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FOOTBALL: Pinellas Previews Week 6

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By LEE DIEKEMPER. Tribune correspondent

Published: October 4, 2007

Boca Ciega (4-0) at Northeast (4-0)
The task is simple for Boca Ciega coach Stevie Thomas and his Pirates: stop Northeast running back Jeff Brinson. Good luck. So far no team has been able to stop Brinson, much less slow him down. And this week the host Vikings are coming off a bye week and are rested.
The Pirates do have the weapons to get ahead of the Vikings, especially if quarterback Orhian Johnson gets hot. But therein lies the problem: if the Pirates score quickly, that gives Brinson more opportunities to run the ball.

Dunedin (3-2) at Clearwater (3-2)
The host Tornadoes could be walking into a trap. Clearwater is a dangerous team, led by quarterback Luke Loucks who already has over 1,000 yards passing. The passing attack is Clearwater's strong suit. But Dunedin, easily the best two-loss team in the county, boasts the best secondary in the county led by senior Mike Towns who paced all defensive backs last season in interceptions.
Last week in a double-overtime loss to powerhouse Largo on the road, Towns was tested a couple of times by Largo quarterback Leonard Johnson, no slouch himself. The few times Johnson tried to catch Towns napping it was a lost cause: Towns had blanket coverage on the Packers receivers.
And Dunedin has the perfect offense to combat a passing attack: a strong ball control offense. Now that Adarius Bellamy has warmed up in recent weeks, look for the Falcons to pound the Tornadoes defense with Bellamy and play keep-away from Loucks.

Boca Ciega (4-0) at Northeast (4-0)
The task is simple for Boca Ciega coach Stevie Thomas and his Pirates: stop Northeast running back Jeff Brinson. Good luck. So far no team has been able to stop Brinson, much less slow him down. And this week the host Vikings are coming off a bye week and are rested.
The Pirates do have the weapons to get ahead of the Vikings, especially if quarterback Orhian Johnson gets hot. But therein lies the problem: if the Pirates score quickly, that gives Brinson more opportunites to run the ball.

Dunedin (3-2) at Clearwater (3-2)
The host Tornadoes could be walking into a trap. Clearwater is a dangerous team, led by quarterback Luke Loucks who already has over 1,000 yards passing. The passing attack is Clearwater's strong suit. But Dunedin, easily the best two-loss team in the county, boasts the best secondary in the county led by senior Mike Towns who paced all defensive backs last season in interceptions.
Last week in a double-overtime loss to powerhouse Largo on the road, Towns was tested a couple of times by Largo quarterback Leonard Johnson, no slouch himself. The few times Johnson tried to catch Towns napping it was a lost cause: Towns had blanket coverage on the Packers receivers.
And Dunedin has the perfect offense to combat a passing attack: a strong ball control offense. Now that Adarius Bellamy has warmed up in recent weeks, look for the Falcons to pound the Tornadoes defense with Bellamy and play keepaway from Loucks.

Berkeley Prep (3-1) at Clearwater Central Catholic (3-2)
Have the injuries finally caught up with the host Marauders? For the first few weeks of the season, CCC was arguably one of the strongest teams in the county. But a rash of injuries, especially to quarterback Brent Henderson, may finally be catching up with CCC.
In the first three games CCC gave up a total of 20 points. But in the last six quarters CCC has allowed 44 points. All at home. How the Marauders handle Berkeley Prep will tell a lot about where CCC is heading. Last week Berkeley Prep lost to Lake Highland Prep 27-17. Three weeks ago the Marauders beat Lake Highland Prep 24-7.

Largo (4-0) at Pinellas Park (1-3)
Ideally, Largo coach Rick Rodriguez will want to get an early lead to rest some of his starters, many who play on both sides of the ball. The Packers were beat up before their bye week three weeks ago. And the bumps and bruises only got worse last week when Dunedin took the Packers to the edge when Largo prevailed in double overtime.
Two weeks ago quarterback Leonard Johnson, who is leaning toward playing for Iowa next fall, didn't play with an ankle injury. After rallying the Packers last week Johnson reinjured his ankle. Don't be surprised if Johnson doesn't play again Friday.
But Pinellas Park isn't exactly a glorified practice team any longer, just ask East Lake coach Bob Hudson. Pinellas Park hung in against a strong East Lake squad before losing 28-13. If Rodriguez thinks he can get away with his star players logging limited or no playing time, the Packers may be in for a surprise.

