Nine County Gridders Feted by FACA District 8

BROOKSVILLE –
On Monday night at Nature Coast Technical, the Sharks filled a huge void.
For the first time its five-year existence, the Sharks finally had some representatives voted on to annual Florida Athletic Coaches Association (FACA) District 8 football meeting.
The 10th ranked Sharks, who tied the school record with their eighth straight win last Friday against Hernando, saw four players and a coach named to FACA Senior All-Star team.
Springstead, which improved to 6-2 with a win Friday over Ridgewood, was a stride behind with four selections.
The 29-member schools that comprise District 8 could not decide on a District Most Valuable Player, settling instead on a co-MVPs.
Groveland-South Lake’s mammoth offensive tackle, Jon Harrison (6-foot-4, 290 pounds, 3.90 grade point average) and East Ridge’s elusive tailback Jeremy Wright (202 attempts, 2,038 yards, 19 touchdowns) tied for top honors. The assembled coaches voted three times, but could not unlock the tie between the duo.
As District 8 co-MVPs, both Lake County players have the inside track on berths in the North/South Senior All-Star Game to be played Dec. 23 at Bryant Stadium in Lakeland.
Any of the 24 senior FACA District 8 selections, however, may be selected to play in the all-star contest representing the expansive five-county (Hernando, Pasco, Citrus, Lake, Sumter), 29-member school district.
On Monday night, 16 schools were represented (only attending FACA member head coaches or a representative could nominate or vote for players) including: Groveland-South Lake, Clermont-East Ridge, Wildwood, The Villages, Bushnell-South Sumter, Land O’Lakes, Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills, Spring Hill-Springstead, Brooksville-Nature Coast, Brooksville-Central, Crystal River, NPR-River Ridge, Hudson, Shady Hills-Bishop McLaughlin Catholic and Brooksville-Hernando.
North Suncoast coaching no shows included: Brooksville-Hernando Christian Academy, Lecanto, New Port Richey-Ridgewood, Dade City-Pasco, Inverness-Citrus, New Port Richey-Gulf, NPR-Mitchell, Leesburg, Eustis, Tavares, Mount Dora, Umatilla and Mount Dora Bible.
Participating coaches voted on two all-star squads beginning with the Senior All-District Team.
Another All-District squad was selected including all underclassmen. But in that balloting no non-senior players cracked that select group.
Each all-star squad had 24 allotted positions (including 11 players on offense, 11 on defense, plus one place kicker and one punter) as only the top vote getters were honored.
Also, each classification selected a Player of the Year and a corresponding Coach of the Year.

Sharks rule

The Sharks, who had never before had a player voted on to the FACA District 8 Senior All-Star team, was paced by Class 3A’s Coach of the Year, Jamie Joyner, 3A’s Player of the Year Michael Fields, along with Chad Dampier, D.J. Williams and Britt Langley.
What did it mean for Joyner to receive COY?
“It’s humbling,” explained the fifth-year skipper. “Especially when you look around and see the class that’s in the room. It’s really an honor. What this really means is I have a great coaching staff that works its tail off and we have players that not only put in the effort, but also perform as well. The real credit belongs to the assistant coaches and players.”
Springstead High’s 11th-year Head Coach Bill Vonada agreed with Joyner’s selection?
“Jamie has done a real good job building the program there.”
On Dampier, “He’s kinda been a behind the scenes guy,” described Joyner of his 6-foot-1, 250-pound offensive guard. “He’s done everything we’ve asked to prepare for football season. Last year, he was kinda our sixth man up front. He was the only guy with any real experience coming in. It’s great to see him get his time to lead.”
Three members of Shark defense highlighted the squad.
D.J. Williams enters his ninth game with 51 tackles, including seven for a loss, plus 10 hurries.
On D.J. Williams, “As a sophomore he played great,” commented Joyner. “Then he was hurt for most of his junior year. He finally got back on track this year. He’s a tremendous leader. He loves to do all the dirty work that linemen do. He’s the guy that keeps blockers off our linebackers, so they can make plays. It’s good to see the coaches show some respect for one of our guys in the trenches.”
Langley journeys to South Lake this week behind a team-best 93 tackles, two sacks and five hurries.
On Langley, “Michael (Fields) is the face our defense. (Alfredo) Lindo is our emotional leader. D.J (Williams) is the personality, but Tadd (Govedich) and Britt (Langley) are our quiet assassins. I mean, you never see them and then wham they make the tackle.
“When was the last time you saw a 100-meter champ lead any team in tackles? That’s Britt,” exclaimed Joyner. “Every year, he’s elevated his game. This year, he put the defense on his back. He’s one determined young man.”
Fields enters the South Lake game with 32 tackles, five passes defended and three interceptions. He’s returned two fumbles and one interception for touchdowns this season.
On Fields, “He’s better than he was during his All-State year (when he registered 10 INTs),” said Joyner. “Nobody knew about him last year. This year, no one is throwing toward him. He’s a ball hawk back there at safety. He’s the face of our defense. What’s overlooked is how physical he can be.
“He’s a tremendous athlete,” added Joyner. “If we were a passing team, I’d have no problems throwing the ball 10-12 times his way during the game. He’s a tremendous competitor.”

