Land O’Lakes faces toughest test of the season Monday night vs. district foe Mitchell
LAND O’ LAKES, FLORIDA- It’s a slightly breezy Saturday morning and Land O’ Lakes head coach Dan Goodspeed was walking around John Benedetto Field cutting the ends of zip ties.
The zip ties were to hold on signs ahead of Monday night’s district contest against the Mitchell Mustangs and the Gators’ lead man was just chipping away at the dozens he needed to cut.
In about 48 hours, Goodspeed and his staff will be worried more about how their 4-0 squad will hold up against one of Pasco County‘s perennially top teams. A win could spell a shift in power as Land O’ Lakes last win over Mitchell was back on Sep. 20, 2013 in a 45-21 victory.
“It’ll be a big challenge,” Goodspeed said. “Played Mitchell many of times when I was at River Ridge. They are a quality team. The coaches over there do a great job. We’re gonna have to do the little things that made us successful the first couple of games against Mitchell. We’re lucky to have it here at our house.”
Dan Goodspeed has guided the Gators to an impressive 4-0 start.
Photo courtesy of Krissie Marsh
Having home field advantage could prove to really be a factor in the Class 4A-Suburban, District 6 matchup as the Gators’ two early wins were both in Land O’ Lakes over River Ridge and Hollins.
The superb play of the offensive line has been the catalyst for Land O’ Lakes’ offense that features more of a running back by committee approach. Plenty of neighboring teams have more of a feature back with other spelling the starter.
Clarke has thrown for 220 yards and rushed for another 243 on the ground.
Photo courtesy of Krissie Marsh
For the Gators, there’s been numerous contributions across the board when it comes to running the ball. Amongst those that have chipped in is running back Cody Gwinn (255 yards), quarterback Mason Clarke (243 yards), running back Jolexis Rodriguez (151 yards) and Jaylen Howe (101 yards).
“Mason (Clarke) has taken charge and shown great leadership,” Goodspeed said. “You can hear the confidence growing out of his voice. We’ve taught him that the last eyes everyone sees is yours and you have to have the confidence or swagger when calling the play.”
Losing your head coach before spring ball and getting on board with a new leader in the locker room requires some buying in from your top players. Though a few left via transfer to neighboring schools, one of the key players that remained was wide receiver Kennen Ayala.
Ayala has stepped more into leadership role since spring football and has been not only a senior that shows what it takes, but also has been a positive voice to his teammates.
“Obviously coming in, I didn’t really know Kenan (Ayala) that well,” Goodspeed said. “The thing that really stood out to me between the spring and the fall is just his leadership. There was a question mark whenever a new coach comes in is everyone going to buy in. I really saw him step up over the summer.”
The Gators haven’t missed a beat despite having one of the toughest off-seasons of any team in Pasco County.
Photo courtesy of Krissie Marsh
Goodspeed, a former River Ridge offensive line coach, humbly spoke about being able to get the opportunity to play and sending his thoughts to those down in southwest Florida impacted by Hurricane Ian.
“Well, we’re just glad to be getting back to football especially with everything that has happened,” Goodspeed said. “Obviously we’re thinking of everyone that has been impacted by the hurricane. Glad we’re safe. We’re thinking of Fort Myers.”
Andy Villamarzo can be reached at andyvillamarzo@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @Andy_Villamarzo.
