Sports

Sunlake

By Mike Camunas
Published August 31, 2007

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No adjustment period

Since Sunlake started spring practice, coach Bill Browning has had players practicing in shorts and treading up the field at Pine View Middle School. Browning and Co. were waiting for the completion of their facilities, not only all summer, but also for all of August. They had their black helmets at the start of contact drills, but throughout the summer, the team worked out at various gyms in Pasco County.

Unlike fellow programs Wiregrass Ranch and Wesley Chapel, which had a year of JV before starting varsity, Sunlake is thrown right into Class 3A, District 8 with Pasco, Zephyrhills and Hudson.

"It's a huge challenge," Browning said. "It rushes things up a bit because we can't sit back and you want to go in and be competitive. ... Most teams get extra time with a JV season - we just didn't."

Put me in, Coach

Browning says both the JV and varsity programs will have about 72 players. Problem is, most have never played high school football, and Browning can only chalk up about seven players who played JV last year at Land O'Lakes. This season Browning says the coaches are working with all the players until they can be separated between JV and varsity, but most of those decisions will be made the week of the first game.

"I can't fully evaluate a player until we get into full contact," Browning said. "We've got a lot of guys who have either not played before or only played in the Pop Warner system."

Inexperience takes lead

For Browning, working with inexperience this season is unavoidable. Browning admits he's had to get back to teaching fundamental X's and O's. This includes the player he expects to take over at quarterback: former Gators JV player Joey Collazo, who did not play the position for Land O'Lakes.

"Some guys can throw the ball 60 yards, but get the rush on them, get guys with hands in his face and then the ball starts going all over the place," Browning said. "Joey is the frontrunner right now, but at least he has some playing experience because there's not much of that on this team. But we're getting some player leadership because they know this team is their ball of wax for the next two years."

Welcome back, Mr. Browning

Browning hasn't coached a varsity football team since 2004. He left after eight successful years at Hernando to spend more time with his family, but the pull of the game was always there. Browning is bringing his predecessor, Matt Smith, onto the staff, as well as former Hernando assistant Jim Bragg, and his son, Brandon, a former Leopards quarterback.

"No, it's not tiring," Browning said. "If coaching is in your blood, then it hasn't gotten out yet, and I'm loving every minute of it. I'm enjoying what I'm doing here, though; for me and my staff, this is a huge undertaking."

Mike Camunas, Times correspondent

Five key players

1. Darren Kanhai, Jr., WR/RB/DB

Probably the most explosive Seahawk on offense.

2. Chris Harrington, Jr., TE/LB

Versatility - he is the backup kicker and long snapper - a big plus on young team.

3. Jarrett Baker, Jr., LB

Will start inside and Browning is counting on his physical play.

4. Zach Witthoeft, Jr., OL/DL

Will provide leadership on both sides of the ball.

5. Collazo, Jr., QB

Land O'Lakes transfer will run the offense; Browning hopes for yearlong improvement.

[Last modified August 29, 2007, 13:53:45]

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