2012 High School Football Preview: Capsule outlooks for area teams

Saturday, August 25, 2012
by Jeff Greer Matt Porter

AMERICAN HERITAGE

Coach: Stacy Sizemore, first season.

2011 record: 12-1 (Class 3A state champion).

Starters returning: 6 offense, 5 defense.

Big man on campus: From his massive arms to his down-hill, brutish running style, RB Greg Bryant is everything college coaches want in a ball carrier.

Outlook: With Bryant at running back, and a slew of other talented returnees, don't expect any dropoff with Sizemore taking over as the new coach. American Heritage will likely lose some games this fall -- the Stallions have one of the toughest schedules in America -- but the defending state champs will be primed for another post-season run.

ATLANTIC

Coach: Chris Bean, sixth season.

2011 record: 6-4.

Starters returning: 6 offense, 8 defense.

Big man on campus: Quite literally, DT Keith Bryant is the biggest thing going at Atlantic. He can disrupt passing and running games with brute force alone.

Outlook: Defensively, Atlantic rivals Dwyer in speed and power, but the Eagles have always had high expectations. In a disappointing 2011 season, team unity faltered as the Eagles struggled in their district. Expectations are high again, with tons of talent on the roster, but can Atlantic back it up?

BENJAMIN

Coach: Ron Ream, 32nd year.

2011 record: 3-7.

Starters returning: 8 offense, 7 defense.

Big man on campus: Senior linebacker Ross Sanford registered a team-leading 87 tackles last season to earn defensive MVP for the Bucs.

Outlook: Ream now is the longest-tenured coach in Palm Beach County and believes the Bucs have a solid core of players returning to rebound from last season. Senior quarterback Cooper Hopkins will have a good group of receivers led by FIU commit Jonathan Pavlov. Senior running back Charlie Nicklaus, who rushed for more than 1,000 yards two years ago, also returns after missing half of last season with an ankle injury. "We have a good mix of youth and senior leadership," Ream said. The Bucs have joined the newly formed independent Southeastern Football Conference, so they will not play in a Florida High School Athletic Association district for the first time in the program's history.

BEREAN CHRISTIAN

Coach: Brad Carney, second year.

2011 record: 0-9.

Starters returning: 5 offense, 2 defense.

Big man on campus: Senior quarterback Caleb Pankerman threw for 1,655 yards last season.

Outlook: The Bulldogs have won only two games combined the past two seasons, but Carney said he's "very excited about all of the returning players," particularly Pankerman and junior Austin Skelton, who had 24 receptions for 325 yards last season. An emphasis has been placed on improving the run defense during spring and offseason drills. "We have proven ourselves offensively, but we must be more consistent and our defense must improve," Carney said.

BOCA RATON

Coach: Lewis Burnham, first season.

2011 record: 3-7.

Starters returning: 4 offense, 6 defense.

Big man on campus: Plenty of skill players surround QB Kevin Anderson, who returns for one final go as Boca's accurate, measured signal caller.

Outlook: With an older, wiser Anderson running the offense and Burnham fully comfortable at head coach after seven games as the interim in 2011, Boca feels a lot better about its team this fall. Athletes like Ced Bryant and Tard McCoy give the Bobcats speed in key spots.

BOCA RATON CHRISTIAN

Coach: Clay Shiver, second year.

2011 record: 3-6.

Starters returning: 4 offense, 4 defense.

Big man on campus: Transfer quarterback A.J. Puente passed for 1,467 yards and 16 touchdowns last season for Atlantic.

Outlook: This still is a young program that Shiver is trying to build into a competitive team. The Blazers were winless two years ago, but notched three wins last season despite a roster of only 16 players, a sign that the program is on the right track. The Blazers picked up an unexpected addition this summer when Puente arrived from Atantic. The 6-foot-1, 195-pound Puente immediately makes the Blazers a better team on offense.

BOYNTON BEACH

Coach: Rick Swain, fifth year.

2011 record: 5-6, reached regional quarterfinals.

Starters returning: 6 offense, 4 defense

Big man on campus: Senior quarterback Jake Lutzen has a solid build (6-3, 220) and a good arm who had 1,146 yards and 13 touchdowns last season.

