Home stretchin': Times Top 50, Week 8
1. (1) Armwood (8-0)
Thursday: beat No.4 Hillsborough 17-0.
This week: vs. Freedom.
Hawks roll. Again. We'd like to pick next week's opponent to finally dethrone Armwood, but as the great existentialist Albert Camus once said, "Freedom is nothing else but a chance to be better." (Thanks Google!)
2. (2) Plant (6-1)
Thursday: beat Leto 54-7.
This week: at Chamberlain.
Just because we want to be the first to officially compare this year's Panthers to last years' - Plant scored 35 or more points in five of 10 games last year. This year, they've done it in six of seven. Yikes.
3. (2) Largo (7-0)
Friday: beat No.39 Dixie Hollins 28-9.
This week: at Seminole.
Pssst. Leonard Johnson has at least one TD run and one TD pass in three of the last four games. Just saying, in case you're looking for a player of the year in Pinellas County.
4. (5) Ridgewood (7-0)
Thursday: beat No.14 Tarpon Springs 34-28.
This week: vs. Springstead.
A Frankie Downey interception and an Adrian Golden sack put the Spongers down and out. That's nine straight wins for Ridgewood, a school record. See, we can write a sentence about Ridgewood without mentioning Byronell Arline. Oh, wait ... darn it!
5. (6) Chamberlain (6-2)
Thursday: beat No.22 Alonso 41-0.
This week: vs. Plant.
Five straight wins, four by shutout, and 41 points against a team that had allowed just 56 points in its previous seven games. We call that "rolling."
6. (7) Gaither (6-2)
Thursday: beat Wesley Chapel 34-9.
This week: at Hillsborough.
The Cowboys have won six straight, but only one of those victims are going to the playoffs and only two have winning records. What the Cowboys need is one defining game. Now excuse us; we think Hillsborough is knocking on the front door.
7. (4) Hillsborough (6-2)
Thursday: Lost to No.1 Armwood 17-0.
This week: vs. Gaither.
After playing No.1 Armwood and No.2 Plant on back-to-back weeks, the Terriers deserve a week off. Enjoy it guys! What? They have to play No.6 Gaither this week? Well, that's just cruel.
8. (9) Brandon (5-2)
Friday: Went out for ice cream. Saw a movie. Slept.
This week: at Bloomingdale.
Brandon can sew up a playoff berth by beating Bloomingdale this week. That hasn't been a problem for the Eagles since, like, 2001.
9. (13) Land O'Lakes (6-1)
Thursday: Beat No.30 Central 14-7.
This week: at River Ridge.
The Gators lost their best RB and LB a week before the season started and have still won six straight - and all but clinched an 11th straight postseason berth. We don't know how they've done it, though we hear Gandalf was seen coming out of their locker room last week.
10. (12) Countryside (5-2)
Friday: Drank milk and cookies. Watched Northeast, Middleton and East Lake all lose ahead of them.
This week: at Clearwater.
After months of sweat, practice and trying to win games, the Cougars finally figured out a way to crack the top 10 - by not playing.
11. (17) Plant City (5-3)
Thursday: beat No. 25 Newsome 17-0.
This week: Bye.
Sirchauncey Holloway and Keith Dawson are city's best one-two punch since strawberries and shortcake.
12. (8) Northeast (5-2)
Friday: Lost to Bradenton Bayshore 49-14.
This week: vs. Lakewood.
We've got to believe that fourth-quarter meltdown Friday against Bayshore, which scored 35 points in the final 12 minutes, was one of those fluky things that occur in football.
13. (T15) Dunedin (5-3)
Friday: beat No. 11 East Lake 35-20.
This week: Bye.
Adopting the Countryside method -- taking a week off -- of trying to break into top 10.
14. (T15) Boca Ciega (5-2)
Friday: beat Southeast 13-10.
This week: vs. Osceola.
They lose to Northeast, but squeak by Southeast. Frankly, we can't tell in which direction the Pirates are heading.
15. (26) Hudson (5-2)
Friday: beat No. 40 Gulf 42-21.
This week: vs. Sunlake.
Don Zimmer's nephew plays for the Cobras, which leads to this segue: What's more astounding -- Zimmer's tenure in pro baseball (59 years and counting) or Hudson's scoring average (45.8) in the past six games?
