Showdown in Seffner: Plant-Armwood Live Updates

The much-anticipated Plant-Armwood matchup has all the storylines and drama of a classic rivalry matchup. The debut of hyped Plant quarterback Aaron Murray, leading the defending 4A champs against the old county "top dog," two-time state champ Armwood. There's the embattled Hawks, whom as RB Eric Smith said wants to "win Tampa back," dealing with pre-game adversity and the suspension of eight players - including starting QB Mywan Jackson.

Two of the top three teams in the state are going head-to-head. And the Times will bring you live updates, color and commentary from the game. Click on the comments section below to follow on.

Find out where Mywan Jackson is watching the game, the mood in the halls - and the stands -- and on-site interviews...

The rain has stopped, the sky is clear and the lines - believe it or not -- is relatively short (probably not enough pre-game press coverage).

The Times No. 1 and No. 2 teams are an hour from kickoff. Stay tuned.

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

(Pictured: Plant quarterback Aaron Murray, above left. Times photo - Brian Cassella. Armwood quarterback Rob Jones, above right. Times photo - Brian Cassella. Click to enlarge.)

Friday Night Wash-Out: Bishop Mac/HCA postponed

David Raley hadn't even talked to his players yet, but the dejection in his voice was evident.

"We're just breaking the news to the kids right now," the first year Hernando Christian coach said early Friday evening.

Apparently, a band of rainstorms that swept through the county late Friday afternoon had rendered the Lions' field at Ernie Weaver Park unplayable. Hernando Christian's first game - and Raley's first as a head varsity football coach - was rained out.

There's no word on when, or if, Bishop McLaughlin and Hernando Christian will make up their game.

The rain apparently has ruined what was sure to be a festive debut for the Lions. Not only was it the first game of the season, and the first game as head coach, but it was the first night game in school history. Earlier this summer, HCA reached an agreement with the county to play its games at Ernie Weaver, a public park in Brooksville.

For the Lions' first three seasons, games had been held on Friday afternoons.

 

--DAVID MURPHY
dmurphy@sptimes.com

It's official: Eight Hawks suspended tonight

As expected, Armwood coach Sean Callahan announced this afternoon eight Hawks varsity players -- including starting quarterback Mywan Jackson -- would be suspended for tonight's showdown against Plant.

The other suspended starters: cornerback Justin Williams, strong safety Aaron Duncan, receiver Eric Gonzalez and kicker Taylor Williams. Backups Dykerius Cross (receiver), Nick Greene (defensive back) and Alex Soler (running back) also are out.

Callahan said the players, who skipped first period Thursday morning to go to breakfast at a nearby McDonald's, wouldn't be allowed in the stadium tonight.

"I'm very concerned about my football players and the game today is very important," Callahan said in a press conference at Armwood that drew two newspapers and five TV stations. "But it's not as important as the integrity of this program."

Things I’ll miss about opening night

BY IZZY GOULD
Times Staff Writer
LOS ANGELES – If you’re reading this then my email works.
I’m out here on the West Coast and my only lifeline to the first night of football in Pasco County is my iPhone. Yes, I bought one and yes, as John C. Cotey points out, it’s gluttonous. But I can stay in touch and more importantly, stay informed.
I’m out here for a family wedding, but before we head up to Santa Barbara we’re stopping at a high school football game.
Turns out it’s opening night here, too.
I’ll get to see Harvard Westlake vs. Pasadena. Neither is in the Los Angeles Times Top 25 poll, but HW is one of those private schools where I’m told some famous parents send their kids. I’m told I might bump into Tom Hanks at the concession stand and Steven Spielberg might give me a high-five if HW scores a touchdown. Seriously.
Still, there’s something special about football in the Bay area, and I my heart particularly aches for all the fun I’ll miss in Pasco County.

Boiled peanuts
They’re a staple at Zephyrhills and Pasco games. You can buy them along State Road 54 just past the Reutimann Collision Repair. These hot little numbers go along with the charm of Pasco County. They're warm, soft and the melt in your mouth. Awesome.

Gerald Newton’s voice
The self declared Pasco High historian should be the public address announcer at Land O’Lakes-Pasco. From the highest seat in W.F. Edwards Stadium, he’ll guide the fans through Tom McHugh’s first game. He’ll point out the dean of coaches in the Gators’ John Benedetto standing on the enemy sideline. It’s Gators vs. Pirates, two of the traditional powers. The stands will be stuffed and the fans will hang on Newton’s every word.

Pregame at Hungry Harry’s Bar-b-que
It’s a sportswriter tradition in Pasco County. The pregame meal. And for the two seasons I’ve covered high school football for the Times that meal has been at Hungry Harry’s. You can’t miss it driving up 41 on the right, two red buildings with an American flag painted atop the main building. I usually get the ribs, but the pulled pork is outstanding. Don’t forget the sweet tea and leave room for desert. You can walk it off to the lake about a football field away tucked behind the parking lot. It’s a great way to kick it off.

Plant vs. Armwood
I’ve been hanging on every word of the controversy of skipped classes the suspensions and who’s really No. 1. My brother-in-law listened to our fresh new audiocast and couldn’t believe Cotey would suggest someone might trade a Playstation 3 for a ticket to be among the expected 6,000 fans in attendance. The talent in the Southland – that’s what they call this region of So Cal – has plenty of talent, but the passion for high school football here isn’t even close to the South. People are too busy walking down Santa Monica Boulevard looking for Lindsay Lohan.

Deadline
Rushing to a WiFi spot at 10:45 p.m. after gathering quotes, fighting traffic, adding stats and finally finding a connection to type at blazing speed to get you the news in a neat, insightful, well-designed package for your viewing pleasure all by 11 p.m.

PS - Email me at izzygould@gmail.com and let me know what's happening. I'll be happy to respond with celebrity dirt in exchange.

Tonelli leaves Wharton for USF

Wharton boys basketball coach Tommy Tonelli, the Times Coach of the Year, has accepted an assistant coaching job at the University of South Florida, Wildcats AD Mike Rowan confirmed.

Tonelli, a former USF player and assistant, has been the only coach in Wharton's history, winning over 200 games since 1997. Last season, Tonelli and Times Player of the Year Shawn Vanzant led the Wildcats to a 29-2 record and berth in the Class 5A region final, the furthest any Wharton team had gone. They lost to eventual state champion Lake Howell, but Tonelli was named Tampa Bay Basketball Coaches Association Coach of the Year.

Tonelli notified Wharton officials Tuesday, but hasn't offered his official resignation or paperwork yet; Rowan said that should come next week. Rowan said Tonelli, who couldn't be reached for comment, will be part of the coaching search committee.

"He’s arguably the best coach in Hillsborough County," Rowan said. "We have one ofo the best program in Hillsborough County and he built that -- anyone who comes in after has big shoes to fill."

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Times photo of Wharton basketball coach Tommy Tonelli talking to SHawn Vanzant.

Callahan Press Conference Set for 3:45

Armwood coach Sean Callahan will hold a brief press conference today at 3:45, at which time he's expected to announce eight Hawks players will be suspended from all or part of tonight's Class 4A showdown against Plant.

The press conference was announced in a statement released by the Hillsborough County School District. According to the statement, the players skipped first period Thursday morning and were given two days of in-school suspension -- the school's normal penalty for such an infraction.

Three Hawks players told The Times on Thursday night Callahan announced at a team meeting Thursday the players also wouldn't play tonight.

