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Tonight's Playoff Games

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 16, 2007

Updated: 11/15/2007 03:00 pm

Class 5A

EAST LAKE AT LARGO

WHERE: Packers Stadium

RECORDS: East Lake (6-3), Largo (10-0)

OUTLOOK: This is a rematch from the opening week in which Largo shut out East Lake on its home field. But much has changed since, specifically with the visiting Eagles. East Lake has found an offense, specifically QB Blake Robles (eight touchdown passes) and bruising 6-foot-2, 245-pound FB Erin Murray (averaging 6 yards per carry). Combined with TB Micah Powell (verbal commitment to Vanderbilt) it gives the Eagles plenty of weapons. East Lake has proven it can knock off top teams as it handed Northeast its first loss of the year. Largo and East Lake are similar teams in that both have ball-control offenses. Largo has Pinellas County regular-season rushing leader Brynn Harvey and multitalented QB Leonard Johnson.

GIBBS AT DUNEDIN

WHERE: Dunedin High

RECORDS: Gibbs (6-4), Dunedin (6-4)

OUTLOOK: This could be the best game of the first round of the playoffs involving Pinellas County teams. Of Gibbs' four losses, only one was by more than a touchdown, and that was an 11-point loss to Northeast when the Vikings were smashing opponents. Gibbs came within a few feet of beating undefeated Largo two weeks ago when the Gladiators had a first-and-goal on the Packers 3 but time ran out. Gibbs has three running backs averaging more than 6 yards a carry, led by David McCullough (8.8 yards a carry). QB Lamar Hall has 998 yards passing with 10 touchdowns. Dunedin has a stingy defense, specifically its pass defense led by Mike Towns. But the Falcons' offense is diverse with school rushing leader Adarius Bellamy running the ball and Towns catching it.

SICKLES AT GAITHER

WHERE: Cowboys Stadium

RECORDS: Sickles (7-3), Gaither (7-3)

OUTLOOK: Sickles, Hillsborough County's feel-good story after a winless season in 2006, is making its first playoff appearance in program history, while Gaither is in the postseason for the second consecutive season under Coach Mark Kantor. Gaither junior RB Jarvis Giles, who rushed for 1,366 yards and 18 touchdowns in the regular season, is one of the best in the area, and with a bye last week he should have fresh legs. But the Gryphons defense has been tough down the stretch, allowing an average of 11 points per game in the last four games. Sickles senior RB Josh Mendez (943 rush yards, 11 TDs) has been the team's workhorse all season, and he's sure to get plenty of touches tonight. But the Gryphons will need a couple of big plays from QB Cullen O'Brien to have a chance.

WHARTON AT CHAMBERLAIN

WHERE: John Adcock Stadium

RECORDS: Wharton (5-5), Chamberlain (7-3)

OUTLOOK: Chamberlain has been one of the county's best teams down the stretch, as the Chiefs have won six of their past seven games, their only loss being to Plant in the team's final regular-season home game. However, the Chiefs have struggled in the playoffs, losing in the first round in 10 of 14 postseason appearances all-time under longtime coach Billy Turner. Chamberlain junior QB Dontae Aycock is one of the area's best dual threats, accounting for 1,620 yards of offense and 23 total touchdowns. However, the Chiefs are known for their stout defense, which has posted four shutouts and kept its opponents to 17 points or fewer in eight of 10 games this season. Wharton has been up and down all season, and the Wildcats have only posted one win (an overtime victory over Plant City) against a team with a winning record. Wharton QB Andrew Clifford has tossed six of his eight touchdown passes on the season in his last four games.

