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Coaches honor Bulldog, Gators

Bryan Thomas and Caz Piurowski (whose coach gets an award) take the first step for Florida Mr. Football.

By IZZY GOULD
Published November 3, 2005

ZEPHYRHILLS - Zephyrhills' Bryan Thomas and Land O'Lakes' Caz Piurowski were nominated Tuesday for the Mr. Football award, among the state's top individual honors. In addition, Land O'Lakes coach John Benedetto was voted District 8 Class 5A coach of the year.

Coaches from Pasco, Hernando, Citrus, Sumter and Lake counties represent District 8 of the Florida Athletic Coaches Association and were asked to nominate and vote for an all-senior team, all-district team and coaches of the year for seven classifications.

Thomas, a senior two-way starter for the Bulldogs, was voted District 8's MVP and 3A player of the year.

Why Thomas?

"It probably helped when I told (South Sumter coach) Inman Sherman ... (Thomas is) the best athlete I've coached at Zephyrhills since I've been there," said Tom Fisher, in his 17th season leading the Bulldogs. "He sort of looked at me and said, "Are you sure?' I said, "Yeah, best athlete.' "

That includes Ryan Pickett, a defensive starter for the St. Louis Rams and former Ohio State standout.

Defensively, Thomas has 36 solo tackles, 13 assists and five interceptions, including three returned for touchdowns. He also has two 99-yard punt returns for touchdowns. Offensively, Thomas has five touchdowns, 39 carries for 303 yards and 21 receptions for 392 yards. "He has put a good, solid four years in," Fisher said. "He's done the job on the field, in the classroom.

"He's being highly recruited, and he has qualified to be recruited."

Piurowski, a senior two-way starter at Land O'Lakes, was voted District 8 5A player of the year.

Offensively, he has 30 receptions for 541 yards and four touchdowns, one carry for 16 yards and three two point conversions. Defensively, he has 28 solo tackles, 12 assists, five sacks, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. As a punter, he averages 38.1 yards. Piurowski plays for Benedetto, who has led the Gators to a 9-1 record and ninth consecutive playoff berth. Land O'Lakes plays at Chamberlain on Nov.11. The next step in the selection process for Mr. Football is a vote by a statewide committee made up of 21 people plus a select group of media to determine the state's elite.

Then a final vote will determine Mr. Football for 2005.

Contact Izzy Gould at 727 580-5315 or igould@sptimes.com

[Last modified November 3, 2005, 01:06:17]