By Matt O'Hern

Sports writer

When the Cocoa Beach Minutemen open the 2007 season, local football fans will notice changes on both sides of the field.

Following the graduation of reliable offensive players such as quarterback James Guest and running back/linebacker Mike Nichols, the Minutemen will rely on a new crop of talent.

At quarterback, the Minutemen are evaluating two sophomores - Christian Provancha and R.J. Black - for the starting job.

R.J. is the son of former Merritt Island High School quarterback legend Jimmy Black, who won a state championship with the Mustangs and was Bobby Bowden's first starting quarterback at Florida State University.

"They're both great athletes," coach Tony Piccalo. "R.J. plays with a different style than his father, but he's making progress in our system."

After competing as an independent Cocoa Beach joined Class 3A District 9, where the Minutemen will compete with Astronaut, Space Coast, Satellite, Viera and Cocoa.

"We know we have a lot of work to do," Piccalo said. "We won't have any games that we can just walk on the field and expect to win."

In the offensive backfield, senior running back David Lanham should get the bulk of the carries. Zack Harris and Tucker Kable will also contribute.

Lanham is one of three defensive seniors who was named as a captain for 2007. Linebacker Anthony Garofalo and lineman Joe Yagatich were also named captains.

During the spring workouts, defensive coordinator Andrew Disney made drastic changes to the Minutemen's playbook.

In addition to the three captains, other key defensive players include Jordan Bush, Deven Shawen-Geiskopf, Matt Harlow, Matthew Richard and Dillon Fleming.

"They are the heart of the defensive unit and have promising futures," Disney said. "They have embraced the new plan and continue to practice diligently to improve."

Contact Matt O'Hern at ohern@hometownnewsol.com or (321) 751-5960.