High school football preview: Team-by-team capsules

Thursday, September 02, 2010

AMERICAN HERITAGE STALLIONS

Coach: Doug Socha, first season.

2009 record: 11-3, Beat Jacksonville-Trinity Christian in Class 1A state final.

Starters returning: 5 offense, 2 defense.

Big man on campus: Senior WR/DB/KR Herve Coby was one of many spark plugs for the Stallions' explosive offense last year, and might not spend much time on the sideline this season. Socha figures Coby will see much more time on defense than he did last year, and he'll also return kicks. Coby (6-1, 175) has size and speed and has received offers from several D-I schools, including West Virginia and Illinois.

Outlook: Despite losing several talented players from last season's state championship team, first-year coach Socha says he still has title expectations. He won't have many seniors, and has questions at QB and the kicking game. Plus, Heritage faces a brutal schedule with road games at Jacksonville-First Coast, Hollywood-Chaminade and Glades Central, and home tests against Pahokee and Fort Lauderdale-Calvary Christian on Nov. 5, when the District 7-1A title could be at stake. "We'll have to overcome and see how we'll respond to some of the obstacles we'll come across," Socha said.

Atlantic Eagles

Coach: Chris Bean, fourth season.

2009 record: 5-5.

Starters returning: 2 offense, 3 defense.

Big man on campus: Kevie Defranc (5-10, 160) is the team's best DB, and has received an offer from Harvard. "He excels on the field and in the classroom, so he's the ultimate big man on campus to me," Bean said.

Outlook: The Eagles might take a step back this season. They are in a tough district (8-6A) and return only a handful of starters. "Let us line up and see what happens," said Bean, who was Atlantic's head coach in 2003-05 before returning this season. Outside LB Jephette Matilus, who switched his commitment from Marshall to Minnesota in June, should be a standout in Atlantic's 4-3 defense. Ezekiel Turner, who has gotten offers from FAU, FIU and Western Kentucky, and fellow WR J'Rod Beard will catch passes from senior Rudy Conde or sophomore Antonio Fuentes, a transfer from Boca Raton Christian.

BENJAMIN BUCCANEERS

Coach: Ron Ream, 37th season.

2009 record: 6-4.

Starters returning: 7 offense, 4 defense.

Big man on campus: Senior QB Teddy Dwork (6-5, 215) has a strong arm and makes intelligent decisions. "This should be his breakout year," Ream said.

Outlook: The Bucs expect to be a pass-first team with Charly Schooley (6-3, 195) the main target for Dwork. Ream hopes sophomore RB Charlie Nicklaus, a grandson of Jack, will be a surprise. Depth on the offensive and defensive lines is the primary issue, especially after the transfer of 6-foot-7 lineman Patrick Miller to Dwyer. Everyone needs to stay healthy for the Bucs to contend.

BEREAN CHRISTIAN BULLDOGS

Coach: Kenny Berry, third season.

2009 record: 1-8-1.

Starters returning: 9 offense, 9 defense.

Big man on campus: Senior WR/S Keion Berry. Berry's speed makes him a threat to score every time he touches the ball on offense and special teams. In addition to his roles on offense and defense, he's also the Bulldogs' punter.

Outlook: The Bulldogs will score points this year, but their biggest challenge will be consistently stopping opponents. Sophomore Caleb Pinkerman had a strong spring game as the team's new QB. If the Bulldogs can avoid injuries, they should be competitive.

BOCA RATON BOBCATS

Coach: Keith Byars, second season.

2009 record: 9-3, lost in second round of state playoffs.

Starters returning: 4 offense, 4 defense.

Big man on campus: Kicker David Bicknell, who already has several Division I offers, is probably the best special-teams player in the area and gives the Bobcats a weapon most high school teams don't have.

