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Countryside
By BOB PUTNAM
Published August 31, 2007
A closer look at the Cougars Coach: John Davis Last year's record: 8-3
Countryside has been a model of consistency with five straight playoff appearances. But to keep that streak going, the Cougars will have to replace a lot on both sides of the ball. ¶ Only two offensive players (running back Dawrence Roberts and Christian Molina) are back at the same position. Three are back on defense (Chris Ramsey, Alex Miller and Rashard Young). ¶ The biggest task is finding a replacement for quarterback L.D. Crow, a first-team all-county selection who is now at Stanford. Coach John Davis said he still is leaning toward splitting time with Jimbo Chmelik and Ryan Eppes. Both looked sharp in the spring game against Naples Lely.
Last season, Roberts gave the Cougars' running game some oomph. He rushed for more than 900 yards and scored 13 touchdowns. He is expected to have a pivotal role with the offense, especially since Countryside is breaking in two new quarterbacks.
Do you have a MySpace page?
Sure, I think everyone does these days.
Ever talk trash on your page?
No, just talk to friends.
What is your pregame ritual?
I usually borrow a friend's iPod. I like crunk music, something that will get me going.
Do you have a favorite player?
I like Chris Rainey, above, (a former Lakeland High star who is now at Florida). I put some of his highlights on my MySpace page. I also like Walter Payton. He was special.
By the numbers
6 Times Countryside scored 30 points or more in a game last season.
3 Playoff teams the Cougars face this season.
2 Shutouts the defense recorded last year.
Did you know?
Receiver Martavious Jones is the younger brother of former Countryside star Jermaine Filer, who led the Cougars to the region final in 2004 and signed with Marshall.
MIA
Countryside apparently will be without running back Maurice Threatts, who was a no show for most workouts in the summer and has not reported for fall practice. Threatts, an electrifying back, teamed with Dawrence Roberts last season to give the Cougars a solid one-two punch.
Streaking
Coach John Davis has been to the playoffs 11 straight seasons. The first six (1996-2001) came when he was at Clearwater Central Catholic. He started at Countryside in 2002 and kept it going. The streak, though, will be hard to maintain in a tough district that includes Dunedin and East Lake.
Next in line?
Davis has a knack for producing Division I quarterbacks. His son, Jay, who played at CCC and was the Times' 2000 Player of the Year, went to North Carolina State. Harrison Beck, a Countryside signal caller, signed with Nebraska before transferring to N.C. State. L.D. Crow, the Cougars' quarterback last year, is now at Stanford.
Hold that line
Countryside's offensive line has been a concern that past three years. This season is no different. The Cougars have just one returning starter (Christian Molina). But the line came together in the spring game against Naples Lely, helping Countryside rush for three touchdowns.
Bob Putnam, Times staff writer
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[Last modified August 29, 2007, 14:11:52]
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