Head coach: Chris Cook
Last season’s record: 3-5
Stadium: Hornets Nest
The Olympics were this year and to honor the Tokyo Games ‘21, we will have a numbering system in Gold, Silver and Bronze when it comes to ranking guarantees, non-guarantees and players.
Guarantees for the ’21 campaign
Gold. A change in offensive attack style. Weeki Wachee was a bit off from its old style of running the ball. Cook promises they will get back to their old ways.
Silver. Joseph Chavis remains one of the best defensive players in the county. That shouldn’t change.
Bronze. More than three wins. Hornets believe last season was an afterthought and they can win more than three games in 2021.
What the Hornets can’t guarantee in ‘21
Gold. A district championship. The Hornets play in a very tough Class 5A, District 9. With Nature Coast and Zephyrhills in the same district, that will be a tough road to climb.
Silver. Throwing the ball a lot. The Hornets are another team looking to get away from throwing the rock a whole bunch and want to keep it on the ground if they can.
Bronze. Reaching the playoffs. Last season everyone was able to get in the big dance. This time around it’s back to normal playoff qualifications.
Who can be the figureheads in ‘21?
A look at some of the key figures in the Hornets’ ’21 campaign:
Top offensive player: The offensive line. This unit has some big boys on it and are led by 260-pound Nick McMurray and 280-pound Riley Henchey.
Primary defensive skill player: MLB Joseph Chavis. Last season’s Gulf Coast 8 defensive player of the year returns as the top skill player on defense.
Bulldozer lineman: OL Riley Henchey. Plowing the way for the running backs this season is Henchey as he was a very imposing figure when he approached the podium at North Suncoast Media Day. 6-foot-4, 280 pounds can’t be taught.
Weeki Wachee 2021 schedule
8/27 at Land O’ Lakes Gators
9/3 Springstead Eagles
9/10 at Palatka Panthers
9/17 Hudson Cobras
9/24 at Satellite Scorpions
10/1 at Zephyrhills Bulldogs
10/15 Wesley Chapel Wildcats
10/22 Cypress Creek Coyotes
10/29 at Nature Coast Technical Sharks
11/5 Belleview Rattlers
Prediction: Hard work is what this specific Weeki Wachee group is going to really hang their hats on, as they started off the 2021 season with practicing at midnight. That’s how badly Cook’s team is really getting after it this fall. The offensive line is big and they have some tailbacks that should get the job done. The schedule isn’t particularly easy, but there’s no reason Weeki Wachee shouldn’t be able to be a 5-5, 6-4 club. Time will tell with this club but the pieces are there.
