Hillsborough

By Keith Niebuhr
Published August 31, 2007

Multiple Choice

After posting their worst record (6-5) in coach Earl Garcia's tenure with the program, the Terriers will:

A) Go winless

B) Slip another notch and fail to reach the playoffs

C) Show significant improvement

D) Return to usual spot as one of county's elite teams

Answer: C. Hillsborough wasn't itself last fall, but the Terriers still won their district and reached the playoffs. With 11 starters back, including eight on defense, Hillsborough has the ability to win eight or more. But the Terriers face two major hurdles: their youth and schedule. Though the potential is there for an outstanding season, Garcia said Hillsborough may be a "year away." Even so, it should be pretty darn good.

True-False

Defensive lineman Moses McCray, who transferred from Middleton and has committed to Florida State, will make a significant impact with the Terriers.

Answer: True. How good is McCray? Ask yourself this: Does FSU ever recruit any bad defensive linemen? At 6-foot-3, 285 pounds, McCray, who has the ability to make plays and take on double teams, will be a force on a defense that was solid even before he arrived. Bottom line: It will be tough to score against these guys.

Yes or No

Will the Terriers make a successful transition from the pro-set I to the spread on offense?

Answer: Yes. Though talented, Hillsborough will rely on several young, inexperienced players. Garcia calls strong-armed sophomore quarterback Tarean Austin, a starter last season at Tampa Bay Tech, a star in the making. Running backs Lindsey Lamar, the quickest player on the team, and Iziah Wyche give the Terriers a solid rushing presence.

Essay

Gaither coach Mark Kantor on Hillsborough:

"They're a good football team and they will rebound (from last season). They're always athletic and their overall team speed has always given us fits."

Garcia on the Terriers:

"We have the toughest schedule we've ever had since I've been here, but we're planning on winning every game. If we don't make mistakes, we'll be tough to beat."

Extra Credit

The Terriers are aiming for their sixth district title this decade. ...A year ago, Hillsborough's run-pass percentage was about 80-20, Garcia said. This fall, it could be in the 50-50 range. ... Receiver Terrence Mitchell figures to be a Division I-A recruit - in two years. Only a sophomore, Mitchell, also a nationally elite long jumper for his age, had 33 catches in 2006.

Keith Niebuhr, Times staff writer

[Last modified August 29, 2007, 15:27:09]