Fenton still suspended; appeal could be decided before Plant game

UPDATE

Through attorneys, Jefferson football coach Mike Fenton appealed in writing Thursday a notice from the FHSAA that he'll have to serve a suspension due to his ejection from last week's game for unsporting conduct.

The Dragons (4-4, 2-0) face defending state champ Plant (7-1, 2-0) for the 4A 10 District title Friday. In hopes of being able to coach, Fenton and Morgan met Thursday with legal representation, whom sent a letter to the FHSAA notifying them of his right to an appeal.

As of mid-day Thursday, the FHSAA hadn't received Fenton's appeal, spokesman Robert Hernberger said. But Hernberger said it's possible a decision on the appeal could be decided before Friday's game with Plant.

"I know referees make their decison," Morgan said. "But a lot of times there are extenuating circumstances."

Fenton received more troubling news Wednesday when he received an anonymous letter with derogatory remarks. The letter, which Morgan handed over to the Tampa Police Department, could be considered hate mail. The return address said it was from Plant, but Morgan said anyone can write a return address. It was postmarked as being from Port Tampa.

Fenton's case isn't the only one Morgan is appealing. He said Wednesday he plans to fight the $1500 fine the FHSAA levied Monday that stemmed from the brawl during the Jefferson-Alonso JV game last month. Alonso was fined $1100 for its part in the brawl.

Morgan said the school identified those involved and they have  been disciplined through in-school suspensions. He said the FHSAA had identified nine Jefferson players through  tape of the incident, but Morgan wants the case reviewed again so there aren't any students inappropriately punished.

Joe Smith

Odoms steps down

Rob Odoms stepped down as Dunedin’s girls basketball coach after 11 seasons at the school. Odoms was the fourth longest-tenured coach behind Keswick Christian's Karrmayne King, Clearwater's Tom Shaneyfelt and Gibbs' Ed Jackson. "I was proud that I was able to get nine girls scholarships during my time there," Odoms said. Dustin Bengston replaces Odoms as coach. In January of 2006, Bengston, a former girls basketball and football coach at Palm Harbor University, was banned from the county from coaching for using profanity and intimidating remarks toward students. He was reinstated later that year and has spent the past two seasons as an assistant football coach at Dunedin. -- BOB PUTNAM

Missing money

Pasco school officials have asked the Dade City Police Department to investigate about $20,000 in missing gate receipts from Pasco High sporting events. The district's former internal auditor says that's just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to missing money in county schools.
-- Jeffrey S. Solochek, Times staff writer

Information NOW!

We could make you wait for Friday's football pages to get the lowdown on this week's ginormous slate of games -- or just let you get by with Brandon and Plant City having at it in the Top 50 thread -- but you know that's not how we do.

Go here, and listen in to the PrepCast.

We got East Lake RB Micah Powell talking about his team's do-or-die showdown with Countryside.
Ridgewood QB  T.J. Haab tells us how it is as he prepares for the district title war with Land O'Lakes.
Hudson QB Zack Wynn will be a key player in the 3A-8 shakeout, and he'll tell you why.
Brandon RB Samir Baker calls in to bring it from both sides of the ball.

You can listen by county, or just download the whole thing and listen during lunch on your iPod.

I'm listening right now -- OH MY GOD THAT"S FUNNY, JOHN! -- and I can tell you that it is full -- GEEZ, DAVE MURPHY, THAT'S A PRETTY BOLD STATEMENT! -- of information and the kind of district breakdowns -- JOEY KNIGHT, YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME! -- that you can't find -- SOMEONE SETTLE BOBBY PUTNAM DOWN, HE'S GETTING ALL CRAZY UP IN HERE! -- anywhere else.

It's fresh.

Oh, and in a stunning development, Dave Murphy names da stampede to the first-team All-Blog team! Just crazy.

Pinellas state golf update

Northside Christian is in third place with a team score of 323 after Tuesday’s first round at the girl’s golf state championships at Ridgewood Lakes Golf and County Club in Davenport. The Mustangs are 12 shots behind St. Stephens and 23 off leader American Heritage’s pace.

“American Heritage is ever but as good as advertised,” Mustangs coach D.J. Jackson said. Weather turned a bit ugly throughout the afternoon Monday, lowering a number of Northside scores. St. Stephens had the luxury of teeing off at 8 a.m. and got some holes in before a storm rolled in.

“They probably got like six or seven holes in before is got nasty,” Jasckson said. “It got pretty rough out there on a very difficult course to begin with.”

Northside’s A.J. Newell and Michelle Butler carded 79 while Morgan Jackson fired an 82. But the Mustang’s No.s 4 and 5 shot 95 and 99, respectively.

“If we can get the fours and fives down to where they should be, we have a chance at catching St. Stephens,” Jackson said.

Devin Hernandez (70) is three shots off the lead in the 1A individual competition at Southern Dunes Golf and Country Club in Haines City. East Lake’s Nick Buccina is tied for 11th in the 2A competition at The Golf Club at Bridgewater in Lakeland, six shots off the pace.

Brandon Wright

North Suncoast Blotter: Ford trial set, Vasquez case still open

There still isn't much news to report in regards to the two pending criminal cases of interest to North Suncoast high school sports fans.

Suspended Gulf football player Julian Ford's trial on felony robbery and battery charges has been pushed back to Jan. 7, meaning he definitely won't return to the football field this season. The fullback/linebacker had hoped to be found not guilty and get back on the field for the playoffs, but they playoffs will be long over by the time his case is adjudicated.

Here's a story we wrote on the situation a couple of months ago:

In Hernando County, a trial date has not yet been set for former Hernando basketball coach Antonio Vasquez, who was arrested in July for allegedly exposing himself to an undercover police officer in a bathroom at Brooksville's Ernie Wever Park. Vasquez has pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor exposure of sexual organs charge.