Outlook: The Bobcats must replace their top three offensive players from last year. Part of this year's success, or lack thereof, will depend on whether sophomore QB Kevin Anderson can reach his potential and if RBs Keith Byars II and Tard McCoy can carry the load offensively. Both lines should be very strong and a tough defense will keep Boca in games. The question will be if the young offense can develop quickly enough to win them.

BOCA RATON CHRISTIAN BLAZERS

Coach: Kent Stapleton, second season.

2009 record: 5-3-1.

Starters returning: 6 offense, 6 defense.

Big man on campus: Senior WR/S Steven Smith led the team in interceptions last season in addition to being one of the Blazers' top receivers. Several colleges scouted him this spring.

Outlook: Boca Christian will try to maintain a winning record despite the spring graduation of a core group of seniors, one of which earned a Division I scholarship. With six returning senior starters, however, coach Kent Stapleton is optimistic the Blazers can build on 2009. "We hope to capitalize on the success we had last year and keep it going," he said. As an independent, the toughest teams on the Blazers' schedule could be Pompano Beach-Highlands Christian and Berean Christian.

BOYNTON BEACH TIGERS

Coach: Rick Swain, third season.

2009 record: 4-7, lost to Plantation-American Heritage in Class 2A regional semifinals.

Starters returning: 4 offense, 5 defense.

Big man on campus: Senior DE Johnathan Harris (6-6, 230), has received offers from several BCS schools. He will team on the line with NT/OG Kenny Stephens, who's getting attention from Ivy League schools, and junior T Jessaman Dunker, a talented transfer from Atlanta.

Outlook: Boynton Beach is in a three-team district with Glades Central and Suncoast, of which Swain said, "I think anyone in America would know which one we'd have to win." Swain is optimistic about his defense, which will feature returning starting LB Audrey Dieujusde (6-0, 225), and fellow junior DeCarreus Mason (6-5, 265), a two-way lineman whom Swain thinks could be an even better prospect than Harris. Swain plans to be a little more conservative on offense while still running out of a spread formation. To improve the special teams, Swain brought in former Boca High interim coach Larry Green, who in the mid-1990s played at Virginia Tech, which is known for its special teams play.

CARDINAL NEWMAN CRUSADERS

Coach: Steve Walsh, second season.

2009 record: 4-6.

Starters returning: 4 offense, 7 defense.

Big man on campus: Senior TE/S Shane Osborn (6-0, 200) is a good athlete and leader who sets the tone for the Crusaders.

Outlook: Positive results in off-season workouts and 7-on-7 tournaments have raised Walsh's expectations for the Crusaders to be more competitive this year, especially in District 7-2B. More importantly, Walsh said he sees the team building long-term success through an improved conditioning program.

CENTENNIAL EAGLES

Coach: Ron Parker, first season.

2009 record: 3-6.

Starters returning: 7 offense, 7 defense.

Big man on campus: Senior RB/LB Javaris Giles has averaged eight yards a carry the past two seasons.

Outlook: Parker brings lots of experience, having served on the Eagles' staff for the past 12 years. Coming off a last-place finish, Centennial will have to get the most out of its starters in a very tough district.

CLEWISTON TIGERS

Coach: Joe Roth, third season.

2009 record: 4-6.

Starters returning: 7 offense, 6 defense.

Big man on campus: Senior FB/LB Fred Washington is a standout on both sides of the ball and a Division I prospect.

Outlook: A good core of players and a district expected to be up for grabs could help the Tigers return to the playoffs.

DWYER PANTHERS

Coach: Jack Daniels, 15th season.

2009 record: 13-1, beat Niceville in Class 4A state final.

Starters returning: 3 offense, 4 defense.

Big man on campus: Senior TE Nick O'Leary (6-4, 215) is ranked by several recruiting websites as the best high school tight end in the nation.

Outlook: A carryover benefit from Dwyer's dominant 2009 season is that its' second string got plenty of experience, playing in the latter stages of blowouts. The Panthers have plenty of talent to plug in around super recruits O'Leary, QB Jacoby Brissett and DE Curt Maggitt. This is still one of the best teams in the state and could repeat as champs.

