Times wires
Tuesday, October 23, 2012

AUBURN, Ala. — Auburn coach Gene Chizik is dealing with another blow during a miserable season. This time, it's deeply personal.

His mother, Rita, died Monday morning. Rita Chizik, 86, was a Clearwater resident and the widow of Gene Chizik Sr., a Pinellas County schools administrator and coach.

"It's been a tough 24 hours for me personally and my family with the passing of my mother," Chizik said Tuesday. "That's never easy, no matter how old you get. It's been quite challenging, but I do want to say on an encouraging note it was really good to hear from so many great Auburn people that were very supportive, and people outside the Auburn family as well. It was very encouraging to hear the different thoughts and prayers that went out for me personally and my personal family."

Chizik said the family will have a private ceremony, but not necessarily this week.

It has been a trying four-plus months for Chizik and the Tigers since two former players — Ed Christian and LaDarious Phillips — were killed at a pool party near campus in June.

On the field, Auburn is 1-6 for its worst start in 60 years and has lost its first five Southeastern Conference games.

POWERS TO MEET: Ohio State and Oregon have agreed to a home-and-home series with games to be played in 2020 in Eugene, Ore., and in 2021 in Ohio Stadium.

DEPAUL: The school agreed to a five-year contract extension with athletic director Jean Lenti Ponsetto through the 2016-17 academic year.

IDAHO STATE: Coach Mike Kramer was suspended for Saturday's game at Montana for violating the university's conduct policy, athletic director Jeff Tingey said. Kramer is being investigated by the university and Pocatello police after wide receiver Derek Graves reported he shoved him to the ground during practice on Oct. 3.

KANSAS: Coach Charlie Weis is sticking with Michael Cummings rather than Dayne Crist as the starting quarterback for Saturday's game against Texas. Cummings replaced Crist late in the game against Oklahoma State two weeks ago and provided enough of a spark to earn the job last week at Oklahoma.

MARYLAND: Coach Randy Edsall will wait a few days before naming the successor to injured Perry Hills as the starting quarterback. Experience will not factor in: neither Devin Burns nor Caleb Rowe has ever started a college game.

OREGON: The team lifted the suspension for senior defensive tackle Isaac Remington after Eugene prosecutors decided not to pursue a driving under the influence charge.

OREGON ST.: Quarterback Sean Mannion will start against Washington on Saturday, less than three weeks after having a surgical procedure on his left knee.

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

The NCAA won't rule on UCF's postseason ban appeal until at least Jan. 24, making the Knights eligible for the postseason, the Orlando Sentinel reported.

The NCAA does not impose punishment during pending appeals.

As a result, the Knights are eligible to compete for a Conference USA title and appear in a bowl game. If the NCAA appeals committee upholds the postseason ban, UCF would have to sit out the 2013 postseason in its first year in the Big East.

"I think it's great news for our team, it's great news for our fan base," coach George O'Leary said.

The ban was the only penalty UCF challenged as part of sanctions levied in July for major violations in football and basketball.

UF: Nose for the ball

GAINESVILLE — South Carolina WR and return specialist Ace Sanders had no idea what Florida CB Loucheiz Purifoy was referring to when he walked past him during pregame warmups and said, "You better hold it tight. You're going to be a violator."

Sanders probably knows now. Florida forced four turnovers in that game, part of a concerted effort to seek out "violators" — a termed coined by defensive coordinator Dan Quinn — and make them pay.

"Violators is somebody who doesn't know how to carry the ball correctly and we're going to come get it from you," DL Dominique Easley said. "We see that ball, we see a little bit of that pigskin, we're coming to get it."

The Gators are No. 3 in the SEC in turnover margin (plus 11) and say they spend a great deal of time in practice working on stripping the ball.

Antonya English, Times staff writer

USF: Tale of 2 halves

TAMPA — Against six FBS opponents, USF has scored 101 points in second halves compared to 41 in the first. At Louisville, the Bulls' only first half points came on their opening drive, when an incomplete pass on the 19-yard line led to a Maikon Bonani field goal.

"I think probably it's a rhythm thing, kind of finding our niche so to speak," offensive coordinator Todd Fitch said. "I thought last week against Louisville … with (QB) B.J. (Daniels) not having practiced as much the last week and a half, I thought his rhythm was a little off. As he got more in a groove, we got some easier throws for him."

COMFORTABLE ON WEAK SIDE: Though he has started on both the strong side and in the middle this season, LB Sam Barrington said he's adjusting well to his latest role on the weak side.

"I like it," he said. "(Defensive coordinator Chris) Cosh told me it would be a good move for the team, so I'm all for it."

Barrington led the defense against Louisville with 10 tackles.

Joe Polito, Times correspondent

FSU: Fumbles cost job

TALLAHASSEE — Rashad Greene's days as FSU's primary punt returner appear to be done.

The sophomore averaged 15.8 yards on 19 returns, ninth best in the country, but he has fumbled three punts. "We've got to get that fixed," coach Jimbo Fisher said. "We can't let the ball hit. We've had too many there."

Backup punt returner Tyler Hunter said he had begun moving over into the starting role.

Orlando Sentinel

Times wires
Tuesday, October 23, 2012

MIAMI — The lingering backlash caused by Ozzie Guillen's praise of Fidel Castro contributed to another Marlins managerial shakeup Tuesday.

Guillen was fired after one year with Miami, undone by too many losses and one too many ill-advised remarks.

A promising season began to derail in April with Guillen's laudatory comments about Cuba's former leader. Six months later, the episode was a factor in the decision to fire Guillen, Marlins officials said.

"Let's face it. It was not a positive for the team; it was not a positive for Ozzie," president of baseball operations Larry Beinfest said. "It was a disappointment, no doubt about it."

A lousy team didn't help. The Marlins took high hopes into their new ballpark after an offseason spending spree but finished last in the NL East at 69-93, their worst since 1999.

Miami's next manager will be the fifth for owner Jeffrey Loria since early 2010. Two managers he fired, Joe Girardi and Fredi Gonzalez, made the playoffs this year.

The Marlins owe Guillen $7.5 million for the three years remaining on his contract.

"We all felt we had a pretty good ballclub coming out of spring training, and we just didn't play well," Beinfest said. "This is an organizational failure. But we felt like we needed to make this change so we could move forward."

BOSOX INTRODUCE FARRELL: John Farrell, Boston's pitching coach from 2007-10, said he won't take his relationships with players for granted as their new manager. "I will work my butt off to earn their trust, to earn their respect and create an environment in that clubhouse that is just that," he said. "It's a trusting one." Also, the Red Sox are close to finalizing a two-year contract with DH David Ortiz, ESPN.com reported.

CUBS: The club agreed to a three-year extension with assistant GM Randy Bush, hired former major-leaguer David Bell as third-base coach and removed the interim tag from hitting coach James Rowson.

DODGERS: RH reliever Kenley Jansen had surgery on his heart to return it to normal rhythm.

