“You can get a waiver to start practice a few days early,” he said. “The way academics, spring sports and everything else with our testing, they allowed us to start a week before.

“We just wanted this for (the first-year players) learning how to practice, so once we get the pads on we will be able to move (full speed). Even though they aren’t making contact, they get a little idea of how to move at a varsity speed level.”

Grant runs an up-tempo practice. By doing so he hopes to work on conditioning while the team is building their skill sets and learning plays. The idea is working on conditioning throughout the practice will eliminate some of the running needed at the end of practice.

“If we have great speed, great effort and hop from drill to drill, then we will do less (conditioning) at the end (of practice),” he said.

The Bulldogs were without several players and coaches the first week as they finished the seasons of different spring sports.

About half the football coaching staff and some players were missing spring football to finish their commitments to baseball and Grant was hoping he didn’t have them back until the summer. He knows the longer the coaches and players miss spring football the further they are going into the baseball playoffs.

The most difficult part in not having all of the coaches is pretty straight forward.

“We can’t evaluate 120 kids with six coaches,” he said. “We have a Group B and a Group A. That way we can truly evaluate the way these kids and see who’s ready for Friday night.”

Phillips will see time at receiver and in the secondary this year, but he’s also one of the players battling to replace graduating starting quarterback Jerome Brazan.

Bulldog coach Thomas Grant said things have gone well for Phillips during the first days of spring football practice.

“He’s had a really good offseason and a really good spring so far at receiver and quarterback,” Grant said. “He’s going be one of those kind of a Swiss Army Knife guys (who has multiple tools). We’re going to count on him heavily this year to make plays whether at receiver or quarterback.

“Wherever he is, we are going to need him to be a guy (that makes plays),” he added.

Phillips knows playing receiver would be best for his football future beyond high school. But being a team-first guy, the idea of playing quarterback doesn’t bother him.

“I would choose quarterback just to help out the team and just be an overall better player for the team,” he said.

If he does end up at wide receiver that’s even better as he looks toward the chance to play college.

“I would choose receiver because … I could develop more,” Phillips said. “And at receiver there are more places I can go (to play college football).”

Phillips is 6-foot-1 and weighs 160 pounds, but don’t let his slender frame surprise you. He also plays basketball and the skills he has developed on the hardwood translate well onto the football field.

“He’s competing year-round and that’s a huge thing,” Grant said. “He’s working different muscles. It has been proven that kids that play multiple sports have a better chance at the next level and beyond.

“I love that he’s a guard on the basketball team because, look in the fourth quarter down by one point, you have the ball,” he added. “You have to make the decision and that’s just like being the quarterback on the last-minute drive. I love that our kids play multiple sports.”

Phillips enjoys basketball, but football is probably his favorite sport as he sees more opportunities in football.

“I would have to choose football because in basketball you have to be a certain height and you have to have the exact skills at the right time,” he said. “In football you could be 5-foot-1 and you could be fast and do whatever you want. You just need to work to be stronger and develop.”

Soft spoken by nature, Phillips still embraces his leadership role as an upperclassman on the football team as he passes along the lessons he has learned from older players.

“I think the freshman and sophomores that are coming up I’m going to have to lead them,” he said. “I will tell them what to do and how I was taught. I’ll be telling them and teaching them what to do.”

If Phillips were given the opportunity to play football at his dream school, it would be a short drive to the east on Interstate 10. And athletics would only be a small part of the decision.

“It would be Florida State University,” he said. “And not just because of sports.

“They’ve got a great (campus). I want to go into medicine, and they have one of the best medical schools out there.”

“I’m expecting all the good stuff,” Gardner said. “We’ve made great improvement in the weight room since January. It’s been very good for a lot of gains, which is always positive.”

From a player perspective there will be plenty of opportunities.

The Gators must replace their leading rusher, Kayleb Wagner, as well as the top receiver and passer, who happen to be the same person, Colton Weekley.

Wagner is one of the most prolific running backs in school history and holds the single-game rushing record for the state.

Gardner is optimistic that the Gators will be able to find players to fill the positions as he knows nobody is likely to be able to fill the shoes of a player with Wagner’s talent.

Tyson McBride and Wyatt Straight are two of the players that will share time at running back with the Wagner’s departure.

There are less questions at quarterback where Kase Armstrong and Justin Baldwin saw plenty of action when Weekley was at receiver.