Notes From the 'Coast: Ranking the Games

Having trouble deciding where to go tonight?

We've ranked the teams already, now we'll rank the games in order of intrigue.

We'll give you our predictions. Then you chime in and give us yours. Winner gets a postage stamp from Izzy Gould.

8) Bishop McLaughlin at HCA

Reason to Watch: As far as small, private schools go, this is as close to a rivalry as you'll get on the North Suncoast. Both teams lost a slew of seniors from last season, and HCA lost its coach, too. What will the Lions look like under new head coach David Raley? Quarterback David Rotteveel throws a nice ball in practice - what will he look like in the game?

Prediction: Your guess is as good as ours. HCA 14-6

7) Springstead at Crystal River

Reason to Watch: To find out what, exactly, the Eagles have this year. Talk to any Hernando County football coach and they'll tell you the same thing - as long as Springstead has a football team, it'll be competitive. The Eagles are as close to a complete program as the county has had over the past few seasons. Despite a pack of talented seniors last season, they struggled. This year, a strong corps of underclassmen will have to step up. Not even coach Bill Vonada knows what he has. Crystal River showed some signs of life last season under new coach Anthony Paradiso. They've got a Division I lineman who committed to Akron in Kyle Roddenberry.

Prediction: It'll be close and high-scoring. Springstead 35, Crystal River 28.

6) Wesley Chapel at Wiregrass

Reason to Watch: To get your first look at Wesley Chapel. Hey, we admire Wiregrass' spirit. The Bulls have been all over the blog this week hyping up this match-up, trying to create a rivalry with their in-town rivals. But let's not forget Wiregrass played a JV schedule last year. Wesley Chapel will win this one, and win it easily. But we're more interested to see how much the Wildcats show. Greg Jenkins is supposed to be the real deal, but WC was one of only two teams in the county that didn't play a preseason game.

Prediction: Again, we love Ricky T as much as all of you. But Wesley Chapel wins 56-21.

5) River Ridge at Sunlake

Reason to Watch: As long as the football Gods don't conspire against a great story-line, someone will be getting their first win in awhile this week. River Ridge hasn't racked a W since 2004. Sunlake is in its first year of varsity play. Then again, as RR proved last week in its preseason game against Lecanto, scoreless ties do happen.

Prediction: River Ridge rejoices, 31-3.

4) Hudson at Ridgewood

Reason to Watch: The Rams' defense. Hudson quarterback Zack Wynn will be a name to remember for the next three seasons. But Ridgewood's linebackers are unmerciful in their pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Yeah, you know all about Arline. But watch Ben Perry, Arron Jackson and company go to work. We're not counting Hudson completely out. Mark Nash will have his team ready to play. But the Rams simply have too much talent.

Prediction: Ridgewood 31, Hudson 14

3) Gulf at Mitchell

Reason to Watch: These teams combined for over 90 points when they met last season. Gulf gave up 55 to Tarpon Springs last week. Don't get in a car crash on the way to the game, because you'll have enough whip lash by the time its over.

Prediction: Mitchell starts strong, 38-21.

2) Pasco at Land O'Lakes

Reason to Watch: Not to get all supernatural on you, but there's an aura at Pasco High right now. Tom McHugh has the boys believing. They've always had the talent. Now, they've got the leadership as well. But Land O'Lakes is the premiere program in the county, and for some reason, everyone's been counting the Gators out. They might not be where they were when Joe and Drew were leading the charge, but don't be surprised if they once again rule the county.

Prediction: LOL 20, Pasco 17

1) Hernando at Central

Reason to watch: We can't just give you one. Central was the top dog in the county last year. But Hernando has a lot more talent than you might think, as well as a new coach and a new attitude. How good will Duane Marks look? Can Central contain George Fribley? Who will start at quarterback for the Leopards? Will this game again be a blowout (the Leopards blew the Bears out last year, but Central ended up in the playoffs. The year before, Central blew out Hernando, but the Leopards played in the postseason)?

Prediction: Central 21, Hernando 20

--DAVID MURPHY

dmurphy@sptimes.com

Tab soundoff

So, our special preseason football sections are out. What do you think? Send your compliments and praise this way, but not too much on the Pasco tab, that will just embarass me and make me all shy.

Jefferson to Hold Rally for Mills

To help keep the unsolved murder case of her grandson, C.J. Mills, alive, Lucy Mills has organized a rally for Sat. Sept. 15 at 1504 Hubert Avenue, behind the J & S Grocery in Tampa. The rally, which will run from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., will include coach Mike Fenton, Jefferson players and athletic director Bob Morgan as well as community members. Fenton and Morgan will likely speak.

"Somebody out there knows who did it,'' Morgan said. "They're just not telling. The family is hoping for closure.''

Mills, a Jefferson linebacker, was shot and killed in his driveway in late April. The Dragons have dedicated their season to Mills and will open the regular season tonight at Hillsborough.

--Joe Smith

TBT's Mr. Versatility eyes end of streak

If Tampa Bay Tech snaps its 21-game losing streak tonight at home against Bloomingdale, Titans junior Antonio Wallace likely will play a large role -- or roles -- in the triumph. Times staff writer Joey Knight recently caught up with the 5-foot-6, 163-pound cornerback/wingback/halfback/receiver/return specialist, who returned five kicks for touchdowns in 2006.

Where he'll start tonight: Cornerback, kick returner, punt returner

Easiest position to learn: Running back. "I played running back all my life, but I made the switch (to defense) when I transferred from Wharton High (after his freshman year)."

Hardest position to learn: Cornerback. "I had to adjust to cornerback, because I didn?t have my footwork or technique down."

Favorite position: Cornerback. "I like beating up on receivers."

How he'll celebrate if TBT wins tonight: "Just shake everybody's hand, let them know they played a good game, but it's going to be big for me, for the whole team."

PREVIEWS: The Times released its annual high school football preview sections today (they're inserted in today's paper).

Several Hawks Could Miss Plant Game

More than a half-dozen Armwood football players -- including starting quarterback Mywan Jackson -- are expected to miss Friday night's season-opening showdown against Plant for violating team rules.

Three Hawks players told The Times this evening Coach Sean Callahan announced at a team meeting eight players would be suspended for the game for skipping a first-period class and going out to breakfast.

Reached at school tonight, however, Callahan said the players are playing as of right now, but a definite announcement on their status wouldn't come until Friday afternoon. Callahan said Jackson, along with seven other varsity players, will receive a two-day, in-school suspension. As far as football-related punishment, Callahan said he "didn't know yet," but added he'd be "significant" about it.

Hawks starting offensive lineman Eric August said Callahan told the team in a meeting that the players that skipped "aren't going to play."

Approximately 6,000 are expected at Lyle Flagg Field for Friday's game. Armwood is ranked second in the initial Florida Sports Writers Association 4A poll -- one spot ahead of Plant

"I guess coach wanted to send a message," August said. "It's a (heck) of a message -- it's Plant vs. Armwood, a huge game. We're still going to be OK. I have all the confidence in (backup quarterback) Robert Jones."

Among those not suspended: Armwood senior left tackle Matt Patchan, tailback Eric Smith and middle linebacker Petey Smith. Patchan confirmed he's playing, but declined further comment. Petey Smith said he and his brother also would play.

The players "were skipping, they skipped first period," senior defensive tackle Leon Johnson said tonight. "That was what (Callahan) told us. He told us they were skipping and he ain't going to tolerate that."

