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Brandon prepares to face Riverview

The Eagles, boasting a potent running game, will try for a third win tonight against undefeated Riverview's solid defense.

By ROD GIPSON
Published September 23, 2005

BRANDON - Before last week's game against King, Brandon coach Jim Wilt said his goal was for his team to even up its won-loss record. He accomplished his mission, in a big way.

With its 48-15 dismantling of King last week, Brandon has won two straight and sits at 2-2 heading into tonight's matchup at 3-0 Riverview.

And although the game against Riverview won't affect district standings for either team, it does have some other implications. For Brandon, it's a gauge to evaluate its potent running game against a solid defense. For Riverview, it's an opportunity to stay unbeaten heading into district play.

Brandon's stable of runners includes the county's leading rusher in junior Mike Brown, senior Dontavious Bunts and junior Marquel Gilmore. Bunts and Gilmore combined for 192 yards and five touchdowns last week against King. Brown, meanwhile, scored twice, one touchdown coming on a 66-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.

Wilt said his team's goal now is to avoid continuing the roller coaster start to this season and prepare for district play. And in a relatively small district with Bloomingdale, East Bay and Plant City, Brandon's Oct. 28 contest at East Bay could have playoff implications.

But the Brandon Eagles will focus on Riverview for now, while other games tonight match up Newsome and Plant City, as well as Tampa Bay Tech against Bloomingdale. East Bay and defending Class 4A state champ Armwood have the night off. All kickoffs are scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Last Week: TBT lost 20-0 to Middleton; Bloomingdale lost 21-0 to Durant.

Last Year: Did not play.

The Skinny: Both teams were sluggish in shutout losses a week ago. The offenses of Tech and Bloomingdale are both struggling, although Bloomingdale has shown signs of being able to move the ball.

The Edge: First team to score wins.

Last Week: Brandon defeated King 48-15; Riverview was idle.

Last Year: Riverview defeated Brandon 34-7.

The Skinny: Brandon's rushing game is among the county's best. Riverview, meanwhile, very quietly has jumped out to a 3-0 start to the season.

The Edge: Plenty of Brandon running back Mike Brown gives the Eagles a shot, but Riverview's defense should be tough enough to claim a win.

Last Week: Durant defeated Bloomingdale 21-0; Jenkins lost 21-6 to Lake Region.

Last Year: Did not play.

The Skinny: The Cougars snapped a three-game losing streak behind quarterback Chip Bowden's two scoring passes and a rushing attack that piled up 300-plus yards. Jenkins' offense has been almost nonexistent, collecting a total of six points the past two contests.

The Edge: Durant should jump all over an opponent like this.

Last Week: Newsome lost 35-6 to Hillsborough; Plant City lost 40-26 to Lake Gibson.

Last Year: Did not play.

The Skinny: After opening the year with a victory, Plant City has dropped three straight games. Meanwhile, Newsome continues to take its lumps in its first year in Class 4A.

The Edge: In a meeting of teams suddenly evenly matched, only a slight edge goes to Plant City.

IN THE DAILY TIMES

To find scores from tonight's high school football games, read Saturday's St. Petersburg Times or go to http://sptimes.com/preps/

You can also sound off on the Times high school sports blog, located at http://www.sptimes.com/blogs/preps/

[Last modified September 22, 2005, 10:20:06]