--DAVID MURPHY, Times Staff Writer
dmurphy@sptimes.com

Club soccer director charged with DUI

RSL Florida director of girls soccer Jim Cote,  charged with driving under the influence last week, will meet Thursday with the organization’s board of directors to determine if he’ll still work for one of the bay area’s largest clubs.
Cote, 39, a former Chamberlain player, coaches the defending state champion U-17 and U-18 girls teams, which include standouts from Hillsborough and Pinellas counties and will play in the North American Nationals next month in Tampa.
The club, formerly the Tampa Knights, signed a five-year deal last year to be a youth development program for Real Salt Lake of Major League Soccer.
“As always, there’s a legal system and it will deal with it,” Cote said. “Whatever it is I must take responsibility for it. I preach to our players to never put themselves in the situation.
“Drinking and driving is the wrong thing to do — whether you had one beer or two beers or half a beer. It’s just wrong.”
Cote was arrested at 4:52 a.m.  Thursday  and refused to submit to a Breathalyzer test. According to the police report, Cote was “intoxicated” with a “distinct odor of alcohol on his breath” and was unable to do the field sobriety test properly. Cote was released on $1,000 bond and will set up a court date to fight the charges. 
RSL Florida president Simone Hollar said the board, which meets monthly, did not want to “rush to judgment without knowing all the facts.” Hollar said she has never received any complaints about Cote, who owns  a business and makes  $2,000 a year from RSL for overseeing about 18 soccer teams.
“Jim’s a really good person and coach,” said St. Petersburg senior Andrea Rodriguez, who is on Cote’s U-18 team. “Of all the clubs I’ve been on, he’s one of the most hands-on DOC’s I’ve ever had.”

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Riverview standout lands first offer

Marshall has become the first Division I-A football program to offer Riverview defensive end Quincy Barr a scholarship, but it might not be the last. The 6-foot-4, 225-pound senior, the anchor of the Sharks defensive line, has 50 tackles and 2.5 sacks.

"Most people have to account for this kid," Riverview coach Dan O'Regan said. "He's a speed guy off the edge. And he has great range."

Southern Miss and South Florida also are interested, the coach said.

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

You want some? Come get some. It's the Times Top 50!

(Pictured: Lakewood coach Otis Dixon. Are the Spartans playoff bound?)

1. (1) Armwood (9-0)
Friday: beat Freedom 31-9.
This week: at Middleton.
Nothing spectacular from the Hawks, just another dominant, workmanlike, lunch-bucket effort. The big question is, can you fit a state championship trophy in that lunch bucket? Oh, and a ham sandwich would be good. And something crunchy, like Pringles, as well?

2. (2) Plant (7-1)
Friday: beat No. 5 Chamberlain 29-22.
This week: vs. Jefferson.
This one was all about the knees. Cornelius Gallon tore the ACL in his left knee. Aaron Murray is hit while taking a knee, and the Panthers refuse to shake hands. The Panthers kneed to win against Jefferson to win the district.

3. (3) Largo (8-0)
Friday: beat Seminole 34-0.
This week: at Gibbs.
Largo is either the best team no one is talking about, or a team made better by its schedule. We're going with the former, and will boldly prognosticate that the Packers are headed to the region final.

4. (4) Ridgewood (8-0)
Friday: beat No. 39 Springstead 27-13.
This week: at Land O'Lakes.
Here's some things we thought we'd ever say: Ridgewood has won 10 straight games. Ridgewood is going to the playoffs. Ridgewood can win the district title this week. We like green beans. We think Members Only jackets are cool.

5. (7) Hillsborough (7-2)
Friday: Beat No. 6 Gaither 31-7.
This week: vs. Tampa Bay Tech.
After three straight games against top-six competition, the Terriers get Tampa Bay Tech and a bye to end the regular season. Seems right.

6. (8) Brandon (6-2)
Friday: Beat Bloomingdale 56-0.
This week: at Plant City.
The Eagles' defense is ferocious. Over the last three weeks, it's Brandon 130, everyone else nothing.

7. (5) Chamberlain (6-3)
Friday: lost to No. 2 Plant 29-22.
This week: at King.
The Panthers had their hands full with the Chiefs on Friday night. Maybe that's why they couldn't shake hands afterwards?

8. (9) Land O'Lakes (7-1)
Friday: Beat River Ridge 31-0.
This week: vs. No. 4 Ridgewood.
For those with Lake in their school name, it was the greatest week ever. Land O'Lakes won it's seventh straight game. Lakeland won its 53rd straight. East Lake stayed alive in the playoff race. Lakewood stunned Northeast after trailing 21-0. Blake won its first game of the season.

9. (10) Countryside (6-2)
Friday: beat No.43 Clearwater 42-24.
This week: vs. East Lake.
QB Jimbo Chmelik carried the Cougars. Jimbo Chmelik didn't throw an incomplete pass, going 11-of-11. Jimbo Chmelik also had 134 yards and a touchdown. We just like saying Jimbo Chmelik.

10. (11) Plant City (5-3)
Friday: Listened to country music. Watched Brandon win.
This week: vs. Brandon.
We were ready to declare Brandon's Samir Baker and Marquel Gilmore as Tampa Bay's best rushing duo. Then we remembered Plant City's duo of Sirchauncey Holloway and Keith Dawson. Then we decided to just wait until after they play Friday to make a final decision.

Yeates picks UT

Indian Rocks Christian senior Brianne Yeates can’t be positive how far the Eagles will go in the playoffs but one thing’s for sure: where she’ll be playing volleyball next season. Yeates, a Times’ first-team all county selection as a sophomore, committed to the University of Tampa this weekend.

“It’s such a relief,” Yeates said. “For so long I didn’t know where I would be going next year but now it’s set and I’m so excited.”

Yeates was leaning toward Eckerd before taking an official visit to UT two weeks ago.

“Once I saw the campus and the dedication they have to the program, I knew it was right,” Yeates said.

The Spartans are ranked No. 1 in the latest Division II national poll. IRC opens up the playoffs Tuesday night at 7 against visiting Fort Meade.

--Brandon Wright, Times Staff Writer

Injured Eagle says he'll play Friday

Samir Baker's right ankle was elevated and wrapped in ice at this afternoon's practice, but the confidence of the Eagles' prolific two-way star was at full strength.

He insists he'll play in Friday's Class 5A, District 7 title game against Plant City.

Baker, bedecked in street clothes -- including a purple dress shirt and tie -- at today's practice, sustained a high-ankle sprain in the first quarter of last week's 56-0 rout of Bloomingdale. He said he intends to return to practice Wednesday, and won't even consult a doctor.

