eastside
Piper at Everglades
Sunlake at Fivay
Dr. Krop at Flanagan
Forrest at Fleming Island
Pedro Menendez at Fletcher
Somerset at Hialeah Gardens
Jupiter at Inlet Grove
Cardinal Gibbons at Key West
Eagle’s View at Matanzas
Miami Norland vs Miami Carol City (Traz Powell)
Wiregrass Ranch at Mitchell
Milton at Navarre
Village Academy at Palm Beach Central
South Florida Heat at Palmer Trinity
Miami Beach at Parkland Douglas
North Broward at Pine Crest
Monarch at Pompano Beach
Atlantic Coast at Providence
Palm Harbor at Ridgewood
Florida Deaf at Seacoast Christian
Forest Hill at Spanish River
Hudson at Springstead
Dilliard at St. Thomas AquinasSt. Johns Lutheran at Villages
South Sumter at Wesley Chapel
Summit Christian at Westminster
Blountstown at Wewahitchka

Aug 24

Agape Christian at Admiral Farragut
Shorecrest at All Saints
Spoto at Alonzo
Coral Reef vs American Heritage (Plantation) at Cypress Bay
North Marion at Apopka
Solid Rock Christian at Archbishop Carroll Edgewater at Astronaut
Gateway at Atlantic
Lake Region at Auburndale
St. Johns Country Day at Aucilla Christian
Tenoroc at Avon Park
Jay at Baker
Baldwin at Baker County
Miami Pace at Barrington Christian
George Jenkins at Bartow
Largo at Bayshore
Out of Door at Berkeley Prep
St. Pete Catholic at Bishop McLaughlin
Mount Dora at Bishop Moore
University Christian at Bishop Snyder
Brandon at Blake
Tampa Catholic at Boca Ciega
North Miami Beach at Boca Raton
St. Edwards at Boca Raton Christian
Olympia at Boone
Cardinal Mooney at Bradenton Christian
Booker at Bradenton River
Union County at Bradford
Florida Christian at Calvary Christian
Windermere Prep at Calvary Christian
Naples Community at Canterbury
Peniel Baptist at Cedar Creek Christian
Westwood at Centennial
Victory Christian at Chiefland
FAMU at Chiles
Temple Christian at Christ Church
Poinciana at Citrus
Nease at Clay
Robinson at Clearwater
South Fork at Clewiston
Fort Lauderdale at Coconut Creek
Lake Highland Prep at Colonial
Santa Fe at Columbia
Ferguson at Cooper City
Miami Jackson at Coral Gables
Keys Gate Charter at Coral Shores
Naples First Baptist at Coral Springs Christian
Port St. Joe at Cottondale
Lakewood at Countryside
Oakleaf at Creekside
Pace at Crestview
Homestead at Cypress Bay
Bishop Verot at Cypress Lake
Deerfield Beach at Delray Atlantic
Palm Coast at Deltona
Branford at Dixie County
Clearwater Central Catholic at Dixie Hollins
Gainesville at Dr. Phillips
Lecanto at Dunnellon
Bloomingdale at Durant
Chamberlain at East Bay
Charlotte at East Lake
Riverdale at East Lee
Hallandale at Ely
West Nassau at Englewood
Jackson at Episcopal
Barron Collier at Estero
Crescent City at Father Lopez
Williston at Fernandina Beach
Bolles at First Coast
Duval Charter at Florida Air
Jefferson County at Florida High
Southeast at Fort Myers
Treasure Coast at Fort Pierce Central
Suwannee at Fort White
Escambia at Fort Walton Beach
Bozeman at Franklin County
Kissimmee Osceola at Freedom (Orlando)
Strawberry Crest at Freedom (Tampa)
Haines City at Frostproof
Armwood at Gibbs
Royal Palm Beach at Glades Central
Cardinal Newman at Glades Day
Newsome at George Steinbrenner
Holmes County at Graceville
Baldwin County, Alabama at Gulf Breeze
East River at Hagerty
Trenton at Hamilton County
Lake Placid at Hardee
First Academy at Harmony
Lafayette at Hawthorne
Pasco at Hernando
Archbishop Curley at Highlands Christian
PK Yonge at Hilliard
Warner Christian at Holy Trinity
Hialeah American at Hollywood Hills
Dunbar at Ida Baker
LaBelle at Immokalee
Newberry at Interlachen
Lehigh at Island Coast
Southwest Florida Christian at Keswick
Ridgeview at Keystone Heights
