Jesuit

By Justin Dargahi
Published August 31, 2007

Multiple Choice

The average weight of Jesuit's starting offensive line is:

A) 248 pounds B) 256 pounds

C) 265 pounds D) 270 pounds

Answer: C. The line is made up of Nick Heckman (260), Phil Smith (270), Andy Ratchford (280), Sean Desmond (255) and Connor Strickland (260).

True-False

The Tigers put in a new playing surface in the offseason.

Answer: True. The Alumni Field at Corral Memorial Stadium becomes the first high school in Tampa to feature FieldTurf instead of natural grass as its playing surface.

Yes or No

Does kicker Ryan Mitchell play another position?

Answer: Yes. And a skill position at that. Mitchell is expected to be the No. 2 wideout opposite Erick McGriff after improving his strength and speed in the offseason in what coach Joe Ross called a "nice surprise."

Essay

Tampa Catholic coach Bob Henriquez on Jesuit:

"The true test of a good program is you can have a good team for a couple years, but to have a good program it must last for many, many years and they've been able to accomplish that."

Ross on the Tigers:

"We have a youth movement going on here. We have a good young group of kids that will show up for every game and compete like hell."

Justin Dargahi, Times correspondent e_SClBExtra Credit

The Tigers have five players being looked at by D-I schools led by Phil Smith, who is being recruited by Georgia Tech, N.C. State, FSU and others. ...McGriff is the son of former MLB first baseman Fred McGriff. ...The entire starting secondary is new and only three defensive starters return.

[Last modified August 29, 2007, 15:19:26]