ALL-COUNTY FOOTBALL
Nature Coast Technical’s football fortunes reached a climax last fall with its county record fourth playoff appearance – in four years – at Citra-North Marion.
It was also the Sharks’ Waterloo as Hernando County’s lone playoff team was eliminated in the first round of the regional playoffs by the Colts, 34-22.
But area coaches and the Hernando Today staff thought highly enough of the Sharks’ 7-4 won-lost effort to reward the Brooksville squad with nearly a third – or 11-of-32 – all-star positions on the 2009-10 All-Hernando County team.
Sharks: 11 feted
The Sharks, who also captured their first-ever undisputed Hernando County title under first-year Head Coach Mark Lee, went unbeaten against the local forces, 3-0.
Despite the Sharks’ on-field success and lack of off-the-field headlines, Lee was not retained by NCT administration and was subsequently hired as the first head football coach and athletic director at the fledgling Weeki Wachee High School.
NCT was anointed 11 all-stars featuring eight seniors, QB C.J. Baker, TB Tevin Drake, TE Braddie Ellison, OL Cory Emerson, LB Justin Murray, UTL Jamel Byrd, DL John Carbone and LB Justin Beetz, and three juniors: WR Ju’Juan Story, DB Ike Bailey and SF Brenton Nuby.
Ironically, 10-of-11 Shark selections were first-time all-star picks excluding Drake.
Drake, who signed with Division I Western Michigan on National Signing Day, is a rare four-time All-County pick.
Drake was edged out for his third consecutive Hernando County Offensive Player of the Year laurels and overall Hernando County Player of the Year honors by his cousin, Hernando High junior running back Alvin Delaine III.
Drake rushed for 1,529 yards on 206 attempts for a 7.42 yards per carry average, featuring 18 touchdowns.
The 3½-year Shark starter departs with a boat load of school records including: rushing attempts (665), rushing yards (5,109), touchdowns (71), total points (458) and 100-point seasons (3).
“He had a good year, great career,” said Coach Lee. “He left his mark and that’s something to be proud of. Because of what he did at Nature Coast he earned an opportunity to compete and continue his education at the next level.”
Baker completed 47-of-89 passes for a school record 1,007 yards, featuring a county-high 11 touchdowns against seven interceptions.
On Baker, “C.J. did a good job especially with an early season banged-up knee,” said Lee. “He ran our option well, was the school’s first 1,000-yard passer and did a great job with the home run ball off play action.”
Ellison, who signed with Division I-AA North Carolina A&T, was a huge two-way threat at 6-foot-2, 240 pounds.
On offense, he snared eight passes for an astounding 32.5 average with three touchdowns and was a blocking force, especially on the Sharks’ toss pitch.
On defense, Ellison added 44 tackles, including six tackles for loss and two sacks.
On Ellison, “He played mostly defense,” said Lee. “When the going got tough he was always in there…You don’t see too many tight ends that run like Braddie. He got a lot of yards after the catch.”
Ju’Juan Story’s stats were modest: 13 reps. for 423 and 3 TDs. But his potential D-I upside has scouts salivating at his 6-foot-4 frame and sprinter’s speed – he made the FHSAA Class 3A Finals in the 100 and 200.
On Story, “Great kid. If he was on a team that threw the ball, he’d have ridiculous numbers,” predicted Coach Lee. “He’ll be a strong leader next year.”
The 6-foot-5, 240-pound Emerson was the Sharks’ most consistent O-lineman.
On Emerson, “Wish we would had more Cory Emersons,” said Lee.
Like Ellison, Byrd was a two-way threat snaring 13 passes on offense while recording 33 tackles, plus an interception on defense.
On Byrd, “Another great kid, who works very hard,” described Lee. “He’s the type of leader you want on the field. You don’t have to ask him to do anything twice.”
A healthy Murray ranked fourth at NCT in tackles with 97 featuring six tackles behind the line and four sacks.
On Murray, “His career at Nature Coast was plagued with injuries,” said Lee. “But he didn’t have any big injuries in his senior year. He’s a strong kid, who works hard in the weight room.”
Besides excelling in returning punts (11 for 15.36 yards per return), Bailey collected 46 tackles, plus three interceptions.
On Bailey, “Ike was a big playmaker for us,” said Lee. “Did a great job returning punts and played like a lockdown corner. I will not be surprised to see him sign next Feb. 3.”
Nuby, who roamed as a free safety, had a breakout season with 99 tackles, plus a county-best four INTs.
On Nuby, “He’s so valuable because he can play so many positions well,” explained Coach Lee. “The 101-yard (interception) return against East Lake was unbelievable…What I like most is he comes to work every day and finds a way to it get it done.”
Like Nuby, Beetz had a sensational season ranking second on the team with 108 tackles, nine for a loss, and had four fumble recoveries – including three in one game.
On special teams Beetz was a phenom with three blocked kicks and was easily chosen as the Special Teams Player of the Year.
