Alonso

By Rod Gipson
Published August 31, 2007

Multiple Choice

In 2006, Alonso had an interesting scoring quirk to go with its 7-4 record. It was:

A) Scoring two touchdowns in the first quarter all season

B) Outscoring opponents 201-65 in its seven wins but being outscored 126-30 in its four losses

C) Averaging a five-point margin of victory in its seven wins

D) Posting zero shutouts on the season

Answer: B. Despite racking up some impressive victories numbers-wise (beating Tampa Bay Tech 28-0, King 31-10 and Jesuit 35-14), Alonso was pounded in three of its four losses. The Ravens fell 36-0 to Jefferson and 31-0 to Gaither, and lost by 22 points to eventual Class 4A state champ Plant. Still, the Ravens rallied from those losses to win their first district title.

True-False

Senior wide receiver Joe Clarke is among the most heavily recruited players in the five-year history of Alonso's program.

Answer: True. There's no doubting this one. Clarke, a 6-foot-4, 190-pounder, has hands, speed and leaping ability. He scored touchdowns receiving and rushing on reverses last season and should get the ball even more this year. South Florida and Ole Miss are among the schools eyeing Clarke. "He's unselfish and made the most of it when we got him the ball," coach Mike Heldt said. "This year we'd like to get it to him a little more. He's waited his turn."

Yes or No

Will first-year quarterback Geno Quintana handle the transition to starter successfully?

Answer: It's difficult to definitely say yes, but he will get a shot to succeed. Since the Ravens graduated three running backs and starting quarterback Cory Quintilliani from last year's team, Quintana now is firmly at the helm of the offense and may learn under fire early in the season. Alonso is at Robinson on opening night and hosts Hillsborough the following week.

Essay

Sickles coach Pat O'Brien on Alonso:

"Alonso is a strong team, and I think they may be a little better than last year. We'll have to see how it pans out, but it should be a fun district race."

Heldt on the Ravens:

"We want to continue building toward the future of this program. We have accomplished some things and don't want a dropoff. It's nice to make the playoffs, but we want to start winning those playoff games."e_SClBExtra Credit

Alonso's strength will be its defense. The Ravens' defensive line is arguably among the best in the county. Led by defensive ends Jamal Crook and Demonte McAllister, the defense may be counted on early in the season while Quintana adjusts to the starting role and a running game is established. Linebacker Mike Frascello is solid, and defensive backs Dion Price and transfer C.J. Bennett will help shore up a secondary that struggled at times last year.

Rod Gipson, Times correspondent

[Last modified August 29, 2007, 14:38:33]