FOREST HILL FALCONS

Coach: Chris Kokell, first season.

2009 Record: 1-9.

Starters returning: NA.

Big man on campus: Senior WR/CB Erron Watson is a hard hitter and a team leader who hopes to lead a rebirth of the Falcons.

Outlook: The offensive line is big, strong, and experienced, while young skill players like sophomore Terrence St. Hillaire are already getting looks from college scouts. Still, the coaching staff faces a challenge in reenergizing the Falcons and building a winning foundation.

FORT PIERCE CENTRAL COBRAS

Coach: Chris Hutchings, sixth season.

2009 record: 5-5, lost to South Fork in the regional quarterfinals.

Starters returning: 9 offense, 8 defense.

Big man on campus: Senior OT/DE Georgio Newberry (6-6, 255) is a four-year starter with lots of skills. He had 41 tackles and three sacks last season and was an ESPNU 150 Gridiron King this summer.

Outlook: With most of its starters returning, experience will not be an issue for Fort Pierce Central. However, if the Cobras want to repeat as district champs, they will have to do a better job against the run. Mike Marsaille (6-5, 305) leads a solid Central offensive line.

FORT PIERCE WESTWOOD PANTHERS

Coach: Rodrick Lawson, first season.

2009 record: 8-4, lost to Belen Jesuit in regional finals.

Starters returning: 8 offense, 6 defense.

Big man on campus: Junior QB Travares Copeland returns after throwing for 1,563 yards last season. Copeland will have five returning starters on the offensive line to protect him.

Outlook: Coming off an impressive playoff run last season, the Panthers should battle Merritt Island for the district title, seeking revenge for last year's regular-season loss. The Panthers' offensive output, along with speedy, athletic DBs should propel them back into the post-season.

GLADES CENTRAL RAIDERS

Coach: Jessie Hester, third season.

2009 record: 13-1, lost to Cocoa in Class 2A state final.

Starters returning: 3 offense, 3 defense

Big man on campus: Senior receiver Kelvin Benjamin, who can't play past Week 9 because of age restrictions, has the speed, agility and size (6-5) to torment defenses.

Outlook: Glades Central traditionally restocks its shelves with talent and this year is no different. The Raiders have some of the best athletes in the state. With Benjamin and Glades Day transfer Davonte Allen lining up at WR, QB Jamarious Rowley has plenty of targets to ease his transition into the starting role. Senior DE Robert Way, who set the school record for sacks last season with 24, anchors a talented defense that held Skyline (Texas) scoreless in the season opener.

GLADES DAY GAtORS

Coach: Pete Walker, eighth season.

2009 record: 12-2, beat Daytona Beach-Warner Christian in Class 1B state final.

Starters returning: 5 offense, 8 defense.

Big man on campus: Sophomore RB Kelvin Taylor finished eighth in Florida's Mr. Football voting last season, but he had off-season knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus. The surgery, however, doesn't seem to be slowing Fred Taylor's son as he rushed for 94 yards and a touchdown in the Gators' season-opening win over Twiggs County (Ga.).

Outlook: It's all about Taylor. By the time he graduates, he might be the best RB ever to come out of Palm Beach County. He's that good. But Walker wants to decrease Taylor's touches after he tallied 295 carries in 14 games last year as a freshman. The Gators return eight defensive starters, including CBs J.T. Thornton, who has committed to Illinois, and Eaton Spence, who also is a Division I prospect.

INLET GROVE HURRICANES

Coach: Ed Etheredge, second season.

2009 Record: 2-8.

Starters returning: 2 offense, 4 defense.

Big man on campus: Senior DE Leslie Proclye has long arms and is quick off the edge, and the Hurricanes are counting on him to get to the quarterback frequently.