On Beetz, “The kid’s a ball magnet,” described Coach Lee. “Just a scrappy player who makes play after play.”
Carbone was the unanimous pick as Defensive POY averaging over 10 tackles per game, with a team-best 113 overall, an eye-popping 17 tackles behind the line and two sacks.
On the 6-foot-1, 255-pound Carbone, “The kid’s got an engine like the Energizer Bunny,” smiled Coach Lee. “His play has a snowball effect on everybody else. He got tattooed on one play during the season and then came back and dominated the rest of the game…He doesn’t like losing plays.”
Leopards: 11 all-stars too!
Under second-year HHS skipper John Palmer, 18-time county champion Hernando High halted its six-year consecutive losing streak by finishing with a decade-best 7-3 won-lost slate.
Had the Leopards reversed a 22-20 verdict to the Sharks before a jam-packed Tom Fisher Memorial Stadium, the Purple and Gold would have represented Hernando County in the regional playoffs and not NCT.
For his efforts, Palmer was named Coach of the Year by his coaching brethren and had 10 players named to the All-Hernando County all-star squad including: senior OL Joe Bristol, OL Justin Bland, DL Josh Parnell, DL Robert Huggins and UTL Matt Johnson, junior RB Alvin Delaine III, LB William Alderman, DB Derek Wilson, and sophomore SF Zach Pritz and PK Andres Pinzon.
Only Bland, Alderman and Delaine were repeat all-star selections from the year before.
Delaine was further honored as the county’s Offensive POY and overall Player of the Year.
Area mentors heaped praise on the team’s architect, Coach Palmer.
“After their first two game films they really didn’t impress,” said Coach Lee. “But let me tell you they got better and better. Coach Palmer did a great job rebuilding that program. By week nine, they came within a couple plays of going to the playoffs.”
“J.P. did a tremendous job,” added Springstead Head Coach Bill Vonada. “He has them moving forward and did it with a fairly young team.”
“This (COY) is a testament to our kids and our school, which has been down for a period of time,” Palmer said. “We’ve still got work to do. We still haven’t beat Springstead or Nature Coast, and we still haven’t made the playoffs; though we came very close.
“I can’t say enough about our senior class,” described Coach Palmer. “They had never tasted winning in high school until last year. We had enough fortitude to help turn this thing around. The credit belongs to the kids, they were hungry to win and bought into what we were preaching.”
Delaine was the main bulldozer rushing 182 times for a county-best 1,646 yards, or 9.04 yards per carry, including 24 touchdowns. All told, Delaine paced the county in scoring with 28 touchdowns and four two-point conversions for 176 points.
Even with the outstanding Drake in his camp, Coach Lee acknowledged the superb season Delaine pieced together.
“Why shouldn’t he (Delaine) be?” queried Coach Lee. “He had a great year. He did all the little things. He’s a big-time player. When you watch Hernando on tape, the ringleader was Alvin. He was the guy that kinda took that team by the horns and by golly almost got them into the playoffs.”
Alderman was a two-way threat. Besides playing along the offensive line, the 6-foot-1, 210-pound cruise missile went from being the team’s leading tackler in 2008 to fourth in 2009 with 56 tackles.
More importantly, Alderman collected an astounding 14.5 tackles behind the line of scrimmage and had four quarterback pressures.
On Alderman, “William is blessed with athletic ability,” explained Coach Palmer. “He played defensive tackle, defensive end, linebacker, offensive tackle and could be our tight end. We’re fortunate to have a player with that kind of athletic versatility. He’s not only an outstanding player, but an outstanding teammate.”
The 6-foot, 215-pound left guard Bland was the only O-lineman to repeat as an all-star from 2008 to 2009.
On Bland, “He was our O-line MVP,” said Coach Palmer. “He graded out consistently as our highest lineman. Every week, he got better and better. As his confidence grew that’s why our offensive production increased.”
The 6-foot-2, 285-pound Bristol anchored left tackle and finally enjoyed an injury-free season.
On Bristol, “He had a lot of question marks before the season,” Coach Palmer indicated. “The key was he didn’t seriously get hurt and was able to help stabilize that offensive tackle position.”
Huggins posted 55 tackles, including 9.5 for a loss, plus 3.5 sacks.
“Robert was the strongest kid we had,” said Palmer. “And this was only his second season of football. He’s still learning the game. Robert’s personality is enjoyable to be around and I loved the way he approached practice.”
Parnell ranked second on the team with 67 tackles, including 10 for losses and three pressures.
“Josh was an outstanding leader,” said Coach Palmer. “Did a wonderful job of playing the role of team captain and living up to that role. He was physical and a major cog in our defense.”
Johnson was an All-County utility pick after a stellar campaign at defensive end where he pocketed 46 tackles. Johnson’s totals featured 9.5 tackles behind the line, a team-best 6.5 sacks and six QB pressures.
“He was a surprising impact player,” described Coach Palmer. “He had huge plays on sacks and battled balls. He had shoulder surgery after the season, so you know he was in intense pain.”
