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By TERRY JONES and KRISTEN GUY
Published August 26, 2005
BRANDON - For the third consecutive season, Brandon will operate from the wing-T formation, which the Eagles hope will bring success.
With its key backfield players returning and a decent offensive line, the Eagles could reverse the numbers of last year's 4-6 season. Coach Jim Wilt has hopes of an improved record, and if the early-season positive attitude of the players transforms into game wins, the Eagles could be in the playoffs this season.
"Our big problem the last two years was inconsistency in our offense and a defense that didn't provide all the support we needed," Wilt said. "We will need improvement on both sides of the line to have a better season. With Lakeland and Durant removed from our district, we are down to four teams and all of us feel we have a shot at the playoffs."
The other teams in Brandon's district are Plant City, Bloomingdale and East Bay.
THROUGH THE AIR: Wilt said about 70 percent of the Eagles offense is on the ground. But Tyson Gordon, starting at quarterback for his third season, is an effective passer. Gordon completed 60-of-142 last season, with eight interceptions and nine touchdowns for 1,221 yards.
Devon Smith and Johnny Jackson are the primary receivers. They are tall, fast and have soft hands to catch the long ball or a lob over the middle.
All the backs also are expected to reel in a few catches.
Gordon has a strong arm to throw long, but because of the flexibility of the wing-T, he can use his finesse and quickness for play action.
ON THE GROUND: When necessary, Gordon can run the ball, and will be a threat any time he touches it.
But junior Mike Brown and senior Dontavious Bunts are the primary runners. Bunts is tough up the middle, where he has the savvy to find a hole or the physical prowess to make one. He ran for more than 500 yards last year.
Brown is a breakaway runner with speed. With only a little spaced he can clear the field. Last year he ran for more than 1,300 yards.
The wing-back is a spot not yet settled, but will help determine how successful the overall ground game will be. Candidates are senior Shea Taylor and sophomore Samir Baker.
DEFENSE: The Eagles run multiple defenses and will have Ricco Dixon, Christian Stokes and Thomas Huggins to help with the changes that have been implemented.
Dixon showed defensive muscle last season with 56 tackles, 56 assists and 3.5 sacks. Wilt names Stokes and Huggins as key players to watch.
STRONGEST AND FASTESTPLAYERS UNDER 4.7 IN THE 40: 10
FASTEST PLAYERS: Mike Brown, RB; Johnny Jackson, WR, 4.5.
PLAYERS WHO BENCH MORE THAN 225: 25
STRONGEST PLAYER ON THE BENCH: Christian Stokes, DE, 290
PLAYERS SQUATTING MORE THAN 315: 12
TOP SQUATTER: Mike Huggins, DB; Mike Dixon, OL, 500
At a glanceCOACH: Jim Wilt (third season, 8-12)
COLORS: Maroon and white.
STADIUM: E.F. McLane Stadium, 1101 Victoria Ave., Brandon.
CLASS: 5A, District 7
PLAYOFF HISTORY: 1969, 1977, 1985, 1996.
LAST APPEARANCE: 1996 Lost to Hillsborough 35-30.
2005 SCHEDULEAUGUST
26 at Chamberlain
SEPTEMBER
2 Newsome
9 at Durant
16 King
23 at Riverview
30 Plant City
OCTOBER
7 Wharton
14 at Bloomingdale
21 at Armwood
28 at East Bay
2004 RESULTS (4-6)Wharton W 17-0
at Jefferson W 49-48
at Lakeland L 16-47
at Durant L 27-28
at Plant City W 35-27
Riverview L 7-34
at East Bay L 21-48
Bloomingdale W 29-13
Armwood L 13-72
Freedom L 28-31
[Last modified August 24, 2005, 15:26:11]
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