Three years ago, when he took over

the head coaching job at Pompano Beach Ely High, Steve Davis was walking into a situation like no other.

While he was an "outsider" from the standpoint that he attended and played at Boyd Anderson in nearby Lauderdale Lakes, Davis was certainly no stranger to the Pompano area – or to Ely! His father played at Ely and he has many relatives that still live in the community, which has rallied around the school for decades.

Ely is not just a football factory. It has always been viewed as an athletic hotbed. From Eddie Jones in basketball to the Crockett (Henri and Zack) brothers and James Jones on the football field to outstanding baseball and track talent, this is a school that has stood the test of time when it comes to churning out tremendous athletes.

While losing is never accepted at any school, the fans at Ely were educated enough to know that if losing had to be part of turning the football program back around when Davis first arrived, they would accept it. The loyal Tiger faithful sat through that first season and watched their beloved team, which used to run all over the opposition, lose 10 straight times.

When the 1999 season rolled around, biting the bullet would not be as easy if the Tigers didn't start putting wins on the board. They did! Oh, did they ever. This football team, which had lost 10 straight the year before, was suddenly thrust into the spotlight. They were paying everyone back for the tough times in '98. In fact, they posted a 9-1 record in the regular season, added a 3-1 mark in the playoffs and came within one game (a loss at Lakeland) of pulling off a worst to first in one season.

"That was truly a magical year," Davis said. "But you know, I think too much was put on the 0-10 season. The players weren't bad at all. They were inexperienced and needed to learn how to win."

"When we got to Lakeland, I think the players were just happy to be there," Davis added. "I think we were obviously overmatched."

That game against Lakeland served as a barometer. The Dreadnaughts went on to win the state title and the Tigers headed home to ponder the future and learn how to play in and win the big games.

Learning how to win is what the Tigers did last year. In fact, for the second year in a row, they blazed through the regular season, losing only to rival Ft. Lauderdale Dillard. In the first three rounds of the playoffs, they were untouchable in wins over South Miami, Miramar and Miami-Dade County upstart Dr. Michael Krop.

The Tigers were on a roll, and they were indeed one of the best in the state. When they advanced to the 5A south region final against unbeaten Venice, it was a contest that would be played at home. They would have the crowd and the momentum of not giving up a point in the playoffs, but the Indians proved to be on a mission. They came down and outlasted the Tigers by four points and then went on to win the state title over Dwyer. The loss gave this football team, which was loaded with sophomores and juniors, plenty to shoot for in the off season.

"Unlike the year before against Lakeland, we felt that we should have won that game," Davis said. "That was how far this program came in just three short years. We went from losing every game to believing that we should win every game we played."

Davis and the Tigers streaked into the off season with one of the youngest and most talented teams in the state. They trounced Miami Edison in the spring and prepared this football program for a year that could finally put them back in the title game in December.

While several key performers graduated last season, make no mistake that this football team is LOADED. Big time LOADED, and they are stacked with players who will be around for the next two years. They could have one of the best junior classes in the nation. By far!

Leading the way is running back Tyrone Moss. The 5-10, 220-pounder ran for over 2,000 yards and 30 touchdowns last season as a sophomore. Find a better all-around junior back than this young man!

"Tyrone is as good as I've been around," said Davis. "I just couldn't imagine anyone being better than him. Not at his age. It's one of those things that would be virtually impossible."

Joining Moss in the backfield will be senior quarterback Quincy Skinner (5-10, 160), senior running back Jacarri Hill (5-11, 180) and sophomore Norris Smith, a 5-9, 185-pounder who is blessed with plenty of ability.

With the departure of wide receiver Sterling Hicks (North Carolina State), the Tigers will have senior standout Dante McFadden (6-0, 185) and junior Nick Alvarez (5-9, 165). Junior Jamie McIntosh (6-2, 215) and senior Robert Hannor (6-0, 185) are the two tight ends.

Wonder why the Tigers move the ball so well? What about the offensive line! Seniors Jay Edwards (6-1, 250) and Patrice Jolly (5-10, 285) are outstanding. So are juniors Andrew Bain (6-3, 310), Cyrim Wimbs (6-4, 320) and Brian Samuel (6-0, 275).

Senior Matthew Beerman and freshman Jean St. Paul will handle the kicking game.

On defense, the Tigers should be as impressive as last season.

Up front, juniors James Martin (6-2, 215), Teraz McCray (6-0, 290), and seniors Tony Baker (6-1, 255) and Jay Edwards.

The linebackers are as solid as you get and they are all juniors. Karl Wimberly (5-11, 190), Clint Sessions (5-11, 220), Kevin Oxilien (6-2, 225) and John Edwards (6-0, 220) all make plays!

The secondary features Hill, McFadden, Alvarez and junior Terrance Walker, a 6-0, 175-pounder!

Three years ago, the tradition at Ely was brought to an immediate stop. Two years ago, there was a rebirth as the team went 12-2 and lost to eventual state champion Lakeland. Last year, the Tigers once again showed that they belong after dropping a close game to eventual state champion Venice. This year, look for the Tigers to flex some muscle and pound their way to Tallahassee. Does any team in the state of Florida have this much promise and potential? We'll see!

POMPANO BEACH ELY TIGERS

DISTRICT: 11-5A

SCHEDULE: AUG. 30 –at Ft. Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas; SEPT. 7 – at Coconut Creek; SEPT. 14 – LAUDERDALE LAKES BOYD ANDERSON; SEPT. 21 – SOUTH PLANTATION; SEPT. 28 – FT. LAUDERDALE STRANAHAN; OCT. 5 – at Oakland Park Northeast; OCT. 12 – COOPER CITY; OCT. 18 – at Davie Nova; OCT. 26 – DEERFIELD BEACH; NOV. 3 – at Ft. Lauderdale Dillard.