2014-15 Manatee Hurricanes

 

Head Coach: John Booth (1st season)

 

The former Hurricane reserve quarterback coached five seasons at Valrico Bloomingdale, posting a winning record in his final season a year ago, before replacing the legendary Joe Kinnan, who took a medical leave of absence for the 2014-15 school year. Kinnan departed with 290 wins and five state titles in 29 seasons during two stints at Manatee.

 

 

What they did in 2013: The Hurricanes rolled through the regular season unbeaten, including victories over out-of-state teams Gilman of Baltimore, Maryland, and Friendship Collegiate Academy of Washington D.C. Manatee made it 11 straight with a victory over Vero Beach in the opening round of the playoffs before falling at Fort Pierce Central, 17-15, in the regional semifinals. It was the fifth straight season the Hurricanes won 11 or more games.

 

Offense, key returners:

Spread

Kelvin McKnight WR

Johnny Lang RB

Kavious Price WR

 

Defense, key returners:

4-2-5

Jarquevis Laughlin CB

Joe Robinson CB

Antonio Henderson SS

Travon Rumph SS

Nashon Smith LB

Top newcomers:

Sloan Drummond QB

Devlon Mays DT

Mahlik Mills DT

District: 8A-7

 

 

Home stadium: Joe Kinnan Field at Hawkins Stadium, Bradenton

Schedule changes: Ware County (Ga.), Sanford Seminole and Naples are in. Gilman, Friendship Collegiate Academy and Fort Lauderdale University are out.

 

Outlook: This is a season of change at Manatee, but the high expectations remain the same. The Hurricanes have skilled offensive players in Lang and Price, but will have to operate around an entirely new and rebuilt offensive line and with a new quarterback in Drummonds, who came over from Sebastian River. The defense also lost quite a bit too, presenting a challenge for defensive coordinator Jim Phelan.

Manatee opens the season with a 4-hour drive to Valdosta, Georgia, for a meeting with usually tough Ware County, followed by home games with Sanford Seminole and Naples. The Hurricanes could have competition in the district games, but should capture another title. The season will be defined by how deep they advance in the playoff.

 

Article by Dennis Maffezzoli    Follow Dennis on Twitter @Maffsports