Eagles: four picks

Springstead was represented by wide receiver Ben Noury and three members from Mike Garofano’s defensive unit: lineman Stan Miele, linebacker Nate Schafer and safety Domnique Roberson.
Noury collected 29 passes for 470 yards and three TDs, besides rushing for 320 yards and adding three scores.
On Noury, “He’s a four-year starter,” described Vonada. “He caught our eye at a very young age. He does whatever we ask him to do, no hesitation. This year, he’s become more of a leader. Definitely, his strength is his versatility. What I like most is he is so cool under pressure. And when the game’s on the line, he wants the ball.”
The 6-foot-2, 255-pound Miele has collected 53 tackles, two sacks and caused two fumbles.
On Miele, “His strength is his motor,” smiled Vonada. “It’s always going. We throw the word relentless a lot when we describe Miele. If he starts left, there’s no hesitation for him to finish on right and be in on the hit. If he makes a mistake, he does not succumb to that mistake.”
Schafer leads the Eagles with 102 tackles, 2½ sacks and two hurries.
On Schafer, “He’s one of those guys that has great ability,” pointed out Vonada. “Now, we’ve complimented him with some more players. He’s a guy who arrives game ready. He recognizes things a lot better this year because of his devotion to film study.”
Roberson has swiped three passes, caused two fumbles and scored twice on defense.
On Roberson, “First and foremost, he’s a playmaker on defense,” described Vonada. “He’s a throwback to how we used to prepare for games. He comes into games totally focused. He’s a visualization guy. And most importantly, he’s a young man with character. We’re fortunate to have a lot of characters guys this year.”

Sports Editor Tony Castro can be reached at (352) 544-5278 or online at [email protected].

2008 FACA District 8 Senior All-Star Team
Offensive Selections
POS. PLAYER SCHOOL HT WGT
QB – Denzel Smith S. Sumter 6-2 200
TB – Jeremy Wright E. Ridge 5-10 185
FB – Brandon Rose The Villages 5-8 155
WR – Ben Noury Springstead 6-1 175
WR – Alex Sampson Zephyrhills 5-11 175
TE – Hunter Newton Hudson 5-9 185
OT – Jon Harrison South Lake 6-4 290
OT – Akeem Marsh Wildwood 6-7 295
OG – Michael Bellamy S. Sumter 6-2 285
OG – Chad Dampier NCT 6-1 250
CT – Kamran Joyer W. Chapel 6-3 307
PK – Alex Spock Land O’Lakes 6-1 195

Defensive Selections
POS. PLAYER SCHOOL HT WGT
DL – Christian Renner Land O’Lakes 6-1 265
DL – Montana Barnes S. Sumter 6-1 200
DL – Stan Miele Springstead 6-2 255
DL – D.J. Williams NCT 5’10” 238
LB – Sean Raymond Wildwood 6-2 230
LB – Nate Schafer Springstead 5-11 200
LB – Collin Robinson Land O’Lakes 5-11 215
LB – Britt Langley NCT 5-9 180
CB – Michael Fields NCT 6-1 140
CB – Demetrice McCray Wildwood 6-0 170
SS – Domnique Roberson Springstead 6-2 165
PT – Alex Spock Land O’Lakes 6-1 195

