Not a day goes by, say Keaton Cole and Mason Cole, that the East Lake duo isn't asked if they are brothers.
And for good reason.
They have the same last name. They are both 6-foot-4 offensive linemen. They bear a resemblance to each other.
But the Eagles are merely brothers in arms.
Big, beefy arms responsible for protecting quarterback Pete DiNovo and making East Lake's running game as punishing as possible.
"There's a lot of potential there," assistant coach A.J. Trump said Wednesday afternoon at practice. "They still have some work to do, but athletically, I think we have the two best tackles in the county."
Trump, a former all-county lineman who started at center for the Miami Hurricanes and spent some time with the Pittsburgh Steelers, knows of which he speaks. He says Mason, the 6-4, 255-pound rising sophomore right tackle, and Keaton, the 6-4, 310-pound senior, are future Division I players.
For now, the two are content opening holes for running back Tyler Lane and giving DiNovo enough time to find his targets with the hopes of improving on last year's 8-3 season.
"We're shooting for a greater season," said Keaton. "There's a group of us that have been together a long time, and we'd like to go out with a bang."
And a boom, bam and a pow.
"I think we can be pretty good," Mason said.
Last year, it was the Tylers (Moore and Pierson) at Countryside setting the pace and earning the publicity rare for offensive linemen.
This year, it will be the Coles.
Mason Cole
Size: 6-4, 255
Favorite meal: A nice pizza with a Greek salad
Favorite TV show: Jersey Shore
Dream prom date: Kim Kardashian
Most hated rival: PHU and Tarpon Springs
Best player you've faced: The Tampa Bay Tech defensive line
Favorite restaurant: Vetture's Pizzeria
Best-looking Cole: "Me, of course."
Keaton Cole
Size: 6-4, 310
Favorite meal: Meatloaf and potatoes
Favorite TV show: Jersey Shore
Dream prom date: Jessica Alba
Most hated rival: PHU
Best player you've faced: Logan Williamson, former teammate
Favorite restaurant: Rusty Bellies
Best-looking Cole: "Me, of course."
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Bogie's Brinson making right moves
First-year Boca Ciega coach Antez Brinson has already made one coaching move this spring that is reaping rewards - he moved defensive end Denzel Conyers to safety, and the rising senior has picked up a scholarship offer at his new position from Florida International.
Conyers was an undersized defensive end in 2010 at 6-foot-2, 185 pounds, but the same speed that made him valuable rushing off the end is perfect for the safety spot, Brinson said.
Another converted Pirate, Elijah McClendon, is close to getting an offer at his old position. The linebacker is also moving to safety, but Ball State was at practice Wednesday and liked what it saw in McClendon at his old position, as did FIU.
And another Pirate defensive back, Gibbs transfer Di'quez Henderson, is drawing interest from Ball State, Marshall and Stony Brook.
"I think our defensive backs (with Caleb McCullough included) is one of the best sets around," Brinson said.
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Patriots' Smith adds to offers
Pinellas Park's Iman Smith picked up his fourth offer Wednesday morning from Ball State.
Smith, a 6-foot-2, 200-pound linebacker and wide receiver who reminds some people of teammate and Florida commitment Jeremi Powell, also picked up offers this week from Bowling Green and Florida A&M, to go with his first offer last month from Western Michigan.
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Tarpon hosting free camp for kids
Tarpon Springs will be hosting its second annual Kickoff Kids Camp on March 21 for boys and girls in grades 3-8. The free camp will be from 8:30-11:30 a.m., with registration beginning at 7:45 a.m. The camp is followed by the team's Maroon and White intrasquad scrimmage at 1:30 p.m. For more information, call Marty Lontakos at (727) 934-3176.
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What they're saying
Every day, we pose a question to our readers on our Facebook page. They're keen to offer their two cents ... and we're printing the best response.
Tuesday's question: Which football team that was down on its luck in 2010 will bounce back with a winning record this season? Extra points if you tell us how.
- Boca Ciega Pirates. With the addition of a kicker we could have easily been 7-3 or 8-2 (in 2010) with those extra points. The new coaching staff is amazing, plus an addition of a talented defense with two-star safety Denzel Conyers ...and Elijah McClendon. So, I say, you look out. The Pirates are on their way up. - Elijah "Fearless" McClendon
Next up: Hillsborough's spring games/jamborees are May 20, while the North Suncoast and Pinellas play most of their games the following week. Which game are you most looking forward to?
What's your call? Go to facebook.com/pages/HomeTeam-by-tampabaycom/145729801992, become a fan and give us your thoughts.