"I already know what it is," said Baker, who has nearly 900 rushing yards and starts at safety or linebacker on defense. "It's basically the same thing that happened to my other ankle (in the preseason)."

Coach John Lima and defensive coordinator Dale Caparaso both said they also expect Baker to play against the Raiders. Caparaso said that, if needed, Baker could've returned to the Bloomingdale game.

Fenton plans to appeal suspension

Jefferson football coach Mike Fenton, suspended one-game by the FHSAA for unsporting conduct, will appeal, AD Bob Morgan said.

Fenton, who will also be fined $250, was ejected from Friday's 38-2 win over Alonso. Morgan said Fenton argued in defense of one of his players, who was allegedly speared on a play and not properly penalized. Morgan said he hadn't received anything official about the suspension Monday, but FHSAA spokesperson Robert Hernberger said the letter will be sent Tuesday.

Said Morgan: "You say something, and you regret saying it the way it came out."

Jefferson (4-4, 2-0) plays Plant (7-1, 2-0) Friday for the Class 4A, District 10 championship. FHSAA spokesperson Robert Hernberger said it's possible an appeal could be resolved by Friday, but not certain.

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Jefferson, Alonso football programs fined for JV brawl

The Alonso and Jefferson football programs have each been fined and put on administrative probation through the 2008-09 by the Florida High School Athletic Association as a result of a brawl at their JV game Oct. 4.

Alonso ($1,100) and Jefferson ($1,500) will also be restricted to just five JV football games next season, according to FHSAA spokesman Robert Hernberger.

The brawl occured during the post-game handshake and lasted for several minutes. Five Jefferson JV players and two Alonso players served 10-day in school suspensions for their role in the melee, which drew several sheriff's deputies to the scene.

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Hawks Smith will miss one more week

Armwood senior tailback Eric Smith, who suffered an ankle injury two weeks ago against Hillsborough, will sit out this Friday's regular-season finale against Middleton to get rested for the playoffs.

Smith, one of the state's top running backs, said last week he expected to be ready to go against the Tigers. But with the district title wrapped up, coach Sean Callahan said he wanted to give him extra time to recoup.

Callahan also said Smith will make an official visit to Clemson Nov. 10.

"I want to have all my toys in the toy box for the playoffs," Callahan said.

One toy Callahan will likely not have is Smith's brother, junior Petey Smith. Smith, one of the nation's top linebackers, suffered a bladder infection last month and underwent two abdominal surgeries. He hasn't played since the Jefferson game Sept 28 in late September, and Callahan said he wasn't sure when he'll return.

-- JOE SMITH
joesmith@sptimes.com

Times photo of eric smith

Plant's Gallon tears ACL, out for season

Plant senior Cornelius Gallon, one of the state's leading receivers, will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL.

Gallon found out the news Saturday afternoon after undergoing a scan on his knee; the loss is a big blow to the defending state champion Panthers, as Gallon is not only one of their top receivers, he's also their main kick returner, one of their top cornerbacks - not to mention, he's the backup quarterback for star junior Aaron Murray.

"It's frustrating," Gallon said. "Really frustrating."

Gallon suffered the injury in the first half of Friday's win over Chamberlain. He jumped for a pass near the sideline, said he planted his feet in the grass and got pushed out of bounds onto the track by a Chiefs defender. He felt a "pop," but hoped it was just a strain or sprain.

Gallon was having a career season, coming into Friday as one of the county's top playmakers, scoring 15 touchdowns in his past five games - on kick returns, runs and receptions. Gallon has 31 catches for 686 yards and 13 TDs. He already had offers from Central Michigan and Temple, and with an expected lengthy postseason run, Gallon likely would have picked up more.

"It's the saddest injury I have ever been associated with," Plant coach Bob Weiner said. "My heart is broken for him and our team."

The defending state champion Panthers (7-1) host Jefferson Friday night in a game that will decide the district championship.

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Times photo of Cornelius Gallon

Holy Friday Night Rewind, Batman!

Yes, it's a special Halloween Edition of the hottest prep football show in town.

I don't throw praise around casually, but I think this might be the best show ever. Honest. I wouldn't say it if it wasn't true, you know that.

So, if you haven't already watched by clicking right here, then what are you waiting for? Don't make me send Frankenstein over to your house. Yeah, you, guy in your underwear eating Cocoa Puffs on the counch, I'm talking to you.

And when you're done, come back here, tell us what you think and tell us where we need to be next week. So many big games, so few cameras. We're leaning toward Ridgewood-Land O'Lakes, but we can be talked into just about anything.

Jefferson coach will likely miss showdown with Plant

Jefferson could play Plant for the Class 4A, District 11 championship without their head coach, Mike Fenton.

Fenton was ejected in the first half of the Dragons 38-2 win over Alonso for unsportsmanlike conduct, and, according to FHSAA rules, he must sit out the next game. Fenton can appeal the suspension, and the status won't be known until the officials report is sent to the FHSAA Monday.

The Dragons (4-4, 2-0) have won three of their last four games since starting the season 1-3 for the first time since 1998. Plant (7-1, 2-0), the defending state champ, defeated Jefferson last year in the year's most anticipated game; Robert Marve connected with Derek Winter for a TD pass with 19 seconds left to win 17-13 before roughly 5,000 fans at Dr. Sam Horton Stadium.

Times photo of Jefferson coach Mike Fenton

Gallon's injury "doesn't look good"

Plant senior Cornelius Gallon, one of the state's leading receivers, twisted his left knee in the third quarter against Chamberlain Friday night. Gallon will undergo a scan Saturday to find out the severity of the injury, but Plant coach Bob Weiner said late Friday night that "it doesn't look good."

Gallon came into Friday's game as one of the county's top playmakers, scoring 15 touchdowns in his past five games - on kick returns, runs and receptions. Gallon has 31 catches for 686 yards and 13 TDs.

The defending state champion Panthers (7-1) host Jefferson Friday night in a game that will decide the district championship.

Stay tuned for more updates.

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Times photo of Cornelius Gallon

Arline is king

Ridgewood running back Byronell Arline was named homecoming king during halftime of the Rigewood-Springstead game. Arline has rushed 12 times for 112 yards and two touchdowns in the first half. The Rams lead 14-7.

