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Northeast
By BOB PUTNAM
Published August 31, 2007
A closer look at the Vikings Coach: Jay Austin Last year's record: 7-3
Jerry Austin no longer roams the sideline. ¶ Austin, the county's all-time winningest coach (196-104), retired after 28 years at the school. ¶ Now, another Austin will lead the Vikings. ¶ Assistant coach Jay Austin was elevated to head coach, replacing his father. ¶ Austin inherits a star-studded team with three players - defensive lineman/tight end Javontae Boyd, running back Jeff Brinson and quarterback/linebacker Armando Sanchez - receiving offers from several Division I schools. ¶ That's not all. The defense is led by brawny, brainy lineman Pat Hanley. And the offense has the ultimate weapon in Juarez Wynn, a track star who can score from anywhere on the field. ¶ The biggest obstacle is the schedule. Northeast faces rival Bradenton Southeast on the road in Week 5 and plays county rival Largo at home in the season finale.
The senior running back carries defenders where they never imagined they would go, usually the end zone. Last season, he rushed for 1,197 yards and scored 23 touchdowns.
How often do you visit your MySpace page?
I'd say every other day.
What do you do on the page?
Mostly communicate with other football players around the state.e_SClBAny highlight tapes posted on your page?
I have some from my teammates (Javontae Boyd and Armando Sanchez). I'm working on getting my own.
What was your summer job?
I've worked construction with my uncle every summer the past three years. It's tough work. Long hours and hot weather.e_SClBWho are your role models?
(Tampa Bay Buc) Cadillac Williams and (former Pittsburgh Steeler) Jerome Bettis.
Bob Putnam, Times staff writer
By the numbers
7 Times Northeast scored 20 or more points last season.
4 Years since the Vikings made the playoffs.
Did you know?
Bob Myers, the voice of the Vikings, is retiring after 31 seasons announcing varsity and JV games. Oddly enough, Myers went to rival St. Petersburg and played two sports from 1959-63. Myers' favorite line: "Welcome to beautiful downtown Meadowlawn for tonight's game."
Intriguing battles
The Vikings have to replace three starters on the offensive line. The biggest hole is at right tackle, where Dylan Mundella played the past three years. Jimmy Bush (6-3, 285) and Admir Mujakovic (6-3, 305) are competing for that spot. At guard, Yoser Pacheco and Mike Flowers are the leading candidates to replace Jon Soler. And Steve Marshall is penciled in to take over for John Erik Nikens.
Receivers aplenty
With Brinson and Wynn in the backfield, Northeast does not need to throw the ball much. But when they do decide to air it out, they'll have plenty of targets. Kevin McCall, Justin Mathews and Forest Rivera are all dependable receivers.
D-fense! D-fense!
The strength of the Vikings' defense is in the front eight. The line is anchored by Boyd and Pat Hanley. Edwin Mercedes, Matt Khanthalangsy and Tim Tisdale also start up front. Sanchez leads the linebackers, which includes Pacheco and Joe Charles. Wynn, Hank White and Alphonso Jenkins are in the secondary.
Status quo
There was speculation that Austin, a former star quarterback at Northeast, would open up the playbook. But he says he's sticking to the run-oriented Wing-T. "We're going to run, run and then run some more. Then maybe we'll throw the ball."
Check out our new team and player pages at tampabay.com
[Last modified August 29, 2007, 14:24:00]
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