Alonso (FL) Ravens under new guidance aiming to fly high on the gridiron

TAMPA, FL – It’s been quite the revolving door when it comes to head football coaches at Alonso High School.

Since 2016, the program has seen five different head coaches and now going into the 2022 season, the Ravens will have a different voice leading the way. Last year’s defensive coordinator Hayden Cantrell was named Alonso’s head coach, succeeding Dylan Clark. Cantrell hasn’t made any bones about it that he expects this team to win a district championship.

“Our team goal this year is simple, we want a district championship,” Cantrell said. “We know we’re still young but we outwork everyone Monday through Thursday in the weight room, conditioning, and for field work. If Alonso is on your schedule next year, just know we are coming.”

Losing starting signal caller Elijah Rhoden due to graduation is a big blow, as he was a 1,000-yard rusher and passer for the Ravens in 2021. Cambridge Christian transfer TJ Russell becomes a big pickup for Alonso, as he looks to be the new starter under center. Russell completed 20-of-50 passes for 107 yards and seven interceptions in 2021 for the Lancers.

Russell will have a capable returning target in sophomore running back/wide receiver Josh Andrews, who caught 26 passes for 451 yards last season. Another player Cantrell expects to have a big season is and junior defensive line/linebacker Levaun Hall, who made 42 tackles and 13.5 for a loss in 2021.

“I have high expectations for all three of these guys and there’s no doubt in my mind they will live up to them,” Cantrell said. “Josh (Andrews) was our leading receiver last year as a freshman and did a lot of damage throughout the season toting the rock for us.”

“TJ (Russell) transferred in from Cambridge Christian and has been lights out in our previous spring game and all of our off season workouts and 7-on-7’s. Levaun (Hall) has been a leader for us on and off the field since I came to Alonso his freshman year, he is a rock on our defense and the heart and soul of our team.”

The new metro-suburban state series tabs Alonso under the metro classification, which the Ravens will be in Class 4A-Metro, District 7. The Ravens will be in the same district with Plant, Strawberry Crest and Plant City, whom also is breaking in a new head coach this off-season. There’s no lack of confidence from Cantrell and his group when it comes to their intentions of winning a district title, but the foundation being laid this summer through workouts and 7-on-7’s he believes will set the tone for this upcoming campaign.

“I am going to embrace the new metro-suburban state series with an open mind,” Cantrell added. I think there’s going to be some kinks in the first year or two but I think after that we will have a better idea on how teams are fully impacted and how this new series can affect the transferring more so or less so depending on the results.”

“We started workouts June 1st with 37 kids on day one. We’re now working out a consistent 65 to 70 kids. We’ve had our ups and downs in each tournament with alot of great wins and a few brutally close losses. One thing Alonso always does whether it’s 7-on-7’s, weightroom, or Friday night is compete.”

Andy Villamarzo can be reached at andyvillamarzo@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @Andy_Villamarzo.