High School Kickoff 2008

High School Kickoff 2008

Players, coaches on hand for annual media day

By DAVID THEUS

What looked and felt like a university level playoff press junket, was the second annual Baker’s Sporting Good’s High School Kickoff 2008. Teams from all over north Florida and south Georgia, made the trip to the east side stadium club deck of Jacksonville’s Municipal Stadium by eight o’clock this morning. From the Arlington Country Day Apaches to the Yulee Hornets, fifty-six teams in all were there for the press to meet and greet.

Bishop Kenny Crusaders

Head Coach Mark Thorson brought both senior quarterback Brett Whitmire (#7) and one of Brett’s favorite passing targets, senior wide receiver Tyler Rose (#4) to today’s session. Coach Thorson expressed high hopes for this year’s season with his returning quarterback and receiver, but ten in all on offense are seniors and six returning starting seniors on defense, stating that Jackson and Baker County were the teams his squad would have to beat in division play this 

Coach Nelson introduces Solomon Nelson and Horace Wilson

year.

West Nassau Warriors

Under new coach George Nelson (formally from Yulee) mentioned his young squad’s hands would be full with teams like Fernandina Beach, Bradford, Keystone, and of course, Bolles, is in their division. Senior tailback Horace Wilson (#5) and senior linebacker Solomon Nelson (#6) were ready to get things started.

Side note: Coach reported former Baker County student athlete Matt Peebles has not missed a single work out during the off season and has come to camp bigger, and stronger. Coach has yet to see his play on the field but had heard Matt’s not afraid to hit. West Nassau will meet Baker County at home for this season’s fall jamboree.

Coach Ramsay with Marko Carrion and Geoff Clift

Yulee Hornets

First year new head coach Bobby Ramsay will be focusing on the basics this year. Yulee is three years old this year and will outgrow in-county rival West Nassau in student population due to the tremendous growth the county is experiencing. Coach is looking for quickness out of his offensive line anchored by senior 6’2" 215 lb tackle Geoff Clift (#65).

Coach Ramsay said he would also be looking to his junior QB Jonathan Knauss for his quick feet and release to help spice things up on offense.

Senior corner Marko Carrion (#5) brings his intensity and willingness to take on often larger opponents to the defensive side of the ball too.

Coach Andy Giddens with QB Kentrall Mims and Chad Stacy

Baldwin Indians

Head Coach Andy Giddens says, "this is the year to try and make a difference." Just by quickly looking at his roster, it’s easy to see how many returning offensive players he will have as seniors. Coach will be looking to his senior QB Kentrall Mims (#7) for leadership on the field and in the class room. Coach said Mims has already drawn some attention from some schools interested in seeing how he performs this year.

Senior Chad Stacy (#50) says he loves playing nose guard and hopes his dedication to the game will help some of his underclassmen grow to their potential on the defensive side of the ball.

Players to watch are: Kentrall Mims - senior QB and #34 sophomore line-backer Taylor Hogan.

Bradford County seniors John Tyson and Casey Hines.

Bradford County Tornadoes

Head Coach Steve Hoard said they have been in the weight room and attended several camps including a local passing league hosted by Baldwin this year. Somewhat thin on both sides of the ball on experience and skilled positions, coach hopes his off-season team-building atmosphere will ready his team for another tough division schedule.

Senior’s John Tyson (#73) and Casey Hines (#50) who just made the switch to the defense this year, were pumped about this season’s possible outcome.

Baker County Wildcats

Head Coach Bobby Johns said his goal was to win district. When a TU reporter asked Johns if Jackson was the team to beat, he admitted they had a great team and noted that they were the 

Wildcat head coach Bobby Johns and assistant coach Josh Jacobson

team the Cats had to beat. Johns went on to give credit to other division rivals like Bishop Kenny and Swannee. BK is a very well coached team and Swannee every year is a big question mark.

Giving up 21 seniors from last year and returning with 8 seniors this year, it’s safe to say they’re a little young. The offensive line seemed to have taken the biggest hit, this year replacing four quality starters is going to be a challenge.

The good news is returning at center is senior Thomas Braddy (#62). Under six foot and right at 250 lbs, he should not be taken lightly. Braddy proved to be a beast in the weight room, aiding his team in bringing home the Wildcat’s 2007-2008 State Championship in Weightlifting. Braddy is also blessed with having a no fear mentality when it comes to facing his opponent. His favorite saying is: "would you like syrup with that pancake?"

Hank Farmer and Thomas Braddy

Returning at middle linebacker, a true gentleman off the field, but make no mistake, Hank Farmer (#30) is not your friend on the field. As said before, Hank is an old-school LB. He’s going to meet you squared up, in the hole every time and then it’s over. At just under six foot, he is strong and has great presence while on the field. Hank will see double duty this season at LB and sometimes called upon to mix it up in the back field too. Braddy and Farmer are both excellent examples of "what it means to be student athletes" Both guys maintain a 3.0 + GPA and excel on the field too.

A special thanks goes out to all of the participating teams, but a big hat’s off to Josh Baker and his staff at Baker’s Sporting Goods for organizing and sponsoring such a great event.