Armwood Hawks' Meteoric Rise to No. 2 Ranking in the Nation

Armwood High football coach Sean Callahan’s 2011 team might not just be the best team Callahan has ever coached, it might be the best team in the nation.

Right now, the Hawks are the No. 1 ranked team in the state, and they were the No. 1 team in the nation after beating Las Vegas-area team Bishop Gorman. Since then, New Jersey-area team Don Bosco Prep took the No. 1 spot. Don Bosco took out Manatee High School last Friday 22-16 and clings, tenuously to that No. 1 spot.

“Obviously, for someone to say you’re the best team in the nation, even in September, is pretty cool,” said Callahan.

Callahan admits that it might not be the most talented group he’s ever had; citing his 2004 State Champion team but he admits that overall, this year’s team is the best he’s ever coached.

“Attitude and character go a long way,” said Callahan. “We think we have that this year.”

Callahan has been head coach of the program for 21 years. He’s been a coach at Armwood since the school opened in 1984; now in it’s 28^th year. So he’s seen a few teams pass through the school, including two state champions and two state finalists.

The Hawks definitely have their share of challenges left on the slate but they have showed utter dominance thus far, that is a scary prospect for anyone left on their schedule.

Even the narrow 20-17 victory over nationally ranked Bishop Gorman had subtext. That was, Armwood did it without starting quarterback, junior Alvin Bailey and starting tailback senior Matt Jones.

“I was pretty impressed with Gorman’s size; they were bigger than us,” said Callahan. “They were also fundamentally sound and well coached; I don’t think they were ready for us to get after them like we did.”

In the 54-6 thrashing of a quality Brandon team, Matt Jones was still not let out of the stables and the Hawks still rushed for 283 yards behind their dominant offensive line.

Last week, the Hawks stomped a very good Tampa Bay Tech team that was coming off a 35-28 victory over King. Armwood whipped them 40-7 and held them to just 172 yards of offense; still they did it without starting running back, Matt Jones.

Even with all of the accolades falling around Armwood, Callahan finds ways to keep himself and his team motivated.

“It’s easy for me as a head coach; it’s more of a relief when you win,” said Callahan. “I’m always worried about winning, how the kids will behave, it’s keeps me pretty grounded.”

How does he keep the players motivated?

“Last year, they lost a state final to a team we were better than; getting their attention is easy, now,” said Callahan.

Callahan never loses sight of what’s most important to him, though.

“Winning a state championship; it’s the only thing we really have control over,” he said.

He will face several tough opponents before he even gets to the playoffs.

“We’re looking at the top teams in our district: Hillsborough, Jefferson and Sickles as serious obstacles,” said Callahan. “Plant is always a tough one.”

Even with all the attention, Callahan seems well-poised to keep his players focused. The practice shirts all bear one word on the back, “work”.

Eleven of his players have scholarship offers, with a potential for 12; six of them have already committed.

Don’t expect the Hawks to overlook anyone on their way to “who knows what”. If Don Bosco should happen to stumble, Armwood could snatch a national title for the state of Florida.

“Obviously, it’s pretty cool for someone to say you are the best in the nation,” said Callahan. “I remember when Lakeland won it one year.”

Callahan has a unique opportunity this year, to do something that would make history for the school and also for the county. He highlights what makes this year’s squad special.

“Maturity,” he said. “It’s a senior-heavy team, more seniors on one team than I’ve ever coached.”