Search

Twitter



MORE from our HomeTeam writers.



Video

 

 

 



The Hometeam Blog

Facebook

More Video

 

Recruiting

  • AATL's Mauger signs with Division III school

    AATL's Mauger signs with Division III school Academy at the Lakes forward Andrea Mauger officially signed with Division III Franklin & Marshall College (Pa.). The Tampa Bay Times' all-North Suncoast first-teamer, who also played on the softball team, averaged almost 18 points for the Wildcats, who advanced to the Class 2A state final last winter. Mauger also ...
    Read more

    Fri. May 17, 2013 at 3:32 p.m. | Times Staff

  • Wharton's Drew Vanderbrook signs with junior college

    Wharton's Drew Vanderbrook signs with junior college Wharton low-post reserve Drew Vanderbrook signed Thursday with Indian River State College, a two-year program in Fort Pierce. A 6-foot-8 Freedom transfer, Vanderbrook said he chose IRSC over a handful of other junior colleges and Division III programs. He becomes the second member of Wharton's Class 8A final four team ...
    Read more

    Thu. May 16, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. | Joey Knight

  • Miami Hurricanes offer Nate Craig, Bethune offers RJ Scaife

    Nate Craig, Pasco WR (6-3, 200) The latest: One of the state's top freshmen has landed offers from all of the state’s top three programs this week. Miami became the last of the big three to offer Craig a scholarship, Pirates assistant Chad Hatfield announced on Twitter. Later in the ...
    Read more

    Thu. May 16, 2013 at 2:46 p.m. | Matt Baker

    • Recruit: Nate Craig
      Florida State University, University of Florida, University of Miami
  • Durant's Paige Davis signs with juco program

    Durant's Paige Davis signs with juco program Durant senior ace Paige Davis, who helped lead the "Cardiac Cougars" to the Class 8A state title in 2012, formally signed her paperwork Wednesday with South Florida State College, a two-year program in Avon Park. The Tampa Bay Times' All-Suncoast Pitcher of the Year in '12, Davis leaned more on ...
    Read more

    Thu. May 16, 2013 at 8:46 a.m. | Joey Knight

  • Bishop sophomore Alyssa Mathis commits to San Diego State

    Bishop McLaughlin sophomore Alyssa Mathis has orally committed to play volleyball at San Diego State, Hurricanes coach Doug Chinchar said Thursday morning. Mathis, a 6-foot outside hitter, also had an offer from Wake Forest and was recruited by Tennessee, among others. “She still has lots to learn, but the package ...
    Read more

    Thu. May 16, 2013 at 8:18 a.m. | Matt Baker

  • Three Hudson soccer players to sign Friday

    Hudson will host a signing ceremony Friday for three girls soccer players headed to college, coach Stephen Jones announced Wednesday. Sarah Staley, the school’s valedictorian, will participate in the formal ceremony after signing with Youngstown State earlier this year. She’s the first player in program history to receive a full ...
    Read more

    Wed. May 15, 2013 at 1:38 p.m. | Matt Baker

  • Mitchell RHP Christopher McCormick headed to PHCC

    Mitchell RHP Christopher McCormick has orally committed to play baseball at PHCC, Mustangs coach Scot Wilcox said Wednesday in a text message. McCormick, a 6-1, 175-pound senior, was a large part of Mitchell’s run to the Class 6A region final. He finished the season with a 2.23 ERA and 71 ...
    Read more

    Wed. May 15, 2013 at 1:35 p.m. | Matt Baker

  • WVU football is a dozen offers for Marcus Applefield

    Marcus Applefield, Weeki Wachee OL (6-7, 275) The latest: Applefield landed his 12th offer of the offseason and his eighth in the last week when West Virginia extended him a scholarship opportunity, Hornets coach Mark Lee said in a text message. The Mountaineers are the first Big 12 school to ...
    Read more

    Wed. May 15, 2013 at 9:21 a.m. | Matt Baker

    • Recruit: Marcus Applefield
      University of Kentucky, University of Massachusetts, University of South Florida, University of Virginia, West Virginia University
  • Offers mounting for Chiefs' Anthony Davis

    Offers mounting for Chiefs' Anthony Davis Chamberlain rising senior DE Anthony Davis said Tuesday he has received a scholarship offer from Middle Tennessee, bringing his offer total to the double-digit stratosphere. Currently deemed a three-star recruit by Rivals.com, Davis (5-foot-11, 215 pounds) said he also has been offered by Houston, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Texas Tech, Toledo, Tulane, ...
    Read more

