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Land O' Lakes QB Stephen Weatherford out this week

Staff photo by Fred Bellet

Land O’ Lakes quarterback Stephen Weatherford will sit out one game due to an unspecified Pasco County rules infraction.

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By EDDIE DANIELS | The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 7, 2009

When the Land O' Lakes football team faces Anclote Friday, the Gators will be without starting quarterback Stephen Weatherford, who is serving a one game suspension.

New Gators coach Matt Kitchie didn't want to delve into the details of what happened out of student confidentiality, but did confirm the suspension.

"He is suspended for the game Friday," Kitchie said. "He broke a rule set up for secondary students in Pasco County."

In Weatherford's place will be Alex Robinson and Justin Tello. Each typically play wide receiver, but have gotten game experience running the offense.

"It will just be this Friday," Kitchie said. "He'll be back ready to go on Monday and be our starting quarterback from that point on. This week we will use Justin Tello and Alex Robinson in his place and it should not affect us at all."

Land O' Lakes has raced to a 4-0 overall record, while earning a 2-0 district ledger, helping to logjam the Class 3A-District 7 standings. Also undefeated in the grouping is Mitchell (2-0), Pasco (2-0) and Sunlake (2-0).

If there ever was a game to miss, this is it. Anclote (0-4, 0-2 Class 3A-7) has scored a total of 39 points, while giving up 180. Land O' Lakes has put 169 points – the most in the district – and has allowed 37 – the fewest in the district.

That said, Weatherford has played a major role in the offense. He has completed 45 of 76 passes for 636 yards and 11 scores. He's also ran the ball 17 times for 199 yards and a touchdown. Meanwhile, Robinson is 0 for 2 passing and Tello is 0 for 1.

Robinson leads the team with his 12 receptions for 207 yards. He also has two receiving touchdowns.

"He's not happy about the situation, but in life sometimes situations arise and sometimes we just have to accept responsibility for them and move forward," Kitchie said.

Reporter Eddie Daniels can be reached at (813) 259-7066.

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