Benjamin at King’s Academy
Lakeland at Lake Gibson
Cambridge Christian at Lakeland Christian
Lake Nona at Lake Minneola
Sarasota at Lakewood Ranch
Spruce Creek at Lake Mary
Kathleen at Lake Wales
Tavares at Lake Weir
Anclote at Land O’Lakes
Park Vista at Lake Worth
Yulee at Lee (at Ed White)
Jones at Leesburg
Ocala Christian at Leesburg First Academy
Evangelical Christian at Lely
Lennard at Leto
Satellite at Liberty
Chipley at Liberty County
Masters Academy at Life Academy
Rickards, Leon, Godby at Lincoln
Wakulla at Madison
Lake Brantley at Mainland
Seminole Osceola at Manatee
Bartram Trail at Mandarin
Pope John Paul at Marathon
West Florida Tech at Marianna
Desoto at Mariner
John I Leonard at Martin County
Jupiter Christian at Masters Academy (Vero Beach)
Sebastian River at Melbourne
Cypress Creek at Melbourne Central Catholic
Tampa Jesuit at Miami Belen Jesuit
Dwyer at Miami Central
North Miami at Miami Edison
Golden Gate at Miami Westminster
Ed White at Middleburg
King at Middleton
McArthur at Miramar
Landmark Christian at Montverde
Rutherford at Mosley
Cornerstone at Mount Dora Bible
Fort Meade at Mulberry
Hialeah at Naples
Washington at Niceville
Palm Bay at Northeast (St. Pete)
Maclay at North Florida Christian
Bay at Northview
Lemon Bay at North Port
Bronson at Oak Hall
Miami Columbus at Oakland Park Northeast
Vanguard at Ocala Forest
Orange City University at Ocoee
Bishop Kenny at Orange Park
Bayside at Oviedo
Palm Beach Lakes at Pahokee
Cape Coral at Palmetto Ridge
Raines, Wolfson at Paxon
St. Joseph at Pierson Taylor
Champagnat at Pines Charter (at Flanagan)
Dunedin at Pinellas Park
Pensacola Catholic at Pine Forest
Stranahan at Plantation
Hillsborough at Plant City
Buchholz at Ponte Vedra
North Ft Myers at Port Charlotte
Palm Beach Gardens at Port St. Lucie
Mater Academy at Ransom Everglades
Winter Haven at Ridge Community
Gulf at River Ridge
Clearwater at Robinson
Eau Gallie at Rockledge
North Bay at Rocky Bayou
Evans at Sandalwood
Boyton Beach at Santaluces
St. Pete at Sarasota Riverview
St. Augustine at Seabreeze
Dade Christian at Sebring
Northside Christian at Seffner Christian
Deland at Seminole
South Plantation at Seminole Ridge
Gaither at Sickles
Braddock at South Broward
Gulf Coast at South Ft. Myers
Berrien (GA) at Sneads
Pine Ridge at Space Coast
Gateway Charter, Miami LaSalle, Miami Ransom Everglades at St. Andrews
Lake Howell at St. Cloud
Bell at St. Francis
Coral Springs Charter at St. Johns Neumann
Marco Island at St. Stephens
Terry Parker at Stanton
Newsome at Steinbrenner
Jefferson at Tampa Bay Tech
Boyd Anderson at Tampa Plant
Chaminade at Taravella
Miami Gulliver at Tarpon Springs
Pensacola at Tate
Oak Ridge at Titusville
Taylor County at Trinity Catholic
Foundation at Trinity Prep
Eustis at Umatilla
Winter Springs at University (Orlando)
Heritage at Viera
Palmetto at Venice
South Walton at Vernon
Freeport at Walton
South Lake at Wekiva
Suncoast at Wellington
Olympic Heights at West Boca
Lyman at West Orange
Tampa Riverview at Wharton
Deltona Trinity at Wildwood
East Ridge at Winter Park
Brooksville Central at Zephyrhills
Berean Christian at Zion Lutheran

Aug 25

Jamboree at Beacon of Hope
Northwestern vs. Booker T. Washington (Traz Powell)
American Heritage at Cocoa (ESPN) noon
Orlando Christian Prep at Merritt Island Christian
John Carroll,Okeechobee at Moorehaven
Merritt Island at New Smyrna Beach

First Coast Pre-Season Rankings

With the season just a week away, we begin to break down Northeast Florida with regional rankings. We started with the Big Bend, made our way to the Gainesville/Ocala area and now we finish with the First Coast area.

