No more waiting or wondering when the season will begin. After a delayed start, football is back with most Pinellas County public and private schools kicking off the regular season on Thursday or Friday. That also means it is time for rankings. Here is the first top 10 of the season.
1. Lakewood
Last season: 12-1 (lost in state semifinals)
Up next: vs. Gibbs
The Spartans were the only area team to go undefeated in the regular season last season. They also came darn close to being the lone local program to advance to a title game, losing 9-7 to eventual Class 4A state champion Miami Booker T. Washington in the state semifinals. There were some holes to fill in the lineup, particularly in the interior of the defense with county defensive player of the year Andarius Wilson and Illinois freshman Tre’von Riggins both graduating. Jaden Ledbetter will help anchor the line. The linebacking corps, led by Pittsburgh commit Derrveron Maxwell-Black and Division I-A prospect Cortez McKenzie, who combined for 17 sacks last season. And don’t forget about Aumhryaun Brown, who can drop back in coverage or rush from the edge. On offense, the biggest question was who would replace dual-threat quarterback Greg Spann II, now a freshman at Illinois. Lakewood solved that problem with the addition of Jack Smitherman, a strong-armed senior who transferred from Miami Edison. Artez Hooker, a Buffalo commit, will be among the top receiving targets.
2. Clearwater
Last season: 9-3 (lost in region semifinals)
Up next: at Jesuit
Tornadoes coach Don Mesick said this has the potential to be one of the best teams he has ever had. The talent is certainly there. The interior of the defensive line is among the area’s best with Division I-A recruit Tim Williams and August Salvati manning the middle. Demetrius Garland, another major prospect, headlines a solid linebacking corps. Jhaylen Murray and Leon Williams lead the secondary. On offense, Countryside transfer Kahmren Simpkins takes over at quarterback for Rent Montie, now at Lafayette. The receiving corps is deep, led by USF commit Cardrece Mobley, and David James. Mesick raves about the talent of running back Marquvion Jeter, who can do a little bit of everything. Aaron Sanez anchors the offensive line.
3. Clearwater Academy
Last season: 8-2 (independent)
Up next: at Brentwood Academy (Tenn.)
The Knights are ranked 117th nationally, highest among Pinellas County teams. The loft MaxPreps status stems from a roster full of Division I-A talent. Quarterback Luca Stanzani, a junior, has already thrown for more than 9,000 yards in his high school career. But Stanzani does not have to do it all. He can hand off to Brandon Barrow, a Stanford commit. The offensive line, led by Rutgers recruit Albert Reese and Admiral Farragut transfer Percy Speights, is huge, averaging nearly 320 pounds per starter. Defensively, Clearwater Academy had to replace the bulk of the starters line who are now in college. Defensive back Shakespeare Louis is a captain on that side of the ball.
4. Boca Ciega
Last season: 6-5 (lost in region quarterfinals)
Up next: at Tarpon Springs (Thursday)
The Pirates have been the verge of a postseason breakthrough. Two years ago, they missed out on a wild card spot despite going 7-3 and made it last year as an at-large team. The offense has the potential to be dynamic thanks to the pieces still in place. Quarterback Taffrey Peterman returns, as does electric running back Chris Phillips, who might be the best player in the county. The passing game got a boost with the addition of Desean Henry, who transferred from St. Petersburg Catholic. He will team with Shurod Clark to form an explosive receiving duo. Evan Graham, a linebacker who has already committed to Georgia State, and Mikal Sanders, who had seven interceptions last season, lead the defense.
5. Calvary Christian
Last season: 8-3 (lost in region quarterfinals)
Up next: at Carrollwood Day
This might be the most talented team in school history. The two biggest playmakers on offense, running back Kai Martin (1,000 yard rusher) and receiver Richie Ilarraza (Howard commit), both return. They’ll make life easier for quarterback Brandon Marcsisson, who takes over for Harold Cook, now a freshman at Shorter. The line is led by TJ Demas and Preston Cushman, who transferred from Northside Christian. There also were some nice additions defensively with Makkah and Melvin Jordan both transferring from IMG Academy . They join a ballhawking group that includes linebacker Isaiah Washburn, as well as London Hall and Carlos Quarles, who each had three interceptions last season.
