Football Preview

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FOOTBALL

PREVIEW 2013 COVERING SARASOTA AND MANATEE COUNTIES

2

THE Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2013

BRADEN RIVER

PIRATES Marcus Balliette

20

It didn’t hit him until 45 days ago.

As he and his teammates stood around the weight room counting down the days until the first football game of the season, Braden River senior linebacker Marcus Balliette took a step back.

The realization finally began to set in. This was it.

After four years of sweat, hard work and dedication, his final high school football season was nearly upon him.

It’s been a whirlwind career for the Pirates’ defensive star, who is one of only a handful of seniors who have been a part of the Braden River football team since the beginning.

But, there was never a point when Balliette, who still remem-

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Senior linebacker Marcus Balliette is one of only a handful of seniors to have been a part of the Braden River football team since the beginning — a move he hopes will only further cement his legacy.

Height: 6 feet Weight: 205 pounds

Care meets Convenience

RUNNING WILD: Balliette started out playing running back but ended up hurting his quadriceps prior to tryouts his freshman year. “I couldn’t run full speed, so they ended up moving me to defense,” Balliette says.

“I liked it better.”

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THE Observer

2013

THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2013

BY THE NUMBERS number of points the Pirates allowed last season.

329 The 17 bers his first day of freshman football practice, thought about walking away.

“During middle school, someone once told me you don’t have to go to a star high school to be a star,” Balliette says. “You can stand out at a lower level.

“We’ve had a lot of different coaches since I’ve been a part of the program,” Balliette says. “There’s been a lot of starting over, but now we’re part of a new generation.”

Balliette began playing flag football when he was 7 years old, but it wasn’t until his first season of tackle football in seventh grade that he started taking the sport seriously.

“I liked the contact,” Balliette says.

“It was just something new. I was nervous at first, but once I got the hang of it, I realized it was a lot of fun.”

Balliette started out playing defensive end for the Pirates before transitioning to linebacker his sophomore season.

This fall, Balliette also will see some time at tight end. Although, he admits he prefers lining up on the defensive side of the ball.

“I just like hitting and inflicting pain in people,” Balliette says.

Now, as he prepares to run out onto the field in his final season opener Friday, Aug. 30, Balliette is hoping to instill a sense of pride and passion for the game in his younger teammates, including his younger brother, Chase, whom he’ll line up alongside for the first time.

“I want to leave a legacy here,” Balliette says. “I hope people will remember me as No. 20, and my coaches and all of my teammates remember what I put out for this team.”

— Jen Blanco, Sports Editor

YourObserver.com

PREVIEW

Braden River High School

2013 ROSTER

6546 53rd Ave. E., Bradenton / Mascot: Pirates / 2012 Record: 1-9

The number of seniors on this year’s roster.

On building upon last season: Last year at this time we were just trying to get settled in and meet the players. Having that first year under us is huge. We’ve rededicated the program to the weight room. The players have been in the program, and they know what to expect.

number of games in which Braden 5 The River was shutout last season.

CoACH’S CORNER curt bradley SECOND YEAR

On the value of playing time: We’ve got young experience. We played 10 sophomores and two freshmen last year. They got their feet wet. It was sort of like baptism by fire. We went in with the understanding that they were going to struggle, but they would be better for it in the long run. We lost 18 seniors, so we’ve got to have kids step up and take over those leadership roles.

On the new district: I like the new district.

Because we’re still a young program, it got tough having to go toe-to-toe with Manatee and Venice who have so much tradition and don’t have to compete for players.

SCHEDULE Class 7A-10

All games start at 7:30 p.m.

Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 8

North Fort Myers at Port Charlotte at Southeast Lakewood Ranch* Booker at Sarasota* Bayshore BYE North Port* at Palmetto* at DeSoto County

PLAYERS TO WATCH

15 20

*Denotes district game

3

Dusty Peebles Junior, quarterback “He’s taken tremendous strides,” Curt Bradley says.

Marcus Balliette Senior, linebacker/tight end “He’s (probably) the best football player we have,” Bradley says. “He’s got a great football mind, and he’s a great kid and leader.”

