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LAURA LEENOTE: Of the 92 teams in the state, 64 advance to the first statewide postseason. Twelve county teams will take part in district tournaments in hopes of advancing to the first state championship, which will be held at Clearwater High on May 23-24. District champions will play Tuesday in a play-in game for an opportunity to advance to the state tournament. Admission $6.
DISTRICT 8
WHEN/WHERE: Today; At St. Petersburg High.
SCHEDULE: Gibbs vs. St. Petersburg, 2 p.m.; Boca Ciega vs. Lakewood, 3:30; Championship, 7.
OUTLOOK: There is no dominant team in this district. No. 1 seed St. Petersburg lost to No. 4 Gibbs. Boca Ciega might be No. 3, but its losses to St. Petersburg and Lakewood were in overtime. With that kind of history, it's anybody's district. The Pirates might have a slight advantage with an effective passing offense and solid defense.
DISTRICT 6
WHEN/WHERE: Saturday; At Countryside High.
SCHEDULE: Tarpon Springs vs. Countryside, 2 p.m.; Dunedin vs. Palm Harbor University, 3:30; Championship, 7.
OUTLOOK: It won't be easy, but the top two seeds, Countryside and Palm Harbor, should play their way into the championship game. While Palm Harbor is known for its tough defense, the Cougars have one of the most balanced attacks in the county, productive on both sides of the ball.
DISTRICT 7
WHEN/WHERE: Saturday; At Clearwater High.
SCHEDULE: Osceola vs. Clearwater, 2 p.m.; Seminole vs. Northeast, 3:30; Championship, 7.
OUTLOOK: This is probably the toughest district in the county. Clearwater, the only undefeated team, beat Northeast and Seminole by one point. The Vikings beat Seminole by 19, but the Warhawks have been known to put as many as 30 points on the scoreboard. And it's hard to dispute that Clearwater has the best defense in the county.