Outlook: It should be Boynton and Suncoast for the second playoff spot in District 14-5A behind Glades Central. While senior tailback Kevin Wilson (5-10, 220) returns, the Tigers plan to air it out with Lutzen and juniors Javon Shepard and Darrien Josey and sophomore Donte Sylencieux. That's if their offensive line can hold it together.

CARDINAL NEWMAN

Coach: Steve Walsh, fourth season.

2011 record: 9-2, regional quarterfinalist.

Starters returning: 6 on offense, 6 on defense.

Big man on campus: Versatile junior Travis Rudolph produces magic at receiver, running back and on defense nearly every Friday night. Expect more this season.

Outlook: Rudolph can do everything for Newman, but the Crusaders also have TE Matt Burke (6-6, 215) to catch and block and senior RB Devonte Brown to off-set Rudolph. Those two will need to produce at a high level as teams focus on stopping Rudolph.

CENTENNIAL

Coach: Ron Parker, third year.

2011 record: 5-4, reached regional quarterfinals.

Starters returning: 5 offense, 5 defense.

Big man on campus: Defensive lineman Jay-nard Bostwick is a 6-foot-4, 290-pound tower of power being recruited by numerous big-time football programs.

Outlook: Losing young receiver Edwin Thomas to John Carroll will sting, but the Eagles have more up-front beef than anyone on the Treasure Coast. They'll hope power football brings them another district title.

CLEWISTON

Coach: Joe Roth, fifth season.

2011 record: 8-4, lost to Coca 65-0 in second round of 2A playoffs.

Returning starters: 7 offense, 7 defense.

Big man on campus: Because of his stature (6-3, 315) senior lineman Clem Nealy will draw attention from college programs. Nealy is more than just a big body and look for him to anchor both of the Tiger lines and the attention from major colleges to amp up.

Outlook: The Tigers are coming off a great year and return most of their offense and defense. Besides Nealy, senior quarterback Tyler Clemmons and senior running back DeMarcus Terry return to lead what should be one of the better small-school offenses in the area. Roth takes pride in his defense and this year it should be strong with lots of depth. Clewiston looks poised to return to the playoffs for the second straight year.

DWYER

Coach: Jack Daniels, 17th season.

2011 record: 12-2, Class 7A state semifinalist.

Starters returning: 5 offense, 8 defense.

Big man on campus: Senior DE/TE Malik Brown steps out of the shadows of the Dwyer stars who preceded him. Will be matchup problem on both sides of the ball.

Outlook: The Panthers are loaded at receiver, with Johnnie Dixon, Ezra Saffold and Clint Stephens all blazing-fast weapons. Quarterbacks Clay Meister and Rob Nittolo are both capable, and that's all Dwyer needs: The defensive unit should be among the best in the country. A state title is the expectation.

FOREST HILL

Coach: Chris Kokell, third year.

2011 record: 1-9.

Starters returning: 6 offense, 6 defense.

Big man on campus: Shaborn Marshall, a senior wide receiver, is coming off a big junior season in which he caught 49 passes for 505 yards and four touchdowns.

Outlook: This has been a losing program for several years but the Falcons steadily have shown improvement since Kokell took over. Turnovers haunted the Falcons last season and that's something they must limit to become more competitive. Kokell put an emphasis on an offseason strength program that he believes will pay big dividends. The defense should be better and will be anchored by senior Kerolin Francois, who is a Division I prospect in the secondary and also plays wide receiver. "This is the most excited I have been about a team's potential in a long time," Kokell said.

FORT PIERCE CENTRAL

Coach: Josh Shaffer, second season.

2011 record: 9-2, Class 7A regional finalist.

Starters returning: 8 offense, 6 defense.

Big man on campus: RB Marcus Levy is already committed to Cincinnati and already had his breakout season last fall. Now he wants a deeper playoff run.

Outlook: Josh Shaffer's first season as the Cobras' coach earned high praise. The question is, can he avoid the sophomore slump? It'll be easier to reproduce a good season with the amount of talent Shaffer has returning, including Levy and tons of quality skill players. Questions remain on the lines.

FORT PIERCE WESTWOOD

Coach: Gene Clemons, second season.

2011 record: 1-8.

Starters returning: 7 offense, 6 defense.

