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Middleton quarterback DeAndre Presley has just pulled off one of the most dazzling plays in Blake-Middleton history.
Presley's 96-yard run on a quarterback draw his given the Tigers a 27-0 lead with 1:05 to play before halftime. Presley was sprung for the last 30 yards of his run on a nice block from receiver "Magic" Davis.
Blake's only scoring threat in the half ended when Tigers sophomore Earnest Mingo picked off a deep Micheal McFarland pass at the Middleton 5.
Roughly 15 minutes remain before kickoff of the Florida Sentinel Heritage Classic (aka Blake-Middleton game) and it appears about 6,000 fans are shoehorned into Raymond James Stadium.
Which means around 59,000 seats are empty.
I've said it before in print, and I'll say it again here in cyberspace: Pro stadiums are no place for high school games. Right now, RayJay seems cavernous, and a game that should be generating enough electricity to put TECO out of business is shorting out due to a lack of intimacy.
Based on the size of the crowd right now, you can't tell me a college soccer stadium (i.e. USF), with some temporary bleachers thrown in, couldn't accommodate this game. Imagine the noise, the buzz of a cozier setting. It would be crazy.
And it sure beats cavernous.
While pondering whether or not Armwood will ever lose a game, or how soon Ridgewood's Byronell Arline will get 400 yards in a game, or if Boca Ciega is for real, watch this.
It's the Friday Night Rewind. Watch it, download it, love it.
You can see it here, here or here.
I'd tell you why I end up doing the Shout-Outs solo this week, but we have to save something for the director's commentary on the upcoming DVD, Rewinding the Rewind: Season 1.
As for why a 6-foot-2, 225-pound running back's jersey barely fits me, I have no answers for that. Well, none that don't make me want to cry, anyway.
**UPDATE** (12:25 a.m.)
Wesley Chapel quarterback Greg Jenkins was knocked out of a 24-17 loss to Zephyrhills with what is believed to be a separated right shoulder. Jenkins was at home just after midnight planning to visit a doctor later today.
Jenkins said he was told the injury could sideline him "two or three weeks." Instead of rushing immediately to a hospital, Jenkins stayed on the sideline throughout the game after he was knocked out in the first series. Zephyrhills senior Tyler Smith ran into Jenkins on a fierce tackle that knocked the Wesley Chapel star to an immediate halt. Jenkins stayed in for the next play, but fumbled and turned the ball over.
"It's hurting," Jenkins said by phone. "I can't move fast. I've got some Advil, so that helps."
Read more in Saturday's St. Petersburg Times.
(Pictured: An injured Greg Jenkins,left, and Micah Johnson cheer on Wesley Chapel during a drive in the second quarter. Photo by Atoyia Deans, Times staffer. Click on the photo to enlarge)
Midseason is here. Just about.
Next week, we'll have our midseason reports, with a special edition PrepCast Roundtable and a column breaking it all down. But here's where YOU come in.
You heard me: YOU.
Send me your top 5:
Teams.
Players.
Surprises.
Disappointments.
Best coaching jobs.
Best plays that you saw.
Unsung heroes.
Best 3 predictions for the second half.
And anything else that struck your fancy from the first half. You're going to have to email this to johnccotey@gmail.com, as we don't want this becoming some huge flame war by anonymous posters in the comments section. But we will protect your anonymity if you request so in your e-mails. If you wanna be heard, be heard. We'll compile the results and reveal them on the PrepCast, the blog, maybe in the column.
Call it our Reader's Choice Awards. Anything posted in the comments will not be eligible.
Remember, johnccotey@gmail.com. Hit me up.
Speak now or forever hold your peace. post anonymously in the comments below.
A few thoughts before you go to your game...
Zephyrhills (2-1) at Wesley Chapel (3-1)
CATCH 47 GAME OF THE WEEK
AREN'T YOU LUCKY?: This should be a doozy and that's why it's being televised, LIVE! So all you USF fans down at Ray-Jay checking out the concourse grub, beg the dude at the concession stand to switch over to ZHills-WC so you enjoy the best of both worlds. And if you're out to dinner or at a bar then you're really hooked up with the TV situation. Of course, there are plenty of fans true to their school so the stands at Wildcat Stadium should be stuffed.
Breakdown: Wesley Chapel can made a loud statement throughout the Bay area with a win tonight. The Wildcats have the talented Mr. Greg Jenkins at quarterback and a couple of sweet running backs in Hunter Joyer and Kennan Reynolds. The Bulldogs could easily be undefeated entering this one if not for a let down against Land O'Lakes. That said, this relatively inexperienced group is loaded with talent beginning with running back Chris Henry. If he has a big night, look out. And Josh Perkins looks big and intimidating defensively.
David Murphy picked Wesley Chapel
New Port Richey mayor Dan Tipton (our celebrity picker), he's taking the Wildcats.
Why break from the pack, I've got Wesley Chapel because they're too strong at home.
Ridgewood(3-0) at Gulf (2-2)
Breakdown: There's no getting around this one. Rams-Bucs pits two bulls head-to-head in running backs Byronell Arline (Ridgewood) and David Williams (Gulf). Williams dropped some gasoline on the fire with a promotional video aimed at getting fans in the seats. It also just might have heated some Rams looking for any form of motivation to run relentlessly at Gulf. This should be a pretty sweet Battle of the 'Backs.
Murphy: He's taken the Rams by 10.
Mayor: He's going with the Rams, too.
Gould: I've got Ridgewood kicking up dust in an easy victory.
Pasco (2-2) at Nature Coast (2-1)
Breakdown: If I couldn't be at any of the two preceding games I'd want to be at this one. Talk about two teams oozig with talent. How do pick between Stephen Pelaez or D.J. Clower? Or Tevin Drake and Josh Johnson? There's plenty of others that should make this first meeting a dandy. Can Pasco keep rolling after a close win against Hudson? And can the Sharks rebound from a tough-to-swallow-loss to Crystal River? These teams are turnover crazy, so I'm guessing whoever holds onto the ball better is going to pull it out.
Murphy: He's going with the Sharks in a seven-point victory.
Mayor: He's taking the Hernando County boys by 10.
Gould: Going out on a limb and sticking my hand in the fire. Pasco wins by four.
Mitchell (2-1) at Hudson (1-2)
Breakdown: Okay, we're still waiting for Mitchell to bust out a dominant performance worthy of making it a true competitor for the Class 5A, District 5 title. They've got Gaither next, but first it's the Cobras. There's no reason Tate Humphrey & Co. shouldn't roll in this one. Unless Hudson coach Mark Nash has a guy named Sean Scott, a defensive monster in Travis Tindell and a sophomore quarterback named Zack Wynn who can win. Well, Hudson has the talent to win and could have come into this one with a winning record. But they haven't so....
Murphy: He's taking the Mustangs by 18.
Mayor: He's going even bigger by 28.
