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Three-pronged threat

Zephyrhills has a running back for every occasion, causing nothing but headaches for opponents.

By IZZY GOULD
Published November 10, 2006

ZEPHYRHILLS - Zephyrhills might have the perfect running back.

He has vision that would make the Six Million Dollar Man jealous. Moves smooth enough to grace Dancing with the Stars. And don't forget the power to plow through 10 feet of snow.

The truth: This isn't any one back but a cocktail of Phillip Robichaud, Cannellios Ansley and Sederrik Cunningham. The trio represents a winning concoction that has led Zephyrhills' to consecutive postseason berths.

This season they have amassed roughly 1,500 yards and 10 of the Bulldogs' 11 rushing touchdowns. They set the tone for a season with an opening-night 14-7 victory at Land O'Lakes and remained consistent throughout the season.

Now with leading receiver Mychael Floyd a gametime decision with a shoulder injury, the running game could prove the difference between going home or advancing to the next round.

"A running game with a passing game will keep the other team off-balance," Cunningham said. "We have more than one back we can rely on. We have different people we can go to in different situations."

With three viable options to run the ball, defensive coordinators often are left wondering how they can exploit the Bulldogs' rushing attack.

It begins with Cunningham, the quarterback who is a threat on every play. A talented playmaker, the senior standout can make defenders dizzy with his feet and won't easily be rattled under pressure. He has the confidence to make passes others would consider risky and the charisma to rally the offense when it's down.

Then there's Ansley, a finesse-type runner with a relatively tiny frame. Coach Tom Fisher would hate to see him suffocated in the bear hug of a linebacker. So Ansley has evolved into a speedy, nimble dancer, tangoing his way down field.

And when the Bulldogs need a bulldozer to break a hole or go for that extra push past the goal line, the ball goes to Robichaud. Yes, he's quiet with his tongue twisted like a Philly soft pretzel, but he'd probably go head-to-head with an SUV and still pick up the first down.

"Robichaud is like thunder in our backfield," Cunningham said. "He won't try and shake you. He won't try to run around you. He'll have you hang on him as he adds 5 more yards to the 15 he just gained."

Of course, there's the offensive line anchored by Andrew "Big Red" Smith, Sean Gray and Joey Lyman. Lyman accidentally fell into the center job when he was practicing snaps after a preseason practice. Now he's one of the first names mentioned when asked about great blocks or strong line play.

"They're solid, strong and fairly quick for their size," Fisher said. "They do their job with the offense we have."

Izzy Gould can be reached at igould@sptimes.com or 727 580-5315.

[Last modified November 9, 2006, 22:52:45]