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

Overview

This district could be one of the most competitive in the area. Five of the six teams either won or tied in their spring games. Last year, East Lake was dominant, sweeping its district foes by a combined score of 250-51. The Eagles graduated some key players, including defensive back Devin Abraham, left tackle Mason Cole and receiver Artavis Scott. But there still is enough top-level talent to stay at the top with players such as receiver George Campbell, linebacker Carson Lydon and defensive back Justin Strnad. Pinellas Park returns 15 starters from last year’s team that went 10-2 and won a playoff game for just the second time in school history. The rushing game will be among the area’s leaders, led by Donte Maxson and Kal-El Williams. After missing the playoffs the past two seasons, Countryside has the talent to be in the mix. Trent Chmelik is in his first full season as a quarterback and will direct an offense capable of putting up big numbers. Clearwater, Northeast and Seminole, which were a combined 4-26 last season, are likely on the outside looking in when it comes to competing for a playoff spot. The Tornadoes’ Donnie Abraham and the Warhawks’ Chris Miller are both second-year coaches whose teams showed improvement in the spring and summer. First-year coach Jeremy Frioud has brought some energy to Northeast. 

The favorite

To get an idea of just how overpowering East Lake was last season, consider that the Eagles’ closest game was a 22-0 win over a Largo team that was a district champion. East Lake graduated some significant contributors from that 13-1 team, which lost to eventual state champion Palm Beach Dwyer in overtime in the state semifinals. But the benefit of having so many blowouts was the Eagles were able to substitute frequently, giving the backups valuable playing experience as they take over starting roles this season. The strength of the team should be on defense, led by linebackers Jake Hansen, Carson Lydon and Dylan Renaker. The hurry-up, no-huddle offense implemented in the spring showed signs of being effective. 

Next in line

Pinellas Park is as loaded as any of the program’s past teams. The Patriots return eight starters on defense and seven on offense. They have increased size on both the offensive and defensive lines. With three returning backs in Maxson, Oscee Calhoun and Williams, the Partriots can wear out opponents. Pinellas Park lost only twice last season — both times to East Lake. Those games weren’t even close. East Lake may still have the size and depth to hold off the Patriots, but Pinellas Park is much improved. 

Sleepers

Countryside started last year 5-1, including an upset of Lakewood in the season opener. But the Cougars faded down the stretch, losing three of their final four to knock themselves out of contention. The offense returns just about every skill player, and the offensive line should be improved. The big question is how well Countryside will fare against East Lake and Pinellas Park. The Cougars lost both games last year by a combined 93-13.

Important numbers

0 Consecutive 10-win seasons for Pinellas Park. The Patriots can do it for the first time this season

2 Straight 100-yard games Countryside running back Dante Satcher had to close out last season

10 Seasons since Seminole has the made the playoffs, the longest drought among Pinellas County public schools

11 Straight losses for Clearwater, a streak that dates to the final game of 2012

15: Straight regular-season victories for East Lake, currently the longest streak in Pinellas County

286 Total points Northeast was outscored by opponents last season

3,063 Rushing yards last season for Pinellas Park’s returning running backs

Players to watch

TE/LB Rasim Avmet, Sr., Clearwater: The basketball standout was the team’s leading receiver last year with 285 yards and caught a winning touchdown pass from Garrison Bryant against Ocala West Port in the spring. 

WR/DL George Campbell, Sr., East Lake: The four-star recruit showed why he is the Eagles’ top deep threat with five catches for 106 yards and two touchdowns against Osceola in the spring. 

QB Trent Chmelik, Jr., Countryside: Now that Chmelik is the full-time starter, he should put up even bigger numbers than the 588 yards and four touchdowns he had last season.

QB Aaron Dever, Sr., Seminole: The dual-threat quarterback had more than 400 yards rushing and receiving last season and tied for the team lead in rushing touchdowns with 12. 

FB/LB Carson Lydon, Sr., East Lake: The Virginia Tech recruit quickly emerged as a defensive playmaker last season with 149 tackles, eight sacks and two interceptions. He leads a veteran linebacking corps that is the strength of the defense.

RB/LB Kal-El Williams and Donte Maxson, Srs., Pinellas Park: Williams, who is committed to Florida Atlantic, gained 776 yards and scored six touchdowns last season. Expect even more from the 6-foot, 240 pound power back this season. Maxson was second on the team with 1,208 yards rushing and 14 touchdowns as a junior. He is committed to Mercer University.

Mark your calendar

East Lake at Pinellas Park, Oct. 24: These teams met in the regular season and again in the region semifinals last year. East Lake won both by a combined 87-12. Given the talent both teams have returning, the Patriots should make it more competitive this season, and there’s a good chance both could have another rematch in the playoffs. The game also will have plenty of hype with players from both sides talking smack throughout the summer on social media. 

Returning district leaders

Rushing yards: Pinellas Park’s Donte Maxson, 1,208

Rushing TDs: Maxson, 14

Passing yards: East Lake’s Jake Hudson, 1,406

Passing TDs: Hudson, 15

Receiving yards: East Lake’s George Campbell, 769

Receiving TDs: Campbell, 7

Tackles: East Lake’s Carson Lydon, 149

Sacks: Lydon and Campbell, 8

Interceptions: Countryside’s Damien Howard and Pinellas Park’s Rashaan Watson, 4

Predicted order of finish

From an anonymous coach in the district

1. East Lake

2. Pinellas Park

3. Countryside

4. Seminole

5. Northeast

6. Clearwater

Final word

“This is a tough district with so many teams improved. Like any team, we want to be in the playoffs. But we lost a lot of guys, and we’re just trying to do enough to be there at the end.” — East Lake coach Bob Hudson 

Clearwater

Coach: Donnie Abraham (second season)

Last season: 0-10

Class/district:7A-9

Colors: Gray and red

Stadium: Jack White Stadium, 540 S. Hercules Ave., Clearwater

Playoff history: 1964, 1969, 1970, 1978, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2002, 2003, 2004

Last appearance: Lost 39-21 to Boca Ciega

Season schedule

Aug. 29at Tarpon Springs, 7:30

Sept. 5vs. St. Petersburg, 7:30

Sept. 12at Palm Harbor University, 7:30

Sept. 19at East Lake, 7:30

Sept. 26at Gibbs, 7:30

Oct. 2vs. Countryside, 7

Oct. 17at Pinellas Park, 7:30

Oct. 24vs. Northeast, 7:30

Oct.31 vs. Seminole, 7:30

Nov. 7vs. Boca Ciega, 7:30

Mark your calendar

Northeast at Clearwater, Oct. 24: This was one of the few games Clearwater was competitive in last season, losing 41-34. It was the most points the Tornadoes scored all season and helped a young offense build confidence that extended through the offseason. Because the district is one of the most competitive in the area, this game might also represent the best chance Clearwater has of staying in a district game and perhaps winning one this season. 

Huddle highlights

Changing the culture: When Donnie Abraham took over as coach last season, he inherited a program that had just one winning season and one playoff appearance in the past decade. The Tornadoes were also accustomed to watching their best players leave and had three transfer out in 2013, including Florida recruit Justus Reed to Clearwater Central Catholic. To get his young players in the habit of winning, Abraham purposely kept some of his younger ones on junior varsity. They thrived, helping Clearwater’s JV program go 5-2. They made an immediate impact once promoted to varsity, with the Tornadoes staying competitive in two of their final three games. Just as important, Abraham said he did not have a player transfer to another school this offseason, a sign things are turning around.

Offensive potential: The bulk of the young talent is on offense with junior quarterback Garrison Bryant directing an offense that includes sophomores Tupac Blanch, Jacquez Jones and Leundray Rhodes. Clearwater scored 52 of its 101 points in the final three games last season. In the spring, the Tornadoes racked up 337 yards of offense in three quarters against Ocala West Port. 

Improved defense: Clearwater took its lumps on defense last year, allowing 30 or more points in nine straight games. Abraham played most of his underclassmen on that side of the ball the second half of the season. The encouraging sign came in the season finale when the Tornadoes held Boca Ciega to 17 points, by far the lowest total of the year. In the spring, they allowed just 171 yards of offense to West Port. The one area Clearwater has to show improvement in is creating turnovers. The Tornadoes forced just two in 2013.

Known quantities

TE/LB Rasim Avmet, Sr.: The basketball standout was the team’s leading receiver last year with 285 yards and caught a winning touchdown pass from Bryant in the spring. 

QB Garrison Bryant, Jr.: After transferring from East Lake last season, Bryant played well for the Tornadoes down the stretch, finishing with 600 yards passing and two touchdowns. 

OL Tom Hassler, Sr.: The lone returning starter on the line will be counted on to clear holes and provide protection for an improved offense.

DL Marquez Hartfield, DL: This pass rushing specialist had 42 tackles and led the team in sacks last season with six. 

FB/MLB Lucas McWhorter, Sr.: The returning starter finished last season with 37 tackles and three sacks.

Up-and-comers

RB/DB Tupac Blanch, So.: After spending most of last season on junior varsity, Blanch will be one of the main running backs. In the spring, he teamed with Adarius Lemons for 154 yards on the ground. 

RB/DB Jacquez Jones, So.: Abraham raves about his versatility. He’ll line in various spots on offense to take advantage of his athleticism. 

RB/DB Adarius Lemons, So.:  This speedster is adept at turning the corner and catching passes out of the backfield. In the spring, he took a pitch and raced 95 yards for a touchdown against West Port.

WR/DB Leundray Rhodes, Sr.: He finished as the team’s second-leading receiver last season with 208 yards, 106 of which came in the final four games.

Coach’s corner

“The program has improved night and day from when I first started, especially with the attitude. These kids just needed direction. The biggest thing we have to do is learn how  to win. We have to break that culture of losing.” — Abraham

Countryside

Coach: Eric Schmitz (first season)

Last season: 6-4

Class/district: 7A-9

Colors: Garnet and gold

Stadium: Cougar Field, 300 State Road 580, Clearwater

Playoff history: 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011

Last appearance: Lost 28-27 to Venice.

Season schedule 

Aug. 29at Lakewood, 7:30

Sept. 5vs. Bradenton Southeast, 7:30

Sept. 12at Palmetto, 7:30

Sept. 19vs. Northeast, 7:30

Oct. 2at Clearwater, 7

Oct. 10vs. Tarpon Springs, 7:30

Oct. 17at East Lake, 7:30

Oct. 24vs. Seminole, 7:30

Oct. 31vs. Pinellas Park, 7:30

Nov. 7at Largo, 7:30

Mark your calendar

Countryside at East Lake, Oct. 17: Up until last season, Countryside had owned this series, winning five straight on the field (one had to be forfeited). The Cougars fell apart in last year’s game, losing 47-3. That loss started a downward spiral as Countryside lost three of its final four games to knock itself out of playoff contention. Much like last season, the schedule is backloaded with key district games, starting with this matchup. A loss here and the Cougars likely will have to beat Pinellas Park on Oct. 31 to get back into the playoffs after a two-year absence.

Huddle highlights

New era: Eric Schmitz , the former offensive coordinator, took over the program from Jared Davis, who stepped down after four seasons. The first task for Schmitz was to get the program on track for a playoff appearance, something that has eluded the it the past two seasons. The participation in offseason conditioning has been encouraging, and the Cougars performed well in 7-on-7 tournaments. “These guys have worked their tails off all summer,” Schmitz said.

