Plant's Winter gets Auburn offer

Plant senior receiver Derek Winter's busy travel week just got a lot better.

Winter, one of the state's top receivers, returned from an official visit to the University of Florida on Thursday to welcome Auburn coaches for a home visit. The Tigers, who had previously offered Winter a "gray shirt," offered him a full scholarship Thursday night, according to Plant coach Robert Weiner.

Weiner said he believes Winter is leaning toward either Auburn or Virginia, where he's going this weekend for an official visit.

"Auburn runs a more advanced college version (style of offense) of what we run," Weiner said. "(The Auburn coaches) could see on film Derek fit in well with that."

Weiner said junior quarterback Aaron Murray picked up another couple offers - from Iowa and Illinois - on Thursday.

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

King kicker commits to Stanford

King senior kicker Daniel Zychlinski verbally committed to Stanford, Lions coach Earl Garcia said Thursday.

Zychlinski had made a trip to the Palo Alto campus last weekend, and had toyed with the idea of visiting Missouri this weekend. But Garcia said Zychlinski called Stanford coaches Wednesday night.

Zychlinski's recruitment has heated up in the past month; before, he had the most interest from Ivy League schools and Toledo. But with Stanford, Missouri, New Mexico and UNLV recently joining the sweepstakes, Zychlinski found himself with some more options.

-- JOE SMITH
joesmith@sptimes.com

Girls basketball poll

PALM COAST —The Florida Sports Writers Association’s state high school girl's basketball poll, sponsored by Beef O’Brady’s. Records and first-place votes are in parentheses.

Class 6A
1. Lake Mary (23-2) (6) 69
2. Miami Norland (17-5) 53
3. Hialeah (18-3) 46
4. Sarasota Riverview (20-3) 45
5. Pompano Beach Blanche Ely  (20-3) 44
6. Pembroke Pines Flanagan (19-4) (1) 43
7.  Sickles (22-2) 34
8. Palm Beach Lakes (18-5) 24
9. Orlando Edgewater (21-2) 16
10. Kissimmee Osceola (21-2) 8
Also Receiving Votes: Delray Beach Atlantic (21-4) 2

Newsome soccer standouts set to sign

Newsome senior sweeper Rudi Rodriguez and forward Jaime Smith plan to sign to continue their soccer careers next week.

The two Wolves just hope their high school careers are still alive.

Wolves coach Kelly Townsend said Rodriguez will sign with Troy, and Smith - the team's second leading scorer - will sign with Division II Saint Leo.

Rodriguez has racked up 15 points and Smith has tallied 12 goals in leading the Wolves to Friday's region final at George Jenkins. Newsome will be going for its second straight state semifinal berth.

-- JOE SMITH
joesmith@sptimes.com

Blake's Ottanelli commits to Colgate

Blake senior offensive tackle Vittorio Ottanelli said Thursday he's verbally committed to play for Colgate.

Ottanelli, a 6-foot-4, 305-pound lineman, also received interest from FIU, Elon, Murray State and New Hampshire. South Florida offered him a preferred walk-on but, but it was Ottanelli's visit to Colgate two weeks ago that helped seal the deal.

"The name, the education - everything," Ottanelli said. "I loved it up there. And a degree from Colgate - you're set."

Ottanelli loved the school's focus on academics; he said he had a 4.7 GPA and scored 1130 on his SAT. Ottanelli, who said he ran a 5.2 40, plans to play guard - at least for the start of his career.

-- JOE SMITH
joesmith@sptimes.com

Johnson sets up final visit

Largo defensive back Leonard Johnson will visit West Virginia this weekend.

Johnson said he was deciding whether to take his final recruiting trip to Michigan or WVU. The Wolverines made his decision for him.

Packers coach Rick Rodriguez said Michigan recruiter Greg Frey told him there were no more scholarships available for players in the defensive secondary.

Johnson already has visited Iowa State, Troy, USF and Ole Miss.

-- BOB PUTNAM

Four Gladiators commit

Gibbs coach Yusif Shakir said four his players have orally committed.They are: Marcus Russ and Larry Murphy (Georgia Southern), Lamar Hall (Murray State) and Tommy Hains (Florida Atlantic). Shakir said Hains will be a preferred walk-on at FAU.

-- BOB PUTNAM

Marshall picks Youngstown State

Clearwater defensive lineman Joe Marshall orally committed to Youngstown State. Marshall received a lot of buzz in the spring had had offers from Wisconsin and Iowa State that were eventually pulled. He visited Youngstown last weekend and said if he got an offer, he would take it.

-- BOB PUTNAM

Fan site keeping tabs on area stars

Not only is Florida interested in junior standouts Aaron Murray and Petey Smith, so too is Gatorbait.net, a website devoted solely to the coverage of the Gators.

The site has profiled both players this week.

Gatorbait.net is a subscription-based site so unless you have a membership you can’t access the stories, but here’s a snippet of what Murray, a 6-foot, 210-pound quarterback at Plant, and Smith, a 6-foot, 230-pound Armwood linebacker, had to say …

Murray:

"Most colleges right now see it as a plus to get in there early," Murray said. "We talked about it. (Tim) Tebow did it and Cam Newton (of Florida) did it…I usually go with my parents and sit down with the coaches and ask them some questions, what their quarterback situation looks like and to make sure they're going to be there in five years. I'm making a commitment to a school and I want to make sure the coaches are there. It's going to help us narrow things down."

Smith:

"A lot of people knock me because of my size and say I can't really run," Smith said. "I never back down from a challenge. Only the best will be there. If I go against the best and prove myself then that is important."

The Gators already have offered scholarships to both players. Then again, so have a lot of other programs.

