Zephyrhills

By Mike Camunas
Published August 31, 2007

Sophomore slump

The Bulldogs are the defending Class 3A-8 champs. They used to have one of the most exciting players in the county, quarterback Sederrik Cunningham, who could pass and run and do it all until they shut off the Friday night lights. But coach Tom Fisher feels this season will "be very interesting." There are only a handful of returning players, and Fisher says there are about a "half-dozen sophomores" who will be pivotal to the team's success. Fisher says the whole backfield and linebacker corps will consist of new players, and he'll make decisions on starters the week of the first game. "It's going to be a challenge this year," said Fisher, who is entering his 19th season at Zephyrhills.

That new Guy

Sophomore Tyler Guy, right, will be featured in the offense - either as the default heir at quarterback, or somewhere else depending on how his play compares to that of junior Lance Hayes. Fisher is converting Guy from tight end to quarterback, but he hasn't played behind center since middle school. This 6-foot-6, 220-pounder has the potential to be a traditional pocket passer - though Fisher claims there won't be more passing than there was for Cunningham - and Guy definitely has the arm for it, as he had a 3.31 ERA and 22 strikeouts on the varsity baseball team as a freshman. "I've played quarterback before, so (being the starter) doesn't feel any different," Guy said. "I don't think I'll be nervous."

Jumping ship

There was competition at quarterback when sophomore D.J. Clower was with the Bulldogs. But at the start of fall practice, Clower was on the field with Zephyrhills' nemesis, Pasco, and he took Chase Dunn with him. Those players' fathers both have history with the Pirates, playing for the team in 1990s. With longtime Wesley Chapel defensive coordinator Tom McHugh taking over at Pasco and with Clower and Dunn on the opposite side of the field, the 8-Mile War should be even more interesting.

Five key players

1. Guy, So., QB

Guy can't match the speed of Cunningham, but his throws are on target.

2. Quentin Amos, Sr., DE

Amos (6-3, 360) will anchor a stout, but young defense.

3. Sean Gray, Sr., DL/OL

Gray (6-5, 290) helps give Bulldogs one of the biggest lines in the county.

4. Joey Maldonado, Jr., MLB

Stepped in for the injured Beau Barnes last year and started three games. The job is his for all of this year.

5. Chris Henry, Sr., RB

A dangerous scoring threat at receiver last year (280 yards, five TDs), Henry takes his speedy feet to the backfield.

Mike Camunas, Times correspondent

[Last modified August 29, 2007, 13:51:26]