    Tue. May 14, 2013 at 8:40 p.m. | Joey Knight

    • Recruit: Anthony Davis
      Middle Tennessee, Texas Tech, Toledo, University of Massachusetts, University of Minnesota, University of South Florida, West Virginia University
  • Ridgewood's Brandon Green headed to Webber

    Ridgewood's Brandon Green headed to Webber PORT RICHEY - Ridgewood senior guard Brandon Green signed with Webber International during a ceremony today at his high school. Green said his decision came down to Webber’s strong business management program and playing with his brother, Marcus, who played for the Rams and was a freshman for the Warriors ...
    Read more

    Tue. May 14, 2013 at 7:21 p.m. | Matt Baker

  • Holy Names golfer commits to TCU

    Holy Names golfer commits to TCU Holy Names golfer Emmy Martin has committed to Texas Christian University and received a full scholarship, athletic director Kevin Vargas said Tuesday in an email. Martin, a junior, has won district and region titles the past two years. The two-time Tampa Bay Times all-Hillsborough County first-teamer tied for 15th at ...
    Read more

    Tue. May 14, 2013 at 3:58 p.m. | Times Staff

  • Florida, Florida State football offer Pasco WR Nate Craig (with highlights)

    Nate Craig, Pasco WR (6-3, 200) The latest: One of the state's top freshmen now has the attention of two of the state's power programs. The Gators became the first state school to offer the sophomore-to-be, Pirates coach Tom McHugh announced on Twitter. UF coach Will Muschamp called McHugh to ...
    Read more

    Tue. May 14, 2013 at 12:04 p.m. | Matt Baker

    • Recruit: Nate Craig
      Clemson University, Florida State University, University of Florida, University of Tennessee, Vanderbilt University
  • FAU is first offer for Pasco ATH Malik Johns

    FAU gave Pasco ATH Malik Johns is first college offer, Pirates coach Tom McHugh announced Tuesday morning on Twitter. “FAU!!!” McHugh said. “It is about time.” Johns was one of the North Suncoast’s most dynamic weapons as a junior. He returned five punts for a touchdown – including in the ...
    Read more

    Tue. May 14, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. | Matt Baker

  • Alonso WR/DE Davis nabs first offer from FAU

    Alonso receiver and defensive back Derius Davis has received his first college scholarship offer, to Florida Atlantic, he said via his Twitter account Monday. Davis, a rising senior, seemed primed for a big summer on the 7-on-7 circuit and autumn with the Ravens until suffering a severe knee injury last ...
    Read more

    Tue. May 14, 2013 at 9:47 a.m. | Joel Anderson

  • Purdue football is latest offer for Marcus Applefield

    Marcus Applefield, Weeki Wachee OL (6-7, 275) The latest: Applefield reeled in his first Big Ten offer Tuesday morning when Purdue extended him a scholarship opportunity, Hornets coach Mark Lee said in a text message. The Boilermakers give Applefield seven offers in the last five days. Florida, West Virginia and ...
    Read more

    Tue. May 14, 2013 at 8:34 a.m. | Matt Baker

    • Recruit: Marcus Applefield
      Purdue University, University of Central Florida, University of Kentucky, University of Massachusetts, University of South Florida, University of Virginia
Read more posts next

Special reports

Spring football Spring football

Latest news

Read all posts

Latest Football News

  • HomeTeam Huddle: North Suncoast QBs are getting comfortable

    HomeTeam Huddle: North Suncoast QBs are getting comfortable SHADY HILLS One of the North Suncoast’s top returning quarterbacks may not be familiar to those outside of Bishop McLaughlin. • Rising senior R.J. Perciavalle is going into his third season as the starter under center and even saw some looks at quarterback as a freshman.  •  As a sophomore, ...
    Read more

    Fri. May 17, 2013 at 8:56 p.m. | Derek J. LaRiviere

  • HomeTeam Huddle: Eagles finding 'better place' with Eychner

    HomeTeam Huddle: Eagles finding 'better place' with Eychner The stretching and special teams work have concluded Friday afternoon at Brandon’s practice when a late arrival, Mario Rodriguez, jogs onto the McLane Stadium field in full pads and presents a signed index card to coach Dean Eychner. “Tutoring?” Eychner asks, gazing at the card with the teacher’s signature. “Uh, ...
    Read more

