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Jefferson to meet its toughest test yet

By ROD GIPSON
Published September 16, 2005

TAMPA - Finishing as the second-best team in Class 3A last season could be the best thing that happens to Jefferson High - this season. The Jefferson Dragons have come out of the blocks with plenty of motivation, racing to a 3-0 start and looking dominant in the process.

And with a jump up to the Class 4A level, new challenges abound. These are most notable on the schedule, where powerhouses Hillsborough and Armwood await.

Where these games were merely tough contests against teams in different classifications in past years, they now have higher implications. All three are in 4A now and all face off during the season.

Tonight's heavyweight opponent for Jefferson is Armwood. After a loss to Hillsborough, Armwood has put together back-to-back routs topping Durant 44-0 and Plant City 42-7.

The Dragons, meanwhile, are an undefeated squad with a potent offense on a mission of their own. They're outscoring opponents 33-10 on average. Stephen Garcia is among the best quarterbacks in the county and has numerous weapons in his offense, which racked up 500 yards last week.

But it's the Dragons defense that has to come up big if they have any hopes of upsetting Armwood.

In other contests, Wharton and Gaither travel to Pasco County to kick off district play, Sickles ends a brutal three-game road trip, and Freedom tries to stay unbeaten. All kickoffs are scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Last Week: Leto was idle; Alonso lost to Jefferson 48-13.

Last Year: Alonso beat Leto 17-14.

The Skinny: Alonso was blown out by Jefferson last week, not helping itself with four turnovers. Leto, which has yet to score a point this season, is taking things one step at a time.

The Edge: The Falcons should play better but Alonso should roll.

Last Week: East Bay beat Newsome 28-27, Chamberlain lost to Hillsborough 42-12.

Last Year: East Bay beat Chamberlain 41-35.

The Skinny: East Bay has quietly put itself in position to challenge for Class 5A, District 7, when league play starts next week. Chamberlain has only seen consistency this season with its inconsistency.

The Edge: Expect another shootout going to East Bay.

Last Week: Freedom beat Wesley Chapel 17-7; Plant lost to Middleton 31-21.

Last Year: Did not play.

The Skinny: Freedom continued its strong start, playing a solid game against Class 5A Wesley Chapel. Plant saw its comeback fall short against Middleton.

The Edge: Freedom's defense has already pitched one shutout and has allowed just three touchdowns this season. The Patriots' aggressive D should have more in store for Plant tonight.

Last Week: Gaither was idle; Mitchell beat Pasco 24-14.

Last Year: Did not play.

The Skinny: Gaither's wins are against Sickles and King, not exactly world beaters. This should be a much better test for the Cowboys, who travel to New Port Richey to face a Mitchell team coming off a huge win against Pasco.

The Edge: If Mitchell quarterback Tate Humphrey runs wild, look out Gaither. Otherwise, the Cowboys should have the size and muscle to corral Mitchell.

Last Week: Armwood beat Plant City 42-7; Jefferson beat Alonso 48-13.

Last Year: Armwood beat Jefferson 54-7.

The Skinny: Both teams are hitting on all cylinders offensively. The difference may be who can stop whom defensively.

The Edge: Forget about last year's score. Armwood should win but not by 47 points.

Last Week: Sickles lost to Wharton 13-7; Jesuit beat St. Petersburg Catholic 48-21.

Last Year: Did not play.

The Skinny: The Gryphons have been outscored 58-7 this season. At the other end of the spectrum, Jesuit has been outstanding.

The Edge: Jesuit wins big.

Last Week: Wharton beat Sickles 13-7; Wesley Chapel lost to Freedom 17-7.

Last Year: Did not play.

The Skinny: Another first-time meeting in the new Class 5A, District 5. Wesley Chapel had a rude meeting with a Hillsborough County opponent last week at Freedom. The Wildcats will look to return the favor at home this week against surprising Wharton.

The Edge: In a battle of two Wildcats, the home cats should finally defeat a Hillsborough County squad.

[Last modified September 15, 2005, 11:02:11]