Wildcats might have three-way QB controversy

All three quarterbacks in contention for Wesley Chapel's starting job saw action in Thursday's one-quarter exhibition against Gulf, but it's hard to tell if any helped his case.

Wildcats coach John Castelamare rotated junior Cory Filley, senior Chase Polston and sophomore Anthony Rawson behind center each series, with Filley getting the nod on the first drive. Rawson threw the only pass of the night, connecting with Kenny Roberts on a two-point conversion after the Wildcats' first touchdown.

DEPTH CHARGES: Though lightning canceled Land O'Lakes' exhibition Thursday against Hernando after just 15 minutes of play, coach John Benedetto was able to shuffle in four running backs, four receivers and two tight ends. His only regret was not getting a look at his backup quarterbacks.

"Drew (Weatherford) was done and we were getting ready to get Michael (Garcia, the second-string quarterback) into the game," Benedetto said. "I think it was important for Michael to have that opportunity."

Michael Dantschyschyn, last season's junior varsity quarterback, was slated to play the fourth quarter.

Defensive coordinator Al Claggett also was pleased to get a look at several players. Seven linemen, seven linebackers and four players in the secondary got on the field in the short-lived scrimmage.

"When we did put other players in, there was no change," Claggett said.

Billy McGrath came up with the game's lone turnover by recovering Rod Roberts' fumble on a kickoff return. The Gators needed four plays to score their third touchdown on Eddie Gibbs' 1-yard run.

"It was good for us, because we had field position and we were able to take advantage of it," Benedetto said.

SECOND STRING: With several Hudson starters nursing injuries, their replacements had a rather productive night in Friday's preseason game against Lecanto.

Guards Justin Brown (head) and Jimmy Schumacher (hamstring) saw limited action. Starting in their places were Mike Meares and Matt Quinn.

"They haven't won the first-team positions, but they can get the job done," Hudson coach Terry Voyles said.

Another battle looms at center with freshman Allen Wynn pushing starter John Caruso, who gave way to Wynn after the first half.

Junior varsity kicker Matt Edelman's status could change this week. Edelman kicked off and went 2-for-2 on extra points. Tim Cook was sidelined with a right thigh bruise.

WHEN ENDS ATTACK: The big news this season out of Ridgewood is the move of Georgia Tech-signee Adamm Oliver to tailback in new coach Troy Cornwell's I-formation offense.

But Oliver was an all-conferene pick at defensive end last season, and in Friday night's preseason game he showed why.

Oliver ran wild against Citrus' offensive line, sacking quarterback Casey Snyder twice and pressuring him throughout the night. One of his sacks caused a fumble that the Rams recovered.

But Oliver was even more impressive on special teams, continually breaking into the backfield on Citrus' punt attempts. After a few close calls, the 6-foot-4, 240-pound Oliver broke through to block two punts, one that Citrus chased into the end zone and kicked out of bounds for a safety.

Oliver did all that despite a deep gash on his nose, which left his face bloodied in the second half and forced a trip to the bench for treatment.

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