LAKELAND AT BRANDON

WHERE: E.F. McLane Stadium

RECORDS: Lakeland (9-1), Brandon (7-3)

OUTLOOK: Brandon, the Class 5A-District 7 champion, gets the unenviable task of hosting three-time defending Class 5A state champion Lakeland, which has won its past 15 playoff games. The Eagles are making their third consecutive appearance in the postseason and second consecutive under Coach John Lima, who will try to lead the program to its first postseason victory since 1985. Brandon is led by the backfield tandem of Marquel Gilmore (1,185 rush yards, 11 TDs) and Samir Baker (819 rush yards, 13 TDs), aptly known by the monikers Thunder and Lightning. Baker has been hobbled by a high ankle sprain the past few weeks, but he should be in the lineup tonight. Lakeland had its state-record 53-game win streak snapped two week ago by Kissimmee Osceola, but the Dreadnaughts rebounded with a 21-17 victory last week against rival Kathleen, thanks to a two-touchdown performance from RB Jason Guzman. Lakeland, which has failed to make it out of the first round of the playoffs just five times in 20 career postseason berths, defeated Brandon 49-6 in a region quarterfinal last year.

PLANT CITY AT KISSIMMEE OSCEOLA

WHERE: Osceola High

RECORDS: Plant City (6-4), Kissimmee Osceola (10-0)

OUTLOOK: The Raiders, making their second consecutive playoff appearance under Coach Kevin Kelley, travel to face top-ranked Kissimmee Osceola, the team that ended Lakeland's state-record 53-game winning streak en route to a district title. Since starting the season with consecutive victories, Plant City hasn't won consecutive games, and the Raiders have not beaten a team with a record better than .500 this season. Plant City is led by the backfield tandem of junior Sirchauncey Holloway and senior Keith Dawson (four TDs in last week's win against Freedom). Osceola is making its first playoff appearance since 2003, and has lost in the first round of the playoffs just once in eight all-time appearances. The Kowboys are led by senior RB Kwamaine "Bubba" Brown, who rushed for 208 yards and scored four touchdowns in last week's regular-season finale against Oviedo. The Kowboys' offense averages 40.9 points per game, and the unit's lowest scoring output of the season is 25 points, that coming in the win vs. Lakeland.

Class 4A

JEFFERSON AT BOCA CIEGA

WHERE: Charles Beauchamp Memorial Stadium

RECORDS: Jefferson (4-6), Boca Ciega (8-2)

OUTLOOK: The Dragons enter the playoffs on a two-game losing streak and they are the only Hillsborough County team in the postseason with a losing record, though five of the team's six losses are to playoff teams. Jefferson is led by QB Zack Grossi, who is second in the county with 19 touchdown passes. Boca Ciega, which is coached by former Tampa Bay Storm standout Stevie Thomas, ended the regular season with a four-game winning streak. The Pirates are led by versatile QB Orhian Johnson (1,484 yards of total offense, 19 total TDs) and his favorite target, WR Ja-Vonta Trotter (478 receiving yards, 10 total TDs). In 13 all-time postseason appearances, Jefferson has only failed to win its first-round playoff game twice, the last time coming in 1993. The Dragons are in the playoffs for the ninth consecutive season. Meanwhile, Boca Ciega, making its first playoff appearance since 2004, has failed to make it out of the first round in three of its previous five postseason appearances.

NORTHEAST AT PLANT

WHERE: Dad's Stadium

RECORDS: Northeast (6-4), Plant (9-1)

OUTLOOK: Plant, the defending Class 4A state champions, enters the playoffs on a nine-game winning streak. Junior QB Aaron Murray (3,125 yards, 41 touchdowns) is on a record-setting pace and coming off a game in which he threw for 368 yards and seven touchdowns against rival Robinson - all in the first half. The Panthers' defense also has played well lately, but they'll be tested against Northeast senior RB Jeff Brinson, a bruiser who rushed for 1,754 yards in eight regular-season games. Brinson has missed the past two games after suffering a rib injury Oct. 26, but he's been cleared to play. Plant is in the playoffs for the third consecutive season under Coach Robert Weiner, and the Panthers have advanced past the first round in each of their previous two playoff appearances. The Vikings are making their first playoff appearance since 2003, and they've failed to make it out of the first round in each of their previous two trips (in 2002 and 2003).

