Team Preview
(G)- Different year, same story…or is it? Florida High has dominated 2A recently winning two of the last three state titles. Last year, led by the explosive Kayla Parker they squeaked out a seven point win over Episcopal. This year the role will be reversed as the Episcopal girls team is loaded and will score deep in at least 5 events. Led by their nationally ranked cross country girls, the lady eagles can pick up wins in the 1600, 3200, 4x800, and pole vault while scoring tons of points across the board. Transfer Katie Hered, who placed 2nd, last year in the pole vault to current teammate Daisy Glaser, will help them pick up a combined 16-18 points alone in the vault. Florida High will not go down without a fight because Parker is still there, and they have an experienced sprinting and hurdling group that can carry the load. But with a hometown crowd cheering them on, Episcopal will be tough to beat. Many other teams could crack the top 5 as well such as Rickards, Godby, and Suncoast.
(B)- Glades Central and Godby have taken over 2A since their arrival from 3A in 2004. Things will probably stay the same this year as both return key components from last year's teams and valuable point scorers. Godby has a pair of studs in hurdler Damarius Carrol and middle distance star Joseph Franklin. Franklin can pick up between 18-20 points in the 1600 and 800 if he decides to double, while Carol can pick up another 20 in the 110's and 300 hurdles if he repeats. They can also score big points in the field events. Glades Central was carried by their relay teams last year, but will have to replace 48.66 400m runner A. Arnett and O. Blackmon. Like last year, the final outcome likely will not be decided until the sizzling 4x400m relay. Tampa Jesuit, state champions in 2003, return almost everyone from their third place team last year minus Andy Biladeau. James Osborne, Hunter Classen, and the rest of the tiger will be hungry to return to the podium. Hold on to your seats for this one.
Event Preview
4x800m Relay (G)- The Episcopal Girls 4x800m relay team went undefeated last year, and will likely do the same in a down year for relays. They return all four legs from their 9:30 team and each should be faster this year. The state meet record of 9:11 does not seem so far away but give their all underclassmen team some time. Bolles traditionally puts together a strong 4x8, and look for Bishop Kenny, Jensen Beach, and Gulf Breeze to all be chomping at the bit for that runner up spot. It\'s easy to forget about 2004 champion PJP because they ran their \"B\" team at state last year. Any team is a good team w/ a 2:18 leg and a 2:21 leg returning. Throw in a couple 2:25 s and BAM, a contedner arises.
4x800m Relay (B)- Defending champion Episcopal lost two vital legs from a year ago so count them out. Two time runner up Jesuit returns three of four for the second year in a row, and the third year could finally be the charm if they put it all together. If your looking for a pre-season favorite, look at Cocoa Beach who returns all four legs from their 8:05 team that came out of nowhere last year to grab the bronze medal. 4x800 team usually don't come around at full strength till the postseason (see: Episcopal last year) so don't be misled by slow early season times. Teams will put all of their big guns together when it matters the most.
100m H. Hurdles (G): The Kayla Parker show begins here. Upset last year, Parker will be back with a vengeance to pick up both hurdle titles and carry her team to the title. With her nearest competition graduated she could afford to hit a hurdle or two but don't count on that with a hurdle technique that rivals most collegians.
Top Contenders:
Kayla Parker (Florida High) 14.12
Lou'tisha Hall (Immokalee) 15.67
Sarah Adams (Arch Bishop McCarthy) 15.87
Kendre Washington (Crescent City) 16.25
05' Winner=Franishia Hammond (Hallandale) 14.61
110m H. Hurdles (B): Dreadlocks and all, Damarius Carroll is the hurdling star of 2A. The double winner from a year ago (110 and 300) is back for more, and can help lead his team to the title with 20 points here and some help on the 4x400m relay. Don't sleep on Stallworth from Suncoast or hometown favorite Harris from Paxon.
Top Contenders:
Damarius Carroll (Godby) 14.13
Nathan Harris (Paxon) 14.64
Marcus Stallworth (Suncoast) 14.84
Nesly Saintervill (Immokalee) 14.63
05' Winner= Damarius Carrol (Godby) 14.13
100m (G) – Lecia Brown of Suncoast will look to close out her career here with a third consecutive 100m title. The Louisville bound sprinter is the 2nd fastest returnee in the state in this event, but don't count out 200m specialist Kellie Morrison of Florida High either. Another unpleasant surprise for Brown will be Scottesha Miller of Port Orange Atlantic. Atlantic drops down to 2A, and Miller brings in her 11.89. Don't count on as much of a wind aid in Jacksonville this year though. How about Trabea Hill of Taylor County? 11.74 is fast, wind aided or not!