Plenty of points: Schmitz has the luxury of working with a veteran group of skill players. Trent Chmelik takes over as the full-time starting quarterback and has a receiving corps that is one of the deepest in the county. The Cougars showed what they could do in the spring, throwing for three touchdowns and running for another in a 28-13 win over Citrus. 

Hold that line: If there was one concern on offense last season, it was the play of the line. At times the unit had trouble in pass protection. But the group is more experienced this season, with the strength coming on the right side of the line, led by returning starter Max Fuller at guard and Dixie Hollins transfer Riley Metheney at tackle.

Defensive improvement: Once a staple of the program, the defense took some lumps after trying to replace nearly every starter along the front seven. In the final four games, Countryside gave up 156 points. The production should improve with a deep secondary that is more than capable of making up for the loss of Mike Johnson, who is now at Iowa State. The defensive line and linebackers also will have more experience. In the spring, the Cougars forced three fumbles against Citrus, converting two of those into touchdowns.

Next in line: Countryside has a knack for producing college-bound kickers. Martin Turwoski could be next. The senior has been consistent on field goals, and Schmitz said his kickoffs have improved by 5-10 yards. 

Known quantities

QB Trent Chmelik, Jr.: Now that Chmelik is the full-time starter, he should put up even bigger numbers than the 588 yards and four touchdowns he had last season.

DB Damien Howard, Sr.: The top returner in the secondary had a team-leading four interceptions last season.

WR Slyvester Kimbrough, Sr.: The top deep threat among a solid group of receivers, Kimbrough finished last season with a team-leading 423 yards receiving and three touchdowns.

WR/DB Chris Ryan, Sr.: Sure-handed receiver had 414 yards and two touchdowns last season and was one of Chmelik’s favorite targets in 7-on-7 tournaments this summer. 

RB/DB Dante Satcher, Jr.: The team’s top returning rusher had 695 yards, including more than 100 yards in each of his final two games.

Up-and-comers

TE/DL Chris Barrett, Jr.: The basketball player has turned into a dependable target in the passing game and should put up numbers in an offense that likes to utilize the tight end.

OL/DL Riley Metheny, Sr.: The Dixie Hollins transfer already has an offer from Alabama-Birmingham and solidifies the right tackle spot.

DL Thomas Roman, Jr.: He competes in strongman competitions in the offseason and will help anchor an improving defensive line, 

DB Jarek Vance, Sr.: Schmitz describes Vance as the Troy Polamalu of the defense with an ability to wreak havoc from anywhere on the field.

LB Taylor Zahralban, Sr.: The returning starter is a solid tackler and provides experience for what should be an improved front seven on defense.

Coach’s corner

“The goal is to make the playoffs. These guys can feel it. That’s been their whole purpose and drive this offseason. They’re really working to get back there.” —  Eric Schmitz

East Lake

Coach: Bob Hudson (12th season, 78-47)

Last season: 13-1

Class/district: 7A-9

Colors: Royal blue and white

Stadium: East Lake Stadium, 1300 Silver Eagle Drive, East Lake 

Playoff history: 1994, 1995, 1997, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013

Last appearance: Beat Palmetto 13-12; beat Pinellas Park 45-0; beat Port Charlotte 49-15; lost 31-24 to Palm Beach Gardens Dwyer.

Season schedule 

Aug. 29vs. Palm Harbor University, 7:30

Sept. 5vs. Largo, 7:30

Sept. 12at Dunedin, 7:30

Sept. 19vs. Clearwater, 7:30

Sept. 26at Tarpon Springs, 7:30

Oct. 2at Seminole, 7:30

Oct. 17vs. Countryside, 7:30

Oct. 24at Pinellas Park, 7:30

Oct. 31at Northeast, 7:30

Nov. 7vs. St. Petersburg, 7:30

Mark your calendar

East Lake at Pinellas Park, Oct. 24: These teams met in the regular season and again in the region semifinals last year, with East Lake winning a combined 87-12. Given the talent both teams have returning, the Patriots should make it more competitive this season and there’s a good chance both could have another rematch in the playoffs. The game also will have plenty of hype with players from both sides talking smack throughout the summer on social media. 

Huddle highlights

One step closer: Since 2011, East Lake has had the greatest success in program history with two region final appearances (2011-12) and a state semifinal showing last season. After losing in overtime to eventual state champion Palm Beach Dwyer, the Eagles’ next logical goal is to make the state championship game. That task will be tough considering East Lake graduated four key starters who are now playing for Division I programs. If the Eagles can reach the state semifinals again, they likely will have to travel to Fort Lauderdale to face St. Thomas Aquinas, the overwhelming favorite to win the Class 7A title. But the Eagles still have talent with several Division I recruits, led by George Campbell, Carson Lydon and Justin Strnad, to make that happen.

Speeding things up: In the spring, East Lake coach Bob Hudson implemented a hurry-up, no-huddle offense. The strategy was to prevent defenses from using an array of blitzes, which would help an Eagles working in three new starters. East Lake had success in its spring game with Jake Hudson throwing for more than 200 yards and the Eagles building a 38-14 lead against Osceola in the three quarters the varsity played. Now Coach Hudson is utilizing his whole playbook with a no-huddle attack. 

Under the radar: Lost in the shadows of East Lake’s high-scoring offense was the performance of its defense, which posted a school-record five shutouts and allowed just 114 points, an average of eight per game. That unit should be the team’s strength with six returning starters and plenty of others who got significant playing time last season. The most experience is at linebacker with Lydon, Jake Hansen and Dylan Renaker all returning. 

Numbers game: East Lake has about 160 players in its football program with roughly 65 on varsity. That helps fill any holes the Eagles have to replace. East Lake also benefitted from having so many blowouts last season (there was a running clock in the second half of nine regular-season games), which allowed the Eagles a chance to give their backups playing time. So even though East Lake has just 10 returning starters, there are plenty of others stepping into new roles who already have varsity playing experience.  

Known quantities

WR/DL George Campbell, Sr.:The four-star recruit showed why he is the Eagles’ top deep threat with five catches for 106 yards and two touchdowns against Osceola in the spring. 

QB Jake Hudson, Sr.: The second-year starter looked comfortable running the no-huddle offense in the spring, finishing 12-of-14 for 202 yards and three touchdowns in the first half against Osceola. 

K/P Daniel LaCamera, Sr.: The Texas A&M commit has one of the strongest legs in the county with 80 of his 101 kickoffs going for touchbacks last season. He also nailed a 53-yard field goal. 

FB/LB Carson Lydon, Sr.: The Virginia Tech recruit quickly emerged as a defensive playmaker last season with 149 tackles, eight sacks and two interceptions. He leads a veteran linebacking corps that is the strength of the defense.

OL/DL Julian Santos, Jr.: A starting guard last season, Santos has moved to left tackle to take the place of Mason Cole, who is now at Michigan. Santos became a bona fide Division I recruit in the spring and recently picked up an offer from Tennessee.

WR/DB Justin Strnad, Sr.: The Wake Forest recruit fills the leadership void in the secondary created by the departure of Devin Abraham. Last season, Strnad had 81 tackles and three passes broken up. 

Up-and-comers

OL/DL Zach Castle, Sr.: The returning starter gives the Eagles much-needed experience on a line with three newcomers.

RB/DB Drew Couto, Sr.: The team’s top returning rusher had 463 yards rushing and seven touchdowns last season. 

LB Jake Hansen, Jr.: He takes over as a full-time starter after finishing with 71 tackles and two interceptions last year.

WR/DB Bryce Miller, So.: Played well in 7-on-7 tournaments this summer and will have a bigger role in the passing game.

FB/LB Dylan Renaker, Sr.: The wrestling standout has a key role on both sides of the ball. He had 77 tackles and two sacks last season.

DL Regis Steighner, Sr.: Finished third on the team in sacks last season with five and performed well in camps this summer to land a scholarship offer from Stetson.

Coach’s corner

“This is a tough district with so many teams improved. Like any team, we want to be in the playoffs. But we lost a lot of guys, and we’re just trying to do enough to be there at the end.” — Bob Hudson

Northeast

Coach: Jeremy Frioud (first season)

Last season: 1-9

Class/district:7A-9

Colors: Red and white

Stadium: John Sexton Stadium, 1717 54th Ave. N., St. Petersburg

Playoff history: 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2007, 2010, 2012

Last appearance: Lost 65-12 to Bradenton Manatee.

Season schedule 

Aug. 29at Largo, 7:30

Sept. 5at Dixie Hollins, 7:30

Sept. 12vs. Boca Ciega, 7:30

Sept. 19at Countryside, 7;30

Oct. 2vs. Pinellas Park, 7:30

Oct. 10vs. Osceola, 7:30

Oct. 17at Seminole, 7:30

Oct. 24at Clearwater, 7:30

Oct. 31vs. East Lake, 7:30

Nov. 7vs. Lakewood, 7:30

Mark your calendar:

Northeast at Countryside, Sept. 19: In coach Jeremy Frioud’s first year, he said he is putting more emphasis on the district games and this is the Vikings’ first of the season. They will get a very clear idea of whether they can be competitive. Countryside is going through some coaching transition as well, and Frioud said there are some games on the schedule that his team can take. Could this be one of them?

Huddle highlights

New era: Frioud, a longtime Largo assistant, gets his chance to be a head coach. He takes over a team that struggled last season and is loaded with young and inexperienced players. Frioud said that more than anything he is looking for effort and not so much focused on wins and losses. That is probably a good attitude this season.

Run-’N-gun: The Vikings will use a no-huddle, fast-paced offense this season and hopes to get a play off every 15-20 seconds. “What we have to do is try to steal an aspect of the game,” Frioud said. “We’re not going to be bigger and faster than other teams, but we can be better conditioned. That’s the wrestling coach in me. You have to work with the personnel you have.”

Playoffs? Don’t tell Northeast it can’t compete. The Vikings are putting an emphasis on the district games and trying to take down favorites East Lake and Pinellas Park.  “I’m not saying we will win those games, but we’ll be competitive,” Frioud said. “If we can get one of those games then we could have a shot at the playoffs. That’s going to be our goal around here from now on: playoffs.”

Known quantities

TB Devin Bowers, Sr.: Bowers is one of the few returners with significant playing time. He will likely get the most carries in Northeast’s hurry-up offense. Bowers will also play in the secondary.

C Rob Schrage, Sr.: Schrage, who played center last year, is a solid 6 feet, 240 pounds and should be the anchor on the offensive line.

CB Khyri Wright, Jr.: An athletic cornerback who can also play linebacker, Wright will get his first significant playing time this season. He is the son of boxer Winky Wright.

DE Randy Johnson, Sr.: An athletic end who can also play wide receiver, the 6-foot-4, 215-pounder is a big target and also hard to handle for offensive linemen.

CB Anthony Crandon, Sr.: A speedy cornerback nicknamed “Caddy,” he’ll be relied on in the secondary for an inexperienced defense.

Up-and-comers

TB Tavon Jones, Sr.: A transfer from St. Petersburg, Jones will get carries behind Bowers. Jones had 223 yards on 36 carries for the Green Devils last season. Expect that to at least double this season.

