Beware: Don’t Feed The Bears!

To the victor go the spoils an elder wise man once pointed out.

For a second consecutive season, Central High pocketed the Hernando County football championship.

As a result of the Bears’ on field success, CHS paced the annual Hernando Today All-County Football All-Star Team with 10 players, in addition to Coach of the Year Cliff Lohrey.

Class 3A, District 6 runner-up Nature Coast Technical, which finished second in the county, collected eight selections.

The county’s third-place team, Springstead, earned six picks followed by Hernando Christian Academy (3) and Hernando High (2).

Overall, area coaches and the Hernando Today staff picked almost an entirely new All-Star squad as only six picks were repeat choices from the 2006 squad.

Bears’ bounty: 11 picks

Lohrey, who guided Central to the Class 4A, District 8 and county championships in his initial campaign in 2006, saw his Silver and Navy-clad Bears finish 6-4 in 2007.

Springstead’s veteran Head Coach Bill Vonada explained why Lohrey was the unanimous choice to repeat at Coach of the Year.

“He won the county,” said Vonada. “And his team managed to pull out some games despite some adversity. I thought he did a great job.”

“In 2006, we raised the expectations around here,” shared Lohrey, a Crystal River High School graduate. “Some teams are content with finishing 6-4, but not me. Honestly, we felt like we kinda underachieved on the field.

“We want to be a perennial title team and district contenders,” added Lohrey. “That’s our on-field goal. It’s pretty simple.”

The Bears were paced by 10 All-Star picks featuring: QB Chase Walker, RB Duane Marks, WR Chad Walker, TE Jeff Wright, OL Jason Morton, PK Cody Grey, DL Austin Forte and Brooks Reid, LB Nathan Brazeau and SF Heath Heroux.

Marks and Heroux joined Lohrey as repeat picks from the 2006 squad.

Only Forte and Reid were underclassmen as other eight Bears were seniors.

Chase Walker connected on a county-best 81 passes in 150 attempts (county-high 54 percent), a county-best 1,078 yards and nine touchdowns against six interceptions. Not bad for a signal caller who totaled 647 yards the year before and had more INTs (10) than TDs (5).

On Walker, “our offense went through him. He had a complete grasp of it,” commended Lohrey. “His leadership and physical abilities stood out. It’s nice to put your best athlete at quarterback because he’ll touch the ball every time.”

Marks was named to the 2006 squad at tight end. He was primarily utilized as an H-Back. Last fall, with the graduation loss of do-everything DuJuan Harris to Troy, Marks was the Bears’ primary sledgehammer with 704 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns.

“Duane was a 3-year varsity guy for us,” said Lohrey. “And he played just about anywhere we needed. He was a physical back, who had some speed. He’s the type of player that wants the ball in his hands.

“There’s no question when we had our best players in the game (including Marks, who was hurt during midseason) we played our best ball. Even though he got hurt, he never complained once.”

Walker-to-Walker

Chase Walker’s favorite target was his red-headed twin brother, Chad. Chad led the county in receiving with 34 catches for 476 yards and a county-high five TD catches through the air.

“Chad was definitely a weapon,” analyzed Lohrey. “And he took a lot of pride in his downfield blocking, too. He was a tremendous athlete who could run.”

In 2006, Wright snared a quiet seven passes for 88 measly yards.

A year later, Wright emerged as the county’s finest tight end and received the distinction as Hernando County’s Special Teams Most Valuable Player.

Wright did so by quadrupling his production with 28 receptions for 435 yards and two TD grabs.

On special teams, he was a demon with four returns for touchdowns highlighted by two punts and two kickoffs for scores.

“Jeff (Wright) emerged as a vital part of our offense,” described Lohrey. “We moved him from split end to H-Back. He did it all; he could block, run and catch. To me, he found his stride on the field.”

Like Wright, Morton emerged from the shadows for a dominant role.

“During my time, Jason (Morton) has come further than any player I’ve been around,” said Lohrey. “He came in very raw, but he’s very coachable and he really worked on his technique. Physically, he’s an imposing young man. We’re certainly gonna miss him up front this year.”

Grey, a standout soccer player, went 31-for-31 in extra points and connected on 3-of-11 field goal attempts.

