ANALYSIS: Ocala Trinity Catholic battled Pahokee to the wire, but came up a little short in the end. Still they are the last team to wrestle the State Title from the Blue Devils. Several other programs have the talent to make a run to Orlando.
TOP 5 TEAMS
1. NORTH MARION: A 9-4 season ended with a quarterfinal loss to Pasco 13-12. This team is always in the mix and should be again in 2009.
QB Chuckie Looney has been around forever and he once again should be the leader on offense. While a touch short in stature, he can throw the ball accurately down the field opening up the playbook. Rashad Munnerlyn should take over at RB for the departed Eddie Rocker, he went for over 600 yards as a junior. Three strong receiving targets are in place: Senior WR J.J. McCullough, and sophomore WR Latroy Pittman and TE Sean Price.
After struggling on the defensive side in two of their first three games last year, the D really came on down the stretch. They did not surrender more than 19 points in their last 10 games. They have the potential to keep that momentum going.
North Marion appears to be the top team in Region 2-3A. A second round match-up with Nature Coast should be a good one and this team has the potential to be in the state semi-finals.
2. GAINESVILLE: The Purple Hurricanes were a disappointing 5-5 in 2008, but return a ton of talent and will be in year 2 with HC Ryan Smith.
They have a host of weapons on the offensive side of the ball. WR Michael Johnson is a big target, but suffered a knee injury in Spring ball and his future availability is up in the air. Transfer Jordan McFadden brings speed and quickness, he created a lot of buzz in New Jersey as a junior. Troy Campbell is another WR who should be in the mix. RB's Walter Holsey, Corey Hodges, and Javaun Ivey form a talented and deep unit. A pair of junior OLmen have potential: Tyler Moorsman and Jerell Rudolph.
Defensively three key players are in place. LB Kevin Nelson is one of the state's best, he can get sideline to sideline and is a ferocious hitter. S Devont'a Davis can play some CB and has outstanding range. DE Trevarris Saulsberry has a world of potential and he should be more of a force this year.
Gainesville is as talented as any team in Region 2-4A. They have a lot of offensive firepower and some bona fide studs on defense. They are a sleeper to get to Orlando.
3. TRINITY CATHOLIC: The Celtics took Pahokee to the wire in the state title game and finished 12-2. This team is always in the mix and 2009 will be no different.
The loss of QB Rob Henry was big, but the recent transfer of super soph Gray Crow means they won't miss a beat. WR Kadron Boone is one of the best in the country, this will be year 2 for him since the knee injury and he should be even better as a senior...a scary proposition. RB Kedrick Rhodes provides the running attack with someone who is experienced and has play-making ability.
The secondary is strong with Dionte Ponder and Chris Johnson. Ponder is a 2010 D-1 recruit and the junior Johnson could be better. The DL will be headlined by David Leopard.
Trinity figures to get to the Region 2 championship game (state quarters) vs. powerful Bolles. It might be the most intriguing game of that weekend with the winner being the favorite to get to Orlando.
4. COLUMBIA: It was a very disappointing year in Craig Howard's first season. The players should be more familiar with the system and there is just too much talent here for this team to struggle again.
RB Tiger Powell has been pounding on defenses for years and that does not figure to change in 2009. The powerful USF commit is a sledgehammer with good wheels. He will need some help, but there is a host of talent that is ready to step up for the Tigers.
All world junior defensive linemen Tim Jernigan headlines a stout defense. Jernigan might be the top prospect in Florida for 2011 and is just a beast. LB Brach Bessant is a second line of defense and is extremely active. DB Chris Dickey headlines a fast secondary that should make more plays.
Region 1-4A is loaded with quality teams in Pine Forest, Lincoln, and Niceville. The Tigers are capable of playing with those teams, getting quality QB play will be the key.
5. NATURE COAST: The Sharks went 9-2 in 2008, but were banned from the playoffs after some extracurricular activity. Provided their sportsmanship on track, they are a sleeper in 3A.
RB Tevin Drake is a tough, physical runner with surprising speed. He is the type of back that you just feed the ball and see what happens. Antwan Story is solid depth. He gets better with every carry. TE Braddie Ellison should be used both ways and he is capable of doing a lot more offensively.
The defense should be one of the best in the area with a host of quality football players. John Carbone, Nick Ciucci, and Corey Emerson will make their presence felt on both sides of the ball.
We expect the Sharks to see North Marion in the playoffs, if they win, this team can go far and accomplish what they were on track to do last year.
OTHER TEAMS TO WATCH: South Sumter, Crystal River, Gulf, Forest, Lafayette, Lake Weir, Newberry, Union County
ALL AREA PRESEASON:
QB Nick Bracewell, RB Tevin Drake, RB Tiger Powell, WR Kadron Boone, WR Deonte Welch, WR Michael Johnson, TE Braddie Ellison, OL Michael Vannucci, OL Levaris Sims, OL Cody Simmons, OL Chad Buchholz, OL Jacob White
DL Tim Jernigan, DL Brach Bessant, DL Stephen Davis, DL Leon Orr, LB Kevin Nelson, LB Nick Martinez, LB Daryl Cooper, CB Terrence Brooks, DB Chris Dickey, S Devont'a Davis, DB Dionte Ponder
GAME OF THE YEAR: Columbia at Gainesville