Gould: I've got the Mustangs, too, but only by four.
Central (2-2) at Lecanto (0-4)
Breakdown: The Bears should wipe themselves off after a tough loss to Ridgewood thanks mostly to the Arline Express. In the process, Central running back Duane Marks proved he's worthy of being considered amoung the area's top backs. Look for him to take out his frustration on a Lecanto team that has struggle dbig time.
Murphy: Dave has a lot of faith in the Bears in a 63-0 win. (Hope he knows this isn't the Chicago Bears.)
Mayor: He's takig Central by 21.
Gould: I've got Central by 25.
Land O'Lakes (3-1) at Sunlake (0-3)
Breakdown: Okay, the split between Sunlake and Land O'Lakes has been well publicized. What's interesting is this doesn't appear to be a big rivalry, yet. Tonight could change that if the Gators - as expected - roll to an easy victory tonight. Look for rotating quarterbacks Ely Payne and Stevie Weatherford as well as the debute of Chris Singleton at running back fresh off recovering from a knee injury.
Murphy: He's taken Coach John Benedetto and the boys by 37 points.
Mayor: He's taking the Gators to shutout Sunlake by 31.
Gould: I've also got a shutout in mind by the tune of 42-0
Lake Weir (0-4) at Wiregrass Ranch (0-4)
Breakdown: Good news - this week, somebody wins. And for Bulls coach Ricky Thomas claiming his first varsity win since leaving Pasco in 2002 can't come soon enough.
Murphy: He's got Lake Weir by a hair or three points.
Mayor: A little less confident in the Bulls, who lose by 21.
Gould: I've got the Bulls rolling to a one-point win.
Hernando Christian(2-0) at Temple Christian (3-0)
Breakdown: This battle of undefeated teams should be pretty special. The difference will be home vs. away.
Murphy: He took TC by four.
Mayor: He's got HCA by four.
Gould: I've got TC by one.
Out-of-Door (2-1) at Bishop McLaughlin (0-3)
Breakdown: the Hurricanes host another home game, but OOD is too strong for the up-and-coming Hurricanes.
Murphy: He's got OOD by 15.
Mayor: He's got OOD by 10.
Gould: I've got 'em by 23.
Winter Haven All Saints (1-3) at Academy at the Lakes (0-2)
Breakdown: The Wildcats are still building, growing and taking their lumps.
Murphy: He's got All Saints by seven.
Mayor: He's got 'em with a 14-point shutout.
Gould: I've got All Saints as well.
-- IZZY GOULD
Times Staff Writer
Not a day goes by without an allegation of illegal recruiting getting thrown around - some jokingly, some not so much. But a recent scandal involving a high school football program in California takes the cake and has made national news.
An investigation into a football program in Lodi, California found that a Franklin High assistant illegally recruited more than a dozen players from American Samoa and offered them housing.
According to an Associated Press story, "the six-month probe alleges a Samoa-based relative of the coach began meeting with the students' parents as early as 2004, and persuaded them to send their sons from the remote South Pacific island to arid Lodi, a farming town 35 miles south of Sacramento. Once there, the coach is accused of housing the students at his home, with his brother or with other coaches."
The AP reports that "fourteen students and their families flew to California on tickets purchased by the coach's mother, and were put up in motels for a week paid for by Franklin High School personnel... The coaches helped the parents get fake utility bills to establish their sons' residency, and the Yellowjackets gained a new set of recruits to advance their standing within the league"
Check out the full story. You have to read it to believe it
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/preps/football/2007-09-27-samoan-probe_N.htm
-- JOE SMITH
There's plenty of buzz around No. 5 West Virginia coming to face No. 18 USF.
Locally, there’s a cost for the television exposure.
Because the game is on ESPN, it is being played Friday, which casts a shadow over high school football. As Times staff writer Joe Smith noted in a prior post, some high schools with bye weeks will be in attendance.
Many others will not.
“They’re not going to be able to have any recruits on the sidelines,” Land O'Lakes coach John Benedetto said. “Coaches won’t be able to go to the games. Attendance in Hillsborough County (Friday) night has got to be really horrible for high school games.”
Coaches in Hernando and Pasco counties don’t seem as concerned that their fans will choose USF-WVU over high school football.
“Hopefully in Brooksville it won’t affect us,” Nature Coast coach Jamie Joyner said. “Pasco’s coming here, and they have a big following. I don’t like colleges playing on Friday night. I’m sure it will have an impact in Hillsborough. And I’m a little selfish. I wish I could see it.”
A similar scenario happened in 2004 when Florida State and Miami played a Friday night game, which was met with criticism.
(And please scroll down to see a sweet graphic to accompany a post by Times staff writer David Murphy. The post is pretty sweet, too.)
-- IZZY GOULD
Times Staff Writer
I don't know if I could type on a torn meniscus, much less tackle a 200-pound 
ballcarrier. But Hernando linebacker Nick Pauliot will attempt to do just that (tackle, not type) for the rest of the season.
The senior has elected to postpone surgery until the end of the season so he can start at linebacker for the Leopards. A hard-hitter with one of the best noses for the ball in the area, Pauliot injured the knee in a season-opening loss to Central, a game in which he led the team with eight tackles, three for loss. He missed the Leopards' next two games, but was cleared by a doctor and returned for a few snaps in last week's loss to Wesley Chapel.
"He's tough," said Leopards coach Rodney Byrd, who estimated Pauliot is currently playing at 70 percent health. "His motor never stops. He has the desire."
--DAVID MURPHY
Academy of the Holy Names volleyball coach Doug Chinchar said this will be his last season as the school's coach.
Chinchar, 37, who played college volleyball at Ohio State, is in his 8th season at AHN. His career record heading into this weekend's Berkeley Premier is 129-55. Chinchar, who lives in Land O'Lakes and works fulltime at a Tampa drug testing lab, said he wanted to spend more time with his two-year-old daughter, Naomi.
"It was a hard, hard, hard decision," Chinchar said Thursday. "But I don't want to be burned out with my daughter so young. I sometimes go two days without seeing her."
Jason Brochard, AHN's JV coach the past three seasons, will take over for Chinchar next year.
-- JOE SMITH
Times photo of AHN coach Doug Chinchar in 1999, then coaching Gaither.
Sports Illustrated arrived today, and guess what the Sign of the Apocalypse is this week?
Go on. Guess.
Nope. Nope. And nope.
It's this: "A few days after the patriots' spying scandal, the brother of the coach of Largo (Fla.) High's football team was caught impermissibly filming a future opponent.''
So there yas go. Run for your lives. The apokalupsis eschaton is coming.
Plant junior quarterback Aaron Murray may have a bye Friday night, but he's been pretty busy on the recruiting scene.
Murray, one of the nation's leading passers (1,302 yards in four games), picked up an offer this week from Wake Forest, to go along with ones from USF, Boston College, Ole Miss and Oregon State.
