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HomeTeam 25: Football rankings, Week 1

 
Armwood's Brian Snead is tackled by Miami Central's Christopher Williams during Armwood High School's game against Miami Central Senior High School in the Class 6A 2015 FHSAA Football Finals on Saturday afternoon, December 12, 2015 at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando. (Times file)
Armwood's Brian Snead is tackled by Miami Central's Christopher Williams during Armwood High School's game against Miami Central Senior High School in the Class 6A 2015 FHSAA Football Finals on Saturday afternoon, December 12, 2015 at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando. (Times file)
Published Aug. 22, 2016

Note: Records are final ones from 2015.

1. Armwood (14-1)

This week: at Plant City, 7:30 Friday

Skinny: Pay no attention to the preseason loss to Bradenton Manatee. The Hawks are loaded at the skill positions and are favored to make their fourth straight appearance in the Class 6A state championship game. The addition of quarterback Devin Black, who transferred from Lennard, gives the offense balance. Armwood has three Division I-A recruits — Brian Snead (Ohio State), Darrian McNeal (Arizona) and Erin Collins (NC State) — who are capable of rushing for 1,000 yards this season. The defense, which allowed just 72 points in the regular season last year, lost some key players but will still be formidable. The biggest obstacle to turning in another undefeated regular season will be longtime rival Plant. They face off Sept. 23.

2. Plant (9-3)

This week: vs. Bryant (Ala.) High in Mobile, 6 Saturday

Skinny: After rotating quarterbacks last year, the Panthers have settled on Dane Frantzen as their starter. He has plenty of targets at his disposal, led by Juwan Burgess, a Southern California commit who is back after sitting out last season because of transfer rules. Other receivers include athlete Whop Philyor and tight end Judge Culpepper, both major Division I-A recruits. Plant lost to powerhouse Venice in the preseason and will have to navigate through a tough early-season schedule that includes Bryant (Ala.) and Armwood in the first five weeks. But the Panthers are favored to win another district title and make another deep run in the playoffs.

3. Clearwater Central Catholic (13-1)

This week: vs. Berkeley Prep, 7 Thursday

Skinny: The Marauders are ranked fifth nationally among small schools (fewer than 1,000 students) by MaxPreps. That lofty status is due in large part to CCC returning the bulk of its starting lineup from a team that made its fourth straight state semifinal appearance last year. Four players have already committed to colleges — offensive lineman Dillan Gibbons (Notre Dame), athlete CJ Cotman (Tennessee), quarterback Jakob Parks (South Dakota) and linebacker Tyler McDonald (Princeton). There could be as many as 12 from the 2017 class who commit. The biggest change in the program is who is in charge. Assistant Chris Harvey was promoted to take over for his father-in-law, John Davis, who retired in November 2015.

4. Jesuit (13-1)

This week: vs. Lakewood Ranch, 7

Skinny: The Tigers made the state semifinals last season, losing to eventual Class 5A state champion Orlando Bishop Moore. There is plenty of optimism this year, mostly with the return of Malik Davis, who rushed for 2,337 yards and 28 touchdowns last season, tops among returning rushers in the state. The offensive line was hit hard by graduation but there is plenty of depth. And there will be some balance on offense with Daniel Boone back as the starting quarterback. The defense always is strong thanks to coach Matt Thompson, a former defensive coordinator at powerhouse Armwood.

5. Jefferson (5-7)

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This week: at Tampa Bay Tech, 7:30 Friday

Skinny: Beset by injuries last season, the Dragons still managed to make the playoffs. This season, Jefferson has a roster full of Division I-A players, all of whom are healthy. The key is the return of quarterback Cade Weldon, a Miami recruit who is back after missing nearly all of last season with a torn ACL. Offensive lineman Jean Marcellus, athlete Jermaine Eskridge and defensive lineman J'Bril Glaze will have an impact on both sides of the ball. If Jefferson wants to win the Class 5A, District 10 title, it will likely have to beat Jesuit on Sept. 16.

6. Tampa Catholic (10-3)

This week: Bye

Skinny: The Crusaders, who made the Class 3A state semifinals last season, are ranked 12th nationally among small schools (fewer than 1,000 students) by MaxPreps. Austin Sessums, the bay area's leading passer in 2015, returns. Though five-star recruit Nate Craig-Myers is now at Auburn, there still are plenty of talented receivers left, led by Darius Corbett. And there is running back Devan Barrett, another Auburn recruit who rushed for 1,891 yards and 21 touchdowns last season. The schedule includes four teams that made the playoffs last season, as well as New Jersey powerhouse Bergen Catholic. That will help Tampa Catholic be more prepared for a potential rematch with three-time defending champion Jacksonville Trinity Christian in the state semifinals.

7. Tampa Bay Tech (7-5)

This week: vs. Jefferson, 7:30 Friday

Skinny: If the preseason is any indication, the passing tandem of quarterback Michael Penix and Daquon Green is going to be one of the best in the bay area. Penix, a transfer from Pasco, completed his first six passes and threw for 203 yards in a preseason win over Blake. Green, a Florida commit, had five receptions for 94 yards. The defense should be solid, too. Last week, the Titans recorded a shutout and forced two turnovers. Thomas Covington picked off a pass and Jonathan King recovered a fumble.