Outlook: With Proclye and junior LB Lavonte Williams, Inlet should be stout and extremely fast on defense. Whether or not the Hurricanes have enough offense in an extremely competitive eight-team district will be the question that needs to be answered as they move into their new stadium at the former Suncoast campus.

JENSEN BEACH FALCONS

Coach: John Fey, first season.

2009 record: 5-5.

Starters returning: 6 offense, 2 defense.

Big man on campus: Senior RB/DB Tevin Wilson will look to improve on a strong junior year. Last season, Wilson rushed for 721 yards and had 392 yards receiving while also contributing on defense.

Outlook: An inexperienced defense will have to mature quickly as the Falcons play in a tough district and will have to upset either Merritt Island or Fort Pierce Westwood to reach the playoffs.

JOHN CARROLL RAMS

Coach: Kevin Wald, second season.

2009 Record: 5-5.

Starters returning: 8 offense, 8 defense.

Big man on campus: Senior QB Justin Osking, who has an offer from Northern Illinois, is a tremendous runner who likes to lower the pads and run over defenders. He figures to be even more difficult to defend after spending the summer working on his passing accuracy.

Outlook: Being in a six-team district will make it difficult for John Carroll to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2004, so the Rams have scheduled a couple of early games against larger schools in hopes of toughening up for a stretch of five district games in seven weeks. Osking will be asked to carry a lot of the offensive load, so much depends on his health and decision-making skills.

JOHN I. LEONARD LANCERS

Coach: Wayne Monroe, fourth season.

2009 record: 4-6.

Starters returning: 5 offense, 4 defense.

Big man on campus: Senior Logan Long (6-3, 230) will play LB, DT, DE, TE or FB, depending on the opponent's strength. "He claims he can quarterback, but I won't put him back there," Monroe said. "We're looking for matchups. Like in basketball, you put your best defensive guy on their best offensive guy."

Outlook: Though the Lancers' double-wing offense will be the same as last season, senior Travis Lee, a third-year starter at QB, will be asked to spread the ball around a little more, particularly to emerging WRs John Vilmenay and Anthony Pazos. Playing four tough teams early - Palm Beach Gardens, Seminole Ridge, Park Vista and West Boca Raton - will give Monroe an opportunity to evaluate the Lancers before they get into their district schedule.

JUPITER WARRIORs

Coach: Charlie Persson, 29th season.

2009 record: 2-8.

Starters returning: 8 offense, 7 defense.

Big man on campus: Junior QB Tyler Cameron (6-3, 210) was the Warriors' leading passer and rusher last season.

Outlook: With a strong junior class led by Cameron and WR James Davis, this is a team on the rise. Senior WRs Dan O'Neill and Joey Zaino add leadership. With Cameron throwing out of the spread, the Warriors will gain plenty of yards. If they can stop giving up big plays on defense, they'll contend for a playoff spot.

JUPITER CHRISTIAN Eagles

Coach: Bill Powers, sixth season.

2009 record: 9-3, lost to Glades Day in Class 1B state semifinals.

Starters returning: 5 offense, 5 defense.

Big man on campus: Senior RB Trey Pendergrass (5-7, 155) has some of the quickest feet in the area.

Outlook: It's a bit of a transition year for the Eagles. Junior QB Keddy Bostic takes over for three-year starter Marshyl Rothman and Pendergrass replaces four-year starter Will Powers as the go-to ballcarrier. They'll have to get through Glades Day once during the regular season, and will likely meet the Gators in the District 7-1B playoffs as well.

KING'S ACADEMY LIONS

Coach: Craig Dobson, fifth season.

2009 Record: 7-3.

Starters returning: 6 offense, 6 defense.

Big man on campus: Junior RB Brian Grove, who ran for 700 yards last season as part of a RB-by-committee approach, will be the feature back this season.

Outlook: The Lions are not very big, but boast speed at the skill positions and in the defensive secondary that they hope will be enough in a balanced district. In addition to Grove on offense, they will rely on junior LB Gage Batten as a defensive intimidator. After missing the playoffs last year for the first time in eight seasons, Dobson is counting on his junior-heavy team to return the Lions to the post-season.