TB Jalynn Williams, Fr.: Frioud said he almost always puts freshmen on the junior varsity, but Williams is too good. He joined the team for 7-on-7 tournaments and impressed, and could be a bright spot in the Viking offense.

QB Cory Hart, Sr.: He will be the opening-night starter and lead the Vikings’ fast-break offense.

Coach’s corner

“Our goal is by the end of the game we want the other team to not want to play anymore. If we give that kind of effort every game, regardless of the wins or losses, then I’ll be fine with it.” — Frioud

Pinellas Park

Coach: Kenny Crawford (sixth season, 33-21)

Last season: 10-2

Class/district: 7A-9

Colors: Blue, red and white 

Stadium: Richard Allen Memorial Stadium, 6305 118th Ave. N., Pinellas Park

Playoff history: 1983, 1997, 2001, 2011, 2012, 2013 

Last appearance: Beat Sarasota 32-7; lost 45-0 to East Lake.

Season schedule

Aug. 29at Boca Ciega, 7:30

Sept. 5at Gibbs, 7:30 

Sept. 12vs. Osceola, 7:30

Sept. 19vs. Seminole, 7:30

Sept. 26at Dixie Hollins, 7:30

Oct. 2at Northeast, 7:30

Oct. 17vs. Clearwater, 7:30

Oct. 24vs. East Lake, 7:30

Oct. 31at Countryside, 7:30 

Nov. 7vs. Dunedin, 7:30

Mark your calendar

East Lake at Pinellas Park, Oct. 24: Barring a collapse by either team, this should be for the district championship. East Lake got the best of the Patriots twice last season, 42-12 in the regular season and 45-0 in the playoffs. Those losses have stuck with the Patriots all summer. The schedule is fairly easy heading up to the East Lake game. Of the seven opponents prior to East Lake, only one (Osceola) had a winning record last season.

Huddle highlights

Targets: Now in his fifth season, Crawford has climbed the ladder. He took over a winless team, took his lumps and got to 10 wins last season. The next step is a district championship. The Patriots are one of the teams to beat in this district and will surely get everyone’s best effort.

Loaded: The Patriots have eight starters returning on defense and seven on offense. Mitch Grondin takes over as the starting quarterback. He got some time last season and looked good throwing in the spring game. If the Patriots can add some passes to the wing-T attack, they could be even harder to stop.

Three-headed monster: The running back trio of Donte Maxson, Kal-El Williams and Oscee Calhoun could be the best in the county. The big three combined to gain 2,590 yards and score 26 rushing touchdowns. Pinellas Park’s offense is designed to give all three plenty of carries. With a bulked-up offensive line, this could be a record-breaking year for the Pinellas Park backs.

Favorable schedule: Only three teams on Pinellas Park’s schedule had winning records last season (Osceola, East Lake and Countryside). The hardest stretch should be the final two weeks of October, with district games against East Lake and at Countryside. Other than that, it appears the only other game to watch out for is the second week at Gibbs.

Known quantities

RB/LB Kal-El Williams, Sr.: The Florida Atlantic commit gained 776 yards and scored six touchdowns as a junior. He is a bruising 240-pound back who is just as strong in the fourth quarter as the first. Look for him to eat up yards inside and score on goal-line plays.

RB Donte Maxson, Sr.: The leading yardage returner, Maxson had 1,208 yards last season and scored 14 touchdowns. Maxson averaged 11 yards per carry and also ripped off big gains in the spring game. He is committed to Mercer University.

OT Andrew Thomas, Sr.: Thomas is a returning starter and one of the big boys on the line. He is 6 feet 2, 305 pounds and can move people out of the way.

CB/RB Jalil Crapps, Sr.: A third-year starter, Crapps will help lead the secondary and also get some carries on offense.

CB Rashaan Watson, Sr.: The South Alabama commit had four interceptions last season and a team-high 16 pass deflections. He should create chaos again in the secondary.

CB/WR Marcellus Ware, Sr.: Another solid player in the secondary, Ware will also be a top receiving threat when the Patriots decide to throw.

RB Oscee Calhoun, Sr.: He gained 606 yards and scored six touchdowns as a junior. Calhoun has speed to burn and is Pinellas Park’s big-gain threat.

Up-and-comers

QB Mitch Grondin, Sr.: This is Grondin’s one and only year to start. He was so small as a freshman that he didn’t even tryout. Now 5-foot-7, 165 pounds, he’s still not the biggest quarterback around, but his arm is above average and he has good mobility.

DT Jordon Scott, So.: Sophomores don’t usually play for the Patriots, but Scott is too big and strong to keep down. The 6-foot-5, 320-pounder played in five games on varsity as a freshman. This is his year to start, and he could make a big impact up front.

CB/WR A.J. Reddin, Sr.: Reddin moved into the Pinellas Park zone after playing for Gibbs last season. He is another big target and athlete in the secondary.

OT Arin O’Brien, Sr.: Another sizeable offensive lineman, the 5-foot-11, 260-pounder is capable of creating holes for the athletic backs

Coach’s corner

“Last year we were young and we were still were able to do it. This year we have more experience and we feel like we can do even better.” — Calhoun

Seminole

Coach: Chris Miller (second season, 3-7; 10th season overall, 51-42)

Last season: 3-7

Class/district: 7A-9 

Colors: Orange, green and white 

Stadium: Warhawk Stadium, 8401 31st St. N., Seminole

Playoff history: 1972, 1976, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003

Last appearance: Lost 21-20 to Clearwater.

Season schedule

Aug. 29at Osceola, 7:30

Sept. 5vs. Dunedin, 7:30

Sept. 12vs. Dixie Hollins, 7:30

Sept. 19at Pinellas Park, 7:30

Sept. 26vs. Palm Harbor University, 7:30

Oct. 2vs. East Lake, 7:30

Oct. 10at St. Petersburg, 7:30

Oct. 17vs. Northeast, 7:30

Oct. 24at Countryside, 7:30

Oct. 31at Clearwater, 7:30

Mark your calendar

Seminole at Pinellas Park, Sept. 19: To have any shot at the playoffs, the Warhawks will likely have to beat one of the front-runners. The first test comes in this district opener. Last year, the Warhawks played well for a half before wearing down in a 35-10 loss. The district schedule doesn’t get any easier with a game against East Lake on Oct. 2. Losses in those two games would leave Seminole with a lot of catching up to do when it closes the season against three straight district opponents.

Huddle highlights

Rushing replacements: The biggest question Seminole has on offense is finding a way to make up for the loss of Ra’Quanne Dickens, who graduated after leading the team with 1,428 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns. Coach Chris Miller said Travis Wateska and Christopher Garza-McLean will handle the bulk of the rushing load. They will run behind a beefy offensive line, led by Brandon Walton. In the spring, Wateska and Garza-McLean both played well against Dunedin in the spring.

Deep on defense: After giving up an average of 26 points per game on defense last year, Seminole should improve dramatically with 10 returning starters. In fact, Miller said that unit will be the teams’ strength. “I’m excited about what we can do on that side of the ball,” he said.

Veteran signal caller: Aaron Dever returns as the starting quarterback and will have the chance to air it more as Miller strives for more balance on offense. The main targets will be Mathew Wonsick and Ethan Roberts.

Numbers game: When he took over the program last season, Miller said he inherited about 25 players on varsity. That number has nearly doubled to about 45, and the program has roughly 65 on junior varsity.

Known quantities

QB Aaron Dever, Sr.: The dual-threat quarterback had more than 400 yards rushing and receiving last season and tied for the team lead in rushing touchdowns with 12. 

TE/LB Jamal Jackson, Sr.: Defensive leader who Miller says could be one of the best in the county. 

WR/DB Lakendrick Staley, Jr.: Returning starter had six interceptions last year and should play more as a receiver. 

OL/DL Brandon Walton, Jr.: The 255-pounder is starting to get looks from colleges and anchors an impressive offensive line.

RB/LB Travis Wateska, Jr.: Team’s top returning rusher with 404 yards and a touchdown last season. 

TE/LB Mathew Wonsick, Sr.: Though he had just 187 yards receiving and three touchdowns, Wonsick is the team’s top returning pass catcher and should be among the county leaders in receptions as a tight end.

Up-and-comers

DL Nadeem Ali Bey El, Sr.: Up to around 285 pounds after gaining 25 in the summer. Miller says he is unblockable.

OL/DL Anthony Gaston, Sr.: Teams with Ali Bey El to anchor a line that will lead an improved defense. 

WR/DB Dequan Ober, Jr.: Tied with Staley for the team lead in interceptions last season with six.

Coach’s corner

“We showed a lot of improvement last year and stayed in some games. We just have to finish better, but I’m excited about what this team can do.” — Miller 

The Associated Press Preseason Top 10 Florida high school football poll, with first-place votes in parentheses, records, rating points and AP poll 2013 final rankings. Area teams in bold:

Class 8A

Record    Pts    Prv  
1. Miramar (11)   0-0          133    2     
2. Apopka (2)   0-0          117    3     
3. Dr. Phillips (3)   0-0          115    4     
4. First Coast   0-0          97      RV   
5. Coral Gables   0-0          74      NR    
6. Plant   0-0          69      7      
7. Fort Pierce Central   0-0          58      8     
8. Palm Beach Gardens   0-0          44      NR   
9. Charles Flanagan   0-0          37      9     
10. Monarch   0-0          26      NR   
Others receiving votes: South Dade (0-0) 25, West Orange (0-0) 23, Lake Mary (0-0) 22, Manatee (0-0) 17, Winter Park (0-0) 8, Christopher Columbus Catholic (0-0) 5, Coral Glades (0-0) 4, Spruce Creek (0-0) 2, Vero Beach (0-0) 2, Cypress Bay (0-0) 1, Alonso (0-0) 1. 

Class 7A

1. St. Thomas Aquinas (14)   0-0          156    4     
2. Dwyer (2)   0-0          126    1     
3. Niceville   0-0          123    7     
4. Kissimmee Osceola   0-0          99      6     
5. East Lake   0-0          89      2        
6. Sickles   0-0          69      5      
7. Fletcher   0-0          47      NR   
8. Port Charlotte   0-0          31      9     
9. Lake Nona   0-0          29      NR   
10. Tate   0-0          26      NR   
Others receiving votes: Fleming Island (0-0) 17, Lakeland (0-0) 16, Pinellas Park (0-0) 15, Haines City (0-0) 11, Melbourne (0-0) 7, Lincoln (0-0) 7, Royal Palm Beach (0-0) 7, Lake Worth (0-0) 3, Plantation (0-0) 2. 

Class 6A

1. Miami Central (12)   0-0          155    1      
2. Armwood (3)   0-0          144    2      
3. Mainland (1)   0-0          130    5     
4. Naples   0-0          93      RV   
5. Ed White   0-0          78      9     
6. Miami Carol City   0-0          58      10   
7. Columbia   0-0          45      6     
8. Boynton Beach   0-0          38      NR   
9. Heritage   0-0          20      3     
10. Pace   0-0          19      NR   
(tie) Springstead  0-0   19  NR
Others receiving votes: Largo (0-0) 16, Hallandale (0-0) 13, Escambia (0-0) 10, South Fort Myers (0-0) 10, Jefferson (0-0) 9, Winter Haven (0-0) 9, St. Augustine (0-0) 8, South Lake (0-0) 5, Venice (0-0) 1. 