Wilson came through with 41 tackles, but excelled defending the pass with six pass breakups and a team-best three picks (tied with Corey Thomas).
“Derek was a pleasant surprise,” said Palmer. “We knew he was athletic, but the kid is blessed with speed. He’s a long strider, who moves well on a football field.”
Pritz, who roamed as a safety, paced the Leopards with 72 tackles and a team-best three fumble recoveries.
“He’s a two-time state qualifier (in wrestling), but he’s a football player,” remarked Coach Palmer. “He’s always around the football and he may not be the fastest or the biggest guy out there in coverage, but in the open field, he’ll bring you down. Zach’s an outstanding open-field tackler.”
Pinzon is the youngest player on this year’s all-star squad. He tied NCT’s Tyler Callaghan for PATs (19) with less misses, connected on three field goals and improved on his kickoffs.
“We got Andres three days before the season opener,” recalled Coach Palmer. “He became a very good kicker as the season progressed. He’s definitely an asset and he’s only a sophomore.”
Eagles: four picks
In Spring Hill, despite a plethora of graduation losses from the stout 2008 “Red Tide” team, F.W. Springstead etched its school-best seventh consecutive non-losing season at 5-5.
Head Coach Bill Vonada’s troops were represented by two seniors, OL Philip Lakin and DL Christian Quiniones, and two juniors: RB Devean Huff and LB Josh Santana.
Only Quinones was a repeat selection from 2008-09.
The 5-foot-10, 260-pound Quinones was terrific in the Eagles’ three-technique as nose guard with 39 tackles with two caused fumbles.
“He didn’t have big-time numbers,” said Coach Vonada. “But if you were going to be successful against us, you had to account for him. The year before when he got hurt (knee), it took its toll on our defense. This year people double-teamed him.”
Santana was the Eagles’ No. 2 tackler with 56, including three behind the line of scrimmage and one fumble recovery.
“As a freshman he wasn’t a real loud guy,” recalled Coach Vonada. “Now, he’s one of our team leaders. He makes good decisions and what I like most is he puts in the extra time necessary to get better.”
Lakin is a two-way threat. In the classroom, he’ll graduate with above a 4.0 GPA, while on the field he was a three-year starter at center.
“Besides being an outstanding student/athlete, because of Phil, we were able to run the football,” explained Coach Vonada. “Because of him we had a number of 12-play drives or more. We like grinding it out.”
Of the Eagles’ 2,010 total rushing yards, the 5-foot-3, 140-pound Huff accounted for 61 percent (1,236 yards), including nine touchdowns. Blessed with good hands and quick feet, Huff also tied WR Taylor Minter in the lead for Eagle receptions (9).
“Devean has put in a lot of hard work,” described Coach Vonada. “He doesn’t give up on plays. Some people look at his size and don’t understand he’s a grinder, who is very seldom hit with a negative play…Coaches also like the way he immediately hits the holes.”
Bears: four picks
Between the lines, Central High suffered through its worst-ever season at 0-10, though CHS officially finished 1-9 by picking up a forfeit win following a 19-0 spanking at the Bears’ Den by Ocala-West Port.
Central was represented by four players featuring: senior OL Clifton Davis, UTIL Steven Read and LB Zach Rice, and junior PT Trevor Campbell.
Former CHS Head Coach Cliff Lohrey did not return calls regarding his players’ selections.
Area coaches thought the 6-foot-3, 275-pound Davis was the Bears’ most effective O-lineman.
Read, the lone returning CHS all-star from 2008-09, paced a Bear offense that scored a school-record low 64 points with 392 rushing yards, plus nine receptions for 133 yards.
Not only did Rice finish second on the team in rushing (220 yards), he paced a Bear defense that yielded a school record 424 points with 112 tackles, including five behind the line of scrimmage.
The 6-foot-4, 180-pound Campbell averaged over 37 yards per punt and buried four boots inside the opponent’s 20-yard line.
Lions: two picks
Like Central, Hernando Christian Academy finished 1-9 overall.
The Lions were represented by two all-stars: senior RB Jeremy Knight and junior WR Dakota D’Ambrosio.
Knight, who rushed for 1,089 yards and 18 TDs in 2008, followed up with a repeat all-star selection season with 846 yards and a team-best 12 TDs.
Knight never left the field for former HCA Head Coach David Raley, playing special teams and anchoring inside linebacker.
“Jeremy deserves this honor,” said Coach Raley, the county’s Coach of the Year in 2008. “He gave 100 percent every second he was out there. He never left the field…He’s as tough as nails. I know he could have started for any team in the county.”
D’Ambrosio, who moved relocated to Florida from Maryland prior to last football season, paced the circuit in receptions with 30 for 283 yards and one touchdown.
He too was a two-way threat playing linebacker for the Lions.