No. Name Pos. Year 2 Banks, Davion CB JR 3 Mays, Andre WR SR 4 Dunbar, Ahmad CB SR 5 Fox, Austin WR/CB SR 6 Williams, Devyn CB/S SR 7 Ross, Justin WR JR 8 Albritton, Jimiah OLB JR 9 Humphry, Titus RB/OLB SR 10 Rawlings, Justin OLB/WR SR 11 Ross, Erik WR JR 12 Ziebell, Lou WR SR 14 Huesman, Jacob QB SO 15 Peebles, Dustin QB JR 17 Deans, Cody WR JR 20 Balliette, Marcus MLB/TE SR 21 Myara, Austin S/OLB SR 22 Smith, Kedarius CB/S SR 24 Crawford, Carlos RB JR 25 Maugherman, Zach OLB JR 26 Garcia, Andrew WR JR 28 Ford, Caleb RB JR 29 Bryant, Marcus S SR 33 Evans, Joseph MLB SO 44 Balliette, Chase MLB SO 45 Brown, Reggie CB SR 50 Govan, Curtis DT JR 51 Golden, Damon OL/DE JR 53 Lilly-Crum, Christian MLB SR 54 Huynh, Joseph DT SR 55 Davidson, Cody MLB/OL JR 56 Neuzil, Ryan OL/DE SO JR 58 Mirando, Richard OLB 60 Cole, Zach OL JR 61 Brown, Kyle OL JR 62 Whitenight, Jacob OL JR 66 Douglas, Jaron DT SR 69 Oberlin, Gavin OL/DE JR 71 Pulawski, Evan OL JR 74 Payne, Austin DT JR 75 Strahs, Donald DT JR 77 Rametta, Kevyn OL JR 78 Salguero, Alex OL SO 79 Andrade, Juan OL SR 85 Anderson, Kyle TE SR 88 Hintze, Derek DE JR 99 Pierre-Paul, Ronald DE JR

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2013

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Caleb Loppe has aspirations of playing college football, but, for now, the senior defensive end is focused on leading the Mustangs to the postseason.

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TRIPLE THREAT: In addition to football, Loppe also is on the track and weightlifting teams.

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Height: 6 feet, 1 inch Weight: 195 pounds

Caleb Loppe took an unconventional route to the gridiron.

In fact, the Lakewood Ranch senior defensive end didn’t actually strap on a helmet until his sophomore year of high school.

A former baseball player, Loppe knew next to nothing about football when a friend convinced him to try it.

Loppe decided to give the sport a try. He soon realized it was nothing like America’s favorite pastime.

“It was painful,” Loppe says. “It’s football. It’s hard work, but it’s fun and worth the experience. If I could go back and start doing football earlier, I would.”

Loppe landed a spot on the Mustangs’ defense and has been working his way up ever since.

“I wanted to be on defense because that’s where you get to hit people,” Loppe says. “That’s where the fun part is, at least for me.”

Loppe’s crowning moment came last fall when the 6-foot-1, 195-pound defender, who was sick at the time, ran down a running back in Lakewood’s rivalry game against Braden River.

THE Observer

2013

THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2013

This fall, Loppe is one of four seniors on Lakewood’s defensive line — a scenario the Mustangs hope to use to their advantage when the season kicks off Friday night.

“Defensively, I believe this team is very solid,” Loppe says. “I believe the defense will be good. I have faith in this team, and I think we’ll do better than we did last year — at least, I hope so. It’s all about passion.”

Loppe has spent the past two-and-ahalf years learning Lakewood’s schemes.

Now, as he prepares for his final season with the Mustangs, Loppe is hoping to have a breakout season — one he hopes will end with a playoff berth.

“I just want to have plenty of tackles and do what I’m supposed to do,” Loppe says. “I’m just trying to do the best I can, really, and hopefully we’ll have a big year.”

— Jen Blanco, Sports Editor

PLAYERS TO WATCH

2013 ROSTER

28 57 Ty McLeod Senior, linebacker

60 88

CALEB LOPPE Senior, defensive end Andrew Hoskinson Senior, offensive line “He’s the leader for the offensive line,” Shawn Trent says.

Wyatt McLeod Senior, tight end “He runs really well for a big kid,” Trent says.

“He does a really good job and makes it look easy.”

On the new district: Our goal is to make the playoffs and win a district championship. We want to be successful.

Our district is hard because, competitively, there’s not anyone who’s really a front-runner. If you don’t play perfect every game, you can get beat. There’s a lot more balance.

On this season: This is my ninth year and I’ve never felt we’ve had a team with which we could just walk on the field and win just because of who we are. We have to play well every Friday if we want to have an opportunity to win; and our kids are conditioned for that.

I don’t think there have been many games when I’ve thought we have no chance to win.

CoACH’S CORNER

On defensive presence: We’re going to be much faster defensively. We’re still pretty young, but SHAWN TRENT they have more experience because they had to NINTH YEAR play last year. Our linebackers are still somewhat young, but they’re running better. So, hopefully the combination of a senior defensive line with faster linebackers will make it easier for the linebackers.

