East Lake

By BOB PUTNAM
Published August 31, 2007

A closer look at the Eagles Coach: Bob Hudson Last year's record: 7-3

East Lake is undergoing a dramatic style makeover. The run-controlled offense that relied on Micah Powell's legs for big plays has become more balanced with Blake Robles at quarterback. ¶ Robles gained confidence after going to six quarterback camps the past two seasons. In the Eagles' 43-3 win over Port Charlotte in the spring, Robles threw 12 times. ¶ But Powell still will be featured. The Vanderbilt recruit is running behind hulking fullbacks Erin Murray and Billy Byrne. ¶ East Lake coach Bob Hudson hopes this new approach will help his team get past district rivals Countryside and Dunedin and make the playoffs for the first time since 2004.

Powell got off to a fast start last season, scoring on a 50-yard run against Tarpon Springs. His season, however, was cut short when an ankle injury forced him to miss the last three games. Stronger, focused and injury-free, Powell is ready to be the workhorse again.

Do you talk smack on your MySpace page?

Nah, I talk to ladies.

I heard you were a youth league legend?

My last year in midgets, I scored 25 touchdowns. I'm sure I had 1,500 yards rushing, but they didn't really keep stats.e_SClBHow nice is it to have the recruiting process out of the way?

It's a relief knowing I have a school. I can concentrate on my schoolwork and grades.

What is your pregame ritual?

I usually play NCAA College Football on my PSP.

Veteran unit

East Lake took some lumps last year with a young offensive line. Now comes the payoff. The Eagles return four starters: Phil Trump, Drew Gilmore, Dillon Varanay and Ryan Weite. East Lake also welcomes back tight end Justin Zresz.

On the receiving end

Richie Bailey, above, filled in admirably at running back for Powell when he went down for the final three games last year. With Powell healthy, Bailey will move to receiver and become the go-to guy for Robles. Other targets include Ryan Lesnika, who missed last year with a back injury, and Jacob Rachel.

Work to do

Former Tampa Bay Buc Donnie Abraham works with East Lake's defensive backs. He'll have more teaching to do this year after the Eagles lost all but one starter (Bailey) in the secondary. Powell will be used as a safety sometimes.

Bolstering the line

East Lake returns its top three defensive linemen: Erin Murray, Phil Trump and Justin Fredericks. Coach Bob Hudson said that will help offset the loss of some of his linebackers and defensive backs.

Two-way star

Billy Byrne will not be leaving the field. The fullback also is the team's middle linebacker and one of the leaders on defense.

Did you know?

Phil Trump, a junior, and Nick Trump, a freshman, are part of a big family that includes eight children. The biggest name is A.J., a former star at Clearwater Central Catholic who now plays at Miami.

Bob Putnam, Times staff writer

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[Last modified August 29, 2007, 14:15:07]