BROOKSVILLE- If there was such an award for the most improved team without picking up a win on the field, the Central Bears would’ve certainly won. In the coronavirus-plagued 2020 season, the Bears were a team struggling to find their identity on the offense or defense. The Bears went 0-6 that season and were out-scored 240-6, with Central’s lone points being scored in the playoff play-in game against Holiday Anclote.
Struggling in being able to score points was a huge understatement for Central, as they looked for some kind of spark on the offensive end behind a new Head Coach Jim Pusateri. The former Cornerstone Charter High School head coach came to Brooksville with expectations of airing out the football a little bit more than what the Bears are used to.
Central despite scoring 42 points through 10 games, was able to move the ball much better compared to the previous campaign and did so behind good quarterback play from junior Evan Spears, who threw for 890 yards and five touchdown passes. Now the Bears are hoping to see improved play from Spears and others around him this spring.
Spears will have to improve on his numbers despite losing wide receiver Keshawn Simmons due to graduation. Simmons had 349 yards receiving, but now taking over the No. 1 target role will likely be Malachi Russell, who was second on the team in receptions/yards with 25 catches for 262 yards. Also, another receiver to watch for is freshman Emaurien Davis, who had 198 yards last season.
The Bears will have a chance to fully display their skills once spring practices are over on May 20th, 7:30 at the “Bears’ Den” when they take on Tenoroc. The Titans will provide a tough test for the Bears, as they were a 5-4 team in 2021 and qualified for the Class 4A playoffs, eventually losing to Crescent City.
If Central looks to take the next step as a football program, a competitive game against Tenoroc could go a long way heading into the summer workouts and 7-on-7s ahead. The Bears will kick off the 2022 regular season on September 2nd when they host Ocala Lake Weir before getting on the road to face Bronson.
Andy Villamarzo can be reached at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @avillamarzo.
