Football preview: No. 9 Largo — Aug. 15

Largo

At a glance

Coach: Marcus Paschal, ninth season

Class: 3, District 7 (Metro)

Last season: 5-6

Key players: OL/DL Jamari Bennett, Sr.; S Chase Green, Sr.; LB Adarius Hayes, Jr.; LB Zayvion McCluster, Sr.; WR Kino Middleton, So.; QB Xavier Phillips, So.; QB Jeremy Thomas,Jr.

Schedule

Aug. 19 vs. Jesuit, 7 (preseason)

Aug. 26 vs. Pinellas Park, 7:30

Sept. 2 at Lakeland, 7:30

Sept. 9 at Boca Ciega, 7:30

Sept. 16 at Gibbs, 7:30

Sept. 23 at Clearwater, 7:30

Sept. 29 vs. Countryside, 7:30

Oct. 7 Bye

Oct. 14 vs. Seminole, 7:30

Oct. 21 at Lakewood, 7:30

Oct. 28 vs. Osceola, 7:30

Nov. 4 vs. Northeast, 7:30

Outlook

After starting 1-4 last season, Largo won four of its final five regular season games to make the playoffs. It marked the fifth straight season the Packers advanced to the postseason. To keep that streak going, Largo will have to rely on its defense while the offense tries to put the pieces in the right places. Jeremy Thomas and Xavier Phillips spent the summer battling to be the starting quarterback. Whoever emerges will be throwing to Kino Middleton, a transfer from Osceola who had more than 500 yards receiving a year ago. Up front, Jamari Bennett can make an impact on both sides of the ball. Defensively, the strength is at linebacker with Adarius Hayes and Zayvion McCluster, two Div. I recruits, both returning. Chase Green, who had a team-leading four interceptions last season, also is back in the secondary.