Land O' Lakes

By Times staff
Published August 31, 2007

Call to arms

So, just how good is the newest passing Weatherford, freshman Stephen? "He looks pretty good," coach John Benedetto said. Benedetto isn't about to compare him to the most famous of the brothers, FSU QB Drew, but says in time he can be just as good. For now, though, he'll start the year No. 3 on the depth chart, behind starter Ely Payne (whose brother, Seattle Seahawks WR Logan, is pretty good, too) and backup Ben Hipps.

Call to hands

The biggest hole to fill for Land O'Lakes might be at wide receiver, with no one in sight to match Develin Robinson and Dontarrius Thomas' numbers from a year ago. Basketballer Jerome Harrison is still a little raw, and spring standout Alex Robinson is injured and will be out a few weeks. The Gators are happy to get back 6-3, 206-pound senior Nick Castellano, who played for Land O'Lakes as a sophomore but transferred to Tampa Catholic for his junior year.

Big and nasty

The Gators' strength will be the offensive and defense lines, with first-team all-SAC pick Keith Hoffmann, second-teamer Raleigh Bamberg, Daniel Davis, Geoff Roman and James Ridley. That toughness will make up for the losses at the skills position. "Ridgewood is obviously the class of the district, but we have a lot of tradition, and these kids are determined to make it back to the playoffs," Benedetto said.

Beam me up, Spock

Junior kicker Alex Spock will be the most valuable kicker in the county this year. Compared to school record-holder Justin Geisler, Spock will get a chance to kick a field goal every time the Gators move inside the opponent's 35-yard line.

Five key players

1. Collin Robinson, Jr., RB

Now that John Weatherford (torn ACL) is out for the year, the Gators will turn to Robinson, a 5-10, 194-pounder. While it's doubtful Benedetto will put the same load on him he was planning for Weatherford, his success will be paramount.

2. Hoffmann, Sr., DL

Move to speed rusher this year should make him team leader in sacks.

3. Payne, Sr., QB

He's the starter, and he needs to be good for the Gators to have a chance (or him to have a job).

4. Ridley, Sr., TE

Could be the key threat in the passing game from his new position.

5. Bamberg, Sr., OL/DL

Bamberg, at right, heads the group that will be counted on to open holes for Robinson.

John C. Cotey, Times staff writer

[Last modified August 29, 2007, 14:01:22]