First Coast Pre-Season Rankings
1.  Fletcher
2.  Bolles
3.  Trinity
4.  Sandalwood
5.   First Coast
6.   St. Augustine
7.   Bishop Kenny
8.   Ponte Vedra
9.   Union County
10. Atlantic Coast
11. Yulee
12. Columbia
13. Baker County
14. Ridgeview
15. Bartram Trail

Honorable Mention: Fleming Island, Clay, Raines, Ribault, Baldwin 

Pre-Season Gainesville/Ocala rankings

With the season two weeks away, we begin to break down Northeast Florida with regional rankings. We started with the Big Bend, now we make our way to the Gainesville/Ocala area and finish with the First Coast area.

Ranking order is based on the teams best chances to bring home a state title.

Gainesville High is our top team in the Gainesville/Ocala area rankings after last years run to the state semi-finals. Photo courtesy of Gainesville Sun.   

Pre-Season Gainesville/Ocala rankings

1. Gainesville (11-2): Only a loss later reversed due to FHSAA sanctions to Armwood in the state semi-finals kept the Hurricanes from going to the state title game. That might be enough motivation to get the Hurricanes there.  

2. North Marion (9-3): Led by Reggie Dickerson, is this the year the Colts finally get over the hump and make it to Orlando, many think so. We agree as well.  

3. Union County (11-1): Many expected the undefeated Tigers to cruise to the 1A title last season before meeting up with eventual state champ Jefferson County in the state semi-finals. The Tigers will be back in the semi-finals again seeking revenge again.

4. Trenton (11-1): A remarkable undefeated regular season and playoff run to the second round helped put Trenton back on peoples minds. Don't count out the Tigers come playoff time with a bundance of offensive weapons back.     

5. Trinity Catholic (7-5): A rebuilding year last season doesn't have many people expecting much this season again from Trinity Catholic, but you can't ever count out the Celtics come playoff time.

6. South Sumter (8-3): Always a tradional power, South Sumter fell off the map the last few years, but a made a surprising run back in the playoffs last season. Many feel this team could sneak up on teams and make a run towards Orlando.    

7. Lafayette (6-5): Lafayette coaches have been pointing to this team for two years now, with the return of JR Bass and Rodney Brown we will see how the Hornets respond to the expectations. 

8. Columbia (8-4): Led by Laremy Tunstil, the Tigers have all the tools to make another district title run.  

9. Bradford (7-4): There are still plenty of pieces to mold together despite a  coaching change in the off season to see the Tornadoes compete for another playoff spot.

10. Newberry (2-8): Normally a team coming off a two win season wouldn't find themselves in a pre-season top ten lists. However, with the coaching change at Santa Fe, word is Newberry picked up several key players from its arch-rival that could help themselves back in the playoff hunt again.   

Honorable Mention: Santa Fe (9-3), Dunnellon (6-4), Ocala Forest (6-5), Dixie County (5-5), Vanguard (7-4), Fort White (8-4), Hawthorne (5-6)

Pre-Season Big Bend rankings

With the season two weeks away, we begin to break down Northeast Florida with regional rankings. We start with the Big Bend, make our way to the Gainesville/Ocala area and finish with the First Coast area.

Ranking order is based on the teams best chances to bring home  a state title.

North Florida Christian starts the season as the No. 1 team in our Pre-Season Big Bend rankings.