With Jackson sidelined, the Hawks likely will turn to Jones, Jackson's backup, and lean even more heavily on Eric Smith.

"They skipped class - there were no drugs or alcohol," Callahan said. "Some people may dismiss it, and make them run a little bit after practice. I’m gonna make sure they sweat this one."

Plant coach Bob Weiner said his players would be ready "regardless of what happens.

“It wouldn’t affect us at all. It doesn’t matter what happens with anybody else if we take care of ourselves. We prepare for our opponent, but more than anything else we prepare to execute what we need to do. We don’t ever want any bad incidents for anybody. We want to play teams when they’re at their best with their best people.”

Compiled by Joe Smith, Joey Knight and Keith Niebuhr

joesmith@sptimes.com

Notes from the 'Coast: Vasquez set to fight charges

It looks like there's a good chance former Hernando basketball coach Antonio "Tony" Vasquez will fight an exposure of sexual organs charge in court. Vasquez has pled not guilty, and won't strike a plea deal with the state, attorney Larry Disparti said.

"He maintains his innocence, and is adamant about it," Disparti said.

Vasquez was arrested after police said he exposed himself to an undercover officer in McKethan Park July 24. The former Hernando star immediately resigned his post as Leopards boys basketball coach. He had just been hired in May.

Superintendent of Hernando County Schools Wayne Alexander said even if Vasquez was found not guilty, he likely wouldn't return to the district in any capacity.

"If you're innocent, you're innocent, that's great," Alexander said, "but I wouldn't anticipate that's something that we'd look at."

--DAVID MURPHY

dmurphy@sptimes.com

Best prank ever?

An Ohio high school student who tricked football fans from a crosstown rival into holding up signs that together spelled out, "We Suck," was suspended for the prank. Read the story here

Standout golfer lands at King

Sophomore Kelsey Gibson, one of the county's top golfers, will play for King this season, her mother, Deedra Gibson said this morning.

Gibson, who helped lead Tampa Prep to three straight state tournament appearances, is now being homeschooled by her paternal grandparents in Temple Terrace, putting her in King's district. Deedra Gibson said her daughter recently found out from school officials she could compete with the Lions.

Gibson was scheduled to have her first match today against Tampa Catholic, but it was cancelled when the Crusaders couldn't field a team. The Lions next match is Thurs, Sept 6 against Durant at Gibson's "home" course, Temple Terrace Country Club.

King golf coach Beth Willson said Gibson's addition gives her five golfers; a district medalist last season, Gibson is even better this year.

"Kelsey is one of the finest."

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

TAKE YOUR PICK PINELLAS

First came the release of Madden 08, then preseason high school games last Friday, college football starts tonight ...the wait is over people: FOOTBALL SEASON IS FINALLY HERE! With that comes time for everyone to become armchair quarterbacks, so here's your first shot. Let us know who you think will win tomorrow's games and keep an eye out for our picks in Friday's gameday package. And if you take the time to do it, post your name so we can ridicule...err, praise you when the dust settles Saturday.

--Brandon Wright

Pinellas Park at Countryside

Seminole at Clearwater

Dunedin at Boca Ciega

Largo at East Lake

Palm Harbor U. at Tarpon Springs

Osceola at Dixe Hollins

Lakewood at Gibbs

St. Petersburg at Northeast

Orlando Lake Highland Prep at St. Petersburg Catholic

Miami Bay Point at Clearwater Central Catholic

Admiral Farragut at Lakeland Christian

Keswick Christian at Indian Rocks Christian

Calvary Christian at Northside Christian

Shorecrest at Fort Meade

Bishop McLaughlin at Hernando Christian

Canterbury at Sarasota Out-of-Door

'Roids and Webcasts

Nothing much new to report on the steroids front. I spoke yesterday with FHSAA official Robert Hernberger, who said the association is hoping the first round of tests will begin in mid-September. The deadline for schools to submit rosters of all of their players was earlier this week, so the FHSAA has to input all of that data into its computer system before it begin testing.

Also, the FHSAA is still waiting on the $100,000 appropriation to arrive from Gainesville. Hernberger didn't sound concerned, though. It's just a matter of waiting for the check to clear.

Now, onto the big news. . .

The first ever PrepCast is up on the our site, and it's cooler than cool.

(If you're tired of hearing about Armwood and Plant, just fast forward).

Major props to our boy (and current Times stringer) InfiniteSkillz for laying down the intro music.

Notes from the 'Coast: Meet the coach

We didn't get much of a chance in yesterday's paper to introduce you to Hernando's new boys basketball coach, so we now present to you the life and times of Chris "Don't Call Me Luke" Ridenour, airing next week on PBS in a three-part mini-series.

Actually, based on a 15 minute conversation, Ridenour seems like a pretty normal guy. Grew up in Caneseragra, NY, about an hour south of Rochester. Played basketball in high school for Caneseragra Central, and played one year of college ball at Houghton College, a small Christian school.

Ridenour attended grad school in Georgia, spent nine months in Orlando, then latched on at Fox Chapel three years ago because, "They're the first place that offered me a job."

After Tony Vasquez's tenure as coach ended after his arrest on an indecent exposure charge, Hernando A.D. Marion Jones dropped by Fox Chapel to see if Ridenour would be interested in interviewing for the job.

"When I graduated out of high school, I didn’t want to be a coach, I just wanted to focus on playing," Ridenour told me. "Then one day a guidance counselor approached me and said, 'I think you should be a coach.' I said, 'I’m not interested,' but three, four years later I realized I wanted to go into the teaching profession and I realized I’d love to be able to take over a boys varsity basketball program and build a respectable program."

He'll get that chance. Hernando, as you all know, hasn't had a dominant basketball program in, well, decades. There isn't a ton of talent there right now, but Ridenour says he would love to build a program and stay at the high school for "20 years."

One of the key things to watch is how the team rebounds from the startling arrest and resignation of Vasquez, who had made a positive impact on a couple of players with his upbeat, energetic demeanor.

Ridenour acknowledges this is something that needs to be addressed, but he told me that he has plenty of experience with coaches leaving. In high school, his coach was fired, and the summer before his first year of college, the coach that recruited him left Houghton.

"I kind of know what they're thinking," he said. "I’ve been in their situation, not necessarily losing a coach in that situation, but I know what its like to be a player and have a coaches switched on you, and you walk in not knowing anything about the coach coming in. I know what they’re thinking. I can understand, I can relate, I've been there. Is it something I’m going to address? Absoutley."

MCHUGH COLUMN: I encourage every one to take a look at John C. Cotey's column on Tom McHugh, who has done an admirable job getting Pasco ready for the football season while worrying about his teenage daughter, who was seriously injured in a car accident a few weeks ago. A great story, and a great read.

STAY TUNED: We're unveiling both our high school football preview tabloid tomorrow, as well as FRESH new weekly preview that will run on Friday in the Sports section. Here's a hint: we got DADE CITY'S MAYOR to help us pick the high school football games. That's fresher than a bag of spinach.

Gulf defensive coordinator Wright expected out of hospital soon

Having given up 55 points in a preseason loss to Tarpon Springs, Gulf knows it has plenty of work to do on the defensive side of the ball. Unfortunately, the Bucs have had to do it without the help of veteran defensive coordinator Brian Wright, who was hospitalized Monday after suffering dizzy spells in school.

