Pasco

Coach: Tom McHugh (eighth season, 70-16)

Last season: 7-4

Class/district:5A-6

Colors: Red and black

Stadium: W.F. Edwards Stadium, 1204 S.R. 52, Dade City

Playoff appearances: 1977, 1983, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1998, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013

Last appearance: Lost 17-7 to Citra North Marion.

3A state championship: 1992

Season schedule

Aug. 29vs. Sunlake, 7:30

Sept. 5at Fivay, 7:30

Sept. 12at Wesley Chapel, 7:30

Sept. 26at Nature Coast, 7:30

Oct. 3at South Sumter, 7:30

Oct. 10vs. Weeki Wachee, 7:30

Oct. 17vs. Hernando, 7:30

Oct. 24at Central, 7:30

Oct. 31vs. Zephyrhills, 7:30

Nov. 7vs. River Ridge, 7:30

Mark your calendar

There’s no doubt Pasco has been the best team in the Pasco County since 2008, but Sunlake isn’t too far behind. The Seahawks are 36-7 the past four seasons, and beat Pasco last year 17-6. The rematch is the season opener Aug. 29, this time in Dade City. Pasco plays district favorite South Sumter on Oct. 3 in Bushnell, and don’t be surprised if a playoff spot isn’t on the line when the Pirates host arch-rival Zephyrhills on Oct. 31, which will surely be the Pirates’ biggest game of the season. Pasco won last year’s highly-charged edition of the 9-Mile War 24-16.

Huddle highlights

Seasoning under center: Last year, quarterback Grant Starling was thrown into the starting role on the eve of a Week 4 game against Nature Coast. With a handful of games and an offseason preparing for the starting role under his belt (after throwing for 10 touchdowns), Starling should be better. Truthfully, if the Pirates are going to bounce back after a 7-4 season, he has to be.  

Sharing the load: This could mark the first season since 2009 the Pirates haven’t produced a 1,000-yard rusher. But that’s okay. The Pirates have an abundance of capable backs, and maybe someone emerges from a committee that includes senior Brandon Lee, juniors Eric Wilson and Jakiah Felder, and freshman Cameron Smith to become the No. 1 back. 

Dual duty: Bowman Archibald was recruited by many BCS schools as a tight end, but don’t be surprised to see Pasco line him up just as much as a wide receiver. 

Never count out McHugh: Pasco may have had a bumpy road last season, but that didn’t stop the Pirates from making the playoffs for the seventh straight time under coach Tom McHugh; only John Benedetto, who took Land O’Lakes to 12 straight postseasons, has a longer streak.

Fine line: McHugh thought last year’s offensive line was the best he’s ever had, but it underachieved. This year’s group —  which includes Jamal Mention (6-6, 313), Jeff Mitchell (6-3, 288), Austin Wade (6-0, 245), Cole Blevins (5-7, 205) and Mark Jernigan (6-1, 250) — could be what last year’s group was supposed to be.

Known quantities

DL/TE Bowman Archibald, Sr.: The University of Miami commitment and No. 10 player in the HomeTeam 100 should wreak havoc from the defensive line. And he can also play linebacker, while his soft hands, size (6-6, 250) and speed make him a top receiving target as well. McHugh called him the “new Jimmy Graham.”

DT Andrew Ivie, Sr.: Along with Archibald, Ivie, a Florida commit, gives Pasco its best defensive line ever. Ivie (6-3, 260) possesses a strong bull rush and spin move, and is virtually unblockable one-on-one.

OL Jamal Mention, Jr.: Mention will be one of the to-line recruits in the 2016 class and will be the key in Pasco’s power sets this season.

WR/DB Tyree Austin, Sr.: No one on his team causes McHugh to scratch his head more than the 5-11, 165-pound Austin, because every time he runs a route, makes a catch or bats away a pass, the head coach wonders where all the college offers are. 

LB/FS Brandon Debyah, Sr.: The Pirates’ leading tackler (109) and top returning sackster (3.5)  from last year will help on both sides of the ball, and another 100-tackle season should loom.

Up-and-comers

RB/LB Cameron Smith, Fr.: You won’t hear McHugh talk up too many freshmen, but Smith (5-10, 210) has big-time potential, will start at linebacker and see action at running back.

WR/DE Sherwin Emmanuel, Sr.: At 6-4, 190 with a knack for catching balls and rushing quarterbacks, Emmanuel reminds us of former Pirate Hakeeme Ishmar, now at FAU.

WR/DB Issac Johnson, Jr.: The son of the quarterback by the same name that led Pasco to the 1992 state championship has a bunch of ability and could have a breakout season.

DL Cameron Crews, Sr.: Playing alongside Ivie, Bowman and Emmanuel should give the 6-1, 245-pound end plenty of opportunities to make plays.

K/DB Brandon Ray, Sr.: Okay, we know, Ray is hardly new to the scene. But the 6-0, 185-pounder didn’t finish the season with Pasco last year, and his return could be a boon. Ray was exceptional as a sophomore (second on the team in scoring with 93 points). And if he regains that form it’s a huge plus for the Pirates.

Coach’s corner

“We did some good things last year. I expect to have another good season.” — McHugh

Weeki Wachee

Coach: Mark Lee (third season, 6-14)

Last season: 3-7

Class/district: 5A-6

Colors: Dark green, silver and black

Stadium: Hornets Nest. 12150 Vespa Way, Weeki Wachee

Playoff appearances: None

Season schedule

Aug. 29vs. Interlachen, 7:30

Sept. 5at Springstead, 7:30

Sept. 12vs.  Hudson, 7:30

Sept. 19at  Hernando, 7:30

Sept. 26vs.  Zephyrhills, 7:30

Oct. 3vs. Central, 7:30

Oct. 10at  Pasco, 7:30

Oct. 17at  Orlando Colonial, 7:30

Oct. 24vs.  South Sumter, 7:30

Oct. 31at  Nature Coast, 7:30

Mark your calendar

Central at Weeki Wachee, Oct. 3: Despite only two years of varsity experience, Weeki Wachee has gon 2-0 in this series, with a 21-20 win last season. While Central’s program has been down for almost a decade, a new coach could add a shot in the arm to this budding rivalry. The two 5A-6 teams draw students from similar areas, giving this game meaning on and off the field.

Huddle highlights

Program legitimacy: With Rutgers signing former left tackle Marcus Applefield last year, the Hornets have their first Division I athlete. And recruiters have opened their eyes to talent at Weeki Wachee since then. Junior linebacker Jacob Tinch is among those getting college looks already, lending credence to the program’s up-and-coming reputation.

Backfield by committee: No one player has stepped up to dominate the carries, even though that is what coach Mark Lee would prefer. Devon Dupuis, Shawn O’Gorman, Anthony Hartman and others should see time at running back. But for the offense to be successful, the ground game has to be explosive enough for the opponents to respect.

Lead from the front: For the first time since he began the program at Weeki Wachee, Lee has a full coaching staff. Ryan Wilson and Rob Kazmier, who both worked with him in his one season at Nature Coast, have come onboard. Also joining is former Mitchell assistant Dan Gigantelli and former University of Miami standout defensive end Denny Fortney.

District of doom: Weeki Wachee has surprised many with its competitiveness over the first two seasons, but the Hornets still have not had a winning season or playoff berth. It won’t get easier with perennial powerhouses Hernando, Nature Coast, South Sumter, Pasco and Zephyrhills all residing in 5A-6.

Known quantities

WR/DB Dayonta Patterson, Sr.: After leading the district and county in receptions as a junior, Patterson (29 catches, 344 yards, one touchdown) could serve as a security blanket to whichever candidate wins the job under center for the Hornets. He also provides plenty of value on defense, where his nose for the ball resulted in three interceptions last year.

RB/LB Shawn O’Gorman, Jr.: A hard-nosed football player, O’Gorman (151 yards, two touchdowns) was strong at fullback, but with the departure of backfield standouts Marcus Allen and Jon King, coaches moved the junior to tailback with solid results. In his first action during the spring game, he rolled off a 47-yard touchdown run.

OL Brice Spaulding, Sr.: Spaulding was the starter at center last season, and with Applefield now suiting up for Rutgers, the senior will be the anchor of Weeki Wachee’s offensive line. As a three-year starter, he and senior David Hokanson will help bring along the younger linemen. He’ll guide a line that Lee says is the deepest he’s had since coming to Weeki Wachee.

LB Anthony Hartman, Sr.: Hartman (59 tackles, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery) is the leading returning tackler from last season, and along with Tinch should give Weeki Wachee a boost in its front seven. He is the “quarterback” of the defense, according to Lee.

Up-and-comers

QB Alec Cromie, So.: As the JV starter, Cromie led the Hornets to a 3-4 record last season, including a 35-0 win over Hernando. At 6-foot-3, 190 pounds, he won’t win many foot races, but he has a good arm. The sophomore knows Lee’s system and looks prepared to take the graduated David Tinch’s spot under center.

LB/SS Donte Young, Jr.: Young saw his fair share of playing time last year, but he’s made leaps and bounds over the summer. Not afraid of contact, he could become of the most feared hitters for the Hornets. With the departures of leading tacklers Tyler Wiley (105 tackles) and Xavier Jones (53 tackles, 11 for loss), Young is poised to step in at strong safety.

LB/RB Devon Dupuis, Jr.: Dupuis was forced into action last season after a plethora of injuries in the Weeki Wachee backfield and responded with a stellar performance against Interlachen (10 carries, 75 yards, one touchdown). But coaches love the speed and athleticism he brings to the linebacker position as well. He has been banged up in practice and has missed some time over the summer, so he’ll need to step it up to contribute.

