Pinellas football playoff capsules

Freedom (7-2) at Countryside (9-1)
Since John Davis has been at Countryside the Cougars have pretty much been an offense-first team, and if Countryside happened to have some decent defenders, OK.

This year it's almost the opposite. The Cougars have a strong defense with solid showings in wins against Tarpon Springs and Largo on the mantle. That's not to suggest Countryside doesn't have an offense, but the Cougars may be more balanced than at any time with Davis as coach.

That defense will be needed to shut down Freedom's Tyler Guy and his 1,436 rushing yards. If the Cougars are able to hold Tarpon Springs and Largo's run game in check, they have a chance to do the same Friday.

Hillsborough (6-3) at Largo (8-2)
This isn't the same type of Packers team has in years past, including the ones which advanced to the Class 5A semifinals the past two years. Injuries and players not playing up to expectations have riddled Largo.

First, the Packers' best player, Sean Holte, who was ranked by Rivals.com as the No. 59 best player in the nation, injured his knee and is out for the season. Tailback D.J. Key (932 yards) has missed a couple of games due to a tender ankle.

Packers quarterbacks were so disappointing, Coach Rick Rodriguez, almost in desperation, turned to freshman lefty Juwan Brown, who has shined. The talented dual-threat player is starting just his fifth game and is a tender 14 years old.

Also, one of the state's better kickers, Charlie Howe, abruptly quit the team two weeks ago.

Hillsborough, an annual Tampa powerhouse squad, comes in with some serious talent. Tarean Austin is on the cusp of 2,000 yards rushing with 20 touchdowns and Charles Lovett has 1,076 yards receiving.

Largo will have to have a few breaks and play its best game of the season to advance.

Manatee (9-1) at Gibbs (6-4)
The Gladiators, guided by first-year coach and former Tampa Bay Bucs cornerback Donnie Abraham, are fresh off their first district title in school history, having won six of their last seven games, largely thanks to Josh Rembert's play.

The Gibbs quarterback has racked up 1,550 yards passing. Beating Manatee will be a stiff test.

Manatee has just one loss and that was to Venice. If Gibbs is to win, it has to find a way to stop quarterback Tarean Austin who has 1,751 yards passing for 21 touchdowns and 400 yards rushing.

Ocala Lake Weir (8-2) at Tarpon Springs (8-2)
No secret to what the Spongers will do Friday: run, run and run some more, led by Adrian Golden's 1,094 yards and 10 touchdowns followed by Darius Daniels' 896 yards and 11 touchdowns.

The Spongers will have to slow down Lake Weir's Tracy Curry who has thrown for over 1,000 yards passing. If Tarpon Springs can hold down Hurricanes linebacker Jeremy Cook, it will help the Spongers running attack.

Lakewood (8-2) at Pasco (9-1)
Should be a wide-open game featuring two of the Tampa Bay area's better playmakers.
Bernard Reedy leads the Spartans with his eight yards a carry and 14 touchdowns while Pasco has quarterback D.J. Clower with his 1,526 yards passing and 15 touchdowns.

East Lake (7-3) at Tampa Bay Tech (8-1)
East Lake had arguably the best defense in Pinellas County. It will face a mighty test against the speed of Tampa Bay Tech.

TBT has all sorts of weapons including Maurice Hagens and his 1,133 yards rushing and 14 touchdowns. TBT quarterback Jonathon Williams has thrown for 770 yards.

St. Petersburg (9-1) at Venice (9-1)
A contrast in styles. St. Petersburg brings its smashmouth football against Venice quarterback Trey Burton. The University of Florida recruit has 1,266 all purpose yards, leading the team in both passing and rushing.

Admiral Farragut (5-3) at Sarasota Out-of-Door (8-1)
If Admiral Farragut is to win this game it will have to shut down running back A.J. Strong who averages over 10 yards a carry.