Football team preview: Anclote

Anclote

At a glance

Coach: Antony Smith (first season)

Class: 5A, District 11

Last year: 3-7

Key players: DL/TE Corbin Caldwell, Jr.; RB/S Thomas Crawford, Jr.; OL/LB Andy Gonzales, Sr.; WR/DB Collin Harrington, So.; QB/DB Daryon James, Jr.; QB/DB Kaiden Moody, So.; WR/S Daionta Reynolds, Jr.; OL Austin Tobeck, Fr.; OL/DL Prince Walters, Fr.; OL Matthew Watkins, Jr.; LB Deitry Williams, Fr.

Schedule

Sept. 11 at Hudson

Sept. 18 vs. Gulf

Sept. 25 vs. Fivay

Oct. 2 at Wesley Chapel

Oct. 9 vs. South Lake

Oct. 16 at Zephyrhills

Oct. 23 vs. Tarpon Springs

Oct. 30 vs. River Ridge

Nov. 6 at Keswick Christian

Things to know

Mr. Smith goes to Anclote

Antony Smith was hired this offseason to replace Jason Messamore, who left after one season. This is the third coaching change for the Sharks in as many years. Smith, who spent nine years as an assistant at Belleview, Chiefland, Lake Weir and Wildwood, is trying to bring more stability. He has experience as a coordinator on both sides of the ball and will use that to his advantage in helping the Sharks turn things around. 

Tough in the trenches

Andy Gonzales, Austin Tobeck, Prince Walters and Matthew Watkins all return on the offensive line, a unit Smith said will be the team’s strength. Their experience should help Thomas Crawford put up even bigger numbers this year. Crawford, the team’s top returning rusher, averaged 6.5 yards per carry and scored four touchdowns on the ground last season. 

Air attack

Daryon James and Kaiden Moody are battling at quarterback to replace Adam Hardy, who graduated. Whoever emerges as the starter will have plenty of targets with Collin Harrington, Jabari Parker and Daionta Reynolds becoming the top three receiving threats and tight end Corbin Caldwell providing another option in the passing game.