1. Will Largo be able to replace Dexter McCluster?
An electrifying runner, McCluster made defenders look jelly-legged with his fakes and feints as he triumphantly closed out his career by becoming the first player in Pinellas County to rush for more than 2,000 yards in a regular season. He also scored 37 touchdowns and helped lead the Packers to their first region final appearance.
McCluster is now at Mississippi, and many are wondering how Largo will do without him.
Packers coach Rick Rodriguez doesn't think McCluster's absence will spell doom. He has a roster awash in talent and good enough to keep Largo among the elite.
Quarterback Leonard Johnson can make plays with his arm and feet. Kim Howard is a promising sophomore running back who could potentially put up big numbers. And there's depth with brothers Greg and Brynn Harvey, their cousin Brian Harvey and Antonio Patterson.
2. How will Countryside's line hold up?
Coach John Davis wants his line to protect quarterback L.D. Crow with the care befitting a family heirloom.
Crow, who committed to Stanford, threw for 1,360 yards, 11 touchdowns and two interceptions in his first year as a starter last season.
He is expected to do even more with a Cougars team loaded at the skill positions. The trick is keeping him in one piece.
Last year, tackles Seaver Brown and James Boyd, guard Andrew Cordello and center Matt Brown were hobbled down the stretch.
Crow paid the price. He sustained internal bleeding from a hit in the regular-season finale against Lakewood and missed the region quarterfinal against Dixie Hollins.
The Cougars lost both games.
Brown and Boyd were among 21 seniors Countryside had to replace.
That took away some depth. Even worse, the Cougars lost Cordello to a torn ACL in last week's preseason game against Tarpon Springs. Brown also sprained his shoulder.
"Here we go again," Davis said. "He'll just have to have guys step up. Otherwise we'll be in the same position as last year."
3. How will the new coaches fare?
There are six new coaches this season, some of the biggest turnovers the county has ever had.
Boca Ciega's Stevie Thomas and Tarpon Springs' George Kotis have the most talent, taking over programs with winning records.
Palm Harbor University's Pete Just and St. Petersburg's Joe Fabrizio could surprise some folks and make a run at a playoff berth.
Calvary Christian's Chris Rivera and Pinellas Park's Matt Lance got off to late starts with their teams and should have a tougher time.
4. Are there any surprise teams?
Write it down. Osceola. The Warriors have a talented backfield and an improved defense. Others teams who could turn things around include Lakewood, Northeast and Gibbs.
5. Any breakthrough players?
Countryside running back Maurice Threatts already has produced big plays and is a threat to score anywhere on the field. East Lake's Micah Powell is a standout defender who will get a chance to carry the ball this year. And Boca Ciega quarterback Orhian Johnson and receiver Allan Sharrard should hook up often this season.
