Around the county in 30 days A daily spring preview of every football program in the county
Indian Rocks Christian
Coach: Mark Buchanan (fifth season, 22-19)
Last season: 9-2 (Lost 35-21 to Belle Glade Glades Day in Class A region semifinals)
District: Class A-6 (Berkeley Prep, Clearwater Central Catholic, Fort Meade, Lakeland Christian)
Key losses: WR/DB Cameron Dillard, RB/LB Ethan Englebert, OL/DL Max Heard, FB/DL Lou Mason, TE/LB Darius Sabbides, RB/LB Jonny Sitton
Who's back: LB/FB Kyle Cleary, QB Blake Farver, RB/LB Tyler Gatusso, OL/DL Sean Harvey, RB/S Tyler Ostheim, OL/DL Tyler Wood
What's new: How do you replace more than 3,000 yards of offense? That's what Indian Rocks is about to find out after three standout running backs — Sitton, Englebert and Mason — graduated. Sitton was a first-team utility all-state selection, and Englebert made the second team. Gatusso and Ostheim will attempt to fill the void. The seniors-to-be aren't as explosive but are a bit more physical. With four returning starters, the offensive line is a strength. Harvey, now 6 feet 4, 255 pounds, is the leader and has received the most attention from colleges. He'll also start on the defensive line, which should be solid for the Golden Eagles. The secondary is young and untested after losing starting cornerbacks Dillard and Buddy Kaufman. Farver, a steady quarterback who knows how to protect the ball, returns for his senior year and will be asked to shoulder more of the offensive load. Buchanan estimates six or seven guys will play both ways. One of those the coaches are high on is Cleary, who was a leading tackler at linebacker last season and will see time at fullback this year.
Audible: "Our offseason lifting and conditioning program was huge last year, and it's going to be huge again this year. We expect to have 25, 30 guys here all summer. They're looking forward to it because they saw the success that it had last year." — Buchanan
Did you know? Every player who had a rushing attempt for the Golden Eagles last season graduated.
Spring game: at Taylor County, 6 p.m. Saturday
2009 season
Sept. 4 vs. Keswick Christian
Sept. 11 at Fort Meade
Sept. 18 vs. Calvary Christian
Sept. 25 at Bishop McLaughlin
Oct. 2 vs. Shorecrest
Oct. 9 vs. Clearwater Central Catholic
Oct. 23 vs. Lakeland Christian
Oct. 30 vs. Northside Christian
Nov. 6 at Berkeley Prep
Nov. 13 at Cambridge
Bryan Burns, Times staff writer
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