Lake Taylor Football Preview
2006 could be the season in which the Mighty Titans of Lake Taylor retake the district championship, a feat they have been able to accomplish three times over the past six seasons. The Titans' defense has historically been one of the best in the Eastern District, a product of coach Hank Sawyer's specialty as well as his emphasis in practice on defensive and tackling drills.
Assistant coach Steve Versprille explains that the athletes are eager to get the season underway. “All of them are ready to play football,” he says. “We fell short last year and we're out to finish job this time around.” Versprille explains that the Mighty Titans will take their season one game at a time. Accordingly, their focus is on Lakeland, their first contest in 2006.
Quarterbacks
Lenny Paiva, a junior, has one of the best arms in the Eastern District. He is particularly adept at running the veer offense, something that Lake Taylor has effectively executed in seasons past. Aside from holding his own at QB, Paiva can play almost any position on the field.
Running Backs
Returning to Lake Taylor this season are two standouts who will bolster the Titans' running game. George McInnis, who was named as an All-Eastern Region player last year brings strength as well as a keen ability to capitalize on openings made by the offensive line. Where no hole exists, however, McInnis can plow through thick lines of defenders. Last season, McInnis rushed for 1400 yards. Junior Jeremy Simmons is described by Versprille as a “burner.” His speed as well as his ability to run through the middle will benefit the Titans in 2006.
Wide Receivers
Phil Pleasant, a senior, showed what he was made of at the Eastern District combine with a 31-inch vertical and a 4.43 forty. That leaves no wonder why he is being recruited by numerous university football programs. Transfer Keith Powell should make great progress for Lake Taylor this season as well. The marquee transfer of highly touted WR Jay Smith late this summer from Kempsville to Lake Taylor could actually shift the balance of power in the Eastern District.
Tight Ends
James Franklin, who capably fills both the wide receiver and tight end positions, is among the larger of Lake Taylor's athletes. At 6'3” and 275 lbs., Franklin not only has an ability to catch passes out of reach of most defenders, but he can virtually run over defensive backs as well, making him a valuable asset to the Titans this season.
Offensive Line
Lake Taylor's offensive line will be one of its strongest areas in the upcoming season because of the talent that it is fielding. Included among the Titans' offensive line is Russell Ferrar (5'10”/260), Tony Cook (6'0”/190), Ladarus Brewster (6'6”/315) and Damion Church, who stands out as a leader on the team and is being heavily recruited for college teams. Also returning is Aaron Flowers, who was named to the All-District team last year and who Versprille describes as “one of the best pulling guards I have ever coached.”
Defensive Line
Two defensive linemen in particular will help frustrate Lake Taylor's offensive opponents this season. One of the fastest athletes on the team is Clarence Parham, who even at 225 lbs. can run the forty in 4.7 seconds. Also holding down the defensive line will be Lamon Williams, who is being heavily recruited by football powerhouses including the University of Florida. Williams is extremely athletic; even at 225 lbs. he can still do a perfect standing back flip.
Linebackers
Sophomore Michael Privott will fill the spot left by Terrell Williams's departure. At 6'0” and 215 lbs., Privott is described by his coach as an incredibly intense athlete. Another strong linebacker returning for the Titans this season is Darrelle Anderson. As outside linebacker, Anderson managed to make 22 sacks last year. His mastery of this position as well as his 3.7 GPA should make him valuable not only to Lake Taylor, but to a college program as well.
Secondary
Two athletes, DJ Ricks and Phil Pleasant, will make a strong showing in the Titans' secondary this season. Pleasant has demonstrated his ability to return kicks and interceptions for points on the scoreboard.