“I wish we would have gotten him here earlier,” lamented Lohrey. “Place kicker is an important position. Extra points have to be like free throws, they’ve got to be automatic. He didn’t miss any (PATs). And there’s no question he’s got a big leg.”

High risk, high rewards

Central’s pressure defensive scheme anchored that side of the line of scrimmage.

Two main culprits included defensive linemen Reid and Forte.

Forte led the team with 8.5 sacks while he and Reid split 83 tackles.

“Austin has a knack for the ball,” shared Lohrey. “And Brooks has started every game since his sophomore season. He’s not a publicity guy; he simply does his job. Brooks can be as good as he wants to be this year.”

According to Lohrey, the heart and soul of the Bears belonged to Brazeau.

“To me, he’s one of the best players in the county – on either side of the ball. He’s the face of what you would want your program to be. Nathan’s got a great work ethic, great character and he loves his teammates.”

Heroux was a repeat selection at safety. But his game is liken to more of a linebacker or a John Lynch-type hitter.

“We moved him around,” said Lohrey. “He’s a great athlete. People tend to think of great athletes as offensive players; Heath is that on the defensive side. What I liked the most is since he’s been here; there has been no ounce of concern for his body. He’ll definitely check your chin during a game.”

NCT: great eight

After capturing the 3A-6 crown and splitting the county title in 2006 with Central, NCT was the lone Hernando County team to reach the coveted state playoffs in 2007.

As the Sharks finished 7-4 overall, NCT was feted with eight All-Stars including: TB Tevin Drake, OL Tim LaRose and J.J. Baker, QB Stephen Pelaez, DL Preston Williams, LB Alfredo Lindo, DB Michael Fields and SF Jimmy Huang.

Drake and LaRose were repeat selections from 2006.

Drake, who led the county in rushing with 1,527 yards and a school-record 22 rushing touchdowns, was tabbed not only as the County’s Offensive Player of the Year, but also feted as the County’s Most Valuable Player.

“Offensively, it’s no secret we want to run the football,” shared NCT Head Coach Jamie Joyner. “But even though everybody knew he was getting the ball, he still performed. Tevin set the tone for us offensively.”

The 6-foot-5, 300-pound LaRose anchored strong tackle.

“We’re gonna miss his leadership on and off the field,” discussed Joyner. “He wanted people to run behind him. He didn’t say a whole lot. He was a man of few words.”

NCT was primarily a right-handed running team behind strong guard Baker.

“When he first got here, J.J. was on the defensive line,” recalled Joyner. “It’s no secret where we ran the ball; we were very right-handed. But with J.J. and Tim there we dominated that side of the line. J.J. was one of the hardest working kids we’ve had.”

Pelaez was aptly feted as a utility pick. He filled in wherever needed at NCT. As a senior, he combined for 1,555 yards total offense.

“Stephen played every position on offense except lineman,” reminded Joyner. “If we asked him to drop kick the ball, he could do that. He was that kind of athlete. And he was certainly an impact player for us. He was probably our best inside runner.”

Fields of dreams

Fields had a season for the ages. Forget the fact that Fields went from zero tackles as a sophomore to rank eighth overall with 58 tackles this past season. He caused two fumbles and recovered one.

But from the edge, he stood out. He became a Rhonde Barber-type shutdown cornerback compiling 12 pass breakups and tying the county record of Hernando High’s Eddie Looper with 10 interceptions.

For his efforts he was voted as the county’s Defensive Player of the Year and named to the Class 3A All-State Team.

“Fields’ stats speak for themselves,” admitted Coach Vonada. “He’s very deserving of all the accolades.”

“Michael was a shutdown corner,” emphasized Joyner. “Against North Marion, he blanketed their 6-foot-5 All-State receiver to zero catches. When he’s on that side of the ball, we don’t worry about things.”

Like Fields, Williams was one of four first-time Shark All-Star defenders.

Williams excelled in applying pressure. He totaled 12 quarterback pressures and six tackles for a loss.

“I may never coach another Preston Williams,” lamented Joyner. “I think he was sometimes overlooked at nose guard. He was a cat off the ball. Against St. Pete in the preseason he tackled two guys on a reverse. That just doesn’t happen. He was the type of player who never took a play off.”