Armstrong had a team-best three touchdown passes last year. Baldwin had the best completion percentage at .400.

Kurt Armstrong, the older brother of Kase, returns to anchor the offensive and defensive lines. At 6-foot-5 and 335 pounds, Kurt Armstrong is one of the biggest players in the area in any classification.

Kurt Armstrong won’t be the only big guy up front.

Leroy Pierce and Dustin Clark both top the scales at more than 280 pounds. Jeremy Fredericks, a newcomer to the varsity team, is another big body up front for the Gators.

The lines should be Baker’s strength this fall with multiple returners on both sides of the ball even if most of the players are going both ways. Baker has eight varsity players returning that played on the offensive line last year and five that played on the defensive side of the ball.

Gardner admits the Gators won’t have the team speed they did a year ago, but he said other factors could lead to Baker having a better season.

Baker’s graduation is May 19, which played a part in the shortened spring practice. Teams can practice through the end of May.

Gardner believes a young Gator team has an opportunity to be good.

“Talent’s not an issue,” he said of the young players that will need to step up this spring and throughout the summer. “It’s just going to be getting used to playing at the speed of and the physicality of varsity ball. We are a little bit small at the running back position, sure, but we are going to have some decent size on the offensive line.

“It’ll be fun and also a challenge trying to find new players as we are putting them in some different situations,” Gardner added.

And like most coaches, Grant and his staff will be looking to plug in new players to positions that were hit by graduation or transfer.

The Crestview offense will need plenty of extension cords in finding nine of 11 new starters.

“We definitely have plan A, plan B, plan C as we like to call it for all the positions,” Grant said. “We have an idea (about who is capable of what). But until we get out there and see who makes plays, who’s coachable and all that, you don’t know.

“The big question to be answered is if the kids are what we expect them to be,” he added.

Rising seniors Michael Foley at center and running back/receiver Lazarius Parks are the only returning starters. Braylon Phillips, who will be a junior, didn’t start last year, but he saw plenty of playing time off the bench as a sophomore.

The biggest task for the Bulldog coaches is finding a quarterback to replace Jerome Brazan, who accounted for more than 2,600 yards in total offense and was responsible for 31 CHS touchdowns.

Rising senior Nathaniel “Turtle” Nocher, Phillips and rising sophomore J.Z. McQueen will battle for the starting spot at quarterback.

Phillips will start at receiver if he doesn’t win the quarterback battle.

Parks will miss spring practice as he recovers from a knee surgery, but Grant expects him to be full speed by the start of the season. Parks and Phillips will be two of the more dangerous pass catchers in the area. Parks will see time in the backfield as well.

“We’re excited to have (Parks) back and be able to hand him the ball,” Grant said. “And I’m expecting a really, really big year from Parks at receiver. We have Jaden Appleby that will play a lot of receiver this year.

“Braylon Phillips, depending on you know what job he wins, is going to be somewhere on the field.”

Foley will be the anchor the offensive line is built around. The most notable losses up front on the offensive line are with Michael Carson and Payton Knight, who have both signed college scholarships.

Maddox Reeves will be the centerpiece of the defensive line. One of the strongest players on the squad, Reeves can play on the offensive line if needed.

Youth will be on display throughout the spring and Grant is looking forward to the young players developing.

“We have nobody that can be relaxed going into spring,” Grant said. “We’re preaching competition. We’re going to hit and tackle from day one when we can put on pads.

“It’s going to be every day and we will just see how the cream rises to the top,” he added.

Teams are only allowed to wear helmets, shorts and shirts the first few days of spring practice. Grant is going to take advantage of the time before the hitting takes place to showcase the Bulldog talent with two days of combine-style workouts.

“I’m inviting a bunch of college coaches to come and experience Crestview football firsthand,” Grant said. “We will have a hospitality room for them and let them see what our players can do.” Fans will be allowed to attend the practice. They are asked to bring a donation such as detergent, towels or something else to benefit the football team. The hospitality room is not included in the

Gator football coach Barry Gardner said the pair did more than just carry the football and block.

“Kayleb had a great year,” Gardner said. “Not only was he our best running back, he was our best blocker out of the backfield. And he was one of leading tacklers on defense.”

The 6-foot-1, 220-pound Wagner will be taking his skills to Southern Illinois University next year, but Armstrong will be back for his senior season.