BY THE NUMBERS

YourObserver.com

PREVIEW

LAKEWOOD RANCH High School 5500 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Lakewood Ranch Mascot: Mustangs / 2012 Record: 5-5

No. Name Pos. Year 2 Pearcey, Cameron WR JR 3 Desir, Wanley LB JR 4 Centofanti, Luciano WR SR 5 Lewellen, Brendan DB JR 6 Murray, Daymon WR SO 7 Losada, Trevor WR SO 8 Rex, Chad QB JR 9 Steier, Thomas DB SO 10 Hendrickson, Cody DB SO 12 Pearcey, Chris RB SR 11 Fischer, Justin RB SO WR JR 13 Davis, Terez 14 Cadet, Clark RB SO 15 Luckett, Terrance DB SR 16 Thomas, Davion RB SO 18 Weisman, Grant QB SO WR SO 19 Scott, Andrigue 20 Cunningham, Ronnie DB SO 21 Angel, A’Shawn RB SO DB SO 22 Luckett, Brandon 23 Braun, Couper DB SO DB JR 24 Bain, Craig 25 Handy, John WR SR 26 Thoma, Kyle K/P SO DB SO 27 Keith, Stephen 28 Mcleod, Ty LB SR 29 Rome, Tyree LB SO 31 Jeffcoat, James DB JR 32 Atkins, Patrick DB SO JR 33 VonDerHofen, Max LB 35 Wall, Dakota DB SO LB JR 38 Resnick, Joe 39 Sever, Zane DB SO 42 Rivera, Julian DB SO LB JR 43 Remedor, Allen 44 Valls, Roberto DL SO DL JR 45 Staggs, Andrew 46 Priestley, Dawson TE SO 50 Lundy, Garrett LB SO 51 Schilson, Christopher DL SO 52 Hobbs, Mason DL SR 53 Ben-Ghuzzi, Zach LB SO 54 Shackleford, Andrew DL SR

number of seniors on average number of points the Mustangs’ defensive line.

4 The 16.5 The the Mustangs scored last season.

887

56 Thompson, Devon 57 Loppe, Caleb 60 Hoskinson, Andrew 61 Zapatha, Adam 62 Childers, Brandon 63 Riordan, Danny 63 Riordan, Danny 65 Grangier, Sam 66 Jones, Josh 67 Grice, Brandon 68 Guy, Michael 71 Gold, Alex 72 Santoni, Michael 73 Dion, Nehemyah 74 Georgas, Evan 75 Mathis, Kyle 76 Lancaster, Nathaniel 77 Overmyer, Gabriel 78 Garland, Trevor 79 Simat, Mark 80 Fiedler, Jarod 84 Pratt, Branden 85 Brady, Kyle 87 Koehler, Cameron 88 McLeod, Wyatt

5

OL SR DL SR TE SR DL SO DL SO OL SO OL SO DL SR OL SO OL SO DL JR OL SO OL JR OL SO OL SO OL SO OL SO OL SO OL SO OL JR TE SO WR SO TE JR TE SO TE SR

SCHEDULE Class 7A-10

All games start at 7:30 p.m.

Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 8

Southeast at Jesuit at Bayshore at Braden River* at Charlotte North Port* BYE Palmetto* Riverview at Sarasota* Port Charlotte

*Denotes district game

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Pearcey will miss his senior season after tearing his ACL over the summer.

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YourObserver.com

2013

PREVIEW

Cardinal mooney

COUGARS MIKE BELLO

54 CoACH’S CORNER On last season: When healthy, I think we SIXTH YEAR can be pretty competitive. We had some good things happen last year, but, unfortunately, we had the wrong guys hurt. It just seemed like one thing after the other, so, to finish 5-5 and be competitive is a great feat when our best leaders weren’t on the field.

JOSH SMITHERS

On how this year’s team stacks up: We have a great group of skill guys. In terms of team speed, athletically this is the best group we’ve had since 2006. You never know what can happen, but on paper we look pretty darn good.

On the depth chart: When you’re dealing with 30 kids, every position (struggles) with backups. It’s tough, and you have to make sure they know what they’re doing.

It’s a challenge every school in 3A faces.

Height: 6 feet Weight: 235 pounds

CHEESEHEAD: The majority of Mike Bello’s family is from Wisconsin, so he grew up watching Brett Favre.

SCHEDULE Class 3A-6

All games start at 7 p.m.

CARDINAL MOONEY High School

Cougars senior center Mike Bello has lost 105 pounds since moving up to varsity at the end of his sophomore year.

Mike Bello is constantly catching people off guard.

