East Bay retires Ballenger's number

The jersey number of former East Bay quarterback Rex Ballenger Jr. was retired in a halftime ceremony during the Indians' final home game against Newsome tonight.

Ballenger was killed in a car accident last spring. His family was presented with a plaque of Ballenger's No. 10. A plaque retiring Ballenger's number will hang in East Bay's gym and in the team's football field house.

"There aren't words to describe how this feels to us," said Ballenger's father, Rex Sr., "I know it wasn't easy to get this done. Coach (Brian) Thornton and Rex had a great relationship. And just like I know Rex would do anything to play football for him, I know Coach Thornton did everything to get this done."

-EDUARDO A. ENCINA

East Bay swimmer Ball has finalists

East Bay senior swimmer Tyler Ball said Thursday that his college decision is down to two schools -- West Virginia and South Carolina.

Ball, a standout in the 500 free and 100 back, said he's been told he will receive an offer from both schools within the next two weeks. He's made two visits to each school.

"They're both even," Ball said.

Ball said Florida State is also "an option," but the Mountaineers and Gamecocks are definitely his leaders.

Ball won the 500 free and 100 back at Thursday's Class 3A-4 district meet. He was a state finalist in the 500 free last year and has switched to the 100 back from the 200 IM in hopes of advancing to state in that even as well.

-- EDUARDO A. ENCINA

Cambridge's Tagliarini commits to Quincy

Cambridge shortstop Trent Tagliarini committed to play baseball at Quincy (Ill.) University Thursday night, Lancers coach Rick Shears said in an email.

Tagliarini will officially sign his letter of intent Nov. 12 at the school. He was accepted to the school about a month ago, Shears said.

Tagliarini, who hit a team-high .506 and led Cambridge with four homers, seven doubles and five triples, helped lead the Lancers to their first baseball state championship game last spring and a school-best 25-3-1 record.

He will be the third Cambridge athlete heading to Quincy. Shears' son, Erik, is attending Quincy and playing football there and former Lancer football player Austin Welti is a junior linebacker there and is second on the team with 3 1/2 sacks.

-- EDUARDO A. ENCINA.

Memory Lane with the Bloomingdale Bulls

Okay, you all know the deal: If Bloomingdale (5-2) beats Brandon (1-6) tonight, the Bulls will clinch the first winning season in program history. It also would get them into the playoffs.

So clearly, a victory would go down as the program's biggest.

This got me thinking: What currently is the biggest win in Bloomy history?

Here's your answer: Bulls 24, Lakeland 14.

NOOOOOOO, I'm not making that up. It actually happened. Seriously.

The Year was 2003. Bloomingdale went 4-5 that season. That night against Lakeland, the Bulls outrushed the mighty Dreadnaughts 246-190. Bloomingdale QB Tony Thomas accounted for 177 yards.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Fotopoulos new Gators assistant

Each girls was asked to introduce themselves by name, then offer a little bit of background on the first day of Land O'Lakes soccer tryouts.

It would have been fun to hear how Danielle Fotopoulos introduced herself.

The NCAA's Division I all-time leading scorer (118 goals) recently joined the Gators as an assistant soccer coach. She also will coach tennis in the spring.

Fotopoulos, who played collegiately at Southern Methodist and Florida, also was a member of the United State national team that won the 1999 World Cup and an Olympic team alternate. She recently rejoined her Florida teammates for the 10th anniversary of winning the national championship, a 1-0 win against North Carolina.

Fotopolous scored the only goal.

She is teaching at the Land O'Lakes, currently involved in a program called H.O.P.E. - health opportunities through physical education. Gators coach Vicky King realizes what a great luxury it is to have Fotopoulos, who was a two-time All American at Lyman High in Orlando, on staff.

"It's an awesome thing," King said. "She's very humbled about all the things she's done. She brings so much experience. She has so much to offer with her coaching and playing experience. She's been around the world."

-- IZZY GOULD
izzygould@me.com

The Chamberlain-Plant blog

It's not a district game. And it won't determine who makes the playoffs or who doesn't. But despite all of that, tonight's Chamberlain-Plant game at Dads Stadium is a big one. That's because 1. The teams are two of the state's best, 2. The schools have been playing each other for years, 3. The Chiefs and Panthers each have incredibly vocal fan bases, 4. There might be more talent showcased in this game than any contest in the state tonight. If that's not enough to get you excited, you're probably not breathing (if that's the case, call 911 immediately). In this post, I'm asking you to break it down for us, tell us how you think things will go down and, of course, pick a winner. Talk smack if you must, but have fun and keep it clean. Anyway, here's my take ...

I like Chamberlain tonight. Plant is good. Very good. Even with star QB Aaron Murray sidelined with that injury. The Panthers have what I consider the county's two best receivers in Orson Charles and Allen Sampson, and if new QB Phillip Ely gets some protection the Panthers will score. That's a big if. Although Plant's offensive line isn't bad, Chamberlain has probably the county's second best defensive front. On the other side of the ball, the Chiefs have incredible balance. QB Dontae Aycock is having an all-state season, his receivers are solid, the line has played excellent and running back Kenny Allen is the city's best-kept secret. I expect a good game. One that should be reasonably close. It's worth noting that since the start of the 2006 season, Plant has lost a grand total of three games. All were to Armwood. That's right, nobody else has beaten the Panthers during that stretch. In other words, those guys in black and gold are pretty good. But at the end of the day, when you add up all the pluses and minuses for each, it's hard to go against Chamberlain.

Prediction: Chamberlain 30-23

--KEITH NIEBUHR

USA Today bumps up Hawks

This actually happened a few days ago, so pardon my delay in reporting it:

The Armwood football team jumped one spot in this week's USA Today Super 25 football rankings, which is probably the most well known of all rankings in high school sports. The Hawks (8-0) are now ranked No. 4; they trail Euless Trinity (Texas), Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas and Monroeville Gateway (Pa.). Armwood was fifth last week, but then-No. 1, South Carolina's Byrnes High, was beaten.