16. (14) Tarpon Springs (4-3)
Thursday: Lost to No. 5 Ridgewood 34-28.
This week: vs. Central.
All but knocked from playoffs, Spongers will show us whether pride alone is worth playing for.
17. (10) Middleton (4-3)
Thursday: lost to Freedom 49-48 (3OT).
This week: vs. Tampa Bay Tech.
After allowing 49 points to previously winless Freedom, which had TOTALED 19 points in its first six games, we probably should drop the Tigers even more.
18. (11) East Lake (3-3)
Friday: lost to No. 15 Dunedin 35-20.
This week: at Palm Harbor University.
Suddenly, that 10-point win against Northeast doesn't seem so impressive.
19. (18) Jefferson (3-4)
Thursday: defeated Blake 40-0.
This week: at Alonso.
After running roughshod over winless Blake, Dragons proclaimed they were "back." We'll believe it if they win at Alonso. Then again, we may not.
20. (23) Durant (4-4)
Friday: defeated Sarasota Riverview 21-14.
This week: Bye Cougars get off week before showdown against the other Riverview team in game that will have enormous playoff implications.
21. (19) Gibbs (4-2)
Friday: beat Seminole 35-0.
This week: vs. Pinellas Park.
First, the Gladiators beat up on winless Seminole. This week, it's 1-6 Pinellas Park. On Nov. 2, they're set to face Notre Dame.
22. (20) Tampa Catholic (6-1)
Friday: beat Mulberry 17-16
This week: vs. Lennard
No one goes into Mulberry and wins. Except TC, and most Polk County teams, and...aw, forget it.
23. (31) Wharton (5-3)
Friday: beat No. 45 Mitchell 27-14.
This week: vs. Riverview.
After eight weeks of trying to figure out the Wildcats, we've deduced this much: they're a playoff team.
24. (27) Zephyrhills (5-2)
Thursday: beat Wiregrass Ranch 35-14.
This week: at Gulf.
'Dogs alone atop Class 3A, District 8...but there's a lot of ball remaining to be played.
25. (29) Nature Coast (5-2)
Friday: beat Citrus 26-14.
This week: at Hernando.
The win against Citrus didn't prove to us the Sharks are legit; the close call against South Sumter did.
26. (32) Tampa Bay Tech (5-2)
Last week: Bye. This week: at Middleton Remember when the bye week was the best week of the football season at TBT?
27. (38) Sickles (6-2)
Last week: beat King 17-3.
This week: at Blake.
Gryphons, Hillsborough County's feel-good story of year, can clinch playoff berth with a Nov. 2 win against Alonso.
28. (22) Alonso (5-3)
Thursday: lost to No. 6 Chamberlain 41-0
This week: vs. Jefferson.
Ravens have totaled three points in last three games.
29. (33) Keswick (7-0)
Friday: beat Bradenton Prep 21-0.
This week: at Sarasota Out-of-Door.
Crusaders clinch a playoff berth with a win in Sarasota this week.
30. (21) Riverview (2-4)
Last week: lost to Sarasota 22-21.
This week: at Wharton.
Though Riverview lost a hard-fought game in Sarasota last week, you still can't jump the Sharks (We've been waiting all year to use that cliche'!).
31. (34) Lakewood (4-2)
Friday: beat No. 47 Osceola 35-18.
This week: at Northeast.
We're guessing the Spartans will give Northeast all it wants this week.
32. (30) Central (4-3)
Thursday: lost to No. 13 Land O' Lakes 14-7.
This week: at Tarpon Springs.
Offense -- and playoff aspirations -- were shut down against Land O' Lakes.
33. (24) CCC (5-3)
Friday: lost to Frostproof 47-7.
This week: at Mitchell.
We won't drop Marauders too far for losing at Frostproof. Ever been to Frostproof? There are two things for the boys to do there: play football and...er...um...well, make that one thing.
34. (25) Newsome (4-4)
Thursday: lost to No. 17 Plant City 17-0
This week: vs. East Bay.
We'd say the Wolves must develop some consistency, but there's already far too much development going on in east Hillsborough.
35. (42) Palm Harbor University (3-4)
Friday: beat No. 37 Clearwater 37-24.
This week: vs. East Lake.
'Canes have won three of their last four.
36. (28) Jesuit (3-4)
Friday: lost to Palmetto 52-14.
