Lake Gibson HS Football Preview

[E.T.]

Published Thursday, August 26, 2004

Braves Become the Hunted

By Roy Fuoco

The Ledger

roy.fuoco@theledger.com

LAKELAND

Lake Gibson's high-powered offense, led by quarterback Matt Grothe, running back Travis Buford and wide receiver Roger Frazier, was a big reason why the Braves reached the Class 4A state championship game in 2003.

Grothe's back, and Frazier's back. But if the Braves want to repeat last season's success, they might need to depend on their defense, especially early.

The only other offensive starters returning are running back Raymond Martin and center Kenny Odom, who was moved to tackle.

Needing to rebuild the offensive line is the big reason why head coach Keith DeMyer said the offense might take time.

The defense enters the season a bit more experienced as six starters return, possibly seven.

Linebacker Cameron McCalpin injured his knee (ACL) in the spring and won't have surgery until next March. He's been working out all summer and will try to play this season with a brace.

DeMyer said that in light workouts early, it was hard to tell that McCalpin was hurt.

"There's a 60-40 chance that he'll play," DeMyer said. "That will certainly make a better football team. That's 150 tackles at one position."

McCalpin was one of the top linebackers in the county last season as a junior.

Even without their top linebacker, the Braves should be solid on defense.

Van Alexander (5-11, 235) is one of the top defensive linemen in the county and will play both defensive tackle and defensive end.

Kyle Sasser (5-10, 205) and Aubrey Bowers (5-11, 215) also return up front.

"I think we can be better defensively than last year," DeMyer said. "Of course, a lot of that hinges on if Cameron plays."

A tough early schedule will test the defense.

After playing Lakeland in the Kickoff Classic, the Braves open the season against Kathleen and Lake Wales.

Of course, Grothe and Frazier will be the top weapons on offense.

But the Braves might have surprising depth at the skill positions, especially wide receiver. Laron Shaw (basketball) and Bobby Taylor are multi-sport athletes who looked impressive at camps over the summer. Brandon Melton, a backup last season, and Natiel Smith are also in the receiving rotation.

Buford, a 2000-yard rusher, will be hard to replace. Martin and Isaac Harris will be the primary backs.

But most of the attention on offense will be on developing the offensive line.

Odom (6-1, 315) is moving to left tackle to replace Florida signee Jason Watkins. If all goes well, the line could average 279 pounds.

BRAVES

Coach: Keith DeMyer (2nd year, 12-3; 73-48 overall)

2003 record: 12-3, district champion.

Last time in playoffs: 2003, lost to Armwood, 29-21, in state championship game.

School colors: Garnett and gold.

Class, District: Class 4A, District 8.

Homefield: Virgil Ramage Stadium.

Coaching staff: Shannon Arnett (DC, LB), Doug DeMyer (OC), Tom Sasser (DB), Steve Scheloske (OL), Donald Vandygriff (OB), Ryan Vann (WR), Robert Whitaker (DL).

Returning offensive starters: OL Kenny Odom (6-1, 305, Sr.), WR Roger Frazier (6-1, 175, Sr.), QB Matt Grothe (6-1, 195, Sr.), FB Raymond Martin (6-1, 190, Jr.).

Returning defensive starters: DL Van Alexander (5-11, 235, Sr.), DL Aubrey Bowers (5-11, 205, Sr.), DB Chris Duvalt (5-11, 160, Jr.), DB Marvin Clecidor (5-9, 170, Sr.), LB Kyle Sasser (5-10, 205, Sr.), LB Cory Mercer (5-11, 210, Sr.), LB Cameron McCalpin (5-10, 175, Jr.).