One other note:

Two teams that could stand between Chamberlain (8-0) and a Class 5A state title are ranked -- St Thomas (No. 2) and Lakeland (No. 11).

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Jackson forced out of Friday's game

Armwood quarterback Mywan Jackson has been suspended from school, meaning he will not be able to play in Friday's district game against Freedom, Hawks coach Sean Callahan said.

Callahan said Jackson and safety Angelo Hadley "both broke a school rule," but only Jackson was suspended. Hadley will play Friday.

"It was a school situation and we support the administration's decision," Callahan said.

Callahan said senior Rob Jones and freshman Tanner Emmons will play in Jackson's place, but  said Emmons, who led the Hawks JV to a 6-0 record, will receive most of the snaps.

"I don't want him to get mop-up duty," Callahan said of Emmons. "He's going to be a three-year starter for us, and we've usually only had two-year starters here, so I want to get him some game experience."

- EDUARDO A. ENCINA

Jesuit swim star down to four

Jesuit swim standout Vinny Donnelly has narrowed his choices of potential colleges to four and intends to commit "soon," he told the Times on Thursday. His finalists are Florida State, Indiana, LSU and Purdue.

A decision could come as early as this weekend.

Donnelly has taken official visits to each finalist. He tripped to LSU last weekend and had front-row seats for the LSU-Georgia football game. "I had a lot of fun," Donnelly said.

Donnelly, who has a 3.4 GPA, plans to study civil engineering in college and that will be a factor in his final decision.

At state in 2007, Donnelly was fifth in the 500 freestyle and sixth in the 100 butterfly. He will concentrate primarily on distance events in college.

-KEITH NIEBUHR

PAL all-star golf tourney tees off Saturday

With the high school golf season over following the conclusion of yesterday's state championships, graduates in the class of 2009 will have one final opportunity to represent their team on the golf course.

The Pinellas Sheriff's Police Athletic League will host a senior all-star tournament Saturday at Airco Golf Course in Clearwater.

All senior high school golfers are invited to attend. The cost is $15, and tropies will be given to the top three finishers. The tournament will tee off at noon.

For more information or to register, contact East Lake golf coach Terry O'Reilly at 727-463-1720.

-- BRYAN BURNS

Barcena's season officially over

The odds were always against him. Ronnie Barcena knew that. But still, the Tampa Catholic senior right tackle hoped he could play again this season. Earlier this morning, however, a doctor recommended that Barcena, who fractured a vertebrae in his neck two weeks ago against Jacksonville Trinity Christian (story about injury HERE), miss the remainder of the season so the neck can properly heal.

"I'm at a loss of words," Barcena said. "The doctor said not to play this season or risk further injury."

Now, Barcena has two goals: get better and cheer on the Crusaders. "I'm going to give moral support to my team," he said. "I have all the confidence in the world they're going to go far."

A solid student, Barcena hopes to attend either USF or FAU. But, he added, he would be open to the idea of continuing his football career at a smaller school if that opportunity should present itself.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Gilliam plays waiting game

To date, Durant offensive tackle Cole Gilliam has scholarship offers from Florida International and Elon. Although he can't be certain, he thinks more could be on the way. The question is, from whom? The 6-foot-5, 310-pound senior, who likely will switch to guard in college, says UCF, N.C. State and Villanova are showing the most interest. N.C. State has told Gilliam it won't be making any new offers until mid-November, but Gilliam likes his chances of getting one. "They sound really interested," he said. In the meantime, Gilliam has one official visit to a Division I-A program set; he's heading to Idaho the second weekend in December. He's also planning to make an unofficial to Florida State soon.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Wharton's Yang down to two

Wharton golfer Shena Yang, who tied for third Wednesday at the Class 2A state tournament in Davenport, said she has narrowed her choices of potential colleges to two -- USF and Florida. The Bulls already have offered the senior standout a scholarship. The Gators have not, but that could change soon as Yang is expected to take an official trip to Gainesville sometime in the next two weeks. Yang, who finished her prep career with three top-six finishes at state, posted rounds this week of 73-77 to finish three shots back of Boca Raton Spanish River senior Madison Pressel, the younger sister of LPGA star Morgan Pressel. "USF is so close to home and I know people on the team," Yang said. "UF is a very nice school and is really good with athletics."

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Suskauer commits to Furman

Plant pitcher Kayla Suskauer, one of the area's best players at her position, has committed to Furman. A Times all-county selection last spring, the right-hander helped lead the Panthers to the Class 5A region final.

"She's been a key for us," Plant coach Melissa Sigmon said.

Suskauer began her prep career at the Academy of the Holy Names before transferring to Plant last year. She was the ace of the Panthers staff, and twice earned victories over nationally ranked Chamberlain. One of those wins against the Chiefs came in the state playoffs.

Plant lost to Venice 1-0 in the region final.

"She's a hard worker," Sigmon said. "She's been solid ... the rock that kind of got us where we were. She has been fantastic."

Suskauer had a 0.93 ERA in 2008.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Beef ‘O’Brady’s Top 25

FORT MYERS— The following is the Beef ‘O’Brady’s Top 25 all-class high school football poll. First-place votes are in parentheses, followed by classification, record and points.

