Mike D'Ambrosio admits that in all his years in football, including 16 as a head coach at schools in Maryland and Georgia, he has never experienced anything quite like what he's up against now.
In his first season as headman at Hernando Christian Academy, D'Ambrosio not only faces the daunting task of rebuilding following a 1-9 season. He barely has enough pieces to build anything at all.
The small private school's entire athletic program has been hit hard by a growing trend of transfers the past three years, partly due to the economy and in part because some athletes desire to display their skills at a higher classification.
But the Lions are trudging forward as they embark on the 2010 season, despite low numbers that leave them with zero depth.
"In all my years as a high school coach, I've never had a losing record. So my goal is 5-5," D'Ambrosio said. "I was talking with (Athletic Director Mike) Drummond the other day. He said it feels a lot like when they first started football here.
"The good thing, though, is we've got a good senior base this year. That's a positive thing for us."
Strength in the backfield
D'Ambrosio makes no secret, at least offensively, on who the team will lean on throughout the season: quarterback Donnie Wainscott and running back Dakota D'Ambrosio.
"Wainscott and Dakota are under severe pressure," said Coach D'Ambrosio of his two stars, neither of whom has a true backup.
Wainscott, a junior, is making a move from wide receiver. Dakota D'Ambrosio, a senior, ran for 524 yards and caught 30 passes for 283 yards, scoring two touchdowns in 2009.
Those two will lead the Lions as they install a new system, one designed to spread the field and allow for more balance between running and throwing. HCA had previously used a run-oriented offense.
With Wainscott being more of a running quarterback, the coach anticipates a focus on short passes. Junior Taylor Long is considered the major receiving threat.
Coach D'Ambrosio believes the change in philosophy is necessary because of an inexperienced offensive line.
"I think it'll be better for us," Coach D'Ambrosio said. "My traditional style is a power pro offense. I don't have the size to do that, so the gaps will be wider (in the spread offense). There will be bigger running lanes.
"The whole plan is to make it possible to run more, but in turn it will make us throw a lot more than we have in the past."
D'Ambrosio feels more comfortable with the state of the defense, which returns nine of 11 starters from the spring. That side additionally features a bit more depth.
"It's an aggressive defense," D'Ambrosio said of the 4-3 scheme his club will employ. "It's a bend; don't break. With the size and talent we have, it's best suited for us."
Just as on offense, Dakota D'Ambrosio will play a major role as the strong safety. He recorded 54 tackles last year. Two senior linebackers, brothers Nate and Josh Kautsky, will be relied on heavily, as well.
Nate Kautsky will handle the place kicking, but the rest of the special teams unit remains in flux.
Middle of the pack
HCA, an independent program within the Florida High School Athletic Association, is part of the Sunshine State Athletic Conference.
The Lions won the inaugural conference title en route to going 10-0 in 2008, but D'Ambrosio realistically sees them hovering around the middle of the pack this year.
The conference has expanded, making HCA's schedule even more challenging. Thus D'Ambrosio is focusing on baby steps.
"To improve on last year's record," the coach said of his goals. "I know that's not saying much because we were only 1-9, but I don't want to put high expectations on them that are not obtainable.
"... I feel at our skill positions, we are better. We have to improve 100 percent on tackling. I know it sounds like a cliché, but we need a lot of help from God this year."
2010 HERNANDO CHRISTIAN ACADEMY LIONS VARSITY FOOTBALL ROSTER
NO. NAME HGT WGT POSITIONS YR
03 Jake Jackson 5'7" 130 WR/DB 10
08 Trey Hotchkiss 6'3" 165 WR/SS 12
14 Donnie Wainscott 5'10" 170 QB/DB 11
20 Dakota D'Ambrosio 5'10" 170 RB/SS 12
34 Ben West 5'9" 145 WR/DB 11
40 Nate Kautsky 6'2" 220 FB/LB 12
50 Jacob West 5'9" 150 OL/DL 08
52 Jack McKay 5'6" 115 RB/DB 07
56 Ben Dzugen 6'1" 175 RG/OLB 12
63 Nick Ferguson 5'11" 175 OT/DL 10
67 Franklin Mott 5'2" 140 OL/DL 07
75 Matt May 6'2" 233 OL/DL 09
80 Josh Kautsky 6'0" 150 TE/LB 12
81 George Gari 6'2" 205 TE/DE 12
82 Joe Gari 5'9" 165 WR/LB 11
85 Taylor Long 6'0" 145 WR/DB 11
88 Will Harper 6'0" 175 RB/DB 12
Head Coach: Mike D'Ambrosio (1st Year)
Assistant Coaches: Zeb Bishop, Richard Hotchkiss, Otis Ray, Todd Turner.
2010 Hernando Christian Academy Lions Football Schedule
Head Coach - Mike D'Ambrosio (1st Year)
Date Opponent Site Time
09-03 Bye
09-10 Landmark Christian* Home 7 p.m.
09-17 Master's Academy* Away 7 p.m.
09-24 Seven Rivers Christian* Away 7 p.m.
10-01 Bishop McLaughlin* Home 7 p.m.
10-08 St. John Lutheran* Away 7:30 p.m.
10-15 First Academy-Leesburg* Home 7 p.m.
10-22 Ocala Christian*^ Home 7 p.m.
10-29 Foundation Academy* Away 7 p.m.
11-05 Merritt Island Christian* Home 7 p.m.
11-12 Conference Playoffs TBA TBA
NOTE - All home games played @ Brooksville's Ernie Wever Youth Park
* Denotes Sunshine State Conference Game
^ Denotes Homecoming Game
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