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Dunedin
By JOE SMITH
Published August 31, 2007
A closer look at the Falcons Coach: Mark Everett (ninth season) Last year's record: 9-3
Last season, the Falcons made (modern) history. This time, they want to build off it. ¶ Dunedin is coming off its first district title - and playoff win - in nearly two decades. Mark Everett's group graduated seven starters, but with a few newcomers stepping in, there shouldn't be a big falloff. ¶ There's dual-threat QB Darius Anderson, a transfer from Clearwater, who will make the Falcons less one-dimensional. Then there's the big Sermons brothers, twins Chavez and Leland, who will open holes up front for tailback Darius Bellamy. ¶ The biggest question mark is on defense, where the Falcons lost several key leaders - and tacklers (Matt Gilghrest, Vince Hollingsworth, Dexter Nelson, etc). If senior cornerback and pick-off artist Mike Towns can continue his two-way play, they'll be tough to top.
Towns, a 5-foot-8, 150-pound ball of energy, is the Falcons' top returning playmaker. The senior cornerback broke the school record for single-season interceptions (eight) last season.
What's your favorite Web site?
MySpace. It's great. You get to meet new people. I talk to a bunch of players from colleges I've met, and some guys like Darrell Roseman (2006 Dunedin grad now at Auburn). You're able to see how everyone's doing.
You guys talk trash on MySpace?
Nah, not on the computer. There's always some words (said) around the neighborhood.
What's on your site?
I designed it - nothing much. There's a (Chicago Bears kick returner) Devin Hester highlight tape on there. I should have one of my own up there soon.
What's your summer job?
I work at a car wash in Clearwater. I used to work at Marshall's before. It keeps you busy.
Who's the toughest receiver in the county you have covered?
From last year, it'd have to be Ryan Messmore, above left, or Matt Mooney, above right, from Countryside. Those were some battles.
Did you know?
When Mike Towns broke the school's single-season record for interceptions with eight last year, he one-upped some family members. The previous record holders were his cousins, Frank Lang (who played for Cincinnati from 1998-2002) and Brandon Glenn, who each picked off seven. "He's faster than I was, and he knows the game better," Lang said. "The sky is the limit for him."
Blast from the past
Former Falcons two-way lineman Darrell Roseman will be a redshirt freshman this season at Auburn.
Recruiting trail
Dunedin junior tailback Darius Bellamy, above, will be one of the county's top backs this season. He impressed several coaches at a passing league tournament at Countryside, which the Falcons won. He'll likely find many college suitors this season. Bellamy "is going to be something special," Cougars coach John Davis said. "Real special."
Surprise, surprise
The Falcons' new quarterback, Darius Anderson, a 6-foot-1, 160-pound dual-threat, started for the Tornadoes as a sophomore before Luke Loucks took over last season. Anderson will compete for time with returning starter Terry Nnatabeugo.
Joe Smith, Times staff writer
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[Last modified August 29, 2007, 14:37:23]
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