Class 5A

1. Plantation American Heritage (16)   0-0          160    3     
2. South Sumter   0-0          132    7     
3. Pensacola Catholic   0-0          121    1     
4. Lake Wales   0-0          73      NR    
5. Lakewood   0-0          65      NR    
(tie) Clay   0-0          65      NR   
7. Merritt Island   0-0          50      4     
8. Cardinal Gibbons   0-0          40      NR   
(tie) West Florida   0-0          40      5     
10. Palm Bay   0-0          34      RV   
Others receiving votes: Godby (0-0) 27, North Marion (0-0) 22, Bishop Kenny (0-0) 15, Wakulla (0-0) 12, Jesuit (0-0) 11, Pasco (0-0) 8, Suwannee (0-0) 4, Island Coast (0-0) 1. 

Class 4A

1. Miami Washington (16)   0-0          160    1     
2. Cocoa   0-0          141    2     
3. Bolles School   0-0          131    NR   
4. Gulliver Prep   0-0          86      NR   
5. Clewiston   0-0          69      5     
Others receiving votes: Glades Central (0-0) 28, Florida (0-0) 13, Madison County (0-0) 6, Fort Lauderdale University (0-0) 6. 

Class 3A

1. Trinity Christian-Jacksonville (16)   0-0          160    1      
2. Clearwater Central Catholic   0-0          139    5      
3. Westminster Christian   0-0          115    3     
4. Ocala Trinity Catholic   0-0          89      RV   
5. Melbourne Central Catholic   0-0          61      2     
Others receiving votes: Tampa Catholic (0-0) 37, Delray American Heritage (0-0) 26, Lakeland Christian (0-0) 7, Pahokee (0-0) 6. 

Class 2A

1. Champagnat Catholic (15)   0-0          159    1     
2. Victory Christian (1)   0-0          140    NR   
3. North Florida Christian   0-0          110    4      
4. Indian Rocks   0-0          72      RV    
5. University Christian   0-0          60      3     
Others receiving votes: Glades Day (0-0) 48, Warner Christian (0-0) 24, Carrollwood Day (0-0) 6, First Baptist (0-0) 6. 

Class 1A

1. Trenton (13)   0-0          157    4     
2. Blountstown (3)   0-0          142    1     
3. Dixie County   0-0          113    2     
4. Lafayette   0-0          107    NR   
5. Union County   0-0          84      3     
Others receiving votes: Baker School (0-0) 15, Port St. Joe (0-0) 13, Northview (0-0) 9. 

Gulf's Jalena Hawkins has signed a letter of intent to play at Trinity Baptist College in Jacksonville, according to new Gulf head coach Bruno Buonsanto.

Hawkins was a four-year starter for the Buccaneers and helped them win four straight district championships. As a senior she averaged 13.4 points and six rebounds per game.

Hawkins was a two-time Tampa Bay Times' all-North Suncoast selection.

Trinity Baptist plays in the National Christian College Athletic Association.

We wrap up our daily district previews for all 78 varsity football teams with one of Hillsborough County’s most competitive leagues. 

Overview

This is one of Tampa Bay’s best districts, with just about every team in it a playoff contender. Plant hasn’t lost a district game in ages, and Wharton was the runnerup the past two seasons. Among the contenders, only Wharton is retooling, with everyone else returning key players at key positions, but especially at quarterback where Spencer Preston (Newsome), Isaiah McIntyre (Bloomingdale) and Chris Oladokun (Alonso) are returning starters, and Plant’s new starter, Rex Culpepper, has been in the system for two years and already has college offers from Florida, Miami and Ohio State, to name a few. Even Riverview, which isn’t expected to contend, has experience at quarterback with Keisean Young. If Plant is the team to win the district as many expect, the battle for second will be fierce once again.

The favorite

Plant hasn’t lost a single district matchup in nearly a decade, let alone a district crown. And while the Panthers do have some major holes to fill and Culpepper’s skill set has yet to be seen, Bob Weiner and Co. always seem to find a way to get it done. The Panthers had a few close calls last season — including a 50-40 shootout with Bloomingdale — and it’s possible we could see more of those this season. But with known playmakers on both sides of the ball and oodles more with the potential to join that club, we expect Plant to slip by unscathed. 

Next in line

Bloomingdale and Alonso. If McIntyre is the breakout star we expect, the Bulls will be a tough team to contend with this season. Their receiving corps is very good, they added Fred McCoy, Riverview’s leading rusher last season, and the defense should be solid. The Ravens disappointed last year, but Oladokun, who threw 23 touchdowns with only three interceptions in 220 attempts, had a huge offseason, and has a group of emerging weapons to throw to and will almost certainly eclipse his 48 percent completion percentage this year. Defensively, both teams will need to be better, after allowing more than 20 points a game. 

Sleeper

In essentially a rebuilding year, Newsome went 5-5, beating Alonso and losing to district runnerup Wharton by a point. The Wolves are one of those teams that are always solid and never an easy put away, and they return a lot of offensive firepower. Athletes Chris Bryant and Bruce Anderson combined for more than 7 yards a carry and 1,000 yards with eight touchdowns and will run behind a solid offensive line. They also return the bulk of the defense, led by Anderson and linebackers Brett Lindbeck and Alex Waring. We’re pretty sure the Wolves will surprise some people this year.

Don’t forget

Wharton is difficult to project, because so much will depend on the quarterback play, and coach David Mitchell has yet to name a starter. But the offensive line is very good, and wide receiver Auden Tate might be the district’s most dangerous weapon. While the Wildcats won’t be experienced at quarterback in a quarterback-heavy league, the defensive backs should help even out any disadvantage. Wharton may struggle early, but don’t be surprised to see it grow into a team that has a say in the playoff race.  

Important numbers

29 Consecutive district wins by Plant

7,236 Days since Plant’s last district loss (Oct. 29, 2004 to Armwood by a 49-0 score)

3 Games last season in which Newsome’s Chris Bryant averaged more than 10 yards a carry

4 Players Newsome has returning that had at least two sacks last season: Waring, Lindbeck, Makhana Suber and Nick Raffaele

2010 Last time any player other than Chase Litton threw a TD pass for Wharton (Ryan Hatter)

98.8 Percentage of 2013’s passing and rushing yards that graduated from Wharton

94 Combined catches last year by Bloomingdale’s Logan Crouse and Doug Sandberg

131 Yards Alonso’s Chris Oladokun averaged in non-district games

269.4 Yards Oladokun averaged in district games. 

748 Rushing yards by Riverview QB Keisean Young

Players to watch

RB/S  Bruce Anderson III, Sr., Newsome: A co-captain, Anderson will be counted on to  carry the load on offense and shut down the opposing running game from in back on defense. He is the returning team leader in tackles (87).

DB Derrick Baity, Sr., Plant: After losing current Division I defensive backs Austin Hudson (Wisconsin), Mazzi Wilkins (USF) and Bernard Rogers (Toledo), the secondary might be the Panthers’ biggest question mark. Baity, who has moved from cornerback to safety this year, will help hold it together. The 6-foot-2, 170-pound athlete had 40 tackles and three interceptions in 2013. 

OL DeAndre Brown, Sr., Wharton: A returning starter, the hulking left tackle is 6-5, 280 pounds and should be one of the best blockers around. He’ll be more important this season as he protects the blindside of a new quarterback and leads the way in a running game that may rely on the power game.

ATH Roosevelt Lawrence, Sr., Alonso: No. 56 on our HomeTeam 100, Lawrence makes waves all over the field — recording 569 kick and punt return yards while coming up with 70 tackles and four interceptions on defense. “He’s the kingpin of our secondary,” coach Brian Emanuel said.

QB Isaiah McIntyre, Jr., Bloomingdale: He threw for a career-high 337 yards against Plant and added a pair of 200-yard games, and his ability to run if needed (he had a team-high 379 yards and eight rushing TDs) makes him one of the area’s top offensive weapons. 

QB Keisean Young, Sr., Riverview: A dynamic runner who played some at running back and quarterback last season, and had a 200-yard game against Brandon, he is entrusted with running the offense and surely will produce his share of breakout plays.

Mark your calendar

Plant at Bloomingdale and Alonso at Newsome, Sept. 19: The first brush strokes on the district canvas are painted this night, but besides that, these are rematches of games that were both fabulous last season. Plant beat Bloomingdale 50-40, and Newsome toppled Alonso 38-26. Plant threw for 519 yards, Newsome rushed for 456 yards, Alonso passed for 347 yards, and Bloomingdale threw for 337 yards. Career highs all around. We can’t possibly hope to see 154 points, 22 touchdowns and 2,045 yards of offense from the four again  — or can we? — but we are expecting some compelling football.

Returning district leaders

Rushing yards: Plant’s Patrick Brooks, 927

Rushing TDs: Riverview’s Keisean Young and Bloomingdale’s Isaiah McIntyre, 8

Passing yards: Alonso’s Chris Oladokun, 2,003

Passing TDs: Oladokun, 23

Receiving yards: Wharton’s Auden Tate, 815

Receiving TDs: Bloomingdale’s Logan Crouse, 6

Tackles: Bloomingdale’s Ryan Voyles, 106

Sacks: Bloomingdale’s Tyler Jahn, 8

Interceptions: Alonso’s Roosevelt Lawrence, 4

Predicted order of finish

From an anonymous coach in the district 

1. Plant 

2. Bloomingdale 

3. Alonso

4. Newsome

5. Wharton

6. Riverview

Final word

“I think the chess master in me about coaching in this district particularly is there are such different styles. You’ve got a Newsome team that is a running team but always well coached. You’ve got Plant who’s always balanced on both sides of the ball. You’ve got Wharton who always gives you trouble defensively. Bloomingdale is kind of a question mark with Booth leaving, but they certainly have some players.” — Alonso coach Brian Emanuel

Correspondent Steve Lee contributed to this report. 

We wrap up our daily district previews for all 78 varsity football teams with a mixed Bradenton/Sarasota/Pinellas league.

Overview

Half of the teams in this district are going to the playoffs, so there is no room for error. If there was ever a time to knock off Bradenton Manatee, it might be this season. After 30 years, legendary coach Joe Kinnan is out. Last year’s starting quarterback, Josh Meyer, is off the team due to an arrest in the spring. He accounted for 2,014 yards of total offense as a junior. But all three teams trying to beat Manatee have question marks. Can Sarasota Riverview overcome losses on defense to earn a second straight playoff appearance? Does St. Petersburg have enough size to last four quarters? Does Palm Harbor University have enough depth under first-year coach Reggie Crume? If those teams can get rolling, it could make for a competitive district.

The favorite

Manatee’s goal every season is a state championship. The Hurricanes have won five of them, all under Kinnan, who was on medical leave and not retained as football coach. John Booth, the former Bloomingdale coach, inherits a team that went 11-1 in 2013 and narrowly lost to Fort Pierce Central in the second round of the playoffs. There are certainly key players who graduated from that team, and the loss of Meyer will hurt. But the Hurricanes tend to reload. Sloan Drummonds transferred from Sebastian River and will take the starting quarterback job. Manatee has won four straight district championships  — and that streak likely doesn’t end this year.

