Pinellas Park

At a glance

Coach: Kenny Crawford, 12th season

Class: 6A, District 11

Last season: 6-3, lost in region quarterfinals

Key players: K/P Robert Gunn III, Sr.; CB/RB Eric Jackson, Sr.; OLB/WR/TE Jordan Jimenez, Sr.; MLB Garrick Ponder, Sr.; MLB Malachi McCalip, Sr.; CB/RB/SS David Smoaks, Sr.; 

Schedule

Aug. 27 at East Lake, 7

Sept. 3 vs. Largo, 7

Sept. 10 vs. Osceola, 7

Sept. 16 at Seminole, 7

Sept. 24 Bye

Oct. 1 vs. Northeast, 7

Oct. 7 vs. St. Petersburg, 7

Oct. 15 at Hollins, 7

Oct. 22 at Palm Harbor University, 7

Oct. 29 vs. Boca Ciega, 7

Nov. 5 at Bradenton Bayshore, 7:30

Outlook

After starting 2-2 last season, the Patriots won four straight before falling to Bloomingdale in an opening round playoff game. The new district (6A-11) includes just one other team (Boca Ciega) that had a winning record a year ago. The offense can still run the ball with authority thanks to the return of three linemen. Trey Deese and Jake Germak are still battling to be the starting quarterback. Both could see time in the regular season. On defense, the strength is at linebacker with the return of Jordan Jimenez (five sacks and two interceptions last season) and Malachi McCalip (51 tackles). That unit also was bolstered by the addition of Garrick Ponder, who transferred from Seminole. Another playmaker is David Smoaks, who patrols the secondary. Perhaps the biggest weapon for Pinellas Park is kicker Robert Gunn III, a Clemson commit who is considered one of the best in the nation at his position.