Palm Harbor University High (1-3) at Countryside (3-2)
This has "trap game" written all over it for the host Cougars. After getting drilled by Dunedin two weeks ago, Countryside pulled off a major upset by beating previously undefeated Tarpon Springs last week in a game Countryside coach John Davis suggested his young team had matured.
But next week Boca Ciega awaits. And Palm Harbor is struggling. It's not out of the realm of possibility that Countryside gets caught napping while dreaming of the Pirates.

Gibbs (3-2) at St. Petersburg (0-4)
Gibbs easily had its worst game of the season last week when the Gladiators had their worst offensive production in 2007 (one touchdown) in a 15-7 loss to Countryside. St. Petersburg meanwhile has scored a grand total of 21 points in five games. Only once has Gibbs given up more than two touchdowns this season.
And coming off a nasty loss, playing their crosstown rivals, the Gladiators should come out with a strong game.

Bradenton Bayshore (2-2) at Lakewood (2-2)
On paper, look for the host Spartans to chalk up a district win.
Bradenton Bayshore is hard to read, only because its two losses came to strong teams (including Manatee) and its two wins came against teams with losing records (Braden River and Osceola).
Lakewood has played much better than its record. The Spartans lost to Gibbs on the last play of its season opener and hung tough with undefeated Boca Ciega in a 12-3 loss.

Seminole (0-5) at Dixie Hollins (1-4)
The host Rebels finally got a win last week, by a field goal against Palm Harbor. The win streak should continue as Seminole is really struggling. Dixie Hollins has some good skill position players and Seminole's best defensive output was holding Palm Harbor to three touchdowns three weeks ago. This doesn't add up to a good result for Seminole.

Bradenton Southeast (0-4) at Osceola (2-3)
For the first time anyone can remember in Manatee County, the powerhouse that is Southeast has gone 0-4. The Seminoles had a bye week last week. And they needed one after Northeast drubbed them at Bradenton 49-7.
Osceola has really been inconsistent this season but may have found an offense in beating Seminole 43-7 last week. Don't be surprised if Southeast losses its second consecutive game to a Pinellas County team, something unthinkable a few years ago.

Tarpon Springs (3-1) at Land O'Lakes (4-1)
This should be an interesting game. The Spongers looked to be arguably the strongest team in Pinellas County. But Tarpon Springs was surprised last week by Countryside on the road.
Land O' Lakes is on a four-game winning streak since losing to Pasco 15-10 in the season opener. But the Gators haven't exactly been blowing teams out. Only twice has Land O' Lakes scored more than 15 points in a game. But defense is the Gators strength. Land O' Lakes is coming off two straight shutouts. Can the Spongers get their strong running game on track?

St. Petersburg Catholic (1-4) at Tampa Catholic (3-1)
Tampa Catholic's lone loss came in a close game to Clearwater Central Catholic. The Crusaders crushed Lake Placid on the road last week 46-0.
The visiting Barons meanwhile have only one win this season, but haven't exactly embarrased themselves. Offensively St. Petersburg Catholic has gradually improved. But its the defense that has let the Barons down. The lone win came when St. Petersburg Catholic held first-year program Lennard to three touchdowns. Friday's game should be decided by how, or if, St. Petersburg Catholic's defense can slow down Tampa Catholic.

Northside Christian (4-1) at Admiral Farragut (2-3)
The visiting Mustangs haven't shown many negative effects frm Two weeks ago when Northside Christian lost to Fort Meade by two points. The 14-12 loss was the only time Northside Christian has not scored at least four touchdowns.
With Admiral Farragut, it's usually feast or famine. If Admiral Farragut 26 points or more, it wins. If the team doesn't break 20 points, it loses. Since NOrthside Christian has not allowed an opponent this season to score more than 14 points, it doesn't look good for Admiral Farragut.