8. Plant City (11-2)

This week: vs. Armwood, 7:30 Friday

Skinny: There was a change at the top with Robert Paxia taking over the program from Greg Meyer, who stepped down in June because of health problems. Paxia inherits a veteran team that made the region final in 7A last season. The passing game will be strong, led by quarterback Corey King and receiver Antoine Thompson. The defense loses linebacker Cory Cotnoir, the Tampa Bay Times' all-Tampa Bay defensive player of the year who graduated. Steven Ogletree, an FAU commit, will help fill the leadership void created by Cotnoir's departure. Last season, Ogletree had 138 tackles and nine sacks as a linebacker.

9. Durant (6-4)

This week: at Hillsborough, 7:30 Friday

Skinny: The Cougars have the talent to make the playoffs for the fourth time in the past six years. To get there, they have to find a way to win close games. Last season, Durant lost three games by five points or fewer, including two in overtime. The two that hurt the most were against Lennard and Plant City, which ultimately cost the Cougars a playoff spot. Durant will be without defensive back Jaden Garrett, a college prospect who tore his ACL this summer. But there are plenty of other returnees, including quarterback Carlton Potter, receiver Brandon Myers, defensive lineman Xavier Lyas and tight end Steven Witchoskey.

10. Pinellas Park (8-2)

This week: vs. Osceola, 7:30 Friday

Skinny: The Patriots do not have a huge varsity roster, around 35 players, but they will use just about all of them. That is especially true at running back, where as many as seven players will touch the ball. Zamari Maxwell, who is a Division I-A prospect at cornerback, will double as the quarterback. He has numerous options to hand the ball to, especially the speedy Dale Foster, fullback Azyia Vance, Torrence Andrews and Ethan Blanchard, Then there is 340-pound defensive lineman Jordon Scott, a Florida commit. He will anchor a defense that has athletes all over the field. Class 7A, District 10 is tough, with East Lake, St. Petersburg and Countryside as strong opponents. This could be, and perhaps should be, the year the Patriots win a district title.

11. Sickles (8-3)

This week: at Alonso, 7:30 Friday

Skinny: The Gryphons are another team with a new coach. Patrick Murphy takes over for Brian Turner, who stepped down at the end of the season. Murphy's task is to guide the program to its fourth straight playoff appearance. Sickles has playmakers to do to that, starting with a pair of athletes, Jordan McCloud and Anthony Quintana. Last week, Quintana had 108 total yards against Steinbrenner in a preseason game that was called after the first quarter because of lightning.

12. East Lake (6-5)

This week: vs. Palm Harbor University, 7:30 Friday

Skinny: After battling through injuries and inexperience last season, the Eagles won a tiebreaker for the runnerup spot in Class 7A, District 10 to make the playoffs for a seventh straight season. East Lake still has to decide on a starting quarterback, which will be announced Monday afternoon. The two vying for the position, Tyler Rupe and Jackson Rowland, have the luxury of handing the ball off to Xavier Jackson, who is poised for a breakout season. Receiver Bryce Miller is healthy and had seven receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown in last week's preseason win against Sunlake.

13. Clearwater (8-3)

This week: at Tarpon Springs, 7:30 Friday

Skinny: Last season, the Tornadoes made the playoffs for the first time since 2004. Nearly every skill player returns from that team, including a pair of Division I-A recruits, running back Adarius Lemons (Florida) and receiver Jacquez Jones (Tennessee). Clearwater did not fare well in the spring (a 21-14 loss to CCC) or the preseason (a 34-7 loss to Cocoa), but those games were scheduled to give the team a taste of what it is like facing tough foes in the playoffs. The Tornadoes are expected to get back to the postseason with a chance for a deeper playoff run.

14. St. Petersburg (6-4)

This week: at Gibbs, 7:30 Friday

Skinny: If the Green Devils can block, this could be a very successful season. No team had more transfers in than St. Petersburg, especially at the skill positions. Austyn Causey is back to play quarterback. Matt Landers, Bryce Green and Adul Yates transferred to play receiver. And Donnie Crum and Jalynn Williams are transfer running backs. The offensive line is inexperienced, so it may take a while to get things going. Defensively, the Green Devils are solid. Austin Johnson and Anthony Johnson (not related) are Division I-type players at linebacker and defensive back, respectively. The district is tough, but the Green Devils should be able to hang.

15. Cambridge Christian (12-1)

This week: vs. Village Academy, 7:30 Friday

Skinny: The Lancers had a memorable run last season. They went undefeated in the regular season for the first time, achieved their first No. 1 ranking in the state poll and made the playoffs and state championship game for the first time. Nearly everyone returns, giving Cambridge plenty of optimism that there will be a return trip to the title game. Andrew Cunningham, who rushed for 1,370 yards and 25 touchdowns last season, is the leader of an offense that should put up big numbers. Richard Gouraige, a five-star recruit, is the headliner on the offensive and defensive lines. To prepare for another deep playoff run, the Lancers beefed up their schedule, including a game against powerhouse North Florida Christian.