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Armwood's Sollazzo named district POY

Armwood basketball coach Jeff Pafunda announced Wednesday that Hawks senior point guard Adam Sollazzo was selected District 13 Player of the Year, an honor that goes to the county's top senior, as selected by the public and private school coaches.

Sollazzo, who averages 22 points per game, has developed into one of the bay area's top point guards. He'll go for a milestone Thursday night; he's six points shy of 1,000 for his career as the Hawks set to face Riverview on "Senior Night."

Pafunda said Tampa Prep senior swingman David Waller was the runner-up.

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Wharton's Powell commits to Army

Wharton senior linebacker Joshua Powell said Wednesday he has verbally committed to West Point.

Powell, a Times first-team All-County selection, was sold in a visit last fall to West Point, "freezing in the cold and snow," watching a game between Army and Rutgers. Powell, one of the county's hardest hitters, said he'll likely play safety there, and start a potential career in the military, like his stepfather, Colonel Scott Rey, who is stationed in Tampa.

"I've always considered military as a career," Powell said. "Really the tradition of the school hit me hard. I met a lot of graduates from West Point, some I met at random, and talking to them about their experience, they've never had a negative thing to say. They've all said it's like a brotherhood, a fraternity.

"Everything just felt right."

The 6-foot-1, 195 pound senior also received interest from Elon and FAU.

Powell has several teammates who could be up for big weekends, recruiting-wise. LaDre Watkins will visit FAU and Elon this weekend, Wildcats coach David Mitchell, who said he believes Elon will offer Wadkins.

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Battle begins for Middleton's Jones

The courting of Middleton senior tailback Carlton Jones by colleges may reach another level this week.

Jones, a Toledo commitment, has been pondering this past week an offer he received from Florida State. Middleton coach Harry Hubbard said Jones plans to make a visit to Tallahassee this weekend and make his decision.

That didn't stop Toledo from giving up; Hubbard said Toledo coaches dropped by Tuesday to try to convince him to stick with them. Jones, one of the bay area's top tailbacks, rushed for over 1,200 yards last season.

"They're gonna try to see who's gonna win," Hubbard said.

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Tennessee offers Joyer

Wesley Chapel lineman Kamran Joyer received his first official scholarship offer Wednesday from Tennessee. Volunteers coach Phillip Fulmer spoke with Jack Joyer, Kamran's father, and said, "We'd like Kamran to be a Tennessee Volunteer." Joyer is scheduled to visit Tennessee on March 2 for a junior day, and Fulmer has planned a visit with Joyer in Pasco County on May 5. Joyer was recently visited by Florida coach Urban Meyer at Wesley Chapel, and participated in the Gators junior day last weekend. He also has visits planned to Notre Dame and Florida State. Georgia coaches also have planned to visit Joyer. Jack Joyer said his son plans to make an oral commitment before the end of his junior year.
-- IZZY GOULD
izzygould@gmail.com

Bulls land a Gator

   Land O'Lakes baseball coach Cal Baisley said that left-handed pitcher Trey Dahl orally commited to USF over the Christmas break.
   Dahl is one of Pasco County's top returning pitchers, and will compete with Matt Fuglesang for the No. 1 spot in the rotation. Dahl was a second-team all-county pick last season at utility (he played first base and was one of the Gators top hitters) and pitchyed sparingly, but had a couple of huge back-to-back performances midseason against defending state champ Arlington Country Day (a 2-1 loss) and Hernando (13 strikeouts).
   Dahl, who throws in the high-80s and has very good stuff. He's a good candidate to bust out this season.

-- JOHN C. COTEY
johncotey@gmail.com

Riverview DL could make a Sharks trio

Riverview nose guard Roman Rodriguez may follow the path of a former Sharks lineman to his college destination.

Rodriguez, a 5-foot-9, 230-pound senior, is planning on making a trip this weekend to Carson-Newman, a Division II program in Tennessee, Sharks coach Dan O'Regan said. O'Regan said the school is looking at using Rodriguez as a fullback.

Former Shark Brian Tolison went to Carson-Newman in 2005.

"Roman runs a 4.5 40, is really strong - benched like 350," O'Regan said. "He's a real powerful little kid."

O'Regan said Elon is coming in this week to visit with Sharks tailback John Green. The Sharks star tailback, Jahleel Addae, will choose between Central Michigan and Iowa State on signing day next week after decommitting to West Virginia.

Riverview defensive lineman Quincy Barr has already committed to Hofstra.

-- JOE SMITH
joesmith@sptimes.com

Gallon playing the waiting game

Plant senior receiver Cornelius Gallon can't help but be a little stressed over the recruiting process.

Gallon, one of the bay area's top receivers, was having a career season last fall - 33 catches, 714 yards in eight games -- when he suffered a season-ending knee injury (a torn ACL).

Gallon's production - and profile as one of Plant's top receivers -- would have likely garnered him some more interest heading into signing day. But he said of the two offers he received this fall - Central Michigan and Temple - just one (Temple) remains.

"I'm not worried about it - just a little stressed," Gallon said. "I've got faith that everything is going to work out."

Gallon is out of his cast and four months from full recovery, he said - "I'm 60-percent." He's been working hard to rehab his injured left knee, and is confident he'll be ready to go by next fall, when he hopes he'll be in a college uniform.

Gallon, a Times first team All Suncoast selection, had already visited Temple last fall, and doesn't have any more set up. But he said he'll just wait it out and see what else may come his way before signing day.

--- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Another Terrier likely Division-I bound

The conference table for Hillsborough High's signing ceremony on national signing day is getting bigger by the day.

With standouts like defensive end Moses McCray (Florida State), linebacker Marc Thomas (Georgia Southern), defensive back Andreas Ashwood (Toledo) and safety Chuck Grace (FIU) already picking their schools, even the Terriers' snapper will have a decision to make.