This week: vs. Spoto.
November is still nine days away, and Tigers are out of the playoffs. When is the last time you heard that?
37. (36) Wesley Chapel (4-4)
Thursday: lost to No. 7 Gaither 34-9.
This week: Bye.
We're not making excuses, but Wesley Chapel just might be the area's smallest 5A program in terms of school population.
38. (41) Pasco (3-4)
Last week: beat Sunlake 42-0.
This week: at Wiregrass Ranch.
Consecutive victories against winless teams should give Pirates plenty of confidence heading into Nov. 2 district showdown at Gulf.
39. (44) Springstead (4-3)
Friday: beat River Ridge 35-21.
This week: at Ridgewood.
Home-field disadvantage is over. Eagles finally prove they can score at home.
40. (39) Dixie Hollins (2-4)
Friday: lost to No. 3 Largo 28-9.
This week: at St. Petersburg.
Compared to their previous two drubbings at the hands of Largo, Rebels played Packers pretty well this time.
41. (40) Gulf (3-4)
Friday: lost to No. 26 Hudson 42-21.
This week: vs. Zephyrhills.
Fact One: Bucs are NOT mathematically eliminated from playoff contention if they lose to Bulldogs. Fact Two: The three teams Bucs have beaten either went winless last season or didn't exist.
42. (43) East Bay (2-5)
Thursday: beat Bloomingdale 28-0
This week: at Newsome.
Indians have a legitimate shot at winning last three. Then again, Indians also had a legitimate shot at winning Sunday night at Fenway.
Friday: lost to No. 42 Palm Harbor University 37-24.
This week: Countryside.
Boys basketball practice starts next week.
Last week: Bye.
This week: at Calvary Christian.
Don't be shocked if ex-Tampa Bay Christian coach Dennis Duggan joins Lancers staff next year.
45. (49) Indian Rocks Christian (5-2)
Friday: beat No. 35 Northside Christian 12-7.
This week: at Fort Meade.
Diminutive Eagles tailback Jonny Sitton runs a lot more effectively than that antiquated laptop he received for being named MVP of the inaugural Blog Bowl.
Friday: lost to No. 49 Indian Rocks Christian 12-7.
This week: vs. Lakeland Christian.
Mustangs looked like a 3A or 4A program when lined up against Indian Rocks Christian, so how in the world did they lose? By failing to protect and hang on to the ball, that's how.
Friday: lost to No. 31 Wharton 27-14.
This week: vs. Clearwater Central Catholic.
48. (46) Spoto (3-4)
Last week: Lost to Sarasota Booker 55-0.
This week: at Jesuit.
Blowout Booker loss aside, Spartans have had a heck of a season for a first-year varsity program.
49. (40) Osceola (2-6)
Friday: lost to No. 34 Lakewood 35-18.
This week: at Boca Ciega.
Warriors really, truly are rebuilding -- now do you believe us?
Friday: lost to Sarasota Cardinal Mooney 45-21.
This week: vs. Evangelical Christian.
Just you wait -- Buccaneers will be a small-school juggernaut before decade ends.
Who got disrespected? Who got overrated? Or did we nail them all? Let us know.
The St. Petersburg Times High School Sports blog is written and compiled by the Times preps sports staff from Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco and Hernando counties. We invite your participation in the comments area.
yeah right, we will see about that
crystal river is going to beat nature coast, williston & whoever else they put in front of them.
Posted by: will | November 08, 2007 at 11:05 AM
crystal river will be home on Nov 23 after they lose to williston!!!
Posted by: | November 06, 2007 at 07:03 PM
again, where is district 3a-6 champion CRYSTAL RIVER?????????
Posted by: will | November 06, 2007 at 06:00 PM
Taylor still only plays the OL in short yardage thats all the 2 that go in couldn't play a whole game at 100% so it's best they don't we have lots of speed on defense Size is alittle under normall size for the D line But they can play on the Sweeps and outside runs were the bigger D lineman can't.