District 8 CO-MVPs
Position Player School HT WT
OT – Jon Harrison South Lake 6-4 290
TB – Jeremy Wright E. Ridge 5’10” 185
Coach of the Year: Jamie Joyner – Nature Coast Technical

District 8 Players of the Year
Class 1A MVP – n/a
Class 1B MVP – Jeff Pope, Bishop McLaughlin
Class 2A MVP – Michael Bellamy, South Sumter
Class 2B MVP – D’Andre Mitchell, Wildwood
Class 3A MVP – Michael Fields, NCT
Class 4A MVP – Jon Harrison, South Lake
Class 5A MVP – Alex Spock, Land O’Lakes
Class 6A MVP – Jeremy Wright, East Ridge

District 8 Coaches of the Year
Class 1A – n/a
Class 1B – Marty Williams, Bishop McLaughlin (4-4)
Class 2A – Inman Sherman, South Sumter (8-1)
Class 2B – Matt Thompson, Wildwood (7-1)
Class 3A – Jamie Joyner, NCT (8-0)
Class 4A – John Benedetto, Land O’Lakes (6-2)
Class 5A – n/a
Class 6A – Bud O’Hara, East Ridge (8-1).

All-Star Game Coach Nominations:
John Benedetto – Land O’Lakes

2008 FACA District 8 All-Star Team (seniors and underclassmen)
Offensive Selections
POS. PLAYER SCHOOL HT WGT
QB – Denzel Smith S. Sumter 6-2 200
TB – Jeremy Wright E. Ridge 5-10 185
FB – Brandon Rose The Villages 5-8 155
WR – Ben Noury Springstead 6-1 175
WR – Alex Sampson Zephyrhills 5-11 175
TE – Hunter Newton Hudson 5-9 185
OT – Jon Harrison South Lake 6-4 290
OT – Akeem Marsh Wildwood 6-7 295
OG – Michael Bellamy S. Sumter 6-2 285
OG – Chad Dampier NCT 6-1 250
CT – Kamran Joyer W. Chapel 6-3 307
PK – Alex Spock Land O’Lakes 6-1 195

2007 FACA District 8 Senior All-Star Team
Offensive Selections
POS. PLAYER SCHOOL HT WGT
QB – Tate Humphrey Mitchell 5-10 190
RB – Byrone Arline Ridgewood 6-0 230
FB – Sean Scott Hudson 5-8 190
FL – Jerome Harrison Land O’Lakes 6-3 170
SE – Tyrone Hendrix Mitchell 5-9 160
TE – Nick Castellano Land O’Lakes 6-4 205
OL – John Karakaris Ridgewood 6-5 290
OL – Randy Foucha Wildwood 5-11 200
OL – Tom Doman Mitchell 6-0 235
OL – Reis Morrison Zephyrhills 6-5 230
OL – Raleigh Bamberg Land O’Lakes 6-3 257
PK – Eric Karcinski River Ridge 5-9 160

Defensive Selections
POS. PLAYER SCHOOL HT WGT
DL – Mike Williams Wildwood 6-1 207
DL – Travis Tindell Hudson 5-10 250
DL – Joe Robinson Land O’Lakes 6-2 220
DL – Taylor Rotunda Hernando 6-3 235
LB – Ben Perry Ridgewood 5-11 230
LB – Raymond Rauch Wesley Chapel6-0 190
LB – Nick Pauliot Hernando 5-8 200
CB – Allyn Williamson Ridgewood 5-10 150
CB – Ely Payne Land O’Lakes 6-4 175
SS – Aaron Jackson Ridgewood 5-10 190
FS – Frank Downie Ridgewood 5-10 170
PT – Lance Babcock River Ridge 6-5 175

District 8 MVP
Position Player School HT WT
RB – Byrone Arline Ridgewood 6-0 230

All-Star Game Coach Nominations:
John Benedetto – Land O’Lakes

District 8 Players of the Year
Class 1A MVP – n/a
Class 1B MVP – n/a
Class 2A MVP – Yourhighness Morgan, South Sumter
Class 2B MVP – Tory Davis, Wildwood
Class 3A MVP – Travis Tindell, Hudson
Class 4A MVP – Byronell Arline, Ridgewood
Class 5A MVP – Tate Humphrey, Mitchell
Class 6A MVP – n/a