Hillsborough coach Earl Garcia said that senior deep snapper/offensive lineman Charlie Hughlett has been offered a preferred walk-on spot at both UCF and South Florida. The 6-foot-4, 230 pound senior projects to get even bigger, Garcia said, and has drawn some recent interest.

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

King kicker to visit Missouri

King senior kicker Daniel Zychlinski may have loved his trip to Stanford over the weekend, but Lions coach Earl Garcia said Wednesday Zychlinski is planning on making another recruting trip - this one to the University of Missouri.

Zychlinski's recruitment has heated up in the past month; before, he had the most interest from Ivy League schools and Toledo. But with Stanford, Missouri, New Mexico and UNLV recently joining the sweepstakes, Zychlinski found himself with some more options.

"He said it's either between Stanford or Missouri," Garcia said.

-- JOE SMITH
joesmith@sptimes.com

Berkeley's Barnes commits to Vanderbilt

Berkeley Prep senior quarterback/defensive back Archie Barnes has verbally committed to Vanderbilt, Bucs coach Dominic Ciao said Wednesday.

Barnes said after visiting the campus over the weekend, the Commodores were recruiting him as an athlete, with him either being able to play receiver, defensive back, linebacker or quarterback. Ciao said Barnes received a "gray shirt," meaning he wouldn't enroll until January of 2009.

Barnes picked Vanderbilt over Furman and UMass.

"It was a great balance between playing Division I football and getting a great education," Barnes said. "It was overwhelming. Plus, they never ruled out the fact I might be able to play quarterback."

The 6-foot-4 senior, who converted from receiver to quarterback before last season, led the Bucs to a 5-5 finish (a four-game improvement over the previous season). Barnes is also a starting guard for the Bucs basketball team, which has been ranked No. 1 in the state in 3A in recent weeks.

Barnes said it "didn't even occur to me" to play college football -much less SEC football - until his senior year, when Dominic Ciao took over as coach.

"I always expected to play college basketball," Barnes said. "But when football became available - I love to play football, have always loved it. So why not continue?"

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Region soccer: Newsome beats Bloomingdale

In a wild night of region soccer playoffs, two of the bay area's top rivalries were rekindled - with some interesting results.

Newsome, which had lost twice to Bloomingdale this season by 1-0 scores, finally broke through and beat the Bulls, 3-0 in impressive fashion. Hannah Rainey, who went from backup goalkeeper to one of the team's top scorers in just a few months, set the tone by scoring the game's first goal with four minutes left in the first half.

The Wolves will go for back-to-back 5A state semifinal appearances Friday when they travel to George Jenkins.

In another 5A region semi, East Lake stunned Palm Harbor by shutting them out 3-0 to advance to the region finals against Seminole, which beat Lakewood Ranch on Tuesday. The Eagles held PHU to just a couple scoring chances.

“That was our biggest victory over Palm Harbor,” said East Lake's Leah Fisher. “We’ve never beat them that bad before.”

You want drama? There were two region semis won in shootouts Tuesday night; Mitchell beat Countryside and Clearwater Central Catholic outlasted Berkeley Prep.

The showdown between Hillsborough and Pinellas' top scorers - Tampa Prep's Chelsea Klotz and Shorecrest's Jenn Casey - became the undercard as Tampa Prep freshman Connor Zwetsch scored two first-half goals to lift the Terps to a 6-1 win.

Region Finals - All games Friday at 7 p.m.
Class 5A - East Lake vs Seminole; Newsome at George Jenkins
Class 3A - Clearwater Central Catholic  vs.  West Shore
Class 2A - Tampa Prep  vs. St. Stephen’s 

For more on each of the region semis, check Wednesday's Times.

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Photo is of Newsome's Kellie Fowke (19), right, and Hannah Rainey (21) left, congratulate teammate Karin Gutsche (20) center after she scored the Wolves second goal in the second half of the Newsome Lady Wolves 3-0 shutout against the Bloomingdale

Photo: Michael C. Weimar/Special to the Times

Lakewood beats Clearwater

Lakewood's defensive pressure proved to be the difference in a 65-61 win over Clearwater. Trailing 29-20 early in the third quarter, the Spartans turned the game around by going on a 13-2 run to take the lead. The Tornadoes' Luke Loucks and Okaro White were in foul trouble most of the game and both fouled out in the last 3 minutes. Regan O'Rourke scored 20 points for Clearwater and Reggie Reed led Lakewood with 15.

-- BOB PUTNAM

Plant's Winter to visit Florida

Plant senior receiver Derek Winter is slated to have a hectic travel week.

Winter is planning on making an official visit Wednesday and Thursday to the University of Florida, which has offered him a preferred walk-on spot, Panthers coach Robert Weiner said. Winter had already planned a trip this weekend to Virginia, which offered him a scholarship over this past weekend.

Winter, one of the state's top receivers, also has offers from Georgia Tech, Iowa and South Florida. Weiner said that the University of Auburn has offered Winter a "gray-shirt," meaning his scholarship would be deferred for a year.

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Plant's Sanderson commits to FSU

Plant senior offensive lineman Rhonne Sanderson orally committed to Florida State Tuesday night, the Times has learned. Sanderson visited the FSU campus last weekend and had recently received a scholarship offer from Michigan State. But when FSU extended an offered Tuesday night, he accepted on the spot.

Sanderson then canceled his weekend trip to Michigan.

"I've always wanted to play at Florida State and when I got the opportunity, I took it," Sanderson said.

Sanderson (6-3, 280) started at left tackle for the Panthers, who were 26-2 during his junior and senior seasons. Plant was the 2006 Class 4A state champion.

Sanderson flew under the radar for much of the recruiting process, but in recent weeks started getting more and more attention from some of the country's top programs. Because FSU has a great need on the offensive line, if Sanderson performs well once practice begins in August, it is not out of the question to think he could earn early playing time.

