Preps

Hillsborough: News and Notes

By JOE SMITH AND KEITH NIEBUHR
Published November 21, 2007

Chamberlain junior Austin Pullaro wasn't nervous last week when he lined up to boot a potential winning 43-yard field goal with four seconds left against Wharton. But he was as the Chiefs marched into position on their final drive.

"I was terrified," Pullaro said.

Pullaro nailed the kick and Chamberlain won 26-25.

After the game, teammates gave him celebratory slaps to the helmet and his tearful mother greeted him with a hug. Monday, numerous students and teachers congratulated him on the kick.

"It was pretty nice," Pullaro said.

Bayshore star may play in college

Bayshore Christian volleyball standout Jannica Mollett hinted recently her playing career would end when the Faith Warriors played their final 2007 match. But it appears that might not be the case.

Mollett, who helped lead Bayshore Christian to the Class A title last week, said Tuesday she is looking into the possibility of walking on at South Florida. She also has received interest from Flagler and Palm Beach Atlantic. The 5-foot-9 Mollett played outside hitter in high school but would be a defensive specialist at USF. She plans to attend the Bulls' next match and meet with the coaching staff.

"I have no idea what I'm going to do," Mollett said. "It's all up in the air right now."

Chief banged up

Chamberlain assistant coach Brian Turner has said the Chiefs without defensive back/receiver Justin Bell are like "Plant without Aaron Murray." Bell, arguably the Chiefs' most valuable player, hasn't practiced the past couple days because of a deep thigh bruise, coach Billy Turner said.

Bell can jog around but "can't do a complete squat," though Turner said he expects the senior to play in Friday's region semifinal against Gaither. It's just a matter of how much - if at all - the injury slows him.

"If he's out, it's trouble," Turner said. "That's three players right there - offense, defense and special teams."

College signings

Holy Names rower Shannon Hoffman signed with Wisconsin after going back and forth between the Badgers and Clemson. ... Margaux Camara of Freedom signed with Division I Sacred Heart Conn.. Camara was a three-year starter for the Patriots. ... Gaither senior libero Elissa Hausmann signed to play for Florida Gulf Coast.

Did you know?

This is the first time the Plant football team has posted back-to-back 10-win seasons since the 1978 and '79 seasons.

[Last modified November 20, 2007, 22:18:59]