District 8 Coaches of the Year
Class 1A – n/a
Class 1B – n/a
Class 2A – Wade Beal, Mount Dora (6-4)
Class 2B – Robert Lindsey, Wildwood (7-4)
Class 3A – Tom McHugh, Pasco (6-5)
Class 4A – Chris Taylor, Ridgewood (9-2)
Class 5A – n/a
Class 6A – n/a

2007 FACA District 8 All-Star Team (seniors and underclassmen)
Offensive Selections
POS. PLAYER SCHOOL HT WGT
QB – Tate Humphrey Mitchell 5-10 190
RB – Byrone Arline Ridgewood 6-0 230
FB – Sean Scott Hudson 5-8 190
FL – Jerome Harrison Land O’Lakes 6-3 170
SE – Tyrone Hendrix Mitchell 5-9 160
TE – Nick Castellano Land O’Lakes 6-4 205
OL – John Karakaris Ridgewood 6-5 290
OL – Randy Foucha Wildwood 5-11 200
OL – Tom Doman Mitchell 6-0 235
OL – Reis Morrison Zephyrhills 6-5 230
OL – Raleigh Bamberg Land O’Lakes 6-3 257
PK – Alex Spock (11th) Land O’Lakes 6-1 185

Defensive Selections
POS. PLAYER SCHOOL HT WGT
DL – Damon Evans Eustis 6-2 190
DL – Quinton Willis Tavares 6-4 240
DL – Rhode McPherson South Lake 6-0 205
DL – Cameron Pope Pasco 6-2 295
DL Chris Harris Umatilla 5-10 240
LB – Kendall Smith South Sumter 6-0 207
LB – Greg Lloyd East Ridge 6-3 215
LB – Josh Linam Tavares 6-3 235
CB – Michael Floyd Zephyrhills 5-10 170
CB – Lannie Graham Land O’Lakes 5-10 170
SS – Terry Mobley South Sumter 5-10 165
FS – Curtis Dewberry East Ridge 6-1 192
PT – Lance Pemble Leesburg 6-3 185

2006 FACA District 8 Senior All-Star Team
Offensive Selections
POS. PLAYER SCHOOL HT WGT
QB – Joe Weatherford Land O’Lakes 6-4 200
RB – DuJuan Harris Central 5-7 180
FB – Richard Kelly South Sumter 6-0 240
FL – Matt Shepherd Leesburg 6-1 170
SE – Develyn Robinson Land O’Lakes 6-0 175
TE – Chris Doran Hernando 6-3 215
CT – Lee Smith LandO’Lakes 6-0 220
OG – Justin Blake Leesburg 6-1 280
OG – Hudson Harrison Eustis 6-4 230
OT – Bo Massey South Sumter 6-1 288
OT – Josh Guthrie South Lake 6-5 320
PK – Kody Stump Sumter Sumter6-1 170

District 8 MVP
Position Player School HT WT
LB – Kendall Smith South Sumter 6-0 207

All-Star Game Coach Nominations:
Steve Moser – Eustis
Cliff Lohrey – Central

District 8 Players of the Year
Class 1A MVP – Ontario McCaleb, Fort Meade
Class 1B MVP – Stephen Johnson, Hernando Christian Academy
Class 2A MVP – Kendall Smith, South Sumter
Class 2B MVP – Kelvin Jackson, Wildwood
Class 3A MVP – Josh Linam, Tavares
Class 4A MVP – DuJuan Harris, Central
Class 5A MVP – Joe Weatherford, Land O’Lakes
Class 6A MVP – Greg Lloyd, East Ridge

District 8 Coaches of the Year
Class 1A – Mike Hayde, Fort Meade (5-4)
Class 1B – Steve Johnson, Hernando Christian Academy (5-5)
Class 2A – Inman Sherman, South Sumter (9-1)
Class 2B – Robert Lindsey, Wildwood (4-5)
Class 3A – Tom Fisher, Zephyrhills (8-1)
Class 4A – Cliff Lohrey, Central (7-2)
Class 5A – John Benedetto, Land O’Lakes (8-1)
Class 6A – Bud O’Hara, East Ridge (7-2)