Lindo was a tackling machine for NCT Defense Coordinator Charles Liggett’s defense with 127 tackles. Lindo notched a team-high 20 QBP, caused three fumbles and recovered three fumbles.

“Alfredo Lindo is an animal,” stated Joyner. “He’s the most intense kid we’ve got. He was a lot like Preston (Williams). He was intensely competitive and a tone-setter.”

Like Fields, Huang flew under the radar screen until his senior year compiling 85 tackles from his safety position.

“Jimmy (Huang) was never the biggest guy out there,” Joyner said. “He’s a self-made man on the field. He waited his turn and he certainly put the work in. He was invaluable as a run stopper.”

Six Eagles

Six Springstead Eagles were named to the county All-Star squad – all first-time selections – including RB Mike Greco, WR Domnique Roberson, RB/QB/WR Ben Noury, OL Luis Delgado, LB Nate Schafer and DB Bryce Hollingshead.

Fortunately for Coach Vonada, Greco, Roberson, Noury, Schafer and Hollingshead all return.

Greco, who finished third in the county in rushing (786 yards), was the only player to also rank (ninth) in the Top 10 in receiving as well.

“Mike (Greco) certainly progressed as the season went on,” remarked Vonada. “He had some big runs and big pass plays. Other teams had to start accounting for him.”

Roberson, who moved into Spring Hill as last season began, steadily improved on offense and defense. Roberson ranked third in the county in receptions (31) and tied Chad Walker with the most TD grabs (5).

“He took a couple games to get his feet under him,” explained Vonada. “But he started breaking out in week three. He’s a natural leader on offense and defense.”

Like NCT’s Pelaez, Noury served as a jack-of-all trades playing quarterback, wide receiver and running back besides playing defense and punting the football.

“He did an awful lot of things for us,” explained Vonada. “The kid never came off the field. He did everything for us but sweep up the concession stand. And he’s a terrific student/athlete.”

Ex-NCT lineman Delgado helped the SHS offense average almost 300 yards per game.

“It just seemed week after week, Luis (Delgado) always drew the toughest guys across the way,” pointed out Vonada. “And he stood his ground. He was our toughest and most dependable lineman.”

Schafer was the leading tackler for the Eagles with 108 total tackles.

“He was a real consistent performer for us,” described Vonada. “He averaged over 10 tackles a game. He picked up a lot of the slack when we surrounded him with new guys on defense.”

Hollingshead impressed by having a knack for impact plays. He swiped four passes and returned a fumble recovery for a touchdown.

“Bryce has really turned into a fine young man, too” declared Vonada. “He turned into a dependable player on and off the field. You can see that he’s coming into his own on the football field.”

HCA: trio of Lions

Hernando Christian Academy, which averaged over 31 points per game and permitted only 12.3 ppg, finished 6-2 overall under first-year Head Coach David Raley.

The Lions, who were denied two games to September’s torrential showers, were represented by three juniors: QB David Rotteveel, RB/TE/LB/PT Clay Kessler and NG Josh Romeo.

Rotteveel, a transfer from Hudson, nearly passed for 1,000 yards in eight games and hurled a county-high 11 TDs against six INTs.

“David almost passed for 1,000 yards and in the games we led early, we stopped throwing the ball,” recalled Coach Raley. “He’s a terrific person and he’s the most accurate passer I’ve ever had. He has exceptional accuracy.”

Romeo, another Hudson transfer, recorded 33 tackles at nose guard including five sacks.

“Josh was the best defensive lineman in all of Class 1B,” praised Raley. “He’s a great athlete at 5-foot-10 and 250 pounds. He’s amazingly nimble in a rolly-polly body.”

When healthy, Kessler was a force on offense (17 TDs), defense (68 tackles) and special teams. He was voted the county’s top punter averaging over 41.8 yards per kick with no blocks.

“Clay is a big strong kid,” said Raley. “And he never comes off the field. And he was the hardest working kid on the field or in the weight room. There are not enough superlatives to describe what he meant to us.”

Leopard duo

Rounding out the All-Star squad were two members from Hernando High: junior OL David Hines and senior LB Taylor Rotunda.

The 6-foot-5, 255-pound Hines was the Leopards’ most consistent offensive lineman, though he battled through injuries.

On defense, Rotunda paced the 2-8 Leopards with 117 tackles.

