Sports

Preps 2006

Taste of triumph

Even coming off a district-championship season, the Sharks can't expect to rest on past success.

By BRYAN BURNS
Published August 25, 2006

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RIVERVIEW - In 2005, Riverview experienced its finest season ever. After a 9-1 regular-season finish that saw the Sharks win the Class 6A, District 6 championship, Riverview defeated Orlando Freedom 34-15 in the opening round of the playoffs before losing 28-7 to Palm Beach Lakes in the regional semifinals.

"It's one thing trying to win, but now that we've had success, we have to watch that our team doesn't get complacent," coach Dan O'Regan said. "It's a whole new year; we have to start from scratch. That's our challenge as a coaching staff this year - to keep the team focused."

O'Regan, beginning his fourth season at Riverview, recorded his first winning season with the Sharks and led them to a No. 9 ranking in the final Florida Sports Writers Association rankings.

"Last year was the first big success I've had as a head coach, so this year will be interesting for me as well," he said.

With better speed and depth, the Sharks are primed for another outstanding season.

"We have a talented group of kids that are very athletic," he said. "The vast majority of our kids are ready to go."

THROUGH THE AIR: Senior quarterbacks Dustin Gorenc and Ryan McCall will split the starting job under center.

"We'll alternate those guys because they've both done well for us," O'Regan said. "I figure if Steve Spurrier can do it at Florida, why can't we?"

In the Sharks' tight set, the tight ends receive the bulk of the passes. O'Regan says he has two budding stars in sophomore Orson Charles and junior Brent Courtney.

"They're young, but talented," O'Regan said. "They both can block and catch. We've always had at least one good tight end, but this year I think we've got two."

ON THE GROUND: Senior Antwain Powers and junior Jahleel Addae return after combining for 2,076 yards during the regular season. Both broke the 1,000-yard mark and will be a large part of the offense this year, but O'Regan claims there's a couple of backs behind the pair who will see action as well.

"We have more talent in the backfield this year then we've ever had," O'Regan said. "Last year, our backs got banged up toward the end of the year. We'll have more players to rotate in this year so hopefully that won't happen."

John Green, a junior O'Regan says is the fastest of his running backs, will get playing time along with Durant transfer Malcolm Shavers. Josh Thomas will start at fullback for the Sharks.

DEFENSE: Riverview returns just three starters on the defensive side of the ball, but what the Sharks lack in experience, they make up in depth.

"Last year we had some good kids and our rotation was good, but this year our rotation should be great," O'Regan said. "The guy that's standing on the sideline is just as good as the guy that's starting."

Defensive end Bryan Peoples, inside linebacker Tamaha Halaufia and strong safety Chris Luther return and will anchor the Sharks 4-4 defense. O'Regan claims Peoples, who was timed in the 40-yard dash in 4.9 seconds, might be the slowest on the defense.

"We may be faster than we were last year on defense," O'Regan said. "We had 27 kids on the team that ran a 4.7 or better during summer conditioning workouts."

[Last modified August 24, 2006, 09:33:16]

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