Jefferson

By Mike Camunas
Published August 31, 2007

Multiple Choice:

In 2007, the Dragons will:

A) Go 10-0, including wins over Hillsborough, Plant and Armwood, have a first-round bye in the playoffs

B) Replace skill players such as quarterback Stephen Garcia and wide receiver Evan Cromer and head back to the playoffs a ninth straight season

C) Develop a play called Dragon Ball Z, which involves Japanimation and all the play calling will be dubbed

D) Change their name to the Unicorns, the next logical mythical creature since Sickles took the Gryphons

Answer: B. While coach Mike Fenton admits Armwood is probably the team to beat in the county, he feels Jefferson will compete strongly. "A lot of people expect that, since Garcia is gone, then so are the Dragons," Fenton said. "Our goal is certainly to go back to the playoffs. ...I'm real happy with our skills guys, and I feel we have more weapons surrounding our quarterback this year."

True-False

Quarterback Zack Grossi will be an effective replacement for Garcia.

Answer: True, if you ask Fenton. He sees Grossi stepping right in as though he has been playing as long as Garcia, the starter since 2003. "Last year, (Grossi) probably could have started at any other school - except Plant," Fenton said.

Yes or No

Will Jefferson defeat Armwood on Sept. 28?

Answer: That's a tough call. The sting of the Hawks' last-minute 22-21 victory in the Class 4A region semifinal Nov. 17 and the 13-6 regular-season Armwood win linger. Grossi will have to use the new weapons he has - including 6-foot-3 receivers Anthony Williams and Lester Lewis - for the Dragons to keep it close again.

Essay

Plant coach Bob Weiner on Jefferson:

"Really, that's developed into our rival. ... But a lot of our kids know their kids, and it's really a healthy rivalry and always has been. I think our kids have tremendous respect for them."

Fenton on the Dragons:

"I think the magic word is team. I think we're more of a team - the chemistry, the team nucleus is as good as I've seen it around here in a long time."

Extra Credit

Former Jefferson linebacker C.J. Mills, shot and killed in front of his Tampa home April 25, will be honored by teammates with specially-made stickers for their helmets. ... Former Tampa Bay Bucs player and Dragons coach Mike Simmonds was promoted to South Florida's offensive line coach in January. Simmonds coached the Dragons from 1998-2005, leading them to two state championship games in 2002 and 2004.

Mike Camunas, Times correspondent

Check out our new team and player pages at tampabay.com

[Last modified August 29, 2007, 15:19:41]