LAKE WORTH TROJANS

Coach: Errick Lowe, sixth season.

2009 Record: 6-4.

Starters returning: 7 offense, 7 defense.

Big man on campus: Junior QB Evan Moore threw for more than 1,800 yards and ran for more than 500 yards last season, creating 22 touchdowns along the way, and figures to only get better in his third year as the starter.

Outlook: The Trojans just missed the playoffs last season after failing to hold off John I. Leonard in a late-season home game. Lake Worth has a veteran team with a balanced offense, and in a district that hasn't changed much from last season, should have enough talent to at least earn a runner-up playoff spot if not win the district outright.

MARTIN COUNTY TIGERS

Coach: Chuck Kenyon, fifth season.

2009 record: 5-5.

Starters returning: 6 offense, 6 defense.

Big man on campus: Senior FB/LB Matt Diekman is the strongest player on the team and is a hard worker who leads by example.

Outlook: Martin County hopes to improve on last year's 5-5 record. With 12 starters returning, Kenyon is counting on a more mature team this season.

OKEECHOBEE BRAHMANS

Coach: Myron Jackson, second season.

2009 record: 0-10.

Starters returning: 8 offense, 8 defense.

Big Man on campus: Senior OL Benjamin Estey runs well and leads by example.

Outlook: "We hope to surprise a few people," Jackson said of this season. He added that the Brahmans have three players - Aukeemian Mills, Eric McQueen and D.J. Washington - "who have the speed to run away from any defender." Sophomores Jack Radebaugh and D.J. Washington are battling for the starting job at QB.

OLYMPIC HEIGHTS LIONS

Coach: Mitch Henghold, sixth season.

2009 record: 6-5.

Starters returning: 8 offense, 7 defense.

Big man on campus: Senior RB Tavon Jenkins (5-8, 160) returns as one of the top athletes in Palm Beach County. He has already received 10 offers from colleges, and has worked hard to increase his speed in the off-season. The three-year starter is hoping to improve on his time in the 40, which has been clocked as low as 4.4.

Outlook: Henghold is excited about a team that has more returning players than any Heights team he's coached. Three years ago, when many of his seniors were freshmen, Henghold said he already was looking ahead to this season. "We've got high expectations," he said. "This is the biggest senior class we've had and I'm anticipating our best year."

PAHOKEE BLUE DEVILS

Coach: Blaze Thompson, fourth season

2009 record: 6-5, lost to Hollywood-Chaminade in the Class 2B regional quarterfinals.

Starters returning: 0 offense, 0 defense

Big man on campus: Senior LB/DB Rontavious Atkins needs to be the Blue Devils' leader this season. The USF commit is one of the few returnees with game experience.

Outlook: Thompson basically has a brand-new team this season with no returning starters. That means Atkins, along with senior RBs Wardell Coleman and Feraris Golden and senior QB Joe Eason, will need to play well. Coleman was Pahokee's second-leading rusher last season. Golden, who missed last season with a knee injury, could play a big part. There's no question that Pahokee will have the athletes to play with anyone. The question is, can Thompson's new group play together?

PALM BEACH CENTRAL BRONCOS

Coach: Rod Harris, fourth season.

2009 record: 3-7.

Starters returning: 5 offense, 5 defense.

Big man on campus: Junior WR Angelo Jean-Louis (6-0, 180) has big colleges taking notice of his speed and skill.

Outlook: The Broncos look like a playoff contender - until you see the other teams in their district. Harris thinks Jean-Louis could be Central's best college prospect since current Florida LB Jon Bostic. They have size and depth, but a lack of experience means they'll continue to take their lumps in a tough District 8-6A.

PALM BEACH GARDENS GATORS

Coach: Chris Davis, second season.

2009 record: 4-5.