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, October 23, 2012

TAMPA — Bucs coach Greg Schiano is nothing if not consistent.

From his introductory news conference in January until now, he has maintained the same principle about his team's offensive mentality.

"From the beginning, our philosophy is we want to run the football and take shots down the field," he said Tuesday.

Perhaps he should have said that in reverse.

The Bucs have discovered their potent, deep-passing game in recent weeks, and as a consequence they are running more effectively. That's because defenses are adjusting, as the Saints did on Sunday and the host Vikings likely will do Thursday.

Rookie running back Doug Martin's best performances since opening day have come in the past two games, in which the Bucs have thrown for 748 combined yards.

"I think it's all connected," Schiano said. "Part of it is we're throwing the ball better. That loosens things up a little."

Martin rushed for 76 and 85 yards, respectively, against the Chiefs and Saints in the past two games. The efficiency with which he amassed them is important. Martin averaged 5.6 yards per carry (161 yards on 29 carries) in those games; through the first four games he averaged 3.5.

The displays of quarterback Josh Freeman and receivers Vincent Jackson and Mike Williams of the past two weeks showed another dimension of the Bucs' evolving offense, forcing defenses to re-evaluate their tactics.

"When they're throwing eight (defenders) in the box because they think their corners can cover, we have to make big plays so they can start taking people out the box and we can run the ball," Williams said.

"I think (teams) will do things to take certain strengths away," Schiano said. "I think what Minnesota's going to do defensively will do that to some degree. They'll play Tampa 2 and force you to throw underneath and those kinds of things."

The Tampa 2 scheme, a Vikings staple, is designed to defend against the deep pass. The crowd is likely to be deafening for the primetime matchup in the always-noisy Metrodome, so the Tampa Bay offense will have to be prepared to adjust in a raucous environment.

Having a running game that can exploit the kind of coverages they might see is a key.

That was what the Bucs did when Martin scored on a 36-yard carry in the first quarter against the Saints. With seven Saints near the line of scrimmage and the safeties well outside the box, the Bucs won one-on-one blocking assignments at the line of scrimmage. With no extra defender to account for, Martin needed only to make one tackler miss and outrun safety Roman Harper, pursuing from the opposite side of the field.

"The beautiful thing, I think, about this offense, is the versatility," offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan said. "(It is) the ability to have some play-action shots and get some balls down the field that complement the runs as well as some of the drop-back concepts where we're continuing to grow and get better at. I don't think we want to pigeon-hole ourselves. We're on the same page and doing whatever it takes to put us in position to come out on top on Sundays."

That's true, even if it's different than Schiano's core run-first philosophy.

"I think Coach Schiano wants to win and I want to win and our offensive players and coaches want to win," Sullivan said. "… Sometimes there might be games where it takes us running the ball 45 times. Sometimes, we might have to throw the ball 45, 50 times.

"Whatever it takes."

Stephen F. Holder can be reached at sholder@tampabay.com. Follow him on Twitter at @HolderStephen.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Biggest questions

For the Tigers, it's the back end of the bullpen. Jose Valverde (above left) is supposedly still the closer, but he hasn't pitched since nearly blowing Game 1 of the ALCS in New York on Oct. 13. Detroit manager Jim Leyland can keep talking about how he still believes in Valverde and how he made some mechanical adjustments, but if the game is on the line tonight, will Leyland have the confidence to use him? Phil Coke (above right) filled in well vs. the Yankees, but they had more of a left-handed lineup.

For the Giants, it's the rotation to start the series. Their most reliable postseason starters, Ryan Vogelsong and Matt Cain, worked Sunday and Monday, so they're out until the series goes to Detroit. That left the Giants to sort through three inconsistent options, and they decided to open tonight with lefty Barry Zito (above left), then go with LHP Madison Bumgarner, who was very bad in his last start, ahead of fan fave Tim Lincecum (above right).

The X(-Rays) Factor

The Tigers have two, in DH/OF Delmon Young, who starts, and RHP Joaquin Benoit, who usually works the eighth. The Giants have one in INF Aubrey Huff, who is now primarily a pinch-hitter. But it's a once-potential Ray you'll hear the most about, Giants C Buster Posey, whom the Rays considered for the first pick of the 2008 draft; they instead chose INF Tim Beckham, who hit .256 in his first full season at Triple A (around a 50-game drug suspension) and probably won't be on the 2013 opening day roster. Posey has been to two World Series and could win the NL MVP this year.

Personal matters

. As if being rich, handsome and possibly the best in the game at what he does weren't enough, Tigers RHP Justin Verlander is said (by, among other people, his own grandfather) to be dating supermodel and SI swimsuit issue cover girl Kate Upton, right.

. Giants 3B coach Tim Flannery is an accomplished musician, specializing in bluegrass ballads, and has released 11 albums and performed with numerous big names such as Jimmy Buffett and Willie Nelson.

. Tigers RHP Max Scherzer has a genetic condition known as heterochromia, which means his eyes are different colors: The right one is blue, the left brown.

. Giants LHP Madison Bumgarner is very much true to his rural North Carolina roots; he married his high-school sweetheart on Valentine's Day 2010 and as a present gave her a 5-day-old bull calf.

. Tigers 1B Prince Fielder is the (somewhat estranged) son of former Tigers/Yankees/etc. slugger Cecil Fielder. Tigers C Alex Avila's father, Al, is the team's assistant GM.

. Giants RHP Sergio Romo has a tattoo on his right arm best described as "a monster with several faces," reflecting different parts of his personality: Competitor, joker, beast, coward.

Funny-looking fans

We're talking about the ones in San Francisco for now, and they're among the most energized and colorful around. Among the looks you'll see: Panda hats and costumes in honor of 3B Pablo Sandoval, who is known as Kung Fu Panda, and long-haired wigs in tribute to Tim Lincecum, whom they call The Freak.

The DY-DH dilemma

AL teams usually have issues trying to get their DH into the lineup for the Series games at the NL site. The Tigers say they plan to start Delmon Young, who was MVP of the ALCS, in leftfield, where he made 29 starts, last on Sept. 2. This shouldn't be the misadventure of some years (such as Vlad Guerrero for the Rangers in 2010), but Young is a little bigger and slower than when he used to play the field regularly, and he doesn't throw as well.

Name droppers

Actor Jeff Daniels — most recently of HBO's The Newsroom — is a major Tigers fans, acknowledging he's "borderline religious" and almost in need of therapy. … Actor/comedian Rob Schneider, who tends to have small parts in a lot of things, tends to show up at most big Giants games. … Both teams use the music of Journey at their stadiums, the Giants playing to Lights ("When the lights go down in the city and the sun shines on the bay") and the Tigers to Don't Stop Believin' ("Just a city boy, born and raised in south Detroit").

