TOP GAMES THIS WEEK
Blake at Middleton – The Heritage Bowl. It’s a better game when the two teams are good…as they are this year. Blake is 3-3 while Middleton is 3-2. Blake is coming off a rough two losses to Armwood and Hillsborough. Middleton lost to Jefferson recently and will have players suspended due to an on field brawl. Blake will apply a bunch up field pressure. Middleton has playmakers to make them pay.
Bloomingdale at Strawberry Crest* – Chargers are no pushovers. Playing better on both sides of the ball. Currently “The Crest” is 2-4 as Bloomingdale enters at 3-2. If you have never seen Bloomingdale play…The Bulls would be our version of the Oklahoma Sooners…Pass the ball all over the yard. Exciting offense that will cause the Chargers to be sound on defense.
Braden River at Palmetto – The Spectrum Game of the Week between two teams challenging for the top spot in Manatee County. Palmetto is playing spirited defense. Braden River has the ability to strike on any play. Both teams are high energy and the environment at Palmetto High School is as good as any. Big time players in this game. Better arrive early. Standing room only.
Pinellas Park at Lakewood – Lakewood seems to be the forgotten team in Pinellas County. The traditionally highly talented, much publicized program…has somehow gone under the radar. GOOD! Because they are winning. They may not be making a bunch of noise in the streets (in the media). But they are making noise on the field. Just as the coaching staff would want it. On the other hand Pinellas Park is making their splash bigger. People are paying attention now. Winning and winning convincingly. People are paying attention…AND THEY BETTER BE!
WHAT WILL HE DO THIS WEEK
Jaylin Jackson (5-10 / 170) QB/WR, Cambridge Christian – In a 40-58 loss to Superior Collegiate, Jackson completed 23 of 42 passes for 447 yards and 4 TDs. WOW!!!! Followed that up in a 21-18 win against talented Admiral Farragut passing for 149 yards and 2 TDs. How will he perform this week versus Seffner Christian?
Cameron Myers (6-1 / 180) RB, Durant has been great this season averaging 171.4 yards per game and 11.3 yards per carry. On Monday Durant was upset by East Bay in overtime 15-18. Even in a loss Cameron rushed 21 times for 147 yards and 1 rushing TD. What will he do versus Lennard this week?
CHANGES AT HERNANDO
Hernando High School has been on a rollercoaster for a long time. Good years and bad years…and repeat. This year feels a little different. But before we elaborate on the undefeated 2017 team, let’s review Hernando under current head coach Bill Vonada:
2014 3-6 HC Bill Vonada
2015 3-7 HC Bill Vonada
2016 4-5 HC Bill Vonda
The 4-0 2017 team feels much different. The Leopards have four running backs who have rushed for 18 or more times who are averaging 6 or more yards per carry. Izzy Fields has 45 carries for 491 yards, 10.9 yards per carry, 122.8 yards per game and 7 touchdowns.
The defense has allowed just 35 points in four games. Citrus scored 21 points. They also have 42 total tackles for loss. As well as the defense is playing, the offense is scoring 38.5 points per game. Not a bad average.
Head coach Bill Vonda attributes the team success to his dedicated coaching staff, increased team speed and overall depth. He elaborated stating that the kids have bought into the mission. Worked hard during the offseason and now seeing the rewards. The coaching staff placed requirements on the team, position groups and individuals. For the most part, the requirements and expectations are being met.