Boca Ciega

By JOE SMITH
Published August 31, 2007

A closer look at the Pirates Coach: Stevie Thomas Last year's record: 5-5

Thomas, a former Arena Football League star, now has the weapons to put on an offensive show. There are transfers like RB Donald Warren (St. Petersburg High) and WR Javonta Trotter (SPC), who make the Pirates capable of going three to four wide. ¶ That will put a smile on the face of senior quarterback Orhian Johnson, a dual-threat athlete who has been offered by Ohio State and USF. Thomas will give Johnson a little more freedom to run this season (as shown by his 151-yard passing, 100-yard rushing performance vs. Gibbs in spring game). ¶ The key for Boca Ciega will be the two "Ds" - defense and discipline. Linemen Julius Forte and Cody Hampton likely will go two ways, trying to stop the run. But the typically penalty-ridden Pirates must not run themselves off the field with yellow flags.

Johnson may play at defensive back or receiver in college, but for the Pirates, he's invaluable under center. The two-sport star can beat you with his arm - or his fleet feet - keeping defenses on their toes. With the playmakers he has around him, look for a breakout season.

What's in your iPod before games?

I'm eclectic, so I like a lot of different stuff. At around 4 (p.m.), I'll put on some R&B to get me pumped up. Then, right before the game, I'll put on some gospel music.

Do you have a MySpace page?

Yeah, but I don't go on it a lot. I made it, but then forgot my password. A bunch of my friends have it.

Any of your videos out on YouTube?

There actually is. Someone put one of my highlight videos on a Web site, and all of a sudden it was put on a MySpace page. I got some messages and a few calls from it.

What's your summer job?

I'm a busboy at Lee Roy Selmon's. I used to work at parks and recs places in other summers, but now I'm at the restaurant. Just to make sure I stay out of trouble.

Who's your favorite superhero?

I always loved Flash and Superman growing up. They were the best.

By the numbers

3 Schools senior tailback Donald Warren, above, has attended. The 5-foot-9, 175-pound standout played two years at St. Petersburg Catholic before transferring mid-year to St. Petersburg High. Warren will play tonight in his first regular-season football game in more than a year.

Blast from the past

Two of the Pirates stars last season - tailback Josh Bellamy and receiver Preston Pace - are playing for a year at Butte College in northern California. Pace hopes to land at the University of Minnesota after a year. Bellamy originally was a USF signee after being the Times' No. 5 bay area recruit. Among other alumni of Butte? Former Cowboys lineman Larry Allen and Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Did you know?

Pirates second-year coach Stevie Thomas was selected as the ninth greatest player in Arena Football League history. Thomas won four ArenaBowls with the Storm and left as Tampa Bay's all-time leader in receiving yards and touchdowns.

Surprise, surprise

Boca Ciega's breakout player this season may be receiver Latavien Washington. The 5-foot-9 sophomore slasher scored 15 touchdowns last year on JV, including four of 40 yards or more.

Joe Smith, Times staff writer

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[Last modified August 29, 2007, 14:46:43]