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Armwood ready to rebound from loss

Until last week, the Hawks hadn't lost a game since 2002. But they're still the defending state 4A champions.

By ROD GIPSON
Published September 2, 2005

SEFFNER - Now that the streak is over, Armwood can get back to the business of winning football games.

Sure, losing 21-20 last week at Hillsborough on a missed extra point was excruciating, but the Hawks are still the Class 4A defending champions. They will figure in this season's playoffs. Count on it.

Armwood begins the road to recovery tonight against a Durant team that suffered an opening-night setback against a much improved Plant City squad. Down early, the Durant Cougars made an attempt at a rally, scoring three touchdowns in the fourth quarter, but still went on to a 13-point loss.

Don't expect Armwood to feel sorry for them. The Hawks' loss was their first on the field since the 2002 playoffs and the first to a county opponent since Oct. 25, 2002.

Newsome, meanwhile, suffered its own tough loss last Friday.

The upstart Wolves played well against Riverview, only to fall 36-35 in a wild, offensive matchup. Newsome's fourth-quarter rally, courtesy of two Colin O'Connor rushing touchdowns, ended up a point shy due to a failed two-point conversion attempt.

Still, Newsome showed plenty, and is heading into tonight's matchup against a Brandon team that showed it may be offensively challenged this season. The Brandon Eagles could muster only three field goals last week in their loss to Chamberlain. The Eagles could struggle against a solid Newsome defense.

In other contests tonight, East Bay and Riverview square off, Plant City hosts Wharton, and Bloomingdale looks for a win at Leto. All kickoffs are scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

TAMPA BAY TECH (0-1) at ALONSO (0-0)

Last Year: Did not play.

The Skinny: Kicking woes plagued Tech last week as an extra point was blocked and an attempt at a potential game-winning field goal fell prey to a bad snap. Alonso, meanwhile, is trying to shake off the rust from its only action of the season, coming two weeks ago in a weather-shortened exhibition game.

The Edge: Tech quarterback Mario Tucker can move the offense, and kicker Ilia Petrov is still sure-footed.

BLOOMINGDALE (0-1) AT LETO (0-1)

Last Year: Did not play.

The Skinny: These two squads lost by a combined 53 points a week ago, but at least Bloomingdale got points on the board.

The Edge: Bloomingdale wide receiver Antonio Jones scored both of the Bulls' touchdowns last week and should see plenty of passes his way tonight.

WHARTON (0-1) at PLANT CITY (1-0)

Last Year: Wharton beat Plant City 22-21.

The Skinny: Here are some numbers for the Wharton defense to consider: Plant City quarterback Jason Brown ran for 185 yards last week against Durant, scoring on runs of 31, 71 and 10 yards. Not a good sign for a defense that gave up 24 points to Freedom last week.

The Edge: Plant City doesn't do anything fancy, but in Brown and tailbacks Javaris Pope and Jacari Bennett, the Raiders have a potent offense.

DURANT (0-1) at ARMWOOD (0-1)

Last Year: Did not play.

The Skinny: Durant's offense scored 18 points last week, but it still wasn't enough as its defense allowed 348 yards. Armwood, meanwhile, will not be in a good mood after its first loss in almost three years.

The Edge: The Hawks are still the champs and will be out to prove it.

NEWSOME (0-1) at BRANDON (0-1)

Last Year: Did not play.

The Skinny: The Newsome Wolves' offense proved opportunistic in its opener, tallying five touchdowns. The defense was another story, as it allowed five scores. Still, Brandon did not show much firepower a week ago.

The Edge: Pride may come into play for Brandon with Newsome still being the new kid on the block. But five touchdowns this week would be more than enough for Newsome to win.

EAST BAY (1-0) at RIVERVIEW (1-0)

Last Year: East Bay defeated Riverview 20-0.

The Skinny: Both offenses can put up plenty of numbers. And plenty of points. The question is: Can East Bay's Wishbone outlast the Sharks' patented Double Wing formation?

The Edge: Whoever wants to play defense. Advantage Riverview.

[Last modified September 2, 2005, 02:15:35]