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Football: The unsung heroes

These are the unsung heroes from each football playoff team that's in action tonight.

By BOB PUTNAM AND BRANDON WRIGHT
Published November 16, 2007

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They are far from the bright lights. They are unknown faces and unfamiliar names. No camera crews rush to report their every move, record their every thought. Still, these players toil away, striving as hard as the superstars, dreaming of the moment they can take their place at the top. 
 

Class 5A

East Lake (7-3) at Largo (10-0), 7:30

The Packers are undefeated in the regular season for the first time since 1977. Included in that win total is a shutout of the Eagles in the season opener. East Lake bounced back, winning six of its final seven games. The biggest task for the Eagles is stopping Largo running back Brynn Harvey, who set the county record for rushing yards in the regular season with 2,043.

Travis Feldman, Largo

At 6 feet 4, 245 pounds, Feldman is not the biggest guy on the Packers' offensive line. But he is one of the best.

A three-year starter, the senior has paved the way for two Largo running backs, Dexter McCluster and Harvey, to each rush for more than 2,000 yards in the past three seasons. And Feldman helps anchor the defensive line.

Brian Groc, East Lake

After starting the season at linebacker, Groc switched to safety and had an immediate impact.

He had two interceptions against Clearwater and played a big role in run support against Northeast running back Jeff Brinson. For the season, Groc has more than 100 tackles and six interceptions.

Class 2B

CCC (6-4) at Crescent City (9-0), 7:30

The Marauders are in the playoffs for the 12th straight season, the longest streak in the county. CCC is getting healthy at the right time after battling injuries most of the season. Crescent City is 1-6 in the postseason since 1978. One of those losses came against the Marauders in 2004.

Connor Baird, CCC

Injuries wreaked havoc on the Marauders' offensive line all season. Baird was the one constant.

He started every game at left tackle and contributed on defense along the line.

Class 5A

Gibbs (6-4) at Dunedin (6-4), 7:30

The Falcons have been trying to find a way to neutralize the stellar play of the Gladiators' special teams unit, which has scored several times off returns and blocked kicks. Dunedin's biggest weapon is running back Adaris Bellamy, who rushed for a school-record 1,500 yards in the regular season.

John Toston, Dunedin

Wednesday's practice came to a close, and the field was practically empty.

Except, of course, for Toston.

He stayed to work in some sprints. The senior wide receiver/defensive back is the textbook example of how a gangly, unknown player developed into a two-way threat through dedication.

"(John) never complains and has the best work ethic I've ever seen," Falcons coach Mark Everett said. "He is the epitome of what high school should be about."

JaJuan Moorer, Gibbs

The Gladiators return to the playoffs for the first time since 2004, thanks to a team-first approach instilled by coach Yusef Shakir. Think that's "coach speak"? Shakir wouldn't spotlight any particular players, saying only, "I don't like to single any of them out."

In that case, we will. Moorer has done a little of everything. He has hit hard on defense and doubled as a tailback when Devon McCullough was injured. And he does his part on special teams, taking a kickoff and punt back for touchdowns.

 

Class 4A

Northeast (6-4)at Plant (9-1), 7:30

The Panthers, the defending state champions, have won nine straight. Quarterback Aaron Murray has been key, throwing for 42 touchdowns in the regular season, seven short of the state record. That's not good for the Vikings, who have a banged-up secondary. The biggest injury is to Kevin McCall, who tore his PCL last week against Largo. Northeast did get some good news with the return of running back Jeff Brinson, out the past month with cracked ribs.

Yosar Pacheco, Northeast

Pacheco is extremely mobile for his size, which allows him to pull and block effectively, skills particularly important in a Vikings offense that relies on traps, sweeps and screen passes. And he is adept at stopping the run.

"Yosar is an unassuming guy," Northeast coach Jay Austin said. "But he gets us lined up right. He's one of our all-time favorites."

 

 

Jefferson (4-6) at Boca Ciega (8-2), 7:30

The Pirates are in the playoffs for the first time since 2004. Boca Ciega got to this position by relying on its fast, aggressive defense and big-play capabilities on special teams. The Dragons are making their eighth straight postseason appearance. The key matchup is the Pirates secondary against Jefferson quarterback Zack Grossi, who has 1,625 yards and 19 touchdowns.

Sherrod Clinton, Boca Ciega

With Ja-Vonta Trotter lined up wide as the Pirates' primary deep threat, Clinton has been somewhat overshadowed by Boca Ciega's dangerous weapon.

It might be Clinton's time to take center stage today.

Clinton has 13 catches for 331 yards and five touchdowns, tied for the team lead in receiving scores. Clinton will have to step up and give quarterback Orhian Johnson another option if the Pirates are to knock off Plant, a team that has won 24 of its past 25 games.

 

 

Class A

IRC (7-3) at Belle Glade Glades Day (8-2), 7:30

The Golden Eagles are in the playoffs for the first time since 1999 in large part because of their big win against Northside Christian in the regular season. Glades Day, the defending state champion, is making its 26th trip to the postseason, the second-most appearances in state history behind Jacksonville Bolles (27). In its past two playoff games against county opponents, Glades Day has won by a combined score of 127-25.

Max Heard, IRC

Heard does the thankless work in the trenches. But his team wouldn't go far without him. A three-year starter at guard, Heard gives running backs Jonny Sitton and Ethan Englebert plenty of room to run.

"He definitely makes the holes for us," Golden Eagles coach Mark Buchanan said.

 

 

Class B

Lakeland Victory Christian (5-5) at Keswick Christian (10-0), 7:30

The Crusaders, celebrating their 10th season of varsity football, went undefeated in the regular season for the first time. Keswick did it by dominating opponents, outscoring them by a combined 415-61. Victory Christian, the defending state finalist, was in the Crusaders' district the past two years before being switched this season. Victory won the previous two meetings between the schools, both in the regular season.

Colby Krider, Keswick Christian

On traps or sweeps, Krider is the one laying a hit on an unsuspecting opponent.

"(Colby) is only 5-foot-10, 170 pounds, and that's with his shoulder pads on," Crusaders coach Rick Sanson said. "But he is quick and tenacious. I know that (running back) Jared DiMaggio feels most comfortable running behind him."

Krider has paved the way for DiMaggio to rush for more than 1,000 yards the past three seasons.

[Last modified November 15, 2007, 23:41:39]

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