Who was hurtin' more in Week 1?
Twenty-seven or so hours remain before kickoff of Friday's four area prep football playoff games, which is more than ample time to ponder this morsel from the ballyhooed Plant-Armwood rematch:
Which team was more hamstrung in Week 1? Conventional wisdom says it was the Hawks, who formally announced the suspension of eight players -- including its starting quarterback and the two kids who now start at corner -- hours before that 26-7 Armwood triumph.
But here's Panthers coach Bob Weiner's counterpoint: "Everybody wanted to keep talking about all the guys that Armwood didn't have in the first game. Well, we didn't have some major guys in our component either."
Indeed, the Panthers (11-1) were missing linebacker and senior captain Chris Breit (54 tackles, four sacks) to a stress fracture in his back, and speedster James Harrell III (31.5 yards per kick return) to a fractured ankle, and lost tailback Lovell Jackson (290 rushing, 493 receiving yards) to an ankle injury in the second quarter, when Plant led 7-6.
"You're talking about some significant pieces there," Weiner said, "but make no bones about it. That's football."
That's also a great subject for debate. Give us your input. Who was missing more in Week 1?
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.
Armwood isn't going to know what hit them tomorrow night. Palnt 38, Armwood 14.
Posted by: Jason | November 29, 2007 at 07:56 PM
Armwood isn't going to know what hit them tomorrow night. Plant 38, Armwood 14.
Posted by: Jason | November 29, 2007 at 07:56 PM
that's OK Jason, I remember the first time my brother got me drunk too!
Posted by: | November 29, 2007 at 08:58 PM
Does it really matter??? What matters is what happens tomorrow. Both teams were missing key players, that's football. Plant will be missing their leading scorer when he went down w/ an ACL, but you know what, it doesn't matter, b/c you go with who you got and no excuses at the end of the game!
Posted by: JL | November 29, 2007 at 08:59 PM
I'm coming up from the Miami area to see the Hillsborough County melee. I hear this is the battle for the ages. Hotter than a nickle bordello on Nebraska Ave. One question is Lyle Flagg Stadium at Armwood Highschool or is it located somewhere else? Thanks for any assistance.
Posted by: Booker T | November 29, 2007 at 09:00 PM
YEA ITS AT ARMWOOD N I C YAL BOYS SCOUTIN BOOKER T
Posted by: HAWK PLAYA 8 | November 29, 2007 at 09:05 PM
Never let yesterday take up too much of today!!
Posted by: Tex | November 29, 2007 at 09:18 PM
One game at a time Hawk. Can't be caught looking ahead this time of year.
Posted by: Booker T | November 29, 2007 at 09:19 PM
Amen Booker T!!
Posted by: Tex | November 29, 2007 at 09:24 PM
BTW is da truth dis year and dats for real! They goin to whoop Armwood or Plant real good dis time!
Posted by: Tyrell | November 30, 2007 at 09:37 AM
Tyrell- Oh lord, here we go again. How many times does Hillsborough county have to kick y'all ..... before you keep your mouths shut. This is what the 5th year in a row we have to hear this stuff.
Posted by: Hillsborough County football #1 | November 30, 2007 at 10:28 AM
even my armwood rivals will agree, whoever wins this game is going to bewilder and confuse an oversize, clumsy and undisciplined booker t team. pro-size lineman does not give you pro-size play. do you see any plant or armwood people scouting booker t? of course not. booker t is worried. thats why they scout hillsborough. tonights game should be the REAL state championship.
Posted by: wes | November 30, 2007 at 11:46 AM
I've officially made it to Tampa. Worried or scared HARDLY. However I do have the utmost respect for Plant and Armwood.
Posted by: Booker T | November 30, 2007 at 04:27 PM