Coach’s corner

“We don’t have the big-name guys, and we haven’t produced on offense as much as I’d like to have seen over the past two years. Right now, I’m looking for improvement each week. The thing I like most about this group is that we’re not settling for moral victories. There have been times where our kids have felt like just being in the game is acceptable. These guys are like that at all. They want to win.” — Lee

Zephyrhills

Coach: Reggie Roberts (fifth season, 22-18)

Last season: 7-3

Class/district: 5A-6

Colors: Black and orange

Stadium: Bulldog Stadium, 6335 12th St., Zephyrhills

Playoff appearances: 1989, 1993, 1995, 1997, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2006

Last appearance: Lost 22-14 to Eustis

Season schedule

Aug. 29vs. Wesley Chapel, 7:30

Sept. 5vs. Gulf, 7:30

Sept. 12at Mitchell, 7:30

Sept. 19vs.  South Sumter, 7:30

Sept. 26at  Weeki Wachee, 7:30

Oct. 10vs.  Nature Coast, 7:30

Oct. 17vs. Central, 7:30

Oct. 24at Hernando, 7:30

Oct. 31at Pasco, 7:30

Nov. 7at Sunlake, 7:30

Mark your calendar

Zephyrhills vs. South Sumter, Sept. 19: Though the Pasco vs. Zephyrhills matchup might be the most highly awaited, the Bulldogs’ Week 4 meeting with last year’s district champ will be their chance to begin its campaign for the postseason. Zephyrhills lost 38-15 to the Raiders last year, and South Sumter could be just as good this season. But if the Bulldogs can pull out a win against its district rival early, they might not have to play catch up down the stretch. 

Huddle highlights

Playoff drought: Though Zephyrhills has had a winning season each of the past three years, the Bulldogs haven’t made the playoffs since 2006. Last year, earning a playoff spot came down to a game with rival Pasco, one which Zephyrhills lost 24-16.

Experience under center: Quarterback Ty Tanner was a first-year starter who didn’t exceed 500 passing yards last season. Now that he’s had a year under center, coach Reggie Roberts is looking forward to seeing a whole lot more from the leader of his offense. 

9-Mile War: Last year, with a playoff spot on the line, the Pasco vs. Zephyrhills game drew an estimated 8,000 people. Even when there’s nothing at stake, the rivalry is always a focal point of the season. With Zephyrhills hungry for a postseason berth, it could be out for revenge this time. 

Transfers: Zephyrhills has restocked its roster with the help of several transfers. Some of the new Bulldogs? Lakeland RB/DB Lawrence Everett, Pasco RB/DB Tyler Barber and Blake OL Jonah Thomas.

Offensive progress: It’s been no secret that for the last few years, when given the choice, the Bulldogs prefer to run the ball. But, Roberts said, all of that is about to change. Now that his skills players have some experience under their belts, the fifth-year coach expects his offense to be more two-dimensional.

Known quantities

ATH Jaylen Pickett, Sr.: At No. 44 in our HomeTeam 100, Pickett came up big for the Bulldogs last year, and Roberts expects him to do the same in 2014. As a junior, he recorded 12 touchdowns and 808 rushing yards while adding 75 receiving yards and 36 tackles on defense. 

FB/LB Lorine Parker, Sr.: Parker came up with 188 rushing yards and a team-high six sacks last season. When the Bulldogs took on Oak Ridge in May, he didn’t waste any time asserting himself, scoring a touchdown in Zephyrhills’ 36-21 loss. 

QB Ty Tanner, Sr: With 381 rushing and 451 receiving yards last season, Tanner can beat you on the ground or through the air. This season, Roberts thinks the second-year starter will dazzle us even more with his arm. 

LB Artonyo Lee, Jr.: Lee led the Bulldogs in tackles last season, and the 5-foot-9, 180-pound linebacker continues to impress, Roberts said. 

Up-and-comers

OL Jonah Thomas, Jr.: Thomas played just one game as a sophomore at Blake last season, but Roberts expects the transfer and his 6-foot-4, 275-pound frame to come in handy on a young offensive line. 

WR/S Jackie Tucker, Jr.: Tucker had just 9 yards of offense and four tackles last season for the Bulldogs, but the two-way player could be a game changer this time around. Even though Zephyrhills lost its spring game to Orlando Oak Ridge, the game was a coming-out party for Tucker, who came up with huge plays for the Bulldogs, including a touchdown and an interception. After a big summer in the weight room, too, Roberts expects Tucker to be one of his go-to guys on offense. 

RB/LB Antwione Sims, So.: Roberts is excited about the experience of his skill players, and Sims is no exception. With a year of varsity football under his belt, Sims should top his freshman year totals of 220 yards and one touchdown. 

Coach’s corner

“We have to maintain our focus and do what we do best. We have to be mentally tough. That’s the one thing left I would like my football team to be better at. Even when you’re down; even when things aren’t going our way.” — Roberts

River Ridge

Coach: Ryan Benjamin (fourth season, 13-17)

Last season: 3-7 

Class/district: 5A-7 

Colors: Purple and silver

Stadium: James Valentine Stadium, 11646 Town Center Road, New Port Richey

Playoff history: 1995, 1996, 1998

Last appearance: Lost 42-5 to Ocala Vanguard

Season schedule

Aug. 29 vs. Land O’Lakes, 7:30

Sept. 5 at Sunlake, 7:30

Sept. 12 vs. Wiregrass Ranch, 7:30

Sept. 19 at Gulf, 7:30

Sept. 26 at Mitchell, 7:30

Oct. 3 vs. Anclote, 7:30

Oct. 17 vs. Wesley Chapel, 7:30

Oct. 24 vs. Hudson, 7:30

Oct. 31 at Ridgewood, 7:30

Nov. 7 at Pasco, 7:30

Mark your calendar

River Ridge at Ridgewood, Oct. 31: Over the past 10 years, River Ridge and Ridgewood have gone back and forth in their rivalry as both experienced their share of ups and downs. The Rams hold a 6-4 edge during that span, including a 29-27 win last year. Will the Royal Knights be able to avenge that loss on Halloween night?

Huddle highlights

Postseason drought: Former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Ryan Benjamin took the position with his alma mater with the intention of bringing the program back to the success it had when he played for the Royal Knights. After going 7-3 in his opening campaign, the going has been tough with consecutive 3-7 seasons. River Ridge hasn’t reached the playoffs since the fall after Benjamin graduated, in 1998.

Backfield in motion: Last season, Ben Perdomo came from seemingly out of nowhere to place fifth on the North Suncoast in rushing with 1,170 yards and eight touchdowns. Other than fullback Chris Schwarz, no player returns this season with more than 100 yards of varsity rushing experience.

All about the line: Benjamin preaches a ball-control offense, and the offensive line last season answered the bell, as the Royal Knights set a school record for rushing yards. The unit had almost no experience but was molded into one of the top lines on the North Suncoast. With a new crop stepping in, can it follow up last year’s performance?

Power and endurance: Benjamin preaches good conditioning, and the players who stepped to the forefront in the spring have all shown a dedication to the weight room in the fall. Considering his stance on finishing games in the fourth quarter, every Royal Knight is going to have to prove that there is plenty left in the tank once the clock starts winding down.

Known quantities

QB Patrick Mathieson, Sr.: While his yardage (38-of-90 for 510 yards) wasn’t eye-popping, and he doesn’t add the element with his legs that some quarterbacks do, with a bit of improvement he will provide the balanced look that all coaches hope to see in their offense.

FS/WR Trevor Duke, Sr.: Duke served as the jack-of-all trades last season. He was the only player other than Mathieson to throw a pass, plus he was second behind only Perdomo in all-purpose yards  — accruing big numbers through rushing, receiving, punt returns, kick returns and even interception returns. He did all of this while leading the team in tackles (111).

NG/FB Dillon O’Toole, Sr.: With the frame of a linebacker, but the mentality of a defensive lineman, O’Toole handled the nose position in River Ridge’s 4-3 scheme. His athleticism was unrivaled on the way to 16 tackles for a loss in 2013, including two sacks, but it was his six forced fumbles and one interception that really popped. He will be the anchor of the front seven and should continue to wreak havoc.

LB/FB Patrick Cook, Jr.: A two-year starter, Cook has a great nose for the ball. With 17 tackles for a loss, he led the team in only eight games. Expect him to improve on his 67 total tackles and three sacks as he emerges as the leader of the linebacking corps in 2014.

Up-and-comers

RB Chris Schwarz, Jr.: Heading into last season, the coaching staff had settled on Schwarz as the starter before an injury sidelined him. The rest became history as Perdomo came in to have an amazing campaign. Once Schwarz healed, he was relegated to fullback, rushing for more than 200 yards and three touchdowns. He will be the main ball carrier this season, and the team is confident in his ability.

ATH Noah Gobin, Sr.: Gobin hasn’t played organized football in a few years, but he has great athleticism and a perfect body frame for the game. He could emerge at wide receiver, defensive back and even the backup quarterback after the way he has performed in practice so far.

CB J.J. Collins, Sr.: Collins was a member of the program a couple years ago before his family moved to California. Back in the fray, he is battling for the starting cornerback position and has shown good progress so far  picking up the system.