-- JOE SMITH

Bond of brothers

Kamran and Hunter Joyer would like to be a package deal. The Wesley Chapel brothers would love to play football at the same college, but that could be difficult with Kamran entering his senior season while Hunter will be a sophomore next fall. Who knows what hurdles could derail their plan with two years separating their signing days. Both visited Florida last week at the school’s invitation. Jack Joyer, the boys’ father, said Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer is expected to visit the them soon, possibly with scholarship offers. Kamran will visit Florida State this weekend and is slated to travel to Notre Dame on Feb. 24, one day after he attends a football combine where he hopes to be classified as a five-star recruit. So far, there have been no official offers for Kamran, a 6-foot-3 , 325-pound lineman, but it appears that’s just a matter of time.

-- IZZY GOULD
izzygould@gmail.com

Wounded birds

Springstead coach Pat Kelly has been coping with more than the typical late-season bumps and bruises many teams incur. Twice last week, Kelly had to call paramedics after injuries to two of his basketball players. Turns out the most significant injury came in a 73-46 win against Gulf last Friday night when leading scorer Dante Valentine (20 ppg) suffered an elbow injury that could keep him out of Tuesday’s Class 4A, District 8 tournament quarterfinal and possibly longer.
“It was a scary thing, but he wasn’t in tremendous pain,” Kelly said. “What you have to be concerned about in the long run is the kids health and his future.”
Springstead had just received permission to add Isaiah Mason to the roster for the Jan. 23 loss at Land O’Lakes, who was expected to give the Eagles a big boost. Mason practiced with the team, but sat out most of the season waiting to become academically eligible. He took a vicious fall during a practice injuring his back, which turned out to be what Kelly called a “bad bruise.” It affected his performance against the Gators - he managed to block seven shots - but he was able to score 17 against the Bucs. And it turns out Addison Oneil, who suffered a knee injury in a 66-56 win against Hudson on Jan. 11, will be back for the district tournament.

--IZZY GOULD
izzygould@gmail.com

Jesuit soccer without key defender

The Jesuit soccer team, preparing for one of the state's most-anticipated showdowns this Thursday in the region playoffs, will compete without junior defender Stefan Edwards.

Edwards suffered a concussion last Wednesday in the district quarterfinals at Leto when he when in for a slide tackle near the sideline and collided awardly with an opposing player. Edwards was taken to St. Joseph's Hospital and released late last week, but Jesuit coach Bob Bauman said Edwards' season is over.

"I've been coaching and playing soccer for 40 years, and I've never seen anything like it," Jesuit coach Bob Bauman said. "We'll miss him."

The Tigers, winners of 19 of the last 21 district titles, face perennial power Palm Harbor Thursday in the 5A region playoffs. Jesuit hosts Palm Harbor (19-2-2) because the Hurricanes were upset last week by East Lake in a thrilling shootout (both PHU losses this year were in penalty kicks).

PHU is a defending state runner up in 5A, but have a different look this season; graduated are two-time Pinellas scoring champ Eugene Starikov and Times all-county first-teamers Sebastien Millette and Levi Curnutte.

The Tigers, a 4A state semifinalist last year, are one of the stingiest teams in Florida; Jesuit gave up just one goal during the district season.

Who's going to pull it out?

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Plant's James recruited on two fronts

Apparently, Derek Winter and Rhonne Sanderson aren't the only Plant High senior football players making trips this weekend.

Plant senior receiver Kevin James will make his first official visit this weekend, when he trips to Bethune Cookman, according to his father, Kevin James, Sr.

James, who was one of the county's leading wideouts this season (33 catches, 609 yards, 7 TDs),  has also received interest from FAMU and Tennessee State. But his father, Kevin James, Sr said Tuesday that Bethune-Cookman is are the "leaders" at this point.

The 6-foot-1 senior also plays on the basketball team, and is getting looks from Savannah State and Florida Southern. 

Winter will make his trip to Virginia, which recently offered him, and Sanderson will visit the University of Michigan.

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Signs of life

Just when you thought recruiting was a lost art on the North Suncoast:
Nature Coast junior-to-be Tevin Drake has garnered interest from Georgia. Bulldogs running backs coach Tony Ball called Sharks coach Jamie Joyner to request game highlights on the 5-foot-10, 140-pound running back. Drake rushed for 1,416 yards and 20 touchdowns as a sophomore and compiled 2,273 career yards and 31 touchdowns.
Wondering how he did against a legit defense? Drake rushed for 164 yards and four touchdowns in a 45-42 losst at South Sumter on Oct. 12. Drake will be part of the 2010 signing class.

-- IZZY GOULD
izzygould@gmail.com

Durant hoops succeeding off the court

Last year, Durant boys basketball coach Jeff Shotwell and some of his players’ parents had an idea. Tired of the way society had become increasingly selfish, they decided to expose the Cougars to, in Shotwell’s words, “things they hadn’t been exposed to.”

“Our concern was the way our culture defines success,” Shotwell said. “It’s very selfish. It’s all about me, me, me and how much we can accumulate for ourselves. We wanted to shift that perspective with our kids at Durant. We wanted to redefine success for them.”

Here’s how they did it …

The team began meeting once a month at workshops called “Success 101.” There, they not only listen to guest speakers and talk about a wide range of topics pertinent to teenage male athletes, but plan various fundraising activities.

Here’s the kicker: The fundraising isn’t for the team, it’s for others.

“Not one penny we’ve raised has gone to us,” Shotwell said. “They’re doing stuff for other people. They’ve done some really cool stuff.”

Last summer, the team fed the homeless in downtown Tampa every Wednesday night. And on one occasion, they handed out more than 80 pairs of shoes.