1. St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale) (10) 5A  7-0  250
2. Armwood 4A 8-0  240
3. Glades Central (Belle Glade)  3A  7-0  217
4. Pahokee  2B  6-1  206
5. Lakeland  5A  7-0  201
6. Miami Northwestern  6A  7-0  194
7. Madison County  2A  6-0  192
8. Chamberlain 5A  8-0  190
9. St. Augustine  3A  7-0  161
10. Mainland (Daytona Beach)  5A  7-0  160
11. Apopka  6A  7-1  137
12. Boone (Orlando)  6A  7-0  131
13. Venice  5A  7-0  124
14. Dwyer (Palm Beach)  4A  6-1  121
15. Pine Forest (Pensacola)  5A  7-0  108
16. Plant 4A  6-1  89
17. Godby (Tallahassee)  3A  7-0  87
18. Deerfield Beach  6A  6-1  86
19. Bolles (Jacksonville)  2A  7-0  69
20. Cypress Bay (Weston)  6A  6-1  62
21. Naples  3A  6-1  46
22. Miami Killian  6A  6-1  41
23. Fletcher (Neptune Beach)  5A  7-0  25
24. Columbus (Miami)  6A  6-0  22
25. Atlantic (Delray Beach)  5A  7-0  15

Others receiving votes
Miramar 6A  6-1  14
Ridge Community (Davenport) 3A  7-0  14
Nature Coast 3A  7-0  10
Niceville  5A  7-1  10
Fort Meade  1A 8-0  8
Eastside (Gainesville) 4A  6-1  7
Lake Wales  3A 6-1  2
Fort White  2A 6-1  1

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Indian Rocks’ Englebert out with injury

Indian Rocks Christian will play its biggest game of the season without running back Ethan Englebert, who could miss the next three weeks with a possible hairline fracture.

The injury occurred in last week’s game against Northside Christian. Golden Eagles coach Mark Buchanan said Englebert could return for the first round of the playoffs.

Englebert’s absence will hurt IRC (8-0), which hosts Fort Meade Friday night in a game that will decide the district champion in Class A-5.

“There’s no doubt, it’s tough,” Buchanan said. “We need all the guys for this game. But we’ve players step up all year.”

Englebert became the workhorse when Jonny Sitton missed time with a strained hamstring. Sitton is “about 85-90 percent” said Buchanan.

-- BOB PUTNAM, Times Staff Writer

After scare, TC's Barcena hopeful of return

When the helmet of a Jacksonville Trinity Christian player smacked into his chin during a recent game, Tampa Catholic right tackle Ronnie Barcena didn't think much of it. In fact, he stayed on the field for the following play, a PAT. But after Barcena reached the sideline, he started stumbling and then began to vomit. Before long, he was in an ambulance and headed to the hospital. Later that night, his muscles "went numb."

"I was paralyzed from the neck down for about five hours," Barcena said. "I was horrified."

Fortunately, his feeling was back by 4 a.m. Five hours later, he was walking around. Later, Barcena learned that he had suffered a concussion and fractured a vertebrae in his neck. "I don't remember most of the game," Barcena said.

Nearly two weeks after the injury occurred, Barcena, a senior, is hopeful he can return to the field this season. Although he was given a neck brace, he was told he only needs to wear it when he's in pain. In four weeks, he will visit doctors for another round of tests. If cleared, he said he could possibly participate soon after if TC is still alive in the playoffs. "I'd say it's 50-50," Barcena said.

Barcena said Tuesday he is thankful for all the prayers that came from the TC community. And he is particularly grateful the trainer recognized his deteriorating condition on the sideline.

"Thank God he noticed," Barcena said. "The doctor said if I went out to play again I could be paralyzed, dead or in a coma."

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Sharks begin to bite back

They lost their opener 51-25. They lost to Plant 64-6. They lost to Hillsborough 61-14. And they were blanked by Newsome. But despite an 0-6 start, the Riverview Sharks didn’t give up.

“From the very beginning, they knew we were going to have some struggles because we were young,” first-year coach Bruce Gifford said. “I just kept telling them every week, ‘Keep believing and something good is going to happen before the season is over.'”

That something happened last Friday, when out of seemingly nowhere the Sharks stunned Sarasota 13-0. Not only was it victory No. 1 of the Gifford era, but it put Riverview, which was all but written off for dead a week ago, in good position to make the playoffs if it beats Durant next week.

“Out team finally started to jell,” Gifford said. “It took this long to get the guys to adjust to all the changes as far as coaching philosophies and how we do things. Finally, they bought into it. They’ve been great. We’ve never had a call from a parent about a kid not playing, never had calls about losing a game."

Could last week’s win just be the start?

“Out of 22 starters, seven are seniors,” Gifford said. “We’re going to be real good next year. The future is bright at Riverview.”

--KEITH NIEBUHR

O’Neal gets N.C. State offer

The Newsome defense is hitting on all cylinders these days and the solid play of senior defensive tackle Conor O'Neal is one of the big reasons why. N.C. State has taken notice. On Tuesday afternoon, Newsome coach Kenneth Hiscock confirmed that the Wolfpack had offered O'Neal a scholarship earlier in the day. It is the 6-foot-3, 295-pounder's first offer to date, but probably won't be his last. Buffalo, FAU, FIU and USF also are showing interest. O'Neal plays on the offensive and defensive lines at Newsome, but projects to be a defensive tackle in college.

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Chamberlain's Locke to be a Vol

After taking an official visit to Tennessee over the weekend, Chamberlain sprinter Dentarius Locke said "it was kind of cold." But that was his only complaint.

"Everything else," Locke said, "is perfect."

And that's why Locke, one of the state's top track and field stars, has committed to the Volunteers. He chose them over USF and Kentucky.

"It was great," Locke said. "They have so much stuff."

Locke said he likes the fact the Vols compete in the ultra-competitive Southeastern Conference. He also has great affection for the coaching staff. And it didn't hurt that the program "produces Olympians all the time."

At the Class 4A state meet earlier this year, Locke won the 100-meter dash (10.72 seconds) and was second in the 200 (21.02). He attempted to also qualify for state in the 400, but false started at regionals.

Next spring, he'd like to win gold in all three events.

