Einspahr era arrives

Central High's seventh head football coach Mike Einspahr hasn't relocated yet from his Kansas roots. He's literally been shuttling back and forth over the past five weeks.

Now that school has concluded in the Jayhawk State, Einspahr hopes to relocate with his family in tow to the Sunshine State within a couple weeks.

In the meantime, Einspahr's Bears are seeking a fresh start on the football field.

The first step begins at 7 p.m. Friday in an exhibition football game at Bradford High School in Starke against the Tornadoes.

The Tornadoes finished 4-6 in 2009 but are guided by first-year skipper Derek Chipoletti.
If the same resonates, there's a reason.

His nephew, Addison Chipoletti, was a four-time state champion at Brooksville's Hernando High School. His niece, Chelsea, was a standout softball player for the Lady Leopards.

Coach Chipoletti inherits a team that was outscored in 2009, 182-145, and scored less than 14 points in its last three games, including a season-ending two losses.

Bears 101

Central High has its own issues.

Weighed down by a lack of numbers and injury bug-a-boo, the Bears posted a school-worst 0-10 won-lost mark in 2009.

The Bears averaged just over six points per game and permitted a school-record 424 points, including 61 touchdowns.

Twelve seniors are not back including playmakers Steven Read, Artie Gartner and Zach Rice.

But everything's not doom and gloom.

Coach Einspahr has been encouraged with what he's seen to date.

"Spring has gone well," said Einspahr, who indicated that during the high water mark this spring CHS had 75 players out for football. "There's a lot of excitement. The hope is there."

CHS is expected to bring 55-57 players to Starke.

"I'm encouraged with the large turnout," said Einspahr. "I want to see our kids play hard and the No. 1 ingredient I'd like to instill is to hit."

How's the competition among the roster?

"It's 100 percent open," noted Einspahr. "Our numbers are much better. We'd like to platoon, so that's not necessarily out of the picture."

Offensively, Josh Burkhart is expected to start under center with Mike Bailey battling at fullback and Andrew Arevalo returning to wide receiver.

"I've talked to Coach Chipoletti and he's in a similar rebuilding mode," described Coach Einspahr. "They're a one-back team and they're trying to understand the game of football just like we are."

Look for CHS to open defensively in a new 3-4 look.

"We've got to be technique sound," explained Einspahr. "We've got to know our responsibilities. That's the main thing we preach."

AT A GLANCE
WHAT - Spring football classic.
WHO - Central Bears at Bradford Tornadoes.
WHERE - Bradford High School, 581 N. Temple Ave., Starke, FL 32091.
WHEN - Kickoff at 7 p.m.
AT STAKE - One of two exhibition dress rehearsals before Sept. 3 season opener versus Nature Coast Technical at Shark Tank Stadium in Brooksville.