Armwood at Jefferson has the potential to be a heck of a ball game. We anticipated such a ball game in 2011, when Armwood pulled away in the second half after a defensive struggle. Final score 20-0 Armwood (Jefferson awarded forfeit win, illegal players).  This year, the result could be different. Jefferson is playing better on defense and scoring a wealth of points.  But do they have enough fire power to knock off the top ranked Hawks?  Here are 8 reasons not to miss this match-up.

REASON 1
Armwood leads the all time series 13-6. Armwood has won on the field, the last 10 contests. Both teams have played each other from 1991-1998, 2001-2008, 2011 and 2012. The last time Jefferson defeated Armwood was 2001 63-0. Tampa Catholic transfer Matt Glavich was the quarterback for Jefferson, Jon Dinovo and Ryan Watts shared reps for Armwood.

REASON 2
This is a big District 6A-8 match up with Championship implication. The winner of this game is likely to win the district. Armwood enters 4-0, Jefferson 3-0. The two teams have defeated a few common opponents:

vs Robinson
Armwood 27-0
Jefferson 39-22

vs Hillsborough
Armwood 37-2
Jefferson 28-23

REASON 3
In 2011, 4 star and 5 star prospects ran the field at Jefferson. Matt Jones, Alvin Bailey and Leon McQuay for Armwood. Tyriq McCord was the marquee, national recruit for Jefferson. It was a media frenzy. This year, Armwood’s Byron Cowart, Kyle Gibson and Aaron Covington are top ranked players in their respected classes in our rankings. Jefferson’s Juwuan Brown, Deiondre Porter and Mondreas Lofton are studs.

REASON 4
Armwood is averaging 36 points per game; Jefferson 36. Both teams have big play ability and can post scores of point and post those points extremely fast. Armwood gets going fast, scoring 11 points per game in the 1st quarter and cruise from there. Jefferson starts slow and picks up in a mean way in the second and third quarter, scoring 14 points in those two quarters alone.

REASON 5
Defense, defense, defense! It would not be an Armwood team without the foundation of the team being defense. The Mighty Hawks are allowing just 3.5 points per game, 14 total points in 4 games.  Jefferson is allowing just under 20 points per game, but has 30 TFLs, 9 sacks and 5 interceptions in 3 games.

REASON 6
The swag guys (WR) These guys…
Talvin Bailey, Armwood slot 2014 – Should wear a cape with “SUR” on the back for SUPER UNDER RATED. Could go off this game.
Trevor Laurent, Armwood slot 2016 – Leads the team in receptions and receiving yards,
Derrick Ingram, Jefferson WR 2014 – The Ohio commit is the team motivator. Once his motor gets going, the teams starts moving.
Austin Gallon, Armwood WR 2014 – Just gets the job done. 8 receptions this season for 135 yards.
Ventell Bryant, Jefferson WR 2014 – Is attracting real college interest. Long arms and starting to play with real confidence.

REASON 7
The lockdown guys! Both of these teams have one of the best corners in their recruiting class. Jefferson’s Chavez Pownell (CB 2014) is a baller. Not just on the defensive side of the ball, but on all three sides of the ball. 9 catches for 270 yards, 317 all purpose yards, 26 tackles and 3 INTs.

Aaron Covington, Armwood CB 2015 could evolve into one of the premier cover corners in the state. His stats do not refelct his production because offenses have either gone in the opposite direction or his front seven have feasted on the ball carrier before he gets into the secondary.

REASON 8
Armwood is the #1 ranked team in our coverage area (Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk County – 92 teams). Jefferson is a respectable #4. Both teams are seething with awesome players, 4 college football verbal commits between the two. Who claims the name “Big Blue”? Will it be Jefferson or Armwood?