Posted by: RHS | October 29, 2007 at 05:11 PM
I know Coach Taylor and our players aren't perfect but neither is anyone else. The fact is that once you get into the playoffs it comes down to one game at a time to advance. All it takes is the RAMS having one of their great nights and the one of these other teams that are considered superior being slightly off or have an injury. It seems like Coach Taylor is realizing he needs to be putting the big boys in a little more on Defense and has been playing two of the starting OLINE both ways. They are both very good at defense and offense. It makes a difference when that happens. We have some really good players. They might not all be at the Div 1A level but many of them can be Div 2A. I'd say there are about 7 from this graduating class that if they decide to play college ball have a chance of getting picked up. Some of their academics might not be the greatest and that might hurt them but some of the others are honor students. But there is: Arline, Perry, Johnsonbaugh, Karakaris, Schalk, Tolliver & Jackson. Let's support these young men and the team because they have been working hard to get to this point. Just like any other team that has done the same. It has taken alot of dedication on their part including off season conditioning and special camps to improve their skills to get to this level. As RHS says support all our teams from Pasco and wish them the best. It is going to take some of our teams advancing in the playoffs or better yet winning a state title for our teams to get the respect they deserve. We'll certainly be behind the other divisions as the go to the playoffs.
Posted by: RAM Fan | October 29, 2007 at 12:01 PM
ZHS-No shame, man. As a gulf fan, I was surprised as ever out that outcome. Zhills, to me, is usually the most well coached team in the county.
Gulf coach Jay Fulmer finally woke up and started playing his lineman both ways. It must have worked, because I expected Chris Henry to torch Gulf.
Anyways, go Zhills! If we can beat pasco, and you can beat a hot hudson team, Gulf is district champs for the first time in school history.
Posted by: OL Expert | October 29, 2007 at 09:32 AM
What is with theses ratings. Jefferson will win the state title. They will beat plant this week for the district championship. And everyone will be back on jefferson's band wagon
Posted by: chris | October 29, 2007 at 09:13 AM
I hang my head in the walk of shame. That was the worst game we have played in a long time. Fumbles, intercepions, 2 dropped passes that could have been TDs. As for Williams, we had him stopped in the first half. We even started coming back in the second half and was only down by 1 score after giving up 21 quick points in first quarter. But after an interception, Williams broke a big one for a score and pretty much sealed our fate. Gulf did play a good game, but any team could have beaten us the way we played. If we don't get our heads together, Hudson's gonna walk all over us and steal our playoff spot. C'mon B-Dogs!! It's must win, do or die time!! RHS - Good luck against L-O-L, should be a great one!
Posted by: ZHS BDfan | October 29, 2007 at 08:41 AM
RHS-I clearly stated that I would cheer for any pasco team, but the RW district has a tough draw in the playoffs.
Although, I'm a gulf guy, I have tremendous respect for coach taylor and what he's done there. I hope he's still there in 4 years when my son is playing there.
Posted by: SSI | October 28, 2007 at 09:52 PM
here at land o lakes we have been gettin ready for the biggest game of the year. i think that we have one of the best defenses in the area, im not goin 2 lie this is goin to be a really good game but we r really for what ever RHS has to for us
Posted by: LOLHS | October 28, 2007 at 09:33 PM
woohoo. sunlake vs wiregrass this week
cant wait!!!
and to the guy who said if pasco boys cant make it to he nect level
all i have to say to you is this: weatherford
Posted by: da stampede | October 28, 2007 at 09:21 PM
and on paper LOL has a very slim chance of beating Ridgewood . LOL offense isn't scoring alot of points in most games but the defense is holding most team with very little points . No one has stopped Arline yet and they couldn't stop him when we played LOL last year they barely beat us and we threw 5 ints or something like that. Don't get me wrong LOL will be prepared they have a great coach and i don't think our coach is near as smart has there's , but should be a good game i think.
Posted by: RHS | October 28, 2007 at 08:23 PM
If irc looked like fools against them. afa must have looked like f***in idiots! 60-0. damn son. not even a field goal?
Posted by: | October 28, 2007 at 08:23 PM
SSI Everyone shoud be pulling for Ridgewood unless we are facing your team this is a team that has had losing season as many years ans the school has been in pasco . So why not Cheer for a team that never makes it? I know i like to see other teams when that never have . maybe thats just me and plus if your from Pasco county Why not ? I hope who ever makes it from pasco does well in play offs so ppl from other places will say " damn Pasco county has some players where is that again?" Well just my thought on Pasco schools
Posted by: RHS | October 28, 2007 at 08:20 PM
I'll pull for all pasco county teams in the playoffs, but Ridgewood won't make it past the 2nd round. if they lose at LOL this week, they will have to trave to daytona beach to play seabreeze. They won't beat them. If they win, they will host rockledge. That will be a tough one as well.