Gulf head coach Jay Fulmer said Wright was expected to be released from the hospital today, and that he was expected to stop by practice Wednesday afternoon.

Fulmer visited Wright Monday night and spoke with him Tuesday.

"It was pretty scary, because his blood pressure was so high," Fulmer said. "It was pretty scary stuff."

Fulmer has coached with Wright since their days together in Kentucky.

"We’ve been trying to run the defense without him, and it’s his defense," Fulmer said. "Wehther we struggled against Tarpon or not, he’s going to fix it."

--DAVID MURPHY
dmurphy@sptimes.com

Tampa Bay Christian gets (6-on-6) football back

Tampa Bay Christian, which cancelled its football season last week due to low numbers, will get to play after all.

The school will play in a six-on-six tackle football league called the Florida Sixman Football Association, which has schools from Kissimmee to Clearwater. TBC started practice today and will play its first game Saturday, Sept 8 at Beritas Prep in Pinellas Park at 7:30.

TBC caught a break when New Hope in Kissimmee was a late drop from the league; TBC will take the school's spot, inheriting an 0-3 record but gaining the ability put on pads and play.

"The boys are really excited," TBC athletic director Chad Goebert said. "They went through two-a-days and were ready to go when we cancelled the season. But now, they'll get a chance to put on the pads and play."

TBC athletic director Chad Goebert said that all of the kids that were on the 11-on-11 team are planning on playing in the 6-on-6 league. The school is still looking for a head coach, but principal Jack Powell is running practices in the interim.

Other schools in the second-year, six-man league are: Carrollwood Day School, Geneva Classical, Haven Christian, Hillsborough Baptist, Hope Christian, Lakeside Christian, Life Academy, Lighthouse Christian, Veritas Prep, Westgate Christian, Zephyrhills Christian.

For more on the league, check out www.fcapps.com

--- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Times photo of three-way senior Matt Reynolds. Photo by Brian Cassella.

This is fresh

Tonight at 7 p.m., you can tune into the Pasco Pirates Coaches Show featuring first-year coach Tom McHugh with host John Edwards (the girls basketball coach at the school and Larry McCarren wanna-be).

They used to do this on the radio until last year, when it became too expensive. Enter the semi-affordable world of live streaming on the web.

You can check it out every Wednesday (and tonight!) at pascopiratatesradio.com. The school will also be doing live webcasts of its football games this year as well, with the venerable Dade City reporter and historian Gerald Newton calling the action.

Notes from the 'Coast: Hernando hires new hoops coaches

Hernando has hired a pair of new basketball coaches. Chris Ridenour, currently at Fox Chapel Middle School, replaces Antonio "Tony" Vasquez as the new boys coach.

Josandra Maner, currently a teacher at Parrott Middle School, replaces Walt Cermak as the new girls hoops coaqch.

Stay tuned later today for more details as we get them.

-DAVID MURPHY

dmurphy@sptimes.com

Patchan: "We'll beat Plant - there's no question."

As if there wasn't enough hoopla and hype surrounding the Armwood-Plant showdown Friday in Seffner, how about a pre-game guarantee.

Armwood senior lineman Matt Patchan, one of the nation's top recruits, wasn't afraid to go on a limb when talking about Friday's matchup on Catch 47's High School Scoreboard - which aired Monday night.

"We'll beat Plant -- there's no question," he said on the show, which airs again Thursday at 6:30 and 8:30. "We're better all around, we're more talented and we work harder than anybody. We got more talent, we work harder. That's a recipe for success "

Armwood and Plant, the defending state champions, are ranked No. 2 and 3, respectively in the latest FSWA State Poll (and No. 1 and No. 2 in the Times Top 50). Plant beat Armwood in last year's playoffs en route to their state title, thanks to two INTs returned for a touchdown.

When reached Tuesday night, Patchan didn't back off his comments. And, from the sounds of it, he wasn't just picking on Plant.   

"I look at our talent on offense and defense, and I just feel that we have more talent than anyone, maybe in the nation," Patchan said Tuesday. "That includes that Northwestern team - I'd love to get a crack at those guys. I don’t think they can hang with us. We fire off the ball. We block to the whistle, we run to the ball, we hit everyoene.... Nobody works as hard as us. I don’t think we can lose to many people if we have the chance to play

"I’m not trying to sound cocky. I'm just very, very confident."

For the record, Northwestern was ranked No. 2 in rivals.com's Top 50 teams in the nation (Armwood was No. 39).

Time will tell if Patchan's words ring true Friday night.

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Notes from the 'Coast: Tuesday Evening Quarterback

Land O'Lakes coach John Benedetto never believed Jerome Harrison would come out for football. Sure, Harrison kept hanging around the team last year and was impressed with the Gators district title and 10th consecutive postseason berth. So when the first-year senior receiver/defensive back came out last spring for football Benedetto was surprised. Harrison became a playmaker last Friday night. Benedetto was asked if he would compare Harrison to last year's standout Dontarrius Thomas. He took it a step further.

"I would compare (Jerome) to Greg Carr, (Drew Weatherford's) receiver at Florida State," Benedetto said. "That's what we're going to like to do. We want to throw the ball up because we know Jerome's got a great vertical. He's probably the best basketball player in Land O'Lakes High School. He's got good speed and he runs great routes. He's a great addition. I liked watching him tonight."

He was friends with some of the guys that played last year. He watched the team and liked the success we had. Every now and then he would be in my ear, 'It's going to be me,' and this and that. I never believed any of that. But then he came out in the spring. He's impressive. So we'll see what happens."

BEARS LINE LOOKING GOOD: Central coach Cliff Lohrey is confident enough in his quartet of junior offensive linemen to name then starters for this Friday's season-opener against Hernando. But the spotlight will definitely be on them as they join the lone incumbent from last season, senior Jason Morton.

Joining Morton are Kevin Grier, Jesse Flowers, Sam Robinson and Dan May. Lohrey said he was happy with the way the unit played during its half of action against Dunedin Friday, but also said they have a lot to prove.

"Even If I had five guys coming back from last year, I wouldn't have seen enough this year to know that they’re going to do what they have to do all the time and be a strength," Lohrey said. "I know they played well Friday night against Dunedin. They easily passed the first step. Offensive line as much or more than anyone needs to get better as the season goes on."

FAMOUS AMOS COMEBACK CONTINUES: Bulldogs senior lineman Quentin Amos continued his comeback from a horrific accident that almost robbed him of his arm. The 6-foot-3, 360-pound tackle played in his first game since an April 19 car wreck when he flipped his truck and his left arm was all but ripped off.

Throughout the recovery Amos has had one goal - to return to the starting lineup. He still has trouble using his left arm, but Zephyrhills coach Tom Fisher said he's coming along.

"I don't know if (the arm) will ever be 100 percent," Fisher said. "He's getting better every day at it. It's just something he has to get used to."

IZZY GOULD and DAVID MURPHY
Times Staff Writers

Metal Bat Ban Upheld

A judge upheld a New York City ban on the use of metal bats in high school baseball games Tuesday. U.S. District Judge John G. Koeltl said "it was not his place to overturn a law that was approved by a local government with the public's safety in mind." The law is set to take effect Sept. 1.

I know the high school baseball season is a ways away, but what do you think of this decision? Is it a good idea with player's safety in mind or another silly restriction? Would that ban ever fly around here?

