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Game of the Week: Tampa Bay Tech (3-0) at Freedom (1-1)

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 26, 2008

7:30 p.m.; Freedom Stadium, Commerce Park Blvd., Tampa

At Stake

Tampa Bay Tech & Freedom: Playoffs. With this contest being a Class 4A-District 11 game, the loser could find itself in a tough position, given the difficulty of making it out of this district. Armwood is the heavy favorite, leaving Hillsborough, Middleton, Freedom and Tech fighting for the runner-up spot. Realistically, any more than two district losses and a team can find itself out of the playoff picture.

Key Stat

Tampa Bay Tech: Coach C.C. Culpepper's defense has recorded four interceptions, two fumble recoveries and nine sacks in three games. It has allowed an average of 7.3 points per game.

Freedom: Senior receiver Rodney Lyons has caught only three passes for 36 yards this season, but he has done damage on special teams. He has averaged 25 yards per kick return in two games and has more than 100 yards returning kicks.

Keep An Eye On

Tampa Bay Tech: Angel Rodriguez. The senior quarterback has rushed for at least 100 yards in consecutive games. He scored at least three touchdowns in each of those games.

Freedom: Sherrod Cunningham. The senior linebacker is the second-leading tackler on the team with 13 tackles and has carried the ball 14 times for 117 yards and two touchdowns. Coach Marquel Blackwell called him the best all-around player on the team.

Key Matchups

When Tech Has The Ball: Junior fullback Maurice Hagens (426 yards rushing, 5 TDs) is Tech's go-to player, but is questionable with a knee injury. Five other players have carried the ball for the Titans this season, so don't think Tech will abandon the running game if Hagens is unable to play.

When Freedom Has The Ball: The ball is going to be in the hands of sophomore quarterback Josh Grady, who has rushed 27 times for 186 yards and two touchdowns and thrown for 183 yards. Cunningham or junior running back Amonty Delisca is also capable of carrying the offense.

Quotables

"We're playing for these big district games. We're looking forward to it." - Tampa Bay Tech senior quarterback Angel Rodriguez

"The last week was a struggle getting them up for a Sickles game, knowing Freedom was on the horizon." - Tampa Bay Tech coach C.C. Culpepper

"We're treating this like a playoff game." - Freedom senior defensive lineman Coril Joseph

Nick Williams

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