Odds on

According to the online Bovada sports book, the Tigers are the favorites to win, most likely in five games. Here are the odds on some of the potential outcomes, and a few other issues:

MVP

Times wires
Tuesday, October 23, 2012

AUTOS

EARNHARDT JR. CLEARED TO RACE AGAIN

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Dale Earnhardt Jr. was cleared Tuesday for this weekend's race at Martinsville Speedway after missing two races to recover from a pair of concussions.

NASCAR's most popular driver was examined by neurosurgeon Dr. Jerry Petty one day after he ran 123 laps at half-mile Gresham Motorsports Park in Jefferson, Ga. Petty monitored Earnhardt during Monday's test at Gresham.

"Dale Jr. has done everything asked of him," said Petty, who consults with NASCAR and is Earnhardt's personal physician. Petty said Earnhardt hasn't had a headache since Oct. 12.

The injury snapped Earnhardt's streak of 461 consecutive starts and ended his shot to win his first Sprint Cup championship.

SOCCER

U.S., Germany again tie in top-two meeting

Abby Wambach scored for the 23rd time this year, but the U.S. settled for a 2-2 tie with Germany in East Hartford, Conn., the teams' second draw in four days. Dzenifer Marozsan scored twice for the Germans in the exhibition, tying it in the 85th minute. Tobin Heath gave the Americans, who are on a celebration tour after their Olympic victory, a 2-1 lead in the 68th minute. The teams tied 1-1 Saturday in Chicago.

EUROPE: Barcelona (2-1 over Scotland's Celtic) and Manchester United (3-2 against Portugal's Braga) rallied at home to stay perfect in the Champions League.

MLS: Host Houston reached the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals by tying Olimpia of Honduras 1-1. Host Real Salt Lake was eliminated after tying Costa Rica's Herediano 0-0.

TENNIS

Serena Williams wins in return to action

In her first match since winning the U.S. Open in September, Serena Williams defeated Angelique Kerber 6-4, 6-1 in Istanbul to start round-robin play in the season-ending WTA Championships, featuring the world's top eight players.

ET CETERA

NBA: The Magic waived swingman Christian Eyenga and point guard Armon Johnson, the Orlando Sentinel reported. … Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki walked gingerly but without a noticeable limp in his first meeting with reporters since last week's right knee surgery and said of his return: "A timetable at this point is pretty ridiculous to talk about."

CYCLING: Another former teammate of Lance Armstrong admitted using performance-enhancing drugs. Retired rider Steffen Kjaergaard said he had used EPO and cortisone, and was suspended from his job at the Norwegian Cycling Federation.

GOLF: Padraig Harrington, who got in as an alternate, shot 5-under 66 in Southampton, Bermuda, to lead Bubba Watson by two strokes halfway through a 36-hole exhibition for the year's four major champions.

Times wires

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, October 23, 2012

SAN FRANCISCO — Having spent a dozen years around the Tampa Bay area playing at Eckerd College, coaching at several schools and working out of the Yankees' complex, Brian Sabean is quite familiar with Florida's official state pest.

So it is with the highest praise that the Giants general manager jokingly references his players' staggering ability to stay alive by comparing them to cockroaches:

"We can't kill you."

Other members of the Giants take a more humane approach in trying to describe the remarkable achievement — winning six consecutive elimination games — that has them opening the World Series, against the favored Tigers, tonight at AT&T Park.

"Can I explain how we did it? Absolutely," said Brian Wilson, the Giants' injured reliever and eccentric philosopher. "We had to."

Their explanations share some common themes: Resiliency, determination and selflessness.

"I just want to play hard today so I can play tomorrow," pitcher Tim Lincecum said. "Play for the guy next to you. That was our whole mentality, our whole slogan."

"It's just intangible," outfielder Hunter Pence said. "We really love to play and we gave it everything we had. It was a mixture of a lot of things — we had good play, we caught a few breaks, we just kind of came together. It just seems to be somewhat destined."

After winning 94 games and the NL West by a comfortable margin — despite losing Wilson, their closer, to injury and outfielder Melky Cabrera, their top hitter, to a drug suspension — the Giants opened the best-of-five Division Series at home against the Reds and lost both games. After a fiery pregame speech by Pence, they won Game 3 in Cincinnati, then two more, to take the series.

They then opened the best-of-seven Championship Series at home against the Cardinals with a split, lost the next two in St. Louis and were again one loss from elimination. Then Pence spoke up again, and they won Game 5 in St. Louis and two more back home by the bay.

"We probably should just have him give a speech (today) so we don't go down in this series," said Giants reserve Aubrey Huff, the ex-Ray.

Several players said manager Bruce Bochy deserved some of the credit for the quiet confidence he exuded no matter how doomed things seemed, even the subtleness of bringing the celebratory champagne with them on the flight to Cincinnati. Bochy nodded back in their direction.

"I'd be lying if I didn't say these guys have surprised me how many times they've survived," Bochy said. "It says a lot about the character of the club and how determined they were not to go home. They just kept fighting, and good things happen when you do that and you don't give up and you have that never-say-die attitude. That's how they hit the field every day, like there's no tomorrow."

The Giants' reputation will now precede them, and the Tigers, certainly, are well aware.

"I think what they've done speaks for itself," Detroit manager Jim Leyland said. "To be honest with you, when they were down 0-2 going into Cincinnati having to win three games, for me that was unbelievable. So nothing surprised me when they got to the Championship Series after I saw what they did in the Divisional Series. … Unbelievable, really."

As impressed as the Giants have been with themselves, they also are aware they may not want to try for history to repeat itself a third time.

"I think we also respect the fact that you can't keep being behind in series," reliever Jeremy Affeldt said, "and expect it to turn out the exact same way."

Marc Topkin can be reached at topkin@tampabay.com.

Times wires
Tuesday, October 23, 2012

DETROIT — Ndamukong Suh appears to be in the clear on his big hit on Jay Cutler, and the Bears' quarterback and others said Tuesday that's just how it should be.

Suh sacked Cutler violently late in the first half of Monday's 13-7 Bears win, injuring Cutler's ribs and resuscitating talk that he's a dirty player.

A league spokesman said the play was legal. Cutler said on his weekly radio show on Chicago's WMVP-AM that the play was "clean" and Suh is "a good player."

"It was a tough hit and he caught me just right," Cutler said on his show, according to the Chicago Tribune. "It was an awkward fall more than anything."

Suh said the hit was "simply a football play" Monday.

Cutler walked off under his own power, missed one play, returned, then went to the locker room for another series to have his ribs examined.

Also, the Detroit Free Press reported that Lions receiver Nate Burleson will miss up to eight months with a broken leg.

BILLS: Nicholas Stracick, the CEO and president of the Greater Buffalo Sports and Entertainment Complex, unveiled a proposal to build a $1.4 billion waterfront sports and entertainment facility that would include a 70,000-plus-seat, retractable-roofed stadium for the team. He made a presentation to a city council committee, but the land is currently controlled by the region's transportation authority.

