By Basil Spyridakos, Times Correspondent
Saturday, September 4, 2010

Times Staff
Saturday, September 4, 2010

Central Florida Chr. 21, Seffner Chr. 20

Seffner Christian couldn't quite pull out a win in its first official game, falling 21-20 to Central Florida Christian on Friday night.

The Crusaders were led by quarterback Tanner Richardson, who had a 17-yard touchdown run, but the Eagles held on for a one-point triumph. Seffner Christian's defense accounted for two of its scores, as Richardson returned a fumble 1 yard into the end zone and the Crusaders also ran back an interception for a touchdown.

Despite the loss, assistant coach Melvin McCullough said he was encouraged by his squad's effort, and the team's first victory shouldn't be too far away.

"For a first-year program, they're doing great," McCullough said. "They're responding to the coaches. They're putting a lot of effort in. They've played very, very well."

Adam Berry, Times staff writer

Times Staff
Saturday, September 4, 2010

Admiral Farragut 22, Lakeland Chr. 6

The Blue Jackets won behind a balanced attack led by Cortavius Givens and Rayshawn Jenkins.

Givens had 166 yards on 14 carries and two touchdowns. Jenkins was 7-of-7 for 100 yards and threw a 19-yard touchdown pass to Alvin Cunningham.

AFA coach Chris Miller also was pleased with the defense, which did not allow a score until late in the game. Chris Myrick led the Blue Jackets with seven tackles.

Trinity Prep 37, Northside Christian 7

The Mustangs' lone score came on a 65-yard run by Jimmy Van Deilen in the first half. Van Deilen finished with more than 100 yards rushing but Northside could not generate much more on offense. Trailing 21-7 at the half, the Mustangs wore down the rest of the way.

Coral Springs Charter 35, Shorecrest 21

In a game that was tied four times, the Chargers lost by allowing two late scores.

In the third quarter, Alex Drexler scored on a 28-yard run to make it 7-7. Christian Mandula added another score on a 5-yard run. Trailing 21-14 in the fourth quarter, Jeremy Reiskind scored on a 1-yard run for the Chargers to tie the score.

By Bobby Winsler, Times Correspondent
Saturday, September 4, 2010

BRANDON — Brandon's quick response to Alonso's 90-yard first-quarter punt return for a touchdown helped secure the first game of the season.

The Eagles (1-0) answered with two touchdowns in the second quarter. Alonso's starting quarterback, Dylan Fisher, left after the first quarter with an injury.

The Ravens started the second half strong with a 50-yard rush by Eddie Castillo but capped it unsuccessfully with a missed 27-yard field goal. Brandon capitalized with an 80-yard, seven-play drive that culminated in a 12-yard touchdown rush by Darius Lee. He had one more on the night.

"I was happy with it being the first game. Not many penalties, not a lot of turnover," Brandon coach John Lima said.

The defense also performed well, holding an anemic Ravens offense to fewer than 200 yards.

Bobby Winsler, Times correspondent

By Nathan Cowan, Times Correspondent
Saturday, September 4, 2010

DUNEDIN — Behind 103 yards rushing from Claxton Boykins and a stout defensive performance, Largo defeated Dunedin in the opener for both teams.

"In the second half the defense made the difference," Largo coach Rick Rodriguez said. "My hat goes off to my coordinator Matt Lepain."

After giving the Falcons a first down on consecutive penalties to open the game, the Packers forced a punt that was blocked by Chris Johnson. On the next play Boykins scored from 7 yards to give Largo the lead.

Dunedin struck right back when Trevonte Anderson hauled in a 20-yard pass from Anthony Diviney for a score.

After the teams traded fumbles and Largo forced a punt, Harry Brown scored on a 3-yard run.

"Any loss hurts but the boys fought hard," Falcons coach Jack Benson said. "This was a game of field position and we lost."

Nathan Cowan, Times Correspondent

The Ledger
Saturday, September 4, 2010

TAMPA — The Jesuit swarmed Lakeland Kathleen's offense all night, recording five sacks in 14-7 victory Friday.

"We knew (the Tigers) were going to blitz us, and we didn't execute," Red Devils coach Irving Strickland said. "We were dropping simple hitch (passes), and we weren't running the right routes. They were saying beat us with the blitz."

Kathleen quarterback Isaac O'Neal threw for 233 yards and a touchdown but his team was penalized 13 times for 106 yards.

With a minute left in the first quarter, Tigers quarterback Pat Chillura found Bryce Walker open for a 56-yard touchdown pass after Kathleen's defensive backs got confused on their coverage.