At 6-foot-4 and 340 pounds, Armstrong is one of the largest football players in any classification in Florida. Whoever takes over at running back for Baker next year will have a king size escort in Armstrong.

Despite his imposing size, Armstrong was a two-way player and seldom, if ever, came off the field for a break.

“Basically, he played every play for us,” Gardner said. “All game, every game. He was our offensive tackle, played guard and even tight end in some formations.

“On defense he played the nose tackle for us. He did a little bit of everything.”

Baker’s reputations as one of the best programs in the state might get the name of players in front of people, but the players still have to put in the work.

Gardner said the selection of Wagner and Armstrong to the all-state team shows other players if they put in the effort recognition will come.

“It shows them what hard work can do,” he said. “They realize, ‘Hey, look, I can make all-state.’”

Running back Jason Jones is taking his talent to Division II school Wayne State College in Wayne, Nebraska. Jones said the opportunity to see snow played into his decision to head to the Midwest plains to play college football.

Defensive end/linebacker Marion Hawthorne will play for junior college power Coffeeville Community College in Kansas.

Highland Community College, which is also in Kansas, will be the new home for quarterback Jerome Brazan, defensive end Jaylen Knox and offensive linemen Michael Carson and Payton Knight.

Bulldog coach Thomas Grant said there could be more players signed in the coming weeks before school gets out. Having multiple players sign is a testament that the Bulldog program is doing the right thing.

“For us, and for other people in this county, there’s been a stigma that you have to go to certain programs that give scholarships and that’s not the case,” Grant said. “It goes to show as long as you’re good enough, you can be anywhere.

“It’s not the program that gets you signed, it’s your hard work,” he added.

White’s hard work was not only on the football field, but in the classroom as well as he makes his way to Stetson.

“Being a great student paid off for Simeon,” Grant said, “because it’s Division I AA ball.”

White said it seemed a natural fit once he visited the campus in Volusia County.

“It just seemed like home away from home,” he said. “I like the coaches and the relationships I was able to build with them and the players. The people are nice.”

White hopes to see the playing field early. In order to accomplish that goal, he will be spending as much time in the playbook as possible.

White’s trip to DeLand will take less than six hours. The trip Jones makes to Nebraska will be three times as long.

Jones admits the distance away from home is a bit of a concern, but the excitement of the adventure ahead far outweighs the potential of being homesick.

“They seem like they really wanted me,” he said. “They showed me great hospitality. I’m noticing it’s nice and small so there’s not too much there.

“But that’s a good thing so I can focus on school,” Jones added.

And then there is the snow factor.

“I’ve never really seen snow like that,” he said. “So, I’m really excited about that part, the snow.”

In a few months the players will enter a new world of football unlike any they have experienced.

Grant, a former college player himself, knows what they can expect as they transition to the next level.

“I would say maybe they’re going to realize how much faster the game is,” he said. “The moves from middle school to freshman, freshman to varsity, the game gets faster.  It’s the same thing when you go from high school to college.

“Everybody at college, wherever you are, was a guy at their school. It’s going to be more competition and practice daily. It’s a place you have to be consistent and be good every single day.”

Crestview High School’s football team held its team banquet on Jan. 23 as the last official act of the 2022 season. And within a few days players that haven’t started working toward the upcoming season will join teammates in preparation for the 2023 campaign.

Thomas Grant, a longtime Bulldog assistant coach, was named Crestview’s top football dog last May and the banquet was a way for him reflect on the past season.

“It’s really hitting home that it’s going to a be kind of a full year, full season for football,” he said. “It’s like a dream come true thanks to the kids, the community and just everybody.”

Several players were recognized for their outstanding play.

Seniors named to play in the Pensacola Sports Association All-Star game were Jerome Brazan, Jayson Jones, Payton Knight, Michael Carson, Marion Hawthorne, Jaylen Knox, Jaylan Day, Simeon White, Cecil Perdue and Robert Bonvechio.

Brazan, who had one the best seasons in school history at quarterback, was named the Player of the Year. Jones, a running back, was the Most Valuable Player on offense. Hawthorne, the Most Valuable Player on defense.

Knox was the Most Improved Player. Knight earned the Trenches Award as the best Bulldog lineman.

The Bulldog offense averaged 373 yards and 32 points a game. The Crestview defense allowed an average of 24 points a game.

