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Facebook group unhappy with Strawberry Crest football
Posted Sep 27, 2011 by Eddie Daniels
Updated Sep 27, 2011 at 02:47 PM
Not only is the team in its third season of existence, collecting a combined 7-12 record in those first two seasons, but the Chargers have been parked in the Class 6A-District 8 cluster with Armwood, Hillsborough, Jefferson, King, Leto and Sickles.
That’s a bad draw for anyone.
An 0-4 start into his first season as the Chargers coach, Dickens, who took over for Todd Donohoe, is now facing the wrath of social media.
Pointed out by Bigcountypreps.com, a Facebook page has been created to draw support to bring back Donohoe, who resigned June 7 to spend more time with his family. He was replaced by Dickens, the former Plant City defensive coordinator and linebackers coach, selected from a group of 12 candidates who applied for the job.
Dickens said he isn’t shocked by the page.
“We knew as a staff, we got off to a rough start, that was going to be a challenge,” he said. “You try to put your own stamp on that as far as the mindset of what it takes to win ballgames – going through adversity and things of that nature when things aren’t going right. We’re trying to lay the groundwork for that and experience is the best teacher and as we’ve run into the buzz saw of that (experience), it’s not working like we want it to work.
“We had to make sure that we’ve prepared them for the negative things that are going to come around.”
Dickens, a former Plant City High standout, Florida Gator and New England Patriot, said he met with the players and discussed the outside influences and opinions that would come about due to the lack of wins. He also told his group they would have to have thick skin in dealing with what others had to say.
“Everybody has their solutions to the problems,” Dickens said, “and the mob is fickle. They love you one day and hate you the next, so we try to prepare them for that.”
He also said that’s the nature of the business when you’re a head coach anywhere.
Of the Chargers’ four losses (Plant City, Bloomingdale, Steinbrenner and Hillsborough) that group has a combined 12-4 record and has outscored opponents, 455-201.
Dickens said with this group of relatively young players, progress may not come on the scoreboard, but has to be measured in ‘little victories’ during different aspects of the game.
“Little victories of third down conversions when it’s that time, lets get those and we’ve had some of those,” Dickens said. “That’s been some of the positives we’ve seen. Our running game is coming around. The thing is we need more of it and execution from that side of the ball.”
Strawberry Crest, which opened in 2009, was 2-9 that season and finished the 2010 campaign at 5-5. They host King (1-3) Friday night.
Meanwhile, Donohoe, who now teaches physical education at Freedom, has heard of the Facebook page and appreciates the support.
“I’ve told the kids whether I’m there or not, push forward,” Donohoe said. “It’s very flattering. I wish I was still there. I’d like to be there. I’d like to return, there’s no doubt about it. … I didn’t leave because I wanted to, but it’s flattering. There are some good kids there and we’ve taught them some life lessons that hopefully they’ll carry forever.”
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Reader Comments
Por (badazgti) on September 28, 2011 (Suggest removal)
Bring Donohoe back!!!!!
Suggest removalPor (COACHG) on September 28, 2011 (Suggest removal)
HEY COACH DICKENS KEEP PUSHING! YOU KNOW HOW THIS GO.
Suggest removalPor (badazgti) on September 28, 2011 (Suggest removal)
“He know how it go?” Are you kidding me?
It’s circling the toilet drain!
That’s how its going when the coaching staff is threatening the players with punishment if they show any desire of having their old coach back.
Suggest removalPor (semper) on September 28, 2011 (Suggest removal)
It takes a real POS to threaten teenagers.Had the same kind of POS coach at Robinson on the baseball field before Kevin got hired.One of Tampa’s Finest.TOP THAT ONE!!!
Suggest removalPor (muse1) on September 28, 2011 (Suggest removal)
I think it is very important for people to understand what coach Donohoe did for that football team. He worked on and off the field for those boys. Not only was this a new program he had to supply these boys with the tools they needed to be sucessful. He spent his own time and money building equipment. It was not unusual to see him at the school on Saturday’s reviewing game film. Those boys loved him and busted there butts for him year round. He also went out of his way to make sure all coaches and parents that gave their time felt appreciated. You can feel the loss everyday. They do not make many men, not just coaches, like him
Suggest removalPor (COACHG) on September 29, 2011 (Suggest removal)
Yes he know how it goes! when a fan/parent/booster think they know how to run a program calls for your head. Dickens is well respected by us (coaches) throughout the county.Lets be honest Dickens didnt go into the best situation.He is a blessing for those kids!The program been around the toilet and the butt of many jokes by coaches.
Suggest removalTo each own when it comes to coaching but it is important that the players move on because you cant get your old coach back! If you want your old coach that bad go to where he is (school choice)!Its that simple IF YOU DONT WANT TO BE A PART OF THE PROGRAM LEAVE!!
Por (COACHG) on September 29, 2011 (Suggest removal)
I coordinate a defense for a very successful local program and high school FB takes alot of time,money, and effort to have such success. Whatever the old coach was doing that seemed to be extra is just a part of the job if your trying to do it right. “TOPPED”!!
Suggest removalPor (badazgti) on September 29, 2011 (Suggest removal)
“CoachG”, Evidently you are illiterate or do not take the time read what you have written here. If you ARE a “defensive coordinator” for a successful program, then why don’t you tell us what team? Little League does not count either. Let me reiterate the fact that threatening students / teenagers by a teacher is highly frowned upon. That will be the kind of thing that gets someone fired. Especially, if you threaten the wrong person. I have been a close friend of Coach Donohoe for the last nine years. He put a team of young men together that did far better than anyone expected. Two wins his first year and five in his second year. The fact that the players want him back is because they know a WINNER when they see him.
Suggest removalPor (COACHG) on September 29, 2011 (Suggest removal)
HAHA “badazbti” I luagh at you!My apologize if Ihave offended by not proof reading my comment. The fact you had to result to name calling indicates you have been hurt. My advice is to pray to the lord because he heals all. I understand thats your friend but his rein is over so let it go.Why dont you tell us where you live, work, and bank? I will have you know that I have a master’s degree in psychology.I started 3yrs in HS,3yrs in college, played 4yrs in the pro’s. I coached 2yrs in college and this is my 5th year on the high school level. Thats if you must know! I hope things are well for you tho ;} I wish the crest well under coach Dickens.
Suggest removalPor (COACHG) on September 29, 2011 (Suggest removal)
ps I didnt proof read that one as well tell me if you see the errors.
Suggest removalPor (chargers68) on September 30, 2011 (Suggest removal)
well coachg if you know so much about football then you would know the reason were doing so bad this season isnt lack of tallent but lack of coaching ability. he even said so in the article that they cant move the ball and that wont change if they keep the same offensive coordinator because along with coach dickens they dont know what there doing. we have talent on this team. and lets not forget that coach dickens doesn’t even show game film and he doesn’t run a scout team they run first team on first team all week and practices on the there teams offence and defensive look rather than preparing for the team they face that week.
Suggest removalPor (chargers68) on September 30, 2011 (Suggest removal)
and dickens must feel pretty threatened about this page because he talked to the team about this page and has threatened to kick kids off the team for liking the page but he also has had his coaches contact the creator of the page trying to get it removed from the site…. dickens simply isn’t qualified to run a football team.
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