Sickles vs. Hillsborough: Some story lines

Showdown could decide the runner-up in Class 6A-District 8

By BILL WARD | TBO.com
Published: October 12, 2011

TAMPA --

Story lines abound in this week’s game between Sickles and host Hillsborough.

For starters, the winner of this game will have the inside track for the runner-up spot in Class 6A-District 8. We say second place (which earns a playoff berth) because it seems extremely unlikely that anyone but nationally ranked Armwood is going to take first place in this “District of Death,” where defending state champion Jefferson and a high-powered King offense also reside.

Hillsborough is 3-0 in the district but has yet to play Armwood, while Sickles is 1-1 in the district with its only loss coming last week to Armwood. After Hillsborough, the Gryphons have district games with Jefferson, Strawberry Crest and Leto.

Jefferson is 0-2 in the district with losses to Hillsborough and Armwood. The Dragons have league games with King, Sickles, Leto and Strawberry Crest. At 2-1, King isn’t out of the district race either but the Lions have tough games ahead against Jefferson, Hillsborough and Armwood.

Then there’s the fact Hillsborough coach Earl Garcia is going for his 200th win Friday night against Sickles. And Sickles is coached by Brian Turner, the son of former Chamberlain coach Billy Turner, who retired in 2009 with the most wins of any coach ever in Hillsborougfh County, 255. So if Brian Turner’s team can beat Hillsborough on Friday, that would keep Garcia another win away from his dad’s career victory total.

The game could also be something of a benchmark for Sickles. If the Gryphons can knock off a perennial power like Hillsborough, it would be a big step forward for their program. They lost 35-0 last week to Armwood but they match up much better with Hillsborough.