Starters returning: 6 offense, 3 defense.

Big man on campus: With an 84-inch wingspan, junior left tackle Avery Young (6-6, 270) has impressive physical gifts.

Outlook: Not only are the Gators getting a new stadium, but for the first time in a several seasons they have skill players to count on. The running game is strong, bolstered by transfers Roshard Burney (Glades Day) and Marcus Scott (Dwyer), and junior Alex Clark. Athletic WR Tyrico McGriff, a senior transfer from Inlet Grove, gives the Gators the passing-game weapon they lacked last season. They could surprise some teams, but District 7-6A won't be easy.

PALM BEACH LAKES RAMS

Coach: Alonzo Jefferson, third season.

2009 record: 7-4, lost in first round of playoffs.

Starters returning: 3 offense, 3 defense.

Big man on campus: Senior WR/CB Marquis Williams has explosive speed and the ability to make game-changing plays on both sides of the ball.

Outlook: With the exception of Williams, Palm Beach Lakes will be replacing all of its' skill-position players from last year's offense. The Rams appear to have the talent to score a lot more points than they did last season and the defense is expected to again be solid. Jefferson says the Rams should be in a rebuilding mode, but if new players such as freshman RB Stephon Louis play to their potential, another playoff run is within reach.

PARK VISTA COBRAS

Coach: Brian Dodds, fifth season.

2009 record: 6-5

Starters returning: 6 offense, 7 defense.

Big man on campus: Senior RB Tre Mason led the county in rushing last year and is one of the most highly recruited players in the state

Outlook: Expectations are higher than ever for the Cobras. The offense will be extremely difficult to stop with Mason running behind the biggest offensive line in the county headed by Cody Preble (6-5, 270), who has committed to Wake Forest, and Mike Matulis (6-6, 260), who has committed to South Carolina. If an effective QB can emerge and find a way to get WR Brendan Meyers involved, the Cobras will be even more dangerous. The defense is solid as well, meaning Park Vista should make a run deep into the state playoffs. If not, its' season will be a disappointment.

POPE JOHN PAUL II EAGLES

Coach: Autry Denson, first season.

2009 record: 5-5.

Starters returning: 10 offense, 10 defense.

Big man on campus: Senior WR/DB/KR Freddie Mackey (5-8, 160) returns as the Eagles' top playmaker. Mackey runs a 4.5 40. "The remarkable thing about Freddie is that just when you think you know what he's going to do, he amazes you again," Denson said.

Outlook: Denson, who played for the Dolphins and was Notre Dame's all-time leading rusher, is starting his first coaching job. "To me, it's very exciting because I'm doing what I was blessed to do, and that's football," Denson said. "I learned the game and now I'm teaching it."

PORT St. LUCIE JAGUARS

Coach: Hilary Poole, second season.

2009 record: 1-8.

Starters returning: 8 offense, 6 defense.

Big man on campus: Senior DB Terell Floyd is a sure tackler and a very physical defender.

Outlook: "I expect our players to give everything they have in each game," said Poole, who hopes the Jaguars show improvement this year. "Offensively, we have changed the playbook to gear it toward our biggest strength - our overall team speed.

ROYAL PALM BEACH WILDCATS

Coach: Frank Kunf, second season.

2009 record: 4-7, lost in first round of state playoffs.

Starters returning: 4 offense, 3 defense.

Big man on campus: OT/NH Chris Szehner (6-7, 360), who may be the biggest player in the area, will be a force.

Outlook: The Wildcats will count on sophomore RB Lloyd Howard and a combination of QBs Brock Bukowski and T.J. Abrams to run an option offense. Abrams and Bukowski are battling for the starting job to lead the Wildcats in what coach Kunf calls an, "optimistic rebuilding year." As usual, The Wildcats have plenty of talent, but they are young, so limiting mistakes will be important. "The key is going to be how well we execute," Kunf said.

St. ANDREW's SCOTS

Coach: George McCartin, seventh season.