Remaining roster: LB Ronald Buford (5-10, 190, Sr.), DB D. Graham (5-10, 170, Sr.), TE LaRon Shaw (6-3, 205, Sr.), WR Bobby Taylor (6-4, 175, Sr.), LB Mica Williams (6-1, 180, So.), DB Adam McKinnon (5-10, 170, Sr.), QB Josh Tremblay (5-10, 160, So.), WR Brandon Melton (6-4, 190, Sr.), WR Natiel Smtih (6-1, 170, Jr.), RB Isaac Harris (5-9, 170, Jr.), LB John Williams (5-11, 190, Jr.), WR Darron Branton (5-9, 145, So.), DL Raphiel Johnson (5-10, 170, Jr.), LB Jarod Daughtry (5-10 185, Sr.), DB Chris Furman (5-10, 140, Jr.), LB Fred Lewis (5-11, 170, So.), DB Javae Ingraham (5-10, 175, So.), DB Robert Smith (5-11, 175, Sr.), LB Shawn Waters (6-0, 175, So.), DB Vance Doughty (5-9, 155, So.), DL Josh Tergerson (6-0, 185, Sr.), RB Larry Rhynes (5-11, 185, Jr.), DB Stephon Ruffin (5-9, 160, Sr.), RB Xavier Covington (5-9, 165, Sr.), RB Jarvis Patterson (5-9, 175, So.), DB Amir Rashid (5-9, 170, So.), OL Mike Albright (511, 280, Sr.), OL Josh Shiver (5-11, 265, Sr.), DL Fred Copland (6-3, 190, Jr.), OL Jamel Bell (6-4, 310, Jr.), OL J. Morrison (6-2, 245, Jr.), OL Jon Spears (5-10, 240, Jr.), OL Jameson Lee (5-11, 230, Fresh.), OL Austin McComas (6-1, 230, So.), DL Elise Medina (5-11, 210, So.), DL Leon Stewart (5-11, 250, So.), DL Rashad Battles (6-2, 255, So.), OL J. McGuire (6-0, 245, Sr.), OL DeShun Walls (6-1, 260, Jr.), OL Daniel Lacy (6-0, 240, So.), OL Nick Creach (67, 290, Sr.), DB DeWarren Lewis (5-9, 145, Sr.), WR Devon Foster (6-0, 160, Sr.), P/PK Jake Bloodworth (6-0, 150, Sr.), TE Justin Davis (6-0, 180, Jr.), DL Kevin Jones (5-11, 175, Jr.), DL James Jones (5-11, 165, Fresh.), DL Levi Nichols (6-1, 165, So.), DL Josh Taylor (6-1, 255, Jr.).

Key game: Oct. 15 vs. Auburndale.

Forecast: 9-1.

2003 Results (12-3)

Kathleen L, 7-13

Lake Wales W, 42-14

G. Jenkins W, 28-14

L. Region W, 35-17

Haines City L, 14-17

Poinciana W, 49-0

Auburndale W, 36-33

Winter Haven W, 38-7

Oviedo W, 28-17

Lakewood Ranch W, 28-10

*Mitchell W, 56-7

*East Ridge W, 56-27

*Land O'Lakes W, 44-35

*Columbia W, 33-14

*Armwood L 21-29

*Playoffs

[E.T.]

The game is at 7 PM at Lake Gibson if anyone wants to go.

[smazza]

great

[E.T.]

I was there for the first quarter, then when they sent the kids to the locker room because of impending storm, we left.

From what I saw ...

4th and 3 at LG 43, shotgun formation, snap and Grothe "pooch punts" it to Lakeland's 15  8) Thought of MB. As I said, didn't see too much ... also had a nice scramble and then shuttle passed to to the WR, he has good presense. Also, his O-Line only returned 1 starter and Lakeland has a good D-Line.

This kid is every bit 6-2, 280 lbs. Didn't watch him too much, but warm-ups, looks good.

The WR Frazier is tall & lean, dropped an awesome pass early ... also returns Punts & KO's.

And #78 Nick Creach, OL 6-7, 290 lbs.

8) Grothe (growth-e) pronounce the long "e"

[E.T.]

Conversation of LG - LKL Kick-Off classic 8-27

http://www.thebullspen.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?board=news;action=display;num=1093664586