Posted by: SSI | October 28, 2007 at 02:01 PM
I really do agree with the comment above ^. The Gibbs Gladiators are a team you can not take lightly in the playoffs i can even smell a state run. They have way to much talent to fail with there three runnig back attack and elusive recievers in Marcus Russ and Larry Murphy, and also that stingy defensive with head hunting sophmore Gary Gainer these guys are going to be good for years to come
Posted by: | October 28, 2007 at 01:16 PM
Gibbs should be ahead of countryside or atleast in the top ten. They destroyed countryside and barely loss to northeast, with that much speed and talent i believe they should be in the top ten. I see them going very far in the playoffs this year.
Posted by: josh | October 28, 2007 at 01:09 PM
I agree with AV I think the rams can go to the 2nd and 3rd round But they are short lived in the playoffs . The coach isn't that good and Our passing games is IFFY at best . If nothing else a lesser team with a good coach could beat us . As far as Zhills goes they can't beat Gulf so they are no threat. if you can't stop williams you won't stop Arline . So best thing for Zhills to do is to shut up and show US at home in 2 weeks . Bring it cause We will
Posted by: RHS | October 28, 2007 at 11:55 AM
Ramsfan:
Not to say Ridgewood will not do good in the playoffs, but before you go off saying they are heading to the state title game just remember that there are four POWERFUL teams at the top of Class 4A to get by before hoisting that state title at the Citrus bowl.. Armwood (8-0)over 7 Division I prospects,Plant (7-1) Aaron Murray 29 touchdowns 1 interception, Ponte Vedra Nease (8-0)Wake Forest commit quarterback Ted Stachitas, and top ranked Booker T Washington (8-0) and are #1 in the state and ranked nationally. Just a thought and a reminder how tough it will be for the Rams to make the run to the Class 4A state title game.
Posted by: AV | October 28, 2007 at 10:02 AM
May be early because he is a soph but Zach Wynn will play at the next level. Pretty sure he is 4th in the area in passing yards has plenty of TDs and only 3 INTs. I can't imagine what he'll be like in 2 years. Sean Scott is an animal. I've seen him play. Arline is a beast and should play D1 and Williams was impressive too.
Posted by: | October 28, 2007 at 03:49 AM
Tindell can play at a small school. his lack of height will keep him from the big schools.
Arline definitely. Scott somewhere D-2.
I hope Williams can graduate and go to a JC somewhere for 2 years. What a waste of talent if he doesn't.
Posted by: SSI | October 27, 2007 at 11:28 PM
In Pasco county, who if anyone has a chance to play at the next level?
arline, travis tindell, sean scott is a stud and what about williams from gulf? he is undersized and we all know about his grades so i dont think he can make it in college. any others?
Posted by: | October 27, 2007 at 09:59 PM
to ZHS BDfan:
maybe you guys would have got some respect if you would have beat gulf.
HHS Football
Posted by: | October 27, 2007 at 09:34 PM
IRC gave up 660 yards to Ft. Meade! Now get ready to be our homecoming queen Jonny.
Posted by: Eagle Eater (What?!? No dark meat?) | October 27, 2007 at 11:06 AM
That was a great (altho grammatically hard to follow) response about Ft. Meade. Anyone who has seen them for years (I have for about 12 years) know that, yes, they have some talent, but more than that they have a burn to win. It starts at the top (the coach is vilified if they fall short of a state championship) and continues in the weight room (they traditionally have the best lifting team in the state), but even more, starts when those kids are little. Every boy in town plays football starting at the pee wee level with the goal of someday being a "Miner". That creates a lot of desire that not only private schools don't have, but public schools in "the city" don't have either. They are close to "Friday Night Lights" as we have in this area
Posted by: T | October 27, 2007 at 09:37 AM
CT is still the best team, c-side and Dunedin were so lucky vs. CHS!!