6. East Lake
Last season: 6-5 (lost in region quarterfinals)
Up next: vs. Sarasota Riverview
Matt Trotto, who threw for 2,295 yards and 25 touchdowns last season, graduated. The Eagles are going with a committee of quarterbacks to replace him. Jake Bechtel, Mark Brady and Aidan MacLean will all see playing time in Friday’s opener against Sarasota Riverview. The running game will be done by committee, too. Austin Huff is the lone returning starter on an offensive line that was fortified with the addition of Trent Ramsey, a four-star prospect who came from Arizona at the beginning of the year. On defense, Dylan Rosiek, an Illinois commit, and Lane Hansen, younger brother of Illini star Jake Hansen, form a solid linebacking duo. Ryan Cunnigham and Terry Handsel are the biggest playmakers in the secondary.
7. Clearwater Central Catholic
Last season: 10-4 (lost in state semifinals)
Up next: at Tampa Catholic
To make their eighth state semifinal appearance in the past nine years, the Marauders will get over some growing pains — quickly. After all, Clearwater Central Catholic had 20 players graduate from last year’s team, including 2,000 yard rusher Jordan Niles and most of the offensive linemen who cleared those rushing lanes. Marauders coach Chris Harvey said he could more than 15 sophomores starting this year. The strategy will change, too, with CCC taking to the air more to take advantage of the playmaking ability of receivers Johntavious Bonner, Jarquez Green and Kevary Jenkins. The Marauders are still deciding on who will be throwing the ball to that trio. Anthony Colandrea and Bryson Martin, a Plant transfer, are the leading candidates. Both will play until someone emerges as the leader, Harvey said.
8. Largo
Last season: 8-4 (lost in region semifinals)
Up next: vs. Pinellas Park
Several starters graduated, including the Packers’ top two linebackers, Jayion McCluster (FSU) and AJ Mathis (FIU). The Gurney twins, Garrett and Connor, both started as outside linebackers last season and will be counted on to be leaders on that side of the ball. The two are also versatile enough to play multiple positions. Garrett spent time at quarterback last season and Connor can fill in at running back. There are still plenty of McClusters left at Largo. Zayvion, a sophomore, is the latest star from the Packers most recognizable football family. Last year, Zayvion had 73 tackles, two interceptions and a sack as a defensive back.
9. Pinellas Park
Last season: 6-5 (lost in region quarterfinals)
Up next: at Largo
The biggest task this offseason was finding a replacement for Lawrance Toafili, the electrifying running back who is drawing rave reviews as a freshman at Florida State. This will be a group effort with as many as four backs — Columbus Holston, Eric Jackson, Aaron Mezei and Cameron Kier — sharing the load. Paving the way up front will be Matthew Rotkis, the top returning lineman. Brandon Brearley is back at quarterback. The linebacking unit has as many as six guys who can start. The top returning tackler from that group is Malachi McCalip. The special teams are solid, led by kicker Robert Gunn, ranked tops in the nation for his age group.
10. Countryside
Last season: 6-5 (lost in region quarterfinals)
Up next: vs. Hollins (Thursday)
The Cougars took some hits from graduation and a few defections. But they still have enough to make another playoff run. Running back Zyterius Watts and receiver Leroy Lopez are the top returning skill players. Lopez is a true deep threat. He set the school record for longest touchdown reception with a 94-yarder last season and also has scores that went for 79, 85 and 89 yards last season. The line is led by David Tibbs, a 6-foot-7, 290 pound tackle who gained 20 pounds in the offseason. Carson Burbee, a tight end, also is great as a run blocker. On defense, the Cougars’ top returner is linebacker Matt Sattinger, a three-year starter who had 123 tackles last season. Colin Kroeger is an explosive defensive end who has an offer from Ohio Wesleyan.
On the bubble
Hollins, Northeast