Next in line

Sarasota Riverview made the playoffs last season for the first time since 2008. While several seniors graduated on defense, it still has enough offensive weapons to challenge for the second playoff spot. Riverview loves to run, gaining 2,429 yards last season and throwing for only 565. Throw in the fact that Palm Harbor University and St. Petersburg didn’t improve much in the offseason, and the Rams should make it back to the playoffs.

Sleeper

St. Petersburg can certainly challenge Riverview for the runnerup spot. The Green Devils need sophomore quarterback Austyn Causey to grow up in a hurry, and they need a running back or two to step up. Losses on the defensive side leaves some holes, but the secondary is talented and experienced. The Oct. 31 game against Riverview will likely define the season for both schools.

Important numbers

0 Returning starters at quarterback for the four teams in this district

3 Straight seasons PHU has finished with at least five wins

4 Consecutive 13-win seasons for Manatee from 2009-12

5 Consecutive seasons in which Manatee has lost two or fewer games

Players to watch

FB/LB Stephen Charron, Sr., Palm Harbor University: The bruising back is the team’s top returning rusher with 644 yards last season. In the spring, he had 99 yards and scored once in three quarters against Largo.

CB/WR Josh Hall, Sr., St. Petersburg: Hall had 54 tackles and an interception last season. This will be the Southeast Missouri State commitment’s third season in the secondary.

RB Karan Higdon, Sr., Riverview: The USF recruit gained 771 yards and scored 10 touchdowns last season. He will be the featured back in the Rams’ pistol and spread offense.

WR Kelvin McKnight, Sr., Manatee: A cousin of Jaguars receiver Ace Sanders, McKnight is an offensive threat who caught 41 passes for 519 yards and seven touchdowns last season.

Mark your calendar

St. Petersburg at Palm Harbor University, Oct. 2: This game is essentially to find out which Pinellas team still has a shot at a district championship. St. Petersburg, thanks to its ground game, won 28-6 last season. That will have to be the case again this year. It is the first district game for both schools and even though it’s early, there is plenty on the line.

Returning district leaders

Rushing yards: Manatee’s Johnnie Lang, 781

Rushing TDs: Lang and Riverview’s Karan Higdon, 10

Passing yards: Riverview’s Dominic Caldwell, 85

Passing TDs: Caldwell, 1

Receiving yards: Manatee’s Kelvin McKnight, 519

Receiving TDs: McKnight, 7

Tackles: Manatee’s Travon Rumph, 72

Sacks: Manatee’s Nashon Smith, 4

Interceptions: St. Petersburg’s Jake Moore, 3

Predicted order of finish

From an anonymous coach in the district

1. Manatee

2. St. Petersburg

3. Sarasota Riverview

4. Palm Harbor University

Final word

“We’re trying to build numbers and confidence. We’re not going to be the fastest or the biggest team out there. I just want our guys to compete. Each play is about six seconds in football, and I want them to play as fast and as hard as they can for that period of time.” — Crume

Alonso

Coach: Brian Emanuel (16-14, fourth season)

Last season: 5-5

Class/district: 8A-6

Colors: Navy, gold and white

Stadium: Ravens Stadium, 8302 Montague St., Tampa

Playoff history: 2003, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010

Last appearance: Lost 49-20 to Newsome.

Season schedule

Aug. 29 at Jefferson, 7:30

Sept. 5 vs. Steinbrenner, 7

Sept. 12 vs. East Bay, 7:30

Sept. 19 at Newsome, 7:30

Sept. 26 at Spoto, 7:30

Oct. 2 vs. Bloomingdale, 7

Oct. 17 vs. Wharton, 7:30

Oct. 24 at Riverview, 7:30 

Oct. 31 at Plant, 7:30 

Nov. 7 vs. Sickles, 7:30

Mark your calendar

Alonso at Newsome, Sept. 19: Though Alonso could have tougher district opponents in Plant and Bloomingdale later in the season, the Ravens’ open their district campaign against Newsome and the outcome will likely give one team a leg up in the hunt for the second playoff spot. Last season Alonso lost 38-26 to Newsome  on its way to a fifth-place finish in the district. The Ravens, though, have their sights set much higher, so a win against the Wolves is a must.

Huddle highlights

7-on-7 success: Alonso made waves in the 7-on-7 circuit this summer, winning the Battle of the Bay title and losing in the semifinal round of USF’s Sling-N-Shoot. Coach Brian Emanuel knows that doesn’t necessarily translate to the football field on Friday nights, but he is using that success as a motivating factor to his offense and defensive lines. The skills players have proven their abilities, he says; now the lines have to let them do their jobs.

Line woes: The Ravens graduated four of their starting five from an under-performing offensive line, including Georgia Tech’s Gary Brown. The lone returner, Christian Loubriel, has been moved to guard, but he’ll be surrounded by youth and inexperience. “That is certainly the question mark,” Emanuel said. “If that can jell, we’ll be pretty dang good. If it takes longer, we’ll be okay.”

Oladokun knows the O: Oladokun has had some big moments in 7-on-7 this summer, and Emanuel thinks that’ll continue once he puts on the pads. The junior quarterback has gained 15-20 pounds in the offseason and has a strong grasp on the playbook, his coach said. “He’s got a chance to be one of the best in the state,” Emanuel added.

Closing time: Without hesitation Emanuel said his team’s biggest weakness last season was finishing games, citing late-game turnovers and giving up big plays as the things that held the Ravens down. Alonso fell to Bloomingdale by three points and Sickles by four — games in which the Ravens had at least one turnover. If the Ravens can cut down on their own mistakes as time winds down, they should be able to keep themselves in games.

A defensive difference: Kirk Karsen, the former Sickles defensive coordinator, joined the Alonso coaching staff in the offseason, and Emanuel already sees a huge difference in his defense. Karsen, who had previously worked with Emanuel at both Hillsborough and Gaither, knows how to take an opponent’s game plan away, Emanuel said, and that’s something that could be huge as Alonso tries to cut down on opponents’ big offensive plays down the stretch.

Known quantities

QB Chris Oladokun, Jr.: Oladokun threw for 2,002 yards and 23 touchdowns last season while throwing just three interceptions and completing nearly half of his pass attempts. Emanuel admits he held back on using Oladokun to his full potential, instead stressing a run game led by Missouri running back Ish Witter. But now that the 6-foot-1, 170-pound quarterback has proven he can be one of the best around, Emanuel will no doubt take advantage of his offensive weapon.

LB/DE Jeremy Martinez, Sr.: Martinez led the Ravens last season with 76 tackles, 10 for loss, while contributing three sacks and a pair of fumble recoveries. Considering the help the Ravens need up front, returning such a big tackler is a huge advantage for Alonso.

ATH Roosevelt Lawrence, Sr.: No. 56 on our HomeTeam 100, Lawrence makes waves all over the field — recording 569 kick and punt return yards while coming up with 70 tackles and four interceptions on defense. “He’s the kingpin of our secondary,” Emanuel said.

WR/DB Terryl Scott, Sr.: Scott had 46 tackles and an interception last season, but Emanuel expects the two-way player to have more of an impact on the offensive side of the ball, perhaps stepping in for graduated receiver Marcus Mosley, who led the Ravens in receiving in 2013.

ATH Kelvin Clemmons, Jr.: Clemmons, No. 78 in the HomeTeam 100, rushed for nearly 200 yards and one touchdown in seven games last season, but the 6-foot-1, 205-pound Raven proved this summer that he has the athleticism and versatility to bring more to the table.

Up-and-comers

DE Regan Upshaw, Sr.: Though Upshaw, son of former Buc Regan Upshaw, has played rugby and hockey, he’s never before played football. That said, Emanuel sees great potential in the athletic rookie and expects the 6-foot, 215-pound defender to have a big first year anchoring a defensive line on which there will be lots of pressure to perform.

DL/OL Jordon Smiley, Sr.: A converted basketball player, Smiley is also relatively new to the sport, but the 6-foot-3, 260-pound Raven’s size and athleticism will be a big help on both the offensive and defensive lines.

RB Zantavius Showers, Sr.: Showers rushed for 218 yards and one touchdown last season while adding 104 yards and one touchdown through the air. But now that star running back Ish Witter has moved on, Showers should be the main event and has the potential to be a 1,000-yard rusher.

ATH Josh Elias, Jr.: Elias packs a lot of speed into his 5-foot-7 frame, and he made some flashy plays in some of Alonso’s 7-on-7 games this summer. More of a scatback-type, Elias’ style is different than Showers, making the combo something to which Emanuel is looking forward. “I think he could be deadly being the change of pace for Zantavius,” he said.

Coach’s corner

“It’s fun. Having a three-time state champion in your district, if you’re a competitor, that’s what you want.” — Emanuel 

Riverview

Coach: Mike Thornton (third season, 4-16)

Last season: 2-8

Class/district: 8A-6

Colors: Royal blue, black and silver

Stadium: Shark Field, 11311 Boyette Road, Riverview

Playoff history: 2000, 2001, 2005

Last appearance: Beat Orlando Freedom 34-15; lost 28-7 to Palm Beach Lakes

Season schedule

Sept. 5 at East Bay, 7:30

Sept. 12 at Brandon, 7:30

Sept. 19 vs. Wharton, 7:30

Sept. 26 vs. Middleton, 7:30

Oct. 2 at Plant, 7

Oct. 10 vs. Strawberry Crest, 7:30

Oct. 17 at Bloomingdale, 7:30

Oct. 24 vs. Alonso, 7:30

Oct. 31 vs. Newsome, 7:30 

Nov. 7 at Freedom, 7:30

Mark your calendar

Although it is a Kickoff Classic game, coach Mike Thornton deemed Friday’s game against Leto as an important start to the season, saying, “Somebody’s got to win.” Aside from that, the Oct. 17 road game against district rival Bloomingdale is big. Of course, Thornton also views road games against nearby rivals East Bay (Sept. 5) and Brandon (Sept. 12) as meaningful to a team trying to change its direction.

Huddle highlight

The defensive line, led by Hal Roberson (6-foot-2, 280) and Reggie Desronvil (5-11, 250), clearly is the team’s strength. Riverview could be explosive on the ground with quarterback Keisean Young — “He’s our most dynamic runner,” Thornton said — and junior varsity callup Izzy Johnson running behind an experienced line.

Known quantities

OL/DL Hal Roberson and OL/DL Reggie Desronvil, Srs.: This pair could dominate on both sides of the line and on defense, will be joined up front by Jontae Johnson, making this unit one of the county’s best.

QB Keisean Young, Sr.: A dynamic runner who played some at running back and quarterback last season, and had a 200-yard game against Brandon, he is entrusted with running the offense and surely will produce his share of breakout plays.

OLB Jesse Stillwell, Sr.: Considered one of the bright spots on defense by Thornton, Stillwell is also one of the returning leader in tackles (68).

Up-and-comers

RB/DB Izzy Johnson, Jr.: The primary ball carrier for the junior varsity last season, he will be given his share of carries with ample opportunities to produce.

LB Ryan Pipher, Jr.: A long snapper last season, he has earned a starting spot on defense.