--Brandon Wright

Here's the link to ESPN's story: http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/highschool/news/story?id=2994694

Central tabs Ellison as new baseball coach

The man pictured above is in charge of turning around a baseball program that won just two games last season. Mike Ellison, 59, was hired as Central's baseball coach today, replacing Dan O'Rourke, who resigned after three seasons to pursue a national teaching certification.

Ellison is a long-time baseball coach. He's had stints as a head coach at Hernando (so long ago he can't remember the exact year) and, more recently, at Hernando Christian. Ellison, whose specialty is pitching, was a long-time assistant at Central, tutoring players like Patrick Ryan, who is currently playing Class A ball in the Milwaukee Brewers farm system.

"He's real meticulous, organized," O'Rourke said of his successor. "He loves the game of baseball.

Central has struggled the past few seasons, but Ellison is convinced he can help right the ship.

"I think there’s a lot of talent at Central," he said. "This what they're going to have to do: They’re going to learn that they can win."

"Coach Ellison has been a fixture in baseball throughout Hernando county for a number of years," Central athletic director Jeff Spivey said. "He was an integral part of the very successful Central  teams of a few years ago. Mike has already hit the ground running in taking over his new responsibilities, and I'm sure his influence over the players and the coaches on his staff will be a very positive one." 

Central begins play in a fall league at Saint Leo next week.

--DAVID MURPHY

dmurphy@sptimes.com

Canterbury star football duo rejoin team

Canterbury first-year football coach Steven Dudley just dodged a big bullet.

The Crusaders two best players, QB/DB Brandon Hamilton and WR Johnny Lancaster, have rejoined the team following a flirtation with a prestigious wooden bat baseball league.

The duo shocked the team a few weeks ago, telling them they’d skip football to focus on their baseball futures.

But at halftime of the Crusaders 27-0 loss Friday to the Masters Academy, they had a change of heart. They begged Dudley at halftime to suit up. Dudley said he had his team take a vote whether to allow the two to join the team.

There "were some hard feelings," Dudley said, "but it was unanimous to bring them back."

"It’s a great thing for us," Dudley said. "We felt like we were going into a gun battle with a butterknife."

--- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Times photo of Canterbury WR Johnny Lancaster. Photo by Ted McLaren.

Pasco County's top golfer transfers to South Lake. . .

Here's a good bet: Andrew Horn won't repeat this year as Pasco County's Boys Golfer of the Year.

That's because he's no longer competing in Pasco County. The senior moved out of the area this summer, according to Wesley Chapel athletic director Steve Mumaw. According to Horn's biography page on the Florida Junior Tour's official web site, he is now attending South Lake High in Groveland.

Horn, 18, won the Sunshine Athletic Conference tournament last season and qualified for regionals as an individual.

Wesley Chapel, which begins play today, heads into the season with junior Mike Wozniak as its top returning golfer.

--DAVID MURPHY, dmurphy@sptimes.com

Pegg transfer to Clearwater goes through

For senior forward Adam Pegg, the wait(list) is over.

The 6-foot-9 standout found out Tuesday afternoon he received admission into Clearwater High, his top selection through the county's school choice program. Pegg left Palm Harbor this spring, hoping to get into Clearwater, but was assigned to Lakewood because his top three choices were filled to capacity.

"I'm just relieved," Pegg said. "It was such a drawn-out process."

Pegg drew some wooing from one of his good friends, Lakewood senior forward Mike Morrison. Morrison waited for Pegg on the first day of school, and had tried to convince him to stay with the Spartans, perenially one of the county's top programs.

"They tried really hard," Pegg said.

Pegg had until the Sept 4 deadline to get into Clearwater. Otherwise, Pegg said he would have probably enrolled at Oldsmar Christian, where his brother, eighth grade guard Brian Pegg, will be playing.

Now Pegg, who has offers from the likes of Ole Miss, James Madison and Tennessee Tech, will team up with four-star point guard Luke Loucks at Clearwater, making them one of the teams to beat this season.

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

The St. Petersburg Times Top 50: Week One

We've emerged from our bunker and wiped the crust from our eyes. Using an ultra-secret formula derived by some of the top mathematicians in the country (read: we sat down and called each other names for five hours), we are ready to unveil the first ever St. Pete Times Top 50 Football Rankings. Check it out, and then check in: Who's overrated? Who got disrespected? Let us know.

Times' Top 50
Week One

1. Armwood
Last year: 11-2
This week: vs. No. 2 Plant
We’re not sure if this is the Hawks’ best team ever, but it’s good enough to contend for another state title.

2. Plant
Last year: 15-0
This week: at No. 1 Armwood
Aaron Murray’s debut has many hearts atwitter. Will the Panthers not miss a step?

3. Largo
Last year: 10-2
This week: at No. 16 East Lake
Pinellas powerhouse will rely on running talents of Brynn Harvey and some serious speed.

4. Chamberlain
Last year: 6-6
This week: vs. No. 7 Gaither
Chiefs are brimming with fleetness and athleticism. Depth is only real concern.

5. Jefferson
Last year: 9-3
This week: at No. 8 Hillsborough
Dragons are high on new QB Zack Grossi. Now, about that 0-5 record the past two years vs. Armwood and Plant.

6. Riverview
Last year: 7-3
This week: at No. 17 East Bay
If Sharks can muster a respectable passing game to complement tailback Jahleel Addae, they’ll make the Class 6A playoffs.

7. Gaither
Last year: 7-5
This week: at No. 4 Chamberlain
Cowboys have started great, but finished miserably the past two years. Can standout TB Jarvis Giles and a balanced attack help change that?

8. Hillsborough
Last year: 6-5
This week: vs. No. 5 Jefferson
Running game will be one of the best around. Terriers are definitely improved.

9. Northeast
Last year: 7-3
This week: vs. No. 38 St. Petersburg
Longtime coach Jerry Austin is gone (son Jay steps in), but talented RB Jeff Brinson is still there.

10. Dunedin
Last year: 9-3
This week: at No. 19 Boca Ciega
Lost seven starters, but won summer passing league and have talent in the backfield and a strong D.

No Ticket Pre-Sale For Plant-Armwood

The standing-room-only crowd expected for Friday night's Plant-Armwood football game likely will also do plenty of standing outside Lyle Flagg Field -- in a ticket line.

Armwood athletic director Don Hill announced today no ticket pre-sale will be conducted for the 7:30 p.m. contest, which could draw roughly 5,000 fans and will be televised live by Catch 47. Ticket windows, Hill said, will open "about 5:30 or 5:45."

Translation: Those wanting their choice of bleacher seat could face a two-hour wait -- or longer. Hill said if inclement weather is forecast for Friday evening, the school may delay selling tickets to avoid a mass reimbursement.

Armwood's preseason game at Lake Gibson last Friday was canceled due to heavy rain and lightning.

"It's kind of hard to distribute a thousand tickets and then turn around and give refunds back to people, so we may hold ticket sales until we get the (clearance)," Hill said. "This is just to eliminate confusion, it's not anything we can control."

County Coaches Get Raises

Though it may be analogous to Barney Fife putting on a couple of pounds, many of Hillsborough County's public high school coaches are, in fact, richer today.

The latest coaching supplement schedule for the county, approved last week by the school board, gives raises to head coaches in all sports except basketball and swimming.