Calvary Christian (2-2) at Keswick Christian (4-0)
Not even a bye week could slow down Keswick Christian. Jared DiMaggio scored two touchdowns to lead Keswick to a 28-0 win over Cambridge last week after a bye week for the Crusaders. DiMaggio is averaging 7.4 yards a carry and has six touchdowns.
While Calvary Christian is 2-2, this game may be closer than expected. In winning its last two games the Warriors have destroyed opposing defenses by putting up 119 points and allowing one touchdown. Crusaders coach Rick Sanson complained earlier this year that his team wasn't scoring enough points early in games. They may need to this week.

Canterbury (1-3) at Fort Myers Gateway Charter (2-3)
The offense that Canterbury coach Steve Dudley hoped he would have this year finally showed up in a 46-0 win over Mandarin CHristian last week, Canterbury's first win of the season. Quarterback Brandon Hamilton threw for three touchdowns and ran for two more. He had a hand in all but one of Canterbury's touchdowns.
Gateway Charter meanwhile either explodes on offense for a win, or can't score at all. In each of its wins Gateway Charter averages 46 points. In both losses, Gateway Charter was shut out.
Hamilton will need to be strong again if the game turns into a shootout.

Berkeley Prep (3-1) at Clearwater Central Catholic (3-2)
Have the injuries finally caught up with the host Marauders? For the first few weeks of the season, CCC was arguably one of the strongest teams in the county. But a rash of injuries, especially to quarterback Brent Henderson, may finally be catching up with CCC.
In the first three games CCC gave up a total of 20 points. But in the last six quarters CCC has allowed 44 points. All at home. How the Marauders handle Berkeley Prep will tell a lot about where CCC is heading. Last week Berkeley Prep lost to Lake Highland Prep 27-17. Three weeks ago the Marauders beat Lake Highland Prep 24-7.

Largo (4-0) at Pinellas Park (1-3)
Ideally, Largo coach Rick Rodriguez will want to get an early lead to rest some of his starters, many who play on both sides of the ball. The Packers were beat up before their bye week three weeks ago. And the bumps and bruises only got worse last week when Dunedin took the Packers to the edge when Largo prevailed in double overtime.
Two weeks ago quarterback Leonard Johnson, who is leaning toward playing for Iowa next fall, didn't play with an ankle injury. After rallying the Packers last week Johnson reinjured his ankle. Don't be surprised if Johnson doesn't play again Friday.
But Pinellas Park isn't exactly a glorified practice team any longer, just ask East Lake coach Bob Hudson. Pinellas Park hung in against a strong East Lake squad before losing 28-13. If Rodriguez thinks he can get away with his star players logging limited or no playing time, the Packers may be in for a surprise.

Palm Harbor University High (1-3) at Countryside (3-2)
This has "trap game" written all over it for the host Cougars. After getting drilled by Dunedin two weeks ago, Countryside pulled off a major upset by beating previously undefeated Tarpon Springs last week in a game Countryside coach John Davis suggested his young team had matured.
But next week Boca Ciega awaits. And Palm Harbor is struggling. It's not out of the realm of possibility that Countryside gets caught napping while dreaming of the Pirates.

Gibbs (3-2) at St. Petersburg (0-4)
Gibbs easily had its worst game of the season last week when the Gladiators had their worst offensive production in 2007 (one touchdown) in a 15-7 loss to Countryside. St. Petersburg meanwhile has scored a grand total of 21 points in five games. Only once has Gibbs given up more than two touchdowns this season.
And coming off a nasty loss, playing their cross-town rivals, the Gladiators should come out with a strong game.

Bradenton Bayshore (2-2) at Lakewood (2-2)
On paper, look for the host Spartans to chalk up a district win.
Bradenton Bayshore is hard to read, only because its two losses came to strong teams (including Manatee) and its two wins came against teams with losing records (Braden River and Osceola).
Lakewood has played much better than its record. The Spartans lost to Gibbs on the last play of its season opener and hung tough with undefeated Boca Ciega in a 12-3 loss.