2007 Hernando Today All-County Football Team

Offense Selections (15 positions)
POS NAME GRADE SCHOOL QUICK HITS
QB Chase Walker 12th Central County’s lone 1,000-yard passer.
RB Mike Greco 11th Springstead Gained nearly 1,000 yds. total offense.
RB Duane Marks* 12th Central Three-way threat scored 11 TDs.
WR Chad Walker 12th Central Snared a county-high 34 aerials.
WR Domnique Roberson 11th Springstead Grabbed 31 passes; gradually improved.
TE Jeff Wright 12th Central 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 Hernando Great size at 6-foot-5, 255 pounds.
OL Jason Morton 12th Central Prototype tackle at 6-foot-4, 325 lbs.
OL Luis Delgado 12th Springstead Most consistent Eagle lineman.
PK Cody Grey 12th Central Paced county w/3 FGs, 31 PATs.
UTL Stephen Pelaez 12th NCT Passed, rushed for 1,555 yards.
UTL Ben Noury 11th Springstead 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 Central 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 Central Emerging lineman with 42 tackles.
LB Alfredo Lindo 11th NCT Collected 127 tackles, 20 QBP, 3 FR, 3 CF.
LB Nathan Brazeau 12th Central Posted a team-best 111.5 tackles, 6.5 sacks.
LB Taylor Rotunda 12th Hernando Collected team-high 117 tackles.
LB Nate Schafer 11th Springstead Garnered team-high 108 tackles, 2 TBLs.
DB Michael Fields 11th NCT All-State pick swiped 10 INTs, had 12 PB.
DB Bryce Hollingshead11th Springstead Had 4 INTs, returned 1 FR for a score.
SF Heath Heroux* 12th Central 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 SKs.

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 (Central)
* Denotes repeat selection

2006 Hernando Today All-County Football Team

Offense Selections (14 positions)
POS NAME GRADE SCHOOL QUICK HITS
QB John Hogeland* 12th Springstead County’s leading passer w/849 yds., 8 TDs.
RB DuJuan Harris* 12th Central 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 Springstead Snared county-high 27 aerials.
WR Stephen Pelaez 11th NCT Grabbed 18 passes, 294 yds.
TE Duane Marks 11th Central 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 Springstead At 6-foot-3, 223-lbs., most consistent OL.
OL Aaron Bourguignon 12th Central Anchored strong tackle for district champs.
OL Joe Homan 12th Central Trap master at center for the Bears.
PK Josh Magrini 12th Springstead 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 Hernando Rushed for 743 yds., 8 TDs.

Defense Selections (13 positions)
POS NAME GRADE SCHOOL QUICK HITS
DL Josh Olivera* 12th Springstead 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 Central Posted a team-best 111.5 tackles, 6.5 sacks.
LB Nick Pauliot 11th Hernando Collected team-high 105 tackles, 19 QBP.
LB Anthony Scarantino*12th Springstead Garnered 57 tackles, 1 sack, 1 CF, 1 FR.
DB Randall Smith 12th Hernando 38 tackles, 6 PB, team-best 3 INTs.
DB Bryan Villegas 12th Springstead Notched 77 tackles, 4 INTs.
SF Heath Heroux 11th Central 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 Springstead Steadily improved in his first year.
RB Michael King* 12th Springstead Homerun threat w/ 754 yards, 8 TDs.
RB James “LJ” Thomas 12th Hernando Leopard workhorse w/829 yds., 11 TDs.
WR Brock Byrd 12th Hernando Explosive. Avg. nearly 22 yds. per catch.
WR Nate Dahmer 12th HCA Snared a county-best 8 TDs.
TE Chris Ferguson* 12th Springstead Prototype TE at 6-foot-4, 250-lbs.
OL Chris Sibilia 12th Springstead Solid blocker on the perimeter.
OL Philip McGuire 12th Springstead Will get down and dirty.
OL Brandon Nuby 10th NCT Sharks’ “Hog of the Year” recipient.
OL Justin Cochran 12th Hernando Great pulling offensive guard.
OL Andreu Szempruch 11th HCA Undersized at 6-foot, 188-pounds.
PK Stephen Bock 12th Central 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 Hernando 63 total tackles, including 45 solos, 1.5 SK.
DL Kyle Friant 12th Central 81 total tackles, lived in the backfield.
DL Morgan Roderick 12th NCT 68 tackles, 13 TFL, 4 SKs, 3 QBPs.
DL Josh Oliveira 11th Springstead 67 tackles, 2 TFL, 1.5 SKs, 3 CF, 4 FR.
LB Seth Metz 12th Springstead Led county w/ 133 tackles, 6 SKs, 4 CF.
LB Anthony Scarantino11th Springstead 106 tackles, 2.5 SKs, 1 FR.
LB Bryan Nutter 12th Central Two-way standout; 80 tackles, 3 FR.
LB Carlos Becaria 11th Central Two-way threat; 103 total tackles, 3 FR.
DB Andrew Ortiz 12th Springstead Shutdown corner; 84 tackles, 6 INTs.
DB Tim Hery 12th Springstead Former cheerleader w/ 70 tackles, 5 INTs.
SF Brock Byrd 12th Hernando 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 Central Never left the field for the Bears.
UTL Corey Drummond* 11th HCA 110 total tackles including 78 solos, 1 SK.

