Gaither

By Rod Gipson
Published August 31, 2007

Multiple Choice

Gaither started the 2006 season with a 6-1 record before struggling down the stretch, losing its last three regular-season games. The Cowboys bounced back to win their first-round playoff game before losing to eventual Class 5A state champion Lakeland. In 2007, Gaither fans will see:

A) The team that jumped out to a 6-1 record

B) The squad that closed out the regular season with three consecutive losses

C) A mixture of both

D) A state championship

Answer: C. The Cowboys are talented, led by junior tailback Jarvis Giles, who ran for 1,401 yards and scored 11 touchdowns in '06. But the passing game may start slow with first-year starter Kamren Hawkins. A stout defense with returners Justin Lattimore on the line, Mike Whitescarver at linebacker and Zach Henderson in the secondary will help the Cowboys stay competitive.

True-False

Gaither's 2007 schedule features nofewer than seven (seven!) teams that made the playoffs last year.

Answer: True. The Cowboys face four district runnerups (Chamberlain, Freedom, Jefferson, Jesuit), two district champions (Alonso, Hillsborough) and 4A state champion Plant. If that's not daunting enough, the Cowboys end the regular season against district rival Wharton, which won eight games last year and narrowly missed the postseason. "That's what happens when you go to the second round of the playoffs," Gaither coach Mark Kantor said. "We'll welcome the challenge."

Yes or No

After a season as an understudy, is Hawkins ready to be a starting quarterback?

Answer: Yes, with a bit of hesitation. Hawkins, at 5-foot-10, 165 pounds, has the size and arm strength to be successful. He has put time in the Gaither system and appears ready to take over. Having a back like Giles never hurts.

Essay

Wharton coach David Mitchell on Gaither:

"They have a lot of talent and should be right there (in the district). And the back (Giles) is one of the best around."

Kantor on the Cowboys:

"We've finally got people talking about Gaither football. It's taken a while to get here. Longer than I wanted. We are excited about where we are as a program."

Extra Credit

Defense again may be a calling card. Gaither posted three shutouts in '06 and twice held teams to fewer than 10 points. ... Class 5A, District 5 gets lighter this year as Land O' Lakes exits, leaving the Cowboys with Wesley Chapel, Mitchell and Wharton (Gaither's lone district loss last year was to Land O'Lakes.).

Rod Gipson, Times correspondent

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[Last modified August 29, 2007, 15:25:05]