Sports

Pasco

By Izzy Gould
Published August 31, 2007

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Quarterback by committee

First-year Pasco coach Tom McHugh and assistant Brad Starling love to tinker with formations, and they love to put players at different spots. Take junior Josh Johnson. We tried to pin McHugh on a starting quarterback, figuring Johnson was the obvious choice, and he is. McHugh was quick to point out Johnson standing in the slot in the spread, then on the next play in the backfield while Zephyrhills transfer D.J. Clower and Josh Howard rotated at quarterback. "Coach Starling says (Clower and Johnson) are battling it out," McHugh said.

High-flying target

Pasco receiver Demetrious Larry qualified for the state track meet in the high jump. At 6-2, 165 pounds, the kid flat-out can soar above defenders and get his hands on the ball. McHugh said coaches at a Florida Gators camp this summer frequently made comments on "DL's" ability. Larry continues a tradition of solid receivers at Pasco, following Darrell Davis, Dominic Brown and Johnny Peyton. "When Demetrious Larry lines up at the wideout you have to give him that respect," McHugh said. "He can run, he can catch. I was surprised watching him on film. He's not afraid to go get the ball. If he gets his shot he can play."

Defensive IQ

McHugh is a defensive-minded coach, and he quickly added various defensive sets to gauge the aptitude of his players. "They're really smart and quick," McHugh said. "They want to go out there and hit." One of the guys leading the way will be Eric Stroud. "Eric's a great leader on the team," McHugh said. "He leads morally and physically, but there's not a lot of vocal."

JV no more

Look for guys such as Jamall Haynes, Marcus Hicks, Marquis Dixson, Dominique Wilson and Timmy Saylor to make the jump from last year's JV team and to have an immediate impact. "There are more than a few of those guys that can come in and make an impact," McHugh said. "There's so many of them."

Izzy Gould, Times staff writer

[Last modified August 29, 2007, 14:00:05]

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