Meyer, Nicklaus reach out to Berean Academy golfer

Berean Academy star golfer Harris Armstrong (left), who recently underwent surgery to remove a spinal cord tumor, received words of inspiration this week from several sports figures from around the country.

Armstrong, 11, who is a Gators fanatic, was in the hospital Thursday when he got a call from Florida coach Urban Meyer, who had found out about the sixth-grader's condition from a story in Sunday's Times.

Earlier this week, Armstrong received a visit from former Rays manager Lou Piniella, a personal note from PGA legend Jack Nicklaus and Masters flags from his favorite PGA pro, Chris DiMarco.

The Berean Academy golf team had dedicated their season to Armstrong, a junior golf star, who was hospitalized just two weeks before the district tournament. Two Berean golfers, including Armstrong's best friend Jimmy Stanger (pictured, above right), advanced to last Tuesday's region tournament. A day earlier, Armstrong walked for the first time since starting physical therapy over a week ago. He's scheduled to start radiation treatment soon, but the family is hopeful, as 90 percent of the tumor was removed through surgery.

Florida AD Jeremy Foley sent Harris a Tebow jersey and Gator radio network broadcast of games on CD for Harris to listen to while undergoing radiation treatment.

What did Meyer and Armstrong chat about? According to Armstrong's father, Jeff, the two first compared golf scores. After hearing about Harris’ 66 at Hammock Bay in Naples Memorial Day weekend, Meyer replied that at age 43 his best score was only a 78

Here is the Times story on Armstrong, which ran Sunday.

http://www.sptimes.com/2007/10/21/Sports/Golf_preview__A_small.shtml

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Photo courtesy of Armstrong family

Notes from the 'Coast: Fribley out, Delaine in, Region quarters set

We've got a few tidbits for you this afternoon. First and foremost, both Nature Coast and Hernando may be without their starting running backs during tonight's Class 3A, District 6 game at Tom Fisher Stadium in Brooksville. George Fribley, who has had a disappointing season thus far, has been suspended for the game and will not play for the Leopards. It's not clear what Fribley is being punished for - coach Rodney Byrd declined to say - but he could return next week. Filling the void will be freshman Alvin Delaine, one of the top middle-school players in the area last season. Delaine has played a host of positions this season - running back, wide receiver, cornerback, safety - but is expected to be the future of the Hernando program in the backfield. . .Nature Coast running back Tevin Drake, who, coincidentally, shared a backfield with Delaine when both played at Parrott Middle School, isn't expected to start, but could play with a chest injury.

VOLLEYBALL UPDATE: The 5A-7 and 4A-8 district tournament were as exciting as expected, with Nature Coast knocking off Hudson in the 4A-8 semis Wednesday en route to the title and River Ridge beating Land O'Lakes in the 5A-7 championship Thursday. River Ridge has now won six straight district titles. Hudson, meanwhile, is not in the playoffs for the first time since 2002. River Ridge will host Armwood Wednesday in the region quarterfinals. The Hawks lost to Brandon in the 5A-8 title game. Brandon will host Land O'Lakes. . .Nature Coast beat Hudson and Zephyrhills while winning the 4A-8 title, but they may still be underdogs despite hosting a home match against South Lake Wednesday. South Lake entered the week ranked No. 3 in the Class 4A state poll conducted by the Florida Sports Writers Association. SL's loss to Bishop Moore in the 4A-7 title game was just their fourth loss of the season. That means Zephyrhills has a tough match too, heading out to face Bishop Moore, which is tied for No. 10 in 4A. Bishop Moore has advanced out of the regional quarterfinals in a remarkable 10 straight seasons. This is their 15th straight postseason appearance.

Leto lands college hoops coach

There's a buzz surrounding the Leto girls basketball program, and part of it's because of their most recent hire.

Kris Ruffo, 39, who has 13 years of college coaching experience, will try her hands at another rebuilding job with the Falcons. Ruffo, who played basketball and softball at University of South Carolina-Spartanburg, came from the New York area, where she coached five years at SUNY Geneseo (Division III). Prior to that, she spent five years at Lenoir-Rhyne in Hickory, NC (Division II).

But her most impressive feat was her first job, when, at age 23, she became the youngest female college coach in the nation in starting up a Division III program the Savannah College of Art and Design. Within four years, the team earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament.

Ruffo's move was predicated by family, and her assistant coach will be older brother Craig, 41, who lives in Wesley Chapel. So far, so good, as nearly 20 girls have come out to practice, meaning the school could actually have a JV program.

"There's quite a buzz around campus," Ruffo said. "I know the numbers have been down and the program has struggled (in the past), but we've got some tradition to build back up."

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Drake won't start

Nature Coast running back Tevin Drake will not start Friday's key Class 3A, District 6 game at Hernando.
The Sharks sophomore star suffered a bruised chest in last week's 26-14 win against Citrus, and is expected to suit up. Nature Coast coach Jamie Joyner said Eric Williams will start in Drake's spot at tailback. Williams rushed for 132 yards and a touchdown while Drake had 82 yards and two touchdowns before being forced from the game. Drake has not had contact in practice this week though he has been running.

-- IZZY GOULD
izzygould@gmail.com

Plant nearing full strength

Lost in the fact Plant has put up some of the state's top offensive numbers this season is that the Panthers have done it, for the most part, without leading rusher Lovell Jackson.

The 5-10 senior slasher, a threat at RB and WR, racked up over 800 yards last season (10.2 ypc). But he's only carried the ball 20 times this season, having pulled his hamstring in three of the past five games.

But Plant coach Bob Weiner said Wednesday that doctors have cleared Jackson to play Friday when the Panthers (6-1) take on Chamberlain (6-2) in a matchup of two of the county's top teams. Senior RB/CB/WR James Harrell III will also see his first action since spraining his ankle against Wharton in the preseason classic. WR Joe Epps is expected to get some limited action as well.

The only starter likely to sit is FB/LB Patrick Carter (back), who will probably return next week against Jefferson.

The most-banged up Panther may actually be Weiner, who said he tore a labrum in both shoulders. Apparently, Weiner tried to outlift junior quarterback Aaron Murray (or vice versa) and try to show him "what an old man could do."

"I should be available Friday night," Weiner joked.

