Around the North Suncoast in 30 days | A daily spring preview of every football program on the North Suncoast
Zephyrhills
Coach: Jerrell Cogmon (first season; third season overall, 4-16)
District: 3A-7 (Anclote, Gulf, Land O'Lakes, Mitchell, Pasco, Sunlake, Wesley Chapel)
Last season: 4-6
Key losses: Coach Tom Fisher, WR/DB Gage Hayes, LB Joe Maldonado, RB/DE Dontrell Parker, WR/DB Alex Sampson
Who's back: OL/DL Anthony Avila, OL/DL Stephen Cottrell, OL/DL John Dodd, WR/WB Josh Geiger, QB/OLB Tyler Guy, TB Michael Peterman, CB/WR Chris Reaves, OL/DL Brandon Smith, LB Anthony Viernes, SS Ben Williams
What's new: What isn't new? Cogmon, a 1992 Plant High graduate who played for legendary ex-Panthers coach Roland Acosta, replaces Fisher, the Bulldogs' all-time winningest coach who retired in December after 20 seasons. And yes, Cogmon does plan to use his beloved triple-option offense this fall despite the fact Guy — previously a drop-back passer at 6-foot-6 — never has scared anyone with his running ability. "He's really buying into it," Cogmon said. "I know he wants to show people that he can do this. I want him to show people that he can do this because I like him just as a kid." … Guy also will log action at outside linebacker, adding depth to a unit Cogmon says could be the Bulldogs' strength. … The Bulldogs, never known for their size or depth, may have the bulk up front to effectively run the triple option. Cogmon, who estimates his line could average 250 pounds, says he has seven linemen he feels comfortable using. … ZHS alumni Greg Mathis (Class of '84) and Troy Hochstetler ('86) will be offensive and defensive coordinators, respectively.
Audible: "I've seen 6-foot-5 quarterbacks do it before. We won a district title with (6-5 quarterback) Tyrone Timmons, the first district title in the history of Tampa Bay Tech. … People are going to be really surprised with what they see from Tyler Guy. I'm really excited for what we may be able to put on the field." — Cogmon on the undercurrent of skepticism surrounding Guy running the triple option
Did you know? According to statistics on MaxPreps.com, Guy threw for more than 1,400 yards in 2008, but finished with 73 carries for minus-103 yards. … Peterman, last season's top rusher (96 carries, 459 yards), has emerged as the Bulldogs' feature tailback so far. … Williams, who tallied 13 sacks from a linebacker spot last fall, is being converted to strong safety. … Cogmon is a first cousin of ex-University of Florida receivers Reche and Andre Caldwell, and practically grew up with the pair.
2009 schedule
Sept. 11at Wiregrass Ranch
Sept. 18Orlando Jones
Sept. 25Land O'Lakes
Oct. 2at Pasco
Oct. 9at Mitchell
Oct. 15Sunlake
Oct. 23at Wesley Chapel
Oct. 30Gulf
Nov. 13at Ridgewood
Joey Knight, Times staff writer
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