Big Bend Pre-Season rankings

1. North Florida Christian (13-0): NFC cruised to another state title putting 60 on its opponent in the title game. We see no reason at all, the Eagles won't make it back-to-back Class 2A state titles.
2. Jefferson County (9-5): Don't let the record fool you, a top notch schedule last season and this season had the Tigers prepared for the postseason on their way to winning the schools fifth overall state title. Can the Tigers become the first team in school history to win back-to-back state titles, we think so.
3. Madison County (12-2): Madison started and ended the season on the same note with losses. The last one was a bitter pill to swallow players said during Media Day. Look for the Cowboys to be back in Orlando looking for redemption.
4. East Gadsden (10-3): Only one thing stood in the way of the surprise team of the area making the state finals last season-Bolles...We see no reason the Jaguars won't be back there again.
5. Wakulla (12-3): A surprising run to Orlando last season may be alot tougher this season with the loss of several key players. However there is enough on offense to make another serious run but they won't be taken lightly this season.
6. FAMU (8-3): Only one things stands in the way of another run to Orlando, district rival NFC..FAMU started out on fire last season wining eight in a row before a beatdown from NFC in the district title game sent them on a three game losing streak to end the season.
7. Lincoln (9-2): With the best receiving core in the nation, the Lincoln Trojans have tons of athletes, but can they put the pieces together again to make another run to Orlando like they did two seasons ago.
8. Godby (9-3): You lose 6 Division I-A starters you are bound to have somewhat of a drop off. Not saying the Cougars won't make the playoffs, but we don't expect them to make another run to Orlando.
9. Maclay (9-2): Okay Maclay can't win a state title but we see no reason why the Marauders can't bring home another North Florida Football Conference title. Kyler Hall is building one heck of a program over there and we look forward to when they jump into Class 2A district play in 2013.
10. Rickards (0-10): It's not everday you would see a winless team start off the next season ranked in the pre-season rankings. However, several coaches feel Rickards is ready for a breakout season and we don't disagree keep an eye on the Raiders this season

Honorable Mention: Liberty County (8-3), Florida High (7-6), Taylor County (7-4), Leon (5-5), Aucilla Christian (7-3), Port St Joe (3-7) 

Jefferson County won the schools fifth overall state title last season, now the Tigers try to become the first team in school history to win back-to-back titles. 

Part III: Big Bend seeking encore performance
By Corey Davis  

TALLAHASSEE-Twenty-two teams from across the Big Bend area got together to talk to media earlier this week at the Second Annual 4QuartersOnline High School Football Media Day at the Holiday Inn in Tallahassee.

Much of the talk was about the surprising run last season, which saw Madison County, North Florida Christian, Jefferson County and Wakulla all advance to state, with NFC and Jefferson bringing home state titles.

Can the area duplicate that success this season and will area powers Lincoln and Godby join them after disappointing playoff exits?

Coaches and players from Marianna, Rickards, Liberty County, Chiles, Maclay, Robert F. Munroe, Godby, Florida High, Franklin County, Aucilla Christian, FAMU, Port St. Joe, John Paul II, Madison County, North Florida Christian, Leon, Jefferson County, Wakulla, East Gadsden, West Gadsden, Taylor County and Lincoln took turns talking to local and statewide media about the upcoming season. 

Lottery pick

After guiding Jefferson County to its fifth overall state title (1966, 1972, 1974, 1991, 2011), second year coach Jeremy Brown walked away from the program to take an offensive coordinator position job at Pensacola Escambia.

However days after resigning from his head coaching position at Jefferson County, Brown had a change of heart and informed Escambia of his intentions to stay in Monticello.

Perhaps junior tailback Rente Robinson summed it best, “It was like winning the lottery” Robinson joked about Brown’s decision to return to Jefferson County.

Upon hearing of Brown’s intentions of leaving the program several players thought of leaving the program as well.

“A whole bunch of us thought about leaving Jefferson County, we prayed about it,” Robinson said. “It was real big he ended up staying. Coach Brown is like a father figure to a lot of us, he steps up whenever we need him for anything.”

With Brown back, the thought of becoming the first team in school history to win back-to-back state titles seems realistic now with the return of senior quarterback Lenorris Footman, senior athlete Gene’rique Noel and Robinson.

According to Brown, Footman has drawn interests from FIU, Jacksonville State, Northern Arizona and Samford to date, while Noel has interests from several Sun Belt schools like FIU and FAU.

Brown also knows what it’s like to be under pressure of possibly repeating again.

“I was an assistant coach at Venice in 2000 when we beat Dwyer 77-14 in the state title game,” Brown stated, “The very next year we went 2-8, so winning the second one is a lot harder. That experience will not allow me to fall in that trap again.”

Like last season Brown has another demanding schedule again that features games against Madison County, Godby, Wakulla, Taylor County, Lafayette and North Florida Christian.

Against that same schedule last season the Tigers (9-5) started off 2-3 at the mid-point of the season and 3-4 after a loss to Taylor County in the seventh week of the season. A win over district rival Lafayette the following week seemed to propel the Tigers the rest of the season.  