BROWNS: Mike Holmgren, in his farewell news conference, said of his tenure as team president: "We did not win enough games. I'm hoping the table is set for the future." Holmgren, who won a Super Bowl as Packers coach, won't complete his five-year deal under new owner Jimmy Haslam.

JAGUARS: With Maurice Jones-Drew out, the team signed running back Keith Toston and waived rookie defensive end Ryan Davis.

REDSKINS: The team released Ryan Grant and brought back fellow running back Keiland Williams.

OBITUARY: Arminta Jones, the mother of Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, died Tuesday in Dallas, days after her 90th birthday. She lived in Rogersville, Mo., the team said.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, October 23, 2012

SAN FRANCISCO — There really wasn't any question about which pitchers were going to pitch tonight's World Series opener.

For the Tigers, it had to be ace Justin Verlander.

"He told me he was pitching Game 1," manager Jim Leyland cracked, "so I said, 'Okay.' "

And for the Giants, who used Ryan Vogelsong and Matt Cain in NLCS Games 6 and 7, it had to be Barry Zito.

But it was how the Giants set up the rest of their rotation — with LHP Madison Bumgarner in Game 2, Vogelsong in Game 3, Cain in Game 4 and Tim Lincecum back in the bullpen — that prompted plenty of questions.

Specifically, why Bumgarner, the 22-year-old who was so bad in the NLCS opener that he didn't pitch again, is getting another shot?

Basically, manager Bruce Bochy said, because Bumgarner looks to have his mechanics straightened out and that Lincecum could be of more value pitching in several games.

Additionally, why Vogelsong in Game 3 then a potential Game 7 rather than Cain?

Because, Bochy implied, Vogelsong is pitching better right now. "He's throwing the ball as well as anybody on the staff, so we just kept it in order," Bochy said. "If Vogelsong gets the last start, we have no problem with that."

The rest of the Tigers rotation has Doug Fister in Game 2, Anibal Sanchez in Game 3 and Max Scherzer in Game 4.

RUST VS. REST: The question was asked dozens of times during Tuesday's media day, but no one really knows whether the Tigers will be affected by their five-day layoff since sweeping the Yankees out of the ALCS.

They were faced with a week layoff before the 2006 Series — in part due to bad weather in Detroit that kept them off the field — and looked flat in losing to the Cardinals. So they were proactive this year, holding extensive workouts and two simulated games, even flying in some instructional league players to provide opposition. (Further, Leyland said, had the weather been bad they were considering flying south and working out at their spring complex in Lakeland.)

"Our pitchers actually faced our hitters and our hitters faced our pitchers, and we played a couple games and we had a couple nice little workouts," Leyland said. "And we had like a five- and a seven-inning game just to try to stay sharp and do something. It wasn't some wonderful plan that we came up with. It was pretty much common sense."

Further, Leyland wanted to clarify that they weren't caught unprepared in '06.

"Some people would indicate we sat around happy to get there, not doing anything, eating bon-bons," Leyland said. "That wasn't the case. We ran into bad weather problems in Detroit, so we were really handicapped."

MISCELLANY: The Game 1 winner has won the Series 62 percent of the time, including 13 of the past 15. … The Giants lead the overall series with the Tigers 7-5, last meeting in July 2011.

Times wires
Tuesday, October 23, 2012

NEW YORK — The little hope that existed for a full NHL season appears to be gone.

Shortly after the players' union reached out to the league on Tuesday night to restart stalled labor negotiations, NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly rebuffed the attempt.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said last week, in presenting the league's most recent offer, that if a new collective bargaining agreement wasn't reached by this Thursday, it would be impossible to play a full regular season.

No talks have been scheduled.

"I don't anticipate any taking place for the balance of the week," Daly said Tuesday night in an email to the Associated Press. "The Union has rejected the proposal we made last Tuesday and is not offering another one. We see nothing to be gained at this point by meeting just to meet."

Following a call for the union's executive board, the NHLPA told the league it was willing to meet today "or any other date, without preconditions, to try to reach an agreement."

And all of this came after it was revealed that club officials had a brief window last week to discuss the league's latest proposal with players. Those secretive discussions upset the union hierarchy.

LIGHTNING: Prospect Slater Koekkoek, the 10th overall pick in June's draft, was named to the Ontario Hockey League team that will face the Russian junior national team in the six-game Super Series, Nov. 5-15 in Canada. Koekkoek, 18, a defenseman, has two goals and seven points in 11 games as captain of the junior Peterborough Petes.

Times staff writer Damian Cristodero contributed to this report.

By Rod Gipson, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, October 24, 2012

TAMPA — Try not to peek ahead to next week.

Sure, there are some key games on Nov. 2 that will determine playoff spots. And while that is not entirely the case tonight, there are a couple of big contests taking place.

In Class 2A, District 5, Carrollwood Day School hosts Indian Rocks Christian in the game that seemingly has been screaming off the schedule all season. CDS and Admiral Farragut sit tied for second at 5-1 in the district while Indian Rocks is a step ahead at 6-1. So today's matchup should go a long way to determining the district champion.

Meanwhile, Chamberlain travels to Gaither with a big task: beat the Cowboys and figure in the Class 7A, District 7 hunt during the season's final couple of weeks. Chamberlain will turn running back Xavier Johnson loose tonight against a tough Gaither defense that has held opponents to seven points or less in three of its last four games.

In other contests, Alonso hosts Tampa Catholic, Wharton plays at Blake, Sickles hosts Strawberry Crest and Freedom plays at Tampa Bay Tech.

All kickoffs are scheduled for 7:30 p.m., unless noted.

Indian Rocks Christian (6-1, 6-1 in Class 2A, District 5) at Carrollwood Day School (7-1, 5-1 2A-5), 4 p.m.

Last week: Carrollwood Day defeated Cambridge 45-24; IRC defeated Northside Christian 47-0.

Why you should go: A win tonight would be a huge step toward Carrollwood Day's first-ever playoff spot. The Patriots need a win tonight and another one next week at Calvary Christian.

Berkeley Prep (6-1) at Orlando First Academy (8-0)

Last week: Berkeley Prep lost to Clearwater Central Catholic 35-21; First Academy defeated Melbourne Holy Trinity 36-7.

Why you should go: Berkeley's district crown hopes took a blow with last week's loss, but the Buccaneers are still in the playoff hunt. A win next week at Tampa Catholic and the Bucs are back in the postseason for the fourth straight season.

Wiregrass Ranch (0-7, 0-3 7A-7) at Steinbrenner (2-5, 0-3 7A-7)

Last week: Wiregrass Ranch lost to Chamberlain 32-3; Steinbrenner lost to Tampa Bay Tech 42-16.

Why you should go: Pride will be on display tonight at Steinbrenner. The loser of this game will occupy the Class 7A, District 7 cellar all alone.

Tampa Catholic (6-1) at Alonso (4-3)

Last week: Tampa Catholic was off; Alonso lost to Plant 22-12.

