Wesley Chapel

By Izzy Gould
Published August 31, 2007

Fabulous freshmen

John Castelamare is touting a trio of freshmen as potential difference-makers. They're bound to get a little more attention between class from the upperclassmen, not necessarily a good thing. Jacob Fisher (lineman), Hunter Joyer and Lionel Rayford (receiver/defensive back) each have made an impact in the preseason, and Castelamare believes all three will get significant time. Fisher, 6 feet, 192 pounds, had a strong summer in the weightroom and impressed his teammates with how many times he said, "Yes, sir." Rayford, whom Castelamare said will start from Day 1, is 6 feet, 185 pounds and could give Greg Jenkins a nice target to complement Castelamare's precious Wing-T. Joyer, Kamran's younger brother, also will start in the backfield, a 5-foot-11, 239-pound tank.

Shake-and-Bake Jenkins

The offense will go as far as Jenkins can take it. He's quick, he has size and he can throw on the run very well in both directions. College scouts are eyeing him as an athlete, and he has proved he can step it up on defense. How much Jenkins plays defensively is unclear. "Greg is so intense," Castelamare said. "He'll do everything he can to make a bad play a good play." Jenkins has the freedom to audible, and Castelamare expects him to make the right reads and to change plays as needed.

Big shoes to fill

Wildcats top running back Mario Melvin graduated and took 1,090 yards and nine touchdowns with him. Castelamare hopes three guys can fill the void. Keenan Reynolds, Hunter Joyer and Josh Browne. "We have three or four guys there," Castelamare said. "If we get hurt, we don't have too much depth in the backfield." A lot of the burden for making the Wing-T work will fall on the offensive line.

Scholar athlete

Another big loss was that of Vince Chalecki, who sucked up a knee injury to finish his senior season with 143 tackles earning him the Times' Pasco County Defensive Player of the Year. He went on to the University of Tampa for academics. Good for him. Now it's up to his protege, Ray Rouch, to fill the hole at middle linebacker. Castelamare was hesitant to name Rouch the new guy. Two weeks into the preseason there was no hesitation. Rouch is the guy. "No doubt," Castelamare said. "Ray can do the job. Even Chalecki will say that. He's not as thick as Chalecki, but he gets to the ball and he'll hit you. He's always around the ball."

Miss you, Mac

Bud Hodgens, a longtime coach, takes over the defensive coordinator vacancy left by new Pasco coach Tom McHugh. "Bud's doing a good job," Castelamare said. "Of course, we miss Mac, but he's at Pasco. It's not like Bud's learning. He's done all this before."

Izzy Gould, Times staff writer

1. Jenkins, Sr., QB/DB

Blessed with an arm that would be good in any dart contest, he has the ability to shift and shake and make tacklers look silly.

2. Kamran Joyer, Jr., G/DT

Has the strength to bench-press Castelamare's car and moves that could tear it up at the Homecoming dance.

3. Rouch, Sr., LB/WB

Claimed the Wildcats' black practice jersey in spring, which often goes to the top player, and should retain the tone set by Chalecki.

4. Charles Vanzandt, Sr., T/DT

Grabbed the attention of some colleges as a junior and is up to 6-foot-3, 255 pounds.

5. Chris Charles Pierre, So., TE

Castelamare thinks he's found a true tight end the Wildcats have been missing.

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