Robinson
Coach: Mike DePue (sixth season, 31-32)
Last season: 2-8
District: Class 2A-5 (Jesuit, Lennard, Middleton, St. Petersburg Catholic, Steinbrenner, Strawberry Crest)
Key losses: RB David Canchola, DB/WR Mike Hawthorne, OL/DL Mike Newman, QB A.J. Phillips
Who's back: WR Ruben Gonzalez, OL Andrew Meddaugh, LB Tevin Newman, DL Quinton Preston, WR Byron Pringle (Blake transfer), FB Robert Smith, WR/DB Frankie Williams, DL D.J. Woods
What's new: Some questions were answered for Robinson in the spring jamboree victory against Jefferson. It's clear quarterback Blake Rice, who was 6-of-16 for 118 yards and a touchdown, is comfortable with making tough throws and ready to take command of the varsity offense after starting on the junior varsity last year. His promise behind center should allow Ruben Gonzalez to primarily play receiver, though he will be available to play quarterback. Robinson looked diverse offensively with running back Marques Baker, who finished with two carries for 33 yards and two touchdowns.
Audible: "We have some kids that want to play and believe in what we're doing. We're going down to (Class) 2A, we're going to see what happens and have some fun next year." — DePue
Did you know? Robinson last earned a playoff berth in 2005, when it lost in a Class 3A quarterfinal to Wauchula Hardee 31-13. After spring ended with an optimistic finish, Robinson will be looking to improve on its recent playoff success. The Knights have played in just five playoff games since 1998 with a 1-4 record, including playoff berths in 2003 and 2005.
Spring jamboree: Robinson 34, Jefferson 14
2009 schedule
Sept. 4 vs. Leto
Sept. 17 at King
Sept. 25 at Middleton
Oct. 2 vs. Jesuit
Oct. 9 vs. Newsome
Oct. 16 at St. Petersburg Catholic
Oct. 22 at Lennard
Oct. 30 vs. Steinbrenner
Nov. 6 vs. Strawberry Crest
Nov. 13 at Plant
Izzy Gould, Times staff writer
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