County athletic director Lanness Robinson said the increases resulted in part from a comparison of Hillsborough supplements to those in neighboring counties. "We looked at Pinellas, Pasco, Polk, Manatee and kind of tried to get an average," Robinson said.

"Where we were below the average, we brought it up to the average."

The most significant hike went to cheerleading coaches, who now will earn an annual supplement of $2,131 -- a 63.1-percent increase from the 2006-07 school year.

Golf and tennis coaches also got a major boost, from $687.42 annually to $1,000 (nearly a 46-percent increase). Baseball and softball coaches now will receive $2,243 -- an increase of more than 30 percent.

Football coaches, meantime, still top the supplement scale with an annual payout of $3,736 -- a raise of $451.66. When considering hours worked, however, it still equates to only cents an hour for most coaches.

"Obviously you always want to get them as much as possible because what coaches do is hard to measure," Robinson said, "especially nowadays, where it's (year-round)."

Is your team one of the Top 50?

On Friday, our football special sections will be tucked into your morning paper, with teams previews, stories, columns and other wacky and fun things.

But since Friday seems so long away, we've been sleeping alot hard at work. Refusing to rest on our laurels after another year of putting the prep football tab to bed, the staff has been diligently pouring over video tapes, old practice footage and old copies of Maxim pages and pages of scouting reports to come up with the first-ever, first-annual, so-crazy-they-said-it-shouldn'tcouldn't-be-done Times Top 50.

Not the top 50 players. That's coming later in the season. But rather the top 50 teams in Hernando, Pasco, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, ranked in order, based upon wild guesses a complicated mathematic formula.

Okay, fine. No math was involved. Except for the counting to 50 part.

We're fairly confident a better list of teams that haven't even played a full game yet has never  compiled, and we're sure you'll agree. Well, maybe not our Pinellas Blog Crazies wonderful readers in Pinellas County, as we affectionately call them in the office when we're not filling out restraining orders against them but we tried extra hard to be fair and accurate.

We can't release this just yet because we had Tampa Bay Christian No. 6 before they dropped football there's still some tweaks to make. But look for it Tuesday, part of our bonus online coverage.

There's still time to influence us with gifts give us your opinion.

Just jump on in and fire away. And check back Tuesday night, 7 p.m., for the unveiling.

Inside Slant: Hillsborough's Friday Football Flashback

A weekly analysis of Hillsborough football; from interesting storylines to injury reports.

In a wild weather twist, storms covered the Tampa area Friday night for the preseason football classics. Some much-anticipated matchups, like Chamberlain-Jesuit and Armwood-Lake Gipson, were washed out.

But for those who soaked themselves in the late-summer storm, there were plenty of revealing moments - and questions answered. 

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK:
*Plant junior quarterback Aaron Murray: Murray lived up to the preseason hype on Friday, throwing for 266 yards and five touchdowns, while running for two TDs as well.
Working mostly out of the shotgun – with some three, four and five wide sets – Murray showed Robert Marve-like improvisational ability in eluding rushers to make something out of nothing.
It helped having an all-state receiver like senior Derek Winter carving up the Wharton secondary. Winter caught seven balls for 126 yards and three touchdowns.
By halftime, when Plant had scored 33 unanswered points, Wharton coach David Mitchell turned to his team and said, “They’re taking your heart.”

*Riverview RB Jahleel Addae: The star tailback was Mr. Efficiency, rushing for 151 yards and three TDs IN ONE HALF. The first two times he touched the ball, he scored.
Addae, who nearly transferred to Armwood in the offseason before staying at Riverview, appears to be in midseason form.

BEST FINISH
*Former legendary Jesuit coach Dominick Ciao returned to the sidelines Friday, this time with Berkeley Prep. He happened to find himself in the night’s craziest finish, with the Buccaneers falling 23-21 to Northside Christian on a safety with 3:24 left.

BEST MOMENT
*In an emotional pre-game act, Jefferson honored their late linebacker C.J. Mills Friday night before their game with Astronaut. Mills, the Dragons heart and soul last season, was shot and killed in April.
Mills’ cousin, senior receiver Darrell Young, carried a flag with Mills No. 8 out onto the field; his team followed, as the group vowed to dedicate their season to their fallen friend.
Jefferson won 26-13, but that was probably one of the last things fans took from Friday night.

FOUR THINGS WE LEARNED:
*QB’s cool under pressure: Both first-year starting quarterbacks – Murray (Plant) and Grossi (Jefferson) – held their own in their first fall jamboree. Murray picked apart Wharton’s D, and Zack Grossi calmly ran the show for Jefferson. They may have some huge shoes to fill with Robert Marve and Stephen Garcia, but so far, so good.
*Gaither on the rise – The Cowboys showed why some coaches believe they could be this year’s surprise team. They beat Durant 21-7 on Friday, using its stingy defense and dual-threat running attack. Tailback Jarvis Giles had a relatively quiet night, but fellow back Toney Salters racked up a chunk of yards in the second half.

*Lakeland is still Lakeland – Despite losing what seemed like a dozen stars to Florida last season, the defending national champs scored the last four TDs to beat Hillsborough. The Terriers were glad to get this one in (last year’s fall classic vs Lakeland was cancelled due to lightning), especially considering they’ve got Jefferson next week.

*Plant-Armwood gets bigger by the day: With Armwood’s matchup with Lake Gibson getting washed out by rain, several Hawks got to sneak down to Wharton and watch Plant, their opponent in Aug. 31st much-anticipated showdown in Seffner.

The Hawks boast arguably the county’s top defensive line, which should present a significant challenge to the defending state champions. Murray found himself under pressure for chunks of the first half Friday, but Wharton just couldn’t wrap up.

The Panthers will also need to firm up their running game, as Murray was, for the most part, their most effective rusher (46 yards, two Tds, mostly on scrambles).

OTHER STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
*Newsome freshman fullback Connor Powers – Rushed for 100 yards and four TDs to lead the Wolves to a 38-13 win over Lennard. Powers ruled short yardage situations, scoring on runs of 2, 3 and 9 and 6.

*Brandon tailback Samair Baker – Rushed 17 times for 90 yards, including a 52-yard punt return. The two-way star finished with 150 all-purpose yards.

*Tampa Catholic QB Christian Green – In his first varsity start, Green put his coach at ease, leading the Crusaders on two first-half scoring drives. He ran for 36 yards and passed for 67.

*East Bay junior Chaz Burrows – Rushed for 180 yards and two TDs to spur EB to a 17-6 win in the King coaching debut for King coach Earl Garcia.

INJURY REPORT:
*Plant suffered a few bumps, with playmaking WR/RB/CB James Harrell spraining his right ankle against Wharton. The late transfer from Sickles said he’d be ready to go Friday against Armwood.

*Wharton star senior safety Jairus Jones sat out the preseason classic; he said the rehab after shoulder surgery this summer was “very tough,” and he’s now “about 85-percent.” Jones said he hoped to be back for Friday’s opener against Freedom.

*Starting Alonso defensive lineman Tyler Gimbert was released from the hospital Friday after being diagnosed with a "spinal contusion," coach Mike Heldt said Saturday. Gimbert, a sophomore, was hurt after hitting the ground trying to make a tackle late in Thursday's preseason game against Countryside.
Heldt said Gimbert is doing OK now, and could be back on the field in a couple of weeks.

