Citrus’ tough spring leads to strong summer heading into 2022

The Hurricanes return running back Colten McNeely, strong offensive line this fall

INVERNESS, FLORIDA – The time of spring football for high school football programs is one to get a quick gauge of where your team is at heading into the summer months.

For the Citrus Hurricanes, they didn’t come out of the spring quite where head coach McKinley Franklin would’ve liked them to be. Turnovers and miscues became a recurring theme, causing the Hurricanes to go into the summer with more question marks than answers. Other than offensive line play, Franklin believes the team left a lot to be desired when it came to overall performance. 

Citrus head coach McKinley Franklin / Photo by Matt Pfiffner

“We did not perform as well as I would’ve liked us to do our spring game,” Franklin said. “The elements that night caused us to put the ball on the ground early. It was extremely wet and throwing the ball was not an option for us. We were able to run the ball some.

“I was very impressed with the offensive line. I feel that this offensive line will be better than the line we had last year. These guys train together and work hard. Coach Naugler has high expectations for them.”

Citrus went 3-7 last season under McKinley’s watch and with the spring not giving him the kind of results he was looking for, his hopes are some of the team’s leaders can step up this fall. Amongst the players he’s looking to lean on is junior running back Colton McNeely. The junior heads into the season as Citrus County’s top returning rusher, as he went off for 1,201 yards on 150 carries and six touchdowns. As McNeely goes yardage wise, so goes the Hurricanes’ offense.

Citrus running back Colton McNeely / Photo courtesy of the Citrus County Chronicle

“The biggest difference from last year’s team is that every athlete on the team understands that they all serve a purpose, that purpose to get better each day,” Franklin said. “There’s not one man above the team. Players look up to Colton (McNeely). Colten is a stud. He is a very special athlete. On defense he finds the ball well and when he is running the ball he will punish you.”

It won't all be the McNeely show, even though a lot will go through the junior tailback behind a strong offensive line. Franklin also points out players like quarterback Cris Walley and sophomore running back Delonzo Washington, who could be a solid complimentary back to McNeely. The defense will feature defensive backs Shaun Joniatis, Cam Blackburn and linebacker/defensive end Timothy Cantrell. 

Thank you @FSUFootball for the amazing visit …. I will be back 🍢🤞🏽@FSU_Recruiting @RyanBartow @Seminoles pic.twitter.com/yrY5Vadtfa

— Delonzo Washington (@Zo2Smooth) April 10, 2022

“Cris (Walley) has a strong arm and has the ability to run the ball if need be,” Franklin added. “Shaun (Joniatis) and Cam (Blackburn) both have experience in the secondary. ( Cantrell is versatile and can play linebacker and defensive end. Delonzo (Washington) is another special player we are expecting him to develop. Delonzo has good vision and good feet.” 

Citrus defense swarms a Nature Coast runner in 2021 / Photo by Matt Pfiffner

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