Sickles

By Rod Gipson
Published August 31, 2007

Multiple Choice

Sickles coach Pat O'Brien didn't implement all of his offensive changes last season though the Gryphons did switch to a split-back formation. Now O'Brien's team is preparing to unveil its "pistol" offense, which is:

A) Dropping the quarterback back and throwing every down

B) Employing four running backs in the backfield

C) A variation of an offensive set made popular by the University of Nevada

D) Using two tight ends and three wide receivers

Answer: C. The "pistol" offense was made popular by the Wolfpack in recent years. It employs a tailback closely behind the quarterback in a shotgun formation. O'Brien said the formation fits his personnel and gives the Gryphon offense more options. "This offense will allow us to do some things," he said. "It should showcase some versatility."

True-False

The Gryphons will have three generations of O'Briens on the sideline.

Answer: True. Pat is back for his second season in his second stint at Sickles, and son Cullen is the starting quarterback. Cullen, a 5-foot-11, 160-pound sophomore, led Sickles to a 10-0 win over rival Alonso in the spring and piloted the Gryphons during the summer passing league. Pat's father Dick, a former coach at Hillsborough who has been an assistant at Western Carolina the past decade, will coach the offense.

Yes or No

Will Sickles improve on its 0-10 record of a year ago?

Answer: Yes. After topping out at a program-best 5-5 in 2004, Sickles has won only twice in its past 20 games. But O'Brien's philosophies may take root, and with key returners back on offense (RB Josh Mendez, WRs A.J. Bose and Joey Loving) and defense (linemen Taylor Drane, Mike Mastermaker and Kyle Blum), plus a somewhat favorable schedule, Sickles should be competitive and register some wins.

Essay

Alonso coach Mike Heldt on Sickles:

"I've seen a lot of them in the spring and in the summer passing camps and they might have the best group they have ever had over there. They will definitely be better."

O'Brien on Sickles after spring game:

"Winning always means something. We're keeping our heads about it. We've got a little more experience and we've got some weapons in the lineup. We really feel we will be able to compete better."

Extra Credit

The Gryphons are trying to make a fresh start but the past lingers (22-77 record in the program's first 10 seasons). ... Opponents will have to keep an eye on Bose and Loving, who both stand well over 6 feet and make enticing targets for O'Brien. ... There will be no battle for North Tampa supremacy as Sickles and Gaither do not face each other for the first time.

Rod Gipson, Times correspondent

[Last modified August 29, 2007, 15:36:41]