Preps

Hillsborough: News and notes

By JOE SMITH AND KEITH NIEBUHR
Published November 11, 2007

Carrollwood Day School makes six-man state-ment

Just call them the champs.

Carrollwood Day School beat Haven Christian Academy 51-36 Friday night in Winter Haven to claim the six-man football Florida Christian Association of Private and Parochial School title. "It's something you can't take away from the kids," Patriots coach Lane McLaughlin said. "They'll always have this state title."

CDS 10-3 was led by quarterback Billy Embody (five touchdown passes), wide receiver Matt Monteihl (three TD catches) and running back/defensive back Darius Bing (three TDs, two interceptions).

Haven beat CDS 46-39 in overtime earlier this season.

CDS plans to jump to 11-man football next fall.

"Hopefully," McLaughlin said, "we can get some momentum from this."

Terriers soccer coach to resign

Hillsborough girls soccer coach John Matin, hired just a month ago, said he plans to resign Monday. Matin, who played several years at the international level, said his players and parents weren't receptive to his coaching style and methods, which frustrated him enough to step aside.

"I'm questioned by parents, questioned by players, doubting my coaching," he said. "I just had it. If you're not happy, why do it?"

Matin took over for Ronald Fedeles, who led the Terriers to a 13-4 record last year. Matin had a coaching stint at Lakeland Lake Gibson, where he took the team to the 4A state final four in 1999. Matin said he has always used a Brazilian style of soccer, which emphasizes short passes. The Terriers are 0-3.

Budding star

Durant freshman running back Je'Twan Smith (5-10, 160 pounds) made his varsity debut Friday against Bloomingdale. AfterRyan Rice separated his left shoulder in the first half, Smith rushed 28 times for 208 yards and completed an 18-yard halfback pass. "I didn't think it'd go that well," Smith said. "I thought I'd mess up a couple times."

Football playoffs

All games 7:30 p.m. Friday

Class 5A

Sickles at Gaither; Wharton at Chamberlain; Lakeland at Brandon; Plant City at Osceola

Class 4A

Hillsborough at Auburndale; Northeast at Plant; Lake Region at Armwood; Jefferson at Boca Ciega

Class 2A

Inlet Grove at Tampa Catholic

[Last modified November 11, 2007, 00:29:40]