Academy At The Lakes Football Program Is On The Rise

When John Castelamare retired from the head football coaching position at Wesley Chapel High School in 2010, he wasn't ready to throw in the towel. 

Instead, Castelamare headed to Academy at the Lakes private school, the very next year, to take up the same post there. At the time, the team consisted of eight players. Today, the team has more than doubled in size, with 18 players.

The expectations are set high for this six-man football team under a very capable coach in Castelamare, but he has his work cut out for him if the Academy at the Lakes Wildcats intend on reaching the normal high school 11-man games.

The team has become familiar with the off-season workout program, and is also learning the proper discipline it takes to be successful. With the combination of leadership, weight training, and knowledge of the game, the Wildcats have the potential to start something great.

“We’re getting there. We’ll get better. Just taking it step by step,” said Castelamare after the Academy's Blue vs. White spring football game held May 16.

The Wildcats spring football game went well according to Castelamare, who witnessed the team develop more and more camaraderie through a simple scrimmage game, which drew a decent crowd of spectators, parents and students.

Not only can you see the team coming together, but you can see it getting its act together by executing running plays, passing plays and defensive efforts on the field.

However, like Castelamare said, the discipline is something that needs work.

There were at least a half dozen off-sides penalties, which either meant players were nervous, or their heads were somewhat out of the game. No worries though, with the season not even close to being under way Castelamare is sure to get players into the game by the start of the 2011-12 season.

The final score of the spring ball game was 28-0, in favor of the Blue team, which was led by team captain and quarterback, A.J. Carlson. Carlson had a 70-yard touchdown run, along with Evan Gordy, who had three running touchdowns.

The White team showed a lot of promise, as well. The biggest kid on the field, Max Osmosis, was in the back-field getting handoffs, and marching the White team up and down the field, but because he was running straight up, rather than with his shoulders down, Osmosis would be stripped of the ball several of times during their drives.

The Wildcats are seeking a uniting, successful season. They have a ways to go, but they’re certainly on the right track, with a great head coach, and an increasing roster size, which gives the team depth and options on the field.

Castelamare says, “We’re just gonna work hard, get disciplined, and see what kind of heart they’re gonna have. That’s the whole thing,”