The Fighting Tarpon offense is led by junior QB Kyle Midgett(6'1, 180). Midgett has made significant progress this season in the 'little things' that quarterback's need to do to win ballgames. He is now an experienced signal caller at the high school level and it is showing on the field. He has thrown for 1,321 yards(61%) and seven touchdowns with five interceptions. Midgett has a live arm and enough mobility to buy time in the pocket.
Charlotte has two game-breaking threats at the running back spot. Sophomore Mike Bellamy(5'10, 170) earns the nickname 'speedy' with his elite deep speed, rarely getting caught once he finds space. He has run for 1,859 yards at about an eight yard per carry clip. Senior Troy McClary(5'7, 160) has rushed for 948 yards and actually averages more yards per carry(10.2). McClary lines up in the slot and takes some reverses as well as spell Bellamy at RB. This is one of the most prolific tandems in the state.
Midgett's top target at wide receiver is sophomore Alex Mut(6'2, 180). The lanky wide receiver has nice speed, is a solid route runner, and has a great pair of hands. Mut has hauled in 36 balls for 550 yards. Markese Brantley starts opposite Mut and brings a big play weapon to the fold, he has 15 catches for 259 yards. Troy McClary(16 catches) and Nick Stephenson(11 catches) work the middle of the field and the underneath stuff.
The offense has averaged 35.3 points per game and you can't do that without a stout offensive line. This line has good size and athleticism. It is also very experienced with four seniors starting: Bryce Neff, Dylan Cox, Jesse Kirchner, and Cody Mooney. Kirchner is a versatile, hard nosed player who is athletic enough to play TE. The lone junior may be the best of the bunch, Byron Grant. There is plenty of depth here as well.
This team suffered a tragic loss .(Robb Roys- http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20081127/article/811270359).
The Charlotte defense has been solid all year, they had a hiccup vs. the high octane offense of Venice during district play surrendering 56 points, but held that same offense to 21 points in the second round of the playoffs. They pitched two shutouts and held five teams under 10 points.
The defensive line is led by junior Antwan Allen(6'0, 260) at tackle. The junior has a ton of potential and is capable of making a lot of plays in the middle of the field and at the point of attack. Consistency is the key for Allen. A pair of juniors, Hunter McCarthy and Dan Kachmar, are run stuffers at ends and can get up the field in the passing game. Senior J.P. Long plays inside and Byron Grant can also see time there.
The linebacking core starts with MLB Brandon Ross(6'1, 230). The senior is a force against the run and plays the game with a high level of intensity. He is seasoned and capable of great things. Ross is flanked by junior Cory Mentzer and sophomore Robert Haynes. Both players's can run and are effective against the pass.
Brantley and Mut play both ways and lead a solid secondary. McClary and Stephenson also see some time here. Two more experienced seniors round out the unit: Rod Bostic and Josh Sayed. Bostic is a safety with range and Sayed is a tough corner. This unit has seen some top flight competition and athletes dating back to the spring game vs. Cape Coral, they are capable of great things. They need to stop the big play.
Charlotte has some solid wins under their belt. They won at Manatee 38-32 in a thrilling, big play contest. They beat district champion Ft. Myers twice, by a combined score of 72-7. Mariner, North Ft. Myers, and Port Charlotte are solid 5A clubs and they handled them all with relative ease. They also defeated 3A district champion Desoto County in the season finale(Desoto still alive in 3A). Of course, the big win was Venice and the way the team responded on the road with clutch offensive plays and a defensive stand bodes well for the future. They will travel to play a tough, seasoned, one loss Largo team in the Regional Finals. Largo is the defending Region 3 champion.