Why you should go: Alonso is still playing at a high level and in the middle of the playoff race. Alonso's three loses are to Gaither, Durant and Plant (teams that are a combined 19-2). The Crusaders, meanwhile, are ending the season with a tough stretch: Alonso, Berkeley Prep and Jesuit. And Tampa Catholic has to win the Berkeley game to reach the playoffs.

Wharton (5-2) at Blake (3-5)

Last week: Wharton defeated Bloomingdale 28-14; Blake defeated Lennard 18-0.

Why you should go: This should be a tune-up, Wharton fans. Next week, Wharton and Alonso will go at it with a playoff spot on the line.

Chamberlain (3-4, 2-1 7A-7) at Gaither (6-1, 3-0 7A-7)

Last week: Chamberlain defeated Wiregrass Ranch 32-3; Gaither defeated Freedom 16-7.

Why you should go: This is the biggest contest for Chamberlain since it reached the 2008 playoffs. A Chiefs' win will all but lock up a playoff appearance. And if Gaither is peeking ahead to its showdown against 7A-7 co-leader Tampa Bay Tech, we could suddenly have Tech, Gaither and Chamberlain all 3-1 in the district with two weeks left in the regular season.

Freedom (2-6, 1-2 7A-7) at Tampa Bay Tech (5-2, 3-0 7A-7)

Last week: Freedom lost to Gaither 16-7; TBT defeated Steinbrenner 16-7.

Why you should go: To see if Freedom can finish the season strong. The Patriots have scored more than 20 points in a game only once this season, and have been held to single digits five times. It won't be easy to improve on that against Tech in this 7A-7 game.

Jefferson (3-4, 2-2 6A-8) at Leto (0-8, 0-4 6A-8)

Last week: Jefferson defeated Sickles 21-14; Leto lost to Strawberry Crest 76-7.

Why you should go: The Dragons, after a 1-4 start, have put together two winning performances. It'll likely grow to three as winless 6A-8 district foe Leto is coming off a 69-point loss to Strawberry Crest.

Strawberry Crest (3-4, 1-3 6A-8) at Sickles (4-3, 2-2 6A-8)

Last week: Strawberry Crest defeated Leto 76-7; Sickles lost to Jefferson 21-14.

Why you should go: Talk about an emotional roller coaster. Here's Sickles' last three weeks: a last-second loss to district foe and national powerhouse Armwood, arguably the biggest win in program history against Hillsborough, then a crushing (and playoff-run ending) loss to Jefferson.

Cambridge (4-4) at Seffner Christian (4-3)

Last week: Cambridge lost to Carrollwood Day School 45-24; Seffner Christian defeated Merritt Island Christian 24-23.

Why you should go: Cambridge was officially put out of the playoffs last week, but the Lancers are still fighting to reach the six-win mark, which would tie its program best from last season.

By Capt. Tim Whitfield
Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Seasons change. Fall is in the air, and the cool, crisp morning air has made gathering bait less than comfortable. Combine the cool air with the relentless northeast wind, and change is definitely in the air. Bait schools on the flats are attracting the predatory fish like cobia, mackerel and trout. Recently I took my clients to the gathering of the bait: one toss of the net and they were deploying sardines at the happy mackerel. Happy Macks are busting and scattering baits from sun up until about 9 a.m. A long shank hook and a minimum of 40 leader is a must.

Trout also out. While mackerel fishing, we have been getting into some nice sized trout — from 16- to 19-inch fish. Like the mackerel, they gorge on the smallish baits in the schools. Cobia are not a sure bet, but we have caught and lost some over the last couple of weeks. The cobia prove fun on the medium action tackle.

Reds and mullet. Redfish are mixed with the mullet. Look for the jumpers and fish there; the more jumping mullet the better the reds seem to feed. Cut baits like mullet and lady fish have been the hot baits. Live chumming has been somewhat effective, but right now the dead stuff is working better.

Snook are back. The docks are a top choice as well as deepwater canals for snook. Heavy tackle is needed to pull the big dogs away from the structure. Live sardines, free lined and cast into the shade of the dock, have produced many snook over 30 inches and a handful over 40 inches. You have to be quick on the draw and reel hard and react fast. Bring your A game to the docks if you're looking for a shot at a trophy.

Events. The Trey Curry Foundation holds its annual TreyFest fishing tournament with the captain's party on Nov. 1 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at O'Brien's Irish Pub and the tournament on Nov. 2 beginning at 9 a.m. at the Circles Marina, 1212 Apollo Beach Blvd. For info, contact Mary Beth at (813) 655-0269 or marybeth@treycurryfoundation.org.

• The Durant High Key Club sponsors Fishing For A Cause, a Nov. 3 catch and release tournament at Medard Park to raise funds for the Ronald McDonald House at All Children's Hospital. Sign-in will be 7:30 a.m. For information, contact Durant High at (813) 757-9075.

By Eve Edelheit, Times Photographer
Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Javaro Johnson is a busy 15-year-old.

The Hillsborough High sophomore spends weekday afternoons running around as the one of safeties for the Terriers. While most teenagers while their time away relaxing with friends on Saturdays, Javaro devotes his free time to working at Barbers by Design in Tampa.

He greets customers, sweeps up hair and keeps the place looking clean.

But it's as much a school as it is a barber shop.

Barbers by Design owner Tony Rivero instills life lessons between cuts.

"I learn about responsibility and coming to work," Javaro said. "Just like some days you don't want to go to practice, but I have to."

Rivero, Javaro's neighbor and mentor, made on-the-job life skills a primary goal. He has cut Javaro's hair for the past five years and wanted to help keep the teen out of trouble.

"I try to teach him how to respect himself and ways to succeed," Rivero said. "To show him that we are a team, just like when he plays football, and how to get along with other people."

For Javaro, the wisdom he has gained transcends their simple places of origin.

It's helping guide a young man on the football field and in the game of life.

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Let's get this out of the way. You know I have to ask about the hair. How long have you been growing the hi-top?

I've had it now for over a year.

And how did this start?

It started out pretty much as a dare from my friends. I was talking to one of my boys, and he bet me that I wouldn't get an old-school haircut while I was young. I said, "You know what? I'm going to do it." And it's different. It's really unique, and people really take a liking to it. It's been pretty cool.

It really is a throwback cut. Are you a throwback in any other sense?

I would say in my music. I have this old-school playlist on my iPod. And I listen to a lot of artists who were big when I was growing up: 2Pac, (Notorious B.I.G.), Jay-Z, who actually is still doing it. I just like that '90s era of music. Things were good then. They were speaking about real life and real things.

So when people ask you about the hair, what's the craziest thing you've heard?

I wouldn't say there's been one that was really out there, but there is one (comment) that is the most common: How do I get my helmet on? People always ask me that. Sometimes I'll be walking somewhere and people yell out, "Yo, Fresh Prince!" or something like that. I get (called) Kid 'n Play, too. But that helmet question, I literally get that every day. It's just hair, man. It's soft. You put the helmet on. You take it off. It's not that hard.

