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Football Countdown: Giles To Power No. 6 Gaither

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By KATHERINE SMITH

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 23, 2008

The Tribune is counting down the top 10 Hillsborough County football teams. Today: No. 6 Gaither. The rankings were compiled in a vote by the Tribune's four staffers who cover high school football.

Any team with running back Jarvis Giles on board should automatically be penciled in as one of Hillsborough County's best.

Good thing for Gaither, the defending Class 5A-District 5 champions are made up of several talented players.

There's no mistaking - Giles is special. One of the top rushers in Hillsborough County the past two seasons, the senior running back will go for his third consecutive 1,000-yard season this year.

"I want to pretty much cherish every moment because it's my senior year," Giles said. "I want to leave everything out on the field. I'm soaking it all in."

With quarterback Kamren Hawkins back under center for the second consecutive season, the Cowboys will try to throw the ball more than they have in the past. Granted, University of Tennessee commit Giles is still the focal point of the offense, but with another Division I prospect at their disposal, Gaither will air it out more.

Tight end Justin Lattimore, who has received a handful of Division I offers, will be one of Hawkins' main targets.

The Cowboys lost most of their starters on defense, including top defenders Mike Whitescarver and Zach Henderson. But a combination of youth and speed will make up for the lack of experience. Lattimore will line up on that side of the ball also.

"We expect great things from everybody in the program," Gaither coach Mark Kantor said. "We're trying to piece everything together."

KICKOFF CLASSIC: Aug. 29 vs. Durant

SEASON OPENER: Sept. 5 vs. Chamberlain

Reporter Katherine Smith can be reached at (813) 259-7860 or ksmith@tampatrib.com.

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