Falcons Football: Front Five Looking Fine

The Dunedin High football team still has a lot of work to do after a recent intersquad scrimmage.

However, an offseason quarterback shakeup isn't rattling the Falcons offensive line.

“We expect a lot from this group,” offensive line coach Harry Moundros said.

The Falcons’ offensive line folded creases into the defense all afternoon during intersquad scrimmages on Aug. 19. This could spell some success for the Dunedin High football team, which enters preseason play today (Aug. 26) in Sarasota.

The Falcons strength this year is in . With juniors like Shaq Dixon and Tremaine Batten going behind those horses up front, it should take pressure off whoever is at quarterback. During intersquad scrimmages last week, senior Anthony Diviney took reps with the first team. But both Briggs Noun and Mack Benson, who stepped up to fill Diviney’s slot when he left during the summer, got equal time. Noun and Benson are strong running the ball and in option situations. Diviney is the more skilled passer.

There’s no telling how the formula of using all three will shape up for the Falcons’ first regular season game against Tarpon Springs.

But one area is clear and consistent: the Falcons' fab five offensive line.

1) At right tackle, senior is a three-year starter. Moundros said Francisco has put on 40 pounds in the weight room since last year. “He’s dedicated himself, year-round,” Moundros said.

2) Next to Francisco, at right guard, is senior Yianni “Rambo” Marangos. Marangos, also a three-year starter, is a leader on both offense and defense. Moundros said he is also the strongest kid on the team.

3) At center, senior Dylan McKeage is another three-year starter, who, Moundros said, “works his butt off” and is “strong and committed."

“He went from about 185 pounds to 210 in the offseason,” Moundros said.

4) At left guard, junior Dylan Gilroy is a two-year starter. He plays both offense and defense. Moundros gives Gilroy accolades for his incredible speed, especially for his size.

5) Next to Gilroy, at left tackle is junior Robert Dufina, who also dedicated himself in the weight room this offseason. Moundros believes Dufina could be a Division I prospect next year.

The first reserve lineman must also be noted.

Junior Casey Sammel is just learning the position but Moundros said that he “has made big strides toward earning playing time."

“He’ll be able to give our five breaks on offense,” Moundros said.

The Falcons open pre-season action opens at Sarasota Riverview today.