Jesuit's second score came in the third quarter when Red Devils punter Michael Crespo fumbled the snap, setting the Tigers up at the 1. Jesuit back Jakarius Crittenden scored on the next play.

The Ledger

By Kyle Beckett, Times Correspondent
Saturday, September 4, 2010

TAMPA — Carrollwood Day rolled to a 38-15 victory over Cambridge at Skyway Park.

Patriots quarterback Deuce Gruden was 6-of-7 for 156 yards with three touchdowns by halftime. He finished 8-of-12 for 278 yards with four touchdowns and added 30 yards rushing.

Although penalties killed Carrollwood Day in the first half, including 40 yards in penalties on a drive that led to a Cambridge touchdown, Patriots bounced back and caused two fumbles and had two interceptions.

Patriots running back Robert Davis finished with 148 yards.

Kyle Beckett, Times correspondent

By Kyle Bennett, Times Correspondent
Friday, September 3, 2010

TAMPA — The host Falcons were overmatched from the first whistle as the Knights scored 50 in the first half of the rout.

The Knights had 407 yards of total offense, while holding the Falcons to 62.

Vic Rivera blocked a punt, the ball going through the back of the end zone for a safety. Seconds later, running back J.J. Hubbard returned the free kick 55 yards for the first touchdown.

Quarterback Blake Rice connected on 7 of 11 passes for 128 yards and two touchdowns. On both TDs Rice hit Frankie Williams, who finished with six catches for 94 yards.

Hubbard was also the top rusher (118 yards, two TDs) on just five attempts.

Just before the halftime, Carlos Duclos sacked the quarterback, caused a fumble, then picked it up and returned it for a 55-yard-touchdown.

Kyle Bennett, Times correspondent

By Izzy Gould, Times Staff Writer
Friday, September 3, 2010

Bishop McLaughlin 38, Faith Baptist 20

Bishop McLaughlin treated first-year coach Matt Nardo to an opening-night win he called "freaking awesome."

The Hurricanes led 17-13 before running away with 21 points in the third quarter. They were led by quarterback Mitch Ritter and his two rushing touchdowns. Jordan Betancourt scored on a 15-yard run. Christian Nummy had a 30-yard touchdown reception, and Giovanni Perone had a 5-yard touchdown run. Tiger Williams added a 33-yard field goal.

"It was great," Nardo said. "The kids played hard. I told them before the game I was fortunate to have them as my first group. It's a good feeling after a lot of years waiting to get to this position."

Izzy Gould, Times staff writer

By Max Martinez, Times Correspondent
Friday, September 3, 2010

ST. PETERSBURG — Northeast overcame three early turnovers Friday night and erupted for 27 second-half points en route to a win over Dixie Hollins.

Senior running back Tavares Dunlap fumbled twice in the first half as the Vikings held a slim 9-7 lead at halftime. But he redeemed himself in the fourth quarter, scoring on 36- and 66-yard runs to put the Vikings ahead 27-9. He finished with 113 yards and two touchdowns on 12 rushes, and was one of three Viking running backs to score.

Dixie jumped to a quick 6-0 lead, when Brandon Knapp took the ball 40 yards for a score on the Rebels' first play from scrimmage. But the Rebels didn't muster much else for the next three quarters, gaining just 158 total yards on the night. Quarterback Dana Harrington found Eric Colon in the end zone for a touchdown with 28 seconds left for the Rebels.

Max Martinez, Times Correspondent

By Steve Lee, Times Correspondent
Friday, September 3, 2010

RIVERVIEW — Host Spoto broke open a close game with 25 unanswered points in the second half en route to a 37-10 win over Wharton in Friday's season opener.

The Wildcats had five turnovers and were no match for the Spartans' aerial attack. Spoto quarterback Nick Addison targeted Tyron Baker on three of his four second-half touchdown passes with Danny Taylor hauling in the other scoring pass, a 77-yarder for the game's longest play.

"We found out we can throw the football, and that's something we're going to have to do," Spoto coach Dale Caparaso said.

Addison, who completed 9 of 13 passes for 207 yards, also scored on a 4-yard run. That touchdown gave the Spartans a 12-0 lead.

Wharton rallied for its only points to pull within two at halftime. Marcolm Banks made Spoto pay for a 13-yard loss by punter Darrin Morris by scoring on a 4-yard run.

Steve Lee, Times correspondent

By Matt Hooper, Times Correspondent
Friday, September 3, 2010

PLANT CITY — Junior quarterback Bennie Coney showed why he likely will be one of the county's top recruits next year, leading the host Raiders to a 21-0 victory.