During winter break, the team had two fundraisers.

With one, more than $500 was raised to purchase softballs, bats and gloves to send to the troops stationed in Iraq. With the other, the Cougars raised about $900 over four days to buy toys for the kids at All Children's Hospital. The players delivered the toys to the hospital in person.

“It was just an amazing experience,” Shotwell said.

To raise the money for the toys, Durant players told their parents the amount they wanted their family to donate. That amount was then taken from what the parents would have spent on gifts for them.

“We wanted it to be a sacrifice deal,” Shotwell said.

The players, Shotwell said, have enjoyed helping others. Many, in fact, have contributed ideas for fundraisers.

“They dove in head first,” Shotwell said. “The kids and their parents are doing the majority of the work. It’s not about me. It’s not about Durant. It’s about these kids learning how to be givers.”

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Brandon's Baker commits to Georgia Southern

Brandon senior linebacker/defensive back Samir Baker has verbally committed to Georgia Southern, he told the Times Tuesday.

Baker, a two-way standout, was one of the primary players for the Eagles last season, when they won the district championship. Baker said he'll play wide receiver and running back for Georgia Southern, where he visited this past weekend.

"It was a really nice place," Baker said of Georgia Southern. "I think I got a shot of being a good football player over there. The players treated me really well, they treated me like I was at home. The campus was real nice - not too big and not too small. Everything worked out perfect."

Baker averaged over 10 points per game for the Eagles, scoring on punt returns, as a receiver, running back - and quarterback. His highlight was a six touchdown game vs. King.

"He's a home run hitter- any time you get a player like that, it makes you look like a better coach." Brandon coach John Lima said. "He's just a very special kid, a tremendous playmaker."

Baker joins Hillsborough star linebacker Marc Thomas as local standouts that have committed to Georgia Southern.

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Lennard's Wilt steps down

Lennard football coach Jim Wilt, a fixture in Hillsborough County football for over 20 years, told the Times Tuesday that he has resigned.

Wilt, 57, who started his coaching career at Armwood in the mid-1980s, and started the programs at Durant and Lennard, said he made the decision over the Christmas break, when "I just wasn't in it like I usually was."

Wilt said he had a long sit-down conversation with athletic director David New, "who told me to do what I thought was best for myself." Wilt then told New late last week of his decision; he will remain the physical education head for the school.

New said the school has started advertising for the job, and will start calling potential applicants in the next few days; right now, he said, "it's wide-open."

"I decided to step by and let someone else who wants to work their tail off get it," Wilt said of the football coaching position. "It was time."

The Ohio native went to Ohio University before graduating from West Liberty. Wilt moved to the Tampa area in the mid-1980s and quickly joined the Armwood staff as an assistant. From there, Wilt took the head coaching job at East Bay before going to Brandon, then back to Armwood in the early 1990s before opening up Durant (1996) and later Lennard.

"It was always a challenge for me (to open the schools)," Wilt said. "I enjoyed opening them both. I've had a lot of great memories trying to get the programs started."

Wilt said he may spend more time outdoors with his boat and camper - as well as his family. His son, Jake, is a sophomore at Newsome, where his wife of nearly 30 years, Melissa, is a math teacher.

"Jim Wilt has set the standard for all the young coaches to emulate on what you have to do to be a successful coach," Robinson coach Mike DePue said. "He set the tone for what it is to be a coach in the county. He's walked the walk - and done it the right way."

--- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Addae decommits from WVU; its CMU or Iowa State

For former Riverview star tailback Jahleel Addae, it only took a few hours to make a decision a few months in the making.

Addae, who told the Times Monday afternoon he was still a West Virginia commit, decommitted from the Mountaineers late that same night, telling WVU coaches he'll choose between Central Michigan and Iowa State.

Addae, who rushed for over 1,400 yards last season and graduated in December in anticipation of enrolling early at WVU, has stayed at home to ponder to re-evaluate his college options following the departure of WVU coach Rich Rodriguez to Michigan.

"I just feel like Iowa State and Central Michigan better fit me at this certain time," Addae said. "When West Virginia started showing a lack of interest, I started looking at the bigger picture."

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Cattoi likely UCF bound

Standout Gaither placekicker Nick Cattoi is “leaning heavily toward” attending UCF, Cowboys coach Mark Kantor said Tuesday.

“I’d say he’s 90 percent to UCF,” Kantor said.

UCF has not offered Cattoi a scholarship, but is offering preferred walk-on status with a chance to compete for the starting job.

“The placekicking job is open,” Kantor said. “He likely would compete with one other (incoming) player for the job. All I know is that if he goes over there, the winner is going to have a scholarship. They really feel like Nick can help them out in areas such as kickoffs and long field goals.”

Cattoi was 10 of 13 on field-goal attempts as a senior, with a long of 50 yards. Ninety-three percent of his kickoffs were touchbacks.

Cattoi also is considering the Air Force Academy. He won’t finalize his plans until national signing day (Feb. 6) -- just in case any new situations arise, Kantor said.

Elsewhere at Gaither ….

Defensive back Zach Henderson now has scholarship offers from Carson-Newman and Stonehill College, both of which are Division II programs.

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Crook to commit Friday

Alonso defensive end Jamal Crook, a first-team Times All-County pick for 2007, will announce his college destination Friday, Ravens coach Mike Heldt said.

Crook will choose between Murray State and Tennessee State.

“I think he’s leaning toward Murray State,” Heldt said.

The 6-foot, 230-pound Crook was the top player on one of the county’s best defenses. Heldt, a former starter at Notre Dame, said he’s convinced more major programs would have jumped on Crook if he were a little bigger.

“The only drawback is his size,” Heldt said. "That's it."