Coach’s corner

“There was a bull’s-eye on our back after we went 7-3 (in 2011). Our program wasn’t used to that, and we didn’t respond well (in 2012). Last year, we could have been 7-3, but we needed to close the deal. It’s one thing to get there, but once you get there, you have to finish it off and get the W. That’s what this season is all about.” — Benjamin

Wesley Chapel

Coach: Tico Hernandez (second season, 0-10)

Last season: 0-10

Class/district: 5A-7

Colors: Navy, light blue and white

Stadium: Wildcat Stadium, 30651 Wells Road, Wesley Chapel

Playoff history: 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004

Last appearance: Lost 30-19 to Jesuit

Season schedule

Aug. 29at Zephyrhills, 7:30 

Sept. 5vs. Lecanto, 7:30 

Sept. 12vs. Pasco, 7:30 

Sept. 19at Hudson, 7:30 

Oct. 3vs. Ridgewood, 7:30 

Oct. 10vs. Sunlake, 7:30 

Oct. 17at River Ridge, 7:30 

Oct. 24vs. Anclote, 7:30 

Oct. 31vs. Gulf, 7:30 

Nov. 7at Wiregrass Ranch, 7:30 

Mark your calendar

Wesley Chapel at Wiregrass Ranch, Nov. 7: The regular-season finale between the bitter rivals will have a little more meaning this season. After dominating Wiregrass Ranch by a combined 139-52 in each of their six previous meetings, the Wildcats lost to the Bulls last season by two touchdowns to complete the first winless season in the program’s 14-year history. It may be a difficult task to topple Wiregrass on the road, but Wesley Chapel will be hungry for revenge.

Huddle highlights

Revisiting the glory days: Inside Wesley Chapel’s locker room, coach Tico Hernandez has placed an old blue and white sign atop a row of lockers that reads “2004 District Champions.” This season marks a decade since the program’s last playoff appearance, and Hernandez hopes the sign will serve as extra motivation for his young team to play harder and win a game for the first time since Nov. 2, 2012 (34-0 over Gulf).

By the numbers: Hernandez said between JV and varsity, around 80-90 players have come out for the fall. That’s a substantial increase from just two years ago when — under former coach Ben Alford — Wesley Chapel fielded only 26 players against Wiregrass Ranch in a spring jamboree.

Sizing up: In the offseason, Hernandez and his assistants implemented a weightlifting test for players to measure their clean and jerk, squats and bench press. Hernandez said the competitiveness of the challenge has led to an improvement to the team’s overall size and strength.

Academic success: Though the Wildcats may have struggled on the field last season, Hernandez said, as a whole, he was pleased with his players’ discipline and performance in the classroom. “We had kids go a semester without any trouble and that’s a victory for them. We have kids not going to summer school for the first time and that’s a victory for them,” he said.

Advice from a legend: Hernandez said he has received plenty of encouraging words and advice from Wesley Chapel’s first coach, John Castelamare, who started the program in 1999 and led it to three district titles in 10 years. Hernandez called Castelamare, 65, who recently retired after a 43-year career, a “great ambassador for the game” and “one of the best coaches” to have worked in the bay area.

Known quantities

QB Scott Edwards, Jr.: Hernandez said Edwards has grown into one of the team’s biggest leaders. Under center, the second-year starter looks to limit his turnovers (12 interceptions, two fumbles).

RB Alfonso Battle, Jr.: After sitting behind the graduated Mark LaBarbera, Battle didn’t get many reps at running back. Now he is one of the favorites to start at a position that Hernandez said is six to seven players deep on the depth chart.

OL Ryan Robinson, Sr.: Robinson (5-11, 190) anchors an offensive line that returns four starters.

DL/OL K’Vaughn Joyner, Sr.: The 211-pound Joyner provides senior leadership on both sides of the ball.

Up-and-comers

WR/DE Tre’ McKitty, So.: The 6-foot-2 McKitty could emerge as one of the top targets on offense.

QB Austin Sessums, So.: Sessums appeared in two games as a freshman and could push Edwards for playing time.

K Niko Savolidis, So.: A lifelong soccer player, Savolidis said he has developed a passion — and a leg — for football.

Coach’s corner

“A lot of people gauge success based on the scoreboard. But there are other tangibles as well in the classroom. Yeah, winning is important, but there are lots of other ways we can win. And we’ve done that.” —  Hernandez

LAND O’LAKES — While most standout high school athletes will dabble in more than one sport, Sunlake’s Kara Wilkins flourishes exclusively in the pool.

And it’s been that way since she was 5.

It’s not that mom, Pam, who swam collegiately at LaSalle University in Philadelphia, didn’t give her options.

“Anything else, she’s literally like a fish out of water,” her mother said.

Like the time Wilkins was playing basketball at age 12, taking a few minutes away from swim practice. She broke her arm.

“I just don’t have very good coordination,” she said. “A whole lot of people tell me, ‘Good thing you’re a swimmer, otherwise you’d fall.’ ”

A reminder sits at Busch Gardens, site of her first cast-inducing tumble. The rope a 5-year-old Wilkins fell over in Land of the Dragons is still there, haunting her on every repeat trip.

Not long after that cast came off, by the way, she fell off a scooter. For those keeping score, yes, that’s three broken arms.

But she broke through in a good way last year, qualifying for the state meet in both the 100 fly and the 100 back.

Wilkins is one of three female swimmers who earned Tampa Bay Times’ first-team all-North Suncoast recognition as freshmen last season. Abbey Duncan, a club teammate of Wilkins that transferred from Wesley Chapel to Academy at the Lakes this year, heads the trio as a defending state champion. Pierce Imperialbobis is the other returning first-teamer, a big part of what’s expected to be another strong Land O’Lakes squad.

Nicole Koutras, daughter of Sunlake head coach Shelly, had a pretty good freshman year herself in helping the Seahawks to a first-ever district title.

“And we’ve got some surprises up our sleeve,” said Shelly Koutras, hinting at some move-in team members that will make Sunlake even tougher than its 2013 district champion.

Wilkins was a nationally-ranked distance swimmer at age 10 but began to concentrate on the tougher butterfly and back strokes. She set Sunlake marks in the 100 back, 100 fly and the 100 breast, the latter an event she claims to struggle in. And Wilkins was on the record-setting 400 free relay team.

“Whatever I threw at her, she was like, ‘Okay, Coach. I’ll do it,’ ” Koutras said.

Admitting to a little nerves in last year’s preliminary rounds, Wilkins shook them off to win the state consolation final in the butterfly, good for ninth place. She came in 10th in the backstroke.

Many high school swimmers practice exclusively with their club teams, but Wilkins tries to practice with both — though it makes for some long days.

It helps that Sunlake works out at the Land O’Lakes Recreation Center, literally right across the street from the Wilkins’ household.

“I like having that chemistry with my team, rather than just show up on match day and not know half of my teammates,” she said.

But at practice with Clearwater Aquatics, which has a Hunter’s Green branch, she gets the ultimate push. It’s on that team she’s joined by Duncan, who had a stunning freshman year capped by the first state title in Wesley Chapel history.

Duncan almost made it a double, winning the 200 free before finishing second in the butterfly.

She just got back from Irvine, Calif., competing in the massive Junior National Championship.

“With her and Madison (Conway, Wiregrass Ranch junior), us three pretty much race each other. It really pushes me to be my best,” Wilkins said.

Imperialbobis is best in the water. She’ll have swim practice most days for what many would be an exhausting four hours.

“Yeah, I get tired. But it’s when we run on land,” said Imperialbobis of the hour or so non-aquatic part of her conditioning.

For Imperialbobis the goal is clear: reach the state meet in the 500 freestyle, her best event. Last year she won the event at districts and was fourth in the regionals, just missing out on a state trip.

Land O’Lakes has another tremendous sophomore in Megan Thai, who was part of the state-qualifying 200 medley and 400 free relay teams for the Gators last season.

Kurt Goluba, an assistant coach for the River Ridge softball team the past two seasons as well as the father of ace Makenzie Goluba, has been hired to replace longtime coach Ernie Beck, becoming the program's third coach.

Goluba, who has coached little league and travel ball teams in Pasco County, inherits the best softball program in the county from Beck, who begrudgingly retired at the end of last season after concluding his fifth year in the Deferred Retirement Option Program.

In 19 seasons, Beck won the district championship or finished runner-up 16 times. The Royal Knights won 20 or more games 12 times, and Beck finished with a career record of 429-137.

"Absolutely there's a little bit of pressure,'' said Goluba. "The team making the regional final last two years in a row, that creates a little bit of added pressure but I'm confident we'll get there and go further this year. I don't want any drop off in production."

Goluba inherits a team that returns almost everyone, include the Tampa Bay Times' Player of the Year Kenzi Maguire, first-teamer Madisyn Palmer and his daughter, who last season became the school's all-time leader in victories. Makenzie Goluba will enter the 2014-15 season with a 56-8 career record and a 0.91 ERA.

"We lost some top players, like Morgan Tolle, but I still have a pretty good group returning,'' the new coach said.

Despite the program's success, River Ridge (26-4 last season) hasn't had enough players to field a junior varsity team the past two seasons. Kurt Goluba said he hopes to change that this season.

"We definitely want to keep this going,'' he said.

Land O' Lakes boys soccer coach Mark Pearson has resigned after 16 seasons, Pearson confirmed Tuesday.

During 16 seasons at the helm, Pearson led the Gators to three state final four appearances, including state runnerup finishes in 1999 and 2012. Last season, the Gators were district runners up, finishing 13-8-1 and falling to Citrus in the 3A region quarterfinal. 

Pearson, 42, said he decided to step away from the job to be able to spend more time with his family. Since his father was his assistant coach, Pearson doesn't expect his replacement to come from within the program. 

He is sure, though, that whoever takes over the program will get to enjoy the same things he did during the past 16 years. 

"(I'll miss) seeing players lift trophies after long seasons, when you put in the time and effort we put in," Pearson said. "It's always something that's great to see."

We’re rolling out daily district previews for all 78 varsity football teams in the area. Today we look at the smallest district in the Tampa Bay area.