Coney sealed the game by completing his final three passes, including a 51-yarder to Dazmond Patterson that made it first and goal from the 4-yard line. Patterson scored on the next play, draining the Indians' hopes with 8:11 to go in the game.

In the first half, Coney hooked up with Javonte Sykes twice for touchdowns of 5 and 71 yards.

Coney finished 10 for 17 passing for 200 yards. He could of increased his statistics if it wasn't for a few drops by his receivers.

East Bay finished with 200 yards total offense and reached the red zone twice.

Linebacker Art Knight and defensive lineman Jordan Prestwood, who committed to Notre Dame, helped key the shutout.

Matt Hooper, Times correspondent

By Don Jensen, Times Correspondent
Friday, September 3, 2010

TAMPA — Christian Hardegree and Nelson Agholor combined to score Berkeley Prep's first five touchdowns in a 48-7 win over St. Petersburg Catholic on Friday in the season opener for both teams.

Hardegree caught two touchdown passes (56, 10 yards) from quarterback Destin Nichols and scored on a 35-yard interception return as the Buccaneers rolled to a 35-0 halftime lead. Hardegree finished with five catches for 146 yards. Agholor had scoring runs of 5 and 10 yards to cap a 100-yard, 10-carry night. Neither played after intermission. Nichols went 6-of-9 for 160 yards.

Chris Williams had 72 yards on 10 carries and scored on runs of 1 and 7 yards. Berkeley Prep piled up 406 yards. Eight Buccaneers teamed for 246 yards rushing on 36 attempts. St. Petersburg Catholic was limited to 135 yards.

Don Jensen, Times correspondent

By Todd Foley, Times Correspondent
Friday, September 3, 2010

TAMPA — Tampa Catholic didn't a play jamboree game last week, and it showed against Class 6A Groveland South Lake on Friday.

A sloppy second half of turnovers, costly penalties and some big plays by South Lake doomed the Crusaders as they lost 24-7.

"We are definitely a work in progress right now," Tampa Catholic coach Bob Henriquez said. "But we are going to take this as an opportunity to get better."

Tampa Catholic kept the Eagles at bay in the first half with some ball-possession running and timely defensive stops. A blocked punt the Eagles turned into a field goal was their only score.

The second half was a different story. A couple big penalties gave South Lake the ball early and running back Steel Stewart, who had 162 yards rushing, rattled off a 60-yard run. Then a 22-yard strike by quarterback Kris White gave the Eagles the lead for good 10-7.

Todd Foley, Times correspondent

By Lauren Burg, Times Correspondent
Friday, September 3, 2010

ST. PETERSBURG — Armani Lonardo hit a 22-yard field goal with 31/2 minutes left to play as the host Crusaders outlasted the Golden Eagles 17-14.

The Crusaders were led by running back Andrew Logue, quarterback Taylor Angell and receiver\kicker Lonardo. Logue had 19 rushes for 118 yards and one touchdown. Angell was 10 of 17 passing for 146 yards and one touchdown. Lonardo had seven receptions for 110 yards and a touchdown.

The Crusaders defense held strong when it needed to most. Lonardo, a senior, broke up three passes while Zac Cook had numerous tackles, especially in the game's final minutes.

The Golden Eagles' were led by quarterback Casey Woods and wide receiver Sean Culkin. Woods was 3 of 6 passing for 73 yards and one touchdown of 45 yards to Culkin.

Lauren Burg, Times correspondent

By Travis Puterbaugh, Times Correspondent
Friday, September 3, 2010

TAMPA — Greg Windham tossed two touchdowns and ran for one to pace host King to victory. Windham iced the game in the fourth quarter for King, capping a 10-play, 71-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown run for the final score.

He led King on a four-play, 50-yard drive to open the game. After George Green carried for 34 yards on the first three plays, Windham hit wide receiver Reshard Brown on a 16-yard touchdown.

Middleton answered in the second quarter as quarterback Aaron Midthus found receiver Aydrick Brown for a 32-yard score, but King blocked the extra point.

After Windham's 42-yard touchdown to Chris Murray and a two-point conversion gave the Lions a 15-6 lead, an odd play brought Middleton back within 15-12. Aydrick Brown fumbled after a 17-yard carry, but teammate Richard Benjamin recovered the ball and ran in 40 yards for the touchdown.

Travis Puterbaugh, Times Correspondent

By Cason Ulmer, Times Correspondent
Friday, September 3, 2010

TAMPA — Durant opened its season with a 14-0 victory over Chamberlain.