“I tell my team all the time, you don’t win championships in August and September, you win them in November and December,” Brown added. “We will be underdogs in a lot of games again this season.”  

They say the family that prays together stays together and Brown is an avid believer in that concept.

“We have a huge commitment to faith, we pray and go to church together,” Brown said. “We have a huge family here and it’s my job to teach these boys not only football but life after football and how to be a better person.”

Right path

Things started really well for Florida High last season, going 6-1 at the start of the season, including a surprising 27-21 loss to 7A Lincoln and a solid 14-10 win over District 1-3A rival Pensacola Catholic, which wrapped up a playoff berth.    

A 44-0 loss to cross town rival North Florida Christian, sent the team in a downward spiral as FSU (6-6) dropped its last five games of the season, including a 36-13 loss to Trinity Christian in the first round of the state playoffs.  

“We need to be more consistent,” Florida High coach Jarrod Hickman said. “Last year we were a bit inconsistent and didn’t play well down the end of the stretch.”

Part of that reason was a demanding schedule which might have took its toll on the team playing the likes of several bigger schools Chiles, Rutherford, Lincoln, Rickards, East Gadsden and Taylor County. 

 “We have a lot of good teams in this area we don’t need to play out of state,” Hickman said. “We are  playing both Madison and Lincoln, as well as Chiles and Rickards.”

Playing in a three team district with Madison County and Pensacola Catholic, the Seminoles have their work cut out for them if they want to make it back-to-back playoff berths.

“We need to stay healthy, this is our smallest team we have had in a while, we have done a lot of conditioning,” Hickman said. “We need perhaps a little bit luck and get back to work and get ready to play.”

One of a kind

When you’re one of many football programs in the Tallahassee area, sometime you need to stand out among the rest to recruit the best players.

First year coach Scott Houston a former Godby assistant coach, takes over a Pope John Paul program in its sixth season of play.

“I tell kids we are the only catholic school in Tallahassee, we are the only school in Tallahassee whose kids wear uniforms and we are the newest school in Tallahassee,” Houston said.

Houston told the media it’s a blessing and dream to be coaching there every day hopes to be around enough to establish a solid program.

“This is our first year back as a full varsity team after being a split junior varsity and varsity team last season,” Houston said. “We will be making the move to Class 2A soon and join a district next year (2013).”

In the meantime, Houston is taking his team across the country to get his young team prepared for the step up in competition, with games in Atlanta this season and Nashville the following season.

“We want to model our program like the other top catholic schools Bishop Kenny, Trinity Catholic, Bishop Moore and Pensacola Catholic,” Houston stated. “We want to have high expectations now and we are ready to except any challenge.”

 

A 30-3 loss to Delray American Heritage in the Class 3A state title game, left a bitter taste in the mouth of Madison County players. 


Part II: Big Bend seeking encore performance
By Corey Davis  

TALLAHASSEE-Twenty-two teams from across the Big Bend area got together to talk to media earlier this week at the Second Annual 4QuartersOnline High School Football Media Day at the Holiday Inn in Tallahassee.

Much of the talk was about the surprising run last season, which saw Madison County, North Florida Christian, Jefferson County and Wakulla all advance to state, with NFC and Jefferson bringing home state titles.

Can the area duplicate that success this season and will area powers Lincoln and Godby join them after disappointing playoff exits?

Coaches and players from Marianna, Rickards, Liberty County, Chiles, Maclay, Robert F. Munroe, Godby, Florida High, Franklin County, Aucilla Christian, FAMU, Port St. Joe, John Paul II, Madison County, North Florida Christian, Leon, Jefferson County, Wakulla, East Gadsden, West Gadsden, Taylor County and Lincoln took turns talking to local and statewide media about the upcoming season. 

Bitter pill to swallow
When your expectations every season include not only getting to the state title game but winning it, finishing runner-up isn’t good enough, especially at a program like Madison County.

A one-point loss on the road to 5A state champion Colquitt County (Georgia) in the season opener catapulted the Cowboys into a twelve game winning streak and spot in the Class 3A state title game. 

However, 2011 state runner-up Delray American Heritage, took out a year’s frustration with a 30-3 win over Madison County in the title game last season.

“That loss in the title game left a bitter taste all off season and summer long, losing in the title game is unacceptable” Madison County coach Mike Coe said. “We have 5-6 starters back on both sides of the ball so we are expecting another solid run.”

