There have been some great defensive performances this season. We attempted to rank the teams with the best defenses based on points allowed and competition level.

1. Armwood (Points Allowed – 23): The Hawks are undefeated with 5 shutouts of their 8 wins. Highest point total allowed this season; 14 to Durant the first game of the season. Shutout Jefferson 42-0 and the Dragons are averaging 25 points a game. Shutout Hillsborough 26 – 0 and the Terriers are averaging 31 points a game.

2. Lakeland (Points Allowed – 74): 7A football and the Mighty Naughts have 3 shutouts and wins allowing 7 points or less. Lyman scored 28 points on Lakeland and that has been the highest point total allowed this season by Lakeland. Shutout Winter Haven, Blue Devils have scored 232 points this year.

3. Plant (Points Allowed – 92): Panthers competing in the big classification of 8A and have 4 games this season allowing 7 points or less. Held Gaither to 10 and the Cowboys usually post 24 points a game. Panthers held Tampa Bay Tech to 7 points and Sickles to 6 points.

4. East Lake (Points Allowed – 86): The Eagles have been playing well versus good competition. 4 games this season allowing 8 points or less including a 42-0 shutout of Largo. Pinellas Park could only muster 14 and Countryside found it tough to get past the Eagle D scoring just 8.

5. Sunlake (Points Allowed – 40): Pasco County competition not regarded as one of the tougher in the area. However, Seahawks have 4 shutouts and have not allowed more than 14 points to any opponent this season. Even in solo loss to Springstead, Seahawks allowed just 6 points. Shutout River Ridge who is averaging 33 points per game.

6. Winter Haven (Points Allowed -73): Allowed 7 points to each Lake Gibson and Lake Wales, two of the best teams in the county. Has 5 wins allowing 7 points or less. Held Kathleen to just 3 points.

7. Lake Gibson (Points Allowed – 98): 4 games this season allowing 7 points or less. Kept Kathleen out the end zone and limited Auburndale to 19 points. Held a good Bartow team to 17 points.

OTHERS UP FOR CONSIDERATION (Points Allowed)

Indian Rocks (34): 3 Shutouts and have not allowed more than 13 points in a single game.

Victory Christian (78): 3 games allowing 7 points and 1 shutout.

Freedom (95): 4 games allowing 7 points or less

Clearwater Central Catholic (95): 3 Shutouts and 2 games allowing just 6 points

Haines City (96): 4-4 team that has never allowed more than 25 points in a loss

Bandon (99): 6-2 team that allowed 22 in a loss to Bloomingdale, 4 games allowing 7 points or less since.