    Fri. May 17, 2013 at 8:31 p.m. | Joey Knight

  • Clearwater, Shorecrest cancel spring games; CCC now hosts

    For the past week, Clearwater Central Catholic has worked out in limbo, unsure which football team it will play in its spring game. On Friday, the Marauders found an opponent. CCC coach John Davis said his team will play Lakeland Victory Christian at 3 p.m. Thursday. The game, originally set ...
    Read more

    Fri. May 17, 2013 at 1:12 p.m. | Bob Putnam

  • Spring football: Berkeley Prep 35, Admiral Farragut 6

    Spring football: Berkeley Prep 35, Admiral Farragut 6 At Admiral Farragut Score: Berkeley Prep 35, AFA 6 Spring game-breakers: Berkeley Prep QB Brad Mayes had a shortened spring football season because he also plays on the baseball team, but Mayes didn’t show much rust. He threw for 178 yards and three touchdowns and ran for an 18-yard score. ...
    Read more

    Thu. May 16, 2013 at 11:39 p.m. | Rodney Page

  • HomeTeam Huddle: Stakes getting higher at Pinellas Park

    HomeTeam Huddle: Stakes getting higher at Pinellas Park PINELLAS PARK Pinellas Park’s Antonio Harris spreads his thumb and forefinger about 3 inches apart to illustrate the interest he has gotten from college coaches.  •   “I’ve got a stack of business cards about this thick,” said Harris, who figures the number to be between 35-40. “All of them from ...
    Read more

    Thu. May 16, 2013 at 11:03 p.m. | Times Staff

  • HomeTeam Huddle: Time for remodeling at Robinson

    HomeTeam Huddle: Time for remodeling at Robinson First-year Robinson coach Shawn Taylor navigates practices these days in a sleek new golf cart with shiny rims and the Knights’ logo emblazoned on the side.  •  It’s one of the few fully loaded units on Jack Peters Field. Taylor, a Knights alumnus selected to replace retiring Port Tampa icon ...
    Read more

    Thu. May 16, 2013 at 9:39 p.m. | Joey Knight

  • Get ready: The Battle of the Bay is coming

    Get ready: The Battle of the Bay is coming It's on. On June 22, HomeTeam is teaming up with Ricky Sailor, the CEO of Unsigned Preps, to put on the first annual Battle of the Bay 7-on-7 tournament designed to crown the best team in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco or Hernando counties. The tourney ensures a county vs. county final to ...
    Read more

    Thu. May 16, 2013 at 7:25 p.m. | John C. Cotey

  • HomeTeam Huddle: Hidden gems of the North Suncoast

    HomeTeam Huddle: Hidden gems of the North Suncoast Spring football gives coaches time to test out players who are new to the sport or evaluate players who have seen little varsity action. • Here are four of the North Suncoast’s secret weapons who saw little or no varsity time last fall but could become game changers this upcoming ...
    Read more

    Thu. May 16, 2013 at 3:02 p.m. | Matt Baker

  • Seminole to interview eight candidates for football position

    Seminole has narrowed its list of football applicants to eight finalists who will be interviewed by a committee starting Friday, assistant principal for athletics Tom Scott said. The committee will have a telephone conference call with former Countryside coach Bob Gobel and interviews on campus with Pinellas Park assistant Shawn ...
    Read more

    Thu. May 16, 2013 at 1:03 p.m. | Bob Putnam

  • HomeTeam Huddle: Quality control at Central

    HomeTeam Huddle: Quality control at Central BROOKSVILLE Heading into his third season at the helm, one thing Mike Einspahr has taken away from his experience as coach is quality is more important than quantity. • His first spring in 2010, the 72 players who were on the practice field for Central more than doubled the amount ...
    Read more

    Wed. May 15, 2013 at 9:20 p.m. | Derek J. LaRiviere

  • HomeTeam Huddle: Largo's Hale shows off his crossover move

    HomeTeam Huddle: Largo's Hale shows off his crossover move LARGO Donavan Hale still is learning the intricacies of playing quarterback at Largo. • But his athleticism and decision-making already are drawing rave reviews in practice, so much that he could make a seamless transition in taking over the starting position from Juwan Brown, who is graduating. With the same ...
    Read more

    Wed. May 15, 2013 at 8:31 p.m. | Times Staff

  • HomeTeam Huddle: Numbers on Tampa Catholic's Watson don't lie

    HomeTeam Huddle: Numbers on Tampa Catholic's Watson don't lie TAMPA Tampa Catholic linebacker Tre Watson is getting bigger to go along with big numbers. • The numbers strain credulity, those 161 tackles and 16.5 sacks that Watson tallied in 12 games last fall. • But the Crusaders invite you to watch his highlight film, ask one of the coaches, ...
    Read more