Murray said he'll attend the sold-out USF-West Virginia game Friday night. He'll join five other Plant teammates -- receiver Derek Winter, running back Lovell Jackson, WR Cornelius Gallon and linemen Rhonne Sanderson and Tyler Evans.
Winter, one of the state's top receivers, and Jackson also have offers from USF. Jackson recently picked one up from Wake Forest as well.
The Bulls are also hosting chunks of players from Middleton, Lakewood and River Ridge.
Murray, when talking about his recruitment, laughed after being asked about Boston College's extra quasi-recruiter -- Plant coach Bob Weiner, who is a BC alumnus.
"When he saw the letter," Murray said. "He just had a huge smile on his face."
-- JOE SMITH
Times photo of Plant quarterback Aaron Murray.
BY DAVID MURPHY
Times Staff Writer
Tyrone Timmons was sitting in front of the computer at his job as a technician at a flight simulation company when the unknown number flashed on his phone.
It was 3:48 p.m. last Thursday.
Exactly three hours later, the former Tampa Bay Tech star was at Tampa International hopping a flight to Kansas City and hoping that maybe, just maybe, his shot at the NFL had finally arrived.
"It was a crazy feeling," said Timmons, who led Tampa Bay Tech to its last playoff appearance as a senior in 2001.
Today, that crazy feeling paid off.
Less than a week after the Kansas City Chiefs summoned him for that impromptu workout, the team signed Timmons to its practice squad, bringing him tantalizingly close to a dream that has eluded him since graduating from Mississippi Valley State in May.
A quarterback throughout his high school career, Timmons switched to wide receiver three days after arriving on Mississippi Valley State's Bena, Miss. campus. During his junior and senior seasons, The 6-foot-3, 210-pound Thonotosassa resident combined to catch 105 passes for 1,674 yards and 15 touchdowns.
During his junior season, Timmons had a chance to work out with MVS's most famous alumnus, a former NFL wide receiver by the name of Jerry Rice.
Rice, who starred for the Delta Devils from 1981-84 before moving on to a Hall of Fame career with the San Francisco 49ers, spent a day working with Timmons 1-on-1.
"He said, 'You've got everything it takes to be a NFL receiver, you just have to get it in your mind," Timmons said.
Nevertheless, Timmons went undrafted this past spring, despite predictions from several scouts that he'd be taken in the seventh round. He participated in the New York Giants' rookie camp, then had a brief cameo with the Buffalo Bills before heading back to Tampa to join the practice squad of the Tampa Bay Storm.
By the time the Storm's season ended in June, he had all but written off the NFL. Timmons, who has a degreen in electronics, returned to CAE/USA, a Tampa flight simulation company where he had interned during college. All was quiet until last week, when the Chiefs called and invited him to work out.
Less than a week later, he's in Kansas City, preparing for this week's game at San Diego and learning from fellow Arena Leaguer Bobby Sippio, who is a member of the Chiefs' active roster after a stellar AFL season in Chicago.
Life as an NFL practice squad player is a tenuous one. An injury to an active-roster player can mean either immediate unemployment or promotion to the active roster. Players make around $5,000 a week, and do not dress in uniform on game days.
Still, it's a big step up for Timmons.
Right now, he's studying his play book - the Chiefs are an I-formation team who rely primarily on two and three-wide receiver sets, compared with the shot-gun, spread offense Timmons ran in college - and living in a Holiday Inn in Kansas City. The team pays for his digs for a week. After that, he's on his own.
Whatever happens, he knows he has both his electronics degree and the AFL to fall back on.
"It's crazy," he said. "That's just how it works sometimes."
David Murphy can be reached at dmurphy@sptimes.com
Boca Ciega was fined $150 and received a letter of reprimand from the Florida High School Athletic Association for illegally videotaping a football game.
Dixie Hollins filed a formal complaint against Boca Ciega head coach Stevie Thomas for videotaping the Rebels' game against Northeast on Sept. 7.
According to the FHSAA football manual, visiting teams can only “photograph, film or videotape a contestant’s performance …when permission is secured from and arrangements are made with the host school principal.” Same goes for a representative of a school that is not participating in a contest.
Boca Ciega can appeal the decision.
A ruling on Largo will most likely be made Thursday, according to Robert Hernberger, the associate director of communications for the FHSAA.
Five Freedom players, five Tampa Bay Tech players and a TBT assistant have been suspended six weeks by the Florida High School Athletic Association for “gross unsporting conduct” during the melee at Friday’s game. Two other Freedom players will serve a one-game suspension for general unsporting conduct (one unrelated to the fight). The penalties, announced by the FHSAA Wednesday, also included fines TBT ($3,250) and Freedom (1,700), as well as administrative probation for both football programs through the 2008-09 school year. Each school’s administrators decided to also give each player ejected a 10-day out-of-school suspension “It’s been pretty bad the last couple days,” said TBT senior linebacker Delon Thomas, who added he wasn’t one of the unidentified suspended players. “But we’re looking to move forward.” The scrap was sparked late in the first quarter of TBT's 19-0 win Friday, when Patriots defender tackled Titans running back Darius Anderson and then hit him late out of bounds by the TBT bench. Five Freedom players, three TBT players and a TBT assistant were initially ejected Friday, but after the FHSAA, school administrators and county athletic director Lanness Robinson viewed the game film, the number - and names - of ejected players were adjusted.
The FHSAA report stated that ejected TBT assistant coach Rico Choi kicked an unidentified Freedom player and pushed Blackwell; for his actions, TBT was fined $1,500.
TBT plays Spoto Friday. Freedom plays Alonso.
For more, read Thursday's Times.
-- JOE SMITH
No longer able to suppress the itch to return to baseball, former Jesuit coach John Crumbley is heading back to the dugout, just not the one on Himes Avenue.
"It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," said Crumbley, who retired as Tigers coach in 2006 with 575 career wins and three state titles in 22 seasons.
"They're going D-I, they didn't have a young, student-assistant type they could put in that position, so it all kind of came about."
Though he hasn't nailed down living arrangements in Fort Myers, Crumbley said he'll support himself by substitute teaching in Lee County. He plans to return to Jesuit next August.
"It's the best scenario," he said.
Hawks coach Sean Callahan said Wednesday that, at this point, he isn't planning on playing two-way lineman Matt Patchan (separated shoulder), defensive end Sergio Joyner (knee), fullback Matt Eastman (shoulder) in Friday's matchup with Jefferson (1-2). Safety Aaron Duncan (ankle), will dress and could see action, but Callahan said he's leaning towards holding him out.
Armwood starts district play next week with Tampa Bay Tech (4-0); a game those starters are likely to return.
The Hawks (4-0), ranked No. 26 in the nation, have yet to play at full strength. But their depth has played a big role in their strong start - and in Callahan's patience for holding some of his stars out. Their linebacking core - including the team's leading tackler Casey Callahan and Chris Greene -- have stepped up, with touted defensive end Ryne Giddins racking up a team-high 8 sacks.