16. Gaither (4-6)

This week: vs. Steinbrenner, 7:30 Friday

Skinny: After making the playoff for three straight seasons (2011-13), the Cowboys missed out the past two years. That could change. Last season, Gaither started 1-6 before finishing with three straight wins. The momentum continued through a strong performance in the spring and preseason. Last week, the Cowboys beat Tampa Catholic 14-13 in a game that was called in the first quarter because of lightning. Gaither has a pair of college-bound linebackers in Decalon Brooks (FSU) and Estefano Feliciano (Old Dominion). Running back TJ Williams accounted for 144 total yards in the first quarter against Tampa Catholic.

17. Hillsborough (4-6)

This week: vs. Durant, 7:30 Friday

Skinny: The Terriers have made the playoffs just once in the past three years and finished last season with a losing record. Things should be different this season. Hillsborough beat Wharton 14-0 in a spring jamboree and East Bay 41-0 in last week's preseason. The defense is going to be one of the best in the bay area, led by defensive lineman Zachary Carter, a four-star recruit who has committed to Florida. On offense, the running game is strong with USF commit Duran Bell leading the way.

18. Palm Harbor University (6-4)

This week: at East Lake, 7:30 Friday

Skinny: In the spring and preseason, the Hurricanes beat Nature Coast and Mitchell — two playoff teams a year ago — by a combined 88-13. The passing attack is underrated, led by quarterback Cameron Mouton. The senior threw for a combined 500 yards and six touchdowns in the spring and preseason. TJ Colmery is a dependable target and J'Von France, a transfer from Tarpon Springs, gives PHU a dynamic deep threat. The defense picked off three passes against Mitchell.

19. Alonso (4-6)

This week: vs. Sickles, 7:30 Friday

Skinny: The Ravens have dealt with transfers out of thee program in the past year. Despite the losses, Alonso has showed signs of rebounding. In the spring, the Ravens beat Steinbrenner. Alonso followed that up with a 24-7 win over Countryside in last week's preseason game. The Ravens have four returning starters on the offensive line who will pave the way for a trio of running backs — Yafeo Davis, Malik Johnson and Jael Feliz.

20. Lakewood (6-5)

This week: vs. Boca Ciega, 7:30 Friday

Skinny: Throw out the preseason game, a 40-0 loss to Naples. The Spartans are still trying to figure things out and it may take a few games to get going. They are loaded with juniors, most of whom played together last season on varsity. Jaylen Shazell, Troyvon Johnson, Rolando Sims, Cornell Battles, Kyandre Moore and Armani Adams are just some of the juniors expected to have a big season. If Lakewood can play defense, it should get back into the playoffs.

21. Brandon (9-3)

This week: vs. Strawberry Crest, 7:30 Friday

Skinny: The Eagles had a major breakthrough last season with their playoff berth since 2011 and first region semifinal appearance since 1985. Another trip to the playoff will hinge on well the offense comes together after losing quarterbacks Isaiah Alexander and BJ Cole, who both graduated. The defense lost Yancy Jenkins (team-high seven interceptions last season) to graduation, but still returns linebacker Dakota Trice.

22. Steinbrenner (9-2)

This week: at Gaither, 7:30 Friday

Skinny: The Warriors, who made the playoffs for the first time last season, still have an offense capable of putting up points with the return of quarterback Colin Wray and receiver Brett Bitter. Kicker Noah Ruggles also is back. The biggest holes are on defense after losing the top three tacklers from last season to graduation.

23. Sunlake (8-3)

This week: at Gulf, 7:30 Friday

Skinny: Forget about the preseason loss to East Lake. The Seahawks still are going to be among the best teams in the North Suncoast. Quarterback Justin Hall is solid and there are playmakers with Cris Galdos and Ryan Clark. The one thing that needs to improve is the offensive line and that will come with time. The defense once again is stingy, led by Galdos.

24. Zephyrhills (8-3)

This week: vs. Wiregrass Ranch, 7:30 Friday

Skinny: Former Sunlake defensive coordinator Nick Carroll takes over the program from Reggie Roberts. It was a difficult transition with Carroll, a former player with the Bulldogs, replacing the popular Roberts. But Carroll has the team headed in the right direction. Quarterback Charles Harrison III is poised for a big season. In last week's preseason win over Land O'Lakes, Harrison threw for 264 yards, ran for 92 and accounted for two touchdowns.

25. Northside Christian (5-5)

This week: at Naples First Baptist, 7:30 Friday

Skinny: This is the season the Mustangs have been waiting for. A big and talented senior class gives them experience at just about every position. Griffin Alstott, a Purdue commit, is set to start at quarterback for a third season. Kamen Wilmington is a senior running back, Demetrius Jackson and Derrick Wright are senior receivers who led the team last year. Class 2A, District 6 is a three-team district with Admiral Farragut and Indian Rocks Christian. Neither team is as deep or talented as the Mustangs.

On the bubble: Admiral Farragut (10-2), Boca Ciega (2-8), Gibbs (6-5), Hudson (5-5), Largo (6-4), Mitchell (9-2), River Ridge (10-2), Wharton (8-2)