As the 2014 high school football season openers approach, Countryside senior Dante Satcher is ready to break through for a 1,000-yard season.
The 5-foot-11, 170-pounder led the Cougars in rushing yards with 695 a year ago. That total does not raise too many eyebrows, but Satcher showed the potential of what he can with the ball in his hands by rushing for more than 100 yards in each of his final two games. Now he is poised for even bigger things. He'll run behind an improved offensive line, and the wide-open offense will prevent defenses from keying on him. Once he finds a little wiggle room, Satcher plans to show his speed to get past opponents and into the end zone. He ran track in the spring and worked out with legendary track coach Eileen Givens on getting faster. He hopes all of that will get Countryside get back into the playoffs after missing out the past two seasons. The first test comes tonight when the Cougars host rival Clearwater Central Catholic in a preseason game. Satcher talked to the Tampa Bay Times recently about his preparation for this season.
What were some of the things you worked on with Givens?
"During track season I ran sprints and worked on my speed. I can now the run 40-yard dash in 4.4 seconds. During the summer I tried to work on my endurance, which will help me build up my stamina during the season."
What will be the biggest difference for you as a rusher this season?
"We have a lot of weapons on offense. Our chemistry is better, too. The offensive line has got a lot bigger. Those guys really grew up in the offseason. In practice, I'm running through some pretty big holes. Everything is coming together. I'm aiming for 1,000 yards."
How motivated are you to get back to the playoffs?
"Missing the playoffs the past two seasons is unacceptable. That's been our mission all through the spring and the summer and will be all season, to get into the playoffs."
Bob Putnam, Times staff writer