On offense, Rashyied Melvin filled in admirably for Eastman, rushing 14 times for 86 yards in last week's 42-3 win over Newsome.
Jefferson is planning a few tweaks of its own. The Dragons gave up 311 yards rushing to Gaither last week, and will play former starting linebacker Troy Wolfe both ways on the line.
-- JOE SMITH
Times photo of Armwood senior lineman Matt Patchan.
The FHSAA "will more than likely" reach a decision Wednesday regarding potential penalties for inappropriate videotaping of football games by Largo and Boca Ciega. The FHSAA received an official complaint about Largo last Wednesday. The FHSAA received a complaint about Boca Ciega Sept. 10 but since the investigation is ongoing, director of media operations Robert Hernberger wouldn't comment any further.
--Brandon Wright
Osceola avoided being suspended from any athletic competition by the Florida High School Athletic Association after faxing in their roster to the organization for the state-mandated steroids program.
Osceola was among more than 50 schools that had not turned in their fotball roster by the Aug. 22 due date.
I like to download this and go jogging. It fires me up!
Hahahaha. I'm totally kidding. About the jogging part, I mean.
Anyway, if you have 45 minutes to kill, check it out. We talk about videotaping games, Northside's near upset, Billy Turner, the brawl between TBT and Freedom, why I am stupid/brilliant for hopping Dunedin over Bogie in the Top 50, and you'll never believe how many yards Bob Putnam predicts for Largo's Harvey and Dunedin's Bellamy in their showdown this week. I still can't believe it. Goosebumps!
And that's not all!Order now and you'll get Dave Murphy and Joe Smith interviewing Jefferson QB Zack Grossi, Cotey suggesting that Ridgewood's Byronell Arline could get 500 yards this week and Putnam and Smith's predictions for Friday's games.
The Florida High School Athletic Association has received football rosters for King, Cambridge and Blake, ending their suspension from competition.
The FHSAA had released Tuesday that nearly 50 state schools had missed the Aug. 22 deadline to turn in copies of their rosters for the state's mandatory steroid testing program. Those schools were suspended indefinitely from play until the organization received them.
House Bill 461 calls for 1 percent of athletes in football, baseball and weightlifting to be randomly tested. The state added flag football and softball to the tested sports.
The steroid testing program hasn't started yet, until all the schools turn in their forms.
In other FHSAA news, spokesman Robert Hernberger said there's been no movement in the TBT-Freedom ejections from Friday...
Stay tuned for updates..
--- JOE SMITH
Another week down, and speaking of down -- Nature Coast, formerly No. 10, takes a tumble after a surprising loss to Crystal River, the top 5 remains unchanged and Dunedin makes it's way back to the top 10 just in time for Friday's showdown with No. 2 Largo. Oh, and say hi to Palm Harbor University and Indian Rocks Christian, who have replaced St. Petersburg and Freedom.
1. (1) Armwood (4-0)
Last week: beat No. 17 Newsome 42-3.
This week: at Jefferson.
You could line up Jessica Alba, Scarlett Johansson, Gabrielle Union and Eva Longoria, and the Hawks could make even them look bad. At the very least, the theory should be tested. Many times.
2. (2) Largo (3-0)
Last week: beat No. 48 St. Petersburg 28-0.
This week: vs. Dunedin.
The Packers only scored four times against the Green Devils. If they hadn't scouted the game so thoroughly, that would have been a 7-0 contest.
3. (3) Hillsborough (4-0)
Last week: beat No. 12 Middleton 35-32.
This week: at Riverview.
The Terrier defense had its bye week Friday.
4. (4) Plant (3-1)
Last week: beat No. 9 Riverview 43-22.
This week: Bye.
Every game that Armwood plays, we grow more and more impressed ... with Plant and quarterback Aaron Murray.
5. (5) Northeast (4-0)
Last week: beat Bradenton SE 49-7
Next week: Bye.
I remember back before Jeff Brinson, when 300-yard games were rare. Now, everyone gets them, and sometimes more than one. There as common as us mention, well, Jeff Brinson.
6. (7) Ridgewood (3-0)
Last week: beat No. 27 Central 42-21
This week: at Gulf.
Byronell Arline: Big Daddy Delicious Destruction. If you've got something better, shoot an email to johncotey@gmail.com.
7. (11) Dunedin (3-1)
Last week: beat No. 26 Countryside 39-21.
This week: at Largo.
Dunedin is back in the top 10. That was the easy part. Sticking around, with Largo up next? Not to much.
8. (8) Boca Ciega (3-0)
Last week: beat No. 35 Lakewood 12-3.
This week: at St. Petersburg.
Two words: Randall Klafter.
9. (13) Chamberlain (2-2)
Last week: beat Blake 28-0.
This week: vs. East Bay.
Billy Turner is back at practice.
10. (14) Tarpon Springs (3-0)
Last week: Beat River Ridge 37-0.
This week: vs. Countryside.
Only top 10 team that has beaten two teams not even in the Top 50. So that's not a ringing endorsement, but our top 10 teams keep losing, and the Spongers keep winning.
Continue reading "The Hub keeps it real: the updated Fab 50 is in." »
Three Hillsborough County football teams and one from Pinellas are suspended from any competition until they turn in their rosters to the Florida High School Athletic Association for the state-mandated steroid testing program.
Blake, Cambridge, King and Osceola are four of over 50 schools state-wide that have yet to turn in their football rosters. The FHSAA required schools to send rosters by Aug. 22.
House Bill 461 calls for 1 percent of athletes in football, baseball and weightlifting to be randomly tested.
Those schools are not allowed to compete in JV or varsity competition until the FHSAA receives the rosters.
-- JOE SMITH
The Florida High School Athletic Association is investigating the altercation at the Tampa Bay Tech and Freedom football game Friday night that resulted in 10 ejections.
FHSAA spokesperson Robert Hernberger said the organization will go over reports, consult with both schools and possibly view game film before deciding on suspensions and monetary fines.
Six Freedom players, three TBT players and a TBT assistant were ejected in a fight that occurred near the end of the first quarter, when Patriots' linebacker Justin Raymond tackled Titans' running back Darius Anderson and then hit him out of bounds in front of TBT's bench.
Ejected players, by rule, receive mandatory one-game suspensions. But Hernberger said penalties are on hold until a decision is made Wednesday. He said typical fines for unsportsmanlike conduct are $100 per ejection, and $250 per ejection for gross unsportsmanlike conduct.
"Any time you have a situation with multiple ejections like this, especially if it's a brawl, you want to do as thorough a job as possible in sorting it all out," Hernberger said. "You want to make sure you're accurate on who is penalized."
