The Size of the Fight in the Dog: Carrollwood Day School Football Preview

The Carrollwood Day School football program is only in its sixth year of existence. It has only participated in full, 11-man competition since 2008. However, under the leadership of Head Coach Lane McLaughlin and a crew of dedicated assistants, the program is turning heads.

McLaughlin was an assistant coach at Jefferson High School from 1999-2007, and helped the Dragons make it to two state championship games. His assistant coaches, Hank Floyd and Derrick Brown, both have kids on the team, and help out in various departments. Assistant Coach Sal Cuono was a Division 1 football player at Purdue University and current defensive coordinator for The Patriots.

Last season, the Patriots finished 8-2, only losing one regular season game to St. Edwards and compiling a six-game win streak before losing to St. John Lutheran in the playoffs. This year, they will be a part of Class 2A (urban) in Region 2 District 5.

This district includes:

 Admiral Farragut (St. Petersburg)

Cavalry Christian (Clearwater)

Cambridge (Tampa)

Canterbury (St. Petersburg)

Indian Rocks Christian (Largo)

Keswick Christian (St. Petersburg)

Northside Christian (St. Petersburg)

However, the Patriots are getting a big-league test this spring, something that should give them an edge when they go up against other small, private schools.

The CDS Patriots participate in a Hillsborough County event that pits area football programs against each other in 7-on-7 drills.

So, what are 7-on-7 drills?

They are basically how you would play a pickup game of football; no offensive or defensive line - just the quarterback and receivers. The receivers run out for passes, and the referee gives a standing six-count to simulate defensive pressure. If the six seconds expire, they play is over.

Teams score points by throwing a touchdown pass, completing a two-point conversion or intercepting the ball on defense. After 40 minutes of time, the game is over; they take a break and play against a different team.

CDS is turning heads because they are winning these scrimmages. There is no official record-keeping and games do not technically “count,” but fledgling Carrollwood Day School is competing and winning against huge Hillsborough County programs.

At a recent scrimmage, the Patriots beat Middleton in a close game and came back and beat Tampa Catholic later in the evening.

“We have a few kids that can play at this level,” said Assistant Coach Hank Floyd.

Here’s a look at a few of the kids that turn the wheels for the Patriots football team.

Junior Deuce Gruden is also the team captain and quarterback. As a sophomore, Deuce threw for over 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns while averaging over six tackles per game on defense. His diminutive 5’6” frame is off-set by his 180 lbs. of muscle. He is affectionately referred to by his dad as “my sawed-off T-bone."

Sophomore Robert Davis is probably the fastest kid on the team. His 100-meter dash time of 11:39 seconds won his heat at and placed him 31st out of 95 athletes. As a freshman, Davis rushed for over 1,500 yards and averaged over six tackles per game. Davis plays tail back and safety for The Patriots and scored the winning touchdown against Middleton in the 7-on-7 drills.

Sophomore Nate Lewis is another athlete that is a sprinter on the track team. Nate plays defensive back and wide receiver.

Junior Dillon Floyd plays outside linebacker and wide receiver for the Patriots. He was the leading return specialist last year, and played some time at free safety.

Sophomore Andy Embody also mans the outside positions on offense and defense.

Sophomore Dominiq Sicardo is also a star on the baseball team, and his 6’3” frame make him an ideal candidate for the tight end position. He will also line up at defensive end.

It could be a big year for the CDS Patriots. Their big-league tests in the off-season should produce big-time results when they have to line up 11 on 11 come this fall.

“Football is played at the line of scrimmage,” said Head Coach Lane McLaughlin.

And the true test lies ahead for the program.