Overview

Jesuit cruised to a 2-0 record last year against undermanned Spoto and Middleton, prompting the question: Really, a three-team district? Yeah, we agree; time for this atrocity to go bye-bye. Not much should change in 5A-9 this season, though the Spartans are certainly improved enough to finish with a .500 record as it heads into the playoffs. The gap between Middleton and the Jesuit/Spoto tandem has widened.

The favorite

Jesuit is the clear favorite. The Tigers are strong up front on the offensive line, return two experienced quarterbacks and two running backs, each with the potential to go over 1,000 yards. Their power rushing attack is more than anyone in the district has been able to handle the past few years, and that shouldn’t change. Defensively, they are excellent, with sure-tackling linebackers and solid cover guys. It’s hard to imagine the Tigers not making the playoffs.  

Next in line

Now, forget everything we just told you and let us issue a warning: do not sleep on Spoto. Sure, the Spartans have been no match for Jesuit the past three seasons, losing 49-16 last year, and 45-0 and 38-22 the previous two years. But the Spartans are more athletic than in the past, and more importantly, bigger and faster on both sides of the ball. Coach Dale Caparaso thinks his team may have the right defenders to slow down Jesuit’s smash-mouth attack, and an offense with a loaded backfield running behind a trio of 300-pound blockers that is explosive enough to counter and take advantage. At the least, we expect Spoto to be much more competitive in their showdown.

Sleeper

We’re not going to pretend that Middleton has a chance to upset Jesuit, but if you want to make a case for a runnerup spot, how about this: Spoto has to avoid injuries and a tough early-season schedule (it plays five playoff teams) before meeting the Tigers in Week 10. A lot can happen between the start of the season and the end of it. (But we’d still bet our editor’s mortgage on a Jesuit-Spoto-Middleton straight trifecta).

Important numbers

0 Point-after kicks and field goals made by Spoto last season.

2 100-plus tacklers for Jesuit that return: Nick Mosco (107) and James Vrionis (104)  

22 Straight district wins for Jesuit dating to 2009

96 and 1,671 Catches and yards returning in the receiving game for Spoto

8 Players on Spoto who had at least one interception last year

1,298 Combined yards by Jesuit RBs Kevin Newman and Malik Davis, who both return

10 Passes defended by Spoto’s Jesse Holmes last season

Players to watch

WR Marc McCoy, Sr., Spoto: McCoy quietly put together one of the best seasons for a wide receiver in Tampa Bay last season. It caught our eye — we ranked him No. 72 in the HomeTeam 100 — and we think he’ll reach even better numbers this season. McCoy has good speed and hands, and he can top last year’s 40 catches and 578 yards. For sure, he’ll score more than three touchdowns for what could be an explosive offense, with a quarterback who likes to throw deep.

RB Kevin Newman, Sr., Jesuit: Newman was the Tigers’ go-to guy last year, leading the way with 793 yards. But in the spring game against Dixie Hollins, the 6-foot, 190-pound running back showed there’s a lot more where that came from. Newman rushed for 121 yards and four touchdowns in the first half against the Rebels. If he can carry that speed over to the regular season, the Tigers could be hard to stop.

C Justo Polanco, Sr., Middleton: The 6-3, 300-pound Dominican giant has been the focal point of the Tigers’ offensive line since his freshman year. After shuffling around the line last season during a constant re-tooling process, Polanco lands back in his original position at center and will be a breakwater against opposing defenses. 

Mark your calendar

Spoto at Jesuit, Oct. 3: While the Spartans’ biggest game may ultimately be the game two weeks later against Middleton for the likely runnerup spot, let’s shoot higher and look toward the game that will almost certainly decide the district champion. The Spartans have enough athletes to make this a game after losing the past three seasons. And it’s Jesuit’s Homecoming, if the Spartans need any additional motivation. In the three years that the Tigers have shared a district with Middleton and Spoto, they have outscored the league competition 454-91. 

Returning district leaders

Rushing yards: Jesuit’s Kevin Newman, 793

Rushing TDs: Newman, 7

Passing yards: Spoto’s Kevin Hobley, 1,327

Passing TDs: Spoto’s Kevin Hobley, 16

Receiving yards: Spoto’s Marc McCoy, 578

Receiving TDs: Spoto’s Patrick James, 4

Tackles: Jesuit’s Nick Mosco, 107

Sacks: Spoto’s Justice Hunt, 6.5

Interceptions: Jesuit’s Devyn Freeland 3

Predicted order of finish

From an anonymous coach in the district 

1. Jesuit

2. Spoto

3. Middleton

Final word

“We don’t say we want to get to the playoffs. We don’t say that we want to get three-round deep. We want to win every single game. If we play to our ability and beyond our ability, we will do that.” — Jesuit coach Matt Thompson

Staff writer Kelly Parsons and correspondent Andy Warrener contributed to this report. 

We’re rolling out daily district previews for all 78 varsity football teams in the area. Today we look at a five-team all-Pinellas league.

Overview

On paper, this looks like Lakewood’s district all the way. The Spartans advanced to the Class 5A state semifinals last year and only lost by two points. But every other team in the district appears improved. Gibbs could have one of the best secondaries around and has added even more athletes. Tarpon Springs has one of the top backs in the county in Michael Ford. And new coaches Matt LaPain (Dunedin) and Max Smith (Boca Ciega) have instilled new life into those programs. It should mean a much more competitive race for the top two district spots. 

The favorite

Lakewood is the class of the district. While 26 players graduated, there is still plenty of talent remaining. The best is quarterback Ryan Davis. But players like Romello Presley, Sekendric Biddines, Tyreik Hopkins and Adrian Adams will also play a big part in the offense. And coach Cory Moore believes his offensive and defensive lines are better than ever. Lakewood’s goal is to do better than last season, which would mean a trip to the Class 5A state title game. Right now, that doesn’t appear to be out of the question. 

Next in line

Tarpon Springs, the district runnerup last year, finished strong, winning three of its final four games to advance to the region semifinals. The offense played particularly well down the stretch, averaging 42 points in the final four games, including two straight weeks of 60 or more points. The Spongers should continue to score, especially with the addition of some promising newcomers at the skill positions who should allow Ford even more running room. Gibbs, 4-6 last season, has the potential to improve, especially with the addition of transfers Tyrell Hubbard-Smith (Lakewood) and John’Ta Edwards (St. Petersburg). Hubbard-Smith takes over at quarterback and Edwards will be a receiver. Both will team with Craig Watts to form one of the county’s best secondaries. 

Sleeper

Dunedin, 1-9 last season, could have the biggest turnaround. Matt LePain, who led Palm Harbor University to its only two playoff appearances, takes over as coach. The Falcons, despite depleted numbers, played well in the spring, scoring twice in the final four minutes to force a 16-16 tie against Seminole. The momentum has carried over with the addition of several players who weren’t playing in the spring.

Important numbers

5 Games Tarpon scored 30 points or more in last season  

7 Starters who didn’t play for Dunedin in the spring who came out this summer

40.25 Average points Lakewood scored in the 2013 regular season vs. its four district foes

8 Points Lakewood left on the field (two missed PATs, three two-point conversions) in last year’s 40-38 Class 5A state semifinal loss to Green Cove Springs Clay

Players to watch

OL Nyquel Alexander, Sr., Lakewood: Coaches would like to see the 6-foot-5, 420-pounder lose some weight to improve his agility. If that happens, he’ll be hard to get around in the trenches.

RB/CB, Kenyatta Anderson, Sr., Boca Ciega: The Pirates’ top college prospect — with offers from Rutgers, Marshall and Toledo — will be one of the players expected to fill the void left by Biddines and Saivion Smith. Expect to see him catching some passes from Cook and proving his worth on the defensive side of the ball as a lock-down corner. 

RB Michael Ford, Sr., Tarpon Springs: The bruising back has everything in place to turn in his third straight 1,000-yard season, though he said his goal is to get to 2,000.

DB/RB Craig Watts, Jr., Gibbs: Watts sprouted into a Division I defensive back last season and even more is expected from him in 2014. A speedy defender, he also loves to hit. Watts will also get some carries in Gibbs’ varied offense.

RB/DB Jordan Williams, Sr., Dunedin: He showed off some big-play capabilities in the spring by scoring twice in the final four minutes and recording an interception on the final play against Seminole.

Mark your calendar

Lakewood at Gibbs, Sept. 19: It’s the first 5A-8 game for Gibbs and ends a brutal stretch of four games that includes St. Petersburg, Pinellas Park and Largo. Add in the fact that the schools are neighborhood rivals with former players on each team and this will be a fun four quarters. Tyrell Hubbard-Smith (a Lakewood transfer) will likely play quarterback for the Gladiators. There are story lines galore in this early district showdown.

Returning district leaders

Rushing yards: Tarpon Springs’ Michael Ford, 1,378

Rushing TDs: Ford, 17

Passing yards: Lakewood’s Ryan Davis, 2,158

Passing TDs: Davis, 19

Receiving yards: Lakewood’s Sekendric Biddines, 575

Receiving TDs: Biddines, 5

Tackles: Lakewood’s Jordan Edwards, 94

Sacks: Lakewood’s Jordan Edwards, 25

Interceptions: A lot of players returning with one 

Predicted order of finish

From an anonymous coach in the district 

1. Lakewood

2. Gibbs

3. Tarpon Springs

4. Dunedin

5. Boca Ciega

Final word

“I don’t think these kids feel any pressure. They have been through this before. They are at the point where they expect to win. So they just go out and play and have fun.” — Lakewood coach Cory Moore

Staff writer Jacob Lynn contributed to this report.

