Best game of the year? Public, or maybe private

By Times staff writers
Published August 17, 2005

The high school football season begins in less than two weeks. Leading to the regular-season games, the Times will answer 10 pressing questions facing Pinellas schools.

No. 9: What will be the best game?

Bob Putnam says:

CC Catholic-SP Catholic

A first-rate rivalry should feature two high-quality teams, a close series and fan interest that borders on fanaticism.

Every year since 1975, hundreds of students from Clearwater Central Catholic and St. Petersburg Catholic have converged to be a part of the struggle between the only two Catholic institutions that play high school football in the county.

The game usually means more than bragging rights. Because both teams have played in the same district for years, playoff implications are usually on the line. The winner has made the playoffs the past nine seasons. The loser usually qualifies as runnerup, but it's not automatic.

Last year's series heated up a rivalry that is as amicable as it is fervent. They met in the region final. The Barons prevailed and advanced to the state semifinals.

That all changed in November when the Florida High School Athletic Association board of directors approved a reclassification plan. St. Petersburg Catholic moved up to Class 2A. The Marauders stayed in 2B.

But that doesn't mean that this season's game on Oct. 7 will be meaningless. The rivalry still creates enough passion to make it the titillating tilt of the season.

Adding to the rivalry: this is the only game CCC or SPC have against county opponents this season.

Sure, the SPC-CCC game should be a real winner, considering there is no love lost between the players and coaches of the two teams.

But there will be zero district titles determined, not an ounce of playoff intrigue and quite frankly, bragging rights are only good for those lazy Saturday afternoons at the local McDonalds.

So give me Dixie Hollins at Gibbs on Oct. 28.

For one, it will be the last Class 5A, District 10 game for both. One will go to the playoffs based on this game, and the other will play spoiler.

The Rebels won 21-8 last year, but the previous five meetings were decided by seven points or fewer.

Both teams should be strong this year as well, making it a great matchup. Both teams are burning fast, both have massive offensive lines and both are coming off playoff seasons.

Dixie Hollins returns most of its players from last year's 8-2 team, including nine starters from a defense that allowed just 13.1 points a game.

Gibbs has a bevy of scary skills players, from quarterback Brandon Shorter, running back Jerrel Young to wide receiver Kevin Williams, all returners, but will have to shore up a weak defense.

Speed. Size. Fireworks. This game will have it all.

Oh yeah ... and playoff implications too.

[Last modified August 17, 2005, 01:10:12]