Mulberry HS Football Preview

[E.T.]

Published Thursday, August 26, 2004

Panthers in Playoffs? It's Possible

By DURWARD BUCK

Ledger Correspondent

MULBERRY

It could be Mulberry's turn.

One by one, high school teams in Polk County have had their seasons in the limelight, emerging as football powers. Teams such as Auburndale, Bartow, Frostproof, Fort Meade, Kathleen, Haines City, Lakeland, Lake Wales and Lake Gibson have been state contenders or champions.

Mulberry hasn't been to the playoffs since 1985.

But there are hints the Panthers may be building into a Class 2A power.

Never mind that Mulberry has only nine seniors returning from 2003, when the Panthers went 3-7. Four or five of them are two-way players. And the talent pool in the lower classes is considerable.

The cause for optimism, according to Mulberry coach Kevin Wells, is attitude.

"It's the best since I've been around here," said Wells, who was an assistant for two years before becoming head coach last year.

Attitude, he explained, translates into hard work and team unity. That has not been present in past seasons.

Another strong point will be the group of assistant coaches Wells has assembled.

"This is the best coaching staff I've been associated with," Wells said.

The staff includes Mulberry product Dedrick Dodge, a former NFL player who will be the offensive coordinator, and veteran coach Kenneth Grantham as defensive coordinator.

The Panthers' ranks were bolstered by a couple of newcomers -- sort of -- Freddie West and Calvin Dawson.

Dawson and West started their prep careers at Mulberry, transferred to George Jenkins and have now returned.

The 190-pound Dawson is a versatile senior who can play wide receiver, defensive back and running back. But at Mulberry, he is being groomed as a quarterback to run the Panthers' new Wing-T attack.

And there is depth at the position with returning starter George Fields.

The running backs will be West and 250-pound junior Rolandis Jacobs.

There is great depth at wingback and wide receiver. Senior Antwan Harris, a 6-5, 180-pounder with speed, is getting attention from college scouts. He will likely play flanker.

Seniors Joe Fox and Derrick Young, plus Matt Tucker, a 300pounder, will get playing time at tight end.

The future is glowing at Mulberry. This season's success will depend, according to Wells, on one factor.

"The offensive line," he said. "If the line is effective, so will we be."

The leaders along the line are Fox, Young and Matt Turner, another 300-pounder.

Nathan Nichols, Mike Wright and Melvin Walker lead the tight end corps.

The defensive unit is led by linebacker Kannard Baker and hard-hitting safety Fields.

PANTHERS

Coach: Kevin S. Wells ( 2nd year, 3-7)

2003 record: 3-7.

Last time in playoffs: 1985, lost to Wildwood, 25-0, in regional playoffs.

School colors: Blue, white, gray-black.

Nickname: Panthers.

Class, District: Class 2A, District 5.

Homefield: Phosphate Bowl.

Coaching staff: Glen Vinson (AHC/DL), Dedrick Dodge (OC/DB), Kenny Carrol (DE/OL), Kenneth Grantham (DC/OL), Frank Pierce (QB), Scott Darringo (DE), Scott Worthington (QB/OC/JV), Ced Jones (RB-DC-JV), Richie Sledge (JV/OL/DL).

Returning offensive starters: WR Antwan Harris (6-5, 180, Sr.), QB/RB Tim London (5-9, 165, Jr.), QB George Fields (5-10, 165, Sr.), OL Joe Fox (6-3, 180, Sr.), OL Derrick Young (6-0, 200, Sr.).

Returning defensive starters: LB Kannard Baker (5-10, 200, So.), DB Myron Carr (6-0, 180, Senior).

Remaining roster: Ryan Formash (330, Jr.), Robbie Collins (165, So.), Travis Barker (190, Jr.), Robbie Elwood (215, So.), Josh Hall (165, Jr.), Nathan Nichols (185, Jr.), Nick David (285, Jr.), Wesley Lott (220, Sr.), Mike Singletary (300, Jr.), Matt Tucker (300, Sr.), Willie McCaleb (150, So.), Roshea Brown (160, Sr.), Mike Wright (155, Jr.), Ricky Campbell (190, Sr.), Dontavius Wilborn (175, Jr.), Phelan Jessee (135, So.), Melvin Walker (160, Jr.), Mike Knight (140, So.), Will Mansfield (140, Jr.), Zach Hall (150, Sr.), Rolandis Jacobs (250, Jr.), Freddy West (220, Jr.), Calvin Dawson (190, Sr.).

Key game: Oct. 29 at Cocoa Beach.

Forecast: 4-6.

2003 Results (3-7)

Evangel L, 0-12

Zephyrhills L, 12-26

Lake Placid W, 14-7

Fort Meade L, 0-51

Hardee L, 21-51

Frostproof L, 12-43

Avon Park L, 7-35

Bartow L, 14-35

Cocoa Beach W, 21-8

Keswick Christian W, 27-8

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