Boca Ciega 

Coach: Max Smith (first season; third overall, 10-10)

Last season: 3-7

Class/district:5A-8

Colors: Blue, gold and white

Stadium: Beauchamp Stadium, 924 58th St. S., Gulfport

Playoff history: 1971, 1986, 1992, 2002, 2004, 2007

Last appearance: Lost 34-16 to Jefferson.

Season schedule 

Aug. 29vs. Pinellas Park, 7:30 

Sept. 5vs. Palm Harbor University,  7:30 

Sept. 12at Northeast, 7:30 

Sept. 19at Osceola, 7:30

Sept. 26vs. St. Petersburg, 7:30

Oct. 2at Lakewood,  7:30 

Oct. 17vs. Gibbs, 7:30 

Oct. 24at Dunedin, 7:30

Oct. 31vs. Tarpon Springs, 7:30

Nov. 7at Clearwater, 7:30 

Mark your calendar

Gibbs at Boca Ciega, Oct. 17: This matchup could be a good benchmark for the Pirates. Gibbs finished one place ahead in the district standings last year and squeaked by with a six-point win in their 2013 meeting. A good performance from Smith’s Pirates will prove that his team is on the right path. 

Huddle highlights

New guidance: After three years with Antez Brinson at the helm, Max Smith takes over as captain for 2014. Smith spent the last year on staff at the University of Toledo where he helped coach the Rockets’ offense. Smith has a tough road ahead as he looks to turn around a team that hasn’t had a winning season since 2007. But he’s no stranger to program turnarounds. In just two seasons at Dunedin, he took a program that hadn’t notched a winning season since 2008 to a 6-4 mark in 2012.  

Road woes: If the Pirates are going to improve, they’ll need to figure out how to win away from home. An 0-5 road record did little to help the team’s 3-7 overall mark a year ago. The Pirates were outscored by 143 points in those five games, including a pair of shutouts from Pinellas Park and St. Petersburg.

More transfers: The loss of Saivion Smith (IMG) and Sekendric Biddines (Lakewood) will affect the Pirates in more ways than one. Biddines led the team in receiving with 39 catches for 575 yards last year, and Smith proved valuable as a running back, receiver and even a quarterback. 

Improving D: In the 7-6 spring loss to Arcadia DeSoto County, Boca Ciega had the shut out until the final two minutes — and the winning TD came from a miscue by the Pirates’ offense. Smith had nothing but praise for his unit, which gave up only eight first downs in that game, and said they’d be a bright spot for fall. 

Known quantities

QB Derrick Cook, Sr.: In only seven games last year, Cook threw for more than 1,000 yards and six touchdowns. But Cook needs to work on taking care of the ball. As a junior, he threw 11 interceptions and was picked off in every game he started. 

OL/DL Avery Davis, Sr.: Avery has the most size of any Pirate on the roster. Expect to see running backs filling holes created by this 310-pounder. He will also be used in the middle of the defensive line to clog up running lanes.

RB/CB Kenyatta Anderson, Sr.: The Pirates’ top college prospect — with offers from Rutgers, Marshall and Toledo — will be one of the players expected to fill the void left by Biddines and Smith. Expect to see him catching some passes from Cook and proving his worth on the defensive side of the ball as a lock-down corner. 

Up-and-comer

WR Landrick Johnson, So.: The 6-foot-2 Johnson, making the jump from junior varsity, should be a large target for Cook. 

Coach’s corner

“It’s rebuilding any time a new coach takes over. It’s all new for the staff and for the kids. It takes a while; you can’t just fix it in one day.” — Smith

Dunedin

Coach: Matt LePain (first season; fourth overall, 20-13)

Last season: 1-9

Class/district: 5A-8

Colors: Scarlet and white

Stadium: Dunedin Memorial Stadium, 1651 Pinehurst Road, Dunedin

Playoff history: 1979, 1981, 1982, 1986, 1987, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008

Last appearance: Lost 20-10 to St. Petersburg.

Season schedule

Aug. 29vs. Dixie Hollins, 7:30

Sept. 5at Seminole, 7:30

Sept. 12vs. East Lake, 7:30

Sept. 19at Tarpon Springs, 7:30

Sept. 26vs. Osceola, 7:30

Oct. 10at Palm Harbor University, 7:30

Oct. 17vs. Lakewood, 7:30

Oct. 24vs. Boca Ciega, 7:30

Oct. 31at Gibbs, 7:30

Nov. 7at Pinellas Park, 7:30 

Mark your calendar

Dunedin at Tarpon Springs, Sept. 19: This wasn’t much of a contest last year with Tarpon Springs winning in a rout, 44-7. But this is the district opener for both teams and the first chance the Falcons can show they are a legitimate contender for a district title. Because so many teams have improved in the district, the game will give the winner a jump on what promises to be one of the most competitive playoff races in the bay area. 

Huddle highlights

New era: Matt LePain, who coached at Palm Harbor University three seasons, was hired in January to replace Denis Gillen, who left after a 1-9 season. LePain has shown he can turn a downtrodden program into a winner after guiding the Hurricanes to their first playoff appearances in 2011 and ‘12 and going 5-5 last season despite the transfer of four key starters. The job won’t be easy considering the Falcons finished last season with nine straight losses. But there is optimism after a solid spring.

Numbers game: In the spring, Dunedin was a depleted bunch, so much that the Falcons dressed just 25 players against Seminole and had so many cramping at the end from going both ways that there weren’t enough offensive players available to go for a two-point conversion in the final two minutes. But after forcing a 16-16 tie, Dunedin did enough to impress those at the school who were lukewarm about the program to join. This summer, seven potential starters who were either ineligible or decided not to play in the spring are out, adding a lot more talent and depth to the roster.

Welcome addition: The quarterback situation was unsettled in the spring with LePain trying a variety of options, including receiver Adarius Sims, under center. Now the position is more stable with the arrival of Argi Radani, who transferred from Clearwater Academy International. Radani will still have to make the adjustment from eight-man football but he played in passing leagues and 7-on-7 tournaments this summer. 

Known quantities

OL Hunter Breese, Sr.: The team’s best offensive lineman will be counted on to provide protection in what should be a more wide-open offense. 

S/WR Alex Cuellar, Sr.: One of the mainstays from the spring, Cuellar is a hard-nosed defender who LePain said is one of the leaders on the team.

RB/DB Jordan Williams, Sr.: He showed off some big-play capabilities in the spring by scoring twice in the final four minutes and recording an interception on the final play against Seminole.

WR/DB Adarius Sims, Sr.: After filling in at quarterback in the spring, Sims returns to receiver, where he’ll use his 6-foot-3 frame to create mismatches against defenders.

Up-and-comers

WR/DB Janero Crankfield, So.: The speedster gives the Falcons another weapon on offense and helps solidify an underrated secondary. 

WR/DL Andrew Gordon, Sr.: One of the more promising newcomers, Gordon has the size (6-6) to be a towering force on both sides of the ball.

DL/OL Ikkeem Howard, Sr.: He provides some needed beef (275 pounds) on both sides of the line.

WR/LB Jayven Fitzpatrick, Sr.: He returns after missing the spring; at 6-3 Fitzpatrick gives the Falcons one of the tallest trios of receivers in the county.

QB Argi Radani, Sr.: The transfer threw for 2,723 yards, 35 touchdowns and just two interceptions playing for eight-man Clearwater Academy International last year. 

DL/OL Kane Taylor, So.: One of the county’s most heralded freshmen last year, Taylor missed the spring but returns to anchor one of the county’s most promising defensive lines. 

Coach’s corner

“We’re still 1-9. We haven’t proven anything on the field yet. But I like where this team is headed. The players have bought into what we’re doing, and there is the potential to do something special. We just have to show it.” —  LePain

Gibbs

Coach: Rick Kravitz (second season, 4-6)

Last season: 4-6

Class/district: 5A-8

Colors: Blue and gold

Stadium: Newton-Williams Memorial Stadium, 850 34th St. S., St. Petersburg

Playoff history: 1993, 1994, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2007, 2009

Last appearance: Lost 52-15 to Bradenton Manatee.

Season schedule

Aug. 29at St. Petersburg, 7:30

Sept. 5vs. Pinellas Park, 7:30

Sept. 12vs. Largo, 7:30

Sept. 19vs. Lakewood, 7:30 

Sept. 26vs. Clearwater, 7:30

Oct. 2at Tarpon Springs, 7:30

Oct. 10vs. Dixie Hollins, 7:30

Oct. 17at Boca Ciega, 7:30

Oct. 31vs. Dunedin, 7:30

Nov. 7vs. Palm Harbor University, 7:30

Mark your calendar

Lakewood at Gibbs, Sept. 19: It’s the first 5A-8 game for Gibbs and it ends a brutal stretch of four games that includes St. Petersburg, Pinellas Park and Largo. Add in the fact that the schools are neighborhood rivals with former players on each team and this will be a fun four quarters. Tyrell Hubbard-Smith (a Lakewood transfer) will likely play quarterback for the Gladiators. There are story lines galore in this early district showdown.

Huddle highlights

Stacked in the secondary: Good luck throwing on the Gladiators this season. Junior defensive back Craig Watts is a Division I talent with offers already from Indiana, Ohio State and Florida. Marquez Walls, D.J. Johnson, Tyre Timmons, Verqueze Mitchell, Demond Perry, Dorian Jackson, Hubbard-Smith and St. Petersburg transfer John’Ta Edwards are all top athletes competing for playing time. “I’ve got guys in that secondary who are good enough to start anywhere and they might not get much playing time,” coach Rick Kravitz said.