“Dakota’s coming back and that’ll give HCA a shot in the arm,” described Coach Raley, who tendered his resignation following the season. “The kid’s not that big (5-foot-10, 185 pounds), but he’s got guts.”
2009 Hernando Today All-County Football Team
OFFENSE SELECTIONS (14 POSITIONS)
POS NAME GRADE SCHOOL QUICK HITS
QB C.J. Baker 12th NCT School’s first 1,000-yard passer.
RB Tevin Drake$ 12th NCT School’s all-time rusher, scorer.
RB Devean Huff 11th SPG Rushed for over 1,200 yds, 9 TDs.
WR Dakota D’Ambrosio 11th HCA Snared a county-high 30 aerials.
WR Ju’Juan Story 11th NCT Averaged 32.5 yds. per catch on 13 reps.
TE Braddie Ellison 12th NCT Supreme blocker; caught 8 passes.
OL Philip Lakin 12th SPG 3-year starter at center; carries 4.0 GPA.
OL Cory Emerson 12th NCT Most consistent Shark O-lineman.
OL Justin Bland* 12th HER Consistently graded out as best O-lineman.
OL Clifton Davis 12th CEN Has physical tools at 6-foot-3, 275 pounds.
OL Joe Bristol 12th HER Helped stabilize O-line at RT.
PK Andres Pinzon 10th HER Connected on 19 PATs, 3 FGs.
UTL Steven Read* 12th CEN Bears’ lead rusher (392 yds.), receiver (9).
UTL Jeremy Knight* 12th HCA Rushed for 846 yds., scored 12 TDs.
DEFENSE SELECTIONS (14 POSITIONS)
POS NAME GRADE SCHOOL QUICK HITS
DL Robert Huggins 12th HER Had 55 tackles, 9.5 TBL, 7 QBP.
DL Josh Parnell 12th HER 67 tackles, including 10 TBL.
DL Christian Quinones* 12th SPG Consistently double-teamed; 39 tackles.
LB Justin Murray 12th NCT Remained healthy; 97 tackles, 4 sacks.
LB William Alderman* 11th HER Versatile player; had 56 tackles, 14.5 TBL.
LB Josh Santana 11th SPG Leads by example; had 56 tackles.
LB Zach Rice 12th CEN Led Bears with 112 tackles, 5 TBL.
DB Derek Wilson 11th HER Led Leopards with 6 PB, 3 INT.
DB Ike Bailey 11th NCT 46 tackles plus 4 PB, 3 INT.
SF Zach Pritz 10th HER Leading tackler with 72; caused 3 fumbles.
SF Brenton Nuby 11th NCT 99 tackles; led county with 4 INT.
PT Trevor Campbell 11th CEN Averaged over 37 yds.; had 4 inside 20.
UTL Matt Johnson 12th HER Despite bum shoulder amassed 6.5 sacks.
UTL Jamel Byrd 12th NCT 33 tackles; tied for 2nd in county at 13 reps.
Offensive MVP – *Alvin Delaine III (Hernando)
Defensive MVP – John Carbone (NCT)
Special Teams MVP – Justin Beetz (NCT)
Coach of the Year – John Palmer (Hernando)
County MVP – Alvin Delaine III (Hernando)
* Denotes repeat selection $ Denotes four-time selection.
2008 Hernando Today All-County Football Team
Offense Selections (14 positions)
POS NAME GRADE SCHOOL QUICK HITS
QB James Mahla 12th SPG Threw for nearly 1,400 yds., 13 TDs.
RB Jeremy Knight 11th HCA Rushed for 1,089 yards, 18 TDs.
RB Austin Forte* 12th CEN Rushed for 837 yards, 5 TDs.
WR Ben Noury^ 12th SPG County’s leading receiver (37 reps,557 yds.).
WR Domnique Roberson* 12th SPG Grabbed 31 passes, 373 yds. 7 TDs.
TE Kevin Gibbemeyer 12th CEN “H-back” caught 17 passes, 249 yds., 3 TDs.
OL Chad Dampier 12th NCT Team leader; All-State selection.
OL Jesse Flowers 12th CEN Has physical tools at 6-foot-2, 220-lbs.
OL Justin Bland 11th HER Most consistent Leopard O-lineman.
OL Daniel Wilson 12th SPG Tremendous work ethic; lives in wgt. room.
OL Josh Romeo 12th HCA Two-way starter on O-line and at NG.
PK Nate Schafer 12th SPG Led county with 32 PATs, 6-of-8 FGs.
UTL Steven Read 11th CEN Bears lead receiver 23 reps, 326 yds., 6 TDs.
UTL David Rotteveel 12th HCA Threw for 948 yds., 10 TDs, 3 INT.
Defense Selections (14 positions)
POS NAME GRADE SCHOOL QUICK HITS
DL Stan Miele 12th SPG Collected 62 tackles, 4.0 sacks, 2 FR.
DL Christian Quinones 11th SPG Impact player in 3-technique with 37 tackles.
DL Howie Williams 12th NCT 74 tackles, including 3 sacks, 12 QBP.
