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Durant Cougars feel the pressure

BRANDON - The Durant Cougars' 31-27 loss to Lakeland last week could send them on the road for the first round of the playoffs.

At 6-1 overall and 3-1 in Class 5A, District 7, the Cougars are tied atop the league with Lakeland - which obviously holds the edge in a tie breaker scenario. With three games left, beginning tonight, Durant must shake off that loss, finish strong and end the year at the very least tied with the Dreadnaughts. That scenario would still get the Cougars in the postseason.

But first Durant faces a resurgent Plant City team tonight and rival Riverview on the road Halloween night. Lakeland, meanwhile, finishes its district slate with Bloomingdale and Plant City.

Those aren't the only teams in this district with playoff aspirations.

East Bay, Riverview and Plant City are still in it. East Bay is 3-2 in the district while Riverview and Plant City are both 2-2.

Armwood, meanwhile, is having a much smoother ride.

Voted to the No. 1 spot on the state's Class 4A poll, Armwood all but cemented the 4A-10 crown last week by smashing upstart Alonso 49-13. The Hawks boast the county's best team rushing game, have a defense that has posted four shutouts this season and have averaged 61 points in its last three wins. Armwood is 7-0 and 3-0 in the district, a game ahead of Alonso and Middleton, both at 2-1. An Armwood win tonight against Middleton would place the Hawks one step closer toward the postseason.

All kickoffs are scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Last Week: Armwood defeated Alonso 49-13; Middleton defeated Leto 39-0.\

Last Year: Didn't play.

The Skinny: Armwood took a huge step toward the 4A-10 title with its big win against Alonso. The Tigers have been on a roll, winning three in a row and averaging 31 points a game in the process.

The Edge: The Tigers are tough but not that tough; the Hawks stay unbeaten.

Last Week: Bloomingdale was off; Lakeland over Durant 31-27.

Last Year: Didn't play.

The Skinny: Bloomingdale has lost three of its last four and has had two weeks to think about its district loss against East Bay. After struggling early this season, Lakeland is now tied atop 5A-7 with Durant.

The Edge: The Dreadnaughts seemed to have awakened in time to save their season. Bloomingdale will put up little resistance.

Last Week: East Bay lost to Plant City 24-0; Brandon lost to Riverview 28-17.

Last Year: Didn't play.

The Skinny: East Bay laid an egg against Plant City; Brandon continues to struggle in the district.

The Edge: East Bay will bounce back by drubbing the Eagles.

Last Week: Plant City over East Bay 24-0; Durant lost to Lakeland 31-27.

Last Year: Durant defeated Plant City 24-3.

The Skinny: Plant City is tough to figure. The Raiders lost three in a row to start the season, then won three of four. Durant is still smarting from its four-point loss to Lakeland but must have a short memory with two district games still to play.

The Edge: What was a laugher quickly has become a must-win game for the Cougars. And they will.

Last Week: Newsome defeated Freedom 40-38 in OT; Robinson lost to Jefferson 17-9.

Last Year: First meeting.

The Skinny: Newsome got its first win last week. Robinson is in no mood to congratulate the Wolves after losing their key district game against Jefferson.

The Edge: Robinson rolls.

Last Week: Riverview defeated Brandon 28-17; Sarasota Riverview lost to Manatee 21-14 in OT.

Last Year: Didn't play.

The Skinny: Sarasota Riverview can play with anyone when it wants to - as evidenced by its 16-6 win against Hillsborough two weeks ago. Riverview still has plenty to play for this season and won't overlook this team.

The Edge: Riverview's big game is next week against Durant but they'll use this one for a tune up. Riverview over Sarasota.