Big man on campus: Junior FS Wadsen Jean-Baptiste will be expected to lead both the offense and the defense for the Panthers. Baptiste was expected to be the starting quarterback, but after missing practice this fall, it looks like those duties will fall on senior Jason Hayling. That may be good for Jean-Baptise, who is better suited on defense, where he's a ball-hawk in the secondary. If the Panthers are to turn it around this year, Jean-Baptiste will be one of the main reasons why.

Outlook: Clemons is coming off a rough first year, but look for this team to improve rapidly on defense -- where they allowed more than 30 points per game in 2011. The Panthers don't lack talent as much as they lack experience. If the defense can improve like Clemons thinks and Jean-Baptiste can stay healthy, a bounce-back season should be in store for the Panthers.

GLADES CENTRAL

Coach: Roosevelt Blackmon, second year.

2011 record: 11-1, reached regional finals.

Starters returning: 4 offense, 4 defense.

Big man on campus: Highly recruited senior Will Likely is the Raiders' best ball carrier, top return man and lock-down defensive back.

Outlook: Talented, but question marks abound. Several key pieces of a dominant defense are gone, including linebacker Dominique Gibson (Wake Forest). Likely, cornerback David Bailey, linebacker Aaron Baker and Seminole Ridge transfer Antwan Washington at linebacker and safety should lead the way. As usual, there's a fleet of fast receivers, but quarterback is an unsettled spot, as is the offensive line.

GLADES DAY

Coach: Pete Walker, 10th year.

2011 record: 9-4, reached state semifinals.

Starters returning: 4 offense, 4 defense.

Big man on campus: Who else? Senior RB Kelvin Taylor is a bigger (5-11, 216 pounds), faster and a more complete player than last year, when he became the most decorated back in Florida history.

Outlook: Taylor's five-year run at Glades Day has been memorable, but nothing less than a state title in his final season will suffice. The Gators reloaded their offensive and defensive lines and should play better defensively, an area of weakness last year.

INLET GROVE

Coach: Jimmie Bell, third year.

2011 record: 5-6, lost to Miami-Washington in 4A regional quarterfinals.

Starters returning: 6 offense, 7 defense.

Big man on campus: Shawun Lurry, a junior WR/DB, scored 11 touchdowns and had eight interceptions on defense last season.

Outlook: The Hurricanes rebounded from a winless season two years ago to qualify for the playoffs last season. Lurry drew attention from recruiters with an impressive performance at the Nike Elite Camp in Miami last spring and will be a player to watch this season. The Hurricanes have good overall team speed, but they're young at some positions and there's not much depth. Inlet Grove is the only Palm Beach County team in a three-team district.

JENSEN BEACH

Coach: John Fey, third season.

2011 record: 2-8.

Starters returning: 2 offense, 4 defense.

Big man on campus: Seniors Nicholas Castoro and Al Robinson will anchor what should be a much improved offensive line. Both have stepped up as leaders in the Falcons' offseason camps and will be key to a turnaround season.

Outlook: The lack of skill players and experience (only 13 seniors) will hurt the Falcons again. Look for newcomer Corey Preston to make some noise on offense at running back behind an experienced line. The Falcons did not have a player with more than 450 yards last season. Fey has the team focused and ready and new offensive coordinator Tim Caffey has a few new weapons, but if some offensive firepower doesn't emerge it will be a long season for Jensen Beach.

JOHN CARROLL

Coach: Mike Watkins, first year.

2011 record: 3-7.

Starters returning: 5 offense, 7 defense.

Big man on campus: Senior WR Edwin Thomas, a transfer from Centennial, will contribute immediately for the Rams. Last year, he had 15 catches for 295 yards and four touchdowns, but with an emphasis on the passing game, those numbers should improve. Thomas will also see some time in the backfield and is expected to be one of the Rams' leaders on defense, where he will start at cornerback.

Outlook: The Rams' offense will be expected to improve dramatically under Watkins, and has looked solid in camp. The quarterback position is still up for grabs with sophomore Jordan Watkins competing with incumbent Matt Celidonio. The winner of that battle will play with a better offensive line and skill players than last season -- so expectations will be greater. The defense is still a big question mark, however. Look for the Rams to score points, while struggling to keep their opponents from doing the same.