LB Alfredo Lindo* 12th NCT After rehabbing knee, 59 tackles, 6 sacks.
LB Britt Langley 12th NCT 105 tackles, including 6 QBP, 2 sacks.
LB William Alderman 10th HER Tackling machine with 110, 6 QBP.
LB Nate Schafer* 12th SPG Paced Eagles with 119 tackles, 2.5 sacks.
DB Bryce Hollingshead* 12th SPG Collected 43 tackles, 1 FR.
DB Glenn Clarke 12th SPG Supreme run stopper with 55 tackles.
SF Domnique Roberson* 12th SPG 77 tackles, including 7 TBL and 3 INT.
SF Ben Noury^ 12th SPG 63 tackles, plus 3 INT.
PT Josh Harvey 12th HER 25 punts for 40.76 avg., 65 long; 3-I-20.
UTL Tadd Govedich 12th NCT 94 tackles, including 4 sacks, 4 QBP.
UTL Ian Townsend 10th HCA In on 33 tackles, 5 INTs, including 2 TDs.
Offensive MVP – Tevin Drake* (NCT)
Defensive MVP – Michael Fields* (NCT)
Special Teams MVP – Alvin Delaine III (HER)
Coach of the Year – David Raley (HCA)
County MVP – Tevin Drake (NCT)
* Denotes repeat selection ^ Denotes 3-time selection.
2007 Hernando Today All-County Football Team
Offense Selections (15 positions)
POS NAME GRADE SCHOOL QUICK HITS
QB Chase Walker 12th CEN County’s lone 1,000-yard passer.
RB Mike Greco 11th SPG Gained nearly 1,000 yds. total offense.
RB Duane Marks* 12th CEN Three-way threat scored 11 TDs.
WR Chad Walker 12th CEN Snared a county-high 34 aerials.
WR Domnique Roberson 11th SPG Grabbed 31 passes; gradually improved.
TE Jeff Wright 12th CEN Caught 28 passes as an “H-Back”.
OL Tim LaRose* 12th NCT Never missed a snap in 4 varsity seasons.
OL J.J. Baker 12th NCT Solid blocker at strong guard for Sharks.
OL David Hines 11th HER Great size at 6-foot-5, 255 pounds.
OL Jason Morton 12th CEN Prototype tackle at 6-foot-4, 325 lbs.
OL Luis Delgado 12th SPG Most consistent Eagle O-lineman.
PK Cody Grey 12th CEN Paced county w/3 FGs, 31 PATs.
UTL Stephen Pelaez 12th NCT Passed, rushed for 1,555 yards.
UTL Ben Noury 11th SPG Huge 3-way threat for the Eagles.
UTL David Rotteveel 11th HCA Threw for 899 yds., 11 TDs in 8 games.
Defense Selections (13 positions)
POS NAME GRADE SCHOOL QUICK HITS
DL Austin Forte 11th CEN Registered team-best 8.5 sacks, 2 blocks.
DL Preston Williams 12th NCT Had 3 sacks, 12 QB pressures for Sharks.
DL Brooks Reid 11th CEN Emerging lineman with 42 tackles.
LB Alfredo Lindo 11th NCT Collected 127 tackles, 20 QBP, 3 FR, 3 CF.
LB Nathan Brazeau 12th CEN Posted a team-best 111.5 tackles, 6.5 sacks.
LB Taylor Rotunda 12th HER Collected team-high 117 tackles.
LB Nate Schafer 11th SPG Garnered team-high 108 tackles, 2 TBLs.
DB Michael Fields 11th NCT All-State pick swiped 10 INTs, had 12 PB.
DB Bryce Hollingshead 11th SPG Had 4 INTs, returned 1 FR for a score.
SF Heath Heroux* 12th CEN Utilized LB mentality with 60 tackles.
SF Jimmy Huang 12th NCT Collected 85 tackles, 2 INTs, 6 PB..
PT Clay Kessler 11th HCA Averaged over 41 yds. per boot, no blocks.
UTL Josh Romeo 11th HCA 33 tackles including 5 sacks.
Offensive MVP – Tevin Drake* (NCT)
Defensive MVP – Michael Fields (NCT)
Special Teams MVP – Jeff Wright (Central)
Coach of the Year – Cliff Lohrey* (Central)
County MVP – Tevin Drake (NCT)
* Denotes repeat selection
2006 Hernando Today All-County Football Team
Offense Selections (14 positions)
POS NAME GRADE SCHOOL QUICK HITS
QB John Hogeland* 12th SPG County’s leading passer w/849 yds., 8 TDs.
RB DuJuan Harris* 12th CEN Amasssed 1,641 rushing yds., 17 TDs.
RB Tevin Drake 9th NCT In 5 games rushed for 857 yds., 11 TDs.
WR Jeff Haynes 12th SPG Snared county-high 27 aerials.
WR Stephen Pelaez 11th NCT Grabbed 18 passes, 294 yds.