2009 record: 4-6.

Starters returning: 5 offense, 6 defense.

Big man on campus: Senior QB Cameron Crage (6-4, 200) gained valuable experience last season, throwing for 1,800 yards. Crage also added 20 pounds in the off-season.

Outlook: "I have 48 guys on the varsity roster, which is way more than usual," McCartin said. "This is the deepest group of skill-position players I've had, but we're a bit thin up front on the offensive line." If that line can protect Crage, and keep freshman QB J.P. Caruso on the sidelines to learn rather than having to start, the Scots could finish with a winning record.

SANTALUCES CHIEFS

Coach: Daryl Drinkwater, second season.

2009 record: 6-6, lost in first round of state playoffs.

Starters returning: 8 offense, 3 defense.

Big man on campus: Senior WR/CB Terrance Floyd, a Wisconsin commit, is a shutdown corner and outstanding playmaker.

Outlook: The Chiefs surprised many by winning the district title last season. This year, they won't sneak up on anyone, but the results will likely be the same. The offense should be balanced and explosive and as Drinkwater says, "It plays fast." Floyd, who has the ability to eliminate the opposing teams' top receiving threat each week, leads the defense. While six wins was a surprise last season, nine wins is a real possibility this year. "Realistically, I think this team can go deep into the state playoffs," Drinkwater said.

SEMINOLE RIDGE HAWKS

Coach: Matt Dickmann, sixth season.

2009 record: 7-4, lost to Treasure Coast in the Class 6A regional quarterfinals.

Starters returning: 5 offense, 5 defense.

Big man on campus: Several area coaches consider senior Tyler Butler the best LB in the area, but he hasn't received a scholarship offer yet. With a big season, Butler (6-2, 190) should lock up a scholarship.

Outlook: Dickmann admits that the Hawks won't be one of the fastest teams in the area, but he likes his team's defensive makeup and its strength. Butler is the leader of what should be a stout Hawks' defense. Seminole Ridge returns two of its three leading rushers from last season, Butler and junior Gary Holmes. Holmes averaged 7.4 yards per carry last season and should see more of the ball this season.

SOUTH FORK BULLDOGS

Coach: Dennis Lavelle, 12th season.

2009 record: 5-6.

Starters returning: 3 offense, 3 defense.

Big man on campus: Junior QB Mike Messier, who is returning from an injury-slowed sophomore year. "This year he's healthy, but he's getting pushed by our sophomore quarterback, Cody Labanowitz," Lavelle said of Messier.

Outlook: This will be Lavelle's 29th season as a head coach in the area and it may prove one of his most challenging. "I lost 14 or 15 of my starters; almost all of them," he said. Lavelle said he is simplifying his schemes to offset the losses and suit his younger squad, and the Bulldogs play seven home games in their new stadium this season, which should help.

SPANISH RIVER SHARKS

Coach: Ray Berger, second season.

2009 record: 0-10.

Starters returning: 0 offense, 1 defense.

Big man on campus: Junior OL/DL Craig Matthews (6-1, 265) played on the Sharks' JV last year. On offense, he'll be counted on to protect junior starting QB Andrew Immler, who also played JV last season.

Outlook: "I'm trying to build a program here," Berger said when he took the Sharks job last season. And like Berger's first season, 2010 should be an uphill climb with only one senior on his roster.

SUMMIT CHRISTIAN SAINTS

Coach: Bill Ceasar, first season.

2009 record: 6-4.

Starters returning: 7 offense, 5 defense.

Big man on campus: Senior DE/OT Jean Prophete has a great work ethic, according to Caesar, and has been hitting the weight room this summer.

Outlook: If they can avoid injuries, the Saints, in the program's fifth year, should have a winning season. Caesar, who has been an assistant coach for nearly 20 years and is a head coach for the first time, will rely upon the leadership of Prophete, DB Kadeem Robinson, DT/OT Juwan Whitaker, and QB Austin Van Es.

