Football Preview: Booker High

THE BASICS

Booker High

3201 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota 

Mascot: Tornadoes

Colors: Purple and gold 

2014 Record: 6-4 

SCHEDULE 

Class 5A-District 11

*Denotes district game 

**All games start at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted 

Aug. 28 at Riverview 

Sept. 4 vs. Sarasota
Sept. 11 BYE

Sept. 18 at Hardee*

Sept. 25 vs. Port Charlotte

Oct. 2 vs. Bayshore*

Oct. 9 BYE 

Oct. 16 at DeSoto County*

Oct. 23 at Lemon Bay (7 p.m.)*

Oct. 30 vs. Southeast

Nov. 6 at Venice 

BY THE NUMBERS 

2 — Consecutive seasons Booker has made the playoffs. 

1 — District games Booker lost last season after falling to DeSoto County 20-6. 

87 — Points the Tornadoes allowed in their four losses last season. 

3 — Games that were decided by a touchdown or less last season. 

29 — Upperclassmen on this year’s roster. 

PLAYERS TO WATCH 

Spencer Carter, senior, safety and running back 

Jamal Benson, junior, running back

Stanley Collins, senior, linebacker

Osirus Mitchell, senior, wide receiver 

Jamal Watson, senior, offensive line

Jermaine Belvin, senior, wide receiver 

UNDER THE HEADSET 

Recharde Goodwyn, second year 

What are your thoughts on this year’s team?

“This is one of the hardest working group of kids that I’ve ever been around, and I spent two years coaching college football. This group would outwork them. They don’t back down when a challenge presents itself. We developed a lot of depth. Camp has been extremely competitive, and I’m excited about this year. We could be very good this year if we stay together and focused. 

What are your expectations for this season? 

“I don’t like to say we’re going to win so many games. I just want us to play hard and to the best of our abilities. We have to focus on the things that we can control and not dwell on things. These kids excite me because they don’t back down. They worked so hard in the spring and into the summer, so hopefully that all pays off, and we can transition that success to the football field. 

What would you say is the strength of this year’s team? 

“We have so many guys who are extremely talented and work hard. One day, they might be on the first team, and another day, someone else my take that role. We embrace that. We tell them good things come to those who work hard, show up on time and listen to their coaches, and if you don’t do the right things, there’s always someone lurking in the background who will.” 

What do you think separates Booker from other teams? 

“We really love one another. They’re not afraid to tell one another that they love each other. We hear it all the time. It’s rare for men in today’s society to say that, but they do show it every day. The seniors and juniors have an extremely close knit bond.” 

What’s the one area that still needs improvement?

“Our mental focus. The only thing that can ever beat Booker is Booker. We just need to focus on minimizing the number of mistakes that we make.”