LATE SCORE: MIDDLETON BEAT SANDALWOOD (JACKSONVILLE) 20-14 LATE FRIDAY NIGHT, WITH RB CARLTON JONES LEADING THE WAY (100 YARDS RUSHING, INCLUDING A 50-YARD TD). AAARON ANDERSON ALSO HAD A 40-YARD TD RECEPTION.

*Miss anybody? Any thoughts from the game you saw? Feel free to drop us a note at joesmith@sptimes.com....

-- JOE SMITH

Notes from the 'Coast: What we learned this preseason

It was a rain-soaked ending to the preseason, but it was well worth it. Now that the dust - and precipitation - has cleared, Times Staff writers Izzy Gould and David Murphy share the biggest lessons they learned this weekend.

8) Wiregrass Ranch defeated Admiral Farragut 34-6

Bulls coach Ricky Thomas called us late Friday to give us the dirt on his preseason classic. Look out for Travis Duffy and Angel Rodriguez. The talented tandem connected on a pair of 40-plus yard passes in the route. Thomas said he simply "hopes to score" next week in an opener at Wesley Chapel and that the Bulls have a tough fight ahead.

7) Mitchell left us scratching our heads

The Mustangs are in the tough Class 5A, District 5 with Gaither, Wharton and Wesley Chapel. Tate Humphrey and Co. looked strong in the second half of a 27-16 win against the Gators. He threw for 238 yards and two touchdowns and hooked up with Tyrone Hendrix feeding him for 141 yards on four catches. Mitchell's defense looked like it had more swagger than last year's group. The first half was less than stellar. The second half left Coach Scott Schmitz smiling. We're still not sure where they stand.

6) Reports of Byronell Arline's demise were greatly exagerated

Leading up to Ridgewood's preseason showdown against East Lake, we heard so much about its star running back's foot that we were seriously going back to school to pursue a career in podiatry. But Arline eliminated all doubts about his bruised apendage, rushing for 119 yards on 18 carries and two touchdowns in the Rams' 23-14 win over the Eagles. Arline injured the foot a couple of weeks ago when a teammate stepped on it in practice. He said after the game that he is still in pain when he runs, and that the pain will likely continue throughout the season. But he was fresh enough to break off a 43-yard touchdown run off an option pitch against East Lake. Still, for Ridgewood to live up to its potential, its running back needs to stay healthy.

5) Zephyrhills is a lot better than we thought

The Bulldogs lost quarterback Sederrick Cunningham and running back Cannelious Ansley to graduation. They've been replaced by quarterback Tyler Guy and running back Chris Henry. There were questions about Quentin Amos, the beefy lineman with a gimpy left arm. He looked pretty good Friday in a 22-12 loss to Freedom. Joey Lyman's a pretty good looking receiver. We haven't seen two of the Bulldogs' top players because they were in street clothes Friday. One thing's for sure: Zephyrhills endured a first-quarter drive that ate most of the clock holding Freedom to a field goal. And there were times the D looked more than capable of playing with the big boys. With a veteran leader like Tom Fisher expect the unexpected.

4) We have absolutely no idea who the second-best team on the North Suncoast is right now.

We were hoping Central or Nature Coast would step up and stake its claim. But the Bears were blown out by a talented Dunedin squad, and the Sharks' game against playoff-caliber Eustis was rained out. So it's all up in the air. Land O'Lakes? Well, the Gators certainly have reloaded on talent. But did they really show enough in a loss to Mitchell to overshadow the loss of Joe Weatherford? Mitchell? Yeah, it beat Land O'Lakes, but the majority of its points were scored in the second half, when the Gators were rolling in second and third teamers. Pasco? Didn't have a preseason game. Wesley Chapel? Didn't have a preseason game. Zephyrhills? Probably not. For all we know, it could be Hernando. Speaking of which. . .

3) Hernando has the talent to challenge for a playoff berth

Will they? Who knows. But we ask one thing out of our teams in the preseason: Show us something. And the Leopards showed us. They ultimately lost to South Sumter, but here's what we learned: senior back-up Lamon Neal will challenge for the starting job. Senior running back George Fribley is a threat to score whenever he touches the ball. Senior linebacker Taylor Rotunda is a talent. And coach Rodney Byrd's spread offense has the ability to take advantage of defenses.

2) Land O'Lakes will really miss John Weatherford

The Gators have potential. Land O'Lakes coach John Benedetto has three of the county's top quarterbacks to choose from in Ely Payne, Stephen (or is it Stevie or is it B-B??) Weatherford and Ben Hipps. The lines look solid. Jerome Harrison is a nice addition as a skilled receiver/defensive back. Alex Spock has the best leg on the 'Coast. But there was John Weatherford standing on the sideline in jeans waiting to have his right knee surgically repaired in a couple of weeks after he suffered a season-ending injury last week. You could picture the senior running back barreling through Mitchell defenders. You could see him making tackles as a powerful linebacker. But you won't see him. Can Land O'Lakes overcome his absence?   

1) Ridgewood is for real

How for real are the Rams? Well, that's what they've got the regular season for. But we can tell you this: the Rams are more than deserving of entering the season as the undisputed No. 1 team on the North Suncoast. What they choose to do with that distinction is up to them. An early-season match-up against Central looms, and you can be sure the Bears are reading this blog post from a bulletin board in their locker room. But Ridgewood has what it takes to win a district title: a bruising, go-to running back; a big, talented corps of linebackers; a good coach in Chris Taylor; and a host of seniors determined to make this the best season in school history. East Lake is a perennial Pinellas County power with a Division I player at running back, and Ridgewood more than held its own. Yeah, it's the preseason. For all we know, the Rams could lose to Hudson in the season-opener. But for now, they're the team to beat.

Murray Calls It a Night With 300-Plus Yards

After three quarters at Wharton, defending Class 4A state champion Plant leads the Wildcats, 53-14, behind new quarterback Aaron Murray.

The 6-foot-2 junior, who appears to be done for the evening, finished 15-for-27 for 266 yards and ran for 36 more. At halftime, he had five passing and one rushing TD as Plant took a 39-7 lead.

His favorite target was Derek Winter, who caught 7 passes for 126 yards and three TDs.

Other Hillsborough County preseason scores:

Lakeland 28, Hillsborough 6 

Northside Christian 23, Berkeley Prep 21

East Bay 17, King 6

Boca Ciega 36, Blake 6

Newsome 38, Lennard 13

Armwood at Lake Gibson, canceled (weather)

Gaither 21, Durant 7

Jefferson 26, Titusville Astronaut 13, 4th qtr

Murray Looking Marve-lous Against Wharton

If one half of preseason football is any indication, Plant is well on its way to winning another state title and boasting a Florida Mr. Football at quarterback.

After one rain-delayed first half at Wharton, the Panthers have taken a 39-7 lead behind new quarterback Aaron Murray. The heir to reigning Mr. Football Robert Marve, Murray is 12-for-22 for 195 yards and five -- yes, five -- touchdowns. Senior Derek Winter has three TD catches.

The game was delayed an hour and 15 minutes due to inclement weather, giving Armwood's coaching staff plenty of time to dash from northern Polk County to New Tampa to watch the game. The Hawks' preseason game at Lake Gibson was canceled at 7:45 due to heavy rain and lightning. Armwood and Plant square off next week.

Elsewhere, Hillsborough is trailing defending Class 5A state champ Lakeland, 14-6, in the third.