Seminole (0-5) at Dixie Hollins (1-4)
The host Rebels finally got a win last week, by a field goal against Palm Harbor. The win streak should continue as Seminole is really struggling. Dixie Hollins has some good skill position players and Seminole's best defensive output was holding Palm Harbor to three touchdowns three weeks ago. This doesn't add up to a good result for Seminole.

Bradenton Southeast (0-4) at Osceola (2-3)
For the first time anyone can remember in Manatee County, the powerhouse that is Southeast has gone 0-4. The Seminoles had a bye week last week. And they needed one after Northeast drubbed them at Bradenton 49-7.
Osceola has really been inconsistent this season but may have found an offense in beating Seminole 43-7 last week. Don't be surprised if Southeast losses its second consecutive game to a Pinellas County team, something unthinkable a few years ago.

Tarpon Springs (3-1) at Land O'Lakes (4-1)
This should be an interesting game. The Spongers looked to be arguably the strongest team in Pinellas County. But Tarpon Springs was surprised last week by Countryside on the road.
Land O' Lakes is on a four-game winning streak since losing to Pasco 15-10 in the season opener. But the Gators haven't exactly been blowing teams out. Only twice has Land O' Lakes scored more than 15 points in a game. But defense is the Gators strength. Land O' Lakes is coming off two straight shutouts. Can the Spongers get their strong running game on track?

St. Petersburg Catholic (1-4) at Tampa Catholic (3-1)
Tampa Catholic's lone loss came in a close game to Clearwater Central Catholic. The Crusaders crushed Lake Placid on the road last week 46-0.
The visiting Barons meanwhile have only one win this season, but haven't exactly embarrassed themselves. Offensively St. Petersburg Catholic has gradually improved. But it's the defense that has let the Barons down. The lone win came when St. Petersburg Catholic held first-year program Lennard to three touchdowns. Friday's game should be decided by how, or if, St. Petersburg Catholic's defense can slow down Tampa Catholic.

Northside Christian (4-1) at Admiral Farragut (2-3)
The visiting Mustangs haven't shown many negative effects from Two weeks ago when Northside Christian lost to Fort Meade by two points. The 14-12 loss was the only time Northside Christian has not scored at least four touchdowns.
With Admiral Farragut, it's usually feast or famine. If Admiral Farragut 26 points or more, it wins. If the team doesn't break 20 points, it loses. Since Northside Christian has not allowed an opponent this season to score more than 14 points, it doesn't look good for Admiral Farragut.

Calvary Christian (2-2) at Keswick Christian (4-0)
Not even a bye week could slow down Keswick Christian. Jared DiMaggio scored two touchdowns to lead Keswick to a 28-0 win over Cambridge last week after a bye week for the Crusaders. DiMaggio is averaging 7.4 yards a carry and has six touchdowns.
While Calvary Christian is 2-2, this game may be closer than expected. In winning its last two games the Warriors have destroyed opposing defenses by putting up 119 points and allowing one touchdown. Crusaders coach Rick Sanson complained earlier this year that his team wasn't scoring enough points early in games. They may need to this week.

Shorecrest (3-2) at Indian Rocks Christian (3-2)
This may be an underrated game. As usually, Phil Heyford has Shorecrest back on the winning track after a less than stellar start. The Chargers looked impressive last week in putting 56 points up on Mount Dora on the road.
Indian Rocks Christian has quietly been playing well. The Eagles had a three-game winning streak snapped last week. If the Eagles can bounce back, this could be an entertaining game.

Canterbury (1-3) at Fort Myers Gateway Charter (2-3)
The offense that Canterbury coach Steve Dudley hoped he would have this year finally showed up in a 46-0 win over Mandarin Christian last week, Canterbury's first win of the season. Quarterback Brandon Hamilton threw for three touchdowns and ran for two more. He had a hand in all but one of Canterbury's touchdowns.
Gateway Charter meanwhile either explodes on offense for a win, or can't score at all. In each of its wins Gateway Charter averages 46 points. In both losses, Gateway Charter was shut out.
Hamilton will need to be strong again if the game turns into a shootout.

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