Top Contenders:
Lecia Brown (Suncoast) 11.67
Kellie Morrison (Florida High) 11.88
Scottesha Miller (Port Orange-Atlantic) 11.89
Trabea Hill (Taylor County) 11.74
05' Winner=Lecia Brown (Suncoast) 11.67
100m (B) – Jacoby Ford set the track on fire last spring…but he graduated. Next in line is Deonte Thompson of Glades Central. Thompson produced consistent 100m/200m times throughout the post-season in 2005 and looks the most poised to pick up the title this year. With yet another team title on the line, Thompson should be inspired to step up. However, he will be up against a slew of challengers such as Brandon James of St. Augustine and big time football recruit C.J. Spiller of Union County
Top Contenders
Deonte Thompson (Glades Central) 10.56
Brandon James (St. Augustine) 10.45
C.J. Spiller (Union County) 10.88
Jamal Riley (Chiefland HS) 10.75
05' Winner= Jacoby Ford (Newman) 10.32
1600m (G)- Nicole Schappert's reign on 2A track is finally over, and it's time for some new talent to step in. See: the Episcopal Girls' team. Emily Ingham and Maggie Traylor are the 1-2 fastest returnees by almost ten seconds. Look for a gutsy 1-2 finish and a great race between these two teammates. The top returnee has won the past three titles so tradition is on Ingham's side. Although they could see challenges from former 4:59 miler Amy Gallogly of Bolles or Kathryn Carrington of North Broward Prep.
Top Contenders:
Emily Ingham (Episcopal) 5:04.19
Maggie Traylor (Episcopal) 5:06.85
Amy Gallogly (Bolles) 5:12.29
Kathryn Carrington (North Broward Prep) 5:15.99
05' Winner= Nicole Schappert (Pope John Paul) 5:01.93
1600m (B)- Last year saw an unprecedented five boys drop out of the 1600m final to be fresh for their other events. That will surely not be the case this year with a talented group returning. James Osborne is hungry for a state title and has the fastest returning time, but it might not be enough to stop sophomore sensation Joseph Franklin. Also look out for Daniel Bush from Stanton, 4:24 last year, and freshman Connor Revord from Jesuit. If it comes down to a kick then put your money on Franklin and his 49 second 400m speed.
Top Contenders:
James Osborne (Tampa Jesuit) 4:22.34
Joseph Franklin (Godby) 4:24.09
Daniel Bush (Stanton) 4:24.78
Connor Revord (Tampa Jesuit) 4:29.64
05' Winner= Andy Biladeau (Tampa Jesuit) 4:11.63
4x100m Relay (G)- Florida High returns all four legs from their state championship relay from a year ago. Rickards also returns a strong squad that might be able to keep pace with FSU for a few legs, but the combination of Morrison, Parker, Johnson, and Samaila will be too much to overcome.
4x100m Relay (B)- Chaminade had the fastest qualifying time last year, but was DQ'd in the final for a lane violation. Glades Central did not feel sorry for them and picked up 10 points in the win. Glades Central does not return all four of their legs, but it's hard to argue with tradition. The Raiders should be victorious again with strong legs from Tolbert and Monal.
400m (G) – Lecia Brown looks like a lock AGAIN for her third straight 400m title. The addition of Laquenda Ward, last year's 1A champ, may shake things up but not enough to stop Brown from covering the oval in around 54 seconds. Chambers from Pompano has a rich tradition behind her and should be mentioned as well.
Top Contenders:
Lecia Brown (Suncoast) 54.93
Kayann Chambers (Pompano Beach) 56.95
Yolanda King (Jensen Beach) 58.36
Daniella Griffin (Ribault) 57.26
05' Winner= Lecia Brown (Suncoast) 56.62
400m (B)- A quality group of sub 50 second 400m runners returns in what could be one of the highlight events of the night. Bryan Thomas is the highest returnee after placing fourth a year ago, but Mario Pickett of Jones was one of the most consistent runners with three sub 50 performances. No runner is the clear favorite which makes this all the more interesting. This event could be even deeper this year with a surprise in Bolles Junior Richie King. King ran 51.39 last year and has the talent and coaching staff to be this year's RJ Anderson. Look for a lean at the line to determine the outcome of this barn burner.