Posted by: | October 27, 2007 at 08:43 AM
Outside observer. I am a Countryside fan. Have been for years. I see it as Largo and Dunedin as the best of the crop this year. Countryside and East Lake are close, but not there yet. After the first round of the playoffs, Largo and Dunedin will remain. Largo has their best team in 3 years. Dunedin is good but not as good as past. Defense is suspect. Largo however has their best team, but no passing will hurt once they get out of county. Pinellas is very weak this year. All Pinellas fans need to support whatever team moves through the playoffs. When Pinellas exited last year we grabbed on to Plant and had a good run. Go Pinellas, Go Countryside. But Largo is best in Pinellas this year and may make it to third round. But that is all. No one else is close.
Posted by: | October 27, 2007 at 07:39 AM
Such a shame that River Ridge has kids with so much attitude and so little heart. So concerned with what they want and not what the team needs. Tough second year for Coach Tim as his players comments show he has lost this team, and his treatment of others unfairly,( one parent had to threaten civil action),too bad so sad for the laughing stock Knights, or court jesters?
Posted by: | October 27, 2007 at 02:55 AM
I agree w/ the guy when he says that Ft Meade has something we(Private Schools)don't have. That's true off season commitment, no vacations to the summer cottage and hunger. Just a pure desire to win. I don't agree w/ the talented remark. The talent is there, just not in the large numbers. When our trust fund-babies start wanting to play football and win because the know now and love the feeling they get from winning. Most of all stop worring about what people thing amd just play ball. A potion of it came out when NCS played Ft Meade and if you all remember SPC vs Oseola. That was a buch of private sch. boys out there to have fun. They refused to lose. The private school serve a purpose. They do what they are design to do. Create men and women of character, through academics and spiritual guidance. No, I'm not saying the public sch. system doesn't but we do and we use football, baseball, basketball track and even wrestling just as motivation. I pray the public sch. can do something like that some day and not be ashame to share it w/ the world.
Posted by: !! | October 27, 2007 at 01:54 AM
Man, gulf beat zhills like they stole something.
Hudson may be better than we all think.
Murph/Gould- How does this shake up the district? if gulf beats pasco next week are they in?
Posted by: SSI | October 27, 2007 at 01:50 AM
ummm the BEST chs would be your countryside cougars winning 42-24 thank you very much!
Posted by: | October 27, 2007 at 12:08 AM
Fort Meade-39
Indian Rocks-7
haha
Posted by: | October 26, 2007 at 11:53 PM
YEAH BABY! Lakewood comes back to beat number 12 Northeast! Should move up a lot this week.
Posted by: Ryan Callahan | October 26, 2007 at 11:26 PM
the 1st
the best
the real chs
ct wins a big game 2nite against cside on catch 47
Posted by: Ron Burgundy | October 26, 2007 at 06:11 PM
ZHS BDfan I have read all your comments on this blog through out this year and it always sounds the same. You played us last year & thought we were going to be easy to beat and if memory serves me the Bulldogs went home with their tail between their legs after the RAMS ripped you apart. LOL in the past might have been the powerhouse of the county but that might be changing. Demographics and areas change and so do the youth that go to those schools. ZHills isn't a bad team but ours is better than last year & our match didn't go in your favor. So we'll just have to wait & see. Ridgewood will take the District & the SAC Conference title this year before going through the playoffs. Our boys are taking it one game at a time LOL will be on our list after tonight and then you after them. We have every intention of going undefeated. See you in 2 weeks when you come to our house to play again!
Posted by: RAM Fan | October 26, 2007 at 05:03 PM
Ram Fan,
Before setting your sights on the State, you should look at whats in front of you. You still have to play the Gators and the Bulldogs. The two toughest teams you've played up til now. I'm sure your in the playoffs, but L-O-L can take the division with a win against you. We don't matter, but if your still undefeated by then, I am sure we'll try our best to be the ones to give you your first L. Problem with being undefeated is everyone is out to get ya, but what a nice problem to have.
Posted by: ZHS BDfan | October 26, 2007 at 03:55 PM
Largo fan. Shut it! you talk too much. Let the play on the field do the talking.
Falcon Pride, You can shut your pie-hole too. Until your Falcons BEAT Largo, you can't trash talk.
Largo NEEDS to Focus on the final 3 games. Take them all seriously.
NOBODY is an easy victory. Losing teams have a habit of playing spoiler.
You play EVERY game as if the state tile were on the line. No freebies, no going easy, No loafing around.
Once you step on that field, it is business. And business isn't finished until the final second ticks off that clock.