Elsewhere at Alonso …

Defensive back Dion Price, a four-year starter, will visit Division II South Dakota on Friday. Price was Alonso’s fastest player, Heldt said. The school has offered him a scholarship.

“He’s willing to go anywhere,” Heldt said. “He just wants to play football. He’s a good player. A real tough player.”

--KEITH NIEBUHR

It’s good to be Joe

The first day back at school after he scored his team’s only goal and nailed the clinching penalty kick in Friday’s district final against archrival Freedom was a good one for Wharton forward Joe Layton.

“Everybody was talking about the game,” said Layton, a junior. “I had a whole bunch of kids from the game come up to me and say, ‘That was awesome. I never knew you were that good of a player.”

As well as things went Monday, Layton did have a brief moment of fear.

Shortly after school began, Layton and teammates Matt Montgomery, Scott Montgomery and Matt Noble, each of whom played a key role in the victory Friday, were called from class and ordered to the school’s TV studio. Once there, the players were told they would appear on Wharton’s daily in-house TV show.

“We didn’t even know we were going on until two minutes before the show,” Layton said. “I was pretty nervous.”

Once the show started, the nerves seemed to go away. At least for Layton.

“They had us talk about the game,” Layton said. “I talked the most. They were all too shy.”

The Wildcats play host to River Ridge on Thursday in the first round of the Class 5A playoffs.

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Kniebuhr@sptimes.com

It's tourney time for the Dandy Dozen!

   It's here...the final Dandy Dozen of the season for the girls, and No. 1 is no surprise -- the St. Petersburg Catholic Barons. In fact, the whole 12 was pretty easy. It left me unfulfilled. But more on that later. Here it is:

1. SPC
2. Tampa Bay Tech
3. Boca Ciega
4. Clearwater
5. Sickles
6. Keswick Chr.
7. St. Petersburg
8. Land O'Lakes
9. Plant
10. Largo
11. Bloomingdale
12. Lakewood

BUT THAT'S NOT ALL!

We're going out strong. We're settling the age old debate -- if you put the Dandies in a gym and locked the doors, who would be the only team to emerge. Well, I have you answer for you.

Don't be afraid. Come on in.

Riverview's Barr commits to Hofstra

Riverview defensive end Quincy Barr didn't want to waste another trip when his "heart was with Hofstra."

Barr verbally committed to Hofstra Monday night, just one day after returning home from an official visit to the Long Island area campus.  The 6-foot-5, 223-pound senior, who racked up 63 tackles last season, said he was offered a visit to Boise State for this weekend, but "I didn't want to go anywhere else."

"Everything is right there," Barr said. "It was a good atmosphere - it felt like my second home."

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Carden hits milestone

Pinellas Park's Cam Carden scored 22 points against Osceola to become the Patriots all-time leading scorer. Carden, a senior, hit the mark on his first field goal with 6:20 left in the first quarter, surpassing the previous total of 1,590 points set by Randy Shukart (Class of 1981).

Shukart attended the game, signed the basketball and posed for pictures.

Carden now has 1,612 career points.

-- BOB PUTNAM

Will FSU snag Middleton star?

Middleton star Carlton Jones might not end up at Toledo after all.

But that could be a good thing.

Tigers coach Harry Hubbard confirmed Monday night that Jones, an all-county running back, has been offered a scholarship by one of college football’s true heavyweights -- the Florida State Seminoles. Not only that, but Hubbard said he would not be surprised if Jones commits to FSU during his official visit to Tallahassee this weekend.

“I would say (Toledo) would be in trouble,” Hubbard said. “One, it’s FSU. And two, it’s closer to home. And that’s always a big thing for these kids.”

FSU’s recruitment of Jones didn’t begin during the season. It began last week.

But for Jones, this is truly a case of better late than never. FSU has a need at running back. And Jones has always believed he had major college talent.

The 5-foot-11, 215-pound Jones committed to Toledo two weeks ago. At one point, the Florida Gators also were interested. In fact, according to Hubbard, they offered Jones a scholarship even before the 2007 season began. But the Gators later backed off, which appeared to open the door for Toledo.

Once FSU entered the picture, that changed.

“They all saw film of him from this year and from what I’m told, the whole staff liked him and wanted him,” Hubbard said.

In college, Jones could play either tailback or fullback because of his combination of size and speed.

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Boyd commits to Kansas State

Northeast's Javontae Boyd, one of the top defensive lineman in the area, orally committed to Kansas State on Monday.

Boyd said he made up his mind last week after Wildcats defensive line coach Mo Lattimore stopped by school and head coach Ron Prince flew in a private jet to visit.

"I was impressed," Boyd said.

Boyd canceled visits to Troy and North Carolina State.

-- BOB PUTNAM

Presley picks Appalachian State

Middleton quarterback DreAndre Presley, one of the area's best dual-threat players under center, has committed to Division I-AA power Appalachian State.

The 5-foot-11, 170-pounder completed nearly 70 percent of his passes last fall for more than 1,000 yards. He also did well running the ball.

It was that versatility that got the Mountaineers' interest, Middleton coach Harry Hubbard said.

"They pretty much run the same offense we do," Hubbard said.

What's better, Presley's arm or his legs?

"He has a great arm and is very accurate," Hubbard said. "But I can't rule one over the other."

Hubbard said Appalachian State has told Presley it likely will not redshirt him next fall. That could lead to early playing time.

Appalachian State, which is located in Boone, N.C., has won three straight I-AA national titles. Last fall, the Mountaineers shocked the nation by winning at Michigan.

Appalachian State is scheduled to play Florida in 2010.

--KEITH NIEBUHR
kniebuhr@sptimes.com

Wharton soccer on emotional high

Besides the fact it clinched the Class 5A, District 8 title for Wharton, last Friday's 2-1 win at home on penalty kicks over Freedom was big for the following three reasons, Wildcats coach Scott Ware said.

