Week 8 Key District Matchups
Don Haggard posted the below Key District match ups on Monday of this week. I am going to expand on them, taking a few different angles.
10/18
8A-7: Manatee (7-0) (1-0) at St. Petersburg (5-1) (1-0)
St. Pete has to stop Trevor Walters and the Manatee rush offense. Hurricanes are busting teams up on the ground, rushing for 330 yards a game. Get ready for the adjustments. Manatee has exploded in the 2nd period, posting over 21 points per game in that quarter.
7A-9: East Lake (6-0) (2-0) at Countryside (5-1) (2-0)
Special teams will likely be the difference in the ball game. I’m thinking a defensive struggle, a few turnovers and great kicking will determine the outcome. Neither team can afford to give up the big play and each team has to create 2 or more turnovers. The team that can kick the ball the best to create favorable field position for the defense or return the ball the best to create favorable field position for the offense, will win this game.
7A-8: East Bay (5-2) (1-0) at Strawberry Crest (5-2) (2-0)
Strawberry Crest has to make East Bay put the ball on the ground. Defensively, the Charger should be expected to pinch and slant the defensive front to get penetration in the backfield and disrupt the “mesh (read handoff between the QB and FB).” Expect East Bay to be tough defensively and play the zone scheme pretty well. This is a huge game because if Strawberry Crest wins, 7A-8 moves one more game closer to a 3-way tie for second place in this district.
7A-7: Gaither (3-3) (2-0) at Sickles (5-1) (2-0)
The leaders in this district are the two lining up against each other tonight and Tampa Bay Tech. For Sickles, Gaither has provided a pretty easy way to slow them down on offense, defend the pass and make the Cowboys run the football. Gaither is posting just 65 rush yards per game. For Gaither, contain RB Ray-Ray McCloud and don’t give up the big play. Keep the score close in the first half. Sickles has been dangerous starting the ball game, averaging 10 points in the first quarter and 11 in the second quarter.
7A-5: Haines City (4-2) (1-1) at Kathleen (5-1) (2-0)
If Kathleen beats Haines City tonight, that will be it. Haines City playoff hopes will be very very slim as the winner of Kathleen vs Lakeland will win the district and the loser will be the runner up. Lakeland has already defeated Hianes City. But for tonight, Haines City has to get in the offensive backfield and pressure QB, Kevin Wilson. He makes the team go in a lot of ways and pressure on him is the key. The Hornets have to slow down the Red Wall, Kathleen defensive line. They have been the key to the Red Devil defensive success. If the front four have their way in the trenches, it could be a long night for the Haines City offense.
6A-11: Sebring (5-1) (1-0) at Winter Haven (5-2) (1-0) Substituted with 6A-8: Jefferson (5-1) (4-1) at King (5-2) (3-2)
Jefferson is a big play team. They thrive on the momentum and the fast life, fast scoring, going for the throat early and often. King must not provide the Dragons life. Keep two safeties high, mix up cover 2, 4 and combo coverages. Stay unpredictable on defense. This is a must win for King! If the Lions win, they are right back in the thick of the playoff hunt. King is not keeping it a secret. They are going to run the ball, because they do it well. Jefferson needs to force King to put the ball in the air. Simple!
6A-7: Largo 5-1 (1-0) at Venice 6-1 (1-0)
The task seems tough for the Largo. But, good teams take tough tasks head on. The Packer defense must contain Venice RB, Terry Polk. He has been great this year; 170 rushing yards per game and 14 points per game. Good news for Largo, the Venice defense is not impenetrable. They are giving up 16 points per game and for Largo RB Jarvis Stewart, that’s just enough for him to take advantage.
6A-6: Land O’ Lakes (6-0) (1-0) at Sunlake (6-1) (1-1)
Land O’Lakes – Make Sunlake pass the football (Under 80 pass yards per game)
Sunlake – Make Land O’Lakes run the football (125 rush yards per game)
Take away the strength of each team. Neither is very great doing the opposite. Sunlake RB, Nathan Johnson is almost at 1000 yards rushing and Gator QB, James Pensyl is throwing for 233 yards each game.
3A-4: Frostproof (5-2) (1-1) at Lakeland Christian (6-0) (2-0)
Two great young QBs: Xavier Gaines for Frostproof and Christian Alexander for Lakeland Christian. Both of these prospects can hurt a defense if allowed to sit in the pocket and read the defense. They need to be pressured and not allowed to dictate the defense. Good decision making by each signal caller is the big key here.