2006 FACA District 8 All-Star Team (seniors and underclassmen)
Offensive Selections
POS. PLAYER SCHOOL HT WGT
QB – Joe Weatherford Land O’Lakes 6-4 200
RB – Jeff Demps South Lake 5-9 170
FB – Richard Kelly South Sumter 6-0 240
FL – Matt Shepherd Leesburg 6-1 170
SE – Develyn Robinson Land O’Lakes 6-0 175
TE – Chris Doran Hernando 6-3 215
CT – Lee Smith LandO’Lakes 6-0 220
OG – Justin Blake Leesburg 6-1 280
OG – Hudson Harrison Eustis 6-4 230
OT – Bo Massey South Sumter 6-1 288
OT – Josh Guthrie South Lake 6-5 320
PK – Kody Stump Sumter Sumter6-1 170

2005 FACA District 8 Senior All-Star Team
Offensive Selections
POS. PLAYER SCHOOL HT WGT
QB – Jarrod Fleming South Sumter 5-11 173
RB – Ricardo Gillard Villages 5-10 165
FB – Seth Metz Springstead 5-9 190
FL – Carlos Everett South Sumter 6-4 200
SE – Richard Jackson East Ridge 6-4 200
TE – Caz Piurowski Land O’Lakes 6-7 250
CT – Chris Bender Center 6-0 245
OG – Demsey Tavo Mitchell 5-10 235
OG – John Walsh Ridgewood 6-2 275
OT – Chris Sibilia Springstead 6-3 275
OT – Russ Hughes Land O’Lakes 6-3 220
PK – Danny Green South Lake 5-11 185

Defensive Selections
POS. PLAYER SCHOOL HT WGT
DL – Caz Piurowski Land O’Lakes 6-7 250
DL – Mike Willis Tavares 6-5 240
DL – Brandon Ward South Sumter 6-5 210
DL – Mark Revelia Wesley Chapel6-0 230
DL Chris Harris Umatilla 5-10 240
LB – Chris Patrick East Ridge 6-2 215
LB – Kadero Terrell Eustis 6-3 230
LB – Joe Brandau Mitchell 5-9 185
CB – Bryan Thomas Zephyrhills 6-3 190
CB – Lannie Graham Land O’Lakes 5-10 170
SS – Andrew Ortiz Springstead 6-1 195
FS – Richard Chaney Lecanto 6-1 190
PT – C.J. Hnilicia Ridgewood 6-0 180

District 8 MVP
Position Player School HT WT
WR/CB – Bryan Thomas Zephyrhills 6-3 190

2004 FACA District 8 Senior All-Star Team
Offensive Selections
POS. PLAYER SCHOOL HT WGT
QB – Ian Wald Springstead 6-0 185
RB – Carl Robinson Wildwood 6-2 185
FB – Nathan Toole Hudson 6-2 215
FL – Charles Dodson Umatilla 6-0 165
SE – Jeremy Flowers Central 6-0 180
TE – Izryal Webb Citrus 6-2 195
CT – Khalil Madani Wesley Chapel6-3 300
OG – Lee Shaver East Ridge 6-3 315
OG – William Wilson Springstead 6-0 255
OT – Danny Tolley Wesley Chapel6-6 305
OT – Colin Roddy East Ridge 6-2 275
PK – Justin DeMutiis Springstead 5-7 150

Defensive Selections
POS. PLAYER SCHOOL HT WGT
DL – Ryan Pace East Ridge 5-11 190
DL – Jerry Carter Pasco 6-3 275
DL – Casey Smith Mitchell 6-1 225
DL – James Jones Leesburg 5-11 225
LB – Scott Mays Land O’Lakes 5-10 208
LB – Pedro Jasso South Sumter 6-0 225
LB – Daniel Harris Central 5-10 195
CB – Joe Burnett Eustis 5-10 185
CB – Joe Huggins East Ridge 5-10 180
SS – Nate Youngblood South Sumter 5-10 180
FS – Fabian Wilson South Sumter 5-11 170
PT – John Heiser Wesley Chapel6-1 175