County athletic director Lanness Robinson met with administrators from both Freedom and TBT Monday to discuss the situation. Robinson, who was called to Friday's game after the melee, still hadn't seen the tape. He said it'd likely be up to each school's administration to what kind of in-school penalties, or whether the ejected players would remain on the team.
"It was probably the worst weekend I've had in a long time," TBT football coach C.C. Culpepper said Monday. "As a coach, I can probably beat myself up - which I have all weekend. But the quickest way to get out of the paper is play football. I can't wait for Friday night."
-- JOE SMITH
Armwood senior two-way lineman Matt Patchan, the bay area's top-rated recruit, has a separated right shoulder and is questionable for Friday's matchup with Jefferson, Hawks coach Sean Callahan said Monday.
Patchan, a five-star rivals.com recruit, hurt his right shoulder in the second quarter of Armwood's 42-3 win over Newsome Friday; he sat out the rest of the game. The 6-foot-7, 265-pound tackle said then he couldn't even lift up his right arm over his shoulder.
Patchan will not practice today, as he has a doctor's appointment, Callahan said.
"If I have to play through pain," Patchan said Friday. "I will."
If not, the Hawks (4-0) boast plenty of depth. There's standout defensive end Ryne Giddins (eight sacks) and Devin Core (six sacks); Core has filled in admirably for defensive end Sergio Joyner, who has missed the past couple weeks with a knee injury.
Callahan said Joyner will not play Friday vs. Jefferson; Fullback Matt Eastman (shoulder) and safety Aaron Duncan (ankle) are still up in the air.
-- JOE SMITH
Chamberlain football coach Billy Turner's heart catherization procedure Monday morning went well, as doctors found no blockage.
Turner, 69, said he may be released early enough on Monday for him to catch the end of Chiefs' practice, so he could say "hi" to his kids. Turner said he plans to return to school Tuesday and will be back on the sidelines Friday night for the Chiefs' Homecoming game against East Bay.
"I feel great - physically and psychologically," Turner said Monday. "Can't wait to get back."
Turner checked himself into the hospital Friday afternoon, saying he had trouble breathing. He missed his first game in a coaching career that spans nearly a half century. The Chiefs won 28-0 over Blake, and Turner watched the game film Saturday night.
Turner said doctors removed fluid from his lungs - which was causing his constant cough - and after being medicated over the weekend at the Pepin Heart Hospital, he feels a lot better.
"I'll be around another 10 years," Turner said Sunday
-- JOE SMITH
From watching legendary Chamberlain football coach Billy Turner talk football and interact with his grandchildren Sunday night at Pepin Heart Hospital, it was hard to tell that the 69-year-old could bareley even walk just three days ago.
Turner checked himself into the hospital Friday with respiratory problems, which forced him to miss his first game in a coaching career that spans nearly a half century.
Turner said fluid on his lungs had caused a constant cough, making it a daily struggle for him to talk. He said as late as last week, he couldn't stand up and watched practice from a golf cart. But doctors removed the fluid over the weekend, and Turner said that, depending on how a heart catheterization procedure goes Monday morning, he could be back at Chiefs practice as early as Tuesday.
Turner underwent a catherization last year as well; doctors told him there's a good chance they'll find nothing wrong with his heart.
"I'll be around for another 10 years," Turner said with his trademark smile
The Chiefs (2-2), rallying behind their coach and father figure, beat Blake 28-0 Friday night. Turner, who received updates on the phone, said he watched the game film Saturday night - and even broke down some film on East Bay, whom the Chiefs play Friday night.
Turner's room at Pepin has been a hub of activity over the weekend, with several former players and county coaches - including Hillsborough's Earl Garcia - stopping by to say hello. Nearly a dozen family members hung out Sunday, when Turner watched the Bucs game and ate a "heart-friendly" meal of grouper and vegetables.
Turner then got ready to watch the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night football; one of his former players, Oliver Hoyte, plays fullback for the Cowboys.
Turner hopes he'll be watching his current players - in person - very soon.
Stay tuned for more updates Monday....
-- JOE SMITH
Times photo of Chamberlain coach Billy Turner
Today's trivia question: What do Wesley Chapel's Greg Jenkins, Gulf's Courtney Cohen, Northside Christian's Josh Hornbeck, Bogie's Randall Klafter and Hillsborough's Terrence Mitchell all have in common?
Answer: They're all on a little something we like to call the Friday Night Rewind.
You can check it out here.
Or you can do what i do and download it off iTunes, put it on your iPod and then walk up to random people on the street and say hey, you, check out this handsome fellow. His name is John.
Sometimes they say eww, he's not very handsome at all. And sometimes they just laugh and push me away. But sometimes, they watch, and that's very exciting.
Good Lord I need to stop posting at 4 a.m.
Northside is hanging with Fort Meade!
Harmony is owning CCC!
Ridgewood is stomping on Central!
Newsome's winning streak is about to end!
Middleton is giving Hillsborough a fight!
Aaron Murray has three TDs at the half!
Tampa Catholic has put up 40 on Lake Placid at the half!
Is there any need for all the exclaimation points!!!!
I don't know!!!
Comments below.
Legendary Chamberlain coach Billy Turner checked into a local hospital this afternoon with apparent heart problems and will miss the first game in 37 years, his son Brian Turner confirmed.
Turner, 69, who has been undergoing tests the past couple days, had trouble breathing and "felt it was serious enough to get it checked out," Brian Turner said.
Turner will be medicated intraveneously at the Pepin Heart Institute - where he will remain over the weekend- and is scheduled on Monday to undergo a catheterization, a procedure he had last year.
Chamberlain (1-2) travels to face Blake tonight. Brian Turner will serve as head coach, with help from the other Chiefs assistants.
"It's his heart," Brian Turner said. "I don't know what all it is - he could barely even talk to me. But he had to be pretty scared for him to go in. He wouldn't miss a game for anything in the world."
Turner said doctors told his father Thursday that he had fluid on his lungs, which could be caused by something with his heart.
Turner addressed the Chiefs at their pre-game meal via speakerphone, and will likely get play-by-play updates from an assistant via cell phone tonight.
"He'll be on the phone," Brian said. "He'll be coaching from the hospital."
"We're gonna go out there and play hard for him."
Stay tuned for further updates....
-- JOE SMITH
THE GAME OF THE WEEK: CENTRAL AT RIDGEWOOD, 7 P.M.
Last year, Central jumped out to a 23-0 lead, before a furious Ridgewood rally fell just short in the second half. A last-second field goal sailed wide left, and the Bears escaped with the victory. This game means a ton to both teams. We'd say there is no love lost, but that would imply there was some there to begin with. Here's our coverage from the paper, as well as some analysis:
Column: Who Wants To Be An Underdog?