1. Revenge. Wharton lost to Freedom, its biggest rival, in the 2007 district final - in double overtime.

2. Home field. The Wildcats, who had at least 250 fans in the stands for the Freedom game, will be at home in the first round of the playoffs Thursday against River Ridge. Had they lost, they'd be playing at nationally ranked Land O'Lakes.

3. Confidence.  After winning an emotional game against one of the region's top teams, Wharton feels like it can play with anyone.

"I thought it was huge," Ware said.

For Ware, the victory was special for another reason. It gave him his first district championship as a head coach.

--KEITH NIEBUHR
Kniebuhr@sptimes.com

Addae reviewing his options

Will Riverview senior tailback Jahleel Addae stay true to his West Virginia commitment?

You'll have to find out on signing day for sure.

Addae was a strong WVU commitment until coach Rich Rodriguez left for Michigan. The star tailback has looked at some other options the past two weeks, taking trips to Central Michigan and, last weekend, Iowa State; both schools have offered Addae.

Addae, who graduated in December, said Monday he's still a WVU commit. But he'll ponder his options and make his announcement in a signing cermony at Riverview on National Signing Day next week.

"I'm still neutral," Addae said. "I don't know where I'm going."

Addae, who was originally planning on enrolling at WVU this month, said he'll enroll at whatever school he chooses in time for next fall. The senior racked up 1,400 yards rushing at 15 TDs, becoming only the second back in Sharks history to rush for 1,000 yards in three consecutive seasons.

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Bucs coach set to return against CCC

Because he was suspended two games for protesting to officials during the district tournament, Berkeley Prep girls soccer coach Ken Roberts couldn’t attend last week’s Class 3A playoff opener at Fort Myers Bishop Verot. In fact, he had no idea the Buccaneers won until acting coach Jenn Martin called him shortly after the game.

“They told me they lost,” Roberts said, laughing. “But I could hear all the noise in the background.”

Next up for Berkeley Prep: A road game at Clearwater Central Catholic on Tuesday.

The Bucs (10-10-3) are 0-2 against CCC this season, losing 2-1 in the regular season and 2-0 in the district final. Despite that, Roberts believes Berkeley Prep, which is led by Taylor Richardson (11 goals), matches up evenly with its opponent.

“I think it’s going to be a nice back-and-forth game,” Roberts said. “It should be a nice, clean game where the kids have a chance to display their talents.”

As for the impact of his return?

“It’s no big deal,” Roberts said.

--KEITH NIEBUHR
kniebuhr@sptimes.com

Dandy Dozen Boys -- with a 'Wood exterior

1. Lakewood (22-1)
Last week: tie-3rd
This week: Tuesday at Clearwater, Thursday at St. Petersburg, Friday vs. Pinellas Park (PCAC championship)
The Spartans, 59-56 winners at Pinellas Park last week, become the third team in four weeks to assume the No. 1 spot. We're guessing they'll defeat the Patriots again Friday night for the PCAC title, based on their defensive tenacity. We believe it was Dean Smith who said defense wins PCAC championships. Okay, maybe it was Dan Wright.

2. Clearwater (19-2)
Last week: 2nd
This week: Tuesday at Lakewood, Thursday vs. Dixie Hollins
Don't think for a second the Tornadoes are bummed about missing out on the conference title. Far more lucrative prizes remain in reach -- such as a district title, final four berth, and most important, the top spot in the Dandy Dozen poll.

Grossi plans official visit

Zack Grossi is heading to California this weekend.

But not the one you're thinking of.

Grossi, a standout quarterback at Jefferson, will make an official visit to California University of Pennsylvania, a Division II program that reached the national semifinals last season and annually has one of the country's top teams.

Grossi also has interest from Division I-AA powers Georgia Southern and New Hampshire. It's possible he could visit either or both of those schools.

-- KEITH NIEBUHR
Kniebuhr@sptimes.com

Murray gets offer from Florida

Plant junior quarterback Aaron Murray, offered a scholarship by several SEC schools so far, got another big one this weekend:

The University of Florida.

Murray was offered while on campus for Junior Day, according to Plant coach Robert Weiner. Murray, the Class 4A Player of the Year, was in his first year starting at QB when he broke the state record for TDs in a season (51). He's received offers from many major programs, including Georgia, Tennessee, Auburn and Boston College. Among the others are Stanford, Georgia Tech and South Florida.

Murray has clearly shown he likes UF, their coaches - and their offense. He's been to about a handful UF games, he's done the Gator Walk and chalk-talked with offensive coordinator Dan Mullen. With his pass-running ability (he also racked up close to 1,000 rushing yards), Murray would likely fit into UF's system.

The highly-touted junior has said he plans to make his college choice over the summer, so that it will not take attention away from his team during next season. Murray said he'd narrow his list to five this spring before working his way to his decision. He is scheduled to graduate next December so he can enroll early at the campus of his choice.

Though he hasn't stated it, it'd be surprising if UF wasn't in that list of finalists.

-- JOE SMITH
joesmith@sptimes.com

Winter gets Virginia offer; Sanderson waiting on FSU

With signing day just a few weeks away, Plant senior receiver Derek Winter is starting to get some more quality options.

Winter, the Guy Toph Award winner, returned home from a visit to the University of Iowa this weekend and found out he got an offer from the University of Virginia. He will visit the UVA campus this weekend for what's likely his final trip.

Winter was one of the state's top receivers the past two years, and after a slow start to his recruiting, he now has offers from South Florida, Iowa and Virginia. Panthers coach Robert Weiner said Georgia Tech could also be an option.

The same day Winter was awarded the Guy Toph, Florida coach Urban Meyer met up with him; Weiner said the Gators coaches were trying to crunch their numbers and see what's available.

