Sizing up the competition

The high school football season begins in two weeks. With the preseason games less than a week away, the Times will answer five pressing questions.

By Bob Putnam
Published August 18, 2007

1. Will Largo continue to dominate?

The Packers ran roughshod over district opponents last year, outscoring them a combined 182-26.

Expect more of the same.

Brynn Harvey, the Times' county player of the year, returns after rushing for 1,746 yards and scoring 19 touchdowns.

He will be joined in the backfield by Leonard Johnson, an elusive quarterback who has plenty of offers from Division I schools.

And the Packers will welcome back a healthy Mike Marry, the leader of the defense who missed most of last year with an injury.

About the only question is the offensive line, which lost four starters. But Largo was bolstered by the addition of Billy Peach, a 6-foot-5, 280-pounder who transferred from Canada.

It's enough to suggest the Packers will win their third district title.

2. Which new coach has the best chance to succeed?

Northeast's Jay Austin inherits a deep, talented team from his father, Jerry, the county's all-time winningest coach who retired in December.

The big players for the Vikings include quarterback Armando Sanchez, running backs Jeff Brinson and Juarez Wynn and linemen Pat Hanley and Javontae Boyd.

With that much firepower, Northeast can challenge Bradenton Southeast for the Class 4A, District 9 title.

Gibbs' Yusuf Shakir could also do well. The former Tallahassee Lincoln assistant who took over for Al Davis has instilled discipline in his players. And the Gladiators have momentum after winning their final four games last season.

3. What positions are loaded with talent this year?

Running back. The list includes Harvey, Brinson, Countryside's Dawrence Roberts, East Lake's Micah Powell, Dunedin's Darius Bellamy, Keswick Christian's Jared DiMaggio, Gibbs' Devon McCullough and Boca Ciega's Mundrea Francis.

There also are plenty of defensive linemen, including Boyd, Tarpon Springs' Donnell Engram and Clearwater's Joe Marshall.

4. Which team is a sleeper?

Dixie Hollins has tons of skill players on offense and a super fast defense. The Rebels put it together in the spring, beating Sarasota for the first time. And the schedule is favorable, especially early.

Others who could surprise include Palm Harbor, Gibbs and Calvary Christian.

5. Is there any team that can make it to the state final?

Depends on the district and region. Northeast is strong, but the Vikings are in the same region as Plant, Armwood and Jefferson.

Largo has a better chance, but it will have to get past either Dunedin or Bradenton Manatee.

The team that likely has the best chance of going far is Keswick. The Crusaders return nearly every starter and no longer have to play nemesis Lakeland Victory Christian, which was moved into another district.

Bob Putnam can be reached at putnam@sptimes.com or 727 445-4169.

[Last modified August 18, 2007, 00:32:29]