"That's my goal," Locke said.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

McGriff picks three to visit; two slots still open

Jesuit receiver Erick McGriff, the son of local baseball legend Fred McGriff, confirmed tonight he has picked three schools to make official visits to -- Auburn, Kansas and Troy. He said he likely will take two other trips, but is waiting to make a decision regarding those slots. The Kansas trip is set for December; the other two will be later on. The 6-foot-2, 195-pound McGriff has three touchdown catches and is the Tigers' leading receiver. Auburn, Kansas and Troy have each offered him a scholarship. Florida State, one of the schools vying for a visit, has not. "They're still showing a lot of interest," McGriff said. Georgia and Notre Dame also are in the mix.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Help wanted

So, we're starting to put together boys and girls basketball polls/videos/maybe even a winter sports show in the same vein as the highly successful and widely acclaimed Friday Night Rewind.

My question: who are the top 8 boys and girls.....wait, hold on, YES I KNOW IT'S FOOTBALL SEASON BUT CAN YOU HELP A BRUTHA OUT?....sorry, my ears started burning and I could swear I heard someone yelling at their computer screen.

Now, where was I? Oh yeah -- who are the top 8-10 boys and girls teams in Tampa Bay?

Give us the girls first. They start first, and we're putting that together as we speak.
Then the boys. Who's back, who's strong, who's down, how many games Oldsmar Christian will win, etc. (kidding about that Oldsmar thing).

And would anyone watch a winter hoops show? Or should we just leave well enough alone?

Or email me at johncotey@gmail.com.

State football poll: Lakewood, Nature Coast now ranked

The Associated Press Top 10 Florida high school football poll, with first-place votes in parentheses, records, rating points and previous rankings. Area teams in bold:
Class 6A
Record    Pts    Prv
1. Apopka (11)      7-1    171     1
2. Miami Northwestern (6)      7-0    166     2
3. Boone (1)      7-0    145     3
4. Christopher Columbus Catholic      6-0    123     4
5. Cypress Bay      6-1    104     5
6. Deerfield Beach      5-1    90     6
7. Miramar      6-1    64     9
8. Miami Killian      6-1    63     8
T9. Everglades      6-1    18     7
T9. Dr. Phillips      6-1    18
Others receiving votes: Royal Palm Beach 10, Vero Beach 7, Miami Central 6, East Ridge 5.

Fab 50: Armwood and perpetuality.

1. (1) ARMWOOD (8-0)
   Last week: beat Hillsborough 46-7.
   This week: at Freedom.
   The lowdown: Wharton's Jairus Jones, Tampa Bay Tech's Maurice Hagens and I will tell our kids one day that we were the only ones to score touchdowns on the 2008 Armwood defense. I'll be the only one lying.
2. (2) CHAMBERLAIN (8-0)
   Last week: beat Alonso 35-21.
   This week: at Plant.
   The lowdown: With Plant's Aaron Murray out, can I cast my ballot for best quarterback in Tampa Bay for Dontae Aycock? He can throw, he can run, he's fast, he's powerful — Range You Can Believe In.
3. (3) PLANT (7-1)
   Last week: beat Leto 50-14.
   This week: vs. Chamberlain.
   The lowdown: Sure, sophomore quarterback Phillip Ely may have completed his first 10 passes in his first varsity start, but it was pretty obvious on that 11th pass he's no Aaron Murray. (SIde note: I got a nasty e-mail saying this comment was, and I quote, "Classless...tasteless...unfair....callous...and a personal attack." But it was a joke....Am I the only one that got it?)
4. (4) NATURE COAST (7-0)
   Last week: beat Citrus 49-14.
   This week: vs. Hernando.
   The lowdown: No Hernando County team has ever won more than one playoff game. The Sharks will win at least two, and you can take that to any U.S. bank, baby … whoa … wait … I mean, stick that prediction under the mattress.
5. (7) TAMPA CATHOLIC (6-2)
   Last week: beat Mulberry 24-13.
   This week: at Lennard.
   The lowdown: Tampa Catholic's spot in this poll has some people riled up, so, um, don't say anything about the Crusaders moving up two more spots, okay?

Brandon tabs former Eagle as new softball coach

Former Brandon softball standout Jen Steadman has been hired to be her alma mater's new softball coach, school athletic director Johnny Bush said in an email.

Steadman played softball and volleyball at Brandon, and played softball collegiately at Warner Southern in Winter Park, where she graduated this past spring. As a senior, Steadman hit .337, had 22 stolen bases and lead the team with six triples.

Steadman is currently a subsitute at Brandon, but Bush said the administration hopes to bring her on board in the near future.

She replaces Penny Burg, who stepped down after the season to focus on her teacher certification.

-- EDUARDO A. ENCINA

Wilson looking ahead

Former Sickles standout Kenny Wilson's first year in professional baseball was a difficult one.

After the Blue Jays made Wilson their second-round pick this past June -- he was the bay's area's highest draft selection -- Wilson struggled with the Jays' Florida Gulf Coast League team in Dunedin. He stole 24 bases in 28 attempts, but he hit just .210 in 162 at bats.

"I learned a lot," Wilson said. "It was tougher than I thought, but I'm happy with the way I handled the failure part of it."

Wilson said he played well in instructional league after the season, and he believes he might get promoted to Toronto's low Class A team in Lansing, Mich.

"It was nice to be able to live at home," he said. "That was a blessing, being able to come home and sleep in my own bed."

-- EDUARDO A. ENCINA

X’s, O’s and wedding bells for TBT coach

Tampa Bay Tech football coach C.C. Culpepper had two things on his mind two weeks ago -- a game against Lennard and a wedding. Surprisingly, the latter caused him the least amount of stress.

“I already knew the outcome of that,” Culpepper said. “She was going to say ‘Yes’ and I was going to say ‘Yes.’ And she pretty much did all of the planning. I was more nervous about playing a very good Lennard team and how my team would respond after losing to Armwood.”

On Thursday night, the Titans clobbered Lennard 56-0. Two days later, Culpepper and Candace Anderson, who coaches track at the school, said their vows before about 150 friends and family in Tampa.

“Because she’s a coach she understands the dynamic of coaching,” Culpepper said. “She’s my biggest supporter, but also one of my biggest critics when I don’t do things right. She's definitely my backbone. She keeps me grounded.”

