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Game of the week: Spoto at Alonso

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Tribune staff

Published: September 10, 2009

AT STAKE

SPOTO: Now in its third year, Spoto faces its most notable in-county opponent in Alonso. The program reached new heights last season by making the playoffs for the first time and second-year as coach Dale Caparaso said a win would prove Spoto is one of the top programs in Hillsborough County.

ALONSO: With arguably the toughest schedule in the county, which includes a brutal stint of roads games at Armwood, Hillsborough and Plant, defending their home turf is of vital importance for the Ravens.

KEY STAT

SPOTO: Spoto's defense held Wharton scoreless last week and didn't allow the Wildcats to reach the red zone. Wharton was limited to 85 yards last week, 18 were rushing, and the Spartans recorded three sacks, forced one fumble and returned it for a touchdown. Spoto also blocked three passes at the line.

ALONSO: Led by quarterback C.J. Bennett, one of the state leaders in passing, the Ravens offense puts up big numbers. Alonso's offense has averaged more than 530 yards in its first two games this season, including the Kickoff Classic. Bennett put up 342 yards of offense last week against Brandon, including 70 yards rushing.

KEEP AN EYE ON

SPOTO: Rodney Williams. The 6-foot-1, 224 pound junior linebacker, who already has heavy interest from almost every SEC program, can play any position on the field, from defensive lineman to safety. Last week against Wharton, he recorded a sack and a handful of powerful hits, while rushing five times for 23 yards.

ALONSO: Jesse Anaya. The tailback/wideout is the everyman of the Ravens offense. He lines up in a variety of positions in Alonso's scheme. In last week's victory against Brandon, Anaya totaled 117 all-purpose yards, including a team-leading 89 receiving yards.

KEY MATCHUPS

WHEN SPOTO HAS THE BALL: Spoto uses two interchangeable quarterbacks in brothers Jamar Burns and James Brown. Both are dangerous runners (Burns rushed for 93 yards with one touchdown while Brown ran for 70 yards last week against Wharton). Burns and Brown aren't the only weapons for Spoto. Charlie Waits is a speedy tailback with an array of moves while Williams can be used in short yardage situations.

WHEN ALONSO HAS THE BALL: Bennett commands a complex offensive scheme and does it well. So well, the Ravens coaches trust him to make a lot of the calls. With a variety of weapons to utilize, including receivers Justen Davis and Jameel Gay, Alonso's ability to spread the ball around and put it in a lot of different hands makes them difficult to defend. The Ravens will be tested by a speedy Spoto defense with big-play ability.

QUOTABLES

"I just heard about their quarterback last year at the end of the season. This year, I've heard a lot of hype about him. He has good athletes around him and they make him look good. I haven't really seen anybody put pressure on him yet so we'll see on Friday." Spoto junior linebacker Rodney Williams on Alonso senior quarterback C.J. Bennett.

"I looked at our schedule and thought somebody doesn't like us. But if you're going to be considered one of the best in the county, you've got to play them. And Spoto's definitely earned that right to say they're one of the best. They play great football and they're still playing it. They're all jacked up and running around and we are too. It's going to be a big battle and I'm looking forward to it." Alonso coach Mike Heldt

Katherine Smith, Nick Williams

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