You mentioned music earlier. We ask every week what's playing the most on your iPod?

For me, every morning when I'm driving to work, I bring up my gospel play­list. Every morning. That's how I get my mind right. And I'm grateful every day for another opportunity. Now if it's before a game or practice, I'm listening to more upbeat music, probably Drake, or 2 Chainz, 2Pac, Jay-Z, music that gets you going. But I do think it's important to start your day off right. Like when I wake up, I make sure to pray. And then my gospel playlist really helps me put everything in perspective.

Another weekly question: What website do you visit the most?

I would say HotNewHipHop.com. That's where I get a lot of music from. Other than that, I'm probably looking at NFL.com. You always want to see how your peers are doing and how you stack up.

Is there a reality show you are sure to never miss?

I'm not a big reality show guy, but when I was in college, I could not miss an episode of that Flavor Flav show, Flavor of Love. I was hooked on it. I was kind of excited about that Eve and Ocho show (with Chad Johnson and his thenwife, Evelyn Lozada) that was supposed to be coming. He told us about that when I was in New England. I would've tuned in for that for sure. He never got the chance, unfortunately. (They divorced in September after Johnson's domestic violence arrest.)

I'm wondering something: What are your nonfootball aspirations, maybe after football's over for you?

Well, I've been playing football since I was 7 years old. You learn so many life lessons from it that are so valuable. So I want to stay around the game. But I don't think I want to coach. The hours are just ridiculous. People don't really understand that. But I would love to be a player development director and help guys transition from high school to college or college to the pros. I've done it. I've been in their shoes, and it really is a big transition. Maybe I could help shorten the learning curve for those guys.

Everyone always associates you with being cut the night before the Super Bowl by the Patriots. If and when you make it to another Super Bowl, what will it mean?

Football is just a game, and life is bigger than football. But it would mean everything to get another opportunity. Personally, I truly believe everything happens for a reason. It's humbled me tremendously and made me have more of a drive. Quite honestly, that one year in New England helped me grow as a person and a player so much. Depending on how these next few years go, I can look back one day and say that going to New England saved my career. It's expected to win and to play well and to put in the work. If you don't, you're going to be gone. I'm trying to carry that on here.

By Brandon Wright, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, October 24, 2012

SEFFNER

It rarely gets much bigger than Plant vs. Armwood.

These teams have met on national television, tune-ups for the postseason and a few times in the playoffs. Players like Robert Marve, Torrey Davis, Aaron Murray, Ryne Giddins and Orson Charles are just a few of the blue-chippers involved in the yearly meeting.

But something is a little different this year. Neither team has looked like world-beaters, or at least by their high standards.

Armwood has lost twice and Plant once so far this season. The Panthers, ranked No. 2 in 8A, slipped past Tampa Bay Tech and Alonso by seven and 10 points, respectively. Armwood squeaked past Sickles 20-16 and was shutout 3-0 against Hillsborough last week, the first time the Hawks had lost to a county team not named Plant since 2005.

"There's a great history between us and Plant," Armwood coach Sean Callahan said. "What we need to do is eliminate the mistakes, which we've been making a lot of lately."

Callahan said there have been so many great matchups in this rivalry that no one in particular stands out. And even though this season has been more of a grind in recent memory for each team, both will have plenty of future D1 athletes such as Armwood's Alvin Bailey and Leon McQuay III and Plant's Wesley Bullock.

"It's always Plant and Armwood," Callahan said. "It's going to be physical, rock 'em sock 'em stuff. One thing you can count on is both teams will be better teams after the game."

Armwood (6-2) at Plant (6-1)

Last week: Hillsborough defeated Armwood 3-0; Plant defeated Alonso 22-12

Why you should go: Because it's Plant and Armwood.

Plant City (3-4) at Brandon (1-6)

Last week: East Bay defeated Plant City 34-12; Brandon defeated Riverview 16-8.

Why you should go: The Brandon defense. After losing the first six games of Dean Eychner's tenure, the Eagles' D didn't allow a touchdown last week — Riverview returned a punt for a score. The Eagles also recorded five sacks, recovered a pair of fumbles, blocked a field goal and forced a turnover on downs inside their own 10-yard line with less than two minutes to play.

Durant (7-0) at East Bay (3-4)

Last week: Durant defeated Newsome 38-28; East Bay defeated Plant City 34-12.

Why you should go: Again, we give a nod to the defense. Durant forced four turnovers in a big district win against Newsome, including linebacker Colin Kiehlmeier's 43-yard interception return for a TD.

Lennard (0-8) at Spoto (2-5)

Last week: Blake defeated Lennard 18-0; Robinson defeated Spoto 47-0.

Why you should go: To see if either one of these teams can get in the end zone after shutouts last week. In fact, Lennard hasn't scored a touchdown dating back to Sept. 28 against Berkeley Prep.

Newsome (3-4) at Riverview (2-5)

Last week: Durant defeated Newsome 38-28; Brandon defeated Riverview 16-8.

Why you should go: Newsome junior defensive back Ramsey Bennett has had a nice season. Bennett is second on the team with 8.4 tackles per game, has caused a pair of fumbles and recovered two more.

Strawberry Crest (3-4) at Sickles (4-3)

Last week: Strawberry Crest defeated Leto 76-7; Jefferson defeated Sickles 21-14.

Why you should go: The Chargers are known for their high-flying attack, but don't forget about Chris Perez. The junior tailback ran for 145 yards and three TDs last week against Leto.

Cambridge Christian (4-4) at Seffner Christian (4-3)

Last week: Carrollwood Day School defeated Cambridge Christian 45-24; Seffner Christian defeated Merritt Island Christian 24-23.

Why you should go: Give the kicker some love. The Crusaders' Dylan Snow nailed the game-winning 20-yard field goal with 12 seconds left last week.

By Brandon Wright, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Cheerleader Spotlight

Stephanie Miller, Riverview High

Age: 17

Class: Senior

Cheer History: The Riverview co-captain said she has been cheering "as long as I can remember" and does competitive cheer with the Brandon All Stars.

How Did You Get Into Cheering: "My cousins were cheering and I thought it looked like fun," she said. "Now I'm at Level 5 for a competitive cheer team."

Favorite Artist: Luke Bryan

Which Position Would You Play In Football: "Quarterback, because they get paid the most."

College Plans: She is choosing between FSU, UCF and USF and hopes to cheer wherever she attends.

Intended Major: "Something in the medical field."

By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, October 24, 2012

The Bucs are on national television tonight, and that's something you don't see very often.

But what will we see? What will the country see?

Will we see confident QB Josh Freeman or the uncertain one? Will we see Bucs coach Greg Schiano barking at people or calling for his kneel-down play? Will we see the Bucs that are good, bad or ugly?

Here's what we would like to see — and while we're at it, not see — in the Vikings game.