JOHN I. LEONARD

Coach: Wayne Monroe, sixth year.

2011 record: 4-6.

Starters returning: 10 offense, 5 defense.

Big man on campus: Senior QB Adam Johnson is a strong runner and has greatly improved his in-pocket skills. Like most of the Lancers, he's grown up since last season.

Outlook: Making the playoffs in District 10-8A won't be easy, but the Lancers hope their speed will make it tough for opponents. Size on the lines is an issue, but a fleet of good receivers and the prolific Johnson gives them big-play ability.

JUPITER

Coach: Doug Uccellini, first season.

2011 record: 3-7.

Starters returning: 1 offense, 1 defense.

Big man on campus: Whoever ends up at quarterback, whether it's Steven DeMeo or Griffin Garland, will have big shoes to fill in Tyler Cameron's absence.

Outlook: Losing Cameron, hurts the Warriors, but a new coach and essentially an entirely new team means Uccellini has a chance to start fresh. Jupiter will have good depth, so molding the talent into winners will be the top challenge.

JUPITER CHRISTIAN

Coach: Bill Powers, ninth year.

2011 record: 9-3, lost to Glades Day in 2A regional finals.

Starters returning: 0 offense, 1 defense.

Big man on campus: Nate Cannon, a junior RB/SS, rushed for 700 yards and had four interceptions on defense last season.

Outlook: The Eagles have been a small-schools powerhouse for much of the past decade, compiling a 75-13 record since Powers took over the program eight years ago. Last year's team was senior-dominated, so this figures to be a rebuilding year, as the number of returning starters strongly suggests. "For the first time in eight years, we go into the season with more question marks than answers," Powers said. "We are very young, but our skill guys can play." The linebacker corps is solid, but the area of biggest concern is the line on both sides of the ball.

KING'S ACADEMY

Coach: Heath Nivens, first season.

2011 record: 6-4.

Starters returning: 7 offense, 6 defense.

Big man on campus: It's time for senior QB A.J. Pasquale to take the reins of the Lions, armed with a new wing-T offense and two solid running backs behind him.

Outlook: Nivens knows King's has had a solid winning formula under former coaches Craig Dobson and Pete Walker, so he won't make too many tweaks. RBs James Holland and Garrett Larson will carry the bulk of the offensive load, with Pasquale playing steady leader. The defense will be stout as usual.

LAKE WORTH

Coach: Errick Lowe, ninth year.

2011 record: 4-6.

Starters returning: 5 offense, 5 defense.

Big man on campus: Senior OL James Looney, whose brother Joe is a rookie with the San Francisco 49ers, is the largest (6-3, 280) piece of the Trojans' offense.

Outlook: With four-year starter Evan Moore graduated, sophomore Luis Peguero takes the reins at quarterback. He might experience growing pains, but Lake Worth should be able to protect him, and he has good receivers in Jermer Braswell and Richard Seraphin, among others.

MARTIN COUNTY

Coach: Chuck Kenyon, sixth season.

2011 record: 8-4, lost to Fort Pierce Central 31-7 in the Region 3-7A semifinals.

Starters returning: 3 offense, 3 defense.

Big man on campus: Senior QB Nolan Mullen has led the Tigers to the playoffs two years in a row and must play a big role this year if that is the case again. The Tigers lost their top receiver and rusher, so Mullen will be counted on more than ever to lead the offense.

Outlook: Kenyon has proved very capable at dealing with transition, but this year may be his biggest challenge. The Tigers graduated the majority of their offensive and defensive starters. A heated fall camp has seen pretty much every position up for grabs. Look for Mullen to lead a balanced offense with transfer Nolan Shepherd playing a key part at tight end. The key will be how quickly the youth can transition in. Going off Kenon's rack record, that shouldn't take long and the Tigers could be playoff-bound again.

OKEECHOBEE

Coach: Chris Branham.

2011 record: 2-8.

Starters returning: 7 on offense, 3 on defense.

Big man on campus: Multi-position D.J. Washington returns after leading the Brahmans in passing and rushing last year.

Outlook: Branham's main goal was forming team chemistry with his new team. But he also has enough talent with his skill players that the Brahmans may improve on their 14.7 points per game last fall. District 14-6A is as tough to predict as any, so Okeechobee could be a contender for a playoff spot.

