30. Andrew Jackson(Jacksonville Beach)
2008 Record: 11-1 in 3A
2009 Classification: District 2-3A with Bishop Kenny, Englewood, Forrest, and Terry Parker
Reason for Optimism: With the return of Derek Owens, Marquel Wade, and Dorian Guy on the offensive side of the ball there are plenty of play-makers. They need to continue the upward trend on the defensive side of the ball.
The Road to a State Championship: Other Region 1 teams are Nease and St. Augustine, two programs who have enjoyed a lot of success this decade. Lurking in the bottom of the draw will be Miami's Booker T. Washington, Naples, and South Ft. Myers.
29. Cocoa
2008 Record: 3A State Champions with a record of 14-1.
Classification: District 3-2A with Astronaut, Atlantic, Cocoa Beach, Rockledge, Satellite, Space Coast
Reason for Optimism: Super junior RB Chevelle Buie has two experienced offensive linemen in Ronald Patrick and Josh Woods, along with senior signal caller Matt Younger. Defensively, S E.J. Johnson will try to build on his three interception State Championship performance.
The Road to the State Championship: Cocoa moves down to 2A in 2009. Godby, Madison County, Raines, Ribault, Frostproof amongst others all potentially reside on their half of the 16 team draw. Desoto County, Glades Central, and Immokalee all lurk further down the road in Orlando.
28. Largo
2008 Record: 12-2 in 5A and lost in the State semi-finals to St. Thomas 35-14.
2009 Classification: District 10-4A with Leto, Sickles, and Boca Ciega.
Reason for Optimism: After back to back semi-final losses(25-3 overall) to State Champion St. Thomas, Largo moves to 4A and avoids them. The return of leading tackler Sean Holte, Daniel Tillman, and Taylor Montgomery means the defense should once again be stout. They will need a few offensive play-makers to emerge.
The Road to the State Championship: They pick up a potential second round match-up with Armwood and Charlotte, Cape Coral, and Gulf Coast lurk in the same Region. Dwyer, Hollywood Hills, and South Fork are dangerous teams in the same half. A host of top teams reside in the other half of the bracket.
27. Glades Central
2008 Record: 11-1 in 3A, lost to Monsignor Pace 13-6 in second round.
2009 Classification: District 7-2A with Suncoast and Boynton Beach.
Reason for Optimism: They are another team moving to 2A and Glades Central is always loaded with talent. L.J. Thomas is poised for a big senior year while there is speed all over the place. Senior DB's Travis Bell and Greg Dent are plus sized hitters in the secondary. The early exit last year will certainly leave a sour taste in their mouth.
The Road to a State Championship: Glades has handled Cardinal Gibbons the last two years. Seven Teams from the Tampa area in District 5 should produces a team capable of an upset. Desoto County with Marcus Shaw is a team you will need to bring your hard hat to play. Whoever comes out of the North will be a dangerous team.
26. Dr. Phillips
2008 Record: 10-2 in 6A, lost to Boone in 2nd round 17-7(after winning earlier game).
2009 Classification: District 6-6A with Boone, Cypress Creek, Gateway, Oak Ridge, and Freedom.
Reason For Optimism: Always one of the Orlando's most talented teams, the return of RB Demetrius Hart and WR Kenny Shaw provides two elite offensive weapons. Marvin Ford is another play-maker on the offensive side of the football. A QB will need to step up for the departed Nico Rainieri. Charles Favors and Marquis Hood will headline a strong defense.
The Road to the State Championship: Boone is a District opponent and is always a strong team. Apopka, Olympia, South Lake, and Atlantic are all on the same side of the draw. A strong team will come out of South Florida from the lower half of the draw will be waiting in the State Championship.