The St. Petersburg Green Devils will head south to battle area rival Lakewood. The Spartans are coming off a big win vs Palmetto and looking to keep the momentum going against St. Pete. The Green Devils are 2-0 with wins against Gibbs and Clearwater. This rivalry dates back to 1966 and we have some interesting notes for you to read prior to the game.
THE SERIES
Lakewood versus St.Pete ALL-TIME SERIES
Lakewood leads 24 to 19 (22-21 without the forfeits)
1967 13-6 Lakewood win over St. Pete was the First win in Lakewood football history. Spartans started football in 1966 going 0-9 under head coach Cecil Price. Following year, 1-7-2 with their only win coming against the Green Devils.
Lakewood awarded two forfeit wins (ineligible player) in 1976 and 1995. 1976 St. Pete won on the field 14-6. 1995 The Green Devils also won by the score of 37-15.
The two teams have played every year since 1966 until 2000. The series took a hiatus in 2001-2004. It resumed in 2005. St. Pete has won the last 5 of 8 games. Lakewood won in 2012 26-12.
Lakewood has shutout STP 6 times in the all time series. Most recent in 2007, 3-0. Three times in a row 1980-1982.
St. Pete has shutout Lakewood 4 times in the all time series. Most recent in 1996 33-0.
KEYS TO WIN
SPARTANS – Continue establishing the running game. Lakewood has tremendous athletes that can catch the ball. However, Lakewood’s aspirations are to make a playoff run. An adequate run game will be needed for their pass game to be even more dangerous.
Defensively, Lakewood has to be discipline. STP whole offensive scheme is based on misdirection and getting the defense to follow flow and not the ball. Lakewood defenders need to read their keys and defend their individual assignments.
GREEN DEVILS – Prevent the big play. Lakewood will get better as the season grows. They have big play ability and can strike at anytime. If the Green Devil prevent the big play and force Lakewood into 10-12 play drives, they will have a chance to win defensively.
On offense, do what they do best. Control the clock and keep Lakewood’s defense on the field. The best way to stop a fast offense, don’t give them the ball. Use Lakewood’s team speed against them. Get them flowing hard in one direction and comeback the opposite direction.
BEST BATTLE
Which QB performs the best? Will it be the highly recruited and talented Ryan Davis from Lakewood or the highly productive St. Pete QB, Robert Tribolet? Davis really got going last week versus Palmetto (Palmetto, FL); Rushing, scrambling and throwing like one of the best QBs in the area. Tribolet is a really good game manager who throws and runs better than expected. It will be interesting to see which signal caller makes the most plays to give their team the best chance for success.
KEEP AND EYE ON
Darquez Watson, Lakewood WR- Will keep the chains moving making critical catches throughout the game.
Andrew Davis, Lakewood WR – Big play WR who can make any catch at any time.
Tyrae Boykins, Lakewood WR – Impact player on either side of the ball. Expect name to be called often.
Riley Barr, St. Petersburg LB – Back from injury and a wall to get past. Physical hard nose LB
Robert Tribolet, St. Petersburg QB – mentioned above. Will need to be good and make good decisions for his team to win.
Deangelo Reeves, St. Petersburg RB – Tough runner, good speed and catches the ball well out the backfield.