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 Springstead Lefty was proto-type option quarterback.
RB Tim Dow* 12th Springstead Plowed for 983 yds., 14 TDs.
RB Rian Williams 11th NCT Paced county w/ 1,728 yds., 20 TDs.
WR Jeremy Flowers* 12th Central 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 Springstead Great blocker; 24 reps., 344 yds., 2 TDs.
OL Andrew Leavine 11th Central Bears protected by 6-foot-5 condominium.
OL William Wilson 12th Springstead In crucial times, Eagles ran behind him.
OL Chris Schaefer 12th Springstead Undersized tackle played “big”.
OL David Kriner 10th NCT Red headed bulldozer.
OL Windham Rotunda* 12th Hernando Excelled on both sides of the line.
PK Justin DeMutiis 12th Springstead Paced county w/6 FGs, 33-of-35 PATs.
UTL Shane Collard 12th Central Two-way standout for the Bears.
UTL Chad Sanders 12th Hernando Rushed for 1,322 yds., 13 TDs.

Defense Selections (14 positions)
POS NAME GRADE SCHOOL QUICK HITS
DL Jon Howland 12th Springstead 71 total tackles, including 12 TFL, 8 SKs.
DL John Washington 12th Hernando Side-to-side guy; 108 total tackles, 6 SKs.
DL Addison Chipoletti12th Hernando Great motor; 74 tackles, 2 SKs, 1 FR.
DL Josh Golden 11th Springstead 51 tackles, 3 TFL, 1 CF, 1 FR.
LB Daniel Harris* 12th Central Led county w/ 110 tackles, 7 SKs.
LB Nick Belavilas 12th Springstead 88 tackles, 6 TFL, 3 CF, 3 FRs, 1 INT.
LB John Hardy 12th Springstead 71 tackles, 3 TFL, 1SK, 2 CF, 2 INTs.
LB Quinden Floyd 11th Springstead Speedster; 42 tackles, 4 SKs, 2 CF, 2 INT.
DB Michael King 11th Springstead Hard to elude; nibble; 59 tackles, 2 FRs.
DB Jeremy Flowers* 12th Central 57 tackles, 2 FRs, 3 INTs.
SF Shane Collard 12th Central 46 tackles, 2 SKs, 2 INTs.
PT Ian Wald 12th Springstead 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 Springstead Led county 690 passing yds., rushed for 888.
Defensive MVP – Daniel Harris 12th Central Inspirational leader, averaged 10 tackles.
S. Teams MVP – Justin DeMutiis 12th Springstead 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 Springstead County’s finest two-way threat
RB Tim Dow 11th Springstead Battering ram led Eagles w/ 733 yds.
RB Rod Roberts* 11th Hernando Paced county with 9.38 yds. per carry avg.
WR Chris Ferguson 10th Springstead County’s top receiver w/ 27 reps., 416 yds.
WR Ermine Lewis 12th Central Snared 16 passes, 332 yds., 2 TDs
TE Brae White* 12th Hernando Averaged 39 yds. per catch, fine blocker
CT Joe Vitale* 12th Springstead Starter for over 3½ years at 6-foot, 250-lbs.
OG Eric Bruscino 12th Springstead Solid performer at 6-foot, 267-lbs.
OG Rotunda Windham 11th Hernando Beginning to blossom at 6-foot-3, 260-lbs.
OT Brian Oakes* 12th Central Focal point of Bears’ OL…Quick, athletic.
OT Charles Gonyea 12th Springstead Go-to blocker at 6-foot-5, 255-lbs.
PK Mike Hibbert* 12th Central Paced county w/ 15, 21 PATs.
UTL Jeremy Flowers 11th Central Opened at WR…Led county in passing.