TE Duane Marks 11th CEN Caught 19 passes, 254 yds. as an “H-Back”.
OL Tim LaRose 11th NCT Strong tackle for county’s leading offense.
OL David Kriner 12th NCT Sharks’ best blocker for 3 years.
OL Mike Schafer 12th SPG At 6-foot-3, 223-lbs., most consistent OL.
OL Aaron Bourguignon 12th CEN Anchored strong tackle for district champs.
OL Joe Homan 12th CEN Trap master at center for the Bears.
PK Josh Magrini 12th SPG Hit 20-of-21 PATs, county-best 4 FGs.
UTL Josh Ortiz* 12th NCT Passed, rushed for a combined 1,534 yards.
UTL Robert Smith 12th HER Rushed for 743 yds., 8 TDs.
Defense Selections (13 positions)
POS NAME GRADE SCHOOL QUICK HITS
DL Josh Oliveira* 12th SPG Team-best 88 tackles, 1 sack, 1 CF.
DL Michael Cole 12th NCT 63 tackles, 9 TBL, 7 QBP, 1 INT, 1 FR.
DL Jason Joens 12th NCT 73 tackles, 3 TBL, 9 QBP.
LB Cody Fritsch 12th NCT Totaled 166 tackles, 6 TBL, 8 QBP, 3 BLK.
LB Jessie Hartman 12th CEN Posted a team-best 111.5 tackles, 6.5 sacks.
LB Nick Pauliot 11th HER Collected team-high 105 tackles, 19 QBP.
LB Anthony Scarantino*12th SPG Garnered 57 tackles, 1 sack, 1 CF, 1 FR.
DB Randall Smith 12th HER 38 tackles, 6 PB, team-best 3 INTs.
DB Bryan Villegas 12th SPG Notched 77 tackles, 4 INTs.
SF Heath Heroux 11th CEN 47 tackles, 1 INT, 1 CF.
SF Josh Ortiz 12th NCT Two-way threat, 2 INTs, one TD for score.
PT Casey Jones* 12th NCT Very consistent. Averaged over 38 yds.
UTL Corey Drummond 12th HCA Totaled 126 tackles, 3 CF, 2 FR, 1 INT.
Offensive MVP – DuJuan Harris (NCT)
Defensive MVP – Nick Pauliot (Hernando)
Special Teams MVP – George Fribley III (Hernando)
Coach of the Year – Cliff Lohrey (Central)
County MVP – DuJuan Harris (NCT)
* Denotes repeat selection
2005 Hernando Today All-County Football Team:
Offense Selections (14 positions)
POS NAME GRADE SCHOOL QUICK HITS
QB John Hogeland 11th SPG Steadily improved in his first year.
RB Michael King* 12th SPG Homerun threat w/ 754 yards, 8 TDs.
RB James “LJ” Thomas 12th HER Leopard workhorse w/829 yds., 11 TDs.
WR Brock Byrd 12th HER Explosive. avg. nearly 22 yds. per catch.
WR Nate Dahmer 12th HCA Snared a county-best 8 TDs.
TE Chris Ferguson* 12th SPG Prototype TE at 6-foot-4, 250-lbs.
OL Chris Sibilia 12th SPG Solid blocker on the perimeter.
OL Philip McGuire 12th SPG Will get down and dirty.
OL Brandon Nuby 10th NCT Sharks’ “Hog of the Year” recipient.
OL Justin Cochran 12th HER Great pulling offensive guard.
OL Andreu Szempruch 11th HCA Undersized at 6-foot, 188-pounds.
PK Stephen Bock 12th CEN Paced county w/7 FGs, 21 PATs.
UTL Ryan Walczak* 12th HCA Accounted 1,108 yards, 14 TDs for Lions.
UTL Josh Ortiz* 11th NCT Amassed 1,138 total yds. of offense.
Defense Selections (14 positions)
POS NAME GRADE SCHOOL QUICK HITS
DL Brandon White 11th HER 63 total tackles, including 45 solos, 1.5 SK.
DL Kyle Friant 12th CEN 81 total tackles, lived in the backfield.
DL Morgan Roderick 12th NCT 68 tackles, 13 TFL, 4 SKs, 3 QBPs.
DL Josh Oliveira 11th SPG 67 tackles, 2 TFL, 1.5 SKs, 3 CF, 4 FR.
LB Seth Metz 12th SPG Led county w/ 133 tackles, 6 SKs, 4 CF.
LB Anthony Scarantino 11th SPG 106 tackles, 2.5 SKs, 1 FR.
LB Bryan Nutter 12th CEN Two-way standout; 80 tackles, 3 FR.
LB Carlos Becaria 11th CEN Two-way threat; 103 total tackles, 3 FR.
DB Andrew Ortiz 12th SPG Shutdown corner; 84 tackles, 6 INTs.
DB Tim Hery 12th SPG Former cheerleader w/ 70 tackles, 5 INTs.
