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Pinellas County Football Preview: Week 11

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LEE DIEKEMPER

Tribune correspondent

Published: November 13, 2008

Largo (8-1) at Northeast (6-3)

It's not out of the question some starters from both teams may get a break since both teams are playoff bound. In some cases, playing is not an option.

Quarterback Ryan Eppes suffered a nasty shot to the ribs in Largo's win over Gibbs and had to be hauled off the field by paramedics. Safe to assume he won't take any snaps.

Northeast is on a five-game win streak.

Lakewood (7-2) at St. Petersburg (7-2)

While on the surface a fan could guess both playoff teams will rest some players, the teams are strong crosstown rivals. The edge here may go to the host Green Devils.

Lakewood had to play a tiebreaker Monday night so the team spent the weekend preparing for its district foes, not St. Petersburg. After the tiebreaker, the Spartans had three days to get ready for St. Petersburg. It may not be enough.

East Lake (3-6) at Gulf (8-1)
This year the tables have turned. Last year when Gulf and East Lake met at Tarpon Springs to finish the season, it was East Lake that was postseason bound.

This year with the game at Gulf, it is Gulf that is headed to the playoffs. And East Lake, coached by Bob Hudson who played his high school football at Gulf, will have a much more difficult time on its hands.

The Buccaneers have a potent offense led by quarterback Madison Burr who has thrown for 11 touchdowns against just three interceptions. Adrian Golden has run for 28 touchdowns and 1,992 yards, averaging over 12 yards a carry.

Seminole (3-6) at Countryside (6-3)

Good friends, Seminole coach Sam Roper and Countryside's John Davis, meet in this game. Rival schools, but Countryside is beat up. Quarterback Jimbo Chmelik suffered a hand injury in the Cougars' tiebreaker Monday night and is questionable for Friday's game.

Throw in the fact the Cougars played Monday and may be without their quarterback and possibly without its second and third string quarterbacks who are also injured, it's not out of the question to see the Warhawks give the Cougars a game.

Dunedin (7-2) at Dixie Hollins (4-5)

With Dunedin also playing a tiebreaker Monday and having advanced to the playoffs, it would be surprising to see Dunedin use many of its starters.

But the Falcons are somewhat deep at running back. Dixie Hollins has struggled on defense of late. Despite playing Monday, Dunedin still has the upper hand.

The Falcons have won their last four.

Pinellas Park (1-8) at Palm Harbor (6-3)

The only way Pinellas Park wins this game is if Palm Harbor is still in a mental funk over losing a playoff tiebreaker Monday. Despite outplaying Countryside in a district playoff, a fumble and a missed field goal forced overtime where Countryside prevailed.

The Hurricanes have yet to qualify for a playoff berth in the school's 12-year history but did secure the program's first winning season, a lot for the outgoing seniors to be proud of.

Gibbs (4-4) at Boca Ciega (2-7)

This could be a good game. Neither team qualified for the playoffs so for a lot of players, this is their final football game.

Both teams had a disappointing season after promising beginnings. A lot can be put behind them with a win.

Tarpon Springs (7-2) at Clearwater (2-7)

A nightmarish season for the host Tornadoes comes to an end.

The Spongers are playoff bound and will likely use the first half as a hard practice for next week's game. That's not good news for Clearwater.

Calvary Christian (3-6) at Admiral Farragut (1-8)

A season many on both teams would rather turn the page on still holds some hope for Calvary Christian. Warriors quarterback Buddy Adzima has an outside shot of passing for 1,000 yards. He currently has 741.

Northside Christian (1-8) at Keswick Christian (4-4)

Keswick Christian is in the playoffs, but there won't be any resting of starters in this rivalry. Both north St. Petersburg schools are just a short distance apart and many players hang out together at the same teenage haunts.

Northside Christian could come up with a memorable finish to a forgettable season with an upset.

Winter Haven All Saints (3-6) at Shorecrest Prep (5-4)

The host Chargers missed the playoffs by one game, a loss to Indian Rocks Christian. Look for them to go out with a big win to consider the season a success.

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