We do want to see …

Josh Freeman playing pitch and catch up and down the field.

In their first three games, the Bucs appeared to have Freeman's throwing arm tied down. He attempted 80 passes and threw for 381 yards, with four touchdowns and three interceptions.

Then the Bucs opened things up and allowed Freeman to move around a bit and take more and longer shots down the field. The result? In the past three games, Freeman has thrown 107 times for 1,047 yards, with seven touchdowns and one pick.

Freeman threw for more yards Sunday vs. the Saints (420) than in the first three games combined. We hope the Bucs will keep dialing up the passing plays.

We don't want to see …

LeGarrette Blount anywhere near a first-and-goal situation.

Actually, let's just go ahead and hide Blount's helmet when the Bucs are in any short-yardage situation.

On first and goal at the Saints' 1 Sunday, three Blount runs netted less than zero and proved that despite his 247-pound frame, he is not a short-yardage back. It took coach Greg Schiano and offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan three plays to realize what most Bucs followers have known for a year and a half.

Now, if Schiano and Sullivan insist on pounding Blount again tonight, they'll either be the sneakiest, shrewdest coaches in the business or the most stubborn.

We do want to see …

the ball thrown to Dallas Clark.

The Bucs found out Sunday how valuable the veteran tight end can be. In the first five games, Clark, above, was targeted 14 times. He was ignored completely against Kansas City and seemed invisible for much of Sunday's game against the Saints.

Then in the fourth quarter Sunday, it's as if the Bucs suddenly realized Clark was on the team. They threw to him six times. One pass was incomplete. One resulted in a New Orleans penalty, so that was a plus-play. Clark ended up catching four passes for 42 yards and a touchdown.

We don't want to see …

any goofy formations or needless shenanigans on kneel-down plays or punt blocks or field-goal rushes.

Just line up and play the game like everybody else, okay?

No more tricks to try to cause false starts. No more harebrained schemes to cause fumbles. No more needless acts that do nothing except get the officials' attention.

Play offense. Play defense. Play special teams. Go get some water and do it again.

We don't want to see …

a three-man pass rush.

Saints quarterback Drew Brees on Sunday must have thought he had died and gone to passing heaven. That's where you can drop back to pass, have all the time in the world, decide which open receiver you want to throw to and you never, ever have to worry about getting sacked, pushed, smacked, bumped or even breathed on.

Brees threw for more than 300 yards in the first half, and you got the feeling the Bucs' game plan was to hope Brees' arm would become too sore to throw in the second half.

Facing a young quarterback tonight in Christian Ponder, you would hope the Bucs' plan is to bring a little more heat.

We do want to see …

a couple of sacks, at least.

A lack of sacks has been a problem for the Bucs over the past several seasons. Two years ago they had 26 sacks, and last season that number dropped to a league-low 23.

After sacking Carolina's Cam Newton three times in the season opener, you had to be optimistic that the Bucs finally had found a pass rush. But since then, they have had five sacks in five games. They are on pace for 21, which would be the NFL's lowest season total in three years and the lowest Bucs total since 1994.

You know things are bad when you're pinning your hopes on the return of a second-year player (Da'Quan Bowers) who is coming off a torn Achilles and has 11/2 career sacks.

And finally, we don't want to see …

Bucs coach Greg Schiano screaming at officials.

Or players. While we're at it, we don't want to see opposing coaches screaming at Schiano. Or his players. If Schiano isn't screaming at anyone and no one is yelling at him, chances are the Bucs are having a decent night.

Which is something we'd all like to see.

Tom Jones can be heard from 6-9 a.m. weekdays on WDAE-AM 620 and reached at (727) 893-8544 or tjones@tampabay.com

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, October 24, 2012

TAMPA — Getting that elusive first interception of 2012 will, in comparison, be easy for USF if it happens Saturday against Syracuse. It needs just a single break on a single play.

But as the Bulls seek to end a five-game losing streak, the longest in the program's 16 years, perhaps a bigger, more sustained challenge will be finding a way to run consistently against a Syracuse defense that has been the Big East's toughest in league play.

"I think we made a lot of strides fundamentally in the run game (against Louisville)," coach Skip Holtz said after the Bulls rushed for 197 yards in a 27-25 loss to the No. 16 Cardinals on Saturday. "To see the way the offensive line was coming off the ball, the holes they were creating … there were some true holes to run through. It was really encouraging to see some of the improvements there."

In three conference games, Syracuse is giving up a minuscule average of 35.3 rushing yards per game, including holding Pittsburgh to 27 yards on 37 carries and Connecticut to minus-6 yards in a 40-10 rout last week. USF will run at that defense with a trio of backs: seniors Demetris Murray and Lindsey Lamar, and junior Marcus Shaw, who will share carries, and at times, the backfield.

The Bulls opened last week's game with Lamar and Shaw lined up together, an alignment emblematic of how well the three runners have shared the workload throughout the season. Murray came off the bench to rush for 57 yards on 13 carries.

"As a running back group, we're very close," Lamar said. "I'm at Demetris' house every day. Shaw is always around. We all stay together. Every day after practice, we break it down on 'We're all we've got.' At the end of the day, as a running back group, we're all we've got. We've got to look out for each other."

Lamar, tied for the team lead with five touchdowns, had career highs of 110 yards on 15 carries against Louisville, the first 100-yard game for a USF running back in nearly a year (Darrell Scott had 100 in a loss to Rutgers on Nov. 5).

Murray leads the team with 384 rushing yards, and Shaw, recovered from the ankle injury that limited him for a month, said he's happy to share the carries with Lamar and Murray but still eager to take on a bigger role when his name is called.

"I'm ready. I've been ready since I got here in 2010. As a matter of fact, I was ready in 2009 when I committed," Shaw said.

Holtz has the option to ride the hot hand among the three backs. Last week it was Lamar, who has also caught three touchdown passes out of the backfield from quarterback B.J. Daniels. The backs' versatility is a valued strength on a team that has struggled to find consistency at most positions.

"Having Shaw and Lindsey back there really is making us significantly better this season," Holtz said. "It's definitely a committee, and there's definitely three guys that are going to play.

"We're going to need them all as we go down the stretch."

By Darek Sharp, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Some of next week's district cross country races, face it, are pretty easy to forecast.

Plant City belongs to Class 4A, District 6, which might as well be dubbed Plant High and everyone else. There, second place will be just as good as first in a "normal" district.

Durant will be racing in 4A-7 where Newsome, hosting this year, is always strong.

And then there's Strawberry Crest's district where it's anybody's guess. The Chargers boys are good enough to win the 3A-9 championship, and yet there's no guarantee they'll qualify for regionals.

"It's gonna be real close," said Chargers head coach Mike Farrier. "Honestly I'm really, really excited about it."

Strawberry Crest will host the six-team gathering at the Dover Horse Trails on Tuesday afternoon. For the most part, east Hillsborough schools make up the group, but it's the outsider that brings the top runner.

