Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

Gators have work to do in preseason matchup

By STEVE LEE
Published August 17, 2006

LAND O'LAKES - Coming off another stellar season, in which it made the playoffs for the eighth consecutive time, Land O'Lakes coach John Benedetto is eager to put this year's team to the test.

Benedetto will get an up-close and personal look at how consistent, or inconsistent, the Gators can be against someone not dressed in blue and gold at 7 tonight when his team takes on Springstead in Spring Hill.

"We're kind of erratic," Benedetto said. "We're not very polished right now, so that's a concern."

Land O'Lakes returns the county's passing and receiving leaders in Joe Weatherford and Develin Robinson, respectively, with Wharton transfer Dontarrius Thomas entering the picture as another target downfield. Still, the coach said, the offense lacks cohesion at this stage of the preseason.

"There are factors that can contribute to that, like heat for one," Benedetto said. "We haven't been able to have the kind of practices that we like to have."

Benedetto said he believes the Gators should be better conditioned and more focused, things that are not uncommon early on.

"It's the same old thing," the coach said. "Kids get a little tired, and they make a lot of mental mistakes."

To reduce some of those mistakes, Benedetto plans to tone down the offense. In two weeks, offensive players have been inundated with learning and running nearly 70 plays.

"Too much," Benedetto said. "I think it's been difficult for our kids to grasp what's coming at them. A good 40 of those are passing plays."

With Weatherford having passed for 1,945 yards and 14 touchdowns last season, the Gators plan to keep the ball in the air. Robinson, who had 49 catches for 1,029 yards and nine touchdowns in 2005, said his goal for this season is 70 receptions.

Plus, flanker Brad Patton, who caught a touchdown from Robinson subbing for an injured Weatherford in last year's playoff loss to Chamberlain, should improve on last year's four receptions for 104 yards.

On the other side of the ball, there are questions as to who will play on the defensive line and how many running backs and receivers will be shuttled in and out of the secondary.

One area where the lineup is set is linebacker. Three of four return with Lee Smith, a center, replacing Hunter Hedblom, the only 2006 graduate from a unit that includes Jerome Blyden, John Weatherford and Michael Torro.

"I think we're looking pretty good defensively," Benedetto said. "We've got four good linebackers."

Aside from seeing how his team's aerial assault and linebackers fare against Springstead, Benedetto aims to get a look at every player on his roster. That is a daunting task considering 58 Gators will dress.

"We're going to try as hard as we can to make sure everyone gets in," Benedetto said. "We can rest kids because they're going to get a little tired."

Contact Steve Lee at lee@sptimes.com

[Last modified August 17, 2006, 06:41:10]