In 2013, Strawberry Crest linebacker Matt Chaney said that he wanted to end his senior year with at least 100 tackles. He went beyond that number, tallying 124, and set the current school record in the process.
Two years later, someone is making a serious bid to get 125.
Jordan Zilbar, now a senior, nearly got the record in 2014. This year, with fewer injuries on defense, the middle linebacker is hoping that he’ll be able to hit the mark.
FINDING A FIT
Zilbar, who transferred from Armwood High School before his junior season, was one of the Chargers’ many first-time varsity players last season. It was clear from the onset that he had the talent, but it wasn’t clear where he’d be most effective.
“They moved me around and tried to find a good fit for me on the defense,” Zilbar says.
That fit was at middle linebacker, a position often considered to be the “captain” of the defense. Zilbar finished the season with 93 tackles, two sacks, three forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries while spending much of his time playing as the mike.
“I’ve been playing it all my life,” Zilbar says. “It lets me get a full perspective of the field. I have easy access to both sides of the field.”
But injuries throughout the defense forced Zilbar to move throughout the unit, including some stints in the defensive backfield — positions where tackles can be hard to come by.
“Most people think linebackers are the captain of the defense, but I think safeties are,” Zilbar says. “They have to know what everyone else on the defense is doing, at every position.”
While that may be true, Zilbar is considered a captain and leader at middle linebacker. He continues to lead by example and has racked up several NCAA Division II collegiate offers.
With the future looking up for him, Zilbar can just focus on two things: helping Crest get its first win and getting that record.
FRIENDLY COMPETITION
Zilbar is very much familiar with Chaney.
Stemming from their youth football days in Brandon, the Chaney and Zilbar families are acquaintances. Chaney and one of Zilbar’s older brothers, Hunter, played together and are friends.
“We have a good relationship,” Zilbar says. “I haven’t seen him lately. I always wanted to sit back and talk with him about that (the record), but I haven’t gotten the chance.”
Another connection lies with Strawberry Crest head coach John Kelly, who immediately knew that Jordan Zilbar would be a great addition to the team based on past experience.
“I’ve been privileged to coach all three of the brothers at some point of their careers, whether here at Strawberry Crest or, formerly, at Armwood,” Kelly says. “They’re all hard-nosed, tough kids … ‘Yes, sir, no, sir’ kids who will run through a brick wall for you.”
To get the record this season, Zilbar will have to boost his current average of nine tackles per game.
“I think my chances are pretty good,” Zilbar says.
VS. TAMPA BAY TECH
This week, the Chargers are facing another talented defense.
The Tampa Bay Tech Titans (2-2; 1-0 district) are coming to town to kick off a two-game road stretch and are coming off of a 47-18 blowout win against Bloomingdale (0-4; 0-1 district).
Head coach Jayson Roberts has put together a formidable pass rush in 2015. The unit currently boasts 17 sacks, led by sophomore Jonathan King (six) and junior Paul Taylor (4.5).
On offense, junior quarterback Trent Wyatt lost the starting job to sophomore Cyrus Wade, who completed five of 10 attempts for 133 yards and two touchdowns in his first start last week.
The ground game, led by sophomore running back Levi Jackson’s 222 yards and five touchdowns, has led the way for the offense.
Still, the offense has proven that it can make some noise every so often. It scored 41 of its 47 points in the first half of last week’s game, including a 27-point second quarter.
Crest (0-4; 0-1 district) is coming off of a 49-6 loss at Plant City (3-1; 1-0 district) last Friday, in which the Chargers gave up five rushing touchdowns and two passing scores. Running back Markese Hargrove, who played with a rolled ankle, scored three of them while gaining 80 yards.
The Chargers will look to contain Tech’s ground game, the highlight of the Titans’ offense and hope to generate enough pressure to rattle Wade in his second start.
Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.
OTHER AREA ACTION
DURANT
No area team is hotter than the Cougars (4-0; 1-0 district), who most recently dropped a 34-14 hammer on East Bay (2-2; 0-1 district) to kick off district play.
This week, they’ll travel to Ruskin to face Lennard (3-0; 0-0 district). The Longhorns got a bye in Week 2, so this will be their district opener. Someone is leaving the stadium with their first loss of the season Friday. Down the road, this game could set the tone for who wins the district.
WHERE: Lennard High School, 2342 Shell Point Road E., Ruskin
WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
PLANT CITY
The Raiders’ (3-1; 1-0 district) offense has opened up, averaging 31 points in its three consecutive wins. Star running back Markese Hargrove played through what appeared to be a minor injury in last Friday’s 49-6 blowout, but still scored three touchdowns.
This week, they’ll be in Gibsonton to take on an East Bay team reeling from that big loss to Durant.
WHERE: East Bay High School, 7710 Old Big Bend Road, Gibsonton
WHEN: 7:30 p.m.