The same could be said for Winter's teammate, senior offensive tackle Rhonne Sanderson. Sanderson, who's recruitment has picked up big-time the past two weeks, left Florida State without an offer this weekend, but is hopeful.

Sanderson, who was offered by Michigan State on a recruiting trip last week, is scheduled to make a visit to the University of Michigan this weekend. Though Sanderson has said, if FSU offered, "it'd be a big possibility" he'd commit.

-- JOE SMITH
joesmith@sptimes.com

Rocky Mtn High; Bell impressed with Colorado State

Chamberlain senior defensive back Justin Bell got his first taste of the Rocky Mountains this weekend, via a recruiting trip to Colorado State.

Though the Rams jumped into the Bell sweepstakes late in the game, the school - and new head coach Steve Fairchild - made a favorable impression.

"He was very straight-forward - very honest," Bell said.

Bell didn't leave with a scholarship offer; coaches told him they were down to six, and were going to crunch the numbers and get back to him. But Bell, who had already visited Youngstown State, was sold on the program.

Rams coaches will make a home visit to Bell this week, which he sees as a good sign; "If they offer, I'll probably go."

Bell said he plans to visit Eastern Kentucky this weekend.

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Berkeley's Barnes says Vandy is his top choice

Berkeley Prep senior Archie Barnes may have spearheaded the Bucs offense at quarterback last season, but if this past weekend is any indication, he may be up for a position switch.

Barnes enjoyed his visit to Vanderbilt, which is recruiting him as an "athlete" - a defensive back or linebacker, likely.

"It was awesome," Barnes said. "The coaches were amazing. I really liked it there."

Barnes said he also had a good time at his other visits - to Furman and UMass. But he said, if he had to rank his choices, it'd be Vanderbilt, Furman and then UMass.

Barnes, also a starting guard on the state's top basketball team in 3A, said he's eager to get the recruiting process over with, and could make the decision "in a couple of days."

-- JOE SMITH
joesmith@sptimes.com

Riverview's Barr leaning toward Hofstra

Riverview senior defensive end Quincy Barr didn't quite pull the trigger this weekend and Hofstra, but he could be about to.

Barr said he loved his recruiting visit this past weekend; though he may have a Boise State trip coming up, Hofstra grew on him pretty well (all he needed was a long-sleeved t-shirt).

"It went pretty well," Barr said. "I liked the campus and the players and coaches were cool. I haven't committed yet, but I think I'm going to."

Barr has seen his recruiting stock rise over the past month, as coaches loved his film and qualifying test scores.

-- JOE SMITH
joesmith@sptimes.com

Harvey to UCF

Largo running back Brynn Harvey, the Times Pinellas County offensive player of the year, orally committed to the University of Central Florida.

"(UCF) was one of my first choices all along," Harvey said. "I wanted to be close to home and I liked the coaches and atmosphere."

Harvey, who rushed for a county-record 2,581 yards this past season, also had offers from Ball State, Arizona State, Memphis and Middle Tennessee State.

With the Knights, Harvey has the chance to play right away. UCF running back Kevin Smith, the ntion's leading rusher this season with 2,567 yards, decided to skip his senior year to declare for the NFL draft.

"It's a great fit," Harvey said.

-- BOB PUTNAM

Former USF player named Brandon's offensive coordinator

Brian Surcy, a former Bloomingdale and USF football player, has been named the offensive coordinator at Brandon.

Surcy was an assistant at Bloomingdale last season, and was a candidate for the Bulls head coaching position this offseason; after Jason Stokes was given that position, he offered Surcy a spot on his staff.

But Surcy also met with Brandon coach John Lima, who had to hire several assistants, including both coordinators after defensive coordinator Dale Caparaso left to take the same job at Bloomingdale.

Lima said he's also hired another assistant, Johnny Green, who comes from Gaither.

In Eagles recruiting news, star senior linebacker/defensive back Samir Baker made a trip to Georgia Southern this past weekend. Lima said Baker will make a trip to Valdosta State next weekend, and that Kent State has shown some recent interest in Baker as a corner.

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Wharton standouts waiting it out

Wharton defensive end/linebacker Aaron Afree enjoyed his trip to FAU over the weekend, but left without making a commitment.

Afree said there's several other schools that are interested, including FIU, FAMU and South Florida and that he's "just gonna wait to see how things shake out." FAU was the only Florida program to win its bowl game last season, beating Memphis.

"It was good at FAU," Afree said. "They've got some pretty nice facilities and some good guys down there."

Afree said FAU coaches plan to make a home-visit Monday night, and he's contemplating making a visit this weekend to FIU, which is recruiting him as a tight end. He's already tripped to USF and FAMU.

"I like them all," he said.

In other Wildcat news, senior linebacker Josh Powell appears like he's got his sights on West Point, which has been on him for a long time; Powell has already made a trip there, but he's waiting to see if any other options pop up, according to Wharton assistant Craig Rainey.

Rainey said Elon has recently come into the picture for Powell, but no offer yet. Tight end Andreas Shields, a USF commitment, made his official trip to South Florida this weekend, Rainey said.

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Get 'Crunched'

Looking for a quick recap of the past week in winter sports? Need to know which games to check out in the days ahead? Want to see far more photos than are available in the paper?

Check out our new weekly 'Crunch Time audio slideshow, containing more than 40 images and county-by-county reports from Times staffers led by Joey Knight. And don't miss our "Buzzer Beaters'' segment, in which our writers have 20 seconds to sound off on a topic before they get buzzed. And, no, Joey doesn't go easy on them.

(Pictured: Pinellas Park basketball player Jake Troyli. Times photo - Joseph Garnett, Jr. Click to enlarge.)