Standing outside the weight room before one of his summer workouts, the Cardinal Mooney senior fielded countless questions from former teammates who did a double take upon returning to their alma mater.

In fact, there are times when the Cougars center barely recognizes himself after dropping 105 pounds over the past year.

“It’s OK for me because I saw the change as I was going through it, but some people don’t recognize me,” Bello says.

Bello first walked onto the Cardinal Mooney football field four years ago weighing in at 340 pounds.

A lifelong Packers fan, Bello spent many Sunday afternoons watching Brett Favre sling touchdowns across Lambeau Field.

But that was about as close to football as Bello got.

So, when Cardinal Mooney coach Josh

THUNDER

5950 Deer Drive, Sarasota Mascot: Thunder / 2012 Record: 5-5

David Grain Jr. won the Most Improved Player Award two years ago. Now, The Out-of-Door Academy senior wide receiver is hoping to lead the ODA Thunder back to the postseason.

Standing shoulder to shoulder with the likes of Tom Brady and Wes Welker, David DAVID Grain Jr. looked around in GRAIN awe. had finally arrived.

JR. He Seated atop his father’s shoulders inside the New England Patriots’ inflatable helmet, the 4-year-old relished in the excitement as the players formed a unified front around him as they prepared to run onto the field at Gillette Stadium.

“It was amazing,” Grain Jr. says. “Watching the players, it was cool to just see the crowd and all of the fans cheering for a group of 11 guys.”

From that moment on, Grain Jr. wanted to play football, but it wasn’t until he moved over to The Out-of-Door Academy his freshman year that he finally had the opportunity to don a helmet and shoulder pads.

Following in the footsteps of his father, David Grain, who played college football at Holy Cross, Grain Jr. couldn’t wait to Height: Ivy League: Grain Jr. get on the gridiron.

6 feet, 1 inch has aspirations of playing “I loved it right from the start, Weight: college football and is lookwhen I actually had an oppor165 pounds ing into several Ivy League tunity to play,” Grain Jr. says. schools, including Dartmouth “It’s an awesome experience College, Amherst College and being with my teammates. It’s Carnegie Mellon University.

9

Aug. 30 Sept. 6

Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18

Oct. 25 Nov. 1

Nov. 8

4171 Fruitville Road, Sarasota Mascot: Cougars / 2012 Record: 5-5

ODA

THE OUT-OF-DOOR ACADEMY

THE Observer

THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2013

like a brotherhood.”

But the road to stardom wasn’t easy.

“My freshman and sophomore year, I never got a lot of playing time,” Grain Jr. says.

“At the time, I thought, ‘Why am I doing this?’ But, eventually, I knew I would make it somewhere.”

Grain Jr. won the Thunder’s Most Improved Player Award his sophomore year.

“I put a lot of work in and tried hard,” Grain Jr. says. “I’ve learned to use hard work to get results.”

Now, with his senior season upon him, Grain Jr. is focused on trying to lead the Thunder back to the postseason, a feat Grain Jr. says ODA is definitely capable of achieving in its new three-team district.”

“We have to give 110% effort the whole time,” Grain Jr. says.

“It’s not just about wins and losses but how well we perform and the effort we put in.”

“We’re young, but we definitely have a good team,” Grain Jr. says. “I think we’re definitely underestimated. I think we’re going to come out and surprise a lot of people. If you don’t believe me — just watch.”

— Jen Blanco, Sports Editor

Smithers encouraged Bello to give the sport a try, there was only one thing of which he was sure.

“I was roughly 340 pounds, so there was no question I was going to be a lineman,” Bello says.

After playing with Cardinal Mooney for two seasons, Bello decided he was ready to move up to the varsity level.

“I just like the team atmosphere and knowing that no matter what happened we were always going to be a team,” Bello says. “It’s hard for me to quit when I get going on something.

My coaches have given me that character through the years.”

Using football as fuel for motivation, Bello began tackling his weight. It wasn’t long before the weight began to fall off. Bello dropped down to 255 pounds by the start of his junior year.

“It’s really a life change,” Bello says. “All the exercise is there with football. It’s just about eating right and making sure not to indulge every day.

“I’m excited about the upcoming season,” Bello says.

“This group is excited, and we’re ready to play and see where the season takes us.”

— Jen Blanco, Sports Editor

LaBelle at Admiral Farragut (7:30 p.m.) at Lake Placid Avon Park Tampa Catholic BYE at St. Pete Catholic The Out-of-Door Academy* Victory Christian at Bishop Verot (7:30 p.m.)* at Booker (7:30 p.m.)

