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10 Pressing Questions

The high school football season begins in less than three weeks. Leading up to preseason games, the Times will answer 10 Pressing Questions facing Pinellas schools.

By BOB PUTNAM, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published August 22, 2002

4. Will Seminole's defense continue to dominate?

Lately, Seminole has had a few things to brag about on defense.

In the past two seasons the Warhawks have given up the fewest points, including eight shutouts, and the least amount of yards.

Putting the clamps on opponents in that time has helped Seminole go 22-4, win consecutive district titles and make back-to-back appearances in the Class 4A region final.

But after the departure of seven starters, can the Warhawks still field a ferocious defense?

"We're hoping we can continue to be good on that side of the ball," coach Sam Roper said. "It's going to be a different defense. We don't have the size and the experience that we had the past two years, but we could be quicker, and there's a lot of potential with the players we have."

Replacing middle linebacker D'Qwell Jackson, who will play for Maryland this fall, was the team's first priority. With a nose for the ball carrier and an unwavering focus, Jackson emerged as the star of Seminole's mad-dog defense. He recorded 57 tackles, 48 assists and 16 tackles for a loss last season.

"Losing D'Qwell is big because he called everything and kept everybody in line," defensive coordinator Mike Perlin said.

Joey Fabrizio will move over from his outside linebacker spot to take Jackson's place. A starter the past two seasons, Fabrizio has been sturdy and said he isn't fazed by the added workload.

"Everybody has to step up, including myself," Fabrizio said. "We probably won't be as talented as we were last year, but we're starting to get things down. The biggest thing is we have a real good bond on the team. A lot of us have played together since we we were seven. That helps make up for a lot of things."

Fabrizio, along with other mainstays such as defensive lineman Ray Pike and defensive backs Ryan Goshay and Morgan Riley, has become a mentor to the newcomers, offering advice whenever needed.

"Football is a tough sport, and it's always hard to meet the same expectations when you lose people," Pike said. "We just have to work harder, and I think once the new guys learn their responsibilities we should be fine."

The players have had to take a crash course in defense. With the first day of practice moved back a week this year and county schools starting classes two weeks earlier, two-a-day practices were not available.

But even though the Warhawks have little time to get ready, at least they're experienced in filling holes. Last season Seminole had to replace 14 seniors, including 10 starters, and advanced as far as it did the season before.

How far will the defense take the Warhawks this year? Seminole will get an indication the first week of the season when it hosts Lakewood, the county's No. 1 ranked offense last season.

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