Top Contenders:
Bryan Thomas (Zephyrhills) 49.08
Mario Pickett (Jones) 49.29
Eddie Stoudamemire (Glades Central) 50.15
Johnathan Marks (Jones) 49.60
05' Winner= RJ Anderson (Key West) 47.71
300m Low Hurdles (G): Shantia Moss, Valerie Flournoy, and Kayla Parker. All have been the face of Florida girl's hurdling over the past few years. Kayla Parker will continue to rack up the individual honors here with a win. She is the fastest returnee by almost two seconds which is more then you think in a sprint event. Loutisha Hall of Immokalee could pose a threat to Parker if she trips up, and Hall gets a quick start out of the blocks.
Top Contenders:
Kayla Parker (Florida High) 43.72
Loutisha Hall (Immokalee) 45.67
Ebony Anderson (Navarre) 47.26
Andrea Parkinson (Hardee County) 48.07
05' Winner=Kayla Parker (Florida High) 43.72
300m Intermediate Hurdles (B) – It's déjà vu all over again. Damarius Carroll returns to defend arguably his best event on the track. The top four finishers last year, who were all sub 40, are all back to leave their mark on 2A. This could be a VERY fast and deep event. Challengers to Carol could come by way of Marcus Stallworth of Suncoast who has run 54.60 for the 400m hurdles, and air apparent to Javier Garcia; Peter Pidermann of Belen Jesuit.
Top Contenders:
Damarius Carroll (Godby) 38.63
Marcus Stallworth (Suncoast) 39.10, 54.63 (400m hurdles)
Peter Pidermann (Belen Jesuit) 39.22
Curtis Cross (Glades Central HS) 39.29
05' Winner=Damarius Carroll (Godby) 38.63
800m (G) – A wild finish last year saw Leela Hadsock come out of almost nowhere and win in a "how-did-she-do-that" type of race. An experienced group returns this year led by 2:17 Bolles runner Tiarra Harrell. Harrel has some of the best leg speed of the bunch, but look for teammates Jenna Redfearn and Andrea Mascaro of PJP to be in the mix. Also, don't forget about Laura Steel of Episcopal who took the race out in a gutsy 63 second first 400 meters but paid for it on the home stretch. She returns more experienced and ready to go.
Top Contenders:
Tiarra Harell (Bolles) 2:17.71
Jenna Redfearn (Pope John Paul) 2:18.04
Laura Steel (Episcopal) 2:19.00
Andrea Mascaro (Pope John Paul) 2:21.84
05' Winner= Leela Haddsock (Hernando) 2:17.35
800m (B) Joseph Franklin made his presence felt last year as a freshman winning the 800m title in a lean over Eddie Arguello of Belen Jesuit. The win and the three second gap Franklin has over the next fastest returnee make Franklin the money favorite to repeat again. Dark horses usually appear in the 800, but don't expect anyone to give Franklin a challenge for more then the first lap. What ever happened to Calvin Hayes of Jones who placed 6th here as a sophomore in 2004? He could be a surprise as well.
Top Contenders:
Joseph Franklin (Godby) 1:55.55
Mike Akins (Tampa Jesuit) 1:58.11
Stephen Arnold (Rickards) 1:59.15
Phillip Woerner (Gulliver Prep) 1:59.43
05' Winner= Joseph Franklin (Godby) 1:55.86
200m (G)- Kellie Morrison of Florida High is back to defend her title with the rest of the field right on her heals. Morrison has an explosive start and leans very well into the turn coming onto the straightaway. She is the most consistent of the returnees having posted six sub-25 performances while also doubling in the 100. Florida High NEEDS these points. Once again, Miller of Atlantic will look to shake things up bringing in her 23.99 from a year ago. Daniella Griffin of Ribault has the 400m strength (57.26) to pull the upset here, but lost to Morrison by almost a full second a year ago. Triple threat Laquenda Ward, via 1A, could also shake things up if she decides to run all three sprints again.
Top Contenders:
Scottesha Miller (Port Orange Atlantic) 23.99
Kellie Morrison (Florida High) 24.23
Daniela Griffin (Ribault) 24.99
Laquenda Ward (Chiefland) 25.18
05' Winner= Kellie Morrison (Florida High) 24.23
200m (B) – Deonte Thompson ran a wind aided 21.38 at the state meet last year. Wind aided or not 21.38 is silly fast no matter how you put it. Placed 2nd last year to Jacoby Ford. The sleeper here may be football standout Brandon James of St. Augustine. He ran a fast early season time (21.74), but seemed to wear down as the season progressed. Don't be shocked or surprised to see Deandre Morgan, Chevon Walker, James, or Thompson to lean first for the win here. All have legitimate shots at the title this year.