Posted by: Vinnie | October 26, 2007 at 03:17 PM
When everyone says that only Armwood and Plant have a real chance at the state title they forget about us smaller counties. The Ridgewood RAMS have been working together since middle school at Bayonet Point & Chasco and then came together as one in high school. They are like a well oiled machine that is dedicated and focused. They check each opponent off week by week and will do the same as they work their way through the playoffs. We might be the little step-child from the northern counties but our boys intend to make their mark this year. State Championships here we come and look out everyone in our path!
Posted by: Ram Fan | October 26, 2007 at 02:58 PM
Fort Meade,
IRC has a huge support as well. You can on any given week come to an IRC game and find faithful passionate fans. Just because we are not a public school doesn't mean we are second rate. We have a strong team and tonight all each team can do is leave it all on the field. So fort Meade, good luck and IRC GO GET'EM GUYS/////\\\\\
Posted by: IRC FAN | October 26, 2007 at 02:37 PM
I heard Fort Meade uses the Notre Dame
fight song as their school team song. Great Choice!!
Posted by: | October 26, 2007 at 01:34 PM
>> Posted by: | October 26, 2007 at 10:50 AM
>>What do you think makes Fort Meade
have such a good team year after year?
Ft. Meade is excellent because they have a great mix of incredients that most Pinellas programs do not have:
1. Consistant, good coaching. HC has been there ten years now. He was given the time to build his program. The kids coming up knew what they were getting into. While Dare and Hayford have been in place for a long time, the others have histories of being revolving doors.
2. Athletes. Sorry to ruffle some feathers of you PC folks, but Ft. Meade is a public school and has better athletes. Their kids are tougher, more focused, and don't take ski vacations during off-season workouts.
3. Community support. Go to a Miner's game and you will know what I am talking about.
While none of the ingredients alone make it all happen, FM has the best mix.
Posted by: | October 26, 2007 at 12:58 PM
Can people stop talking about Clearwater. Obvisiously Clearwater players and fans are confused on what it takes to win a state championship. It is ridiculous to say that Clearwater will win state when they will not even sniff the playoffs. Did Clearwater even win a game in their own division?
Posted by: | October 26, 2007 at 12:43 PM
i heard loucks, sackmann, and merchant just committed to spc
Posted by: | October 26, 2007 at 12:10 PM
also kyle hamilton is sick on the outside, he is the fastest kid alive, he's a freak!
Posted by: | October 26, 2007 at 12:09 PM
i agree with the two posts above^ this group is one to watch out for!!! state title 2007 clearwater tornadoes!!!!! mvp tom bostic and his son brett
Posted by: | October 26, 2007 at 12:08 PM
i agree with the post above ^ clearwater is a very talented team and should win the title, i don't think plant will do much against this bunch. they have the best offensive and defensive line in the country, no county, and loucks td to int ratio is phenominal.
Posted by: | October 26, 2007 at 12:07 PM
clearwater is going all the way to the state title. they will beat everyone standing in their way like a baby doll. they had a few tough games but they will now bounce back due to a new starting line up of 22 division one prospects and a special teams unit that would challenge the bucs. anyone try clearwater, just do it, i dare u. u wont bc you are scared. u are scared like u were of chucky when u were 15. clearwater is like a freak machine running on energy and power bars. they have a new kick returner in adam pegg, he is 6'15 and as fast as a deer. watch out everyone, clearwater is in town.
Posted by: | October 26, 2007 at 12:04 PM
What do you think makes Fort Meade
have such a good team year after year?
also, do you think largo could beat them? Are the unbeatable?
Posted by: | October 26, 2007 at 10:50 AM
Who cares about the past? I am sure all of us older schools can dig up our highlights and fight for braggin rights. What matters is here and now! Here is at Gulf and Now is when we Clich our Playoff Berth. To win this game we need to stop Williams. He needs 48 yards to break the single season rushing record for Pasco. I say Williams can wait til next week. No more than 40, B-Dogs, hold him to 40. I also hope Sunlake beats Hudson, sure would take a lot of stress off of next week. Ah...wishful thinking. Go Sunlake and Go Bulldogs!!!
Posted by: ZHS BDfan | October 26, 2007 at 09:16 AM
all this crying and whining about who has the better team... talkin all that trash and actin all tought.. Well, if ya'll are so tough, PUT A JERSEY ON!!!
Posted by: | October 26, 2007 at 08:55 AM