“It’s huge when you talk about Jerome Brazen being number two in season passing yards and touchdowns,” Grant said. “And this year, historically, our offense was number three (in school history). It’s just amazing. When these kids put their minds to it … they can do (it).”

A week after making the short trip to Niceville and upsetting their rival Eagles, the Bulldogs made the long road trip to Gainesville to take on a talented Buchholz squad. Crestview mistakes coupled with the firepower of the Bobcats equaled a 54-33 win by Buchholz.

Crestview ends the season 7-5 as Thomas Grant completes his first season as the Bulldog head coach.

The game was probably closer than the final score indicates and that’s a credit to the Bulldogs fighting until the final play.

Grant was pleased with the way Crestview battled until the end even when the clock and scoreboard were showing the Bulldogs were going down.

“We’ve talked about life lessons all year, about fighting through adversity,” Grant said. “That’s one thing I’m very proud of, we didn’t lay down and continued to fight.”

Buchholz quarterback Creed Whittemore, a Mississippi State commit, along with running back Quinton Cutler provided the explosion for the Bobcats. Bulldog turnovers helped pour fuel on the fire.

“Number two (Whittemore) was as good as advertised,” Grant said. “He’s a really good player and whatever college gets him is getting a dynamic young man that can do a lot of things. He was by far the difference in the game.

“Ten (Cutler) has really come on the last five or six games. He’s really shifty and they were able to go behind that big offensive line and did what they wanted to do.

Crestview turned the ball over five times leading to four Buchholz touchdowns. A short Bulldog punt set the Bobcats up on another short field that led to a quick score. And, late in the fourth quarter, Crestview turned the ball over on downs deep in its own territory setting up a 10-yard Buchholz scoring possession.

Crestview backup quarterback Nathaniel Nocher took over for the Bulldogs late in the fourth quarter and led them on a touchdown drive late in the fourth quarter in an audition for the 2023 season.

The Bobcats took an early lead in the first quarter when Cutler scored on a 32-yard run after a short Bulldog punt.

Crestview responded with a 75-yard drive that was capped by Jayson Jones scoring on a 4-yard run. Kaos Hansen kicked the extra point and the Bulldogs led 7-6 with 4:02 left in the first quarter. The Bulldog lead lasted less than four minutes.

Whittemore scored on a 2-yard run to put the Bobcats back in front with less nine seconds left in the first quarter.

Another long Crestview drive ended in a touchdown when Bulldog quarterback Jerome Brazan connected with Tristin Wells on a 12-yard TD pass.

On the next play from scrimmage, Cutler raced 64 yards to pay dirt giving Buchholz a 20-14 lead. The Bobcats held the lead the rest of the way.

Crestview’s next possession ended in Brazan being intercepted by Whittemore.

A Whittemore touchdown pass to Jaren Hamilton turned the Bulldog turnover into Bobcat points as the home team led 26-14.

Things went from bad to worse when Ja’terion Hart fumbled the ensuing kick and the Bobcats recovered. Whittemore scored on the next play to push the Buchholz lead to 32-14.

What looked to be a promising Bulldog drive to open the third quarter ended with Brazan again being intercepted by Whittemore.

It seemed as if Whittemore and Cutler were taking turns finding the endzone for Buchholz and the next score went to Cutler from 18 yards as the Bobcats made the Bulldogs pay for another turnover.

A couple of long passes from Brazan to Issac Thomas quickly had the Bulldogs deep in Buchholz territory as they trailed 40-14 and were fighting to stay alive.

When Jones scored on a short run, Crestview was back to within three touchdowns of Buchholz trailing 40-21.

Hope sprung eternal on the Bulldog sidelines when Keishawn Smith recovered an outside kick for Crestview. The hope was short lived when Jones fumbled on the next play. When Whittemore hit Cutler with a touchdown pass with 2:59 left in the third quarter, Buchholz had an insurmountable lead at 47-21.

The final 15 minutes of the game saw Crestview score 12 points and the Bobcats a touchdown.

Early in the fourth quarter, Brazan showed off his toughness and athletic ability as he scrambled for an 8-yard touchdown.

With two minutes left in the game and up 47-27, the Bobcats still had their starters in the game against Bulldog backups. The result was a 10-yard pass from Whittemore to James Williams.

The score came after Crestview turned the ball over on downs deep in its own territory. Nocher, the backup Bulldog quarterback, hit Braylon Phillips with the final score of the game to make the final 54-33.