1 – Sickles
District 15 could experience a ‘changing of the guard’ in 2018 as Sickles continues to vastly improve their program. Under coach Joseph Kuebrich, the Gryphons have seen their program become a serious contender in the area. Their 12-5 season in 2017 certainly put them on the map, with loses only at the hands of Tampa stalwarts like Berkeley, Plant, Newsome, and Jesuit. On the flipside, however, all of their wins were against teams with losing records – except the victory over 7-6 Freedom. HALAX limitations with scheduling that season could certainly be to blame, but they’ll have to do a better job of scheduling if they want to take the spotlight away from Steinbrenner. Key matchups on their schedule: 3/8 vs Plant, 3/21 vs Steinbrenner, and 4/10 vs Newsome.
2 – Steinbrenner
This district has been owned by Steinbrenner ever since they were moved into it a few years ago. Like Sickles, the Warriors owe their success to more Kuebrichs – brothers John and Justin. Regardless of seniors lost or experience of their team, John and Justin never fail to bring out the best in their boys. That being said, Steinbrenner has lost a lot of talent over the last two years. Sickles handed Steinbrenner a loss during the regular season in 2017 only to have Steinbrenner earn it back in the district playoffs. We are looking forward to that rivalry continuing in 2018. Marquee matchups for the Warrriors in 2018 are an early contest on 2/24 vs Berkeley and 3/21 vs Sickles.
3 – Wiregrass
With Sickles and Steinbrenner battling at the top of district 15, we expect to see FHSAA newcomers from the 2017 club circuit to make their names known this season. Wiregrass finished the previous club season with a very respectable 10-8 record. They’ll step into the district with their full array of seniors leading the way. That’s right – Wiregrass did not graduate a single senior last year. 9 seniors round out their squad, with 5 of them starting. You should expect to see them hitting the ground running and earning early wins. Look for a big battles on 3/2 vs Sickles and on 3/27 vs Steinbrenner.
4 – Wesley Chapel
Another FHSAA newcomer is Wesley Chapel. They finished their club season in 2017 with a record of 9-4 and we expect them to be in the mix during the district 15 playoffs along with familiar foe Wiregrass. Their 3rd game of the season will be an early gauge for their success as they battle Sickles on Feb. 28. Another big game comes on March 7 against FHSAA newcomer Wiregrass.
