High School Football Preview: Countryside Cougars

Since Jared Davis took over the Countryside program in 2010, he has quickly taken a strong program to a level of dominant. The Cougars have yet to lose a regular season game, going 20-0.

Despite such a standard, Davis waves off any thought that the past may put too much pressure on his present players.

“We don’t really think of it like that,” Davis said. “We just have a recipe for success and we stick to that and what we have to do to win the next game.”

This year, barring injuries, shouldn’t be much different that Davis’ first two seasons at Countryside in that the Cougars should again be strong.

Start off with defensive end Mike Love, who racked up 15 sacks last season. He is ranked as a three-star prospect by Rivals.com. Throw in that Love is joined by 17 fellow returning starters – basically, an entire starting team returning, and it is easy to see how the Cougars could be on the brink of something special.

Linebacker Bryan Czop and defensive tackle Paul Gissendenner playing alongside of Love gives Countryside a punishing defense.

“Talent? We can match up with everyone we play,” Davis said. “It’s just a matter of making plays and doing what we need to do to win.”

Countryside kicks off its 2012 campaign tonight at Boca Ciega High School. The game begins at 7:30. The complete schedule for the Cougars can be found here.