Bright House Sports Network’s preseason countdown of the Top 20 football teams in Central Florida continues today with No. 1.
No. 1 Dr. Phillips Panthers
Head Coach: Rodney Wells
2013 Record: 11-1 (lost to Tampa Plant 24-23 in 8A region semifinals)
Key Returners: QB Rudy Norwood, OL Colby Meeks, S Vernon Walker, LB Jonathan Pollock, CB Jamari Smith, DB Jalean Perkins (Olympia transfer), WR Mike Macon (Olympia transfer), OL Bo Alexander (Winter Springs transfer), ATH Daquan Isom (Apopka transfer), ATH Jaquarius Bargnare (Boone transfer)
Key Losses: ATH Deionte Gaines, WR Roderick Proctor, RB Kerry Bernard, CB Davin Pierce, LB Ia Wolfgramm,
Kickoff Classic: vs. Ocoee, 7:30 (Aug. 22)
Team Outlook: The Panthers are 29-1 in the regular season the past three years and went 10-0 in 2013. Norwood enjoyed a breakout junior season by throwing for more than 2,000 yards and 24 touchdowns against just three interceptions. The arrivals of Macon and Bargnare should help offset the graduation of Gaines and Proctor, who combined for 34 touchdowns. Pollock, Dylan Meeks and Kelvin Clue all return after recording more than 75 tackles last year. Colby Meeks (6-4, 295) can play all three line positions and his presence along with Alexander (6-5, 285) and Ashley (6-8, 280) should make that unit one of the area’s bests. Dr. Phillips plays a relatively easy regular season schedule with games against three playoff teams – Winter Park, Orlando University and Boone. The Wildcats, district champions last year, appear to be the biggest test.