Central

By DAVE MURPHY
Published August 31, 2007

Big Games

Sept. 21 at Ridgewood

With 6-foot-2, 220-pound running back Byronell Arline and a big, experienced roster, Ridgewood is expected to be the class of Pasco County. That means Central's showdown with Chris Taylor's squad is one you can't miss. Last year, Central roared out to a big halftime lead before escaping with a 23-20 win, aided in part by a last-minute unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and a missed field goal. This year, the Rams visit Brooksville in both team's district opener.

Oct. 5, 18 and 26 vs. Springstead, at Land O'Lakes, at Tarpon Springs

The fact the Bears' showdown against archrival Springstead is the least worrisome of this stretch is all you need to know. In four weeks, Central plays three district games, including back-to-back road games at Pasco County powerhouse Land O'Lakes and perennial district favorite Tarpon Springs.

Burning Question

Can a talented, cohesive senior class make up for the departure of DuJuan Harris?

There's no doubt Harris, who rushed for more than 1,600 yards last season and is now a freshman at Troy, was the key factor behind the Bears' district title run. A host of seniors are eager to prove they weren't a one-man team. Players like running back Duane Marks, quarterback Chase Walker and receiver Chad Walker have been playing together since seventh grade at West Hernando Middle. In the Bears' 20-13 spring win over Ocala West Port, Marks rushed for 117 yards; the Walker brothers hooked up for a winning TD.

Position by Position

Quarterback: Senior Chase Walker came on strong at the end of last season, helping direct a key last-minute TD drive in the Bears' playoff loss to Daytona Beach Seabreeze. Walker, whom coach Cliff Lohrey calls the best athlete on the team, has been the Bears' starter since the end of his sophomore season.

Running back: Not a lot of people know the name Duane Marks, but they will by the end of the season. Harris' understudy for two seasons, Marks easily could have been a starter on most teams in the area.

Wide receiver: Senior Chad Walker has excellent chemistry with quarterback and twin Chase. Fellow senior Jeff Wright also is dangerous.

Offensive line: With only one starter returning from last season (senior Jason Morton), the front five is the Bears' biggest question mark. A host of juniors - Kevin Grier, Jesse Flowers, Sam Robinson and Dan May - will have the first audition.

Defensive line: Like the offensive front, these guys have something to prove. Juniors Travis Tyson, Brooks Reid and Flowers get the first shot.

Linebackers: Probably the strength of the defense. Returnees Nathan Brazeau and Jon Guggino will be joined by Tyler Miceli, a 5-foot-10, 215-pound senior who moved to Brooksville from New Jersey.

Secondary: Wright and Chad Walker join ferocious hitter Heath Heroux, who had a huge impact last season after transferring from Armwood.

David Murphy, Times staff writer

[Last modified August 29, 2007, 13:15:09]