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Bulldogs can still run the ball
By GREG AUMAN, Times Staff Writer ZEPHYRHILLS -- The known commodity entering Zephyrhills' intrasquad scrimmage Tuesday to wrap up spring drills was quarterback James Adamo, who will be among the county's top college recruits this fall as a senior. The good news, after a 90-minute workout that generated three scoring drives in 12 possessions, is that the Bulldogs showed they'll still be able to run the ball after the graduation of two-time, 1,000-yard rusher Michael Moody. Sophomore tailback Sidney Williams, the school's top JV rusher last year, carried 10 times for 76 yards and a touchdown, including gains of 15, 17 and 18 yards. Fellow sophomore Travis Mickle, playing with the second-team, broke loose for an 80-yard scoring run up the middle. The Bulldogs, with only 27 healthy players, opted for the scrimmage format. After Adamo marched his Orange squad down the field for two 80-yard touchdown drives, the defense firmed up, allowing the offense to cross midfield only three times in the remaining 10 possessions. Kevin Senior led the pass rush with three sacks, while Randy Mueller had the game's lone interception off a deflected pass. "We're minus some key players for the spring with injuries and other reasons," coach Tom Fisher said. "But we've got some kids who can do the job, and some kids who are going to need to pick it up." NEED TO KNOW: Adamo, who ran 9 yards for his only touchdown, went 10-of-22 through the air for 193 yards despite having his top four receivers on the sidelines. Kyle Briscoe suffered a partial tear of the deltoid ligament in his left ankle on the first day of contact drills, and Keith Ostermann recently had surgery to correct a problem in his left ear. Tony Smiley missed the game with a disciplinary suspension and Casey Finley was out with a broken ankle suffered in the first week. "James is throwing the ball well, even though the young kids aren't catching it," Fisher said. "He's getting his work, but he's not getting the completions, but he's putting it where it needs to be." Of those filling in, freshman Chris Clark looked sharp, catching a 55-yard bomb on the scrimmage's first play. He finished with four catches for 85 yards. Scott Stewart caught a 40-yard pass down the right sideline, and 6-foot-5 tight end Paul Maxwell caught a 24-yard pass across the middle. PLAYER TO WATCH: Doug Burden, who finished second in the county in sacks as a 150-pound nose guard, put his speed to use at outside linebacker, where he'll see action this fall. Burden, wearing No. 42, also saw action at tailback in the second half with impressive runs of 15 and 16 yards. Burden had two fumbles in five carries, recovering both himself. KEEP AN EYE ON: Williams, wearing No. 3, looks to be Moody's heir apparent at tailback and showed bursts of speed in the first two series. He might not be the defensive presence that Moody was, but seems comfortable carrying the ball and will lead a speedy backfield. "Hopefully he'll be the type who can get better as the year goes on," Fisher said. "We've got a tough preseason classic where he'll really get his feet wet." Williams' speed should complement fullback Justin Cobb, who scored 10 touchdowns last fall. TO BE CONTINUED: Depth on the line is a concern, with junior guard Jamen Monbarren still sidelined from a broken ankle suffered in October. Tuesday's starting five -- center Shane Hand, guards Daniel Cerf and Scott Calhoun and tackles Bubba Tindale and Derrick Wallace -- played well, but Fisher is hoping a strong showing in the weight room this summer will help develop a second line. He said Monbarren -- like the rest of the spring injuries -- can return healthy in time for fall practice. NEXT UP: Zephyrhills will have its preseason classic against Mulberry and will stay busy in the summer by attending camps. Hand has been invited by Central Florida coaches to attend their camp, and Adamo and Briscoe will be attending quarterbacks camp at Florida.
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