*Denotes district game

PLAYERS TO WATCH

15

Reese Vita Junior, quarterback

“All of his intangibles and his character are incredible,” Josh Smithers says. “Wow, what a great leader. I’ve never heard him point the blame.

That’s just his personality.”

10 4

Clark Horne Senior, linebacker “He’s our leading play maker,” Smithers says.

Demardre Patterson Senior, running back

On how the team shapes up this year: We’re still in the infancy stage. This team BRETT TIMMONS reminds me a EIGHTH YEAR lot of the 2006 team. We have some veterans coming back, but the core makeup of this team is very young. We’re a couple years away from being real players. We have more developing to do to get accustomed to playing on the varsity level.

CoACH'’S CORNER

On new quarterback Nate Strawderman: I want Nate just to be Nate. Right now, Nate is energetic and raring to go. But he has to realize there’s a process to this madness.

You have to take it slow and understand the power in why and the magic in how. Once he has a total understanding of the how and the why, he’ll be ready to fly. He’ll be able to execute to the best of his ability, and we should be victorious.

On the new district: It’s like going from the Big Ten to now every game counts. We’re the new kids on the block. It’s going to be fun. We’ve got to come out ready to play and try and win one of those two games.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

9

David Grain JR. Senior, wide receiver/ defensive back

“He has all of those (qualities) to be the leader that I know that he can be,” Brett Timmons says. “He’s an unbelievable leader. He doesn’t know the power he has inside of him.”

53

Kevin Grathwohl Senior, linebacker/ offensive line

“He has a blue collar-toughness mentality and work ethic that I hope all of the guys aspire to achieve,” Timmons says.

SCHEDULE Class 3A-6

All games start at 7 p.m.

Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13

Sept. 20

Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11

Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 8

Bradenton Christian at Calvary Christian at Booker (7:30 p.m.)

Citrus Park Christian BYE Bishop Verot* Community School of Naples at Cardinal Mooney* at St. Stephen’s Victory Christian Cambridge School

*Denotes district game

THE Observer

2013

THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2013

BOOKER

YourObserver.com

PREVIEW

2013 ROSTER

BOOKER High School 3201 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota Mascot: Tornadoes / 2012 Record: 3-7

TORNADOES Booker senior left tackle Najee White is hoping to secure a starting position in his first season with the Tornadoes.

Najee White needed an outlet.

The then first-grader was getting into trouble more often than his mother would have liked, so it wasn’t long before she signed him up for football.

NAJEE The move proved to be exactly the 6-year-old needed.

WHITE what “I couldn’t sit still,” White says.

“The discipline part of having to listen to the coaches was hard at first, but I liked the physical aspect of it. I excelled at it, and I just kept going.”

White’s competitive nature helped land him a number of starting positions over the years. And, now, the Booker senior is hoping to win the starting left tackle job in his first season with the Tornadoes.

White moved during the summer to Sarasota from Maine. Prior to moving to the Sunshine State, White looked up his new school and contacted coach Johnnie Jones to see if there was an opening on the team.

“Two days after I got off the plane, practice started and it was on,” White says.

That first practice proved to be daunting for White who had only

72

been to Florida once and had never experienced temperatures above 90 degrees.

“At first, the heat was overwhelming,” White says. “I had borderline heat exhaustion. But I’m getting used to it and, now, I’m even keeping up with the skill guys on the track.

“It’s amazing to see how far I’ve come,” White says. “When I first started I would get dizzy and have to sit out, but now I can go the whole practice and I’m out there competing with my teammates.”

White’s perseverance and willingness to work hard garnered the attention of the Booker coaching staff this summer. Now, White is hoping to not only inspire his teammates but also prove himself as a leader.

“If you don’t show the coaches that you want a position, then you might not get it,” White says. “I’m a naturalborn leader. If there’s no established leader then I’m the type of person to get up and pick up that role.”

— Jen Blanco, Sports Editor

College Credit: White, who has aspirations of playing college football, has already started taking college courses. White plans to study psychology, particularly body language, with the hopes of becoming a police detective.

On the importance of the offseason: As a football team, we’re 100% better now than where we were at this time last year.

We want to give the kids as many opporJOHNNIE JONES tunities to get better SECOND YEAR as we can. They’ve had a full summer to prepare, and it’s coming along nicely. They’re starting to hold each other accountable. You prepare the team for the season during the offseason.

CoACH’S CORNER

On the importance of team unity: We’re a family, and we’ve got to come together and push one another to get results on Friday

BY THE NUMBERS

5

night. If you don’t have togetherness as a family, then that equals nothing. Everything we do, we do together. We win as a team and a family, and we lose as a team and a family. We’re all we’ve got.

