We’re counting down to the #1 team in the preseason football Prep Zone Power Poll with a look today at No. 13.
The Prep Zone Power Poll ranks the top 20 high school football, basketball, baseball & softball teams (regardless of FHSAA classification) across 26 counties in North Florida (Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Citrus, Clay, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, Flagler, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Hernando, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Levy, Madison, Marion, Nassau, Putnam, Sumter, St. Johns, Suwannee, Taylor, Union & Volusia counties). It is voted on weekly by sportswriters and sportscasters.
13T Bishop Kenny (Jacksonville) (5A) (10-1)
13T Trinity Catholic (Ocala) (3A) (8-4)
Bishop Kenny (Jacksonville) and Trinity Catholic (Ocala) are both tied for 13th. However, there is somewhat of an unknown about the team from Duval County, while the team from Marion County has been one of the most consistent programs with two state titles and consistent trips to the postseason.
Most people may remember Bishop Kenny’s record-setting 74-73 playoff loss to eventual state runner-up Clay, but the Crusaders have perhaps the most intriguing question among First Coast programs entering 2014. What will the Crusader offense look like? Gone is the state’s all-time passing leader, John Wolford, and offensive coordinator Tim Krause (hired at Nease), which were two key factors on what has been the area’s most fast-paced offense.
The pieces are certainly there for something big. Senior Charles Wade was fantastic catching passes a year ago and senior Anthony Farmand excelled in mop-up quarterback work, and in making plays as a receiver. The program has had much success the past four years, including a pair of 10-0 regular seasons, but there a few question marks heading into the year. An eight-team district will be challenging, but expect the Crusaders to challenge for a District 3-5A title and get back to the postseason.
Despite back-to-back 8-4 seasons, Trinity Catholic always remains a threat in the 3A state playoffs. The Celtics advanced to the FHSAA state playoffs for the 10th time in only their 12th year of existence, and as they always do, the Celtics are reloading for another playoff run. However, staying healthy throughout the season will be the key in determining just how far they could go.
If they stay healthy, and they find the right chemistry and put all of the pieces together, then the Celtics can have a pretty special season. London Gaskin, who averaged 7.24 yards per carry, will be running behind Geron Christian (6-6, 305), who recently committed to Miami. Ulysees Gilbert (141 tackles, 15 TFL) led the defense in tackles last season, while Marquis Hendrix (122 tackles, 14 TFL) is a future D-I linebacker. Class of 2016 defensive end Jordan Woods (60 tackles, 8 sacks) already has an offer on the table from Florida, FSU, Miami and South Carolina, among others, and Darrien McNair is a Mississippi State commit. Plus, head coach John Brantley has won 58 games and a state title in his six seasons as head coach.
Info gathered from Friday Night Football magazine.
Prep Zone Power Poll – 2014 Football Poll #1 – PRESEASON POLL
(School, followed by first-place votes, classification, 2013 final record and total voting points)
12. TBA – August 15
13T Bishop Kenny (Jacksonville) (5A) (10-1) – 69
13T Trinity Catholic (Ocala) (3A) (8-4) – 69
15. Bartram Trail (St. Johns) (6A) (8-6) – 56
16. Springstead (Spring Hill) (6A) (11-2) – 52
17. St. Augustine (6A) (8-3) – 46
18. Ed White (Jacksonville) (6A) (8-3) – 31
19. Dixie County (Cross City) (1A) (10-1) – 29
20. Warner Christian (South Daytona) (2A) (9-2) – 19
Also receiving votes: University Christian (Jacksonville) (2A) (9-3) – 18; Sandalwood (Jacksonville) (8A) (8-3) – 16; Union County (Lake Butler) (1A) (10-2) – 14; Gainesville (6A) (9-3) – 9; Lafayette (Mayo) (1A) (7-3) – 6; Leesburg (6A) (8-4) – 5; Seabreeze (Daytona Beach) (6A) (7-3) – 4; Suwannee (Live Oak) (5A) (7-3) – 4; Menendez (St. Augustine) (5A) (8-3) – 4; Fort White (4A) (7-2) – 3; Citrus (Inverness) (6A) (9-2) – 2; Baker County (Glen St. Mary) (5A) (8-3) – 1.
