Around the county in 30 days
A daily spring preview of every football program in the county.
Gibbs
Coach: Yusif Shakir (second season, 6-5)
Last season: 6-5. Lost to Dunedin 31-17 in the region quarterfinals.
District: Class 5A-10 (Dixie Hollins, Largo, Pinellas Park, Seminole, St. Petersburg).
Key losses: PK Tommy Hains, QB Lamar Hall, RB Devon McCullough, DB JaJuan Moorer, WR Larry Murphy, WR Marcus Russ
Who's back: DB Russell Allen, LB Gary Gainer, DL Roman Mathis, OL Jared Walker
What's new: The Gladiators will be young on offense after losing nine starters, including the entire backfield. Shakir said the line should be stronger and quicker. And he has plenty of skill guys capable of scoring on any play. The defense has a lot of experience with six returning starters, led by Mathis, Gainer and Allen. The calling card will be special teams, a unit that had 13 blocked kicks and eight touchdowns on returns last season.
Audible: "Last year was a stepping stone for us. Now, the players have the mind-set to go out and win." — Shakir
Did you know?: The Gladiators' four losses in the regular season were by a combined 25 points.
Bob Putnam, Times staff writer
Spring game
May 30 at Palm Harbor University
2008 schedule
Sept. 5 at Lakewood
Sept. 12 vs. Countryside
Sept. 19 at Northeast
Sept. 26 at Dixie Hollins
Oct. 3 vs. Clearwater
Oct. 10 vs. St. Petersburg
Oct. 24 vs. Seminole
Oct. 31 at Pinellas Park
Nov. 7 at Largo
Nov. 14 at Boca Ciega
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