QBs question mark in District 5A-12
Look no farther than last year’s District 5A-12 champion Fort Myers Green Wave and runner-up Cape Coral Seahawks to notice the value of having an experienced quarterback.
Both Logan Hulslander (Fort Myers) and David Pasquale (Cape) were in their second seasons as starters. Though not the only reason their teams made the playoffs, the stability and leadership each provided at the position were obvious team strengths.
Another graduating senior quarterback, Alex Lakes, was a three-year starter for Ida Baker. The Bulldogs enjoyed their best season ever at 6-4.
Next fall, the quarterback situation throughout District 5A-12 will be dramatically different, since none of the five quarterbacks, who started the opener for their teams last year, are back.
Hulslander, Pasquale, Lakes and Bo Billman (North Fort Myers) each opened the season, and played the majority of games for their teams.
Mariner junior Gabby Rojas has the most varsity experience, having started five games last season, while older brother and departing senior Joel Rojas also started five.
Ida Baker and North Fort Myers, which host spring games Friday night, each are trying to fill starting spots at quarterback, among other positions.
The Bulldogs host Evangelical Christian School and the Red Knights entertain Lehigh.
Evangelical Christian at Ida Baker: There appears to be some uncertainty surrounding the Bulldogs as they approach their fourth varsity season.
This much is certain, though, they’re in much better shape now than they were three years ago when the program was starting from scratch.
Among the major challenges for the Bulldogs is finding the nucleus of players to build around and count on from week to week.
The numbers are good after their first winning season last year, but they’re trying to replace 31 seniors. Many of whom played key positions.
Lakes started every game for the Bulldogs the past three years. Entering spring practice, the race for quarterback appeared to be up in the air.
On the defensive side, the Bulldogs have two experienced linebackers in Michael Gaudieri and Stephen Quinn. They must replace defensive end Charles May, who registered 11 sacks last year.
The Bulldogs face Evangelical Christian at 7 p.m. in Friday’s spring game. The Sentinels slumped to 2-8 last season.
Lehigh at North Fort Myers: The Red Knights’ spring game at Moody Field Friday gives many in the area their first glimpse of the team under the direction of new head coach Barry Goettemoeller.
Goettemoeller, who coached for several years in Ohio, took over in February from James Iandoli.
Goettemoeller is trying to turn around the Red Knights, who won the district title in 2006, but had a disappointing 2-8 season in 2007.
They’re in the middle of a transition period, particularly on offense, as Goettemoeller is converting the offense from a hybrid Wing-T system to primarily a shotgun attack.
Defensively, the Red Knights plan on using a “50” front, which emphasizes pursuit.
“We’ll be aggressive and attacking (on defense),” Goettemoeller said.
On both sides of the ball, the Red Knights are led by senior fullback-linebacker Tommy Bohanon. He led the team in tackles (77) and rushing yards (623) as a junior.
There are other key players to watch, including senior Michael Nelson. He played defensive end last season, as well as quarterback at times, and brings toughness to the field regardless of where he lines up.
Nelson and senior Jose Feliciano are the returning players with the most varsity experience at quarterback.