Ridgewood: Redemption on Rams' mind
Central: Solid senior class looking for own identity
BREAKING DOWN RIDGEWOOD: Expect senior RB Byronell Arline to carry a heavy load. The 6-foot-2, 220-pound bruiser has been gearing up for this game all season. He carried the ball just 30 times in the Rams' first two games, and is coming off a bye week, so he should be fresh. Arline is still wearing a walking boot when he isn't playing to protect his sore right foot, but tonight should be the freshest and healthiest he's been since the start of summer practice. . .Keep your eye on WR Addidas Tolliver. If the Rams can find ways to get him the ball and take advantage of his speed, it'll add a much-needed dimension to their attack. . .Watch how Ridgewood's linebackers attack Central's blocking schemes. Ben Perry and Co. will need to be a disruptive force.
BREAKING DOWN CENTRAL: The Bears' offense has improved each week since a season-opening 21-19 win over Hernando in which Central failed to crack 150 total yards. Last year, Central rode the running of speedy RB DuJuan Harris to victory. This year, they'll throw a different style runner at Ridgewood. Duane Marks broke out last week for 180+ yards in a win over Citrus. He's a combination of Harris and Arline - he's got some speed, but he's a downhill runner in the Arline mold. . .QB Chase Walker and his brother Chad will be important parts of the offense this week. Ridgewood can presusre the passer, as it showed in a preseason win over East Lake. Walker will have to play smart game and, most importantly, avoid mistakes. . . Everything is going to start with Central's offensive and defensive fronts. They are big, but young, and are facing a tenacious Ridgewood defense.
OTHER GAMES TO WATCH:
Land O'Lakes (2-1) at Springstead (2-1)
BREAKDOWN: Both teams enter this game playing better than expected. Both are young, both feature underclassman quarterbacks, and both feature a relatively no-name roster that relies on the whole being greater than any one individual part. Land O'Lakes is coming of a last-minute win over Zephyrhills, while Springstead is coming off a throttling of Ocala Belleview. This game pits two of the best coaches in the area against each other in Springstead's Bill Vonada and Land O'Lakes' John Benedetto.
BREAKDOWN: A huge game for both teams, particularly in a district that features two first-year programs in Sunlake and Wiregrass. A win for either team is a huge step toward the playoffs. The Pirates have been inconsistent this season, following an emotional season-opening win over Land O'Lakes with two straight losses. A key for Hudson will be getting running back Sean Scott going early. The Georgia transfer is averaging more than 170 yards per game on the ground, taking some much needed heat off sophomore quarterback Zach Wynn's shoulders . . .Hudson had an extra week to prepare for Pasco, which should help the Cobras.
Hernando (1-2) at Wesley Chapel (2-1)
BREAKDOWN: On paper, this might look like an uneven match-up between one of Pasco's better teams and one of Hernando's worst. However, the Leopards rolled out a new offense in last week's win over Gulf, so it's tough to say if we've gotten a glimpse of the real Leopards yet. For the Wildcats, the key starts and ends with stopping the Leopards' multi-dimensional running attack. Leopards senior George Fribley is a threat to score every time he touches the ball (he rushed for 195 yards last week), while fellow senior Nick Sizemore provides the change-of-pace, down-hill running. Also, keep your eye on freshman Alvin Delaine. He had an interception return and a 30+ yard kickoff return last week. He hasn't gotten too involved in the offensive attack, but that could change soon.
BREAKDOWN: This one has been touted as a potential win for the Bulls, but it would take a perfect game for it to happen. When Gulf RB David Williams has the ball, the Bucs are tough to stop. The problem last week? He only got 13 carries. Gulf coach Jay Fulmer labelled himself "stupid" for not getting Williams more involved, so don't expect him to make the same mistake two weeks in a row. As soft as the Bucs' defense has been, they are better than they've played. Look for Gulf to make a statement tonight.
Crystal River (1-2) at Nature Coast (2-0)
BREAKDOWN: If you believe in the transitive property of scoring, here's one for you: Nature Coast shutout Springstead 20-0. Springstead, meanwhile, beat Crystal River 21-14. Also, Nature Coast blew out a Dunnellon squad that beat Crystal River by one point. What does that mean? Not much as far as we're concerned. The Sharks are the definite favorite. Their bye week came at a perfect time, allowing sophomore running back Tevin Drake to nurse his sore hamstring back to health. The only thing that can stop the Sharks is themselves. The fumble-itis that plagued them two years ago returned in their win over Springstead. If Nature Coast holds on to the ball, it shouldn't have too much of a problem tonight.
--DAVID MURPHY, Times Staff Writer
Perhaps no area team enters a game with greater motivation tonight than East Bay, which travels to Brandon seeking atonement for last year’s shocking 42-28 loss to the Eagles. Brandon, which clinched a playoff berth with the win, finished 3-8. East Bay, eliminated from the postseason with the loss, finished 6-4. Here’s a by-the-numbers look at that game:
42--Points scored by Brandon against the Indians, and the total number of points the Eagles scored in the five games before facing East Bay
113--Rushing yards gained by Brandon tailback Mike Brown in the first half
3--Touchdowns scored by then-Eagles junior Marqel Gilmore
6--Games Brandon needed to score their first 42 points of “06 season
-- JOEY KNIGHT, Times staff writer
The FHSAA received an official complaint today regarding taping of the St. Petersburg/Countryside football game Sept. 14 by someone associated with the Largo football program, a violation of state rules. The complaint, filed by Countryside and obtained by the Times, states that Jose Rodriguez, brother of Largo head coach Rick Rodriguez, taped St. Petersburg's team from the stands.
This accusation is a violation of FHSAA rules that state that visiting teams can only “photograph, film or videotape a contestant’s performance …when permission is secured from and arrangements are made with the host school principal.” Same goes for a representative of a school that is not participating in a contest. According to the report, Green Devils coach Joe Fabrizio observed Jose Rodriguez filming the game and alerted St. Petersburg assistant principal David Pittman. Pittman brought the complaint to Countryside assistant principal in charge of athletics Liz Collins, who was monitoring the visitors' side.
Collins and Countryside athletic director Steve Blumer then went into the stands to verify the complaint. The report states "we observed Mr. Jose Rodriguez sitting in the same area as several Largo football players in their jerseys along with their head football coach and what appeared to be a few assistant cocaches." Jose Rodriguez turned over the tape to Collins and Blumer after admitting he was filming the St. Petersburg team.
The complaint goes on to state Jose Rodriguez asserted that he was not affiliated with Largo High. "When we asked him his name the first time, he said his name was was Jose Smith only to find out after requesting identification that his name was Jose Rodriguez." Greg Zornes, assistant principal for Largo, verified to Countryside on Tuesday that "Mr. Jose Rodriguez is in fact the brother of head football coach Mr. Rick Rodriguez of Largo High and the person who regularly films the home football games for Largo High." Though it was St. Petersburg being filmed, Blumer said Countryside sent the complaint to the FHSAA because "it happened on our campus."
"We felt it wasn't our job to look into or figure out the complaint" he said. "But it was our job to report it after it was brought to our attention."