For now, the honeymoon is on hold.

“We’ll do that after the season … after the playoffs,” Culpepper said.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

TC receivers step up

Because Tampa Catholic (5-2) has such an outstanding quarterback in junior Christian Green, it's easy to overlook the fact there are some pretty talented players around him. But that was evident in last Friday's 24-13 win over Mulberry.

On Monday, Crusaders coach Bob Henriquez praised the play of receivers Jordan Jones and Conner Louis, each of whom scored in the victory. Louis produced a 47-yard score; Jones hauled in an 11-yard touchdown reception. "Conner broke a tackle and outraced everyone," Henriquez said. "Jordan made an incredible catch in the corner of the endzone on a fade route."

Jones is a junior and possible future Division I-A recruit. He missed the team's first four games with injuries, but is starting to come on strong. "He's really just learning the offense," Henriquez said.

Louis is only a sophomore. "I told him that in big games, there's always one guy that makes a play that nobody expects," Henriquez said.

Green, by the way, played most of the game with one contact. He lost the other early on and didn't have a spare set with him.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Segert commits to Idaho State

Oldsmar Chrisitan shooting guard Eric Segert has orally commited to play for Idaho State, a Division I school in the Big Sky Conference.

Segert, who transferred from Clearwater Central Catholic to Oldsmar Christian after his junior season, averaged 29.4 points a game and four 3-pointers for the Marauders basketball squad last year.

"Without a doubt, Eric's one of the best shooters I've ever coached," Oldsmar coach Ryan Pannone said. "However, Eric's really developing his game where he's not always settling for the three. He's doing a lot more off the dribble, breaking players down and improving his mid-range game."

Pannone said recruiters from Longwood, Stetson, Florida Gulf Coast University, New Jersey Tech and North Florida came in to watch Segert in person. Air Force, Cal State-Fullerton, High Point, William and Mary, Monmouth, Pacific and Fairfield had also stayed in contact with the 6-foot-2, 175-pound shooting guard.

Idaho State was the first school to offer Segert a scholarship. That came two weeks ago. Segert took an official visit a week later and committed soon after. The Bengals averaged just under five 3-pointers a game in finishing the season 12-19.

"They had a real need for shooters where a lot of the other schools recruiting him already had a lot of guys that could shoot threes," Pannone said. "The coach (at Idaho State) made the statement that he's one of the best shooters he's ever seen."

Segert is fully qualified according to Pannone and will sign in November.

-- BRYAN BURNS

The official IRC-Fort Meade post

Yes, it's 8-0 versus 8-0 for the Class A, District 5 title.
It's 339 points scored (Fort Meade) vs. 325 (IRC).
But mostly, IRC needs it's own thread for the smack talk. I have counted 2,319 comments posted saying IRC will rock Fort Meade's world since Friday. So let's get it on. I'll start by borrowing this comment by Tim The Realist:

   

"All i want to say is 61-8 Shorecrest vs Ft Meade... first game of the season so neither squad was in good sync..... Shorecrest played a decent game and could only muster 8 points.
   37-21 IRC vs Shorecrest... Shorecrest played with 2 WRs at O-line.... a New center.... and a new tackle.... they had 4 lineman playing in new positions... the center had never played center before in his life and what happens.... shorecrest busts for 300+ yards.'
   idk if IRC allows 300 yards against a banged up and small shorecrest squad what happens with a fully healthy and big ft meade squad???
   anyone care to tackle that one???"
   Posted by: Tim the Realist

 

And for fun, I'll add this: Fort Meade beat Northside Christian 68-0. IRC only beat the Mustangs 64-7.

Two in front for Jesuit's Plasencia

Two-way Jesuit standout Johns Plasencia said Sunday night that two teams are currently ahead of the others in the pursuit to gain his commitment -- Northwestern and Vanderbilt. He visited the Wildcats two weekends ago, rating the trip an "8 or 9," and plans to make an official visit to Vandy sometime after the season. Plasencia also has plans to visit Duke. Northwestern and Vanderbilt have offered a scholarship; Duke, as of Sunday, had not. The 6-foot-5, 240-pounder, who is being recruited by some schools to play tight end and others to play defensive end, also is considering offers from Army, Air Force, Cincinnati, Louisville, N.C. State, Purdue, Syracuse and Tulane. Additionally, Plasencia, who carries a 4.12 GPA, is giving both Harvard and Penn a strong look. "It's a four-year commitment," Plasencia said. "Where I end up is going to stick with me for the rest of my life. It would be hard to turn down two of the best schools in the nation."

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Lattimore to Iowa

Gaither tight end Justin Lattimore pledged to the Iowa Hawkeyes on Sunday, just two days after the program offered the 6-foot-3, 215-pound standout a scholarship. He also had offers from Ball State, Florida Atlantic, Florida International, Middle Tennessee State and Miami of Ohio. Georgia was another program that showed interest.

Lattimore confirmed his commitment in an email early Sunday evening.

Lattimore's father told the Times on Friday his son would visit the Hawkeyes the weekend of Nov. 8 -- and catch the team's game against nationally ranked Penn State.

A physical player at both tight end and defensive end, Lattimore is averaging nearly 20 yards per catch this season. He is Iowa's ninth commitment for the Class of 2009. Coincidentally, the Hawkeyes received another commitment from a tight end last Thursday.

Rivals.com rates Lattimore as a two-star prospect.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Four still lead for Armwood’s Hadley

Armwood safety Angelo Hadley is making a strong case to earn Suncoast Defensive Player-of-the-Year honors. Playing for what easily is the area's best defense, the 6-foot-1, 190-pound senior has seven interceptions, a remarkably high number in high school football.

Off the field, things are also going smoothly.

Hadley continues to have four leaders --Florida, Georgia, Michigan and North Carolina. He visited UNC recently, will trip to Michigan on Nov. 15 and hopes to visit UGA sometime in November. Of the four, all but Florida has offered, but "they said they're going to work something out with me," Hadley said.