On moving up to Class 5A: There’s more passion when you’re playing against the kids you used to play against in youth ball. It’s more meaningful. There’s more of that old history there, and the games have more value when it’s two local teams with great players playing for a purpose. The benefit of moving up is you can look at the past and have a whole different image of a program. A team name doesn’t win a ball game.

The number of consecutive seasons Booker has gone without a playoff appearance.

number of points number of points the number of home games 329 The Booker allowed last season.

163 The Tornadoes scored last season.

Booker will play this season.

7 The

Name Year Bass, D’Andre SO Belvin, Jermaine SO Bowman, Ladarius SR Brown, Brandon SO Burke, Romello JR Carter, Spencer SO Collins, Stanley SO Daniels, Daven SR DeSerio, Cody SO Gilbert, Joshua JR Henderson, Jeremiah JR Henry, Artie JR Holmes, Alex SO Jackson, Bill SO Jones, Darius SR Jones,Gerod JR Jones, Tyler SR Lee,Cedric JR Lee, Sherrod SO Loftis, Naquan SR Mack, Marlon SR Mendez, Lawrence JR Mitchell, Osirus SO Richardson, Ladarius SO Swain, Garrison SR Swain, Gorge SR Thompson, Drew SR Waters, Shamyren SR White, Najee SR Williams Jr., Javaris SO Williams, Corey SR

SCHEDULE Class 5A-13

All games start at 7:30 p.m.

Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13

Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 24 Nov. 1 Nov. 8

Sarasota at Riverview The Out-of-Door Academy DeSoto County* Braden River at Hardee* Ida Baker BYE Bayshore* at Southeast* Cardinal Mooney

*Denotes district game

PLAYER TO WATCH

2

Marlon Mack Senior, running back/defensive back

“He plays with passion and is a leader on the field,” Johnnie Jones says. “He’s taken a lot of the younger guys who play his position and worked out with them. He’s levelheaded and humble. He’s a good kid who loves to be around his teammates.”

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Karan Higdon wasn’t always the cool kid on the block.

There was a point when the Riverview High junior running back wasn’t leaving defenders in his wake and scoring touchdowns with ease.

He was simply another player on the team — albeit the fastest one.

But, when you’re 5 years old and playing center, there are only so many accolades that come your way.

After quitting after his first day of football practice because it was too hot, a young Higdon returned to the gridiron the following day. Quitting simply wasn’t an option.

“My mom was a cheerleading coach, and she got me involved with the Redskins,” Higdon says. “I wanted to quit, but my mom told my grandma, ‘He’s a boy. He’s going to play football.’ And she dragged me back out there.”

Higdon gradually learned to like football and eventually fell in love with the sport after moving over two years later to the Palmetto Trojans, where he finally got to put his speed to good use.

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Riverview High junior running back Karan Higdon is fully recovered from last season’s leg injury and is hoping to cement his position as one of the area’s great running backs.

Helping Hand: Higdon, who maintains a 4.0 grade point average, has aspirations of becoming an orthopedic surgeon.

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He inspired me.”

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2013

YourObserver.com

PREVIEW

BY THE NUMBERS

RiverVIEW High School

number of former Rams players who have gone on to play in the NFL. 18 The 5

The number of touchdowns quarterback Richie James accounted for in the Rams’ spring game victory over Southeast.

“I always wanted to be a running back,” Higdon says. “It’s the cool position, and I was the fastest kid on the team. Plus, I like the hard work you have to put into it. You have no choice but to work hard because everyone sees you.”

Higdon’s talent emerged early on and only solidified as he got older. When he was 12 years old, Higdon scored six touchdowns against the Port St. Lucie Pirates.

“Every time I touched the ball, I scored,” Higdon says. “I feel like that was the best I’ve ever played in my life.”

Higdon joined the Rams as a

Mascot: Rams / 2012 Record: 4-6

freshman and, since then, he’s been working to become one of the area’s premier running backs.

Higdon injured his knee last season, which hindered him from putting up the numbers he had hoped. Now, with his knee fully healed, Higdon is hoping to have a breakout season.

“I feel like being a running back, I’m automatically put in a leadership position,” Higdon says. “I just want to be myself. If I play hard, then all of my dreams will come true.”

Riverview hasn’t been to the postseason since 2008, but Hig-

On approaching this season: We’ve got guys who know the system better and are a step ahead. So, we’re building in the right direction.

On the new district: It doesn’t really matter who is in our district. We don’t worry about who we are playing. We just have to be prepared for Friday night. When I played, we were in a district with Manatee and Southeast, so it can get tougher.