Defense Selections (13 positions)
POS NAME GRADE SCHOOL QUICK HITS
DL Michael Noyes 12th Central 67 total tackles, including 44 solos, 1 FR.
DL Tank Donaldson* 12th Hernando Two-player starter, 23 total tackles.
DL Charles Gonyea* 12th Springstead 25 tackles, 7 TBLs, 3 SKs.
DL Chris Schaefer 11th Springstead 33 tackles, 7 TBLs, 4 SKs.
LB Kurt Carriveau* 12th Springstead 60 tackles, 4 CFs, 2 FRs, 2 INTs.
LB Jarvis Baylor 12th Hernando Led county w/134 total tackles, 1 CF, 1 FR.
LB Darnell Craig 12th Central 125 total tackles, including 85 solos, 4 FRs.
LB Daniel Harris 11th Central 43 total tackles including 33 solos, 4 SKs.
DB Jose Yearwood* 12th Springstead Two-way threat; 44 tackles, 2 INTs.
DB Rod Roberts 12th Hernando 2-way threat when healthy, 40 tackles, 6 PB.
SF Jeremy Flowers 11th Central 29 total tackles, 2 INTs.
PT Mike Hibbert 12th Central Averaged over 41 yds. per kick.
UTL Anthony Wright 12th Central 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 Hernando County’s leading passer with 724 yds.
RB Tim Gaynor 12th Central Leading rusher w/ 1,351 yds., 13 TDs.
RB Rod Roberts 11th Hernando County’s No. 2 rusher w/ 808 yds., 5 TDs
WR Nate Jenkins 11th Springstead County’s leading receiver w/ 14 reps.
WR Mozell Elder 11th Hernando Snared 10 passes, county-best 3 TDs.
TE Brae White 11th Hernando Two-way starter, 6 reps. for 101 yds.
CT John Humbert 12th Hernando At 6-foot-2, 250-lbs., a major force on traps
CT Joe Vitale 11th Springstead Third-year starter at 6-foot, 228-lbs.
OG Robbie Jernigan 12th Hernando Graded out most consistent Leopard OLman.
OT Brian Oakes 11th Central Enabled Bears to rush for 2,122 yds.
OT Nick Marty 12th Central A load on sweeps at 6-foot-5, 295-lbs.
PK Mike Hibbert 11th Springstead Paced county w/ 10 FGs
UTL Jagren Castillo 11th Hernando Totaled 875 offensive yds., 12 TDs

Defense Selections (13 positions)
POS NAME GRADE SCHOOL QUICK HITS
DL Tank Donaldson 11th Hernando 44 tackles, 1 INT.
DL Windham Rotunda 10th Hernando 40 tackles, 2 FRs.
DL Charles Gonyea 11th Springstead 23 tackles, 1 SK, 1 FR.
DL Eric Bruscino 11th Springstead 62 tackles including 30 solos.
LB Ermine Lewis 11th Central 76 tackles, 6 SKs vs. RR, 2 FRs.
LB Richie DelValle 12th Central 102 tackles including 44 solos.
LB Andres Lawson 11th Hernando County-best 130 tackles in 10 games, 2 FRs.
LB Kurt Carriveau 11th Springstead 96 tackles including 60 solos, 4 FRs, 2 INTs.
DB Antonio Brown 10th Hernando 29 tackles, 1 FR, county-best 5 INTs.
DB Jose Yearwood 11th Springstead 68 tackles including 31 solos.
SF Willie Fifer 12th Hernando 104 tackles, 2 CFs, 2 FRrs.
PT Willie Fifer 12th Hernando Averaged county-best 38.5 yards per kick.
UTL Brandon Dampier 11th Central 45 tackles including 16 solos, 3 SKs.

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].