Lecanto determined to re-write school history

Lecanto Panthers

2015: 7-4, 5-1 District (Class 5A District 7 Runner-Up)

Last Playoff Appearance: 1999

Head Coach: Greg Harper, 12-9 Record in 2 seasons (2014- 5-5, 2015- 7-4)

Key Returners:

George Albert, Lecanto HS MLB / OLB (142 tackles / 92 solo, 1 Sack, 4 Fumble Recoveries – 2015 Season)

Rudy Holton, QB (85 carries for 469 yards, 7 touchdowns / 7 receptions, 71 yards, 1 touchdown as RB – 2015 Season)

Toriano McPhee, RB / SS (90 carries, 32 receptions for 309 all-purpose yards / 60 tackles / 24 solo – 2015 Season)

Kyle Reimer, Lecanto HS LB (84 tackles / 25 solo, 1 Sack – 2015 Season)

Blaine Woodrome, Lecanto HS MLB (78 tackles / 18 solo, 2 Sacks, 4 Fumble Recoveries – 2015 Season)

Quotable: “Keep the mind strong.  Nobody quits.  And nobody stops”.  Greg Harper

The Scoop: Lecanto High School posted a school-record seven wins in 2015.  They did it behind a disciplined defense and an offense powered by a dual-threat Q-B.  The Panthers pride themselves in being a cohesive unit that is determined to continue re-writing Lecanto football history with a new signal caller and what Coach Greg Harper calls his best class of freshmen ever. 

The Lecanto Panthers had their best season ever, were crowned Citrus County champs, and did it while beating two of its chief rivals (Crystal River High School and Citrus High School) along the way.  Head coach Greg Harper said “it wasn't just about our stellar play on the field, but the camaraderie that will continue to drive our success”.

One of the keys to bringing Lecanto together is junior Rudy Holton. Harper moved Holton from running back to quarterback because he has the blend of skills and the mental game Lecanto needs to make another playoff run. Holton is also confident in his ability and says “I can kill you with the arm. And then once you send some pressure at me, I kill you with my legs. It's kinda like you gotta pick your poison”.

Also new to the Panthers are a lot of underclassmen on defense.  But senior safety George Albert says “You just gotta wake up every day. There are no off days. You gotta wake up because that bed will kill you.  Just keep working hard and be a leader to these young guys”.

Harper won a state title at Buchholz High School in 1990, and knows what it will take for Lecanto to get there. And, the Panthers want to put everyone on notice that they're not just the same old Lecanto.

2016 Schedule