    Wed. May 15, 2013 at 4:05 p.m. | Times Staff

  • HomeTeam Huddle: New Clearwater boss Abraham looking for solid commitment

    HomeTeam Huddle: New Clearwater boss Abraham looking for solid commitment CLEARWATER — Donnie Abraham’s debut as Clearwater coach has not gone exactly as hoped. Abraham, the former Tampa Bay Buccaneer standout who took over the Tornadoes from longtime coach Tom Bostic, started the offseason by losing starting quarterback Jordan Leston (East Lake) and defensive end Justus Reed (Clearwater Central Catholic) ...
    Read more

    Tue. May 14, 2013 at 8:42 p.m. | Times Staff

  • HomeTeam Huddle: Straightforward approach at Sickles

    HomeTeam Huddle: Straightforward approach at Sickles In terms of style points, don’t expect Sickles to contend for the county scoring title in 2013. As long as the offensive and defensive fronts remain healthy, the Gryphons could be wildly vanilla and victorious. Coach Brian Turner isn’t secretive about his plans to run 1,300-yard rusher Ray Ray McCloud ...
    Read more

    Tue. May 14, 2013 at 8:20 p.m. | Times Staff

  • HomeTeam Huddle: Rebuilding's the word at Sunlake

    HomeTeam Huddle: Rebuilding's the word at Sunlake LAND O’LAKES In Sunlake’s rise from Pasco County doormat to regular playoff contender, the Seahawks haven’t had to face an offseason like this one: The graduation of 22 seniors, including two 1,000-yard rushers (Josh Zifer and Eddie Burgos). • “This is the most puzzle pieces we’ve had to put together ...
    Read more

    Tue. May 14, 2013 at 2:56 p.m. | Matt Baker

Read all posts

Other News

  • East Lake, Berkeley win FHSAA academic team titles

    East Lake, Berkeley win FHSAA academic team titles East Lake and Berkeley Prep have been named FHSAA Academic Team Champions for posting the best cumulative student-athlete grade point averages in their respective classifications for the 2012-13 school year. The academic team championship is determined over the course of the school year. The school with the highest cumulative team ...
    Read more

    Fri. May 17, 2013 at 3:29 p.m. | Joey Knight

  • State baseball: CCC's Vaughan appreciates the view from long range

    State baseball: CCC's Vaughan appreciates the view from long range CLEARWATER — There have been days when Clearwater Central Catholic’s Todd Vaughan thought about leaving. After a particularly bad day of practice or disappointing season he has entertained the idea of handing over head coaching duties to somebody else. Those thoughts never last. Vaughan has been around the CCC program ...
    Read more

    Thu. May 16, 2013 at 8:32 p.m. | Rodney Page

  • State baseball: With a star frontman, Durant finds way to harmonize

    State baseball: With a star frontman, Durant finds way to harmonize DURANT — On paper, and in the minds of many fans and opponents, Durant is the consummate one-man band: Tyler Danish and the Cougars. Danish leads the team in batting average (.415), RBIs (25) and home runs (a school-record eight). But the UF signee saves his best work for the ...
    Read more

    Wed. May 15, 2013 at 8:42 p.m. | Joel Anderson

  • State baseball: Cambridge Christian can't catch up after early errors in 2A semifinal

    State baseball: Cambridge Christian can't catch up after early errors in 2A semifinal photo gallery FORT MYERS — Since Miami Westwood Christian senior pitcher Danny Garcia was making his final high school start Wednesday afternoon in a Class 2A state semifinal, Warriors coach Luis Padron wanted to give his ace every opportunity to go out with a bang. “We talked before the game ...
    Read more

    Wed. May 15, 2013 at 4:53 p.m. | Carl Bleich

  • Lin-sanity overtakes Tiger Palace

    Lin-sanity overtakes Tiger Palace The fervor over the Jesuit basketball team's state championship season reached a new level of euphoria Tuesday afternoon. Lin-sanity. Beneath a shroud of secrecy, Houston Rockets PG Jeremy Lin made a 90-minute cameo Tuesday at the Tiger Palace, where he engaged in a pickup game with the seniors from Jesuit's ...
    Read more