In the trenches: When Gibbs struggled last season it was because of a lack of depth on the offensive and defensive lines. Kravitz believes there is more size and depth this season. If the big guys can hang on for four quarters, Gibbs becomes a district contender.

Survival of the fittest: Gibbs will know by the end of September how good it really is. Largo has an explosive offense and Lakewood should be one of the top teams in the area, certainly in Pinellas County. Throw in the Pinellas Park game and Gibbs will see some top-notch talent in the first four weeks.

Quarterbacks: Hubbard-Smith will get a shot at playing quarterback, but Mitchell looked pretty good in that spot in the spring game. Johnson also takes reps in practice. He and Mitchell are quick, but Hubbard-Smith has the stronger arm. It could be an interesting battle at that position.

Big numbers: Since taking over last season, Kravitz has scouted the school for talent. He has more than 50 players in preseason practices and said a steady stream of 45 players worked out at the school gym during the summer. That should give the Gladiators the depth they have lacked in previous seasons.

Known quantities

DB/RB Craig Watts, Jr.: Watts sprouted into a Division I defensive back last season and even more is expected from him in 2014. A speedy defender, he also loves to hit and will get some carries in Gibbs’ varied offense.

DE Latroy Killens, Sr.: Killens was good last year but he should be even better this season. He was all over the field in the spring jamboree and has gotten offers from mid-major schools. At 6-foot-3, 250, Killens is hard to push around up front.

RB/DB Tayveon Landsm, Sr.: Landsm is primarily a running back and had nearly 1,000 yards last season. He is more of a finesse back who is dangerous in open space.

QB/DB Tyrell Hubbard-Smith, Sr.: He was good at Lakewood so it stands to reason he will be good at Gibbs. Hubbard-Smith’s role has changed, so it is yet to be determined how well he will play at quarterback. But he is a solid defensive back who only strengthens the defense.

DB/QB Verqueze Mitchell, Jr.: Mitchell is versatile enough to play in the secondary or at linebacker. He can also throw or run for the offense. Expect him to be all over the field.

DB/WR John’Ta Edwards, Sr.: Edwards adds even more speed to both sides of the ball. How he fits in remains to be seen.

FB Mike Smart, So.: Kravitz raved about Smart’s ability and toughness. At close to 200 pounds, he should emerge as a short-yardage back for the Gladiators.

QB/DB D.J. Johnson, Jr.: If he doesn’t find time at quarterback, he’ll get the ball either as a receiver or a running back.  

WR/DB Marquez Walls, Sr.: He could replace Jacquez President as the team’s top receiver. He should also be a starter in the defensive backfield.

Coach’s corner

“We have no shortage of skill guys. The key for us is how we play up front. Last year we had about five or six big guys. This year we have about 10 or 11. That’s got us pretty excited about what we can do.” — Kravitz

Lakewood

Coach: Cory Moore (seventh season, 48-22)

Last season: 10-4

Class/district: 5A-8

Colors: Black and gold 

Stadium: Lakewood Stadium, 1400 54th Ave. S., St. Petersburg

Playoff history: 1980, 1981, 1982, 1988, 1993, 1994, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013

Last appearance: Beat Hudson 75-19; beat Tarpon Springs 31-9; beat South Sumter 27-21; lost 40-38 to Green Cove Springs Clay.

Season schedule

Aug. 29vs. Countryside, 7:30

Sept. 5at Palmetto, 7:30

Sept. 12at St. Petersburg, 7:30

Sept. 19at Gibbs, 7:30

Sept. 26at Largo, 7:30

Oct. 2vs. Boca Ciega, 7:30

Oct. 10at Martin County, 7 

Oct. 17at Dunedin, 7:30

Nov. 7at Northeast, 7:30 

Mark your calendar

Lakewood at Largo, Sept. 26: Expect a shootout in this one. It is not a district game but it is the fourth straight road game for the Spartans. Last season Largo’s defense held Lakewood to one touchdown in a 20-6 loss. With an improved defense, as well as talented offense, the Spartans could avenge last year’s loss.

Huddle highlights

Targets: Lakewood was undefeated in the district last season and the same is expected this season. Moore believes his offensive and defensive lines are even better than last season. Getting to the Class 5A state final is a clear goal, but the Spartans have to be ready for every opponent’s best game.

Road warriors: Excluding the preseason game against Lynn Haven Mosley, the Spartans play only three home games this season. They are not home at all in September, with games at Palmetto, St. Petersburg, Gibbs and Largo. The only home games are the opener against Countryside, and against district foes Boca Ciega and Tarpon Springs.

Comings and goings: Lakewood has benefitted from transfers the past two years, including quarterback Ryan Davis, defensive back Anthony Foster and wide receiver Sekendric Biddines. But the Spartans also had two key players transfer out. Tyrell Hubbard-Smith, who was going to start at defensive back, is now at Gibbs. And Saivion Smith, who was going to play receiver and defensive back, transferred to IMG Academy.

Reloading: Lakewood graduated 26 seniors, including top athlete Joc Ellison, top offensive lineman Isaiah Wynn and wide receiver/kick returner Donterio Fowler. But there is no shortage of depth. Including junior varsity players, Lakewood tops out at nearly 120 players. “We lose about that many every year,’’ Moore said. “But we just reload.’’

How good can Davis be? Davis has gotten better every year, but 2014 could be special. New offensive coordinator Marquel Blackwell will let Davis do his thing, which could mean more than 2,000 yards passing and 1,000 rushing.

Known quantities

QB Ryan Davis, Sr.: In addition to throwing for  2,000 yards last season, he had 856 yards rushing and scored 27 touchdowns. A four-star recruit, Davis will lead the Spartans for a second straight season. He also started at quarterback his first two years at Northeast.

DE Jordan Edwards, Sr.: He had an eye-popping 25 sacks last season. Despite being on the small side (6-0, 210 pounds), he has a knack for getting to the quarterback.

DB Anthony Foster, Sr.: The St. Petersburg transfer will fit right into the Lakewood defense. He already has offers from mid-major schools and could improve his stock this fall.

OL Nyquel Alexander, Sr: Coaches would like to see this 6-foot-5, 420-pounder lose some weight to improve his agility. If that happens, he’ll be hard to get around in the trenches.

WR Sekendric Biddines, Sr.: The Boca Ciega transfer will likely be the main receiver in Lakewood’s passing game. He could also play some at defensive back.

RB Romello Presley, Sr.: Presley is more of an inside runner who gets the tough yards for the Spartans. He played that role last season, and after good summer workouts he should be even better this season.

Up-and-comers

WR Adrian Adams, Jr.: Buried behind some good receivers last season, this should be Adams’ time to shine. He should be the No. 2 receiver behind Biddines.

RB Tyreik Hopkins, Sr.: Just like Adams, he was behind some good backs last season. Hopkins had a good spring game and should get plenty of carries.

DE Treyon Stubbs, Jr.: A Boca Ciega transfer, Stubbs is 6 feet 1, 205 pounds and will be expected to clog the middle for the Spartan defense.

Coach’s corner

“I don’t think these kids feel any pressure. They have been through this before. They are at the point where they expect to win. So they just go out and play and have fun.’’ — Moore

Seminole outfielder Jacob Silverstein has committed to Bethune-Cookman College in Daytona Beach, according to Seminole coach Jeff Pincus. Silverstein was a three-year starter for the Warhawks.

As a junior, Siilverstein hit .324 with 11 RBIs and 21 stolen bases. As a sophomore, Silverstein hit .366 and helped the Warhawks reach the Class 7A regional quarterfinals.

This season, Bethune-Cookman won the Mideastern Athletic Conference tournament championship and qualified for the NCAA regional tournament.

Tarpon Springs 

Coach: Ron Hawn (third season, 13-15*)

Last season: 7-5

Class/district:5A-8

Colors: Maroon and white 

Stadium: Sponger Stadium, 1411 S. Gulf Road, Tarpon Springs

Playoff history: 1970, 1972, 1975, 1976, 1980, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2013

Last appearance: Beat Anclote 31-0; lost 31-9 to Lakewood.

*Was the interim coach most of 2011 season 

Season schedule

Aug. 29vs. Clearwater, 7:30

Sept. 5vs. Osceola, 7:30

Sept. 12at Tampa Catholic, 7 

Sept. 19vs. Dunedin, 7:30 

Sept. 26vs. East Lake, 7:30 

Oct. 2vs. Gibbs, 7:30 

Oct. 10at Countryside, 7:30 

Oct. 24at Lakewood, 7:30 

Oct. 31at Boca Ciega, 7:30 

Nov. 7at Dixie Hollins, 7:30 

Mark your calendar

Dunedin at Tarpon Springs, Sept. 19: You would think this game would be an afterthought for Tarpon Springs considering it has won the past five meetings, including a 44-7 thrashing last season. But the district is expected to be improved and more balanced. And this one the Spongers can ill afford to lose if they expect to contend for another playoff spot.

Huddle highlights

Offensive fireworks: No county team was more productive at the end of the last season than Tarpon Springs, which scored 30 or more points in three of the final four games. Included in that stretch were two weeks in which the Spongers scored 67 against Boca Ciega and 63 against Dixie Hollins to close out the regular season. Those were the two highest-scoring games in school history. Most of the skill players are back, including running back Michael Ford and tight end Mitch Wilcox. The offensive line also returns nearly every starter. So it’s expected Tarpon will still be able to score.