The Cougars were led by senior quarterback Je'Twan Smith, who led the team in passing and rushing. Smith opened the scoring for Durant on its first possession, covering 55 yards and was capped by a 23-yard touchdown run by Smith.

In the third quarter Smith connected with Zachary Hooper on a 23-yard touchdown pass to give Durant a 14-0 lead.

The Chiefs played well on defense for the most part but struggled on the offensive side of the ball. Chamberlain gained only 125 yards of total offense and had an interception at the end of the half. Chiefs quarterback Thaddeus Baxley found his favorite target, William Whiteside, for half of his eight completions. Whiteside, a senior wideout, finished with four receptions for 51 yards.

Cason Ulmer, Times correspondent

By Derek J. LaRiviere, Times Correspondent
Friday, September 3, 2010

BROOKSVILLE — New Nature Coast coach Mark Nash got his first taste of the Sharks' biggest rivalry, and it looked as if he enjoyed it.

The home team opened the regular season with a 44-8 win over nemesis Central on Friday.

There were questions surrounding the program as Florida commit Ja'Juan Story switched from receiver to quarterback in the preseason, but the premier athlete responded by leading the offense to a top performance.

The Sharks (1-0) scored 27 in the first quarter, including three long touchdown runs from Story. He ran for 225 yards on only nine carries with four touchdowns. And he assured a running clock with his final touchdown run, a 90-yard gallop that included a facemask penalty.

"Someday when I'm old and gray, I'm going to be able to tell my grandchildren that I got to coach Ja'Juan Story," Nash said. "He's truly a great athlete. The moves he makes out there on the field are truly breathtaking."

Nature Coast tailback Ike Bailey made himself at home in the backfield, too. He was nearly at 100 yards by halftime and finished with 134 yards on 12 carries with two touchdowns. He ran for a 68-yard score in the first quarter.

The rivalry game marked the first contest for new Central coach Mike Einspahr, and while things got heated between the two programs on the field, the Bears (0-1) settled down enough to hold the Sharks scoreless in the second quarter and answer with a touchdown drive in the third.

By Jacob Stout, Times Correspondent
Friday, September 3, 2010

WESLEY CHAPEL — The host Wildcats failed to put the ball in the end zone against a tough Clearwater Central Catholic team, with the Marauders moving the ball at will en route to a convincing 35-3 victory Friday.

Receiving the opening kickoff, the Wildcats looked poised to drive the ball deep into Marauder territory but a fumble on the first play from scrimmage by quarterback Zach Zifer was recovered by the Marauders. CCC running back Justin Goodloe punched in a 1-yard TD run moments later to give the visitors a 7-0 lead.

The Marauders kept the ball on the ground for most of the first quarter and another rushing TD by Goodloe put them up 14-0 after one quarter.

The Wildcats did much better moving the ball in the second quarter but could not find a way to get it into the end zone and settled for a 17-yard field goal by Cody Hodgens. The Wildcat defense could not contain Goodloe, however, and he scored his third touchdown to give CCC a 21-3 lead.

Adding a 24-yard TD run by Michael Stevenson and an 80-yard TD pass from Nick Newton to Richard Gornik in the third quarter, the Marauders sealed the victory.

Goodloe finished 121 yards on 23 carries with three TDs. Newton only completed one of his 11 pass attempts but it was for a TD.

Devin Piper led the Wildcats in rushing with 41 yards on eight carries.

Daniel Lee, Times Correspondent
Friday, September 3, 2010

WESLEY CHAPEL — Friday was the beginning of the high school football season, and nobody seemed more prepared than Sunlake.

The Seahawks visited Wiregrass Ranch and walked out with a 43-6 win. Rashaud Daniels got things started for Sunlake scoring from 1 yard out. The Seahawks converted on a two-point conversion to take an 8-0 lead and never looked back.

Daniels led the team in rushing, with 91 yards on 12 carries and had more touchdowns (three) than the entire Wiregrass. Quarterback Jacob Jackson also chipped with 75 rushing yards.

Wiregrass was unable to stop the Seahawks' rushing attack, which totaled 271 yards.

Early on Wiregrass looked like it might make a game of it, also scoring on its first drive. Wiregrass quarterback James Tringali completed six of his first seven passes for 50 yards, which included a 5-yard touchdown pass to Nick Lomba. But Tringali but ended up going 3-for-12 the rest of the game.

Sunlake's defense also stepped up, forcing four Bulls turnovers, two fumbles and two interceptions.

Wiregrass coach Jeremy Shobe said his team needed to play better fundamentally, including protecting the football.