Right now, all four schools are "even."

Once he takes all of his visits, Hadley will begin to narrow things down.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Friday Night Rewind: Where's Bald-O?

Hi. I'm Izzy Gould. And I have stolen been asked by Mr. Cotey's log-in information for his to blog on his account because he is tied up in my mother's basement..or is he? is unavailable. Thank you for enjoying his very popular my show.

Iowa offers Lattimore

Touted Gaither tight end Justin Lattimore has a new scholarship offer. He also has a new leader.

And it's the same the school -- Iowa.

The Hawkeyes, who visited the school this week, pulled the trigger Friday and are now currently Lattimore's top choice, his father told the Times early Friday evening. The 6-foot-3, 218-pound senior also has offers from Ball State, Florida Atlantic, Florida International, Middle Tennessee State and Miami of Ohio.

Georgia also has shown interest.

Lattimore will visit the Hawkeyes the weekend of Nov. 8 and will attend their game against nationally ranked Penn State. Thus far this season, he is averaging about 20 yards per catch.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Charles, not Murray, wears No. 11 for Panthers

Plant tight end Orson Charles sent the family of injured Panthers quarterback Aaron Murray a text message this week that included a special request. “I,” Charles said, “asked to wear his number. They said they would be honored.”

Charles, a heralded recruit, typically wears No. 7.

But Friday night against Leto, he donned Murray’s No. 11. Murray, who had surgery on his broken left fibula earlier in the day, missed the game. Sporting his new number, Charles had four catches for 52 yards and two touchdowns.

“It felt kind of weird not having him out there,” Charles said.

Charles said the jersey switch was a one-time thing.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Sickles 2008: The Story of the Walking Wounded

At 1-6, the Sickles football team isn't where it thought it would be at this point in the season. But it's not hard to see how it got here. To say the least, a rash of injuries hasn't helped. Here are some interesting stats ...

• The Gryphons have had 23 different players miss at least one game due to injury -- 11 of which are starters.
• 10 of the team's top players to miss action have been out two or more games.
• Seven starters have missed three or more games.
• About 90% of the injuries have been game-related.
• In the team's Week-1 defeat to Leto, Sickles lost nine starters (six players, three of which were two-way starters).
• To help with depth, 15 JV players were brought up this week.

"I've never been around anything like this," Gryphons coach Pat O’Brien said in an email exchange with the Times. "If you drive by the school and see the blood bank buses out front, you'll know why they are there!"

Sickles hosts King (2-4) tonight.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Murray's surgery a success

This just in ...

Plant coach Robert Weiner writes via text that heralded Plant quarterback "Aaron Murray completed his surgery a little while ago. His surgery was a complete success. His recovery time remains set at six months. He is in recovery now."

The surgery was performed by Rays team orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Koco Eaton.

Murray, who has 79 career touchdown passes (28 this season), broke his left fibula and sustained some ligament damage last Thursday against Hillsborough, thus ending his prep career.

A Georgia commit, Murray will graduate in December and early enroll in college. One of the benefits to enrolling early is that freshman can take part in spring practice. The question now is, will Murray be ready for spring drills?

--KEITH NIEBUHR & EDUARDO A. ENCINA

Givens won’t play hoops

Plant basketball coach Mike Phillips confirmed Friday what has long been suspected, that highly touted baseball prospect Mychal Givens will not play hoops this upcoming season. Givens, a senior shortstop/pitcher for the Panthers, was a first-team Class 5A all-state pick last spring and very well could be the first player from the state selected in the 2009 amateur draft.

This summer, he took part in the Aflac High School All-American Game, which showcases 38 of the game's best high school seniors at Dodger Stadium. Additionally, he was presented the Jackie Robinson Award, annually given to the top rising high school baseball player in the nation.

As a junior, the 6-foot Givens, a guard-forward, started every game for the Panthers basketball squad and averaged 4.7 points per game.

“We met (about a month ago) and I said, ‘What are you thinking?’” Phillips said. “He said he didn’t think he was going to play basketball and I told him, ‘I totally understand.’ He’s got to look out for his future and his future is in baseball.”

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Plant’s Cooley picks ETSU

Plant guard Sheldon Cooley, the Times' 2007-08 boys basketball Player of the Year for Hillsborough County, has committed to East Tennessee State. He chose the Buccaneers over programs such as Colorado State, Florida Atlantic, George Mason, Houston and Stetson. “He went up there (in September) and fell in love with it,” Panthers coach Mike Phillips said. “He’s very excited.”

The 6-foot-2, 185-pound Cooley will be a four-year high school starter. He played at Robinson as a ninth-grader before transferring to Plant. Cooley averaged 22.1 points, 8.7 rebounds and five steals per game as a junior.

At Plant, Cooley has mostly played point guard and shooting guard. But this season, he is expected to slide into the small-forward slot. In college, he’ll be a combo guard, Phillips said.

Standout Armwood point guard Adam Sollazzo signed with East Tennessee State earlier this year and is a freshman. The Bucs are coached by Murry Bartow. Former Robinson coach Scott Wagers is an assistant on the staff.

East Tennessee State has made seven NCAA Tournament appearances – five since 1990. “That was a big point right there,” Phillips said. “Sheldon is a winner and wanted to go where he can make it to the show.”

The Bucs, who play in the Atlantic Sun, were 19-13 last season. The NCAA's early signing period for basketball is Nov. 12.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Wright back for Bucs

Gulf offensive coordinator Brian Wright, hospitalized earlier this week for some apparent internal bleeding, returned to the Bucs' practice Thursday and will be on the sideline for Saturday night's district showdown with Hudson.

"They ran all those tests, and they were all negative," Bucs coach Jay Fulmer said.

Wright, who underwent emergency surgery for a ruptured esophagus in mid-April and had five more surgical procedures thereafter, began coughing up blood last weekend.

