Wharton

By Brendan Galella
Published August 31, 2007

Multiple Choice

What is the average GPA for Wharton's football team?

A) 2.5 B) 3.0

C) 3.5 D) 4.0

Answer: B. Kicker Drew Kocher leads the Wildcats with a 5.0 weighted GPA and this summer completed courses to earn college credits. With his team's average right at 3.0, Coach David Mitchell strives to have his entire team over a "B" average by the end of the season. The Wildcats earned the county's GPA award in 2005, Mitchell's first year at the helm.

True-False

The most solidified unit at Wharton is the defense.

Answer: False. Wharton returns four starters from last season's 8-2 team. The Wildcats' biggest challenge will be stopping the run, as the team boasts two new linebackers and two new defensive linemen. "We're much younger on defense. ... We have our work cut out for us on defense," Mitchell said.

Yes or No

Is quarterback the deepest position at Wharton?

Answer: Yes. Junior Andrew Clifford and senior Josh Powell provide the Wildcats with arguably the best quarterback duo in the county. The athletic Powell, last year's full-time starter, is expected to play nearly every play, lining up in the secondary to strengthen a unit with only one returning starter. Mitchell said his passing game was "pretty good" and hopes the receivers can play equally well.

Essay

Gaither coach Mark Kantor on Wharton:

"They're going to come out and on defense smack you in the mouth. What it boils down to is, Wharton has a good mix of athletes, sound coaching and they're just a good quality football team. David Mitchell is a defensive-minded guy and his teams always are very physical. They're going to challenge for the district title."

Mitchell on the Wildcats:

"My goal for the season is to see guys improve each game. If I could improve on one thing from last year it would be our execution, especially on offense. That is going to be a challenge because we have so many new guys."

Extra Credit

Tight end Andreas Shields has committed to South Florida, where Mitchell believes he will become a major factor, dubbing the senior "an outstanding tight end." ... Along with winning Hillsborough County's GPA award, the Wildcats have won the sportsmanship award during Mitchell's tenure. ... The Wildcats' schedule, one of the softest in the county last season, has been considerably upgraded. Wharton hosted Plant in the Kickoff Classic and faces Armwood and East Bay in weeks 2 and 3.

Brendan Galella, Times correspondent

[Last modified August 30, 2007, 13:27:36]