SF Brock Byrd 12th HER Two-way threat; 66 total tackles, 4 INTs.
PT Casey Jones 11th NCT Averaged over 39 yds. per kick, no blocks.
UTL DuJuan Harris 11th CEN Never left the field for the Bears.
UTL Corey Drummond* 11th HCA 110 total tackles including 78 solos, 1 sack.
Offensive MVP – Seth Metz 12th Springstead Led county 929 rushing yards, 12 TDs.
Defensive MVP – Seth Metz 12th Springstead Led county w/ 133 tackles, 6 SKs, 4 CF.
S. Teams MVP – George Fribley 10th Hernando Led county w/3 KORs for TDs.
Coach of the Year – Bill Vonada (Springstead)
Player of Year – Seth Metz (Springstead)
* Denotes repeat selection
2004 Hernando Today All-County Football Team
Offense Selections (14 positions)
POS NAME GRADE SCHOOL QUICK HITS
QB Ian Wald* 12th SPG Lefty was proto-type option quarterback.
RB Tim Dow* 12th SPG Plowed for 983 yds., 14 TDs.
RB Rian Williams 11th NCT Paced county w/ 1,728 yds., 20 TDs.
WR Jeremy Flowers* 12th CEN Led county w/ 40 reps, 556 yds., 5 TDs.
WR Josh Ortiz 10th NCT Snared 22 reps., 398 yds., 6 TDs.
TE Chris Ferguson* 11th SPG Great blocker; 24 reps., 344 yds., 2 TDs.
OL Andrew Leavine 11th CEN Bears protected by 6-foot-5 condominium.
OL William Wilson 12th SPG In crucial times, Eagles ran behind him.
OL Chris Schaefer 12th SPG Undersized tackle played “big”.
OL David Kriner 10th NCT Red-headed bulldozer.
OL Windham Rotunda* 12th HER Excelled on both sides of the line.
PK Justin DeMutiis 12th SPG Paced county w/6 FGs, 33-of-35 PATs.
UTL Shane Collard 12th CEN Two-way standout for the Bears.
UTL Chad Sanders 12th HER Rushed for 1,322 yds., 13 TDs.
Defense Selections (14 positions)
POS NAME GRADE SCHOOL QUICK HITS
DL Jon Howland 12th SPG 71 total tackles, including 12 TFL, 8 SKs.
DL John Washington 12th HER Sideline-to-sideline guy; 108 tackles, 6 SKs.
DL Addison Chipoletti 12th HER Great motor; 74 tackles, 2 SKs, 1 FR.
DL Josh Golden 11th SPG 51 tackles, 3 TFL, 1 CF, 1 FR.
LB Daniel Harris* 12th CEN Led county w/ 110 tackles, 7 SKs.
LB Nick Belavilas 12th SPG 88 tackles, 6 TFL, 3 CF, 3 FRs, 1 INT.
LB John Hardy 12th SPG 71 tackles, 3 TFL, 1SK, 2 CF, 2 INTs.
LB Quinden Floyd 11th SPG Speedster; 42 tackles, 4 SKs, 2 CF, 2 INT.
DB Michael King 11th SPG Hard to elude; nibble; 59 tackles, 2 FRs.
DB Jeremy Flowers* 12th CEN 57 tackles, 2 FRs, 3 INTs.
SF Shane Collard 12th CEN 46 tackles, 2 SKs, 2 INTs.
PT Ian Wald 12th SPG Averaged over 38.5 yds. per kick.
UTL Corey Drummond 10th HCA 94 tackles, including 60 solos, 2 CF, 3 FRs.
UTL Ryan Walczak 11th HCA 70 tackles including 37 solos, 1 CF, 2 FRs.
Offensive MVP – Ian Wald 12th SPG Led county 690 passing yds., rushed for 888.
Defensive MVP – Daniel Harris 12th CEN Inspirational leader, averaged 10 tackles.
S. Teams MVP – Justin DeMutiis 12th SPG Could pooch it or boot it deep.
Coach of the Year – Bill Vonada (Springstead)
County MVP – Ian Wald (Springstead)
* Denotes repeat selection
2003 Hernando Today All-County Football Team
Offense Selections (13 positions)
POS NAME GRADE SCHOOL QUICK HITS
QB Ian Wald 11th SPG County’s finest two-way threat
RB Tim Dow 11th SPG Battering ram led Eagles w/ 733 yds.
RB Rod Roberts* 11th HER Paced county with 9.38 yds. per carry avg.
WR Chris Ferguson 10th SPG County’s top receiver w/ 27 reps., 416 yds.
WR Ermine Lewis 12th CEN Snared 16 passes, 332 yds., 2 TDs
TE Brae White* 12th HER Averaged 39 yds. per catch, fine blocker
CT Joe Vitale* 12th SPG Starter for over 3½ years at 6-foot, 250-lbs.
OG Eric Bruscino 12th SPG Solid performer at 6-foot, 267-lbs.