One of those starters back is FSU commit Ira Denson, who was in attendance at Media Day along with four other teammates.  

Hard to believe but for half a century, Madison County was virtually an unknown program until 1995 when Randy McPherson arrived on campus and led the Cowboys to its first playoff bid.

From there the unknown program took off and has become a consistent state title contender under McPherson, Randy Carroll and now Coe with 17 consecutive playoff appearances, including two state titles (2001, 2007) and four state runner-up finishes.

What is the secret for Madison County keeping its streak going and always being in the state title chase.

“Honestly, FCA Camp is a big reason why, we just got back from FCA camp last weekend, the kids do a lot of soul searching there, “Coe said.

From the time kids start playing football they dream of being a part of the Madison County program.

“There is not a lot to do in Madison, football is a really big deal here, a lot of kids want to be Cowboys, Coe stated.

“Our kids invest a lot in the program. We talk a lot about investing in the program you will hear that a lot. If you don’t fully invest in the program you won’t play,” Coe said. “You go all out when you step out on the field and the kids respond to that, we have a lot of good kids.” 

Redemption time   
Starting the season with eight straight wins over Maclay (48-21), Walton (26-0), West Gadsden (21-7), PK Yonge (53-7), Marianna (27-15), Crescent City (26-21), Rickards (21-7) and Port St Joe (28-0);  FAMU had a lot of confidence heading into the back half of its schedule and the playoff season.

Unfortunately, a 41-6 loss to North Florida Christian not only cost the Baby Rattlers the District 1-2A  title it sent them into a downward spiral dropping a 43-0 decision to East Gadsden and 20-13 loss to Eagle’s View in the first round of the playoffs.

“We were 8-3 last season and started a lot of young guys,” FAMU head coach Ira Reynolds said. ”We ran through the season until the last few weeks.”

When asked how do you make sure what happened last season doesn’t happen this season, Reynolds laughed “Take them off the schedule”.

Impressive debut

Maclay is beginning their sixth year as a program, second under head coach former FSU great Kyler Hall. The school well known for its state ranked soccer, volleyball, girls basketball, lacrosse, cross country, swimming and track and field programs, might need to clear room for additional trophy space.  

“We have a well-rounded athletic program here at Maclay, our soccer and lacrosse and girls basketball teams have done well at state, we are trying to get there as well and make this a football school,” Hall said.

What an inaugural season for Coach Hall, who saw Maclay win a school record nine games last season including its first North Florida Football Conference North Division and Overall title, beating Gainesville Oak Hall 57-42 in the title game.    

The recent success of winning a conference title has brought a lot of excitement to the Maclay community and students.

 “I am very excited about year two, we are starting with 38 players, last year we only had about 22 at this point,” Hall said. “We had a very young team last season and we will have about ten seniors this year, mostly playing ninth and tenth graders. “

Being an independent, Maclay is ineligible for the state playoffs, but able to participate in a bowl game and win a conference championship.  

“The goal remains the same this season, we want to win our division and get back into the title game and have a chance to win another conference title,” Hall said. “These kids have been busting their butts this summer trying to repeat as conference champs. “     

North Florida Christian seen here in last years Class 2A state title game is poised for another state title run again.

Big Bend seeking encore performance
By Corey Davis  

TALLAHASSEE-Twenty-two teams from across the Big Bend area got together to talk to media earlier this week at the Second Annual 4QuartersOnline High School Football Media Day at the Holiday Inn in Tallahassee.

Much of the talk was about the surprising run last season, which saw Madison County, North Florida Christian, Jefferson County and Wakulla all advance to state, with NFC and Jefferson bringing home state titles.

Can the area duplicate that success this season and will area powers Lincoln and Godby join them after disappointing playoff exits?

Coaches and players from Marianna, Rickards, Liberty County, Chiles, Maclay, Robert F. Munroe, Godby, Florida High, Franklin County, Aucilla Christian, FAMU, Port St. Joe, John Paul II, Madison County, North Florida Christian, Leon, Jefferson County, Wakulla, East Gadsden, West Gadsden, Taylor County and Lincoln took turns talking to local and statewide media about the upcoming season. 

Reloading again
You lose 24 seniors, including six Division I-A signees, most teams would have to rebuild again, not at Goby.