1 Ram Way, Sarasota

don is hoping to change that.

“It’s all about my team,” Higdon says. “The Rams are going to be on top. The old Rams are back, and we’re going to do some damage this year.”

Higdon already has garnered offers from several schools, but he’s still keeping his options open. But, one thing is certain: Higdon isn’t afraid to make a name for himself.

“I want to work for my title,” Higdon says. “I want to be the team that beats the championship team. I want to be a part of the team that shocks the world.”

— Jen Blanco, Sports Editor

CoACH’S CORNER

TODD JOHNSON THIRD YEAR

On the lack of depth: We have a lot of guys who have played (varsity) ball and have experience. We’ve got some skill guys who can hopefully put us in a little bit more comfortable situations. But the guys behind them have a lot to prove.

We’re going to need them to step up and fill in if need be.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

10

Tony Rivers Junior, wide receiver

44

Sam Johnson Senior, linebacker

2

Richie James Senior, quarterback

22

Karan Higdon Junior, running back

“He makes plays every time “He’s not only a great kid, he gets his hands on the but a great player,” Johnson ball,” Todd Johnson says. says.

10

The number of years it’s been since a Sarasota County school beat Venice.

Riverview is seeking to change that come the third week of the season.

2013 ROSTER No. Name Pos. Year 2 James, Richie DB/WR SR 3 Gordon, Vince DB SR 4 Merrick, Myles DB JR 5 Moodie, Marquis JR 7 Dunn, Josh WR/DB SO 8 Jackson, Torrance S SR 9 Williams, Paul DB SR 10 Rivers, Tony WR JR 12 Caldwell, Dominick QB SO 14 Woolery, Brandon DB SR 15 Sayre, Lex OL/QB SR 16 Vaness, Alex LB JR 18 Sutter, Nick WR JR 19 McPherson, Christian DB SR 20 Turner Jakevis RB SO 21 Oshea Grant DB SO 22 Higdon, Karan RB JR 24 Mullins,Sumn DB SO 25 Tatge, Zac DB JR 26 Dennie, Lorenzo C SR 29 Levanti, Adam DB SR 31 Washington Ak DB SR 33 Mascolino,Tony DE SR 35 Hupalo, Mason S JR 37 MezroubAyoub DB JR 38 Dean, Joey LB JR 41 Mingoia, Brent

JR 42 O’Keefe,Tyler F JR 44 Johnson, Sam LB SR 50 Acuna,Matias LB SR 51 Ferris Tyler OL JR 52 Franklin,Donald DL SR 53 Bernier, Nic DE SR 54 Liddy, Brian DE JR 56 Rauch, Ben LB SR 57 Sheehan Riley DE JR 62 Martin, Reese OL SR 63 Miller, Matt

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JR 75 Urzua Delgado, Daniel JR 76 Gustave, Woody

JR 77 Norman, Hendrix OL JR 78 Bailey, Tevin DL SR 83 Cantillo, Chris TE SR 85 Ayala, Marcus TE SO 87 Tenorio, Felipe WR JR 93 Mustafaa, Najee SR 94 Ayala, Brandon DE JR 95 Higham, Jonathon DE SR 97 Lee, Tristian DE JR

SCHEDULE Class 8A-7

All games start at 7:30 p.m.

Aug. 30 at Bayshore Sept. 6 Booker Sept. 13 at Venice Sept. 20 Lehigh Sept. 27 BYE Oct. 4 at Manatee* Oct. 11 Southeast Oct. 18 at Palm Harbor University* Oct. 25 at Lakewood Ranch St. Petersburg* Nov. 1 Nov. 8 Sarasota *Denotes district game

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Bane Jr. says. “I can be overly confident SHAWN sometimes, but my BANE coaches remind me Jr. to stay humble.”

Bane Jr.’s talent was apparent from the moment he set foot on the Ringling Redskins football field as an energetic 5-year-old.

“I was faster than everyone,” Bane Jr. says.

“They couldn’t pull my flag.”

Following in the footsteps of his father, Bane Jr. started out playing running back before transitioning to wide receiver during his freshman season at Sarasota.

Bane Jr. quickly adapted to his new position, and he hasn’t looked back since.

8

Pearly Whites: Bane Jr. had braces three years ago, and, ever since then, he’s wanted to be a dentist.

Slugging Sailor: In addition to football, Bane Jr. is also a standout on Sarasota’s baseball team. So, which sport does he prefer? “It’s a tie,” Bane Jr. says.

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Shawn Bane Jr. is confident in his ability.

