Countdown to Kickoff: Ranking the Games

Byronell Arline can break Pasco County's all-time leading rushing record tonight at River Ridge. . .Central and Springstead square off in a big county and district game. . .Tate Humphrey looks to lead Mitchell to its first points in a couple of seasons against Gaither. . .Hernando tries to put its non-district struggles behind it in the 3A-6 opener at Crystal River. . .Pasco and Zephyrhills play the 50th installment of the "Nine-Mile War". . .All this and more on the North Suncoast this week. Check out our cover in today's sports section, then check out our previews below:

1. Pasco  (2-3, 1-0 3A-8) at Zephyrhills (3-1, 1-0)

The Lowdown: One of the challenges for the Bulldogs will be containing Pasco's multi-dimensional offense. Quarterback D.J. Clower (637 passing yards, four touchdowns, four INTs, 50 percent completion percentage) seems to improve with each game, while wide receivers Josh Johnson and Demetrious Larry are both dangerous in the open field. Pasco will have to limit its turnovers: takeaways keyed Zephyrhills' wins over Mitchell and Wesley Chapel.

Prediction: Pasco 28, Zephyrhills 24

2. Gaither (3-2, 0-0 5A-5) at Mitchell (2-2, 0-0)

The Lowdown: Mitchell, which allowed a combined 71 points in losses to Hudson and Zephyrhills, will have to find a way to stop Gaither running back Jarvis Jiles, who leads Hillsborough County with 785 yards and 12 touchdowns on 117 carries. Quarterback Tate Humphrey returns to the field for the Mustangs after missing last week's loss to Hudson. He'll have to have a big night for the Mitchell, which has been shut out by Gaither each of the last two years, to compete.

The Prediction: Gaither 49, Mitchell 35

3. Tarpon Springs (3-1, 1-0 4A-8) at Land O'Lakes (4-0, 1-0)

The Lowdown: For the Spongers, it begins and ends with defense. They are fast, they fly to the ball, and they've allowed just 50 points in their first four games. Last week's 21-14 loss to Countryside was a hiccup, but it's beginning to look like Tarpon Springs will be the team most capable of challenging Ridgewood for the district crown. Land O'Lakes' young offense will have its hands full. If they win, it'll be on the strength of the Gators defense.

The Prediction: Tarpon Springs 21, Land O'Lakes 7

4. Wharton (3-2, 0-0 5A-5) at Wesley Chapel (3-2, 0-0)

The Lowdown: Wharton wide receiver Jairus Jones (eight catches, 224 yards) is a big-play threat for the Wildcats. Despite a host of departures from last year's team, the 'Cats strength is still their defense. And with Wesley Chapel missing starting quarterback Greg Jenkins, it'll have to find some other way to move the ball down the field.

The Prediction: Wharton 14, Wesley Chapel 9

5. Springstead (2-2, 0-1 4A-8) at Central (3-2, 0-1)

The Lowdown: This one will be a lot more interesting than it looked when the schedules were released. Both teams are coming off losses. And if either one is to have a realistic shot at the playoffs, it will have to win this game. The Eagles feature a young team that has played surprisingly well for coach Bill Vonada. Central's offense is much more balanced than it was last season, though it will need running back Duane Marks (73 car., 447 yards) to perform well in order to take some pressure off quarterback Chase Walker.

The Prediction: Central 24, Springstead 14

6. Ridgewood (4-0, 1-0 4A-8) at River Ridge (1-3, 0-1)

The Lowdown: Byronell Arline has a realistic shot at both the all-time county rushing record and his third straight 300-yard game against a River Ridge team that has struggled since its season-opening win over Wiregrass.

The Prediction: Ridgewood 49, River Ridge 14

7. Wiregrass Ranch (0-5, 0-1 3A-8) at Hudson (2-2, 0-1)

The Lowdown: Hudson is one of the more balanced teams in the county, with quarterback Zack Wynn (544 yards ) and running back Sean Scott (635 rushing yard, eight TDs). Wiregrass has the potential to pull an upset, but expect the Cobras' depth to win out.

The Prediction: Hudson 35, Wiregrass 14

8. Hernando (1-3, 0-0 3A-6) at Crystal River (3-2, 1-0)

The Lowdown: The Leopards need to get their offense back on track if they hope to compete with the Pirates, who are much more talented than they were last year.

The Prediction: Crystal River 17, Hernando 14

9. Nature Coast (3-1, 0-1 3A-6) at Lecanto (0-5, 0-1)

The Lowdown: Nature Coast can run the ball. Lecanto can't stop it. Really, that's all you need to know.

The Prediction: Nature Coast 50, Lecanto 0

--DAVID MURPHY, TampaBay.com Staff Writer

dmurphy@sptimes.com

Comments

[Jeremy]

Central Springstead game was played on Saturday due to weather. Central won 32-10

What ever happened with the Springstead/Central game???

[da stampede]

wiregrass needs to go to work. we need to step up right here, right now. sunlake is not the only team we are going to beat this year
we have to much heart to go belly up for the rest of the season