Preps

Game of the week

By BOB PUTNAM, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published September 12, 2003

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Largo coach Rick Rodriguez made sure he marked the calendar in April. After a two-year absence Seminole was on the schedule, and the Packers had the opportunity to get revenge.

With a 24-22 victory Monday, Largo got what it wanted. The Packers snapped the Warhawks' 13-game regular-season win streak and beat their neighboring rival for the first time since 1994.

After preparing for nearly five months, it would have been understandable if Largo allowed itself time to savor the victory.

But the celebration didn't last long.

Rodriguez talked to his team about tonight's home game against Northeast almost as soon as Monday's game ended, with good reason.

Because of Tropical Storm Henri, last Friday's games were pushed to the start of this week, creating a challenging stretch of two games in five days.

And Rodriguez has the biggest challenge, because tonight's matchup is the only one featuring two county teams with winning records.

"I didn't get much sleep this week," Rodriguez said. "I got up at 5 a.m. Tuesday and started getting to work. Northeast is another good team. We need to be prepared."

The Vikings use a run-oriented Wing-T that relies on misdirection and many formations. Northeast used its multitude of backs to rush for more than 200 yards in a win against Lakewood.

"The key is stopping the run," Rodriguez said. "Northeast will run, run, run, then suck you in with play-action. We have to stay disciplined."

Tonight's games: Pinellas

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Bengals coach forces Dillon to talk

NHL

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Preps

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Game of the week

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Tonights games: Hillsborough

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Guerrero's looks offset fumbles

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Rays see hope for Brazelton rebound

Up next: Yankees

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Lightning

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Players lose breath, more in fitness test