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Boys Prep Soccer

By Times staff writer

© St. Petersburg Times, published November 15, 2000

District breakdown

CLASS 4A, DISTRICT 7

PREDICTED FINISH: 1. Gaither, 2. Bloomingdale, 3. Palm Harbor University, 4. Sickles, 5. Durant, 6. Hillsborough.

THE SKINNY: Two of the past three state champions have come from this district, which gets even stronger with the addition of PHU. Defending champ Gaither returns forward Jared Rose, defenseman Hank Malouf and lots of other talent. Coach Dave Tennian returns at Bloomingdale with more than 200 career wins and a tough squad that includes midfielder Todd Cripe, forward Brandon Hancock and defenseman Jeremy Fung. PHU has one of the area's best in midfielder Paul Kolovos. The Hurricanes also have a new coach in former Dunedin and Charlotte (N.C.) star Pablo Pinzon. Sickles lost a lot to graduation but returns sweeper Dave Moore and midfielder Carlos Pinnace. Durant also is rebuilding but has midfielders Josh Cline (eight goals) and Shawn Wehrle (11). Hillsborough, featuring hard-nosed sweeper Tyler Gordon, is no slouch either, meaning there are no weak teams in this district.

CLASS 3A, DISTRICT 9

PREDICTED FINISH: 1. Lakeland Jenkins, 2. Plant City, 3. Lake Region, 4. Winter Haven, 5. Haines City, 6. Auburndale.

THE SKINNY: Jenkins has a stranglehold on this district. Plant City, coached by Alan Black, managed a tie with Jenkins last season and could have some surprising young talent.

CLASS 3A, DISTRICT 10

PREDICTED FINISH: 1. King, 2. Wharton, 3. Chamberlain, 4. Plant.

THE SKINNY: With Lonnie Houston up front and several returning starters, King should win this district. It doesn't hurt that its rival, Brandon, moved out. Wharton will be improved with midfielder Ray Zarella.

CLASS 3A, DISTRICT 12

THE SKINNY: Sarasota is a perennial favorite for the playoffs. Brandon overachieved last year to come within a game of the final four but lost a lot to graduation. Twins John and Tim Sobczak will be the core of the team. Riverview is up-and-coming

CLASS 2A, DISTRICT 9

PREDICTED FINISH: 1. Lake Gibson, 2. Armwood, 3. East Bay, 4. Lake Wales, 5. Lakeland Kathleen, 6. Bartow.

THE SKINNY: Another far-flung district that features teams from multiple counties. With several club players, Armwood and East Bay should compete.

CLASS 2A, DISTRICT 10

PREDICTED FINISH: 1. Jesuit, 2. Leto, 3. Tampa Bay Tech, 4. Robinson, 5. Blake, 6. Jefferson.

THE SKINNY: With returning stars Evan Doyle and Brett Wagner, Jesuit should win its 11th consecutive district title. Leto gave it some trouble last year in the district final with forward Edisson Cantor. Forward Don Jones leads an improved Tampa Bay Tech squad. Robinson got transfer Mike Melghem from state finalist Tampa Catholic.

CLASS A, DISTRICT 7

PREDICTED FINISH: 1. Tampa Catholic, 2. Berkeley Prep, 3. Lakeland Santa Fe Catholic, 4. Wesley Chapel.

THE SKINNY: TC lost a lot but proved it could beat the odds last season. Berkeley is young and trying to overcome the loss of injured defenders Bryce Strickland and Drew Heath. It always plays a tough schedule, which prepares it for the playoffs. Santa Fe Catholic is usually strong but lost 10-0 to Jenkins in a preseason match.

- Compiled by Jeremy Rasmussen.

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