EAGLE LAKE LAKE REGION AT ARMWOOD

WHERE: Lyle Flagg Field

RECORDS: Lake Region (7-3), Armwood (10-0)

OUTLOOK: Armwood, the only team in Hillsborough County to post a perfect mark during the regular season, is coming off its bye week and enters the postseason against a familiar foe in Lake Region. Armwood and Lake Region each were members of District 12 before the Hawks moved to District 11 this season. The Hawks won each of the last two meetings easily. Armwood senior RB Eric Smith, slowed with a foot injury in the Hawks' final two regular-season games, should see ample opportunities to make plays tonight. Armwood has won its past 31 home games, including regular-season and playoff games. Lake Region is making just its third postseason appearance in program history and the first since 2002. The Thunder have never won a postseason game.

HILLSBOROUGH AT AUBURNDALE

WHERE: Auburndale High

RECORDS: Hillsborough (8-2), Auburndale (5-5)

OUTLOOK: The Terriers are making their 14th playoff appearance in the last 15 years - and ninth straight - under Coach Earl Garcia, but Hillsborough will look to get out of the postseason's first round for the first time since 2004. Hillsborough RB Lindsey Lamar (866 yards, seven TDs) has turned it on as of late, posting consecutive 100-yard rushing performances. Hillsborough has lost its past two playoff games. However, the backbone of the Terriers is their defense, which has posted four shutouts this season and held its opponents to 20 points or fewer in eight of 10 games this season. The Bloodhounds, who have won three of their last four games, are making their first playoff appearance since 2004, and they've advanced past the first round only once in their last four postseason trips.

ROCKLEDGE AT LAND O' LAKES

WHERE: Gator Stadium

RECORDS: Rockledge (7-3), Land O' Lakes (9-1)

OUTLOOK: Land O' Lakes is hoping to fight off the curse of the one-and-out. For the last three seasons, the Gators have been eliminated from the playoffs in the first round. The team will rely upon its defense to keep the game close, allowing its offense to put points on the board. Both teams feature a defense accustomed to dominating. The Gators' defense has allowed 10.5 points per game, while the Raiders have given up 8.5. The Land O' Lakes offense, with its dual quarterback system and running back rotation, will have to fend off Rockledge's Ricardo Hunter, who has lined up at defensive end and defensive back. When the Raiders need a big play on offense, he also lines up at wide receiver. Rockledge, still fuming from its season-ending loss to Cocoa, also will rely upon QB Douglas Goins, RB Travis Freeman and K Kory Kowalski. The Gators will be without offensive lineman Alex Zimmerman and linebacker Collin Robinson.

RIDGEWOOD VS. DAYTONA BEACH SEABREEZE

WHERE: New Smyrna Sports Complex, 1800 Turnbull Bay Road, New Smyrna Beach

RECORDS: Ridgewood (9-1), Seabreeze (10-0)

OUTLOOK: The name of the game for Ridgewood is clock control. The longer the Rams can keep their offense on the field, the better chance they feel they have against undefeated Seabreeze, which has many options on offense. Without their starting dual threat, rivals.com two-star recruit quarterback 6-foot-1, 213-pound Troy Dannehower, last week (ankle), the Sandcrabs still were able to knock off 5A-4 district champ Daytona Beach Mainland because they spread the run around. The Sandcrabs' top running back is 5-10, 170-pound Leroy Houston, also a two-star Division I recruit. The Rams are going to ride RB Byronell Arline (6-0, 230) all game long, hoping he'll muscle for short gains against Seabreeze's fast defense.

Class 3A

HUDSON AT ST. CLOUD HARMONY

WHERE: Harmony High School

RECORDS: Hudson (7-3), Harmony (8-2)

OUTLOOK: The Cobras are making their second playoff appearance in three years, and won two postseason games in 2005. They have been preparing this week without starting QB Zack Wynn, who will be a game-time decision with a partially torn ACL in his left knee. Junior Dylan Luke will get the start if Wynn doesn't play. Harmony shut out Eustis and Orlando Bishop Moore in a three-way tiebreaker to earn the school's first playoff appearance. The Longhorns are led by 6-foot-1 WR O'Neil Chambers, being recruited by Florida, South Carolina, Texas Tech and Purdue, among others according to rivals.com.

