When we went looking for the stars of 2013, we zipped right past the pretty-boy quarterbacks, the speedy running backs, the hard-hitting linebackers and the fancy-footed wide receivers and defensive backs. This year, they’ll be taking a back seat to those referred to, lovingly, by their coaches as the big ...
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Tue. April 30, 2013 at 8:34 p.m. | John C. Cotey
There has never been any question that Pasco freshman wide receiver Nate Craig would be one of the top recruits in the 2016 class. The only question has been, how long will it take? Answer: Not long. On Tuesday, Craig picked up his third, and biggest, offer when the Ohio ...
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Tue. April 30, 2013 at 6:18 p.m. | John C. Cotey
Region baseball quarterfinals 7 p.m. unless noted Wiregrass Ranch (17-9) at Countryside (17-10), Thursday Winner gets: Steinbrenner/Seminole in Tuesday’s Class 7A region semifinal Skinny: The Bulls are in the playoffs for the first time in program history. Star pitcher and hitter Zach Drury (team-best 20 RBIs, 1.71 ERA) will try ...
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Tue. April 30, 2013 at 5:34 p.m. | Matt Baker
Photo gallery JACKSONVILLE — When we last saw Courtney Prengaman high jumping, she was sailing under the bar at regionals, unable to clear 5 feet, 4 inches, breaking into tears as she rolled off the mat. “I was angry,” she said, then she was gone, driving back to Wesley Chapel ...
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Sat. April 27, 2013 at 9:25 p.m. | John C. Cotey
DADE CITY — Lane Stancil didn’t need to pitch. For the past 10 weeks, the Pasco junior had been content to start at shortstop, throw an occasional side session and make cameos from the bullpen — until Friday night. “I just wanted the ball,” Stancil said. In his first start ...
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Fri. April 26, 2013 at 10:44 p.m. | Matt Baker
TRINITY — Land O’Lakes and host Mitchell set up a Class 6A, District 10 final showdown with mercy-rule victories. The Gators finished off Sunlake 10-0 in six innings before the Mustangs followed suit beating River Ridge 11-1 in six. Both teams are 21-5 and will turn the ball over to ...
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Wed. April 24, 2013 at 11:06 p.m. | Darek Sharp
BROOKSVILLE — After slogging through five innings in Wednesday’s Class 5A region quarterfinal against Pasco, Hernando wanted to make a statement. “I think we really just wanted to send a message …not to take us lightly,” Leopards pitcher Courtney Riddle said. Pasco County heard it loud and clear. Hernando scored ...
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Wed. April 24, 2013 at 10:05 p.m. | Matt Baker
When Texas Tech offered Pasco freshman Nate Craig last week, the wide receiver said he was speechless at landing an offer so early. The recruiting floodgates have opened. UMass became the second school to offer him a scholarship, Craig said Sunday in a text message. Craig is one of the ...
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Sun. April 21, 2013 at 4:32 p.m. | Matt Baker
TAMPA – To fans of college football, the tale of Nick Saban’s customary reception to University of Alabama recruits has become the stuff of legend. As the story goes, Saban – usually wearing a suit and crimson-colored tie in most retellings – invites the recruit into his office, offers him ...
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Sat. April 20, 2013 at 3:45 p.m. | Joel Anderson
LAND O’LAKES — Makenzie Goluba, having lost a perfect game bid then the lead, savored the chance for redemption. And she jumped all over it. With River Ridge down a run, the bases loaded and two out Friday, Goluba clobbered a two-run single to give the Royal Knights a thrilling ...
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Fri. April 19, 2013 at 10:47 p.m. | Darek Sharp
Baseball super seven Records through Thursday 1. Hernando (19-5): Leopards earned the top spot with Thursday’s 4-0 win over Land O’Lakes. USF signee Brandon Lawson had eight strikeouts in the win, and UF recruit Christian Arroyo finished 4-for-4. 2. Land O’Lakes (20-5): Pasco County’s top team has lost to Hernando ...
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Fri. April 19, 2013 at 3:38 p.m. | Matt Baker
ALTAMONTE SPRINGS — Of all the times for a calf strain, this week was probably the worst for Wiregrass Ranch sophomore Star Makarome. She tweaked her right calf during a practice, the sort of injury that probably wouldn’t have cost her a match during any part of the regular season. ...
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Thu. April 18, 2013 at 9:40 p.m. | Times Staff
LAND O’LAKES — There were a couple of moments Wednesday when it looked like a monumental upset was possible. An early call took a run off the board for state-ranked River Ridge. Later with the margin 3-0 Land O’Lakes loaded the bases with no outs. But it takes more than ...
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Wed. April 17, 2013 at 10:48 p.m. | Darek Sharp
Although Wiregrass Ranch’s hopes of the school’s first team title took a hit Wednesday in Altamonte Springs, sophomore Star Makarome remains one of the favorites to take the individual crown. Makarome knocked off her only opponent Wednesday 6-4, 6-3 to advance to this morning’s Class 4A state tournament semifinals. “She ...
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Wed. April 17, 2013 at 10:47 p.m. | Matt Baker
Pasco WR Nate Craig has picked up his first college offer – and it probably won’t be his last. The 6-foot-3, 185-pound freshman earned an offer from Texas Tech on Sunday. “1st offer from Texas Tech University!!” Craig posted on Facebook. “Gotta keep grinding and many more will come!!! #REDRAIDERS.” ...
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Sun. April 14, 2013 at 10:53 p.m. | Matt Baker