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Spartan switcheroo

Lakewood coach Otis Dixon has been calling plays for the past three weeks since offensive coordinator Shannon Brooks left the staff.
Brooks, who was hired by the Spartans last spring after spending the previous two seasons as Canterbury’s head coach, said he stepped down because of personal reasons and would not elaborate any further.
Quarterback coach Phillip Hines and offensive line coach John Burns also resigned, according to Brooks. Dixon would not comment on any other changes to his coaching staff and would not say if the other coaches had been replaced.
The Spartans have gone 2-1 the past three weeks. They play Northeast in a key Class 4A, District 9 game Friday.

PHU hires new coach

The search for a new boys soccer coach at Palm Harbor U. is over.

Alex Delgado, a decorated former PHU star, was recently chosen to lead the Hurricanes. Delgado, who played on PHU’s 2002 state title squad and was a Times’ first-team all county selection in 2003, replaces Mike Mannino. In Mannino’s two years, he led the Hurricanes to a state championship in 2005-06 and finals appearances last season.

PHU also lost assistant coach Sergei Stopek recently. Stopek took the head coaching job at East Lake, replacing Tom Malinosky.

--Brandon Wright, Times Staff Writer

McCray feels "at home" at LSU

Hillsborough senior defensive end Moses McCray, who visited LSU over the weekend, said for the first time since his initial trip to Florida State he was at a place that "felt like home."

Bad news for FSU? It's too early to tell. McCray said his commitment to FSU is a "soft verbal," and plans to take a visit to Miami - the third school in his "top 3" - on Nov. 3.

"The atmosphere at (LSU), I felt like I was at home as soon as I got there," McCray said Monday night. "It fits my personality. The people on the team, I fit in well with them too. And their style - they're an attacking defense, and I like that a lot."

McCray said although FSU coaches - including his main contact, defensive tackles coach Odell Haggins - "doesn't like that I'm taking visits, they're supportive about it."

The 6-foot-3, 285 pound senior said he made the decision to "see what else is out there," after talking with his mother, Vanessa and his coaches.

McCray said he still likes FSU, his favorite team ever since he was a little kid, and really appreciated how genuine the coaches were.

It's still up in the air, however, whether that'll be enough to turn his commitment from "soft" to solid.

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Times photo of Hillsborough's Moses McCray

Sykes commits to Illinois

Chamberlain senior receiver Fred Sykes orally committed Monday night to play for the University of Illinois.

Sykes, one of the county's top receivers, was impressed during his official visit this past weekend to the campus. The Illini lost 27-17 to Michigan, but Sykes had a great time with his host, receiver Arrelious Benn and former Gators coach Ron Zook.

Sykes said there's a chance he could take a couple more visits this fall, but felt pretty comfortable with his decision

Illinois "has everything," Sykes said Monday night. "The campus, the academics, the coaches. It was just a great fit."

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Times photo of Fred Sykes

Hey Tigers, tell us how you feel

Suddenly, the "Tiger Pride" mantra long embraced by the Jesuit family now is being counted on more than ever.

For all intents, it's all that's left to be played for in the 2007 football season.

Jesuit (3-4), once a postseason fixture, was essentially knocked from the playoffs with its third consecutive loss -- a 52-14 thumping Friday night at Palmetto. Mathematically, the Tigers still could earn the runner-up spot in Class 3A, District 11, but only under some highly improbable circumstances.

A half-decade ago, such a humbling exit from playoff contention would've been met with widespread grimacing and, perhaps, even some grousing. Jesuit, after all, made the playoffs every year from 1996-2002.

But since then, the Tigers have failed to reach the postseason twice, and are almost certain of missing it this year. Additionally, they appear in serious danger of posting the school's first losing season since 1989.

We want your take on this, Tigers fans. You've been some of our most outspoken readers in the past; don't go silent on us now. Is success cyclical? Is this a young team (even though the preseason roster in our possession features 27 seniors)? Are you angry? Ambivalent? Let us know!

No Hooter's Holiday Classic this season

The Hooter's Holiday Classic, a fixture in bay area basketball for over 25 years, has been shut down -- potentially for good - after it lost its title sponsor.

"I think it's gone," said Northeast coach Dave Redding, the tournament director last year. "Hooters is out of the tournament business. They were very generous for 15 years, but they said they couldn't continue with the same financial support. And we need that financial support in order to run a tournament."

The tournament, which drew the likes of Amare Stoudemire and some of the top talent in the state to St. Petersburg during the Christmas holiday, has been mostly a local tournament the past few years. Last year, Boca Ciega beat Clearwater in front of a light crowd at Eckerd College to win the championship.

In 2001, the tournament produced one of its best finishes and crowds in excess of 4,000 when the semifinals pitted Lakewood and Boca Ciega in one game and Lakeland Kathleen and Largo - a battle of the state's No. 1 teams in Class 5A and 4A, respectively - in the other.

The tournament, which had also been called the Eckerd College tournament, has been played at Eckerd, Bayfront and other local sites. Hooters began sponsoring the event about 15 years ago. Redding said to put on such a tournament, and put up the visiting schools, it could take $20,000-50,000. Unless another title sponsor comes in, or Hooters changes their mind, bay area teams will likely have to find other local tournaments. 

St. Petersburg coach Chris Blackwell, who played in the Hooter's Tournament in the early 80s while at Lakewood calls the loss of the tournament "heart breaking."

"Just the exposure the kids get from teams coming from around the state," Blackwell said. "It's a loss. A big loss."

--- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

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.

Lakewood's Morrison commits to George Mason

Lakewood senior Mike Morrison, one of the county's top forwards, has verbally committed to play for George Mason.

Morrison, a 6-foot-9 southpaw, led the Spartans to the state championship game last year, when they lost to Lake Howell. He averaged 12 points and 7 rebounds, while becoming one of the bay area's top shotblockers.

Morrison chose the CAA program after visiting Butler, Tulsa, Nevada and Old Dominion.

"The school was a good fit for me," Morrison said. "Their coach knew what he was doing, and knew how to run his team, very well-structured - it kind of reminded me of (Lakewood coach) Dan Wright. The campus was nice and players were great. I'm excited."