Top Contenders:
Deonte Thompson (Glades Central) 21.38
Deandre Morgan (Suncoast) 21.79
Brandon James (St. Augustine) 21.74
Chevon Walker (Riverdale) 21.86
05' Winner=Jacoby Ford (Newman) 21.25
3200m (G) Episcopal Girls all over again. They have the three fastest returnees in this event, and one did not even run in the state meet. If they all run, expect a clean 1-2-3 finish and valuable points towards their first team title. Fatigue may become an issue as Traylor and Ingham will likely be tripling. If that happens look for a small window of opportunity to open up. Emily Houston, 11:33 here last year, had a breakout cross country season and will be looking to break up the sweep. Carrington of North Broward Prep may also be in it as well.
Top Contenders:
Maggie Traylor (Episcopal) 11:15.64 (17:57 5k)
Emily Ingham (Episcopal) 11:07.17
Katie Traylor (Episcopal) 11:13.34
Emily Houston (Jensen Beach) 11:33.64 (18:42 5k)
05' Winner=Nicole Schappert (Pope John Paul)
3200m (B) Take your pick here. James Osborne or Luke Russell? Yes, Osborne has the faster PR coming into the season, but Russell beat Osborne on the grass to claim his first state title in winning by 9 seconds. Russell will be very much improved on the track, and this two man battle could go down as in instant classic. I predict a hot pace set from the get go and these two will break away from the pack. This duel may even surpass the great Biladeau/Criscione battle from a year ago. That chase pack will include Matt Hensley who is always a gutsy racer, Ben Martucci, and a slew of others. Scrivner of Jesuit can pick up some point here towards a title run if he rebounds from an injury filled cross country season.
Top Contenders:
James Osborne (Tampa Jesuit) 9:19.28
Luke Russell (Bishop Kenny) 9:30.35
Matt Hensley (Lincoln Park) 9:30.32
Ben Martucci (Hernando) 10:01.35
05' Winner= Jeremy Criscione 9:14.75
4x400m (G)- Expect Rickards, Ribault, Woodham, and maybe even Florida High to all be in the mix for this one. Defending champ Godby gets hit the hardest by graduation losing two member of their state champion team. Outside of Godby, every team in the top eight returns at least three legs from their state teams. No ahead-of-the-pack favorite here, but Rickards seems poised to keep the title in Tallahassee.
4x400m (B)- It's hard to bet against a Glades Central 4x400m team, but they get hit hard by graduation as well. Another dangerous team is Tallahassee Godby. They return three legs from their fourth place team including Franklin and Carroll and will be very motivated by the chance to clinch the team title with a win. Other teams to watch out for include Tampa Jesuit, Jones, and Suncoast.
Pole Vault (G) Episcopal Junior Daisy Glasser looks to repeat here and rumor has it she has recently cleared 12-00. She will have some help and added motivation this year from new teammate Katie Hered who placed 2nd last year here as a freshman at Stanton. Throw in new addition Claire Spurling of Bishop Kenny and we have an out fashioned Pole Vault battle. Expect the hometown crowd to get VERY into this three way battle.