Godby, which walked into the media room sporting new black uniforms with APG  (Amos P. Godby)  across the chest,  is coming off a disappointing season based on their own standards losing in the first round of the playoffs.

Losing quarterback Dennis Andrews (Georgia Tech), defensive back TJ Davis (Auburn),  tight end Laith Harlow (Oklahoma), wide receiver Brandon Holifield (Missouri), linebacker Kadeem Poncho Thomas (Kentucky), linebacker Jakarri Thomas (Vanderbilt) will hurt a lot but third year coach Ronnie Cotrrell sees no reason his team won’t be in the mix for another district title and long playoff run.

“Our kicking game and red zone offense need a lot of improvement, we need both to go far in the playoffs,” Cottrell said. “Replacing those six guys will be tough especially the quarterback, but we feel like we have enough other guys to replace them.”

Replacing those guys will lie in the hands of several players including Kentucky commit tailback Khalid Thomas and free safety Lester Thomas, who led the Big Bend area with 8 interceptions and has an offer from Florida Atlantic according to Cottrell.

Cottrell was also excited about the addition senior tailback/wide receiver Tim Longmire from Leon and inside linebacker Luke Helms from NFC, whom both players stated their new teammates accepted them both with open arms.

“We lost a lot of talent, but these new guys along with the veterans having been pushing hard in the off season and buying into the system,” Cottrell said.

Unfamiliar territory
Two years ago, Lincoln was king of the Big Bend area celebrating its third state title with a shocking win over nationally ranked Armwood.

A year later, with several of those players back Lincoln expected another long playoff run, unfortunately a stunning first round loss to Fleming Island handed the Trojans their earliest playoff exit since 1997.

This year’s team has set extremely high goals and looks to put Lincoln back in the state title mix again.

“We are very talented and have a chance to be very successful,” Lincoln coach Yusuf Shakir said. “ It’s up to them how special they want to be.”

According to the media, one national publication named Lincoln’s receiving core the best in the nation led by Florida commit senior Reggie Davis and senior Taj Williams, whom is coached by former University of Florida great receiver Jacquez Green.

“This is my first class who came through the program all four years (ninth through twelfth),” Shakur said. “We have eight senior offensive line, which is the strength of our team as is our wide receiving core which is a very deep group.”

Like every other team across the state, Lincoln has been quite busy in the off season sending its players all across the state to camps.

“Reggie competed in Oregon at The Opening against some of the nation’s top players,” Shakur said. “We competed in a 7-on-7 tournament at Valdosta State University and won it, the first 7-on-7 tournament title for Lincoln in school history. We sent some kids to Stetson for the Down and Dirty lineman camp, all these camps give our kids exposure and put them up against some of the state’s best players and also bring us together closer as a team.”        

The goal of getting back to Orlando remains the top priority but not the only goal in mind according to the players.

“Hard to believe Lincoln has never gone 15-0 before, we are trying to be the first team to do that,” Davis said.

Huge target
Two years ago, Wakulla snuck into the playoffs as district runner-up with a young team and rode the momentum into a second round playoff appearance.

The surprisingly run carried over into last season as the War Eagles (11-3) stunned Godby in the regular season to clinch the district and knocked off Godby again in the playoffs on its way to the Class 5A title game.

An inexperienced Wakulla playoff team was overwhelmed in the title game falling 38-0 to Miami Norland.

If Wakulla is going to make another run again seniors lineman Chris Griffith, senior athlete Dequon Simmons, tailback/safety Mikal Cromartie and quarterback Caleb Stephens will all play big parts according to seventh year coach Scott Klees.

Klees likes his teams chances in the district but also complemented Rickards, Godby and Suwannee.

“Suwannee will be back again even with a new coach, Rickards looked phenomenal in the spring game and Godby will reload again, “ Klees said.

Klees stated his team got back to work in January as soon as Christmas break ended and was already looking forward to this season. 

 “We know we won’t be sneaking up on anybody this season and we have to take it one game at a time, what happened last year was last year,” Klees said. “We have a bunch of new guys to replace a lot of guys and they have a new attitude, this is a new team.”

IM BACK..

After much thought and pressure from friends and coaches, the blog is back and on the grind again.

As the 2012 season begins, the focus of our coverage will include the Big Bend, Gainesville and Jacksonville areas.

Look for weekly rankings, game previews/predictions and many other notebooks each day.