On Wednesday, Rick Rodriguez told the Times he "knew nothing" about the taping and that no one from the school's administration had contacted him. On Thursday, Rodriguez admitted he "was at the game" but "didn't have time to talk about (the complaint) right now...I have a football game tonight." Largo plays St. Petersburg tonight at 7:30.
Brandon Wright, Times staff writer
Jefferson senior defensive end Max Holloway has committed to Boston College, saying "it just felt like the right fit."
But before he did, Holloway said he felt some pressure from his supportive family - scattered across the country - who all wanted him nearby.
There was his mother, Bette McKenzie, who lives in Boston and rooted for the Eagles.
There was his sister, Florida sophomore Kerry Holloway, saying "you gotta come to Florida, we're the best."
There was his other sister, Yyvette Jones, who lives on N.C. State's campus, hoping for the Wolfpack.
And don't forget Holloway's dad, Brian, who was an All-American lineman at Stanford in 1981.
Ultimately, it was BC that won out; Holloway visited the campus two weeks ago and loved the campus, defensive line coach Jeff Comissiong and the potential of competing against what's traditionally a strong offensive line every day in practice.
"If I play against the best, I'll get better," Holloway said.
Holloway said he had offers from Stanford, Syracuse, Boston College and Cincinatti. He said his father never pressured him to play for the Cardinal; plus the school wanted him to take more AP courses, and Holloway plans to graduate early and enroll in January.
-- JOE SMITH
Armwood junior linebacker Jamiel "Petey" Smith was released around midnight Thursday from a local hospital, two days after being admitted for a bladder infection.
Smith isn't in school today and said he won't play in Friday's contest against Newsome (3-0), but could return to practice as early as Tuesday. Smith, projected to be Hillsborough County's most heavily recruited player next season, leads Armwood with 32 tackles.
"I feel better - I'm back walking around now," Smith said. "It had bothered me for a couple weeks. But I'll be OK."
Smith said he was offered by Michigan Thursday, adding to an impressive list that includes Florida State, Florida, Miami, LSU and Ohio State.
-- JOE SMITH, Times Staff Writer
Armwood junior Petey Smith, one of the state’s top linebackers, has been hospitalized the past two days with what coach Sean Callahan labeled an “abdominal infection.”
Smith, who is doubtful for Friday’s game against Newsome, was admitted late Tuesday morning. Callahan said doctors have performed some tests, ruling out appendicitis, and they’re “just trying to figure things out.”
“It’s another week, another type of adversity,” said Callahan, who was with Smith in the hospital. “We’re just hoping he’ll get out of there soon.”
Smith, a 6-foot 230-pound standout, recently was named one of rivals.com’s “Top 100 to Watch” for the class of 2009. The brother of Hawks tailback Eric Smith, Petey has been offered by Ohio State and Florida.
Armwood (3-0), ranked No. 2 in the state and No. 28 in the nation, host the upstart Wolves (3-0) Friday. Smith would be one of four starters out, joining defensive end Sergio Joyner (knee), strong safety Aaron Duncan (ankle) and fullback Matt Eastman (shoulder).
JOE SMITH, Times staff writer
Boca Ciega and Largo are under investigation, having been accused of taping games in violation of state rules, according to Robert Hernberger, the associate director of communications for the Florida High School Athletic Association.
Hernberger said the FHSAA has asked both schools to look into the matter and report their findings once the investigation is complete.
Greg Zornes, Largo assistant principal in charge of athletics, confirmed Wednesday afternoon the school had been contacted by Countryside regarding "potential violations."
"(Countryside) called me and asked me some questions," Zornes said. "Past that, I can't comment because there is an ongoing investigation and my opinions do not factor in."
Zornes did say, however, that he had not spoken to the FHSAA. "I have not talked to anyone at all from the FHSAA," he said. "No one."
According to Countryside coach John Davis, Countryside officials confiscated a tape shot from the St. Petersburg sideline in last week's football game at Clearwater. The person shooting video did not represent Countryside or St. Petersburg. Cougars coach John Davis said that he knew little about the incident, but that he believed the tape was turned over to St. Petersburg at the break.
Green Devils' coach Joe Fabrizio confirmed that Wednesday night. "The tape is in my possession," Fabrizio said.
It is unclear what will happen from this point. Fabrizio said since the incident occurred at Countryside "they will be handling it." Countryside's administration could not be reached for comment.
Largo coach Rick Rodriguez said he "knew nothing" about the taping and that no one from the school's administration had contacted him.
According to the FHSAA football manual, visiting teams can only “photograph, film or videotape a contestant’s performance …when permission is secured from and arrangements are made with the host school principal.” Same goes for a representative of a school that is not participating in a contest.
Largo visits St. Petersburg Thursday night at 7:30.
Messages left with Boca Ciega officials were not returned.
Bob Putnam and Brandon Wright, Times staff writers
Quick update for all the volleyball fans on the North Suncoast. . .
The match between Zephyrhills and Mitchell originally scheduled for Thursday night will be held tonight at 7 p.m. at Z-Hills. The Bulldogs are one of two undefeated teams on the North Suncoast, but they'll face a stiff test in Mitchell, which is 6-2 and features two of the best setters in the area in Lea Weber and Veronica Harring. The Mustangs are coming off a three-game loss to Countryside, a team they hadn't - and still haven't - ever beaten.
ANOTHER GAME TO WATCH: River Ridge is hosting Nature Coast tonight in a battle of one-loss teams. The Royal Knights have won six straight since a season-opening loss to Land O'Lakes, and have been paced by players like Brooke Castelamare, Brittney Frey and Leah Mitchell. Nature Coast, meanwhile, is coming off its first loss of the season, a three-game sweep at the hands of Zephyrhills. The Sharks are led by juniors Kayla Bailey and Alex Livengood.
King suspended first-year football coach Earl Garcia III from team activities for five weeks for his actions following Friday night's 23-21 loss to Bloomingdale.
Garcia said the "perception is ugly," but "it was not as bad as it seems."
Garcia III, upset over what he perceived were unfair calls against his team, said he approached a referee afterwards, "put my arm around him and told him, 'I don't think we're getting a fair deal.'"
Garcia, 26, was instructed by a police officer not to approach the referee, but he maintains reports are incorrect that he was escorted off the field by police.
"I didn't grab him. I didn't bump him," Garcia said. "I understand the 'zero tolerance' thing.....I just said a few things I probably shouldn't have said.
"I apologize for all the embarrassment and negative attention it's brought the school."
Offensive coordinator Alex Gonzalez will serve as interim coach when the Lions (1-2) host Durant (1-2) Friday night. Garcia said, originally, the entire football staff was fired on Monday, with three assistants gone for good, and the others being re-instated. Garcia can return for the Lions game vs. Leto Oct. 26.
