Dogs already down one impact player as Irving Huggins leaves

By Rick Pedone

Sports Editor

Spring practice begins Monday, but already new St. Cloud High football coach Mike Short must revamp the Bulldogs’ potent offensive lineup.

Short learned recently that Irving Huggins, a rising senior projected to be one of Central Florida’s top running backs, is leaving at the end of the current school year.

Short said Huggins’ mother made the decision to send the player to a military school in Virginia.

“The season just got a lot tougher,” Short said.

The St. Cloud coach said about 15 to 20 Division I football programs, including UCF and USF, planned to scout Huggins this spring. Huggins led Osceola County in rushing with 1,371 yards last season.

Short said he is working on alternatives in the offensive backfield.

“A couple of magic tricks up my sleeve,” he said. “We’ve got a couple of guys who can fill the role. Maybe not 1,400 yards, but more dynamic pass catchers and screen guys.”

Returning to St. Cloud is rising senior quarterback Phillip Steinmetz, one of the state’s top prospects.

Osceola County will have one other new football coach next season in addition to Short. Jarred Butler takes over at Harmony. Both Short and Butler were assistants last season.

During spring practice, teams may work 20 days in May, but the first three days of drills must be non-contact.

With major shifts in the district alignments coming next season the local schools will try to capitalize on new playoff opportunities.

Osceola High, locked in districts that included state powerhouse Lakeland since 2004, will join five county schools in 7A District 6 next season. Poinciana joined 5A District 6 with Orange, Lake and Volusia county programs.

“We’re still going to have to improve in a lot of areas, but the opportunity is definitely there,” Osceola Coach Doug Nichols said.

Osceola defensive coordinator Scott Spencer said the Kowboys should have many returning players on the varsity roster.

“We were so young last year, we have a lot of kids coming back that got a taste of it last season,” he said. “It’ll be interesting to see their progress.”

Liberty Coach David Benson said his team is ready to get on the field.

“After a lot of work in the weight room the last 12 weeks, they’re ready,” he said. “I can’t wait.”

Butler, who coached the girls weightlifting and girls track teams, will try to take Harmony back to the regional playoffs. The Longhorns reached the regional finals in 2007 when he was the varsity defensive coordinator, but they have not been to the playoffs since.

Poinciana Coach Michael Timpson starts his second season. The Eagles showed progress last season despite an 0-10 record.

Celebration Coach Ben Aarestadt must replace several key starters from last season, when the Storm enjoyed one of their best records (4-6) and won its first district game.

Gateway Coach Marlin Roberts begins his third season and expects many of the young players he started last year during a two-win season to continue their development. Sophomore quarterback Anthony Rodrigues saw time in relief of injured starter Roger Allen last season and is expected to win that job.

Spring practice will conclude with games and jamborees during the last two weeks of May.