Morrison is also excited about getting a chance to play some of his friends twice in CAA play. There's former Lakewood star Ed Nixon (Virginia Commonwealth) and Clearwater senior Adam Pegg (Deleware).

Morrison, at 6-9, 218, says he's in the "best shape I've ever been in," and believes this Spartans team could be "better than we were last year."

"We still have that double scoring threat, with me and Shamon (Cox)," Morrison said. "It's just not as high-flying as it was with (Anthony Dorsey and Nixon)."

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Times photo of Lakewood senior Mike Morrison. Photo by Lara Cerri

Jesuit's Donnelly performs well at Olympic Trials

Jesuit junior Vinny Donnelly may sport two shiners walking through the school hallways today.

But the star swimmer has good reason for it.

Donnelly competed Sunday in the Olympic Trials for the 10K swim at a lake in Fort Myers, sticking with the top pack for three quarters of the race. Donnelly ended up 18th, but finished just five minutes behind the race winner, whom along with the runner up will advance to the World Championships.

The race, coming in very windy conditions, was very chippy. With the pack so tight together, swimmers were literally on top of each other, with elbows flying, swimmers inadvertantly kicked. There was even a swimmer who got handed a yellow card.

"It was the definition of extreme swimming," Glynis Donnelly said. "Vinny left with two black eyes."

Donnelly also left with a consolation prize: the junior will go for his Olympic Trial cut in the mile and 200 fly in events Nov. 29-Dec.2. His Olympic dreams are still alive, and as Glynis said, "he's got a good shot at 2012."

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Times photo of Jesuit junior Vinny Donnelly. Photo by Brian Cassella.

Small school has big plans

Carrollwood Day School, which started a six-man team "on a whim" last fall, is hoping to play 11-man football next year, Patriots coach Lane McLaughlin said Saturday.

"We want to grow the program," McLaughlin said.

School boosters will vote on the issue in November, McLaughlin said, but he has every expectation the Patriots will make the jump into Florida High School Athletic Association competition as an independent.

"The kids are excited," McLaughlin said. "They're working hard."

The Patriots currently play in the Florida Christian Association of Private and Parochial Schools. After going 0-10 last year, CDS is 8-2 in McLaughlin's first season, averaging 40 points a game and will enter the playoffs as the second seed. CDS has 17 players, but McLaughlin said that number should grow if the move to 11-man is made.

"The middle school and elementary school have been around for about 20 years, but the high school is only two years old and it's growing," McLaughlin said. "A lot of eighth graders used to go to Tampa Catholic, Jesuit or Chamberlain. We want to keep them here."

McLaughlin, a former player at Oregon State, was receivers coach at Jefferson from 1999-2006.

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Blog Bowl: Recap. And then we're done.

Who's got Blog Bowl fatigue? Raise your hands...uh-huh...yeah...you, you, you, and I see you in the back there. Okay, well, this is it.

First, The Rewind, and I'm going to say this, and I don't say it often: Best. Show. Ever.

Okay, so I say that every week. But if I'm lying, tell me I'm lying.
This much is absolutely true though: the Indian Rocks Christian cheerleaders were brilliant. The looks on their faces, the contempt, the disgust, was sheer brilliance. I felt like I had just walked into the movie Mean Girls. (They were all sweethearts, once they shed their camera personas, however.)

That said, here's 10 Final Thoughts On The Bowleth that Blogeth:

Armwood star RB listed as day-to-day

Heralded Armwood running back Eric Smith, who sprained his left ankle in Thursday’s win over Hillsborough, saw a doctor Saturday morning and was fitted for a protective boot.

Smith will have an MRI Monday.

For now, he is listed as day-to-day.

The nationally ranked Hawks have been somewhat injury-plagued this fall, but coach Sean Callahan doesn’t seem worried about this latest possible setback.

“We’re not concerned at all, because we have depth,” Callahan said. “We have good football players.”

-- KEITH NIEBUHR

Snakes alive! Cobras comin' on

With all due respect to Hudson boys basketball coach Jason Vetter -- himself a former local sports scribe -- we're betting the Cobras football team will finish with a higher per-game scoring average than its hoops counterparts.

Subtract a 26-7 season-opening loss to undefeated Ridgewood, and the Cobras are averaging 46.3 points. But that hardly does justice to their recent prolificacy. In three October games (granted, against mediocre competition) they're averaging 56.7.  In their latest offensive deluge, they doubled up rival Gulf, 42-21, Friday night.

Hence the reason we like the Cobras to wreak utter chaos in Class 3A, District 8, which is shaping up as one of the area's most intriguing district races. Try and follow along:

Zephyrhills is 3-0 in the district, while three other teams -- Hudson, Gulf and Pasco -- are 2-1. Sunlake and Wiregrass Ranch, the district's other two teams, both are winless. If Zephyrhills wins out in district play, the Bulldogs win the title. We don't see that happening.

Our most viable scenario, contrived at our cubicles over coffee as Friday night segued into Saturday morning, goes like this: the Bulldogs defeat Gulf next Friday, but fall to Hudson on Nov. 2. Pasco, meantime, eliminates Gulf with a victory against the Buccaneers on Nov. 2

That would force a three-way tie-breaker on Monday, Nov. 5 at Hudson, Zephyrhills or Pasco. Anything can happen in such a shootout; just ask Hudson, which drummed Pasco in the 2004 regular season but lost to the Pirates in the first quarter of a tie-breaker several weeks later.

But at this point, we're not betting against Cobras senior Sean Scott, arguably the county's best tailback not named Arline; and sophomore Zack Wynn, arguably the county's best quarterback, period.

JOEY KNIGHT, Times Staff Writer

Blog Bowl: IRC 12, Northside 7.

That's all I got for ya right now. But we had a little trophy presentation, J-Sitton tore it up with 2 TDs and 2 sacks, and the Golden Eagle defense was hellacious....can I say that? No, no I can't. really darned good!

I'm gonna hook my small school homies up with a little write up on the blog Saturday morning, but for now I got The Rewind to put together, with highlights and interviews from the Blog Bowl. Then I'm retiring from writing about small school football.

(Unless, of course, Keswick can lure me out of retirement.)

Shark's Drake sidelined (UPDATE: 11:29 p.m.)