Garcia, son of longtime Hillsborough coach Earl Garcia, will also have to play a $200 fine levied by the Florida High School Athletics Association for approaching the referee. But there was no other FHSAA penalties: "I didn't even get a personal foul flag, I didn't get ejected."
The Lions will also be without three starters Friday night. King senior lineman Dominique Carswell was also given a one-game suspension for his actions during the game. The team’s leading rusher, Donovan Celerin, is out for two weeks with an ankle injury and CB/WR Dominic Leak sprained a tricep muscle.
"It's just a bad situation from all angles," Garcia said. "Everything we worked for since last November has been jeopardized now. Two-and-a-half years of hard work over here, a five-minute jog across the field, and 50-percent of the season is taken away.
"I told the guys Monday, as long as we keep plugging away, there's bound to be some kind of sunshine at the end of this."
-- JOE SMITH
A few former area soccer standouts had big weeks recently for their new schools. Kelly Brinkman (Palm Harbor U.) led the way by capturing Atlantic Sun Offensive Player of the Week honors. Brinkman, last season's Times Player of the Year, scored the tying goal against Tennessee Tech Saturday before getting the winner against Western Carolina Sunday. Eugene Starikov (PHU), who led Pinellas County in scoring two straight years, got his first college goal last Wednesday for Stetson. Starikov knocked in a rebound with less than eight minutes to play for a 2-1 win against UCF. Chris DiNapoli was named Florida Gulf Coast Male Athlete of the Week after scoring the winning goal in OT against Georgia State. The match-winner was the second of the year for DiNapoli, who led CCC to the state finals last year.
--Brandon Wright
Frmer St. Petersburg Catholic standout Davis Rodriguez kicked a game-winning 27-yard field goal to lift Lafayette to an 8-7 victory over Penn last week.
"It was surreal," Rodriguez told The Morning Call. "I've never been so happy in my life. Ever."
Rodriguez started the season missing three straight field goals in wns over Marist and Georgetown.
Against Penn, he hit a 21-yarder in the first quarter but missed a 39-yarder in the third.
His winning kick came with 5 seconds remaining.
"I've dreamed of making a kick like that my entire life," Rodriguez said.
Armwood found itself moving up the national rankings Monday, as rivals.com rated the Hawks at No. 28.
The Hawks' (3-0) place in the FSWA State Poll hasn't changed - at No. 2 behind Miami Washington -- and neither has the fact Plant (No. 5) and Hillsborough (No. 8) are still in the state's top 10.
But the rankings and hype surrounding Armwood's program has yet to faze players at Newsome, who will put the county's longest winning streak (9) on the line Friday night when they travel to Armwood.
The Hawks have given up just 12 points; two weeks ago, they held a strong Wharton team to 13 total yards.
"They're still high school kids - just like us," Newsome linebacker Ryan Gerena said. "You can't let anything else get in your head."
The Wolves insist they are a completely different team from the one Armwood drubbed, 26-0 in the spring classic (holding Newsome to 40 yards and one first down). They didn't have leading rusher, freshman fullback Conner Powers, nor did they have starting QB Kyle Parker (who was busy winning 10-plus games for the Newsome baseball team).
The Wolves (3-0) know they're getting more attention with their strong start, but, according to junior Trent Cornwell, a signature win against a state-ranked program would go a long way in terms of moving up an echelon.
"The Jeffersons and Hillsborough's didn't get where they are without playing the best," Cornwell said. "We've got to go in there and prove ourselves. We want to prove that we can beat the best."
For the rest of the "best," here are the rest of the FSWA State Rankings...
-- JOE SMITH
Times photo of fullback Matt Eastman, who will miss Friday's game with a left shoulder injury. DE Sergio Joyner (back) and SS Aaron Duncan (ankle) are also out.
Continue reading "Armwood moves up in rankings; Wolves far from fazed" »
Times' Top 50
Week 3
1. (1) Armwood (3-0)
This week: vs. Newsome.
Last week: Beat No.18 Brandon 34-3.
So, what's the over-under on how many starters the Hawks will be missing this week? The line at 2.5, and we suggest taking the over - one injury, one suspension, one kid gets lost on way to game.
2. (2) Largo (2-0)
This week: vs. St. Petersburg on Thursday.
Last week: Bye.
Packers had an extra week to prepare for St. Petersburg ... or rather, to prepare for not looking past St. Petersburg toward a Sept. 28 showdown with Dunedin. Hey, you - eyes forward!
3.(3) Hillsborough (3-0)
This week: vs. Middleton.
Last week: Beat Chamberlain 20-0.
Five of the Terriers' seven remaining games are against teams that are or have been ranked in the top 10 - including Plant and Armwood - and another is against unbeaten Tampa Bay Tech. Now that is a schedule.
4. (4) Plant (2-1)
This week: vs. Riverview.
Friday: Beat Middleton 35-7.
No. 1 on our most underrated list? Plant's defense, which has been pretty good.
5. (5) Northeast (3-0)
This week: at Bradenton Southeast
Friday: Beat Gibbs 32-21.
This just in: Jeff Brinson is human. Oh and this, too: the Vikings are more than a one-man show.
6. (6) Jefferson (1-1)
This week: at Gaither.
Last week: Bye.
Jefferson had its freedom this week. So did Gaither, which beat the Patriots 42-6.
7. (9) Ridgewood (2-0)
This week: vs. Central.
Last week: Bye.
We're still not sure how good these Rams are, but they do have our Game of the Week on Friday.
8. (10) Boca Ciega (2-0)
This week: at Lakewood on Thursday.
Last week: Beat Dixie Hollins 21-14 in overtime.
Orhian Johnson had three touchdown passes Friday against winless Dixie Hollins, including the winner in overtime, begging the question: overtime?
9. (14) Riverview (1-1)
This week: at Plant.
Last week: beat Plant City 31-0.
And that's how you come back from a crushing loss. The Sharks go back to the strong running of Jaheel Addae and dash right back into the top 10.
10. (11) Nature Coast (2-0)
This week: vs. Crystal River.
Last week: Bye.
Fun fact: Nature Coast had the week off, but we jumped the Sharks anyway. Hahahaha! Get it? Oh, wait ... jumping the shark is a bad thing, isn't it?
So you're staring at fourth-and-really far from your 30-yard line.
You need about 40 yards to give your kicker a legit shot to win the game. What do you do?
If you're Land O'Lakes you have quarterback Stevie Weatherford pass to Ely Payne, then have Payne chuck it deep to a leaping Jerome Harrison. But the double pass (click for video) didn't go as planned.
Instead, the ball hit off Harrison then fell into the belly of teammate Nick Castellano - who was on his back - for a first down.
Land O'Lakes went on to defeat Zephyrhills 14-9 on a 35-yard pass from Weatherford to Alex Robinson (click here for video).
IZZY GOULD
Times Staff Writer
PS - Got any great plays? E-mail them to me at izzygould@gmail.com and we'll put the best ones on the Web.