OLYMPIC HEIGHTS

Coach: Kevin Fleury, first season.

2011 record: 3-7.

Starters returning: 6 offense, 6 defense.

Big man on campus: WR/DB Degaulle Sama has turned heads with his speed.

Outlook: It's hard to gauge how good Olympic Heights can actually be, with American Heritage, Atlantic and Boca drawing most of the area's talent. But new coach Kevin Fleury will bring discipline and structure to a program mired in destructive off-the-field controversy that undercut any hopes of on-field success.

PAHOKEE

Coach: Blaze Thompson, sixth year.

2011 record: 2-8.

Starters returning: 5 offense, 5 defense.

Big man on campus: Senior QB Derry Brown is the most accomplished in a group of up-and-coming athletes.

Outlook: The Blue Devils are young and raw, but a talented junior class (WRs Anton Paige, Rashaun Croney, RB Jonathan Jordan) and newcomers like freshman OT Amari Angram (6-1, 320) mean the once-proud program might not be down for much longer.

PALM BEACH CENTRAL

Coach: Rod Harris, fifth year.

2011 record: 7-4, reached regional quarterfinals.

Starters returning: 5 offense, 4 defense.

Big man on campus: Just 16 and a junior, offensive tackle Kc McDermott is just shy of 6-7 and 280 pounds.

Outlook: The Broncos reached the playoffs for the first time last year, but were ousted by Seminole Ridge in a rainy first-round game. The goal is a playoff win, and if a questionable defense holds, Central should realize that goal. The offense should be outstanding, with a huge line with McDermott and Santaluces transfer Nickedel Pierre (6-3, 310) making room for senior backs Ray Wilson and Lloyd "Bam" Howard.

PALM BEACH GARDENS

Coach: Rob Freeman, first season.

2011 record: 9-3 (Class 8A regional finalist).

Starters returning: 8 offense, 7 defense.

Big man on campus: Last season, WR Frank Brown was a secret weapon unleashed to keep defenses honest. Now he'll be the top offensive target for the Gators.

Outlook: With Brown torching secondaries and junior QB J.P. Caruso back with a full season of experience under his belt, Gardens may have one of the top passing duos in the area. What the Gators will need is a rushing attack that produces similarly to last year's, which nearly ran for 3,000 yards.

PALM BEACH LAKES

Coach: Willie Snead, first season.

2011 record: 1-9.

Starters returning: 4 offense, 1 defense.

Big man on campus: Can it be the coach? Snead's fun'n'gun style will catch on at Lakes.

Outlook: Lakes has long been considered a sleeping giant, smack dab in the middle of a talent-rich area. The football program needed a jolt, and it got one with the hire of Snead, a proven winner at Glades Central and in Michigan. The veteran coach will bring discipline and an exciting brand of offense to Lakes, which struggled mightily scoring last season.

PARK VISTA

Coach: Brian Dodds, seventh season.

2011 record: 9-1, Class 8A regional quarterfinalist.

Starters returning: 5 offense, 4 defense.

Big man on campus: While there are playmakers all around him, the spotlight again turns on QB Qwad Martin, who was a bona-fide dual-threat signal caller last fall.

Outlook: The Cobras always put huge teams on the field, but last year's team gave Dodds a level of athleticism Vista hadn't had previously. While a lot of the defensive side of that team is gone, there are still tons of skill players ready to fill in the gaps. This team expects to reach the playoffs.

POPE JOHN PAUL II

Coach: Matt Dillon, second year.

2011 record: 1-9.

Starters returning: 10 offense, 7 defense.

Big man on campus: DeQuan McGriff, a junior two-way starter, rushed for more than 500 yards in only five games last season and also anchors the secondary on defense.

Outlook: Dillon did not take over the program until last summer, so this was his first offseason with the players. The most glaring area in need of improvement was in the trenches, so an emphasis has been placed on strengthening that aspect. "We are a year older, stronger and wiser," Dillon said. There is talent at the skill positions. The defense, which allowed 38.8 points a game last season, should be improved. The Eagles are a member of the newly formed independent Southeastern Football Conference.

PORT ST. LUCIE

Coach: Hilary Poole, fourth season.