He went to Shands Hospital in Gainesville, where he had a stent implanted in his esophagus in May, and was released Wednesday. Fulmer said doctors never determined the cause of his bleeding, but noticed a knot on his forearm that had been there from some time had vanished.

"Maybe he had a blood clot or something that got loose," Fulmer said. "The doctors never said that, but it makes sense."

JOEY KNIGHT

Poderis to East Tennessee State

In the next couple of weeks, Ridgewood center Lukas Poderis will become the second Division I signee in Rams boys basketball history.

With that signature, he'll be headed in the same collegiate path as the Rams' first signee.

Poderis, a 6-foot-9 senior who averaged nearly a double-double (18.5 ppg, 9.6 rpg) for the Rams last season, has committed to East Tennessee State, where 2004 Ridgewood graduate Andrew Reed completed his career earlier this year.

He'll likely sign Nov. 12, the first day of the NCAA's early signing period.

Poderis, a full academic qualifier according to Rams coach Gary Anders, also had received offers from Niagara, Kent and Youngstown State. ETSU, however, seemed to exhibit the most interest from the outset.

"They saw him play 10 or 12 times or so this spring or summer and they've been very persistent," Anders said. "They've been down here to visit him, either the head coach or assistant coach, four or five times.

"Long story short, I think they've made him feel comfortable."

Poderis will become the second member of the Rams' 2007-08 team to sign with a college, joining point guard Mike Lawrence, who's now at Kings College in Bristol, Tenn.

JOEY KNIGHT

Marve in QB controversy at the “U”

Plant alum Robert Marve is scheduled to start at QB for Miami this Saturday against Wake Forest, but not everyone thinks he should. Although Marve, a redshirt freshman, has gotten the majority of snaps this season, his backup, true freshman Jacory Harris, earned Atlantic Coast Conference Rookie-of-the-Week honors for the second time last weekend. Harris threw a career-high four touchdown passes and ran for another in helping UM to a 49-31 comeback victory at Duke. He completed 18 of 28 passes for 185 yards and rushed 10 times for 53 yards. In the same game, Marve threw his ninth interception of the season.

Still, UM coach Randy Shannon says he will stick with Marve.

''Robert is still going to start,'' Shannon told the Miami Herald. "We still have got to work with him. Jacory knows that [he can come in at] any point of the game -- he may play three quarters; he may play two quarters; he may play one quarter. But when his number is called, he's going to be ready.''

End of story? Not quite.

In an interview (found here) with the Herald a few days later, Harris' father said both players eventually "need to be starters whether it's [here or elsewhere].'In time, those kids are going to say, 'I want to know I'm going to be the starter. I don't want to compete every year.' How does [Shannon] go about doing it? That's why he gets paid the big bucks. I think both kids love the University of Miami and will do everything in their power to make this work. Whether one or the other will transfer, I'm not sure."

This certainly should be an interesting story to follow.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Berkeley continues rise in rankings

Another strong week of volleyball. Another rise in the rankings.

And so it goes for the Berkeley Prep Buccaneers.

Now 22-2, Berkeley Prep jumped two spots in this week's Prepvolleyball.com National 100 high school rankings to No. 19. In the past week, the Bucs earned impressive wins over Orlando Lake Highland Prep, Tampa Prep and Venice -- all teams capable of going very far in the upcoming playoffs.

Plant, which is 20-3, maintained its position at No. 23.

Only one Florida team -- Orlando Timber Creek (23-1, No. 18) -- is ranked ahead of Berkeley Prep.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Lakewood's Moore named coach of the week

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers named Lakewood coach Cory Moore coach of the week for Week 7, according to a news release. Moore received a certificate and a personalized football after Thursday morning’s practice at One Buc Place.

Moore’s Spartans (5-1) defeated Largo 32-24 last Thursday, overcoming an 18-point fourth-quarter deficit and snapping the Packers’ 15-game regular-season win streak.

--Times staff

Armwood LB commits to Stony Brook

Armwood senior linebacker Casey Callahan has committed to play college football at Stony Brook, a Division I-AA football program on Northern Long Island.

Callahan chose Stony Brook over Liberty, Western Michigan and Central Michigan, Armwood football coach Sean Callahan, who is also his father, said.

Casey Callahan made an unofficial visit to Stony Brook over the summer and then made his official visit last week.

"I think that trip completed it for him," Sean Callahan said. "It's an up-and-coming program. He will have a chance to play early. His position coach was the one recruiting him."

Stony Brook is also just a ferry ride away from Sean Callahan's hometown of Bridgeport, Conn., where the Callahans still have family.

Sean Callahan said his son will likely shift over to outside linebacker from the middle spot in college.

-- EDUARDO A. ENCINA

McAllister a “one-man wrecking crew”

Alonso defensive lineman Demonte McAllister has a fan in Billy Turner. The legendary Chamberlain coach, whose team plays Alonso on Friday, said today McAllister is every bit as dominant as future NFL standout Brodrick Bunkley was when he played at Chamberlain earlier this decade.

"He's as good as anybody I've ever went against," Turner said. "And I'm not just saying that to butter the guy up. We're scared to death of him. He's a one-man wrecking crew."

McAllister (6-foot-3, 263 pounds) is committed to Florida State. Coincidentally, that's where Bunkley played.

Thus far in 2008, McAllister has 15 sacks.

In a game last week against Gaither, he burst through the line on one play and tackled both the quarterback and running back at the same time. To say the least, that got Turner's attention.

"He can change the tone of a game," Turner said.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Successful debut for Threatts

Former Countryside running back Maurice Threatts has emerged as a primary kick returner for the Chadron State Eagles -- in nine tries, he's gained 278 total yards for a 30.9 yard average -- during his true freshman season.

In the Eagles' most recent victory over Fort Lewis College, the 5-foot-9, 170 pound Threatts fielded his first collegiate punt and promptly returned it 66 yards for a touchdown. The touchdown was also a first for Threatts on the college level.

