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Young Eagles eye junior LB
By FRANK PASTOR SPRING HILL -- It was straight out of Planet of the Apes. A year ago, Kurt Carriveau was a sophomore starter on a defense that carried Springstead to victories in its final five games and to the Eagles' first winning record in four seasons. He had the luxury of learning from experienced players such as linebackers Dan Raddish and Allen Lamb and defensive lineman Jeff Hess. Then, graduation hit, and Springstead found itself in a hostile environment, where the hunters had become the hunted. Carriveau was among the survivors, left to lead a younger, inexperienced lot into a dangerous new world. Before it could adapt, a defense that had not allowed a touchdown the final five games of last season -- shutting out its final three opponents -- was victimized for 67 points in two games, both losses. "We don't have many seniors this year," Carriveau said. "It's a younger group. "A lot of people are still learning," he said. "We're still switching in a lot of people at different positions. It's not quite set like it was last year." As the Eagles' most experienced defensive starter, it is Carriveau's job to help bring his younger teammates along. The 6-foot-3, 235-pounder is responsible for recognizing formations, calling defenses and -- now more than ever -- making plays. "He's got to be our force guy up front," coach Bill Vonada said. "He's a decent-sized guy. He is still just a junior, so he's still learning somewhat. "But we just expect him to be somewhat of a leader on defense, and yet he's got to continue to grow and improve." It's not like Carriveau appeared suddenly from behind a moon rock. His 77 tackles were fifth-most in the county last season. He had two interceptions and a sack. But most of his contributions were made in the shadow of the fiery Raddish, who is playing at NCAA Division III Hiram College this season. Now, it's Carriveau's turn to lead. "Last year, Dan was the leader, probably the best player on the team," Carriveau said. "He did a lot. He never gave up, he was always around the ball. I just try to do what he did." So far, so good. Carriveau had eight tackles and an interception in a 28-22 opening-week loss to Hernando, and forced a fumble in last week's 39-6 defeat to Crystal River. He caught passes in each game as a backup tight end, including a 7-yard touchdown against Crystal River. "He has a natural sense for the ball, where it's going to be," Vonada said. "He's actually surprisingly good at pass coverage, and he's got a great set of hands." Carriveau has the makings of a big-time college player. But he will have to improve his strength, speed and -- in his opinion -- grades (he has a 2.7 GPA) to make that possible. "If he would totally dedicate himself to it in the offseason, if football was his No. 1 thing, yeah, I think that he's got that potential," Vonada said. "If he can achieve his strength and speed potentials, (with) just his natural size and some of the other attributes, teams would look at him, I think, especially at tight end," the coach said. But college will have to wait. Carriveau is more concerned with helping to turn around a season that began with talk of Springstead's first playoff berth in six years. The Eagles (0-2) can take a big step in that direction Friday night, when they open Class 4A, District 6 play against Land O'Lakes (2-0). "During our camp, one of our goals was to make the playoffs, and that will start this week if we can beat Land O'Lakes," Carriveau said. "Then, we figure, if we can go 7-3 and win most of our district games, that'll be what we've got to do." A brave new world, indeed. -- Frank Pastor can be reached at (800) 333-7505, ext. 1430.
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From today's Hernando Times Letters |