Canaan Meester-Kitterman is the top male in Manatee County, and although his Bradenton Bayshore teammates can't keep up, Meester-Kitterman automatically makes the Bruins a candidate to win the team trophy.

The top three teams go to the Nov. 9 Region meet in Estero. Any individuals who finish in the top 15 advance regardless of if their team goes top three.

All of that means surely some Chargers will get to run again after Tuesday's races are done. Point is, Farrier would prefer to see all of his athletes continue.

It's easy to understand why he forecasts a nip-and-tuck affair. Just check out the results of last Friday's county championship at Tampa's Lake Park. The five Hillsborough County squads from 3A-9 were bunched within eight spots of one another.

Improved Armwood was best, placing 12th. Brandon was 14th, and the Chargers were a mere two points behind in 15th. It looks like four teams — toss in Bayshore — will battle for the top three spots.

The Chargers were led by Scott Barrett at the county championship, who placed 59th. Teammates Jon Browning, David Kornitzer and Cody Williamson came across the line consecutively in spots 86-88, running their 5K race in a little more than 19 minutes.

Strawberry Crest's girls team took a major hit when top runner Ashley Murray's season ended early over a stress fracture. Still, the Chargers at the county were second-best among the five schools that will be running Tuesday at districts. Freshman Christina Cauthen was fastest with a 23:46 time, followed by Nastassia Cordero (24:45) and Stephanie Del Valle (25:04).

Brandon's Eliana Ochoa, who was 13th at the county meet with a 20:35 time, is the race favorite.

Durant and Plant City run their district meets Thursday, and for the Raiders, it's almost an impossible task to get a top-three team finish only because of the strength of 4A-6. Defending state champion Plant paces the girls field, and the Panthers boys aren't too shabby, either.

Geography nudged Durant into the 4A-7, which gives the Cougars better odds to advance. The Newsome and Sarasota Riverview girls should dominate. Manatee may have an edge as the third squad but the Riverview boys, led by Justin Waters (18:01), were a very respectable 11th at the county race.

By Darek Sharp, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, October 24, 2012

It was a seismic Week 8 in Hillsborough County.

Just ask Jefferson. The Dragons had pulled off a great victory over Sickles, one that seemingly propelled them into the playoff hunt, with a three-way tiebreaker with Hillsborough and Sickles in the offing.

But then came the stunning final score: Hillsborough 3, Armwood 0. And just like that, no tiebreakers. Hillsborough has just about locked up Class 6A, District 8, and Armwood will still get in, but as runnerup.

Does that mean the Week 9 schedule isn't as exciting? In some places maybe, but there are still plenty of reasons to get out for some high school action tonight.

All games kick off at 7:30 p.m.

Robinson (7-0, 6-0 in 5A-8) at Lakewood (7-0, 6-0)

Last week: Robinson defeated Spoto 47-0; Lakewood defeated Jesuit 20-17.

Why you should go: Robinson is a legitimate contender for a state title, but it hasn't faced this tough of a test. If Lakewood wins, the Spartans have to be looked at as a serious threat as well. But keep this in mind: These teams will likely meet again in the second round of the playoffs. So this Friday's game will merely go to determine who gets home field for that probable Nov. 23 matchup.

Armwood (6-2) at Plant (6-1)

Last week: Armwood lost to Hillsborough 3-0; Plant defeated Alonso 22-12.

Why you should go: Even when these teams are down — by their high standards — they're still two of the best in the area. And can you imagine how primed the Hawks are going to be for this one, after last week's loss? This will be fierce. And let's not forget that the Panthers have the most loaded nondistrict schedule ever, with Armwood, Robinson, Jesuit, Jefferson, Tampa Bay Tech and that top-ranked national team John Curtis from Louisiana.

Hillsborough (6-1, 4-1 in 6A-8) at King (2-5, 2-2)

Last week: Hillsborough defeated Armwood 3-0; King was idle.

Why you should go: If you're a Terriers fan, you want to see your team officially wrap up the district. It's amazing that the Terriers kept Armwood off the scoreboard, and more impressively, only let the Hawks come close to paydirt once. Fans of either Jefferson and Sickles will be rooting for a Lions upset, which would result in the aforementioned three-team playoff.

Jefferson (3-4, 2-2 in 6A-8) at Leto (0-8, 0-4)

Last week: Jefferson defeated Sickles 21-14; Leto lost to Strawberry Crest 76-7.

Why you should go: The Dragons deserve credit for their efforts last week, even though it likely won't result in a playoff appearance. Deondre Porter's 51-yard touchdown run for the lead against Sickles was the most dramatic of a long line of big plays the quarterback has made lately. Remember this team led both Armwood and Hillsborough by 21-0 scores. Clearly, Jefferson is the best below-.500 team in the area, and there's not even a close second.

Jesuit (5-3, 5-2 in 5A-8) at Gibbs (2-5, 2-4)

Last week: Jesuit lost to Lakewood 20-17; Gibbs lost to Middleton 20-18.

Why you should go: As much as Jesuit fans know their facilities are top-notch, if you haven't been to a game at Gibbs you need to, with its cool stadium and great atmosphere. Both teams still have a winning season to shoot for, and from Jesuit's side, it's another chance to see Vincent Testaverde at the helm. He redeemed himself quite well as the Tigers fell a missed field goal short of taking Lakewood to overtime. Gibbs nearly overcame a 17-0 hole but fell short against Middleton.

Middleton (2-5, 2-4 in 5A-8) at Dunedin (3-4, 3-3)

Last week: Middleton defeated Gibbs 20-18; Dunedin was idle.

Why you should go: In a district where the top three are pretty distinct (Robinson, Lakewood, Jesuit), both of these clubs are in the hunt for fourth place. In most districts, fourth place isn't saying much. But when there are nine teams in your group, it is.

Freedom (2-6, 1-2 in 7A-7) at Tampa Bay Tech (5-2, 3-0)

Last week: Freedom lost to Gaither 16-7; TBT defeated Steinbrenner 42-16.

Why you should go: For Tampa Bay Tech, it will be a great gauge on what to expect next week when the Titans take on Gaither in what should be the district decider. We say "should" because Chamberlain is still in it, and takes on Gaither in other action tonight.

Tampa Catholic (6-1) at Alonso (4-3)

Last week: Tampa Catholic was idle; Alonso lost to Plant 22-12.

Why you should go: Both teams will probably be in the mood to put on a show. That's because both have do-or-die district games the following week — TC's coming against Berkeley and Alonso's against Wharton. Each side will be a little looser for this one, and that could result is the most entertaining game of them all.

Wharton (5-2) at Blake (3-5)

Last week: Wharton defeated Bloomingdale 28-14; Blake defeated Lennard 18-0.

Why you should go: Vernon Hargreaves had two interceptions and a touchdown run last week for Wharton. In other words, a typical night. Let's be bold and predict that Blake likely won't be posting a second straight shutout.