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Pinellas County Football Preview: Week 9

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LEE DIEKEMPER

Tribune Correspondent

Published: November 6, 2008

Bradenton Southeast (8-1) at Lakewood (6-2)

The host Spartans lost a close, costly game against Northeast last week. Now, it's win and force a tiebreaker for the Class 4A-9 district title. If Lakewood loses it has to depend on a lot of help.

Despite having a good offense the Spartans will be tested by Southeast's rugged defense, which has allowed more than 13 points just once, and that was back in September.

Dunedin (6-2) at Palm Harbor (6-2)

The biggest game in school history for the host Hurricanes. A win would clinch the school's first district title. Last week's win over East Lake secured the football program's first winning season. Palm Harbor is currently on a six-game winning streak.

Beating Dunedin will be a challenge. The Hurricanes will need a big game from quarterback Sean Shelton who already has 889 yards passing with 10 touchdowns.

Countryside (5-3) at East Lake (3-5)

How the mighty have fallen. In what used to be one of Pinellas County's biggest matchups this season isn't so big. East Lake was bounced from Class 5A-9 postseason contention last week by losing to Palm Harbor. Even with a loss, Countryside could still be headed to the playoffs.

The visiting Cougars might have to play a tight offensive game. Starting quarterback Jimbo Chmelik is the lone healthy Countryside QB. Countryside lost both backups to injuries in practice.

Gibbs (4-4) at Largo (7-1)

The visiting Gladiators must win to keep a playoff hope alive. And if last year's matchup between the two squads is any indication, they can.

Gibbs had the ball inside the Largo 5 trailing, 17-14, in the final minute but couldn't punch the ball in. What may be an even bigger hurdle for the Gladiators is that Largo has a 19-game home winning streak. The last time Largo lost at home oddly enough was to Gibbs, a 34-14 decision Sept. 30, 2005.

Boca Ciega (2-6) at Bradenton Bayshore (1-7)

Not much for either team to play for as both are out of the playoffs and both will finish the season with losing records. A win would prevent the victor from finishing last in the Class 4A-9 district.

Dixie Hollins (3-5) at Pinellas Park (1-7)

A season filled with much hope for both teams has crumbled, especially for Dixie Hollins. The Rebels had high hopes for a playoff berth but have fallen on hard times dropping five of their last six games.

A win by Pinellas Park, which shocked Gibbs last week, would mean the Patriots would not finish in the Class 5A-10 basement.

Northeast (5-3) at Osceola (0-9)

The visiting Vikings are on a roll and would lock up a playoff berth and possibly a tie for the Class 4A-9 crown with a win. Northeast has been the hottest team in Pinellas County winning five of its last six games and knocking off Lakewood in a thrilling win last Friday.

As usual, Northeast is getting the job done on the ground. Tyler Tisdale and Juarez Wynn are each averaging over 5 yards a carry.

St. Petersburg (6-2) at Seminole (3-5)

This matchup is often an emotional game for St. Petersburg coach Joe Fabrizio. He was a longtime offensive coordinator for Seminole coach Sam Roper. But friendship shouldn't get in the way of Fabrizio this week. A win secures a Class 5A-10 playoff berth.

Just in time, bruising St. Petersburg fullback Ben Sams is getting healthy after nursing an ankle injury for much of the season. He has three touchdowns in St. Petersburg's win over Dixie Hollins last week.

Springstead (6-2) at Tarpon Springs (6-2)

The Spongers could lock up a Class 4A-8 playoff berth with a win and possibly a district title with a little bit of help. Tarpon Springs seems to have overcome a bump in the road earlier when it lost two straight last month.

Last week, the Spongers erupted for a 44-7 win over Brooksville Central. Tarpon Springs seems to live and die with quarterback Danny Reyes who has 1,714 yards passing and 15 touchdowns. But the Spongers can churn out some rushing yards as well. Ladarrius Only and Marcelle Lewis each are averaging 8 yards a carry.

Clearwater Central Catholic (5-4) at Sarasota Cardinal Mooney (5-3)

The visiting Marauders are out of the playoffs for the first time in 13 years. But CCC can still play a spoiler. With a win, the Marauders could knock Cardinal Mooney out of the playoffs Class 2B-6 districts.

Admiral Farragut (1-7) at Indian Rocks Christian (8-1)

The Golden Eagles came close to knocking off Fort Meade last week. Despite missing out on a chance to capture the Class 1A-5 district, Indian Rocks can clinch a playoff berth with a win.

Shorecrest Prep (4-4) at Northside Christian (1-7)

The visiting Chargers have a prayer of making the playoffs, but it will take a long rosary. First, Shorecrest must win, which it should. Then, the Chargers must rely on Admiral Farragut to upset Indian Rocks Christian.

Calvary Christian (3-5) at Bradenton Christian (5-4)

Calvary Christian has a shot of ending the season with a .500 record, but must win its final two games beginning Friday.

St. Petersburg Catholic (1-8) at Lake Placid (1-6)

Despite losing by 28 points last week, St. Petersburg Catholic has been playing much better of late, nearly beating its rival Clearwater Central Catholic and later beating Fort Myers Bishop Verot. St. Petersburg Catholic has a good shot of ending the season with a win Friday in its season finale.

Carrollwood Day (3-6) at Canterbury (4-4)

Canterbury ends its season with a shot to stop a tailspin in which the Crusaders have lost four of their last five games. If Dominique Thornton continues to pass well they have a shot. He has 619 yards passing. Brent O'Neal is averaging over 8 yards a carry on the ground.

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