Preseason football scores

Yes, it's that time again. It's football season in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco and Hernando counties. The scores don't count just yet, but that won't stop us from posting them. And believe me, the hitting will be real. We'll be updating the site throughout the night, so if you don't see the score you're looking for, check back later.

(Photo: Durant's Damon Kolanowski catches a pass from quarterback Jeremy Fussell as Gaither's Justin Perez closes in. Times photo - Daniel Wallace. Click to enlarge.)

Largo 37, Clearwater 0
Newsome 38, Lennard 13
River Ridge 0, Lecanto 0
Northeast 43, Gibbs 28
St. Petersburg 10, PHU 8
Dunedin 35, Central 7
Tampa Catholic 21, Robinson 12
Boca Ciega 36, Blake 6
Gaither 21, Durant 7
East Bay 17, King 6
Freedom 22, Zephyrhills 12
Brandon 37, Sickles 0
Lakeland 28, Hillsborough 6
Lakewood 20, Dixie Hollins 16
Plant 53, Wharton 14
Riverview 47, Bloomingdale 0
Jefferson 26, Titusville Astronaut 13
Tarpon Springs 51, Gulf 7
Wiregrass Ranch 34, Admiral Farragut 6
Sunlake 20, Bishop McLaughlin 0
Ridgewood 23, East Lake 14
Keswick Christian 35, Fort Myers Evangelical 6
Leto 16, Spoto 6
Northside Christian 23, Berkeley Prep 21
Armwood at Lake Gibson, cancelled
Plant City at Tampa Bay Tech, cancelled
Jesuit at Chamberlain, cancelled
St. Petersburg Catholic at Treasure Coast, cancelled

(Pictured: East Lake's Micah Powell looks for daylight against Ridgewood. Times photo - Lance Aram Rothstein. Click to enlarge.)

Notes from the 'Coast: Countdown to Kickoff

It's Friday night. It's 210 degrees outside. It's so humid you need a scuba license just to walk to the 7-11 and buy a Cherry Coke. But there's football tonight on the North Suncoast, and all is right with the world. Ridgewood trying to live up to the hype against East Lake? Central testing its mettle against Dunedin?

Other than re-runs of "Family Matters" and "Step by Step," what more could you want?

Parents, root for your children. Sisters, root for your brothers. But here's what we'll be watching for:

THE GAME: Ridgewood (6-4 last season) vs. East Lake (7-3)

WHAT WE CAN LEARN: How healthy is Byronell Arline? We've written so much about this kid's injured foot, Barbaro called and told us to lay off. Is it overblown? Yeah. Are we tired of it? Heck yeah. But it's summer. And, honestly, it's either Arline's foot or a feature on some 85-year-old grandfather of 12 who can run a 5k in under two hours. So deal with it. Seriously, though, we're interested to see how much the potential Division I running back will play. Ridgewood coach Chris Taylor told us yesterday he's treating this one like a regular season game. And why not? The Rams have received more hype than Kelly Clarkson this preseason and are facing one of Pinellas County's toughest schools. While we're at it, let's give Ben Perry and the Ridgewood "D" a little love: they get a chance to square off against Vanderbilt-bound running back Micah Powell.

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THE GAME: Central (8-2 last season) at Dunedin (8-2)

WHAT WE CAN LEARN: This is just between you and us, but we've been waking up in cold sweats all week because we can't be at this game. Ace Pinellas staff writer Brandon Wright will be holding it down -- and, hopefully chiming in with some post-game analysis -- but still. . .if there's such a thing as an Instant Classic preseason game, this could be it. Where to we begin? How about Central running back Duane Marks. Everyone's tired of hearing the name DuJuan Harris, but the former Bears star carried the team last season. In his place is Marks, who's a little bigger, a couple steps slower, but ultra talented. Marks went for over 100 yards in the Bears' spring game against Ocala West Port and is determined to, uh, make his mark. Then we've got senior quarterback Chase Walker, who Central coach Cliff Lohrey is absolutely infatuated with. Says Walker is one of the two best athletes of the team, and is poised for a breakout season. Is the Bears defense as good as last season? Is it better?

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THE GAME: Nature Coast (8-3) at Eustis (9-3)

WHAT WE CAN LEARN: The Sharks would have met Eustis in the second round of the 2006 playoffs if not for a 26-13 loss to Williston in the Class 3A region quarterfinal. Well, they really wanted to play each
other so they're hooking up in tonight's preseason clash. Starting with Eustis, the Orlando Sentinel released its preseason Super 6 and put the Panthers on its watch list. Considering the Senitnel covers
something like eight counties, to be consider among the top 15 teams in the area should mean something. Back to Nature Coast. Sharks coach Jamie Joyner can't seem to get his cell phone to work in the school -that seems to be a problem at a lot of schools - but look to see if running back Kevin Drake can live up to the hype. And quarterback Stephen Pelaez brings a different style to the position than his
predecessor.

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THE GAME: Gulf (6-4 last season) at Tarpon Springs (5-5)

WHAT WE CAN LEARN: This will be an early test for the Bucs' defense. Just two starters return from last season, and one of them is playing a new position. We'll also get our first look at David Williams, the former Ridgewood back up who is expected to star for the Bucs this season. How will sophomore quarterback Madison Burr hold up against a fast, athletic Tarpon Springs defense that features blue-chip defensive end Donnel Engram?

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THE GAME: River Ridge (0-10 last season) at Lecanto (0-10)

WHAT WE CAN LEARN: Who will get to taste the sweet, sweet nectar of victory? Yeah, it's the preseason, but neither of these teams won a game last season. We're going with River Ridge.

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THE GAME: Academy at the Lakes (N/A) at Indian Rocks Christian (2-8)

WHAT WE CAN LEARN: Can the Wildcats and their 20-or-so varsity players compete at the varsity level? They won the six-man state title in 2006, but this is completely different. AATL has three coaches and a ton of questions. Wildcats senior Daniel Kwitko, a two-way starter at linebacker and tight end, caught the winning touchdown in the six-man football championship. So look for him to make some plays.

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THE GAME: Freedom (6-4) at Zephyrhills (8-3)

WHAT WE CAN LEARN: The Bulldogs have plenty of questions beginning at quarterback for the fight to replace three-year starter Sederrick Cunningham. Zephyrhills has tabbed sophomore Tyler Guy the starter, but junior Lance Hayes has come on strong and is pressing Guy for the job. Also, this will mark Quentin Amos' first chance at real game action since a car accident over the summer almost took his left arm. Amos was a Division I prospect prior to the accident, and this could be his first step toward a scholarship offer.

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THE GAME: Wiregrass Ranch (N/A) at Admiral Farragut (4-5)

WHAT WE CAN LEARN: The Bulls play their first varsity game tonight marking the return of Dade City icon Ricky Thomas to the sideline. Thomas played and coached the Pirates for parts of two decades, but ow lead Wiregrass Ranch. This is a chance to see if Angel Rodriguez can be a true leader and if the Bulls defense can stand up to varsity competition. Thomas should have the boys on point.

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THE GAME: Bishop McLaughlin (5-5) at Sunlake (N/A)

WHAT WE CAN LEARN: The Hurricanes have a few years of varsity experience under their belt as a program, but much of it walked out the door after last season. BM first-year coach Marty Williams has his hands full trying to put the pieces in the right holes. Look for Hurricanes senior Paul Padillia to be the leader of the bunch. Sunlake opens its new stadium tonight making it one of three new varsity programs in action (joining Wiregrass and AATL)