District 8 MVP
Position Player School HT WT
RB/CB – Joe Burnett Eustis 5-10 185

2003 FACA District 8 Senior All-Star Team
Offensive Selections
POS PLAYER SCHOOL HT WT
QB – Drew Weatherford Land O’Lakes 6-3 210
RB – Dante O’Neal Pasco 5-9 160
RB – Dontrel Lewis Umatilla 5-9 275
FL – Johnny Peyton Pasco 6-5 180
SE – Josh Hladky South Lake 6-1 175
TE – Jordan Hoolihan River Ridge 6-1 200
C – Seth Fabin Wesley Chapel6-3 285
OG – Daniel Cerf Zephyrhills 6-1 245
OG – Casey Martin South Sumter 6-3 260
OT – Drew Noe South Sumter 6-4 300
OT – Charles Gonyea Springstead 6-0 255
PK – Mike Hibbert Central 5-11 175

Defensive Selections
POS PLAYER SCHOOL HT WT
NG – Daniel Cerf Zephyrhills 6-1 245
DT – Jesse Sheffer South Sumter 6-1 265
DT – Rob Kennedy South Lake 6-1 245
DE – David McLeod Umatilla 6-0 185
DE – Chuck Emerson Wesley Chapel5-11 170
LB – Luke Leininger South Lake 6-2 215
LB – Darnell Craig Central 6-2 200
CB – Rod Roberts Hernando 5-9 180
CB – Derrick Johnson Eustis 5-11 180
SS – Josh Faust Umatilla 6-3 190
FS – Chris Bunch Crystal River 6-3 180
PT – Gabriel Montelongo Wesley Chapel6-2 185

District 8 MVP
POS PLAYER SCHOOL HT WT
QB – Drew Weatherford Land O’Lakes 6-3 210

Top Offensive Players
POS PLAYER SCHOOL HT WT
QB – Drew Weatherford Land O’Lakes 6-3 210
WR – Johnny Peyton Pasco 6-5 180

Top Defensive Players
POS PLAYER SCHOOL HT WT
FS – Chris Bunch Crystal River 6-3 180
DT – Daniel Cerf Zephyrhills 6-1 245

2002 FACA District 8 Senior All-Star Team
Offensive Selections
POS PLAYER SCHOOL HT WT
QB – Ben Alford Pasco 6-2 185
RB – Tyrone Tomlin Wesley Chapel6-1 210
RB – Tim Gaynor Central 5-11 190
FL – Logan Payne Land O’Lakes 6-2 180
SE – Wes Reynolds South Lake 5-10 165
TE – Dustin Collins Land O’Lakes 6-1 190
C – Bobby O’Dell Land O’Lakes 6-3 305
OG – Clay Styncomb Umatilla 6-1 218
OG – Walter Truzack Hudson 6-1 245
OT – Joey Tuttle Land O’Lakes 6-3 235
OT – Carlton Medder South Lake 6-6 320
PK – Bobby Batista Central 6-0 200

Defensive Selections
POS PLAYER SCHOOL HT WT
NG – Doug Burden Zephyrhills 5-7 160
DT – Derrick Gentles Wesley Chapel6-6 265
DT – Shane Hand Zephyrhills 6-2 300
DE – Kirk Moats Pasco 6-2 210
DE – Adamm Oliver Ridgewood 6-4 240
LB – Ben Moffitt South Sumter 6-2 235
LB – Joel Maple Umatilla 6-2 190
CB – Sam Miller South Sumter 5-10 190
CB – Marcus Allen Pasco 5-9 165
SS – Earl Everett South Sumter 6-3 210
FS – Derek Henry Umatilla 6-1 170
PT – Ben Alford Pasco 6-2 185

District 8 MVP
POS PLAYER SCHOOL HT WT
SS – Earl Everett South Sumter 6-3 210
Top Offensive Players

POS PLAYER SCHOOL HT WT
WR – Logan Payne Land O’Lakes 6-2 180
OT – Carlton Medder South Lake 6-6 320

Top Defensive Players
POS PLAYER SCHOOL HT WT
SS – Earl Everett South Sumter 6-3 210
DE – Adamm Oliver Ridgewood 6-4 240

Nine County Gridders Feted by FACA District 8

Published by admin

Leave a Reply Cancel reply