So much so that the Sarasota High senior wide receiver is hard pressed to find another player in the area who plays the position with the same level of consistency.

“I feel like I’m the most confident,” Bane Jr. says. “I work harder than anyone else.”

But, as the son of one of the greatest running backs this area has ever produced, Bane Jr. has learned to stay true to himself and not let his confidence get the best of him.

“My dad always tells me, ‘When you’re on the field, always believe that you’re the best,’”

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THE Observer

2013

THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2013

“I love lining up against a defender who I know I can beat,” Bane Jr. says. “It’s a piece of cake.”

Bane Jr. saw his first varsity action last year; he scored a touchdown in the Sailors’ homecoming game against Southeast to send the game into overtime.

Now, with his senior season upon him, Bane Jr. seeks to put up big numbers for the Sailors this fall, including 12 touchdowns, at least 1,000 receiving yards and 60 receptions.

Following this season, Bane Jr. hopes to land a scholarship and further his athletic career.

“I want to play college football and eventually play in the NFL,” Bane Jr. says. “I just have to keep working hard and talk to the right people.”

— Jen Blanco, Sports Editor

PLAYERS TO WATCH Shawn Bane Jr. Senior, wide receiver

Rod Tullis Senior, linebacker

Dominique Austin Senior, safety

Justin Austin Junior, running back

2013 ROSTER

8 7 4 1 94 15 Wicky Sanon Senior, defensive end

Jarcari Dunbar Junior, safety On new quarterback Caulin McNeal: He has a large learning curve. He throws a really good ball and is very accurate. He puts us in a good position to win.

On the importance of continuity: We’re significantly better now then we were last year. This year’s senior class was freshmen when I got here.

They’ve been with this staff for (four years now), so they know how we do things and the schemes that we run. Everyone we’ll probably have start has some varsity experience, which is a huge difference from last year when only one guy on defense had varsity experience.

CoACH’S CORNER ED VOLZ

FOURTH YEAR

On the importance of winning locally: The interesting thing about this area is that your program is judged based on how you do against teams in the area. Even though we’re in a new district, we’re still going to play all of the same teams in the area. It’s your local reputation around here that matters.

BY THE NUMBERS

YourObserver.com

PREVIEW

Name Pos. Year Aguayo, Alex DB JR Anderson, David DT JR Applegate, Ricky DB SO Austin, Dominique SS SR Austin, Justin RB JR Baker, Tobias DL SR Bane, Shawn WR SR Black, Chandler TE SO Boswell, Jake OL JR JR Bouck, Eric SS Breakstone, Andres TE JR Butler, DeAndre DB JR Carmine, Matthew OL SO Castro, Evan LB JR Clancy, John TE JR Cleveland, Dylan WR SR Corbert, Daevaun DT JR Cotner, Dakota QB SO Dickson, Joshua OL SR Dunbar, Jarcari SS JR Esmond, Anthony WR SR Esparza, Geraldo OL SO OL JR Forgeur, Brando n Freeman, Devon DB SR Gonzalez, Julius DB JR Hastings, Ryan SS SR Henschel, John OL JR Houston, Treyvante WR SO Jones, Sylas LB SR Kelly, Thomas K SR Kenny, Grant DL JR Lennon, Joseph OL JR Logan, Devin WR JR McKenzie, Christopher LB SR McNeal, Caulin QB SR Meneely, Jeremy DL SR Patrick, Christian QB JR Peralta, Eddie WR SO

11

Pickey, Charles OL JR Ross, Sean DL JR Sadlo, William RB JR Salazar, Martin OL SR Sanon, Wicky DE SR Scarr, Dustin DB SO Schultz, Joshua DB SO Smith, Travares WR SR Taylor, Kody OL SR Thirion, Tyler DB JR Tullis, Roddrick LB SR Upshawn, Marque RB SR Vargas, Joaquin DB SO Wengard, James RB SO DB SR Williams, Corey Williams, Rashaad WR JR Wise, Alexander DB SO WR SO Yahrus, Michael

SCHEDULE Class 7A-10

All games start at 7:30 p.m.

Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13

Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 8

at Booker at Bayshore Faith Baptist Christian School Manatee BYE Braden River* Venice at North Port * at Palmetto* Lakewood Ranch* at Riverview

*Denotes district game

SARASOTA High School 1000 S. School Ave., Sarasota Mascot: Sailors / 2012 Record: 4-6

number of seniors number of years it’s been since the number of games Sarasota won or lost on this year’s roster.

20 The 7 The Sailors finished with a record above .500. by a touchdown or less last season.

2 The

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PREVIEW

THE Observer

THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2013

119990

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