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Game of the week: Land O' Lakes at Mitchell

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By EDDIE DANIELS | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 5, 2009

Land O' Lakes (7-1, 5-1 Class 3A-District 7) at Mitchell (8-1, 5-1)

AT STAKE

Both teams have brand new coaches at the helm and each have made an indelible impression by leading his team to this – the brink of the playoffs. This Class 3A-District 7 showdown is for second place and ultimately a berth in the postseason. Both teams have been defeated by Pasco, which sits atop the district and leaves Land O' Lakes and Mitchell to fight it out for the lone remaining playoff spot. The winner continues with high hopes and visions of grandeur, while the loser gets a head start on plans for 2010.

KEY STAT

LAND O' LAKES: Land O' Lakes possesses a quick strike offense, which typically does damage early. The Gators have posted 101 points in the first quarter, compared to 89 in the second, 58 in the third and 63 in the fourth. Meanwhile the defense features three players with five or more sacks. Spencer Michelson (7.0) and Anthony Kasperitis (5.5) will have to play without sack leader Gary Myrick (8.5) who is serving a one game suspension.

MITCHELL: The Mustangs defense has been a big reason for this season's level of success. The unit has caused 13 fumbles and recovered 10, while it has five interceptions and collected 27 sacks – led by Dylan Lamb's 12.5. Offensively, junior QB Matt Michaels, who was to play receiver before starter Cody VanDeBoe went down in the preseason game, has managed the offense well. The bulk of his job entails handing the ball to Ricky Trinidad, but when asked to throw, seven of his 27 completions have been touchdowns.

KEY PLAYERS

LAND O' LAKES: Stephen Weatherford. The junior has improved with each passing season. He has shown he is more than to lead the passing game, completing 91-of-145 passes for 1,520 yards, 22 TDs and four interceptions. He leads Pasco County with his TD passes, while ranks No. 2 in completions and yardage. Weatherford also has a penchant for escaping the rush, racking up 345 rushing yards and three touchdowns.

MITCHELL: Ricky Trinidad. In Mitchell's loss to Pasco last week, it was clear Trinidad's absence was felt. Anytime you take 1,192 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns out of a lineup, you will suffer. Not to mention, Trinidad, who is Pasco County's leading rusher, has an 8.34 yards per carry average. Trinidad was cleared to play Tuesday after suffering a back injury Oct. 23, against Sunlake.

KEY MATCHUPS

WHEN LAND O' LAKES HAS THE BALL: This is a team that has implemented the spread offense and has continually added nuances. There are elements of the I formation and Wishbone in addition to the typical variations of the spread. When the Gators feel like it, they'll play a smash mouth style offense and run the ball right at a defense, or put the ball in the air and use both a vertical and short passing game. Running back Tyler Peak may be the key. If Mitchell gives him running lanes and doesn't tackle well, Peak has a knack of making defenses pay dearly. Conversely, when the ball isn't in his hands, Peak must keep the pressure off of his quarterback while blocking the likes of Dylan Lamb, Chris Pagano and others.

WHEN MITCHELL HAS THE BALL: Airing the ball out is a rarity for the Mustangs, and with the return of Trinidad to the lineup, he will likely get a lion's share of work. Fullback Freddy Jones filled in well for Trinidad against Sunlake and Pasco, and he's likely to get a few touches, as well. The Mustangs running game must be successful because if forced to throw, Michaels will be throwing into a crowd of defensive backs who have played well as the season has progressed. When the ball is in the air, expect Michaels to target Dylan Buono (15 rec., 215 yards, 4 TDs) and Brandon Mundy (9 rec., 146 yards, 3 TDs). Additionally, the Mustangs offensive line must neutralize the pesky nature of the Gators defensive line, which is arguably the best in the county.

QUOTABLES

"I have to be honest, I told the kids when we started our meeting (Monday), this is why I do what I do. Because this is the exciting stuff. The first game, the rivalry game and the playoff game. The reality is this is a playoff game for us because it's lose and you're out."

-Land O' Lakes coach Matt Kitchie

"This is another one of those games. These are the games you want to be coaching in. You want to be coaching your last game of the season and it's win and you're in. That's all there is to it. We got two great teams … and Friday night both teams get to go to war on the field."

-Mitchell coach Brian Wachtel

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