Bloomingdale

Coach: Brian Surcy (first season) 

Last season: 6-4

Class/district: 8A-6

Colors: Black, red and white

Stadium: Charlie Harris Stadium, 1700 E. Bloomingdale Ave., Valrico

Playoff history: 2008

Last appearance: Lost 48-6 to Lakeland.

Season schedule

Aug. 29at Strawberry Crest, 7:30

Sept. 5vs. Brandon, 7:30

Sept. 19vs. Plant, 7:30

Sept. 26at Plant City, 7:30

Oct. 2at Alonso, 7

Oct. 10vs. East Bay, 7:30

Oct. 17vs. Riverview, 7:30

Oct. 24at Newsome, 7:30

Oct. 31at Wharton, 7:30

Nov. 7vs. Middleton, 7:30

Mark your calendar

Plant at Bloomingdale, Sept. 19: The Bulls almost shocked the Panthers last year before falling 50-40, a game that nudged Bloomingdale into last year’s football consciousness and the best record in school history. This year’s Week 4 rematch against the district favorite will be a big test for the Bulls, who return a number of key players from 2013’s breakout team, and let us know right away if Bloomingdale is ready to make the jump. But new coach Brian Surcy, who takes over for John Booth (now at Manatee), was quick to dismiss last year’s Plant result as anything significant. “Last year means nothing,” he said. “It means nothing. We’ve got a lot of work to do.”

Huddle highlights

Balancing it out: The Bulls were not good in the running game last year, gaining just 772 yards — fewest since 2010 — on 3.6 yards a carry. And more than half of those yards were gained by quarterback Isaiah McIntyre. But Surcy, the running backs coach last season, says the Bulls will need to find a way to run the ball this year, a task made easier by Riverview transfer Fred McCoy.

Big O: The Bulls’ offensive line looks impressive, averaging around 6 feet, 265 pounds, and is bigger and more experienced than your typical Bloomingdale offensive line. Surcy says the group needs to develop an “attitude” to go with the size.

Big Mac: Surcy says his team will go as far as quarterback McIntyre takes it. The junior already has a pair of 1,000-yard seasons under his belt and is primed for a breakthrough season. He has a better line blocking for him, one of the best receiving corps in the area, two years of starting experience and a coach who is completely confident in his ability to throw the ball. Keep an eye on him.

New QB II: Last year’s Mac Attack of McIntyre and Tommy McLaughlin combined for 1,832 passing yards and 15 TDs. But McLaughlin, who accounted for 718 passing yards and seven of those TDs, did not come back out. So keeping McIntyre healthy is a must, though Jon Baker appears to be a capable backup.

Sack attack: Defensively, the key for Bloomingdale will be getting a pass rush, and they have the bodies to pull it off. Tyler Jahn is one of the area’s most underrated ends, and tackle Tyler Clark is solid. With linebacker Ryan Voyles behind them, the Bulls could top last year’s 26.5 sacks.

Known quantities

OL Tarron Hampton, Sr.: Hampton (6-3, 265) was the MVP at the USF camp this summer and will anchor the offensive line. “Tarron has really taken on a leadership role up front at left tackle,” Surcy said.

WR Logan Crouse, Sr.: He may be better known for his baseball exploits, where he was the Times’ Tampa Bay Pitcher of the Year, but his 6-5, 180-pound frame makes him a great target as a wide receiver as well. Last year, Crouse caught 42 passes and led the team with six touchdown receptions.

QB Isaiah McIntyre, Jr.: He threw for a career-high 337 yards against Plant and added a pair of 200-yard games, and his ability to run if needed (he had a team-high 379 yards and eight rushing TDs) makes him one of the area’s top offensive weapons. “He’s actually looked outstanding,” Surcy said. “These are the best practices he’s put together since he’s been here. It’s been pretty impressive to see the maturation out here.”

DL Tyler Jahn, Sr.: Jahn was another standout at the USF camp this summer, where Surcy said he was virtually unblockable. Jahn (6-1, 215) can line up at end or linebacker and led the team with eight sacks last year, to go with 68 tackles. “Tyler Jahn, if he keeps his head on straight, will be a stud for us,” said the coach. 

LB Ryan Voyles, Jr.: Top returner at linebacker after notching 106 tackles as a sophomore.

WR Doug Sandberg, Sr.: Has to be in the discussion when debating the top slot receivers in Tampa Bay. Sandberg (5-8, 168) had 52 catches for 677 yards last season, and caught four or more passes in nine of 10 games. Good hands will make him the top target again.

DL/OL Tyler Clark, Sr.: One of the most impressive looking Bulls at 6-3, 230, Clark can help out on both sides of the ball and will look to be a bigger force on the pass rush this season.

Up-and-comers

RB Fred McCoy, Sr.: Surcy calls McCoy “a beast”, and at 5-9, 200 pounds he can run through or around defenders. Last season at Riverview, McCoy rushed for almost as many yards (712) as the entire Bloomingdale team, including a 215-yard effort against Strawberry Crest. His lowest rushing total? On nine carries, McCoy got just 15 yards against his new teammates. 

WR Patrick Wiedrich, Jr.: A little bigger version of Sandberg, Surcy says Wiedrich is a great complement to his leading receiver, and will line up both wide and in the slot. “He’s still learning and still has got a ways to go, but he can take some pressure off,” Surcy said.

WR Sam Gonzalez, Jr.: Another bigger receiver that could make some noise. 

DB Kyle Williams, Sr.: Has emerged as a leader in the defensive backfield, very good in one-on-one coverage.  

DB Will Morgan, Sr.: Had 17 tackles and an interception last year, but Surcy likes his ability to find the ball in coverage.  

Coach’s corner

“We would like to actually be more balanced than we were last year. Our strength was the passing game, but this year we’ll try to be more balanced.” — Surcy

Newsome

Coach: Kenneth Hiscock (ninth season, 54-32)

Last season: 5-5

Class/district: 8A-6

Colors: Navy, light blue and white

Stadium: Unnamed, 16550 Fishhawk Blvd., Lithia 

Playoff history: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012

Last appearance:  Beat Gaither 52-7; beat Durant 21-14; lost 21-18 to Kissimmee Osceola.

Season schedule

Aug. 29 vs. Tampa Bay Tech, 7:30

Sept. 5 vs. Gaither, 7:30

Sept. 12 at Sickles, 7:30

Sept. 19 vs. Alonso, 7:30

Sept. 26 at Jesuit, 7:30

Oct. 2 at Wharton, 7

Oct. 10 at Durant, 7:30

Oct. 17 vs. Plant, 7:30

Oct. 24 vs. Bloomingdale, 7:30

Oct. 31 at Riverview, 7:30

Mark your calendar

While coach Kenneth Hiscock would like nothing more than to defeat nearby rivals Bloomingdale and Riverview, if the Wolves are to return to the playoffs, the earlier games against district rivals Plant and Alonso will mean more. A home win against Alonso on Sept. 19 could put Newsome in the driver’s seat for the other spot with Plant. And the Oct. 17 game against Plant could go a long way in determining whether Newsome is a contender or pretender.

Huddle highlight

Relying on depth: Newsome has strength in numbers with 27 seniors, 18 of whom are starters. The defensive line returns intact. Austin Cobb, who kicked a 49-yard field goal last fall, is a senior who also kicks off and punts. His leg might ultimately decide the Wolves’ playoff fate. The backfield has a solid one-two punch in returners Bruce Anderson III and Chris Bryant.

Known quantities

RB/S Bruce Anderson III, Sr.: A co-captain, Anderson will be counted on the carry the load on offense and shut down the opposing running game from in back on defense. He is the returning leader in tackles (87).

RB Chris Bryant, Sr.: Bryant, part of an experienced one-two backfield punch, is a breakaway threat. He tallied 1,156 all-purpose yards in 2013

OL/DL Nick and Vince Raffaele, Srs.: The twins are proven leaders on both sides of the ball.

OLB/LB Brett Lindbeck, Sr.: A standout on defense (51 tackles, three sacks) sure to get his share of tackles behind a strong defensive front, he can also spell the running backs.

Up-and-comers

WR Donovan Geter, Sr.: A basketball standout taking a crack at football, he is a big target at 6-foot-5, 190 pounds.

MLB Dylan Throneburg, So.: Called up from the JV squad at the end of last year, he showed enough grit to earn a starting spot.

Coach’s corner
“They’re a very unselfish group of guys that have a common goal. There’s a lot of returners, so they know what to expect.” — Hiscock 

Plant

Coach: Robert Weiner (11th season, 112-21)

Last season: 10-2

Class/district: 8A-6

Colors: Black and gold

Stadium: Dads Stadium, 2415 S. Himes Ave., Tampa

Playoff history: 1965, 1973, 1976, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1984, 1999, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013

Last appearance: Beat Orlando Boone 42-3; beat Orlando Dr. Phillips 24-23; beat Fort Pierce Central 17-7; lost 45-29 to Apopka.

State titles: 2006, 2008, 2009, 2011

Season schedule

Aug. 29at Lowndes (Ga.), 7:30

Sept. 5vs. Robinson, 7:30

Sept. 12vs. Gaither, 7:30

Sept. 19at Bloomingdale, 7:30

Sept. 26vs. Tampa Bay Tech, 7:30

Oct. 2vs. Riverview, 7

Oct. 10at Sickles, 7:30

Oct. 17at Newsome, 7:30

Oct. 24vs. Wharton, 7:30

Oct. 31vs. Alonso, 7:30

Mark your calendar

Plant vs. Armwood, Aug. 22: The outcome of Friday’s preseason game between these state title contenders technically doesn’t mean a thing, but for a Plant team that has been plagued by rocky beginnings in each of thepast two seasons, it’s a chance for the Panthers to start things off on the right foot. There are a few unknowns for Plant, which returns just five starters on each side of the ball and will start junior quarterback Rex Culpepper, who has minimal varsity snaps under his belt. So in addition to being a matchup of arguably Tampa Bay’s two best teams, it’ll be a test to see how prepared the young Panthers truly are.

Huddle highlights

Gym rats: The Panthers have always devoted much of their preparation time to the weight room, but in the offseason, coach Robert Weiner installed a new, more intense workout plan that challenged his players. The Panthers spent at least an hour in the weight room four days a week working on the different exercises in three-man groups. “We took a 45- or 60-minute workout time frame and turned it into something that milked everything out of every single one of those moments,” Weiner said.

Something to prove? Plant appeared in state championship games from 2008-2011, winning titles three of those four years. But since then, the Panthers have fallen short of their final goal. Could this again be their year? Though Weiner said he doesn’t feel any pressure to live up to other people’s expectations, he knows it’s there. “Many people look at it as, ‘Oh, Plant had a down year (last year),’” he said. “We had a down year and we still went to the state semifinals.”

Rookie Rex: Plant will start junior quarterback Rex Culpepper, son of former Buc Brad Culpepper. And though the 6-foot-3, 215-pound Panther has more than 10 Division I offers — including ones from Florida, Miami and Ohio State — he is a relative rookie. Despite his inexperience, Weiner said Culpepper has gone above and beyond in his preparations to take over a role that has been filled by several future Division I athletes. 

Beginning with a bang: Plant’s first two games — a preseason matchup with Armwood and a road trip to Lowndes (Ga.) — will likely both draw several thousand spectators, Weiner said. The Panthers, though, have no time for stage fright. Both opponents will test whether the Panthers have the chops to make it all the way. 