2011 record: 6-3.

Starters returning: 3 offense, 3 defense.

Big man on campus: Senior QB D.J. Juste has 2,284 career passing yards, 1,719 rushing yards and 38 total touchdowns. He's also going to play cornerback this year. Juste's next challenge is lead the Jaguars to the playoffs

Outlook: The Jaguars had their first winning season in 18 years in 2011, yet failed to make the playoffs. The Jaguars won't be short on talent, with Juste leading the way. The defense will be led by a secondary Poole considers among the best in the area. This should be the year the Jaguars put it together on both sides of the ball and make the long-awaited return to he postseason.

ROYAL PALM BEACH

Coach: Willie Bueno, second year.

2011 record: 7-4, reached regional quarterfinals.

Starters returning: 5 offense, 3 defense.

Big man on campus: With the graduation of RB Tremane McCullough, it's senior QB Andy McGrew's team. He improved his arm strength and accuracy. Couple that with elusive running and he has the tools to be one of the area's best.

Outlook: The Wildcats were the surprise story of last season, and could take another step forward in Bueno's second year. Sophomore Charles Perry, a 6-foot-2, 200-pound transfer from Cardinal Newman, will team with sophomore Demarcus Holloway and McGrew in a loaded backfield. At WR, senior JoJo Williams (6-3, 206) and sophomore Alon Sims should be tough to cover. There's experience on the lines and all over the defense. There's also Dwyer somewhere at the end of their schedule.

SANTALUCES

Coach: Daryl Drinkwater, fourth season.

2011 record: 2-8.

Starters returning: 5 offense, 6 defense.

Big man on campus: Artez Fulton, a senior RB/LB, is a fourth-year starter who played a role in the Chiefs' last district title three years ago.

Outlook: The Chiefs struggled last season with a very young team, but there's reason to be more optimistic this year. The defense, anchored by Fulton and senior Rod Theodore, is especially strong at linebacker, and the secondary also is talented. Sean Steele, a senior transfer from Lake Worth, has earned the starting job at QB and will have talent on the perimeter and in the backfield. The biggest question mark entering the season is how well a young and mostly inexperienced offensive line performs. The Chiefs also play in a strong district that includes state power Dwyer.

SEMINOLE RIDGE

Coach: Matt Dickmann, eighth year.

2011 record: 9-2, reached regional semifinals.

Starters returning: 6 offense, 7 defense.

Big man on campus: Senior DT Kyle Shortridge (6-2, 280) has scholarship offers from several BCS programs.

Outlook: A strong, senior-heavy team with Division I talent at running back (seniors Elie Turene and Silas Spearman, junior E.J. Elien) and on defense (senior LB Rayfield Dixon, CB Omar Pierre-Louis, Shortridge, DE Jason Shepherd). Junior QB Zach DeCosta takes over for senior Antwan Washington, who transferred to Glades Central.

SOUTH FORK

Coach: Dennis Lavelle, 14th season.

2011 record: 6-5, Class 6A regional quarterfinalist.

Starters returning: 6 offense, 4 defense.

Big man on campus: Quarterback Cody Labanowitz returns for his senior season after guiding the Bulldogs to the playoffs.

Outlook: Lavelle has a team that should be primed for another district title in an otherwise unpredictable district. Several question marks exist at the other schools in District 14-6A, but there are more answers at South Fork, where the Bulldogs possess a big offensive line and a steady hand at quarterback in Labanowitz.

SPANISH RIVER

Coach: Rod Payne, first year.

2011 record: 4-6.

Starters returning: 5 offense, 6 defense.

Big man on campus: Senior FB/LB Ben Mogul leads several players who will see playing time on both sides of the ball.

Outlook: The Sharks had the program's most successful season last year after back-to-back winless seasons, but the architect of that turnaround, Ray Berger, resigned after last season. Payne, who was the strength and conditioning coach at FAU, takes over with intentions of continuing the resurgence of the program. "No one thinks there's any talent here. Well, there is," Payne said. "We just need to take responsibility for developing and cultivating the talent." There's two big holes to fill, however, with the graduation of quarterback Taylor Schnaars and Wisconsin wide receiver signee Reggie Love.

ST. ANDREW'S

Coach: Corey Riley, first year.

