Auburndale HS Football Preview

[E.T.]

Published Thursday, August 26, 2004

Bloodhounds Will Run Wild

By Roy Fuoco

The Ledger

roy.fuoco@theledger.com

AUBURNDALE

Bob Williams tried to find the perfect description for his feelings on his team's chances this season. Finally, he settled on one -- pessimistically optimistic.

If that seems like a dual meaning, there's a good reason. There's dual meaning in many aspects for the Bloodhounds, who are coming off an 8-3 season as district runners-up to Lake Gibson.

For instance, the Bloodhounds lost two talented skill position players, including 1,000-yard rusher Chubb Small, who was one of the top running backs in the county.

However, Williams agreed this might be the deepest Auburndale has been at the skill positions in the three years he has been there. Yet, that is not the strength it might appear as overall depth could be a problem.

The Bloodhounds could have as many as seven players start both ways. And even if they don't start, many of the key players will play on both offense and defense.

Replacing Small might be the least of the Bloodhounds' problems. In DeMario Leverett, Antwan Booker and Gernade Gallishaw, all returning players, along with All Saints transfer Everett Laster, Auburndale has four players who can play running back or receiver and help take the pressure off Dedrick Davis.

Ryan DeLoach, Daniel Evans and Darius Bryant also could figure in the offensive mix.

Again the double meaning comes into play. For all the potential playmakers Auburndale has, Davis is the key player at quarterback.

One way or another, Auburndale will look for ways to get the ball in his hands and at times will bring in Cory Mathis, who started last season at George Jenkins.

There are two keys offensively. The first is rebuilding the offensive line. Ed Hardee, a wrestling standout, and Richard Weed return. But the Bloodhounds need to replace three-year starters Brian Casey, Aaron McKenzie and Eric Washington.

The other key could be if players will emerge so Davis won't have to play linebacker as often on defense to keep him fresh on offense. Even still, six of the seven returning starters on defense also start on offense.

"Conditioning is the key," Williams said. "We have to stay healthy and be lucky."

Williams emphasized in his first team meeting how fine a line there is between winning and losing.

He pointed out that the team was seven points from being undefeated in the regular season as Auburndale lost to Kathleen by four points and Lake Gibson by three points.

However, there's even another dual meaning to that. Williams added that the Bloodhounds also were five points from being 6-4, as they beat Lake Wales by just two points and George Jenkins by three.

BLOODHOUNDS

Coach: Bob Williams (4th year, 14-1

2003 record: 8-3, district runner-up.

Last time in playoffs: 2002, lost to Land O'Lakes, 24-19, in regional quarterfinals.

School colors: Royal blue and gold.

Class, District: Class 4A, District 8.

Homefield: Bruce Canova Stadium.

Coaching staff: Dave Robson (OC), Pat Dooley (DC), Paul Green (DB), Drent Harbin (OL), Matt Costine (DL), Tony Williams (LB), Steve Powers (WR).

Returning offensive starters: QB Dedrick Davis (5-11, 195, Sr.), OT Ed Hardee (6-2, 220, Sr.), RB DeMario Leverett (6-1, 195, Jr.), FB Antwan Booker (6-0, 240, Jr.), WR Ryan DeLoach (6-1, 190, Jr.), RB Gernade Gallishaw (6-1, 180, Jr.), G Richard Weed (6-0, 220, Sr.)

Returning defensive starters: LB Davis, LB Hardee, LB Booker, CB DeLoach, CB Gallishaw, S Leverett, LB Tristen Maxwell (6-1, 210, Sr.)

Remaining roster: P/K Pascal Milien (5-8, 150, Jr.), WR/DB Darius Bryant (5-10, 175, Jr.), QB/DB Cory Mathis (5-11, 175, Jr.), WR/DB Daniel Evans (5-8, 150, Jr.), WR/DB Von Bradford (5-10, 175, So.), RB/LB J.J. Bock (5-7, 150, So.), RB/LB Aaron Murray (5-10, 175, Sr.), OL/DL Billy Skinner (6-4, 210, Sr.), OL/DL Jerrod Anderson (6-3, 200, Sr), OL/DL Heath Hall (6-2, 210, Sr.), OL/DL Don Simpson (6-2, 240, Sr.), OL/DL Don Simpson (6-2, 240, Sr.), OL/LB Maurice Ellerbee (6-0, 220, So.), OL/DL Derrick McBrayer (6-2, 230, So.), OL/LB Josh Hicks (6-0, 190, So.), OL/DL Matt Polston (5-10, 220, Jr.), OL/DL Robert Barrington (5-10, 185, Sr.), OL/DL Antuan Alexander (5-8, 165, Sr.), Travis Ebanks (5-10, 240, Sr.), OL/DL Brandon Huffman (6-1, 210, Sr.), OL/DL Robert Wagner (6-0, 250, Sr.), OL/DL Jonathon Jackson (6-1, 240, Sr.), OL/DL John Thomas (6-0, 220, Jr.), OL/DL Aaron Clark (6-0, 190, Jr.), OL/DL Tyree Deleard (6-3, 350, Jr.), OL/DL Travis Davis (6-3, 210, Sr.), OL/DL Cory Powers (6-4, 240 Jr.), WR/DB Donnie Penton (5-10, 175 Jr.), WR/DB Kendrick Hill (5-6, 175 Jr.).

Key game: Oct. 15 vs. Lake Gibson.

Forecast: 7-3.

2003 Results (8-3)

Lake Wales W, 19-17

Gateway W, 40-21

Haines City W, 23-9

Kathleen L, 9-13

Poinciana W, 48-0

Winter Haven W, 42-3

Lake Gibson L, 33-36

Lake Region W, 41-7

Geo. Jenkins W, 23-20

Celebration W, 52-0

*Land O'Lakes L, 19-24

*Playoffs