    Wed. May 15, 2013 at 11:23 a.m. | Joey Knight

  • State baseball: Cambridge's early-season doubts now a distant memory

    State baseball: Cambridge's early-season doubts now a distant memory TAMPA — The first practice of the season has now become the stuff of legend, almost entirely because of how truly awful it was. Cambridge Christian welcomed about a dozen players to that February practice, hoping as many as five of them would be able to replace graduated starters. That ...
    Read more

    Tue. May 14, 2013 at 7:58 p.m. | Joel Anderson

  • East Lake's Estes steps down from softball, volleyball

    East Lake's Estes steps down from softball, volleyball Mike Estes has stepped down as coach of East Lake’s volleyball and softball teams to take a job as the pitching coach for Eckerd College’s softball program. Estes, 51, resigned from both positions at East Lake within the past two weeks but did not publicly announce the decision until Tuesday ...
    Read more

    Tue. May 14, 2013 at 10:37 a.m. | Bob Putnam

  • Coaches announce PCAC baseball teams

    Pinellas County public school baseball coaches recently voted on the PCAC north and south county teams. Here are the first and second teams and honorable mentions: North County First team Pitchers: Nick Nolan (Seminole), Brad Deppermann (East Lake), Jake Mielock (Countryside) Catcher: Grant Hodges (East Lake) Infielders: Corey Baptist (Seminole), ...
    Read more

    Tue. May 14, 2013 at 9:39 a.m. | Rodney Page

  • Column: Expecting the best at state baseball

    Column: Expecting the best at state baseball TAMPA — The question, as it often is with state high school baseball semifinals, is whether to throw your ace in the semifinal or save him for a potential title game matchup. Over the years, that question seems to get answered mostly like this: ace. Get there. Then worry about ...
    Read more

    Mon. May 13, 2013 at 7:32 p.m. | John C. Cotey

  • HomeTeam Hot Shots: Winners for May 4-10

    HomeTeam Hot Shots    A spotlight on the Times’ bay area players of the week. Female Hot Shot: Caroline Whiteside, Sr., Freedom Sport: Softball Skinny: Whiteside, whose real first name is Sunday, typically batted second this season to move leadoff hitter Maddy Hall over. But with two out and the ...
    Read more

    Mon. May 13, 2013 at 5:19 p.m. | Times Staff

  • FHSAA explains controversial Springstead ending

    Springstead cannot appeal the controversial ending to Friday’s Class 6A region final that ended the Eagles’ season, according to the Florida High School Athletic Association. “Once it’s final, it’s final,” FHSAA spokesman Corey Sobers said Monday afternoon. To recap: Springstead trailed host Orlando Edgewater 6-5 at the end of the ...
    Read more

    Mon. May 13, 2013 at 1:23 p.m. | Matt Baker

  • PCAC boys and girls tennis teams announced

    Public school coaches met last week at Clearwater High to vote on the PCAC boys and girls tennis teams. Here are the results: PCAC boys all-conference teams First-team singles No. 1: Dan Stefan, Boca Ciega; No. 2: Dylan Sleszynski, St. Petersburg; No. 3: Carl Gallauer, St. Petersburg; No. 4: Langdon ...
    Read more

    Mon. May 13, 2013 at 10:43 a.m. | Rodney Page

  • State softball: Canterbury makes good on second chance to win 2A title

    State softball: Canterbury makes good on second chance to win 2A title photo gallery   VERO BEACH — The umpire waved his arms in the air, signaling the game was over.    Canterbury players headed for the dugout, unable to control their emotions. Some burst into tears. Others stood in stunned disbelief.   They thought they had thrown a state title away ...
    Read more

    Sat. May 11, 2013 at 4:42 p.m. | Bob Putnam

  • HomeTeam Hot Shots: Nominations for May 4-10

    Each week, our HomeTeam staffers will nominate male and female Hot Shot athletes from each of the counties we cover. These nominations span Saturday, May 4 through Friday, May 10. Winners get a free T-shirt and bragging rights over every other school in the area. Read up on what made ...
    Read more

    Sat. May 11, 2013 at 12:12 p.m. | Times Staff

  • Column: Jesuit doesn't skimp on the drama

    Column: Jesuit doesn't skimp on the drama TAMPA Mason Warren looked up at Daddy on Friday night, a deep look of consternation on his face. He had just watched Leland Saile, one of the Jesuit High baseball players, dump a big old thing of Gatorade — a special mixture by trainer Chris Smith of lemon-lime and grape ...
    Read more

    Sat. May 11, 2013 at 12:24 a.m. | John C. Cotey