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Prep football returns to boost Friday night action

By BRYAN BURNS, Times Correspondent
Published August 24, 2007

High school football is back.

Hillsborough County teams play preseason games tonight and the regular season starts next week.

Here's a look at the players and teams from eastern Hillsborough County that should make the most headlines this fall.

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER:

Eric Smith, RB, Armwood

An elbow injury in the Hawks' fourth game last year sidelined him for much of last season. Now, Smith is healthy and ready to lead Armwood back to the state title game. The 5-foot-11, 230-pound running back amassed more than 1,600 yards and scored 25 times as a sophomore. Schools that have already offered Smith a scholarship include Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Florida, LSU and Miami.

BIGGEST SHOES TO FILL:

Mywan Jackson, QB, Armwood

Departed quarterback Justin Hickman may not have been a major Division I prospect, but the Virginia Military Institute-bound signal caller knew how to win. In two seasons as the starter, Hickman led the Hawks to a 24-4 record and an appearance in the 2005 state final. Jackson, a converted wide receiver, is a threat with the pass and the run, prompting Armwood coach Sean Callahan to tweak his triple-option offense to include the shotgun. Still, Jackson will have to win early and often to make Armwood fans forget about Hickman.

BIGGEST OFFSEASON STORY:

Jahleel Addae, RB, Riverview

Addae, a West Virginia recruit, rushed for 1,051 yards last season and was expected to be the featured component of Riverview's double-wing attack. But during the first week of August, he was a running back without a team. News surfaced Aug. 1 that Addae was seeking a transfer to Armwood through special assignment, a transfer that was initially accepted but later rejected by the school district. A week after it all began, Addae was back practicing with his Riverview teammates.

TRANSFER WHO WILL MAKE THE BIGGEST IMPACT:

Matt Patchan, OT, Armwood

At 6-foot-7 and 265 pounds, Patchan is arguably Hillsborough County's most coveted recruit this season. Over the summer, Patchan, who played for Freedom last season, was named the 33rd best recruit in the nation by Rivals.com and 34th by Scout.com. Most schools are recruiting him as an offensive tackle, but Patchan will line up on the offensive and defensive lines for Armwood.

BEST UNHERALDED PLAYER:

Kenyatta Strachan, CB, Riverview

Riverview coach Dan O'Regan is high on his freshman cornerback, who shined for the Sharks in summer passing leagues. "He's going to be a good one," O'Regan said. "He has a great cornerback attitude. He's [mature] beyond his years." Look for Strachan to be a four-year starter in Riverview's defensive backfield.

TOUGHEST SCHEDULE:

Riverview

In addition to playing district powers Sarasota and Sarasota-Riverview, the Sharks must also travel to Plant and host Hillsborough in back-to-back games on Sept. 21 and 28. Five of Riverview's first seven opponents made the playoffs last year.

TOUGHEST COACHING JOB:

Corey Brinson, Bloomingdale

In its 20-year history, Bloomingdale has yet to record a winning season, let alone make the playoffs. Brinson, in his fifth season as head coach, is trying to change that but will once again find a difficult road ahead. Bloomingdale has a new offense - a no-huddle spread replaces the triple option - and a number of underclassmen fill the two-deep roster.

SURPRISE TEAM:

Durant

Durant struggled the last two years, going 3-7 and 4-6, but optimism abounded during the Cougars' preseason workouts. That's because 15 starters - nine on offense, six on defense - return and 18 seniors dot the roster. "I feel real good about the experience that we're returning, and, in my opinion, there's no substitute for that game experience," Durant head coach Mike Gottman said.

[Last modified August 27, 2007, 18:24:03]