Preps
10 Pressing questions
Can new coach Bob Hudson keep East Lake on top?
By JOHN SCHWARB, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published August 22, 2003
Bob Hudson had enough of a challenge last spring when he accepted the job as East Lake football coach. He was in the midst of a softball season.
"I was trying to get my softball team in the playoffs, trying to overcome Palm Harbor (University) and Countryside in our district," Hudson said. "Now came this.
"I was like a deer stuck in the headlights."
Five months later, Hudson is calmer, but there still is a challenge looming.
As it turned out, the East Lake softball team did not make the playoffs. When it comes to the football team, however, playing in the postseason is almost expected.
East Lake is riding a three-year playoff streak, the second-longest in the county behind Seminole (four). But after a third consecutive first-round loss, coach Tom Keeler left to start the new program at Nature Coast Technical High in Hernando County.
Hudson, an East Lake assistant for seven years, wanted the job badly and got it. So far, no one has looked back.
"It's been a total attitude change the whole way," senior quarterback Louis Caralla said. "Everyone's so happy that he's the coach."
Most of the older players remember Hudson as a successful junior varsity coach, including an undefeated season in 2001. Under Keeler he worked on both sides of the ball and plans to keep many of the same schemes, including the option offense.
Roughly half the starters from last season's district runner-up team remain, including offensive skill players such as running back Leo Deartiaga and wideout Jason Alonso. There's also enough strength on the defensive line to experiment with five-man fronts.
It could be enough to excel in the four-team Class 5A, District 9, though the streak's fate will not be known until October.
The rest of the community will make up its mind sooner: East Lake's opener is at home against rival Tarpon Springs.
"I know that place is going to be a mob and it's going to be a big microscope on me," Hudson said.
- The high school season begins in less than three weeks. Leading up to preseason games, the Times will answer 10 Pressing Questions facing Pinellas schools.
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FSU's AD disputes findings
CollegesFormer Washington coach sues school, NCAA
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Little LeagueMass. reaches U.S. final
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Wallace to honor Kulwicki at Bristol
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OutdoorsDaily fishing report
Hometown Horsepower
Preps10 Pressing questions
Sports on the AirLittle League coverage is to be praised
Sports on the WebSportsline.com selling fantasy football cards over the counter
RaysRays let a win bounce away
Onus is on Kennedy to reclaim ace status
BucsTupa back in form at right time
Roster spots are at stake against Jags
