Lakewood Ranch football preview 2017: Mustangs improve schedule to revamp image

At a glance

Herald’s forecast: 5-5

Dropping Tampa Jesuit and Sarasota Riverview from the schedule bodes well for a Lakewood Ranch team searching for an identity after a couple rough seasons. The Mustangs need to win games, and the schedule is favorable for that as they attempt to rebuild in a difficult Class 7A-District 11.

Deep at: Linebacker. The Mustangs return four seniors that have lots of varsity experience.

Thin at: Wide receiver. The group lacks experience, with the need for one or multiple players to raise their game.

Head coach: Mick Koczersut

Career: Fourth year, 11-17

Needs a big season from: Justin Curtis, Sr., QB

Curtis, who also plays baseball, packs an arm.

“Without a doubt, he has the strongest arm out of any of our kids out here,” head coach Mick Koczersut said.

With Curtis now a senior, all eyes are on him to lead the offense. That includes Koczersut, who said he’s looking for Curtis to minimize his mistakes this fall.

“He’s going to be a starter for a third year,” Koczersut said. “You just got to cut down on some of the mistakes that he makes. … He practices hard, he plays hard. There’s no question in that. He just can’t make the mistakes that’s he made in the past.”

To improve, Curtis studied game film during the summer months. He also hit the weight room, increased his cardio and worked with assistant coach Aaron Reese.

Ultimately, Curtis must be the solidifying force to an offense that struggled, especially without an identifiable running game, in 2016.

He threw nine interceptions in seven games last fall. If those errant throws enter the equation this season, there could be many long Friday nights this fall.

Curtis, though, isn’t just a pocket passer. He’s nimble with his legs, too. And that aspect gives the Mustangs some flexibility on offense.

“Whatever it takes to win,” Curtis said.

Schedule breakdown

Who’s in: Cape Coral Ida Baker, Southeast, Spring Hill Springstead

Who’s out: Tampa Jesuit, Sarasota Riverview, Land O’Lakes Sunlake

Upgrade: Dumping Jesuit and Riverview for opponents on a more competitive level is key to helping the Mustangs rebuild their image.

Impact newcomer

J.J. Flahive, Sr., DB

Flahive played sparingly last season, but his role is expected to expand in 2017. Head coach Mick Koczersut is looking to Flahive and the other secondary members to play well enough to force teams to run the football.

“He does a great job technique-wise, gets to where he’s supposed to be, he’s a very coachable kid and the biggest thing is he wants to play football,” Koczersut said.

This story was originally published August 23, 2017 at 7:30 AM with the headline "Lakewood Ranch football preview 2017: Mustangs improve schedule to revamp image."