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FOOTBALL: Pinellas Previews Week 11

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By LEE DIEKEMPER. Tribune correspondent

Published: November 8, 2007

Northeast (6-3) at Largo (9-0)
A month ago, this looked like the "Game of the Year" in Pinellas County. Both teams were steamrolling their way to a matchup of undefeated teams in the final week of the regular season.

While Largo somewhat held up their end of the bargain, surviving a double-overtime duel with Dunedin and dodging a last-minute bullet from Gibbs, Northeast found itself in the midst of a three-game losing streak.

Still, a matchup of the two stud running backs vying for the Pinellas County regular season rushing record, Largo's Brynn Harvey and Northeast's Jeff Brinson, fizzled when Brinson suffered broken ribs against Lakewood.

Now, the question is can Harvey break Dexter McCluster's rushing mark? And can Largo stay undefeated? If the Packers remain unscathed, it won't be easy. Northeast is a physically punishing squad.

Keswick Christian (9-0) at Northside Christian (7-2)
Keswick Christian, along with Largo, are the only remaining undefeated teams. The visiting Crusaders have been tearing apart teams both offensively and defensively.

But can they do it against a larger school in Northside Christian? The Mustangs was just seven points total away from being a playoff team. With such high hopes for this season, Northside Christian can end its season with a monster exclamation point with a win over its neighborhood rival.

Gibbs (6-3) at Boca Ciega (7-2)
This should be a great game. The visiting Gladiators have not been intimidated by any opponent this year staring down both Northeast when the Vikings were read hot and Largo last week, having a first-and-goal situation at the Largo-3 in the last minute, unable to push the ball across the goal line.

The host Pirates arguably have the best defense in Pinellas County, and both teams are playoff bound, it's still a rivalry.

Gulf (4-4) at East Lake (6-3)
While East Lake is headed to the playoffs, don't think Eagles coach Bob Hudson doesn't want to win this game bad. Hudson played high school football for Gulf and lives in New Port Richey. If he loses, he'll have to hear about this for a long time.

Plus, Gulf running back David Williams is on the verge of a Pasco County rushing record. Think the Eagles want that record set on their home field?

St. Petersburg (3-6) at Lakewood (5-4)
Since going with a youth movement, the visiting Green Devils have won three straight. Is this a fluke or a pattern?

Meanwhile, Lakewood had a shot at clinching a playoff berth last week at Bradenton Southeast but couldn't hold onto a lead late in the game. Then, Lakewood lost in a district tiebreaker Monday.

The night will be special for Lakewood as the school will be honoring the 1967 Spartans, the first football team in the school's history.

Will the current collection of Spartans be too bummed out about missing the playoffs or will they try to play with honor and impressed the old guard?

Dixie Hollins (2-7) at Dunedin (6-3)
This could be an upset in the making. Dunedin won its district and will more than likely rest some key players, specifically running back Adarius Bellamy, who suffered a concussion in the second quarter of last week's win over Palm Harbor.

The visiting Rebels have had a very disappointing season. An upset over the Falcons will make the memories a bit easier to tolerate.

Clearwater (4-5) at Tarpon Springs (6-3)
A battle of two teams who had higher aspirations. This will be the last game for one of the best quarterbacks to ever strap on shoulder pads in Pinellas County: Luke Loucks. But how much will he play? Loucks has a shining basketball future ahead of him, already verbally accepting an offer to play for Florida State.

Besides, basketball season is around the corner and you can bet Loucks has more than a passing thought about that. Don't be surprised to see a Spongers win at home to end the season.

Countryside (5-4) at Seminole (0-9)
There is plenty to play for with both teams. Countryside, despite being bounced from the playoffs last week by East Lake, can lock up a winning season with a win. The Cougars have won five of their last seven games.

The host Warhawks can avoid a winless season. Do the players have enough fight left to make that happen against a talented Countryside squad?

Academy of the Lakes (1-8) at Shorecrest Prep (5-4)
Aside from a forfeited win, Academy of the Lakes would have a truly awful season. The team has been outscored 361-24 in its losses.

That is not a misprint.

Shorecrest, always a strong program, has won four of its last six games. Expect a happy night for the Chargers seniors.

Admiral Farragut (2-7) at Calvary Christian (3-6)
Little else to play for in this game but pride. Calvary Christian started the season strong, including giving Northside Christian a scare before falling apart, losing four of its last five games.

The year was similar for Admiral Farragut as the squad won two of its first three games. But Admiral Farragut hasn't won since Sept. 14 and has struggled on offense since. In its six-game losing streak, Admiral Farragut has scored 45 points, 14 in its last four games. Admiral Farragut hasn't scored since Oct. 12.

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