EUSTIS AT PASCO

WHERE: W.F. Edwards Stadium

RECORDS: Eustis (8-2), Pasco (6-4)

OUTLOOK: Pasco ended the season with four straight wins, three against district opponents that led to the Pirates' first district title since 1998. In the second half of the season, sophomore QB D.J. Clower was able to get more of a handle on the offense and the Pirates incorporated junior Josh Johnson into the quarterback role with Clower, which allowed them to be more creative and efficient. Pasco feels it has been clicking toward the end of the season much more on both sides of the ball than it had early on. Pasco believes Eustis is much like Gulf in that the Panthers have a big line, a quarterback who can scramble, and a speedy running back. The Panthers' offense averages 26.3 points per game, but also won two weeks ago scoring just 10 against Bishop Moore.

Class 2A

RIVIERA BEACH INLET GROVE AT TAMPA CATHOLIC

WHERE: Crusaders Stadium

RECORDS: Inlet Grove (6-4), Tampa Catholic (8-2)

OUTLOOK: Tampa Catholic is coming off a last-second loss to rival Jesuit, which snapped the Crusaders' seven-game winning streak. The Crusaders are in the playoffs for the third consecutive season, and they face a third-year varsity program in Inlet Grove that is making its first playoff appearance. Tampa Catholic is led by dual-threat QB Christian Green (1,499 yards of total offense, 15 total TDs) and RB Drew Zink (792 rush yards, five TDs). The 31 points allowed by Tampa Catholic's defense in last week's loss were a season high; the Crusaders' defense has five shutouts on the season and held opponents to 16 points or fewer in eight of 10 games. Inlet Grove has lost three consecutive games and four of its last five after starting 5-0.

Class 2B

CLEARWATER CENTRAL CATHOLIC

AT CRESCENT CITY

WHERE: Crescent City High School

RECORDS: Clearwater Central Catholic (6-4), Crescent City (10-0)

OUTLOOK: Clearwater Central Catholic coach Mike Jalazo noted that Crescent City is young, but very talented. He somewhat compared the young athletes Crescent City has to what CCC had when Riley Cooper (Florida), Colin McCarthy (Miami) and Kevin Young (South Carolina) played for the Marauders three years ago, despite being most sophomores. But defensive end/tight end Toshmon Stevens (Florida State verbal commitment) is a senior and a force. Jalazo noted CCC is arguably the healthiest the team has been since the season started. At one time the Marauders had eight starters out with injuries.

Class 1A

INDIAN ROCKS CHRISTIAN AT BELLE GLADE GLADES DAY

WHERE: Glades Day High School

RECORDS: Indian Rocks Christian (7-3), Belle Glade Glades Day (8-2)

OUTLOOK: The Golden Eagles are making their first playoff appearance in eight years and picked a pretty strong opponent. Glades Day has a dangerous offense, scoring 44 or more points in four of its last six games. IRC has plenty of weapons as well, including RB Jonny Sutton, who is leading the team in rushing by averaging 8.5 yards a carry with 15 touchdowns.

Class 1B

LAKELAND VICTORY CHRISTIAN AT KESWICK CHRISTIAN

WHERE: Keswick Christian High School

RECORDS: Lakeland Victory Christian (5-5), Keswick Christian (10-0)

OUTLOOK: Keswick Christian has turned into a machine of late with a high-powered offense and a strong defense. Keswick Christian has scored 49 or more points in four of its last six games. The Crusaders' defense has allowed just 11 points in the last five games. Jared DiMaggio has 1,047 yards and 15 rushing touchdowns. QB Jared Stacy has 1,135 yards passing and 16 touchdowns against five interceptions. For Victory Christian, it's usually feast or famine. Only once has Victory Christian recorded a win without scoring 31 or more points. Can Victory Christian's offense keep up with Keswick Christian?

Adam Adkins, Eddie Daniels, Cristina Ledra, Bart O'Connell, Lee Diekemper

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