Hillsborough Terriers

2015: 4-6, fourth in 6A-District 7

Head Coach: Earl Garcia, 203-59 in 22 seasons at Hillsborough

Key Returners:  FS/RB Duran Bell Jr. (592 rushing yards,  3 TDs), RB Russell Booth (199 rushing yards) , LB Pedro Bostick (38 tackles), DE/TE Zach Carter (76 tackles, 5.5 sacks), LB/FB Armand Chalk (93 tackles), WR Leon Gatlin (57 tackles, 1 interception), LB Jahaad Malphus (29 tackles, 2 sacks), WR/CB Ken Montgomery (89 receiving yards, 21 tackles, 2 interceptions), LB Robert Sherman (57 tackles)

The Scoop: Garcia’s produced a lot of talent at Hillsborough, so when he says he’s got the most talented group of skilled players this season, that’s saying something. He’s also excited about his linebacker corps, which includes last year’s leading tackler Chalk. But it all starts up front on defense with University of Florida commit Zach Carter.

Quotable:  “We’ve re-energized our program. We have a new locker room and we’ve had some people come along that are trying to re-image our football program. We’ll continue to have the best and provide the best for our kids.” Garcia

 

The Terriers have a long standing tradition of winning. That’s why last season looks like an anomaly.  

Last season was a first for the Hillsborough Terriers under the guidance of head coach Earl Garcia. The 2015 season marked the first time in 22 years the Terriers posted a losing record.

“It was a perfect storm last year and that has motivated me personally and hopefully it motivates our players every day,” Garcia said.

The season ended with a 23-7 loss to Armwood, their sixth loss of the season. By the large number of players participating in offseason workouts, and the amount of heavy lifting going on, it looks like four and six doesn’t sit well with these Terriers.

“Most of the guys that were here last year knew the pain," linebacker Armand Chalk said. "After the Armwood game, where we had to put our pads up for the season and as soon as we felt that, it was time to go back to work. Like, we’re not set up for failure. “

Failure is not an option this season. And it doesn’t seem likely with the amount of talent Hillsborough possesses, led by University of Florida commit Zach Carter. Garcia is also excited about a core group of players.

“This is without a doubt our most talented group of skilled players that we’ve ever had, collectively," Garcia said. "We have a whole bunch of foot speed.”

That speed will help these Terriers distance themselves from last season, but the sting of losing will keep them motivated.

“Every corporation, every relationship has ups and downs," Garcia said. "You look at Ford Motor and GM and Chrysler that needed a bailout. Well, our bailout is from within. You know, we don’t get a government loan here. We’ve got to go back to work.”

 

2016 Schedule

8/26 Durant

9/2 Plant

9/9 at Gaither

9/16 King

9/23 at Spoto

9/30 Chamberlain

10/7 at Jefferson

10/14 Blake

10/21 at Brandon

10/28 at Armwood