All Saints HS Football Preview

[E.T.]

Published Thursday, August 26, 2004

Saints Bring Balance

By JAMES LAY

Ledger Correspondent

WINTER HAVEN

One thing's for sure this year, All Saints won't be a one-man show.

When Everett Laster transferred to Auburndale in the off-season, he left All Saints with a 1,322-yard and 11-touchdown hole in its offense.

"We will fill his loss with a more well-balanced offense," said All Saints head coach Trae Stokes.

Over the next four weeks, All Saints, made up mostly of second-sport football players, will learn the new 13-formation offense that Stokes said will move toward this goal. Each player is integral in his plans for success.

John Bangley, the team's new offensive coordinator and quarterback coach, will assist Stokes in building the offense.

Bangley, a two-time national championship quarterback at Elon University in North Carolina, will have sophomore Dominique Jones and junior David Craig at quarterback.

"We have two good quarterbacks and expert coaching for them," Stokes said.

Senior Matt Kormann will occupy the backfield as the running back in place of Laster. Stokes said he has great confidence in Kormann.

Josh May, a 220-pound junior, and senior Nick Pitsikoulis (5-11, 195) will anchor the offensive line.

Defensive coordinator Kyle Harper's defense uses a multiple 4-3 formation and will blitz often.

David Brice, Gaylord Walters and Leonard Groomes will also assist in coaching All Saints.

All Saints' toughest games are its first two. The Saints open at Keswick Christian and Northside Christian in St. Petersburg.

"It's like a team having to play Florida State and Miami," Stokes said.

Last year Keswick trampled All Saints, 30-0, and Northside Christian won, 36-0. Stokes understands the importance of these games.

"If we win these first two games," he said. "We have a chance to go undefeated."

All Saints will also play county rival Santa Fe for the first time since becoming an independent.

"I think we have a chance in every game," Stokes said.

SAINTS

Coach: Trae Stokes, (2nd year 6-3).

2003 record: 6-3.

Last time in playoffs: Never.

School colors: Navy, white and red.

Class, District: Independent.

Homefield: Jahna Stadium.

Coaching staff: John Bangley (OC), Kyle Harper (DC), Gaylord

Walters (AC), David Brice (OL, SP), Leonard Groomes (LB, SP).

Returning offensive starters: C Josh May (6-0, 220, Jr.), LT Nick Pitsikoulis (5-11, 195, Sr.), TB Matt Kormann (5-11, 195, Sr.), FB/DT Luke Claiguire (5-8, 160, Jr.), WR/K/ P Harrison Chadwell (6-3, 210, Sr.), QB David Craig (6-1, 170, Jr.), OL Don Watson (5-9, 165, Jr.), QB Dominique Jones (6-1, 170, So.).

Returning defensive starters: DT Luke Brocco (5-8, 140, Sr.), DB Alex Emanuel (6-0, 170, So.), DL Zach Long (6-0, 200, So.), MLB May, MLB Pitsikoulis, FS Kormann, DT Caliguire, P Chadwell, DB Cummings, OL Watson, DT Brocco, DB Maloney.

Remaining roster: WR Rory Maloney (5-9, 165, Sr.), TE/WR/OLB Garrett Waldron (6-2, 190, Sr.).

Key game: Oct. 8 vs. Santa Fe.

Forecast: 3-6.

2003 Results (8-3)

Keswick L, 0-30

Northside Chr. L, 0-36

Ocala Chr. W, 41-13

Sonrise W, 33-14

Shorecrest L, 14-35

Cambridge W, 23-20

Landmark W, 35-14

Brevard Chr. W, 24-8

Temple Heights W, 37-20

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