Top Contenders:
Daisy Glasser (Episcopal) 11-09
Claire Spurling (Bishop Kenny) 11-06
Katie Hered (Episcopal) 11-00
Sarah Adams (Archbishop McCarthy HS) 10-06
05' Winner= Daisy Glasser (Episcopal) 11-09
(B)Top Contenders:
Lavon Downs (Godby) 13-00
Anthony Garzon (Bolles) 12-00
05' Winner=Brett Miller (Crystal River) 14-06
Long Jump (G)
Top Contenders:
Kayla Parker (Florida High) 19-00
Traci Lewis (East Gadsen) 18-11.75
Alexis Williams (Atlantic) 18-07
Isaria Ranson (Pasco) 17-08.75
Aiesha Samilla (Florida High) 17-05.50
05' Winner= Kayla Parker (Florida High) 19-00
(B) Bryan Thomas (Zephyrhills) 23-06
Lawrence Marius (Key West) 22-09.50
Gregory Oats (Interlachen) 21-09.50
Deandre McDaniel (Godby) 21-04.50
05' Winner=Terrence Moore (Key West) 23-07.50
Triple Jump
(G) Top Contenders:
Quayona Carithers (Haines City) 38-06
Isaria Ranson (Pasco) 36-02
Brittany Smith (Lincoln Park) 36-02
Courtney Collins (Bishop Moore) 35-02.75
Kiara Gay (Wakulla) 34-10.75
05' Winner= Fields, Jasmine (West Florida) 36-05.75
(B) Clarence Powell (Marianna) 45-04.25
Mike Kursteiner (Nature Coast Tech) 46-00
Robinson Alexis (West Boca Community High School) 45-07.50
Deandre McDaniel (Godby) 45-03
Donald Manns (Bolles) 44-05.75
05' Winner=Tommie Williams (Clay) 47-09
High Jump
(G) Top Contenders:
Dina Emde (Pope John Paul) 5-08
Gina Potito (Hernando) 5-04
Tambrika Flowers (Taylor County) 5-04
Joycelynn Bynes (North Marion) 5-02.00
05' Winner= Dina Emde (Pope John Paul) 5-06-00
(B) Bryant Gant (Godby) 6-06
Andrew Bachelor (Coral Springs Charter) 6-08
Mike Kursteiner (Nature Coast Tech) 6-06
Clarence Powell (Marianna) 6-04
05' Winner= Micky Gilyard (Crescent City) 6-08
Shot Put
(G) Top Contenders:
Shexnieavia Bryant (Chaminade) 39-00
Katie Dollinger (Gulf Breeze) 38-03
Shayla Jones (Godby) 37-11.50
Caila Coleman (Florida High) 37-11.25
05' Winner= Bulter, Porsha (Cocoa Beach) 39-11.25
(B) Josh Delancey (Jensen Beach) 48-02.50
Linval Joseph (Santa Fe) 55-05.00
Francis Highland (Union County) 54-05
Frank Grimes (Godby) 50-03.00
05' Winner= Herrera, Efrain (Pace) 50-02.50
Discus (G)
Top Contenders:
Walter Broaders (Haines City) 170-08
Jenn Habegger (Cardinal Gibbons) 129-04
Shexnieavia Bryant (Chaminade) 127-00
Lauren Szudarek (Nature Coast High) 113-00
Caila Coleman (Florida High) 112-00
05' Winner= Bulter, Porsha (Cocoa Beach) 132-06
(B) Cordario Pruitt (North Marion) 146-01
John Paul (Immokalee) 159-06
Frank Grimes (Godby) 154-10
05' Winner= VanRensburg, Shawn (Bolles) 169-05
To be Continued...
Team Preview
(G)- Different year, same story…or is it? Florida High has dominated 2A recently winning two of the last three state titles. Last year, led by the explosive Kayla Parker they squeaked out a seven point win over Episcopal. This year the role will be reversed as the Episcopal girls team is loaded and will score deep in at least 5 events. Led by their nationally ranked cross country girls, the lady eagles can pick up wins in the 1600, 3200, 4x800, and pole vault while scoring tons of points across the board. Transfer Katie Hered, who placed 2nd, last year in the pole vault to current teammate Daisy Glaser, will help them pick up a combined 16-18 points alone in the vault. Florida High will not go down without a fight because Parker is still there, and they have an experienced sprinting and hurdling group that can carry the load. But with a hometown crowd cheering them on, Episcopal will be tough to beat. Many other teams could crack the top 5 as well such as Rickards, Godby, and Suncoast.
(B)- Glades Central and Godby have taken over 2A since their arrival from 3A in 2004. Things will probably stay the same this year as both return key components from last year's teams and valuable point scorers. Godby has a pair of studs in hurdler Damarius Carrol and middle distance star Joseph Franklin. Franklin can pick up between 18-20 points in the 1600 and 800 if he decides to double, while Carol can pick up another 20 in the 110's and 300 hurdles if he repeats. They can also score big points in the field events. Glades Central was carried by their relay teams last year, but will have to replace 48.66 400m runner A. Arnett and O. Blackmon. Like last year, the final outcome likely will not be decided until the sizzling 4x400m relay. Tampa Jesuit, state champions in 2003, return almost everyone from their third place team last year minus Andy Biladeau. James Osborne, Hunter Classen, and the rest of the tiger will be hungry to return to the podium. Hold on to your seats for this one.
Event Preview