Nature Coast running back Tevin Drake suffered a bruised chest and was sent home from the hospital with pain medication. His status for Friday's key Class 3A, District 6 game at Hernando next week is unclear. Drake was taken to a local hospital for X-rays after being sidelined with a chest injury following a run in the first quarter. He returned to school after the game.
Drake rushed six times for 82 yards and two touchdowns before a jarring hit forced him to the sideline.
Drake walked off the field with help and spent the remainder of the first half on the bench with his shoulder pads off. His mother and father stood behind Drake until halftime when he walked to the locker room on his own. When he came out for the second half, he left the field with his parents to visit a local hospital.

-- IZZY GOULD
Times Staff Writer
izzygould@gmail.com

Official Blog Bowl predictions thread!

Seven hours until kickoff, and if you ain't got goosebumps, then you ain't got a soul. The Blog Bowl and The Rewind at The Rock? Are you kidding me?

I don't know how we top last night's show, but we're going to try.

**QUOTE OF THE DAY**
“A man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things
which he possesseth, but rather in how welleth he playeth in the game thou nameth for a webeth logeth."
~Luke 12:15

**Some predictions**
Jesus: "I don't care who wins, as long as all glory is given to me afterwards.''
Brother Maynard: "I like that Northside defense. Alot. Give me the Mustangs 24-0.''
Friar Tuck: "Now starting at running back for Indian Rocks -- Superman! Giolden Eagles roll 35-30.''
Elsie Ethrington: "No one comes into the Rock and gets away unscathed. Well, accept for Sean Connery in that one movie. But I know Sean Connery, and you Daniel Speake are no Sean Connery! IRC in a close one 19-18.''
Mother Abbess: "Northside , baby! 28-7.''
Dumbledore: "I think the Northside offense will cast a spell on the IRC defense, 49-14."

What are yours?

Florida may be in Holloway's plans

Jefferson senior defensive lineman Max Holloway may get to fulfill his Gator dreams after all.

Holloway, a Boston College commit, has recently received serious interest from Florida coaches, who came to watch him last week against Chamberlain. According to Holloway, UF co-defensive coordinator Greg Mattison told him, "If it's my call, you'll be here."

Holloway plans to send more film to UF, including his three-sack performance Thursday against Blake, and make a visit to Gainesville Nov. 3 when the Gators host Vanderbilt.

"If Florida offers, that's where I'm going to go," Holloway said. "Florida has always been my dream school."

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Times photo of Jefferson senior Max Holloway

Dragons were Men in Black

The surprise (finally) came midway through Thursday's walkthrough at Jefferson High School.

Dragons running backs coach Jason Lane charged onto the field, donning Jefferson's spiffy black jerseys with blue stripes. The jersey was ordered in part as tribute to late linebacker C.J. Mills, who was shot and killed in his driveway in April.  On the left shoulder, the jersey had a Dragons patch with C.J. stitched in.

Coach Mike Fenton had planned to have them ready for the Dragons game against Armwood Sept. 28. But Jefferson proudly wore them for their 40-0 win over Blake THursday night, clinching a playoff spot for the ninth straight season.

"The (uniforms) were nasty," Jefferson quarterback Zack Grossi said. "They were the best looking uniforms I've ever seen. Everyone was pumped."

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Live and in full effect

A special Thursday edition of the ever-popular Friday Night Rewind goes all split screen on your backsides. Live from two locations: Hillsborough and Tarpon Springs, with all the highlights and player interviews.

It's hot. Best episode yet. And I ain't lying when I say I've been burning up my new iPod Touch by watching it over and over after downloading it from iTunes. Okay, I don't have a new iPod Touch, but it still looks a little funky and lots of fresh on my regular old iPod.

We're going live tonight too, from a game I cannot yet reveal because we're afraid it might cause a stampede. The Rewind will release this info later today, but here's a hint: An online diary, and a thing you eat cereal out of.

OH SNAP!

P.S. Blog Bowl is tonight, but I have to share what might be my most favorite comment in comments of ALL TIME from one of the Blog Bowl threads: "if we payed more attention to our homework as much as we do this blog thing then we would all be getting straight A's" Someone is either being brilliantly intentionally untintentionally funny, or is making a better point than he even knows. Best laugh I've had all day since watching this beauty.

Crescimbeni commits to UF

Calvary Christian senior Jose "Emman" Crescimbeni, who will swim for Peru in the 2008 Olympics, confirmed earlier this week he has committed to the University of Florida.

A favorite to win Class 1A state titles in the 100-yard butterfly and 100 backstroke, Crescimbeni earned dual-citizenship status in January (he was born in the U.S; his parents were born in Peru) and earned a qualifying time for the Olympics in the 200 butterfly at the Pan-Am Games in July.

Gators coach Gregg Troy "is a really hard coach but they gave me an opportunity and I took it, and I plan on going there next season," Crescimbeni said.

Crescimbeni eclipsed ex-Jesuit star Tommy Wyher's pool records at Tuesday's District 7 meet at Berkeley Prep, winning the 100 back (51.39 seconds) and 100 fly (49.87).

10 things I've learned from the Blog Bowl

1. People are mean. Like this person:

       WHO Cares??? Two team that would lose to all the public schools in the county expcept Seminole and P-park. Pathetic.

Well, you cared enough to read the post, scroll to the bottom, put your name down, write your comment, and post it. Oh wait, sorry -- you didn't put your name on it. But anyway, thanks for NOT caring.

2. I don't like people picking on the small schools, unless that person is me. People, it's a game, we're trying to have a little fun, sorry we're not breaking down that "big" school tilt between St. Pete and Pinellas Park.  (P-Park wins 23-10, by the way).

3. Shoot, now that I'm writing all this, does that mean I have to actually go to the game? Please God no! (See No. 2, first sentence).

BONUS NUMBER OF THE DAY: 2,198 (Number of WWJD bracelets in the crowd Friday night).

There's more!:

Pasco's Eble out for the season

Pasco cross country star Leeann Eble in all likelyhood is done for the season. The Pirates junior suffered a severe ankle sprain Sunday during a soccer game with her club team, the East Pasco Burn.
Eble saw an orthopedist Tuesday and will wear a cast until Nov. 6. It is unclear if Eble will need to rehab her ankle, but she is expected to be ready for Pasco's winter soccer season. Read more about Eble in tomorrow's Times.
-- IZZY GOULD
izzygould@gmail.com
Times staff writer John C. Cotey contributed to this report.

