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Another season, another chance

By ROD GIPSON, Times Correspondent
Published August 24, 2007

CARROLLWOOD - They want to win. But mostly, area high school football coaches want to use tonight's games to get a good look at their teams.

Coaches at Chamberlain, Gaither, Freedom, Alonso and Jefferson high schools want to see if their squads are on the right track to be playoff teams, as they were last season.

Others are looking to improve.

Sickles and Leto collectively went 2-18 last season. But there is hope for both programs. Hugh Dehnert, starting his second year as coach of the Falcons, has brought stability to the program. And Sickles may field its most competitive team in its 10-year history after a big win in its spring game against Alonso and a nice showing during the summer passing camps.

Wharton, meanwhile, is in an interesting place. The Wildcats won eight games last season, produced the county's most dominant defense, yet missed the playoffs. Wharton is expected to again be in the mix for a postseason spot.

But with 11 weeks of football ahead, anything is possible. Just ask Chamberlain coach Billy Turner, going into his 28th season with the Chiefs.

"I'm always a little nervous before the season," said Turner after a recent preseason practice. "You can come out here and say all kinds of things but until you put the work in, you just never know how the season is going to turn out."

Here's what to look for at tonight's games. All kickoffs are scheduled for 7.

Sickles at Brandon

The Gryphons went winless a season ago but expect to field a much more competitive team this season. Quarterback Cullen O'Brien will direct Sickles' new pistol offense as the Gryphons begin their push to improve. In Brandon, the Gryphons will face a team with an outstanding offense led by quarterback Tracy Burr and tailback Samair Baker.

Jesuit at Chamberlain

Chamberlain returns one of the most talented teams in the area with 18 starting players returning from last season's playoff team. The Chiefs have a solid trio in quarterback Dontae Aycock, running back Kenny Allen and wide receiver Fred Sykes. Chamberlain's defense will try to work out its early-season kinks against a Jesuit team program that always manages to have a solid running game.

Freedom at Zephyrhills

First-year coach Marquel Blackwell's offense is a work-in-progress. Still, Blackwell did help lead the Patriots to their first playoff appearance as the team's offensive coordinator last season. The Patriots will face a tough squad in Zephyrhills, the defending Class 3A, District 8 champions.

Leto at Spoto

The Falcons should have the upper hand against Spoto, the Brandon-area squad making its varsity football debut. Leto is led by running back Terik Greensberry, who should see plenty of carries against Spoto.

Plant at Wharton

This is almost too good for a preseason contest. Plant is the defending Class 5A state champions. Wharton was a dominant defensive team last season. The Panthers are still talented with quarterback Aaron Murray stepping in to try and fill graduated quarterback Robert Marve's shoes. Wide receivers Cornelius Gallon and Derek Winter will help Murray adjust. For Wharton, meanwhile, linebacker Xavier Fareed and safety Jairus Jones anchor the talented Wildcats defense.

Titusville Astronaut at Jefferson

For the first time since 2003, Stephen Garcia won't be quarterbacking the Jefferson Dragons. Zack Grossi steps in for the record-setting Garcia, now at the University of South Carolina. A strong defense returns for Jefferson, trying to extend a streak of eight straight seasons of reaching the postseason.

Gaither at Durant

Gaither running back Jarvis Giles is one of the most exciting players in the county to watch. Giles, who tallied 1,400 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2006, will help ease the transition for new Gaither quarterback Kamren Hawkins. Giles' athleticism should provide a good test for the Durant defense, which is installing a new 4-3 defense.

[Last modified August 27, 2007, 18:26:58]