Winter Haven HS Football Preview

[E.T.]

Published Thursday, August 26, 2004

Blue Devils Are Optimistic

By Lisa Coffey

The Ledger

lisa.coffey@theledger.com

WINTER HAVEN

A new commitment and 28 returning seniors with experience have Winter Haven coach Brian Jozwiak believing the Blue Devils can turn around back-to-back 3-7 seasons.

"We're trying things a little bit different this year," Jozwiak said. "I've asked for more investment from the players. When they lose, it's going to hurt."

Jozwiak said the players who played in the spring game are back this fall, with only freshmen newcomers.

Jozwiak described his players as football players this year, not guys who play football.

"That has me excited," Jozwiak said.

His offense, defense and a luxury of depth also have him smiling.

However, time will tell.

The Blue Devils lost two proven players in quarterback Eric LaRue and kicker Brian Davidson.

Senior Tim McNamee steps in at quarterback. Jozwiak labels him as an intelligent, tough leader who is one of the hardest working players on the team.

Davidson was a top kicker. But he might not be missed as sophomore kicker Chris Smith steps in after a season on the junior varsity.

"I think he (Smith) might be a little better," said Jozwiak.

Speedy Rodriguez Hubbard returns at tailback for the Blue Devils. He should have no trouble turning in some good numbers behind a strong offensive line.

"If our offensive line helps him at all, he could be one of the best in the county," Jozwiak said.

Tony Mullis, a transfer from West Virginia, senior guard Joel Dittman, senior center Pat Green, senior guard John Calhoun and senior tackle Jay Shepherd lead the line.

A defense led by coaches George Bass, Tommy LeJeune and Dan Wallace should be improved. The senior-laden unit -- with Brandon Roberts and Zach Adkins at linebackers and solid defensive ends Matt Coulter and Justin Pfingston -- provides experience and hope of a winning season.

"I believe we are a playoff-caliber team," Jozwiak said.

BLUE DEVILS

Coach Brian Jozwiak (3rd year 6-14)

2003 record: 3-7.

Last time in playoffs: 2001, lost to Tampa Jefferson, 21-14, in region semifinals.

School colors: Navy blue and yellow.

Class, District: Class 4A, District 8.

Homefield: Denison Stadium.

Coaching staff: George Bass (DB), George Dillard (WR), Jason Spiro (QB), Dan Nobles (OL), Danny Wallace (LB), Tavarious Johnson (RB), Tom LeJeune (DL).

Returning offensive starters: RB Drek Hubbard (5-10, 185, Sr.), WR Zach Charles (5-11, 165, Jr.), OL Joel Dittman (6-1, 295, Sr.), OL Patrick Green (6-2, 260, Sr.), OL Tony Mullis (6-5, 290, Sr.).

Returning defensive starters: LB Zach Adkins (5-11, 185, Sr.), DT Terrell Williams (5-8, 230, Sr.), CB Jude Destin (5-10, 170, Sr.), CB Antonio Goodman (6-1, 170, Jr.), DE Justin Pfingston (6-1, 205, Sr.), DE Matt Coulter (6-3, 185, Sr.)

Remaining roster: RB Jervegas Vaughn (5-9, 205, Jr.), Eddie Smith (6-1, 165, Jr.), QB Ryan Temples (5-10, 160, Sr.), Damien Jean (5-9, 160, Jr.), RB Deante Lewis (5-7, 145, Jr.), RB Brad Dollison (5-8, 180, Sr.), WR Bert Heberling (5-7, 135, Sr.), QB/TE Tim McNamee (5-11, 180, Sr.), WR Stewart Negley (5-10, 140, Jr.), DL J.R. Strickland 5-10 (5-10, 190, Sr.), P/PK Chris Smith (5-9, 165, Jr.), DB Christian Franklin (5-10, 150, Jr.), DB Keaton Thompson (5-9, 160, Jr.), DB Anderson Lovinsky (5-8, 150, Sr.), DB/RB Rashaan Eaton (5-7, 150, Sr.), LB/RB Brandon Roberts (6-2, 200, So.), DE/TE Renard Ellis (6-1, 180, Jr.), DB Joseph Alvarez (5-10, 170, Sr.), DB Jason Taylor (5-7, 165, Jr.), DL Jarrod Fields (6-0, 200, Sr.), DL Adam Berry (6-1, 205, Sr.), DE Matt Faubert (5-11, 170, Jr.), OL John Calhoun (6-0, 220, Sr.), OL Fran Hernandez (6-0, 210, Sr.), OL Jay Shepherd (6-3, 310, Sr.), DL Grant Clark (5-10, 210, So.), DE Brian Sherrard (5-11, 175, Jr.), Tim Kraemer (6-2, 225, Jr.), OL Billy Johnston (6-1, 270, Jr.), OL Harold Moffait (6-3, 295, Jr.), TE Josh McKenzie (6-3, 210, Jr.), WR Jimmy Ferdinand (6-1, 175, Sr.), Carson Black (N/A), DL Christian Larue (5-10, 190, Jr.)

Key game: Oct. 1 at Lake Region.

Forecast: 4-6.

2003 Results (3-7)

Lakeland L, 7-14

Bartow L, 28-34

Lake Wales L, 29-42

Geo. Jenkins L, 14-38

Lake Region W, 31-24

Auburndale L, 3-42

Haines City L, 0-27

Lake Gibson L, 7-38

Poinciana W, 17-6

Belleview W, 21-16

[smazza]

still bad