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Pinellas County Football Capsules: Week 5

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Lee Diekemper

Tribune correspondent

Published: October 1, 2008

Largo (3-0) at Dunedin (3-1)

Potentially the biggest game of the year featuring arguably the best matchup: Dunedin running back Adarius Bellamy against Largo linebackers Mike Marry and Michael Lange.

If the game is anything like last year's regular season showdown, it should be fantastic. Last year, Largo won 37-31 in overtime. Largo also won a rematch in the playoffs at Dunedin. Last week Dunedin lost a one-point decision to Countryside while Largo had a bye.

Countryside (3-1) at Tarpon Springs (3-0)

This could be a trap game. The visiting Cougars are coming off a close win against Dunedin while the host Spongers enjoyed a bye week. Key to this game for Countryside is finding a way to not just shut down Tarpon Springs quarterback Danny Reyes but covering all of his targets.

The best bet for the Spongers is to try to shut down Countryside running back Dawrence Roberts who is averaging six yards a carry, and force the Cougars to throw. Just a few months ago, that strategy would have been a terrible trap.

St. Petersburg (2-2) at Boca Ciega (1-2)

Just going by history suggests Boca Ciega's 37-0 loss to Lakewood was an accident for the Pirates. Traditionally a team with a stout defense, the 37 points surrendered last week was the highest score an opponent has scored on Boca Ciega in the regular season since Osceola handed the Pirates a 41-12 road defeat Sept. 23, 2004.

St. Petersburg has a pretty solid rushing attack which should test Boca Ciega. But the Pirates held Dunedin's Adarius Bellamy in check to begin the season so it's not like the Boca Ciega defenders should be losing too much sleep.

Clearwater (1-3) at Gibbs (2-2)

Entering the fifth game of the year, the visiting Tornadoes are still looking for their first offensive touchdown. Clearwater has only scored two touchdowns this season, but on Tarrence Jackson kickoff returns.

Could Clearwater score its first offensive touchdown of 2008 this Friday? Gibbs hasn't had as solid a defense as it expected, which is the big reason why the Gladiators are .500 through four games.

Pinellas Park (0-3) at East Lake (2-2)

As usual, East Lake has a decent if not good defense, which means Pinellas Park's woes will continue. The visiting Patriots have only scored two offensive touchdowns this season: one through the air and another on the ground.

East Lake's rushing attack is as strong as ever. Derek Hunter and Billy Byrne are each averaging nearly five yards a carry. With numbers like that no wonder the Eagles resist throwing the ball.

Dixie Hollins (2-2) at Palm Harbor (1-2)

The visiting Rebels were upended by Gibbs last week so look for Dixie Hollins to take out their frustrations on Palm Harbor.

Rebels quarterback Josh Brown has yet to throw an interception this season through 50 pass attempts.

Osceola (2-2) at Seminole (2-2)

In the battle of Seminole, once one of the county's best games, it's difficult to remember the last time both teams have struggled. While Osceola has the potential of putting up some points, it does have the liability of giving up a lot to opponents' rushing attacks, as evidenced two weeks ago when Dunedin's Adarius Bellamy scored six touchdowns in a span of eight carries.

Seminole historically has been strong on the ground, last week it's offense came alive with 34 points, the most the Warhawks have scored since beating Pinellas Park at home 37-7 Sept. 16, 2005.

St. Petersburg Catholic (0-4) at Sarasota Cardinal Mooney (3-1)

The Barons have had a rough season so far and it doesn't get any easier with a trip to Cardinal Mooney. Only Tampa Catholic has held Cardinal Mooney to less than 21 points. Last week Cardinal Mooney racked up 48 points in a win over Fort Myers Gateway Charter.

St. Petersburg Catholic lost a tough home game to Lennard last week, mostly getting burned through the air.

Clearwater Central Catholic (3-1) at Fort Meade (4-0)

The Marauders bounced back with a solid win last week in which Clearwater Central Catholic coach Mike Jalazo said his entire offense -- rushing attack, offensive line, passing attack -- "executed for the first time this season. Finally."

Running back Micah Poole will have to have another outstanding game for CCC to have a prayer against one of the state's top programs. The speedy tailback is averaging nearly 5 yards a carry.

Lakeland Victory Christian (2-1) at Indian Rocks Christian (4-0)

The host Golden Eagles had an off night last week: They gave up their first points of the season while only scoring 21. But still beat Lakeland Christian.

Victory Christian has been putting up some numbers lately, including 42 points last week. So look for Indian Rocks Christian to keep the ball on the ground and let running back Lou Mason (12 yards a carry) and Jonny Sitton (8 yards a carry) do the damage.

Shorecrest Prep (3-1) at Cape Coral Island Coast (1-1)

The Chargers are looking to extend their win streak to four games. As long as Shorecrest keeps the ball on the ground they have a good shot.

Shorecrest running backs, in the team's new spread-option attack, are putting up some gaudy numbers. Quarterback Hunter Tremaine, who leads the team in 39 carries, and running back Toms Bernhards-Callahan each are averaging double-digit yards per attempt.

West Palm Beach Summit Christian (1-2) at Canterbury (3-1)

Look for Canterbury to bounce back with a win. Canterbury is averaging nearly 40 points a game while Summit Christian is having a difficult time keeping teams out of the end zone.

Orlando First Academy (2-1) at Calvary Christian (2-1)

With the exception of a shutout at the hands of Indian Rocks Christian, which is looking like one of the state's top small schools, Calvary's defensive appears strong giving up one touchdown in its two wins.

First Academy might give Calvary a good team as it is averaging 34 points a game.

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