Santa Fe HS Football Preview

[E.T.]

Published Thursday, August 26, 2004

Hawks Have Potential

By RUSSELL McMULLEN

Ledger Correspondent

First-year Santa Fe coach Mike Jones is excited. He is excited because where others see a team that was 2-8 last year, Jones sees a team that has matured and has potential.

One of the things he sees and likes is all-around talent Mark Barrios.

"He is one of the best pure athletes at the high school level I've been around," Jones said.

That comment may come as a surprise to some who have not heard of Barrios. Barrios was hampered with a sprained ankle for most of 2003 and still averaged close to 6.0 yards per carry. He will be the focal point of the offense, the placekicker and the punter.

Jones is also excited about the improved maturation of his junior quarterback Brian Studiale. Studiale has developed his passing skills as well as his overall physical strength, Jones said.

"Brian's a very smart, very mature kid," Jones said. "He's a good passer, but if there's one thing he's not, it's quick."

Because of that, Jones has discarded the veer from the offensive playbook. He plans to get the ball into Barrios' hands as much as possible, as well as 6-foot-5, 195-pound tight end Mike Bearden. Barrios and Bearden, along with returning wide receiver Woody Taves, should give Studiale plenty of options to choose from in the passing game.

Although Jones, the backfield coach under former head coach Ryan Vann, likes the offense, it's the defense that has been revamped.

Jones said it is the strength of the team, as well as its most improved unit.

Jones could be described as a smash-mouth, old-school coach. His philosophy is conservative and hard-nosed. He said his team gave up too many big plays last year.

Santa Fe will play only two linebackers, with Ryan Faiola, Jack Gartrell and transfer Allen Jenkins competing for the spots.

Faiola led the team in tackles as a freshman.

In 2003, Santa Fe had only 17 players go out for football. Nearly every player had to play every down.

The Crimson Hawks have 28 players out this year. Players still will play both ways, but it allows for more rest and gives them more depth.

Perhaps the only thing that Jones is not excited about is the district. It features perennial powerhouse Fort Meade, the state runner-up in class A in 2003, and region finalist Evangel Christian.

Despite his team's tough schedule, Jones has not lowered his expectations. In fact, he's raised them.

"I project that we'll have a winning record this year," Jones said.

CRIMSON HAWKS

Coach: Mike Jones (1st year).

2003 record: 2-8.

Last time in playoffs: 2001, lost to Keswick Christian, 27-12, in regional quarterfinals.

School colors: Silver and crimson.

Class, District: Class A, District 9.

Homefield: Sante Fe Field.

Coaching staff: Billy Dickerson (AHC/ST), Joe Faiola (LB/DE), Bill Begenau (WR/DB), James Chapman (OL/DL).

Returning offensive starters: TE Mike Bearden (6-5, 195, Sr.), G/T Ryan Parker (6-3, 215, Sr.), T Sam Barrett (6-4, 285, Jr.), WR Woody Taves (6-0, 175, Sr.), TB Mark Barrios (5-9, 185, Sr.), QB Brian Studiale (5-9, 170, Jr.).

Returning defensive starters: DE Bearden, DT Parker, DT Barrett, DB Taves, DB Barrios, LB Ryan Faiola (5-9, 180, So.), LB Jack Gartrell (5-9, 180, Sr.), DB Steve Horvath (5-9, 160, Jr.), DB Austin Boles (5-8, 140, Jr.).

Remaining roster: DE Steven Hurley (6-2, 175, Sr.), DE Brandon Coquyt (5-11, 160, Sr.), LB James Studiale (5-8, 150, Sr.), E/QB Nate Striz (6-0, 180, So.), OL Tony Rivera (5-9, 185, Jr.), OL Robert Jordan (5-9, 165, Jr.), WR Brett Brasington (5-9, 150, Jr.), TB Chris Damiano (5-8, 150, So.), TB David Joy (5-9, 160, So.), OL Noel Bower (5-9, 150, Fr.), OL Jonathan Hardin (6-1, 220, So.), OL Robert Thompson (5-10, 160, Jr.), DB James Digimon (5-8, 140, So.), OL Mark Nemechek (5-9, 150, So.), OL Patrick Lee (5-11, 170, Jr.), DB Matt Garzarelli (5-8, 135, Jr.).

Key game: Oct. 29 vs. Evangel.

Forecast: 2-8.

2003 Results (2-8 )

Northside L, 0-40

Master's Ac. L, 19-22

Cocoa Beach L, 0-43

Ad. Farragut L, 0-21

Fort Meade L, 0-46

Cambridge W, 34-3

Sonrise W, 34-26

Tampa Catholic L, 7-27

Evangel L, 7-28

First Acadamy L, 7-55

[smazza]

great

[Papa_Bull]

great

Do you plan on bringing back up EVERY HS thread?