Armwood shut out Jefferson last year, 24-0. But play so far this season indicates this year's game could be different.
By ROD GIPSON
Published September 26, 2003
TAMPA - Last year, Jefferson High rolled through its regular season with near perfection. Nine wins and one loss. One very bad loss.
The one loss?
To Armwood - the same Armwood team that Jefferson faces tonight for the first time since the Hawks handed the Dragons a 24-0 defeat in the second week of last season.
This year's contest, which Jefferson is hosting, could be a much closer affair.
Both teams come in perfect so far at 3-0. Both are loaded with playmakers at various positions. And both should be in contention for district titles come November. But tonight, while there are similarities, there are some differences:
- While Jefferson has enjoyed a comfortable 17-point average margin of victory in its three games, Armwood is destroying opponents, outdistancing them 33-4. The Hawks have even posted two straight shutouts.
- The Dragons have scored more than 22 points just once this season. Armwood has scored more than 22 points in each game this season.
- While Armwood's offense has been successful on the ground with Demetrius McCray and Kalvin Bailey (a combined 330 yards and three touchdowns last week against Blake), Jefferson has a more potent passing attack. Jefferson quarterback David Turner was 15 of 27 with four touchdowns a week ago against Brandon.
- Jefferson, a Class 3A squad, has played the tougher schedule having faced, and defeated, Chamberlain and Brandon, both 5A teams. Armwood has defeated only one real solid team, Hillsborough. Both teams have played Blake - Jefferson winning 21-9 while the Hawks beat the Yellow Jackets 34-0.
In other contests tonight, Alonso looks to stay undefeated at Freedom, Chamberlain faces Middleton for the first time, Gaither hosts Tampa Bay Tech, Leto is at Robinson, Sickles hosts Newsome, and Wharton is at Plant City. All kickoffs are at 7:30 p.m.
Alonso (3-0) at Freedom (0-3)
LAST WEEK: Alonso defeated Middleton 26-15; Freedom lost to Tampa Bay Tech 28-18.
LAST YEAR: This is their first-ever meeting.
THE SKINNY: Ravens running back John Forbes and teammates continue to impress. Forbes had his third straight 200-plus yard game and the Ravens made a statement by beating the Tigers. Freedom, meanwhile, is coming off a tough loss to Tampa Bay Tech.
THE EDGE: No reason for Alonso to stop rolling now. Alonso wins big in this one.
Chamberlain (1-2) at Middleton (1-2)
LAST WEEK: Chamberlain defeated Sickles 35-12; Middleton lost to Alonso 26-15.
LAST YEAR: First-ever meeting.
THE SKINNY: The Chiefs got back on the right track with a district win last week. Middleton is a talented squad but is struggling right now.
THE EDGE: Chamberlain needs this one more than the Tigers.
Tampa Bay Tech (2-1) at Gaither (2-1)
LAST WEEK: TBT defeated Freedom 28-18; Gaither defeated King 30-28.
LAST YEAR: TBT defeated Gaither 32-0.
THE SKINNY: Tech trailed briefly last week, then rallied to win. But Gaither was the real surprise, taming the King Lions. Gaither RB Doc Marshall has been outstanding (268 yards last week).
THE EDGE: Marshall will face a tough Tech D, led by linebacker Maurice Crum. Advantage Tech.
Armwood (3-0) at Jefferson (3-0)
LAST WEEK: Armwood beat Blake 34-0; Jefferson beat Brandon 44-14.
LAST YEAR: Armwood beat Jefferson 24-0.
THE SKINNY: Two of the area's best going head-to-head.
THE EDGE: Armwood has strength, Jefferson has speed. The Dragons' only regular season loss last year was against the Hawks. Armwood will win again but expect this one to be a lot closer.
Leto (1-2) at Robinson (2-1)
LAST WEEK: Leto lost to Plant 29-12; Robinson defeated Jesuit 22-7.
LAST YEAR: Didn't play.
THE SKINNY: Both squads are starting streaks - Leto's losing and Robinson's winning.
THE EDGE: The Knights are hitting on all cylinders. Coming off their monumental win against Jesuit, they'll be licking their chops against the Falcons.
Newsome (0-3) at Sickles (1-2)
LAST WEEK: Newsome lost to Tampa Catholic 27-20; Sickles lost to Chamberlain 35-12.
LAST YEAR: First-ever meeting.
THE SKINNY: Newsome is getting better each week, while the Gryphons seem to be slipping since their opening week victory.
THE EDGE: Conditions would seem to favor Newsome, but give Sickles some credit. The Gryphons shouldn't lose this one.
Wharton (1-2) at Plant City (0-3)
LAST WEEK: Wharton lost to Hillsborough 34-7; Plant City lost to Riverview 42-21.
LAST YEAR: Didn't play.
THE SKINNY: The Wildcats were beaten up by district rival Hillsborough while Plant City was lackluster against Riverview.
THE EDGE: In a game of two teams each in need of a win, Wharton may be the more hungry of the two squads.
