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Hillsborough victory could cause three-way tie
By ROD GIPSON TAMPA -- Another year. Another Hillsborough-Chamberlain showdown. The traditional game that always has postseason ramifications is here again -- with a twist. Wharton has crashed the usual two-team dance, making it a trio. Chamberlain is on top at 5-0 in 5A, District 6, having already defeated Wharton. Hillsborough is 4-1 in the district, having lost two weeks ago to Wharton, also 4-1 and licking its chops at an out manned Gaither team tonight. A Chamberlain victory tonight makes things crystal clear. But a Hillsborough win (and the probable Wharton win) leaves all three squads 5-1 in the district. But all that would be solved -- on the field -- a few days after the regular season ends with a three-team contest in which each team would face each of the other two for a quarter. The game lasts at least three quarters, or until two teams are eliminated. First place would win the district, second would retain a playoff spot, third would go home empty handed. In other action tonight, the Class 4A, District 8 title also is up for grabs as Jefferson and Brandon play, Alonso and Sickles look to break losing streaks and Leto continues the quest for its first victory of the year. All games kickoff at 7:30 p.m. ALONSO (2-6, 1-4 Class 5A-6) at KING (2-6, 2-3 in 5A-6)Last week: Alonso lost to Gaither 47-34. Last year: King defeated Alonso 49-6. The skinny: Alonso's offense was clicking last week to the tune of 34 points. The only problem was that the defense gave up 47. King is looking for a win after being stomped at Chamberlain. The edge: Unless the Ravens' defense rebounds, King should be able to score plenty. CHAMBERLAIN (7-1, 5-0 in 5A-6) at HILLSBOROUGH (7-1, 4-1 in 5A-6)Last week: Chamberlain defeated King 34-6. Last year: Chamberlain defeated Hillsborough 26-23 in four overtimes, and then defeated Hillsborough again 28-21 in the playoffs. The skinny: The top spot in Class 5A-6 is at stake, throw in Wharton (one district loss) and the loser of this game is almost guaranteed of being the odd man out for the playoffs. The edge: Hillsborough started strong but has been limping of late. Chamberlain's offense has been nearly unstoppable but injuries across the offensive line and in the backfield could be costly. Still, Chamberlain has had the edge on the Terriers for a full year now and it looks like it'll continue. WHARTON (7-1, 4-1 in 5A-6) at GAITHER (4-4, 2-3 in 5A-6)Last week: Wharton defeated Armwood 27-8, Gaither defeated Alonso 47-34. Last year: Wharton defeated Gaither 41-34. The skinny: Wharton's defense continues to have solid performances against quality teams. Gaither is playing well on offense, evidenced by a good showing against Alonso last week. The edge: The Wildcats have put up several impressive wins and this is no time for a letdown. Sure, Wharton will have an eye on the Hillsborough-Chamberlain game but they can do that and still beat the Cowboys. JEFFERSON (7-1, 3-1 in 4A-8) at BRANDON (4-4, 3-1 in 4A-8)Last week: Jefferson defeated Bloomingdale 56-0. Last year: Jefferson defeated Brandon 50-7. The skinny: After Brandon's win against Tampa Bay Tech, this suddenly becomes a big district game. The edge: Jefferson lost star running back Rashaun Grant for the rest of the season to an ankle injury last week but the Dragons should still have enough firepower. LETO (0-7, 0-5 in 5A-6) at NORTH FORT MYERS (1-7, 0-4 in 4A-10)Last week: Leto lost to Hillsborough 65-20. Last year: Did not play. The skinny: Leto put up 20 points against a strong Hillsborough team and had 266 yards passing. North Fort Myers lost its sixth straight game last week and has averaged less than 10 points in its' seven losses. The edge: Could this be the week for Leto? Yes! ARMWOOD (6-2, 3-1 in 4A-8) at SICKLES (2-6, 1-3 in 4A-8)Last week: Sickles lost to Plant 17-7. Last year: Armwood defeated Sickles 31-7. The skinny: After a promising start, Sickles has taken a dip in the standings. Armwood, meanwhile, is coming off a loss to Wharton and is still in the running in the district. The edge: Despite the losses, Sickles' defense has played well. But this district game is just too important for the Hawks.
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