Missing Buda: The fact that Alex “Buda” Jackson led Plant offensively last season is an understatement. Jackson, whose passion for the game was palpable, finished the year with 711 rushing yards and five touchdowns, while adding 488 yards receiving and seven touchdowns through the air. When the Georgia Military College signee moved on, he left a big hole. “We always felt like if we had Buda, we always had a chance to be in the game,” Weiner said. “The question is, at least in attitude, who does that become?”

Known quantities

OL Jake Fruhmorgen, Sr.: The Panthers lost a pair of Division I offensive linemen from last season, but Fruhmorgen, a four-star Clemson commit, is back to anchor a line that has a lot to live up to. 

DL Kyle Henderson, Sr.: The leading returning tackler, Henderson had 67 tackles, 19 for loss, five sacks and two fumble recoveries last season. But as a leader on a rebuilding defense, the Georgia Tech commit could be good for a whole lot more in 2014. 

RB Patrick Brooks, Sr.: Though his skill set is a little different from Jackson’s, Brooks is Buda’s best replacement. The 5-foot-9, 185-pound running back rushed for 927 yards and seven touchdowns last season while adding 223 yards receiving and two touchdowns receptions. There’s no doubt Brooks has what it takes to be a 1,000-yard rusher this go around. 

WR Jordan Reed, Sr.: Reed led the Panthers with 613 yards receiving and four touchdowns last season while starring on special teams, racking up 223 kick return and 109 punt return yards. 

DB Derrick Baity, Sr.: After losing current Division I defensive backs Austin Hudson (Wisconsin), Mazzi Wilkins (USF) and Bernard Rogers (Toledo), the secondary might be the Panthers’ biggest question mark. Baity, who has moved from cornerback to safety this year, will help hold it together. The 6-foot-2, 170-pound athlete had 40 tackles and three interceptions in 2013. 

Up-and-comers

QB Rex Culpepper, Jr.: This is Culpepper’s third year on the varsity roster, but the new starting quarterback has only 14 pass completions for 127 yards, one touchdown and an interception as backup quarterback in 2013. Time will tell if Culpepper has what it takes to be the next in a line of great Panther quarterbacks, but after watching him in the offseason, Weiner has a hunch he could be. 

RB/LB Tykese Keaton-Baldwin, Jr.: Keaton-Baldwin played on both sides of the ball last year, finishing with 115 yards receiving and 38 tackles. This season he could have a breakout year, especially on the defensive side, where he’ll be helping to fill the hole left by now Texas linebacker Andrew Beck. 

WR Clarke Miller, Sr.: Miller spent some time as wide receiver last season, finishing with 207 yards and three touchdowns, while also converting 21 of 22 PATs and six of eight field goals. This season, though, Weiner expects the versatile player to have much more of a spotlight role at wide receiver. 

WR Luke McFadden, Sr.: McFadden made some big plays last year, recording 101 yards and one touchdown on five receptions. Like Miller, Weiner expects the 6-foot-2, 175-pound Panther to be a featured receiver in 2014. 

C Ronald “Chalupe” Christian: The 6-foot, 275-pound center has big shoes to fill, replacing last year’s starter and Princeton signee Richard Bush. But like Bush, Weiner said Christian enjoys the mental side of the game and has done well learning the complicated game plan Weiner has in store for the preseason game against the Hawks. 

Coach’s corner

“I have four state championship rings in the safety deposit box. I can go put a fifth one in there and that’s fine. But I know what it feels like to win one, and I want them to win one. I want them to experience it.” — Weiner

Wharton

Coach: David Mitchell (10th season, 57-41)

Last season: 7-4

Class/district: 8A-6

Colors: Navy and white

Stadium: Wildcat Stadium, 20150 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa

Playoff history: 2002, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013

Last appearance: Lost 37-10 to Orlando Dr. Phillips.

Season schedule

Aug. 29 at Spoto, 7:30

Sept. 5 vs. Plant City, 7:30

Sept. 12 vs. Freedom, 7:30

Sept. 19 at Riverview, 7:30

Sept. 26 at East Bay, 7:30

Oct. 2 vs. Newsome, 7

Oct. 10 vs. Steinbrenner, 7:30

Oct. 17 at Alonso, 7:30

Oct. 24 at Plant, 7:30

Oct. 31 vs. Bloomingdale, 7:30 

Mark your calendar

Bloomingdale at Wharton, Oct. 31: Last year, this game decided the runnerup in the district and for most of the game it looked like it would be the Bulls. But Wharton sent Bloomingdale off into the offseason with 22 unanswered points as the Wildcats won 30-23. The Wildcats are in rebuilding mode and will be fortunate if this game is that important again this season. We think it could be. Either way, it will have an impact on the playoff situation in 8A-6.

Huddle highlights

Recalibrating: Wharton has to replace most of its offensive weapons, as well as fill some big holes on defense, but they won’t have to go too young this year. In fact, it seems like most of the Wildcat roster is comprised of seniors and juniors. The loss of four starters earlier this month due to off-the-field issues, however, stings.

QB battle: With all-time leading passer Chase Litton graduated, the Wildcats are still deciding between last year’s backup, Bryce Martin, and Panama City transfer Adam McAfee. Martin is more of a pocket passer and has some mobility, but McAfee is more of a dual threat. Coach David Mitchell said he will decide who the starter is Friday.

United States of Wharton: The Wildcats’ best player, wide receiver and FSU commitment Auden Tate, was a South Carolina transfer, and McAfee will contribute, but the Wildcats also have two new out-of-state move-ins that will start this season: running back Torrez Nesbit (Michigan) and wide receiver Devontres Dukes (North Carolina).

Lining up: The offensive line at Wharton will be a strength, said offensive coordinator Craig Rainey. It is an experienced group with three starters returning: DeAndre Brown, Andrew Williams and Joe Wintrick. And Daniel Martel, a 6-4, 275-pound junior, has been looking good in camp. With big fullbacks and wide receivers, look for Wharton to try and pound the rock this season.

Old student, new athlete: Senior V’Onte Williams-McRoy (6-0, 190) will play his first high school football season, and looks ready to make up for lost time. A standout this summer on the 7-on-7 all-star circuit, Williams-McRoy is a lockdown corner with excellent instincts and a nose for the ball who, if he can pick up the playbook and coverages, has a chance to be one of the best defensive backs in Tampa Bay. 

Known quantities

WR Auden Tate, Sr.: The No. 12 player in the HomeTeam 100, Tate is coming off a huge season (49 catches, 815 yards, five touchdowns) but will have to break in a new quarterback. He will, however, be the top target for whomever starts, and at 6-4, 195 with excellent hands, should find the end zone more this season.

OL DeAndre Brown, Sr.: A returning starter, the hulking left tackle is 6-5, 280 pounds and should be one of the best blockers around. He’ll be more important this season as he protects the blindside of a new quarterback and leads the way in a running game that may rely on the power game.

OL Joe Wintrick, Sr.: Another experienced blocker for the Wildcats, and at 6-2, 250 will line up at left guard next to Brown, creating a formidable wall.

LB Javonte Hayes, Sr.: A load at 5-11, 195, Hayes was the team’s leading tackler last year with 93, including 10 for loss, and is the heart of the Wildcat defense.

DL/LB Richard Drummond, Sr.: The top returning pass rusher for Wharton, Drummond (6-1, 235) had 47 tackles and led the team with 3.5 sacks last season; he also was credited with 12 quarterback hurries.

DB Theo Hyppolite, Sr.: The 6-1, 185-pound defender is having a nice fall camp, according to coaches, and will be a key player in one of the area’s most complete defensive backfields.

DB Ozziah Williams, Sr.: when it comes to all-purpose yards, Williams is the second-leading returner for Wharton behind Tate, thanks to 155 yards worth of interception returns. Williams led the team with three interceptions and 11 passes defended.

Up-and-comers

QB Bryce Martin, Jr.: Martin was the backup last season, getting in two games and throwing eight passes. He is fighting for the starting job, but has the advantage of being in the system.

QB Adam McAfee, Sr.: McAfee played eight games for Panama City Arnold last season in a quick-passing spread offense, completing 57 of 99 passes for 635 yards and three touchdowns. He closed out the season with a 20-of-34 outing, for 218 yards and two scores, and has carried that over into a solid offseason that has him in the mix for a starting gig.

RB Torrez Nesbit, Jr.: Michigan transfer Nesbit has some speed and also hits the holes with some power behind his 5-9, 210-pound frame.

WR Devontres Dukes, Jr.: A North Carolina transfer, Dukes gives Wharton another tall (6-3, 180) weapon opposite Tate.

OL Daniel Martel, Jr.: New starter on the line at right tackle, Martel will fit right in at 6-4, 275.

DL Godey Coleus, Jr.: Coaches love the motor on Coleus, a 6-2, 215-pound nose who is athletic enough to play linebacker and end as well.

FB Alex Woolley, Jr.: Wharton will use Woolley (5-11, 190) as a utility player, lining him up in the backfield, slot and at tight end.

Coach’s corner

“Can we find our identity? That’s the question. We’ve already had to overcome a lot of adversity. We just need to get better, to get better every day.” — Mitchell

Palm Harbor University

Coach: Reggie Crume (first season)

Last season: 5-5

Class/district: 8A-7

Colors: Burgundy, navy and white

Stadium: Hurricane Stadium, 1900 Omaha St., Palm Harbor

Playoff history: 2011, 2012

Last appearance: Lost 24-10 to Vero Beach.

Season schedule

Aug. 29 at East Lake, 7:30

Sept. 5 at Boca Ciega, 7:30

Sept. 12 vs. Clearwater, 7:30

Sept. 26 at Seminole, 7:30

Oct. 2 vs. St. Petersburg, 7:30

Oct. 10 vs. Dunedin, 7:30

Oct. 17 at Sarasota Riverview, 7:30

Oct. 24 at Osceola, 7:30  

Oct. 31 vs. Manatee, 7:30 

Nov. 7 at Gibbs, 7:30

Mark your calendar

St. Petersburg at Palm Harbor University, Oct. 2: This is the district opener for both teams and a loss will make it incredibly tough for either to get into playoff contention with just two games remaining against 8A-7 opponents. Last year, the Green Devils won 28-6, snapping a three-game losing streak in the series. St. Petersburg, given what it has among returning starters, is favored. But the Hurricanes traditionally have kept games in this series close.

Huddle highlights

Starting over: First-year coach Reggie Crume, a former defensive back at Washington University, takes over the program from Matt LePain, who left to coach Dunedin. LePain built the Hurricanes into a consistent contender, guiding the program to its first playoff appearances in 2011 and ‘12. This is Crume’s first head coaching job at the high school level, and he is trying to maintain the same success. The numbers are not ideal —  38 on varsity —  for an 8A school, but Crume was pleased with the enthusiasm and the participation in summer workouts.

Filling the gaps: The first priority for PHU was finding a way to make up for the production of dual-threat quarterback Tyler Kaminski, who graduated. Kaminski accounted for more than 2,400 of PHU’s 3,305 yards and 26 of 34 touchdowns on offense. PHU benefitted from the addition of Brandon Swift, a transfer from East Lake who played well in his limited opportunities as a backup last season. Now the Hurricanes have to develop some support for Swift after losing their two wideouts and two of their top three rushers.

