Jalazo hired as Leto’s new football coach

Posted Mar 5, 2010 by Katherine Smith

Updated Mar 5, 2010 at 02:02 PM

Leto High has a new football coach.

Falcons athletic director Lauren Otero announced they have hired Mike Jalazo. He is a former Clearwater Central Catholic High coach.

Jalazo left the CCC program after what he called a “mutual parting.” He cited conflicts with the school administration, specifically with first-year athletic director Keith Galley for the move. Jalazo led the Marauders through some of the school’s best success in football when CCC advanced to consecutive Class 2B state semifinals in 2005 and 2006.

Jalazo never had a losing season with CCC. His worst season came in 2008 when the Marauders finished 5-5. CCC advanced to the playoffs in Jalazo’s first six seasons.

He also produced some of the county’s top football players including wide receiver Riley Cooper (Florida), Colin McCarthy (Miami) and offensive linemen A.J. Trump (Miami) and Kevin Young (South Carolina).

Jalazo replaces Hugh Dehnert, who resigned earlier this year after four seasons.