For his returning prowess, Threatts was named the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference/ Rawlings Special Teams Player of the Week.

Threatts, who rushed for nearly 1,000 yards as a senior running back at Countryside last season, has played in seven of the Eagles eight games. On 12 carries, he's gained 64 yards. Two weeks ago, he ran for a season-high 49 yards on four rushes in a win over Western New Mexico. Threatts is fourth on the Eagles all-purpose list with 409 yards.

-- BRYAN BURNS

Pickett to be honored

Ryan Pickett is coming home.

The Zephyrhills alumnus and current Green Bay Packers  defensive tackle will be honored by his former high school when his No. 79 Bulldogs jersey is retired at Friday's Zephyrhills homecoming game against Wiregrass Ranch.

"Ryan is really excited," said his mother, Mae Pickett. "I just got off the phone with him in fact. He doesn't know how big it's going to be. The community is really involved."

Pickett was an All American for the Bulldogs, who registered 119 tackles and seven sacks as a senior. He signed in 1998 with Ohio State where he was a three-year starter where he had 109 tackles and eight sacks in the 37 career games.

-- IZZY GOULD

Details on Hoyte arrest emerge

Former Chamberlain star and NFL player Oliver Hoyte, who was arrested Saturday during USF's football game against Syracuse, was charged with first-degree demeanor trespassing. Officers said he nearly hit people while driving erratically in a Raymond James Stadium parking lot, was told to leave, then parked in another lot, according to a Tampa Police Department arrest report.

According to the report, filed Thursday by TPD, two officers were escorting three defendants to a security office when they were nearly struck by a black SUV driven by Hoyte. The officers told Hoyte to leave the grounds and that he would be arrested if he returned.

According to the report, Hoyte said, "Watch me," and the officers saw Hoyte leave the parking lot, enter another and walk toward the stadium. Once he got into line at Gate B, he was arrested and his truck was impounded.

Hoyte, a former N.C. State standout who played with the Dallas Cowboys and was in camp with the Chiefs this summer, had joined Chamberlain's staff as a volunteer assistant this fall.

-- EDUARDO A. ENCINA

Charitable Cougars have a new cause

Durant boys basketball coach Jeff Shotwell isn't just trying to build better players, he's trying to build better people. As the Times chronicled earlier this year, Shotwell and his team are regularly active in charitable causes. Among other things, they've held a breakfast fundraiser to benefit the All Children's Specialty Clinic of Tampa and helped raise more than $500 to purchase softballs, bats and gloves to send to the troops stationed in Iraq.

Now, the group has a new mission: to help Summer Moll.

Summer, 4, was seriously injured in a Crosstown Expressway accident in September by a driver going the wrong way. Tragically, her mother, who was only 24, died in the accident.

Earlier this week, Tammy Rosian (Summer's grandmother) spoke to the team's "Success 101" workshop at the school. According to Shotwell, "she gave a very moving speech to our kids, parents and coaches about how the choices we make can affect the lives of others."

Now, the Cougars plan to assist Summer with her medical expenses and rehabilitation. Next Wednesday, the team, along with the Durant cheerleaders, will have a "Spirit Night" at the Beef 'O' Brady's in Valrico. Twenty percent of all food purchases will go to Summer's Trust Fund. The event goes from 5-9 p.m.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Plant to use two QBs?

With starter Aaron Murray sidelined with an injury, Phillip Ely has taken over as Plant’s starting quarterback. But Ely might not be the only Panther to take snaps at QB.

Panthers coach Robert Weiner said Thursday the Panthers have a package in which Allen Sampson, who normally plays wide receiver, will be the QB and it could be used Friday night against Leto.

“He’s a guy who can do a lot of things,” Weiner said of Sampson. “He’s trouble when he gets the ball in his hands.”

The 5-foot-8, 155-pound Sampson arguably is the county’s top receiver. He currently has 27 catches for 589 yards and eight touchdowns.

Sampson not only is fast, but shifty, so he’ll be tough to stop if he takes off with the ball. And according to Weiner, his arm isn’t bad either.

“He’s coming off a year-long broken hand, but he did throw well before that,” Weiner said. “He can throw okay now, and he’s getting better as his hand gets stronger.”

Weiner said the package – dubbed “Zeppo” after Zeppo Marx of the Marx Brothers – was actually in place before Murray went down last week. There just hasn’t been a need to use it in a game until now.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Northeast's Romano chooses Georgia

The early signing period for swimming isn't until November, but Megan Romano did not want to wait.

The Northeast swimmer spared herself and her family the barrage of recruiting calls by committing to Georgia.

Romano's choice was not too much of a surprise considering her idol is former Bulldog standout Mary DeScenza. Still, Romano decided to visit other schools, such as Florida and Arizona in the past month.

One of the most heavily recruited swimmers in the country, Romano, a senior,  has won four individual state titles and qualified for the Olympic Trials in six events this past summer.

-- BOB PUTNAM, Times Staff Writer

Slain athlete's dad arrested in revenge beating

TAMPA -- The father of slain Jefferson football player Cedric Mills was arrested last Thursday, a day after police say he beat up a 19-year-old alleged to have bragged about murdering Mills.

Slyvannia Vidal Mills, 36, faces charges of charges of false imprisonment and battery.

Tampa police say Mills' daughter, while working at a McDonald's at 1905 N Dale Mabry Highway, recognized Frederick Powell as the person bragging on the street that he had killed Cedric. The Jefferson player was just 17 when he was gunned down in front of his father's house in April 2007. (Previous story here.)

The daughter told her mother Powell was in the restaurant, and a short while later Cedric's father appeared and immediately began hitting Powell with his fist, police said.

Mills grabbed Powell from behind, dragged him about 20 feet through the restaurant and tried to take him outside, police said. He kicked Powell in the face and body.

Mills fled after he was warned that police had been called. He was arrested the next day at home.

-TIMES STAFF