Pasco's Johnson out against Sunlake

Pasco playmaker Josh Johnson will be held out as a precaution for Friday's Class 3A, District 8 game against Sunlake. Johnson, who plays various positions on both sides of the football including quarterback, suffered a high-ankle sprain in a 14-7 loss at Zephyrhills on Oct. 8. He was held out of practice this week, but should be ready for an Oct. 26 game against Wiregrass Ranch.
Read more about Johnson and this week's football games in Thursday's North Suncoast edition of the Times.

-- IZZY GOULD
izzygould@gmail.com

Marve will not play this fall for UM

Former Plant quarterback Robert Marve, last year’s Mr. Football in Florida, will be redshirted by the Miami Hurricanes this fall, the Miami Herald reports. Although many had speculated for weeks this move would come, UM coach Randy Shannon made it official Tuesday.

Marve, a freshman, showed reporters Tuesday the scars he sustained on his left wrist and hand from the car accident in which he was involved this summer.

For more, visit the Miami Herald.

Countdown to Blog Bowl!

Inspired by a debate on one of the threads a few weeks back, we've dubbed Friday's showdown between Indian Rocks Christian and Northside Christian as the First Annual Times Blog Bowl. Their fans slugged it out on the blog, and the players will do so Friday.

Here's 10 things you NEED to know, and a prediction:

Shaken, not stirred. The Times' Top 50, Week 7.

1. (1) Armwood (7-0)
Friday: beat No. 18 Plant City 14-10.
This week: vs. Hillsborough.
The Hawks are still unbeaten. But they are human. Who knew?

2. (4) Plant (5-1)
Friday: beat No. 3 Hillsborough 35-16.
This week: vs. Leto.
QB Aaron Murray had more than 100 yards rushing and a touchdown Friday. I'm not saying he's got the niftiest feet around, but Dancing with the Stars host Tom Bergeron called and is wondering if Murray could also do the samba and the tango. (Answer: samba yes, tango no.)

3. (2) Largo (6-0)
Friday: beat No. 32 Lakewood 34-14.
This week: vs. Dixie Hollins.
Packers drop one spot despite winning, and since I know you'll ask: Plant has two wins over top-10 teams; Largo has none. And one of Plant's was over the No. 3. Just saying.

4. (3) Hillsborough (6-1)
Friday: Lost to No. 4 Plant 35-16.
This week: at Armwood.
Wow. Plant poured a Gallon of trouble over the Terriers' heads. The Panthers just had a few more Gallons of gas in their tank than Hillsborough. I would say Cornelius Gallon is a leader, but a Gallon is actually 3.7854118 liters. Yeah, I know. But that's all I got.

5. (6) Ridgewood (6-0)
Friday: beat Mitchell 42-13.
This week: at Tarpon Springs.
Five straight games of more than 40 points, best in Tampa Bay. Eight straight wins, best in Tampa Bay. Byronell Arline's nickname, Big Daddy Delicious Destruction, best in Tampa Bay (I haven't given up yet). Schedule? Not the best in Tampa Bay. But that changes starting Thursday.

6. (7) Chamberlain (5-2)
Friday: beat No. 13 Jefferson 21-14.
This week: vs. Alonso.
Okay, I'll say it, but remember where you heard it first: Nov. 30, Class 5A region final, Chamberlain vs. Lakeland, be there!

7. (10) Gaither (5-2)
Friday: beat No. 14 Alonso 17-0.
This week: vs. Wesley Chapel.
Okay, I'll say it, but remember that I like covering my bases: Nov. 30, Class 5A region final, Gaither vs. Lakeland, be there!

8. (5) Northeast (5-1)
Friday: Lost to No. 16 East Lake 17-7.
Next week: at Bradenton Bayshore.
Well, there goes the anticipated Nov. 9 meeting of unbeatens with Largo as the Vikings get sunk. Hopefully, I can still cancel my hotel reservations.

9. (11) Brandon (5-2)
Friday: defeated Blake 40-0.
This week: at Bloomingdale.
We mention these guys all the time on the top-rated and critically acclaimed Friday Night Rewind (you have heard of it, right?), but let's formally introduce arguably the best running back combo in Tampa Bay - Samir Baker (141 yards Friday) and Marquel Gilmore (139 yards).

10. (12) Middleton (5-2)
Last week: Beat No. 27 Wharton 35-10.
This week: at Freedom.
The Tigers ride a tough defense and Gregory Hickman back into the top 10. Welcome back, fellas.

(Photo: Plant quarterback Aaron Murray proved he could run the ball, too, Friday against Hillsborough.  Photo by the Times' Daniel Wallace) 

Brandon hoops player headed to BC

Evan Ravenel averaged just 8.5 points and 7 rebounds a game last season for Brandon, but as Eagles coach Mark Hermann said, “He has a lot of potential.”

Boston College apparently agrees with that assessment.

The highly regarded ACC program offered Ravenel a scholarship two weeks ago and the 6-foot-8, 260-pound power forward accepted this weekend during a trip to the school’s campus in Massachusetts.

“The last six or seven games of the season last year, he was putting up 16, 18 and 20 points a game,” Hermann said. “He did a good job and it carried over into the summer. He had a real good summer.”

According to Rivals.com, Ravenel also had scholarship offers from Tulane, Virginia Tech and Wichita State. Boston College went 20-12 last season. Ravenel is the third high school player in the Class of 2008 to pledge to the Eagles.

--TIMES STAFF

Key play, or no big deal?

Check this out:

Plant has 2nd and goal at the 4 with 22 seconds left in the first half against Hillsborough.

Leading 14-10. Aaron Murray fumbles. The refs, anticipating that Murray will fall on the ball, blow the whistle way way way way way way too soon as the Panther QB bends over for the ball. Murray never even touches the ball, it squirts free.

Because of the inadvertant whistle, Plant gets the ball back, gets the timeout back (their last one) it used after the fumble, gets the 10 yards back it lost on the play. Next play is a pass completion, so they get to  use that timeout, and next play, touchdown! 21-10 at the half.

Horrible call. Don't believe us?