Lakeland’s Right Hand Man

Lakeland (FL) again did a lot of winning in 2005. In fact, head coach Bill Castle’s Dreadnaughts were downright dominant, outscoring opponents by a combined 580-93 while capturing their second consecutive Class 5A state championship and 30th straight win. The dream season was punctuated with Lakeland’s best-ever finish in the national rankings (No. 2 National Prep Poll and No. 1 USA Today). As expected, Castle picked up his share of personal accolades in what is the zenith of a stellar 35-year career. But Castle will be the first tell you, his assistants deserve a generous share of the love being thrown Lakeland’s way. Clay Taylor (above) played for Castle at Lakeland in the late ‘70s. He returned to coach defensive backs in 1986 and became his mentor’s defensive coordinator in 1995. During his time on the staff, the Dreadnaughts have emerged from being Florida’s biggest