2011 record: 5-5.

Starters returning: 4 offense, 3 defense.

Big man on campus: Senior WR/DB George Andino is the top returning starter for the Scots.

Outlook: The Scots need to replace the bulk of last year's starters, but there's good overall speed and talent at the skill positions. The biggest area of concern is the lack of size on the offensive line, which averages only about 205 pounds. Staying injury-free also is key, as there's not much depth. Senior Sean Mooney is expected to start the season at quarterback and will have solid targets in Andino and 6-foot-4 sophomore Sean Downes. Riley, 28, played at American Heritage and Eastern Michigan and takes over the program in his first head coaching job.

SUMMIT CHRISTIAN

Coach: Bill Ceasar, third year.

2011 record: 5-5.

Starters returning: 4 offense, 5 defense.

Big man on campus: Senior DB Craig Simmons is the Saints' top college prospect.

Outlook: The Saints hope to be more consistent on offense, but will break in an unproven quarterback. They scored only two touchdowns in their combined five losses last season. Ceasar believes that the defense will be the team's strength. Simmons, who is moving from safety to cornerback, performed well at camps in Jacksonville and at FIU this summer and has legitimate 4.4 speed. The Saints are lodged in a competitive district that includes state power Glades Day, but Ceasar believes a winning season is possible.

SUNCOAST

Coach: Jim Clark, first season.

2011 record: 4-6.

Starters returning: 5 offense, 5 defense.

Big man on campus: DT Ke'Tyrus Marks (6-2, 275) is a Division I prospect.

Outlook: The Chargers have good size in the trenches, led by Marks and offensive tackles Garrett Scott (6-6, 280 senior) and Matt Weiner (6-5, 300 junior). There's also speed at the skill positions, but junior starting quarterback Santigie Fornah sustained torn ligaments when he broke his left ankle in the team's spring game. Fornah is scheduled to have the protective boot removed from his foot this week, but it's uncertain when he will be cleared to play this season. Winning the district title is a longshot, with Glades Central a huge favorite, but if the Chargers can avoid any more injuries - the roster is not deep at most positions -- they might be capable of challenging for the district runner-up spot and a playoff berth.

TREASURE COAST

Coach: Irvin Jones, third season.

2011 record: 4-5.

Starters returning: 6 offense, 3 defense.

Big man on campus: Lots of buzz surrounds RB/DB Carl Chisholm, who didn't play last year but has major upside.

Outlook: Streakiness ended Treasure Coast's recent run of postseason success, and returning to that consistency was Jones' top priority in the offseason. Playmakers abound for the Titans, but finding focus will be the biggest challenge, especially in a tough district.

VILLAGE ACADEMY

Coach: Don Hanna, fourth year.

2011 record: 7-3.

Starters returning: 8 offense, 8 defense.

Big man on campus: Larry Brihm may not play quarterback in college - he's being recruited as an athlete - but in high school, the 6-0, 212-pound senior is a dual-threat standout.

Outlook: Brihm and receiver Devonte Robinson formed the area's most productive combo last year, but with Robinson off to West Virginia, senior running back Erich Maine needs to step up. With Jupiter Christian down this year, it's playoffs or bust for Village in District 7-2A.

WELLINGTON

Coach: Thomas Abel, first season.

2011 record: 1-9.

Starters returning: 6 offense, 5 defense.

Big man on campus: QB Cole Smallridge was the Wolverines' top offensive threat last fall.

Outlook: In a district with Palm Beach Gardens and Seminole Ridge, the Wolverines won't have much wiggle room if they want to reach the playoffs in Abel's first season. He's confident about his skill-position players and team speed, while questions about the team's young lines remain.

WEST BOCA RATON

Coach: Willie Dodaro, ninth year.

2011 record: 3-7.

Starters returning: 6 offense, 3 defense.

Big man on campus: Senior RB Eugene Bethea was the Bulls' main option last year, nearly rushing for 1,000 yards in a brutal district.

Outlook: Bethea (6-1, 216) could seem more imposing to opponents this year. That's because shifty senior David Tanis gives West Boca's offense a double-shot of production. Its defense will have to be good again to have a chance in District 13-7A with Dwyer, Atlantic and Royal Palm Beach.