A spotlight on the Times’ bay area players of the week.
Female Hot Shot: Taylor Anderson, Mitchell
Sport: Swimming
Skinny: Anderson was the only North Suncoast swimmer to take the gold in an event at the Class 3A meet. The junior won the state title and set a personal record in the 50 free in 23.39 seconds. It was Anderson’s first state title after taking third place in the same event last year. “For me, it was believing in myself,” Anderson said after the meet. “So much of it is mental. It feels good, but I know I can come back and swim even faster. I have high expectations.”
Male Hot Shot: Tyler Mahla, Springstead
Sport: Football
Skinny: The quarterback isn’t one to pass the ball and let others make the plays. The senior has 902 passing and 756 rushing yards this season. Mahla said at the beginning of the year that his goal was to win one postseason game, and he accomplished that Friday. Mahla led Springstead to a 21-6 victory against Citrus in the first round of the playoffs, rushing for two of the Eagles’ three touchdowns and completing a pass for the third. Springstead is the only North Suncoast team still alive. “It’s like having a coach on the field,” coach Mike Garofano said. “He has a very high football IQ. He’s our leader and captain, and we are fortunate to have him.”