Running room: Ford was Tarpon’s most consistent threat on offense, rushing for 1,378 yards and 17 touchdowns last season. More impressive was that Ford put up those numbers despite opposing defenses zeroing in on him. Often, teams would put eight defenders in the box because the Spongers ran the ball nearly 70 percent of the time. There should be more balance this year with a number of receivers who can be dependable targets and fill the void with the graduation of Montel Johnson, who led the team with 457 yards receiving. That also should give Ford wider lanes to run in, which will help in his quest to gain 2,000 on the ground this season. To do that, Ford will have to avoid injuries, something that’s plagued him the past two years.

Quarterback carousel: The battle at quarterback has been intriguing. Trai Halton, a basketball standout at the school, came out for football and won the job in the spring. But he decided to concentrate on basketball. Brandon Casler, who played well in the spring, was inserted as the starter after that. Last year, Casler threw for 448 yards and three touchdowns. Now, he is battling freshman Jerome Fowler for the starting job. Fowler has a cannon for an arm but is still learning how to play the position.

Defensive playmakers needed: Tarpon Springs graduated its leaders in sacks (Damarkus Jones with eight) and interceptions (Maurice Turner with five). The pass rush should still be strong with the return of Collin Walser and Wilcox. The secondary gets some help with the addition of Daniel Davis, a transfer from Gibbs. 

Known quantities

OL/DL Connor Donovan, Sr.: The team’s best offensive lineman is the one Ford runs behind for big yardage. 

RB Michael Ford, Sr.: The bruising back has everything in place to turn in his third straight 1,000-yard season, though he said his goal is to get to 2,000.

RB/LB Leonel Hernandez, Sr.: The team’s top returning linebacker had 59 tackles and a sack last season.

K/P Louis Zervos, Sr.: The Under Armour game invitee was 9 of 13 on field goals last year and said he is hitting them from 55 yards consistently in practice.

OL/DL Collin Walser, Sr.: The four-year starter is the team’s top returner in sacks with 7.5 last season.  

TE/DL Mitch Wilcox, Sr.: The USF recruit is the Spongers’ best red-zone target on offense and a terror as a pass-rushing specialist.

Up-and-comers

RB/DB Daniel Davis, Sr.: Known more for basketball, the Gibbs transfer should make an impact as a playmaker on offense. 

OL/LB Donald Davis, Jr.: The younger brother of Daniel Davis has become a starter on both sides of the ball. 

WR/DB J’Von France, Fr.: He has turned heads in practice with his ability to make plays as a receiver and kick returner. 

OL/DL Matt June, Jr.: The son of former PHU coach Mike June helps solidify what already was a good offensive line. 

RB/LB Sergio Troncoso, Jr.: He provides much-needed depth, especially on the defensive side of the ball. 

Coaches corner

“I feel good about we have. We’ve had some additions that are really going to help us and there are solid returners, too. We should be right there competing for the playoffs again.” — Ron Hawn

Jesuit

Coach: Matt Thompson (second season, 8-4)

Last season: 8-4

Class/district: 5A-8

Colors: Blue and white 

Stadium: Corral Memorial Stadium, 4701 N. Himes Ave., Tampa

Playoff history: 1967, 1968, 1974, 1975, 1978, 1982, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013

State titles: 1968

Season schedule

Aug. 29vs. Hardee, 7:30

Sept. 5at Lakewood Ranch, 7:30 

Sept. 12vs. Clearwater Central Catholic, 7:30 

Sept. 19at Largo, 7:30 

Sept. 26vs. Newsome, 7:30 

Oct. 3vs. Spoto, 7:30 

Oct. 10at Ocala Trinity Catholic, 7 

Oct. 17vs. Orlando Bishop Moore, 7:30 

Oct. 31at Middleton, 7:30 

Nov. 7at Tampa Catholic, 7

Mark your calendar

Jesuit at Tampa Catholic, Nov. 7: Sure, Jesuit has won the last 14 matchups between these schools, but considering the Tigers and Crusaders could have two of the better teams in Tampa Bay this season, it’ll still be one to watch. Both teams will feature new starting quarterbacks, and with athletes like Jesuit running back Kevin Newman and Tampa Catholic wide receiver Nate Craig taking the field against each other, the rivalry game could turn into a show. 

Huddle highlights

New face, new O: When it comes to the players, Jesuit is rich with returners. Thanks to new offensive coordinator Joey Gerena, though, things won’t be exactly the same for the Tigers in 2014. Gerena, who has coached at USF and Armwood, joined coach Matt Thompson’s staff in the offseason, and though the offense will largely stick to what it knows, Thompson expects there to be a few changes ushered in. 

Three’s a crowd: This season will be Jesuit’s second straight in a three-team district with Middleton and Spoto — teams that won a combined five games last season. Since two teams will earn a playoff berth, the Tigers’ chances for a postseason run are already good, even before the first snap of the ball. 

O-line returns: Jesuit returns four of its five starting offensive linemen from last season, good news for a run game that took off in a spring game win against Dixie Hollins in May. On top of the experience, Thompson said, the returning linemen are bigger and faster than they were last season, giving the second-year coach even more confidence in his offensive plan. 

QB depth: Trent Wessel will be the starting quarterback, but that doesn’t mean backup Wesley Eveld will be left in the dust. Eveld looked sharp in the fourth quarter of Jesuit’s spring game, and Thompson said if Eveld isn’t lining up under center, the 6-foot-5, 200-pound athlete will likely play tight end or receiver.

Known quantities

RB Kevin Newman, Sr.: Newman was the Tigers’ go-to guy last year, leading the way with 793 yards. But in the spring game against Dixie Hollins, the 6-foot, 190-pound running back showed there’s a lot more where that came from. Newman rushed for 121 yards and four touchdowns in the first half against the Rebels. If he can carry that speed over to the regular season, the Tigers could be hard to stop. 

RB Malik Davis, So.: Even as a freshman last year, Davis was big for the Tigers, rushing for 130 yards in a win against Tampa Catholic; he finished with 495. Thompson said Davis is even bigger and faster, and he will help Newman carry the load on the ground. 

LB Nick Mosco, So.: Though there’s a lot to be said about Jesuit’s offense, the defense could be just as tough, especially when returning leading tackler Mosco helped anchor a defensive line that held its final three regular-season opponents to just 19 points. 

OL/DL Marc Jimenez, Sr.: The 6-foot-3, 300-pound Jimenez was a big part of the Tigers’ offensive line last season. Now the senior will bring his talents to both sides of the ball, joining Peter Osimen on the defensive line. 

Up-and-comers

FB Gage Holt, Sr.: Holt was just a reserve for the 8-4 Tigers last fall, but this spring he earned a major role. Holt, whom Thompson refers to as a “hybrid guy,” finished the spring game with 113 yards receiving and 10 yards on the ground. 

ATH Wesley Eveld, Sr.: As Thompson says, his Tigers are only as good as their backup quarterback. And in this case, that could mean a bright future for Jesuit. Eveld showed promise against the Rebels in May, and even though he won’t be starting every game, he’ll likely be a big part of the offense in some capacity. 

QB Trent Wessel, Sr.: Wessel got a bit of playing time last season when starting quarterback Vincent Testaverde was injured, but this season Wessel will be front and center. The 6-foot-2, 185-pound senior looked good in the spring, finishing 12-of-16 passing with three touchdowns in Jesuit’s 55-19 win against Dixie Hollins.

FB Nick Cox, Sr.: Cox was the Tigers’ starting center last season, but with all the depth at offensive line, Thompson decided to move the 6-foot, 229-pound senior to fullback — making him one of several possible playmakers who could be part of Jesuit’s blossoming run game. 

Coach’s corner

“We don’t say we want to get to the playoffs. We don’t say that we want to get three-round deep. We want to win every single game. If we play to our ability and beyond our ability, we will do that.” — Thompson

Middleton

Coach: Jeff George Jr. (first season)

Last season: 2-8

Class/district:5A-9

Colors: Maroon and gold 

Stadium: Abraham R. Brown Stadium, 4801 N. 22nd St., Tampa

Playoff history: 2004, 2005

Last appearance: Lost 44-7 to Armwood

Season schedule

Aug. 29vs. Berkeley Prep, 7:30 

Sept. 5at Freedom, 7:30 

Sept. 12vs. King, 7:30 

Sept. 26at Riverview, 7:30 

Oct. 2vs. Brandon, 7 

Oct. 10at Blake, 7:30

Oct. 17vs. Leto, 7:30 

Oct. 24at Spoto, 7:30 

Oct. 31vs. Jesuit, 7:30 

Nov. 7at Bloomingdale, 7:30 

Mark your calendar

Middleton at Spoto, Oct. 24: First-year coach Jeff George Jr. has undertaken a monumental task, guiding a team that has won four games in the past three seasons and seen several key players transfer. But George feels like what he has left is “more of a team with players that want to be here.” George and the Tigers are taking it one practice, one game at a time, but in a three-team district, it’s impossible not to look ahead. All the Tigers had to do last year to make the playoffs was defend their home field against then-winless Spoto. Instead, they lost 24-0. Expect the Tigers to remember the sting of that loss in this year’s matchup. 

Huddle highlights

Stripped down or streamlined: The Tigers are going to have a vastly different look than last fall — and a vastly different look than even this past spring. Gone is offensive coordinator Ed Schenk. Gone are offensive leaders Jaquan Brown (Tampa Bay Tech) and Gabe Lyuanda (King). George has taken over the role of offensive coordinator and handed the keys over to junior quarterback Michael Edoga. Luckily for George, some assistant coaches are trickling back into the fold. The recent addition of Ron Brandish, formerly or Warner University in Lake Wales, adds a much-needed defensive coordinator. Mark Reittinger heads up the special teams and more positional coaches are expected to come aboard once they are cleared.

Tenacious D: While the offense continues to be a work in- progress, George is quite comfortable with where his defense is at. George touts them as “a well-oiled machine …that wants to hit.” 

