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Pinellas County Football Capsules: Week 6

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Lee Diekemper

Tribune correspondent

Published: October 8, 2008

Countryside (3-2) at Palm Harbor (2-2)
The host Hurricanes have a shot of finishing the season with a .500 record and an outside chance of a winning season, which would be the first in the school's history. Though unlikely, a victory over Countryside would be a step toward that goal.

The Hurricanes have scored 57 points in their last two games, largely on the legs of running backs Sean Shelton Brandon Wilcox and will need to keep that scoring pace up against Countryside. The visiting Cougars are coming off a one-point loss last week and likely won't be in the best of moods.

St. Petersburg (3-2) at Gibbs (3-2)
The host Gladiators have scored 64 points combined in their last two games but their defense has nearly given up as many points.

St. Petersburg may have the perfect offense to combat Gibbs: ball control. So long as the Green Devils don't turn the ball over, playing keep away should do the trick.

Dixie Hollins (2-3) at Seminole (3-2)
The visiting Rebels were expected to have one of the better teams in Pinellas County. But Dixie Hollins lost its defense as the calendar turned to October. Palm Harbor, not exactly a powerhouse, ran all over Dixie Hollins scoring 34 points.

Seminole, not thought to be one of the better teams in the county, found an offense. The host Warhawks have racked up 63 points in their last two games.

Northeast (1-3) at Boca Ciega (1-3)
Two teams thought to be pretty good will try to salvage their season, with the loser left scrambling.

The host Pirates are going to have to find an offense. Boca Ciega has only once scored double-digits in its four games. In its last two games, the Pirates offense has been kept off the board; a safety last week against St. Petersburg preventing two straight shutouts.

Northeast lost a close game to district rival and usual solid program Bradenton Southeast last week, 16-13. With Boca Ciega struggling offensively, Northeast should rack up a win.

Indian Rocks Christian (5-0) at Shorecrest (3-2)
If any fan is debating on watching high school football or the Rays first game of the American League Championship Series, this is the game to go to. With both teams under the philosophy that a pass is akin to a turnover, a baseball fan could watch this game and still make it home by the sixth inning of the Rays game.

Both teams are racking up rushing yards that would make Woody Hayes smile. But Indian Rocks may be too much for Shorecrest as the host Chargers will have to deal with the dual-threat of Golden Eagles running backs Lou Mason and Jonny Sitton, who are averaging 11.8 and 6.8 yards a carry, respectively.

Land O' Lakes (3-2) at Tarpon Springs (4-0)
The Spongers have stood tall in each of its strong tests this year, specifically against East Lake and Countryside. Last week Tarpon Springs proved it could win without relying on quarterback Danny Reyes. Danny Chaisson and Josiah Fisk accounted for the Spongers rushing touchdowns last week in a 15-14 win over Countryside.

Pinellas Park (0-4) at Largo (4-0)
Largo seems to be shifting into overdrive. Its defense seems to be finely tuned as ever. In a showdown last week against Dunedin and Rivals.com four-star running back Adarius Bellamy, the Packers held Bellamy to 45 yards on 10 carries and only one run of double-digit yards (10).

The Packers currently have a 14-game regular season winning streak. Don't expect it to be broken this week. Pinellas Park has been held to six points in three of its losses.

Clearwater Central Catholic (3-2) at Berkeley Prep (3-1)
In the past three years, Clearwater Central Catholic has had one terrible defensive game in which the Marauders gave up 40-plus points. Last week was possibly this year's thumping as state power Fort Meade handed CCC a 43-7 thrashing.

The key, as has been all year for CCC, is to get running back Micah Poole turned loose.

Tampa Catholic (2-2) at St. Petersburg Catholic (0-5)
The host Barons are obviously struggling but are getting better. Two weeks ago, St. Petersburg Catholic hung in the game but lost 24-14 to Lennard. Last week against Cardinal Mooney on the road, the Barons came within a touchdown.

If the Barons can find someone toughen up their passing defense they might be able to pull off an upset.

Keswick Christian (2-3) at Calvary Christian (2-2)
After struggling on offense in its first three games, Keswick seems to have found the right touch by scoring 80 points total in its last two games.
Calvary Christian has been up and down. In each win each win it has held its opponent to a touchdown or less. In each loss Calvary Christian has been shutout.

Admiral Farragut (1-3) at Northside Christian (0-5)
Northside Christian forfeited its game last week against Fort Walton Beach. Maybe the week off enabled the Mustangs to develop a defense.

In its last three losses Northside Christian have allowed an average of 57 points a game. Admiral Farragut hasn't exactly been solid defensively either but at least Farragut has shown signs of offensive life. Northside Christian has yet to score more than a touchdown in any of its losses.

Clearwater (1-4) at Dunedin (3-2)
While Clearwater finally scored more than one touchdown last week in a 34-20 loss to Gibbs, the Tornadoes defense is still giving up large chucks on points. With Adarius Bellamy and the host Falcons angry in losing two games in a row, it could be a long night for Clearwater.

Lakewood (3-1) at Bradenton Bayshore (1-3)
The visiting Spartans have been lighting up the scoreboard in recent weeks. Coming off a bye week they should be refreshed and ready to continue their offensive fireworks.

Osceola (0-5) at Bradenton Southeast (3-1)
The Warriors are really struggling and things don't get easier with a trip to Bradenton Southeast. Don't be surprised if the Warriors woes continue.

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