Freedom

At a glance

Coach: Chris Short, fourth season

Class: 3, District 4 (Metro)

Last season: 1-9

Key players: OL/DL Hudson Brown, So.; ATH Jimmy Carson, Sr.; QB Hassan Corley, So.; LB/TE Aubin Maka Maka, Sr.; QB Austin Swank, Jr.

Schedule

Aug. 19 at Durant, 7:30 (preseason)

Aug. 26 at Alonso, 7:30

Sept. 2 at Riverview, 7:30

Sept. 9 vs. Leto, 7:30

Sept. 16 at Brandon, 7:30

Sept. 23 vs. Blake, 7:30

Sept. 30 at Tampa Bay Tech, 7:30

Oct. 7 vs. Robinson, 7:30

Oct. 14 at Armwood, 7:30

Oct. 21 Bye 

Oct. 28 vs. Wharton, 7:30

Nov. 4 vs. Spoto, 7:30

Outlook

Freedom has won a combined three games in the past three seasons and are entering this year on an eight-game losing streak. But there are signs of improvement. After scoring just 31 points in their first losses, the Patriots averaged 23 points in their last three games. Part of that production was due to the emergence of Joshua Germain as a playmaking receiver. Unfortunately, Germain graduated, along with quarterback Alex De la cruz. The two battling to replace De la cruz are Austin Swank, who transferred from Tampa Catholic, and Hassan Corley. The top returning playmaker is Jimmy Carson, who had 244 yards rushing and 91 receiving last season. Aubin Maka Maka (team-leading four sacks) anchors the defense.