SUNCOAST CHARGERS

Coach: Micah Mays, first season.

2009 record: 3-6-1.

Starters returning: 7 offense, 7 defense.

Big man on campus: Senior WR/DB Jeffery Fullwood will be counted on in the defensive backfield, and also should be a threat whenever he touches the ball on offense.

Outlook: Mays plans on using mostly two-way starters, so he'll have talent on both sides of the ball. If he can get his squad in shape for the rigors of playing both ways in a three-team district that includes Boynton Beach and perennial power Glades Central, the Chargers could turn their program around.

TREASURE COAST TITANS

Coach: Irvin Jones, first season.

2009 record: 8-4, lost in second round of state playoffs.

Starters returning: 4 offense, 4 defense.

Big man on campus: Senior DBs Keelin Smith and Lamarcus Brutus have both committed to Florida State and make up maybe the state's best defensive backfield.

Outlook: The Titans will have trouble matching the success of last season, but don't expect much of a drop-off. Despite losing three players to Division I schools, the biggest loss may have came when coach Bill Kelley resigned. Kelley left the program in great shape for Jones, however. With stars like Smith and Brutus to go along with very good offensive and defensive lines, the Titans should enjoy another successful season provided they get adequate play from their offense.

VILLAGE ACADEMY TIGERS

Coach: Donald Hanna, first season.

2009 record: 3-6.

Starters returning: 11 offense, 11 defense.

Big man on campus: Junior WR Devonte Robinson (6-2, 185) is getting the most attention from college scouts, who like his size and speed. But Hanna says sophomore OT/DT Roderick Johnson (6-5, 269) eventually should "be the talk of the town." Scouts are impressed with Johnson's footwork and project him to be a LT, especially if he can add 50-60 pounds.

Outlook: Hanna takes over as head coach after being the defensive coordinator the past two years. Even though the Tigers have only two seniors and this will be the fledgling program's first season competing in a district, Hanna isn't afraid to think big. "Honestly, I do feel we can get into the playoffs," he said. For that to happen, Hanna will have to count on a sizable sophomore contingent as well as senior RB Johndarice Harris to lead the way.

WELLINGTON WOLVERINES

Coach: Chris Romano, fourth season.

2009 record: 5-6, lost to Pompano Beach-Ely in the Class 5A regional quarterfinals.

Starters returning: 7 offense, 4 defense.

Big man on campus: OT Brynjar Gudmundsson (6-4, 265) is a big reason why the Wolverines will run the ball a lot.

Outlook: Armed with a big, experienced offensive line that features four seniors and a junior, Romano plans to stick with the Wolverines' veer offense. Sophomore Mike Garifine led the team in rushing as a freshman and should improve behind a more experienced line. Senior QB Tyler Vanacore is back, too. Vanacore led a potent option running attack in the spring game, and Romano expects his team's spring success to carry over to fall.

WEST BOCA RATON BULLS

Coach: Willie Dodaro, seventh season.

2009 record: 7-3, lost to Fort Lauderdale-Boyd Anderson in first round of playoffs.

Starters returning: 5 offense, 5 defense.

Big man on campus: Senior OT/DT Corey King (6-3, 275) anchors lines that have a great deal of experience. On offense, King should provide protection for returning QB Alex Prakas.

Outlook: Although the Bulls graduated several talented seniors, Dodaro has a core group returning and some promising newcomers. With one of the toughest schedules in the county, featuring Boca Raton, Olympic Heights and Dwyer, they're going to need it. "We've got a big game every week and we've got to be ready," Dodaro, said. "We're relying on the juniors and incoming sophomores to fill the shoes of those who graduated," Dodaro said.

Compiled by Post staff writers Matt Porter and Jeff Greer and freelance writers Paul Ivice, Joe Kairalla, Mike May, Faren Fagen, Mike Manno, Zach Stewart and Bill Meredith.