Untapped reserves: Academic eligibility has been a problem for the Tigers. For the spring game, Middleton had 20 players academically ineligible. Through the spring semester, virtual school and summer school, that number is down to four to six players. 

Known quantities

DE Tavaris Mutherson, Sr.: A three-year starter and third on the team in total tackles from a year ago (70), Mutherson will be looked to for pressure on opposing quarterbacks. George describes him as a hard worker who comes to practice every day and doesn’t complain.

C Justo Polanco, Sr.: The 6-foot-3, 300-pound Dominican giant has been the focal point of the Tigers’ offensive line since his freshman year. After shuffling around the line last season during a constant re-tooling process, Polanco lands back in his original position at center and will be a breakwater against opposing defenses. 

LT Jajuan Stewart, Sr.: Another big body up front, Stewart goes 6-3, 290 and is in his first year of academic eligibility since he was a freshman. Stewart took six courses over the summer in order to pump up his GPA. George said that he’s already received letters of interest from several universities.

MLB Brandon Johnson, Sr.: Johnson might be a little undersized for a middle linebacker but he makes up for it with his intensity and acumen for the game. Johnson is the vocal leader of the defense and calls in the plays as the mic linebacker. He is also a team captain.

WR/QB Antonio Nelson, Sr.: Nelson started last season at quarterback before moving outside to wide receiver. This year he is Middleton’s possession receiver and backup quarterback. George says he will trust Nelson with the ball when needed.

Up-and-comers

QB Mike Edoga, Jr.: George touts Edoga as an athletic quarterback who will run through people. George has begun letting Edoga call the plays in practice and commends his hard work. “We go as far as he (Edoga) takes us,” George said.

RT John Walker, Jr.: Walker bookends with Stewart on the offensive line. Measuring 6-5, 240, Walker is one of the three towers on Middleton’s offensive line. If the guard play can get up to speed, the unit will be a tough one to deal with. 

RB Jerome Godbolt, So.: Godbolt played in five games as a freshman for Spoto last year and is a speed guy. He will be the likely ball carrier with Jaquan Brown now at Tampa Bay Tech. 

FS/CB Davonte Myers, Sr.: It’s Myers’ first year out for the football team and even so, George thinks he is likely the best athlete, possessing speed, coverage ability and the whole range of skill sets.

Coach’s corner

“There is so much talent roaming the halls at Middleton; we have no idea how much we have.” — George 

Seminole outfielder Jacob Silverstein has committed to Bethune-Cookman College in Daytona Beach, according to Seminole coach Jeff Pincus. Silverstein was a three-year starter for the Warhawks.

As a junior, Silverstein hit .324 with 11 RBIs and 21 stolen bases. As a sophomore, Silverstein hit .366 and helped the Warhawks reach the Class 7A regional quarterfinals.

This season, Bethune-Cookman won the Mideastern Athletic Conference tournament championship and qualified for the NCAA regional tournament.

Spoto 

Coach: Dale Caparaso (seventh season, 30-33; 28th overall, 150-134)

Last season: 3-8

Class/district: 5A-9

Colors: Purple, silver and black 

Stadium: Spartan Stadium, 8538 Eagle Palm Driver, Riverview

Playoff history: 2008, 2013

Last appearance: Lost 28-0 to Lake Wales. 

Season schedule

Aug. 29vs. Wharton, 7:30 

Sept. 5vs. Strawberry, 7:30 

Sept. 12at Steinbrenner, 7:30 

Sept. 19vs. East Bay, 7:30 

Sept. 26vs. Alonso, 7:30 

Oct. 3at Jesuit, 7:30 

Oct. 17at Plant City, 7:30 

Oct. 24vs. Middleton, 7:30 

Oct. 31at Lennard, 7:30 

Nov. 7at Leto, 7:30 

Mark your calendar

Spoto at Jesuit, Oct. 3: While the Spartans’ biggest game may ultimately be the game two weeks later against Middleton that will decide the playoff teams for this three-team district, let’s shoot higher and look toward the game the will almost certainly decide the district champion. The Spartans have enough athletes to make this a game after losing 49-16, 45-0 and 38-22 the past three seasons. And it’s Jesuit’s Homecoming, if the Spartans need any additional motivation. 

Huddle highlights

Best ever? This might be Spoto’s best team ever. Coach Dale Caparaso says Terence Williams is already the best quarterback he’s had, the team might be the fastest he’s had, the offensive line is the biggest by far, the offensive and defensive backfields are as stocked as they’ve been, and there’s a little more depth. He compares the team to the 2008-10 group that went 20-11 and featured the likes of Nick Addison, Danny Taylor, Donald Smith and Rodney Williams. “What has yet to be proven is does this group have the edge that the Nick Addison era had,’’ Caparaso said. “They had a switch they could turn on. They were tough, physical kids. We haven’t shown yet that we can flip that switch.”

Boys to men? Tavaris Johnson (52 tackles and 6.5 sacks), Jesse Holmes (37 tackles and three interceptions), Ashton Puesey (431 rushing yards), Kevin Hobley (206 yards passing) and Marc McCoy (227 yards receiving) were all major contributors their sophomore seasons in 2012. Now, it’s their senior season.

Numbers game: While some teams may have 50-60 kids on their rosters, Caparaso surmises only about 25 are actually ever “players.” He has just more than 30 on his roster this season, but says he has the same amount of players as everyone else. The Spartans are very versatile, with almost a dozen fast and interchangeable players that can fill in at quarterback, running back, receiver, defensive back and linebacker. 

Big boyz: Spoto has its biggest offensive line ever — “It’s not even close,’’ Caparaso said — with a little depth to boot. The starting group averages about 285 pounds, including 300-plus pounders in Kevin Lewis, Mike Densen and Jounelle “J.J.” DeRidder. Spoto hopes to unveil a power rushing game, to go with the gamebreakers it has on the outside.

Tough sched: Say what you will about Spoto’s three-team district, but the Spartans’ schedule is no joke. It ends with games against Middleton, Lennard and Leto, but the first seven weeks include six teams that made the playoffs last year (or a playoff for the playoffs): Wharton, Strawberry Crest, East Bay, Alonso, Jesuit and Plant City. “I don’t think our schedule is any different than the last four years or so,” Caparaso said. “It’s tough. We embrace it.”

Known quantities

WR Marc McCoy, Sr.: McCoy quietly put together one of the best seasons for a wide receiver in Tampa Bay last season. It caught our eye — we ranked him No. 72 in the HomeTeam 100 — and we think he’ll reach even better numbers this season. McCoy has good speed and hands, and he can top last year’s 40 catches and 578 yards. For sure, he’ll score more than three touchdowns for what could be an explosive offense, with a quarterback who likes to throw deep.

ATH Kevin Hobley, Sr.: Hobley played 10 games at quarterback last season, throwing for 1,327 yards and 16 touchdowns. But he may end up being a starter at cornerback. Though a little undersized compared to some of the other Spartan defensive backs, Hobley was a revelation this offseason at the new position and has shown great tackling and smart play. He’ll also see some time at running back, wide receiver and his older position.

DB Todd Simms, Sr.: One of those versatile all-over-the-field athletes Spoto has been known to produce, Simms will help out everywhere. He had 402 yards receiving last year with more than 21 yards a catch, threw for 329 and had 20 tackles and three sacks. 

ATH Jesse Holmes, Sr.: The speedy Spartan can play just about anywhere, but he’ll help out most in the defensive backfield, where along with a combination of Simms, Hobley and others, Spoto will be tough to throw on.

DE/WR Justice Hunt, Jr.: The 6-0, 195-pounder was second on the team with 6.5 sacks last season, and also led the team with two interceptions.

WR/LB Patrick James, Sr.: He only caught 10 passes last year, but four were for touchdowns. At 6-3, 215 pounds, he makes for an attractive target around the goal line and also excels at linebacker.

ATH Tavaris Johnson, Sr.:  Another one of those guys who does a little bit of everything, Johnson is another big target for Williams to throw to, plays defensive back and had 29 tackles and two interceptions last year.

LB Ishmael Knight, Sr.: A 250-pound middle linebacker — who can also play on the offensive line — will be the heart of the defense. Knight had 45 tackles and three sacks last season. 

Up-and-comers

QB Terence Williams, So.: The Jefferson transfer already has offers from North Carolina and North Carolina State as a wide receiver, but he’ll start under center for the Spartans in the spread and play running back in other sets. Caparaso says he is the best quarterback the program has ever had, and he had a nice offseason. He’ll have plenty of deep threats to throw to, and he throws a very nice deep ball. It will be how well he can hit his intermediate targets that will determine if the Spartans can knock off the better teams.

WR/KR Demarco Archie, Jr.: Caparaso uses one word to describe one of last year’s junior varsity standouts: Fast!!!! (We’re unclear if Caparaso said it with four or five exclamation marks).

LB Daniel Morales, So: The brother of all-conference performer and 2013’s leading tackler Rafael, Daniel is a bigger, and maybe better, version of big bro at 5-11, 218 pounds.

OLB Eugene Baisden, Jr.: A JV safety last season, Baisden has bulked up and grown into his new position at outside linebacker. “I think he will surprise some people this year,’’ Caparaso said.

RB Ashton Puesey, Sr.: The fastest kid on the team, Puesey had a great sophomore season with 431 yards rushing and more than 8 yards a carry before injuries sidelined him his junior season. He’s healthy and looking to pick up where he left off.

Coach’s corner

“Two years ago we started eight or nine sophomores. We literally had a JV team playing varsity football. But that was the commitment we made. This year, we are very experienced.” — Caparaso