OG Windham Rotunda 11th HER Beginning to blossom at 6-foot-3, 260-lbs.
OT Brian Oakes* 12th CEN Focal point of Bears’ OL…Quick, athletic.
OT Charles Gonyea 12th SPG Go-to blocker at 6-foot-5, 255-lbs.
PK Mike Hibbert* 12th CEN Paced county with 15 FGs, 21 PATs.
UTL Jeremy Flowers 11th CEN Opened at WR…Led county in passing.
Defense Selections (13 positions)
POS NAME GRADE SCHOOL QUICK HITS
DL Michael Noyes 12th CEN 67 total tackles, including 44 solos, 1 FR.
DL Tank Donaldson* 12th HER Two-player starter, 23 total tackles.
DL Charles Gonyea* 12th SPG 25 tackles, 7 TBLs, 3 SKs.
DL Chris Schaefer 11th SPG 33 tackles, 7 TBLs, 4 SKs.
LB Kurt Carriveau* 12th SPG 60 tackles, 4 CFs, 2 FRs, 2 INTs.
LB Jarvis Baylor 12th HER Led county w/134 total tackles, 1 CF, 1 FR.
LB Darnell Craig 12th CEN 125 total tackles, including 85 solos, 4 FRs.
LB Daniel Harris 11th CEN 43 total tackles including 33 solos, 4 SKs.
DB Jose Yearwood* 12th SPG Two-way threat; 44 tackles, 2 INTs.
DB Rod Roberts 12th HER 2-way threat when healthy, 40 tackles, 6 PB.
SF Jeremy Flowers 11th CEN 29 total tackles, 2 INTs.
PT Mike Hibbert 12th CEN Averaged over 41 yds. per kick.
UTL Anthony Wright 12th CEN 45 tackles including 16 solos, 3 SKs.
Offensive MVP – Ian Wald (Springstead)
Defensive MVP – Darnell Craig (Central)
Special Teams MVP – Mike Hibbert (Central)
Coach of the Year – Bill Vonada (Springstead)
County MVP – Darnell Craig (Central)
* Denotes repeat selection
2002 Hernando Today All-County Football Team
Offense Selections (13 positions)
POS NAME GRADE SCHOOL QUICK HITS
QB Brad Wyatt 12th HER County’s leading passer with 724 yds.
RB Tim Gaynor 12th CEN Leading rusher w/ 1,351 yds., 13 TDs.
RB Rod Roberts 11th HER County’s No. 2 rusher w/ 808 yds., 5 TDs
WR Nate Jenkins 11th SPG County’s leading receiver w/ 14 reps.
WR Mozell Elder 11th HER Snared 10 passes, county-best 3 TDs.
TE Brae White 11th HER Two-way starter, 6 reps. for 101 yds.
CT John Humbert 12th HER At 6-foot-2, 250-lbs., a major force on traps
CT Joe Vitale 11th SPG Third-year starter at 6-foot, 228-lbs.
OG Robbie Jernigan 12th HER Graded out most consistent HHS OLman.
OT Brian Oakes 11th CEN Enabled Bears to rush for 2,122 yds.
OT Nick Marty 12th CEN A load on sweeps at 6-foot-5, 295-lbs.
PK Mike Hibbert 11th SPG Paced county w/ 10 FGs
UTL Jagren Castillo 11th HER Totaled 875 offensive yds., 12 TDs
Defense Selections (13 positions)
POS NAME GRADE SCHOOL QUICK HITS
DL Tank Donaldson 11th HER 44 tackles, 1 INT.
DL Windham Rotunda 10th HER 40 tackles, 2 FRs.
DL Charles Gonyea 11th SPG 23 tackles, 1 SK, 1 FR.
DL Eric Bruscino 11th SPG 62 tackles including 30 solos.
LB Ermine Lewis 11th CEN 76 tackles, 6 sacks vs. RR, 2 FR.
LB Richie DelValle 12th CEN 102 tackles including 44 solos.
LB Andres Lawson 11th HER County-best 130 tackles in 10 games, 2 FRs.
LB Kurt Carriveau 11th SPG 96 tackles including 60 solos, 4 FRs, 2 INTs.
DB Antonio Brown 10th HER 29 tackles, 1 FR, county-best 5 INTs.
DB Jose Yearwood 11th SPG 68 tackles including 31 solos.
SF Willie Fifer 12th HER 104 tackles, 2 CF, 2 FR.
PT Willie Fifer 12th HER Averaged county-best 38.5 yards per kick.
UTL Brandon Dampier 11th CEN 45 tackles including 16 solos, 3 sacks.
Offensive MVP – Tim Gaynor (Central)
Defensive MVP – Kurt Carriveau (Springstead)
Special Teams MVP – Mike Hibbert (Springstead)
Coach of the Year – Bill Browning (Hernando)
County MVP – Tim Gaynor (Central)
Sports Editor Tony Castro can be reached at (352) 544-5278 or online at [email protected].