Charron in charge: PHU’s best player is Stephen Charron, who could be the team’s leading rusher and tackler this season. Charron was the featured back in the spring and would have run for more than 100 yards if the varsity had played four quarters. He has the chance for 1,000 yards this season. And as the starting middle linebacker, he’ll rack up plenty of tackles.

Known quantities

FB/LB Stephen Charron, Sr.: The bruising back is the team’s top returning rusher with 644 yards. In the spring, he had 99 yards and scored once in three quarters against Largo.

WR/DB Tanner Tinsley, Sr.:  Tinsley becomes the go-to guy in the passing game. Last season he caught eight passes for 104 yards.

OL/DL George Tsiouklas, Jr.: The returning starter will be a leader on both sides of the line.

Up-and-comers

QB Brandon Swift, Sr.: The East Lake transfer missed the spring game because of a shoulder injury. His first start Aug. 29 comes against his old team, the Eagles.

WR/DB Arkez Cason, Jr.: Crume is excited about the play-making ability of Cason, who should get plenty of playing time on both sides of the ball.

DL Colin Dietz, Sr.: This solid run-stopper had 37 tackles last season, which ranks second among returning starters. 

DL Mark Santucci, Sr.: He steps into a bigger role this year on defensive line that has the potential to be one of the best in the county.

Coach’s corner

“We’re trying to build numbers and confidence. We’re not going to be the fastest or the biggest team out there. I just want our guys to compete. Each play is about six seconds in football, and I want them to play as fast and as hard as they can for that period of time.” — Crume 

St. Petersburg

Coach: Joe Fabrizio (ninth season, 53-33)

Last season: 6-4

Class/district: 8A-7

Colors: Green and white

Stadium: Stewart Field, 2501 5th Ave. N., St. Petersburg

Playoff history: 1984, 1985, 1987, 1997, 2001, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010

Last appearance: Lost 13-10 to Venice.

Season schedule

Aug. 29 vs. Gibbs, 7:30

Sept. 5 at Clearwater, 7:30

Sept. 12 vs. Lakewood, 7:30

Sept. 26 at Boca Ciega, 7:30

Oct. 2 at Palm Harbor University, 7:30

Oct. 10 vs. Seminole, 7:30

Oct. 17 at Manatee, 7:30

Oct. 24 vs. Dixie Hollins, 7:30

Oct. 31 vs. Sarasota Riverview, 7:30

Nov. 7 at East Lake, 7:30

Mark your calendar

Sarasota Riverview at St. Petersburg, Oct. 31: The Bradenton Manatee game two weeks earlier is a big district game for sure. But that one is on the road against a traditional power. The second spot in the district will likely come down to this game. Manatee and Riverview took the playoff spots last year, and if St. Petersburg is going to break that pattern it has to win here. Last year was a humbling 29-3 loss. The Green Devils’ running attack needs to be at its best on Halloween night.

Huddle highlights

Filling the gaps: St. Petersburg has to replace it’s starting quarterback (Rob Tribolet), its top running back (Deangelo Reeves) and one of its top defensive players (Riley Barr). Throw in the transfers of Anthony Foster, John’Ta Edwards and Tavon Jones, and there are holes to fill. The good news is that there are several backs competing for playing time and coach Joe Fabrizio is confident in his starting quarterback, Austyn Causey.

Breaking the drought: The Green Devils haven’t made the playoffs since 2010, and this could be the year that streak ends. In a four-team district with only one real power (Manatee), St. Petersburg could be the second-place team. It would take wins over Palm Harbor University and Riverview, which isn’t out of the question. 

Depth: While the Green Devils don’t have a proven standout (yet, anyway), they do have plenty of players to choose from. Including junior varsity players, there are more than 120 in the program. The varsity will have close to 70 players. That gives Fabrizio the luxury of keeping players fresh through games.

Known quantities

CB/WR Josh Hall, Sr.: Hall had 54 tackles last season and an interception. This will be his third season in the secondary. He has committed to Southeast Missouri State University.

FS Jake Moore, Sr.: Led the Green Devils with three interceptions last season. Had 47 tackles in 10 games last season. Fabrizio calls Moore a “big-play guy.’’

CB Allen Jones, Sr.: Another three-year starter, Jones is a big part of the Green Devils’ experienced secondary.

C Alex Leon, Sr.: At 6-foot, 260 pounds, Leon is big enough to handle a demanding 10-game schedule. A second-year starter, Leon’s experience should help Causey.

P/K Parker Bryant, Jr.: He took over for Sean Covington last season and did well. Has range from 45 yards and in and is capable of booming punts. One of the top three kickers in Pinellas.

CB Davon Conyers, Sr.: Played nine games in the secondary last season. Yet another experienced senior in the secondary.

Up-and-comers

QB Austyn Causey, So.: Yes, a sophomore will lead the offense. But Fabrizio said Causey was very good as the JV starter and feels Causey could surprise some people this season.

RB Jacquel Waller, Jr.: Carried 43 times for 256 yards last season. Also ran wild in a spring game route of Sarasota. He could be the main ball carrier this season, so it remains to be seen how he’ll handle the extra load.

RB Darius Miller, Jr.: Miller was used about as much as Waller last season. He had 44 carries for 279 yards, but will see an increase in St. Petersburg’s run-first offense.

Coach’s corner

“We’ve got good athletes on both sides of the ball. We saw that in our spring game. We’ve been practicing well and we’re ready to go. I think we’ve got a good team.” — Fabrizio 

Every year when the time for scheduling a preseason game approaches, Plant High football coach Robert Weiner calls around the state looking for the best opponent  for his four-time state champion Panthers. 

Last year, it was Godby, the Tallahassee tank of a team that handed Plant a 19-point loss. In 2011, the Panthers took on Miami Columbus, an eventual Class 8A state semifinalist.   

But while at an February event for high school coaches at USF with Armwood coach Sean Callahan, Weiner suddenly realized he didn’t have to search far and wide this time for the best matchup in Florida. 

“I said to Sean, 'We could call anywhere we want, and we’re not going to find a better opponent than each other,’  ” Weiner recalled. 

So the veteran coaches ran it by their athletic directors and made it official: the game that means nothing to overall records but everything to players involved in one of Tampa Bay’s greatest rivalries. 

The teams, which own a combined six state titles, played every season from 2000-12 before Armwood moved into a nine-team district. The last time they played, Oct. 26, 2012, the Panthers won 20-19 after blocking a Hawks extra point in overtime. The two years before that, Plant was shut out (but eventually won both by forfeit).

In exchange for playing Friday's game at Plant’s Dad’s Stadium, Callahan initially requested starters be taken out after the second series of the third quarter. But as game day comes closer, both coaches are reconsidering that agreement. 

“My people don’t want to do that,” Callahan said. “So we’ll play this like a real game.”

With no time limits on starters’ playing time, the matchup will prominently feature some of Tampa Bay’s best players while serving as a coming-out party for others. 

Armwood, ranked 25th in the nation by MaxPreps, will be led by a defense composed of linebacker Jordan Griffin, who had 150 tackles last season, and end Byron Cowart, one of the nation’s top 2015 recruits. They will come for Plant’s new starting quarterback, Rex Culpepper, a 6-foot-3, 215-pound junior who has 13 Division I-A offers despite having never started a varsity game. 

Thinking back through the years of meetings between the teams, Weiner is excited about the rich history in the rivalry and the fact another thriller could be right around the corner. Weiner admits he has no idea what will happen. 

Griffin, though, has a different idea.

“They have the bragging rights right now,” he said. “But I think we’re going to have the bragging rights this time.”

Powerhouse vs. powerhouse

The Plant-Armwood rivalry over the past 10 years:

YearWinner

2004Armwood, 49-0

2005Armwood, 24-6

2006Plant, 38-20

2007Armwood, 26-7

2007Armwood, 36-7

2008Armwood, 9-2

2008Plant, 17-14

2009Plant, 17-7

2010Plant, 1-0 *

2011Plant, 1-0 *

2012Plant, 20-19

2013Did not play

*Armwood won 17-0 and 21-0 but later had to forfeit both

More intriguing preseason matchups

Zephyrhills at Land O’Lakes, 7:30: Two teams with playoff aspirations for this season, as usual. But in the last three years, Land O’Lakes is 19-11 and Zephyrhills is 20-10 with no playoffs to show for it. The Gators return the county’s top passing attack behind James Pensyl and will be addressing defensive concerns tonight, while the Bulldogs hope to have enough linemen developed to contend with more physical teams.

Berkeley Prep at Gulf, 7:30: Call this the battle of the Buccaneers. Gulf was 1-9 last season, but that was without two of its biggest playmakers — Keshaun Peters and Avery Welch. Those two will have a chance to work out the kinks tonight. Berkeley Prep quarterback Brad Mayes threw for just over 1,000 yards as a junior and has had a good summer. 

Sickles at Tampa Catholic, 7: This game may not count in the standings, but it will feature two five-star recruits as Sickles’ Ray Ray McCloud III goes up against Tampa Catholic’s Nate Craig, the top-rated recruit in the 2016 class. Keep and eye on the Gryphon pass rush, which has to replace a pair of Division I-A signees, against a Tampa Catholic offensive line that lost Corey Martinez to FSU and has to protect a new, inexperienced quarterback.

Tampa Bay Tech at Blake, 7:30: The Titans haven’t been as hyped as years past, but they have a great group of younger players that should begin to emerge tonight. Clemson commit Deon Cain has a talented fleet of receivers to throw to, and coaches will be watching the rebuilt offensive line very closely in hope of establishing a running game. Blake has a new quarterback in Sam Oxendine, a potential 1,000-yard rusher in Corey Bennett and a host of athletic playmakers, but the performance in the trenches will tell us the most.     

Clearwater Central Catholic at Countryside, 7:30: The difference in last year’s game, a 22-13 CCC win, came at the line of scrimmage. Countryside had four new starters on the offensive line and the inexperience showed as the Marauders collected seven sacks in the first half. Now the roles are reversed. The Cougars have a more veteran line while CCC is replacing eight starters on defense, including the entire front seven. Expect a high-scoring game that will feature two electrifying quarterbacks, Countryside’s Trent Chmelik and CCC’s Jeff Smith, a Boston College commit. Smith, though, will be without one of his favorite targets, CJ Cotman, who is being held out because of a separated shoulder. 

Manatee at East Lake, 7:30: The Eagles will find out just how badly they miss, or don’t miss, some key players who graduated. There is still plenty of talent returning, and Manatee will certainly provide a test. This will be the first game for John Booth, the former Bloomingdale coach who takes over for longtime Manatee coach Joe Kinnan. Last year, the Eagles were breaking in new quarterback Jake Hudson and lost to the Hurricanes 38-7. East Lake went on to its greatest season in school history, winning 13 straight games before falling to eventual champion Palm Beach Dwyer in the Class 7A state semifinals. Manatee was upset in the Class 8A semifinals by Fort Pierce Central. The Hurricanes will be the ones breaking in a new quarterback this season. Sloan Drummonds transferred from Sebastian River, and this will be his first game with the new offense. 

Staff writers Bob Putnam and Rodney Page contributed to this report.