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Gaither now poised for district challenge

The Cowboys take on Freedom High tonight. Their record makes them a player in a bid for the Class 5A, District 5 title.

By ROD GIPSON
Published September 23, 2005

CARROLLWOOD - If Gaither football fans find themselves peeking at the games remaining on their team's schedule, it's understandable. It has been awhile since they've been in this position.

In fact, it has been five years since the Cowboys participated in the state playoffs. And while this season is still a week away from the halfway point, Gaither is unbeaten and appears capable of challenging for the Class 5A, District 5 crown.

Gaither got a jump on its district foes with its 28-0 thumping of league foe Mitchell last week. The Cowboys were impressive offensively (400-plus yards of offense) and solid on defense (second shutout in three games). Still, coach Mark Kantor is preaching patience.

"We played a pretty complete game (against Mitchell)" said Kantor, who with a win tonight at Freedom would even his career record at Gaither to 18-18. "But we have a lot of season left to play, and we still need to sharpen our skills."

At 3-0 and 1-0 in Class 5A-5, Gaither would appear to be in a race with Wharton (3-1, 1-0) and Land O'Lakes (3-0) for the district crown. For those looking ahead, Gaither hosts Wharton on Oct. 14 and plays at Land O'Lakes the week after that. The top two teams at the end of the season advance to district play.

In the meantime, the Cowboys will be busy starting tonight with a much improved Freedom squad, followed by a three-game home stand featuring new district foe Wesley Chapel and a good Alonso team. In other contests tonight, red-hot Jesuit is at Alonso, Jefferson travels to Hillsborough and Wharton hosts King. All kickoffs are scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Last Week: Jesuit beat Sickles 44-0; Alonso beat Leto 55-10.

Last Year: Did not play.

The Skinny: The Jesuit defense has allowed 12 points in four games. Alonso's offense should prove a better challenge after apparently getting back on track after last week's outburst of points.

The Edge: Alonso is good, just not good enough yet to topple the powerhouse Tigers.

Last Week: Gaither beat Mitchell 28-0; Freedom lost to Plant 21-0.

Last Year: Did not play.

The Skinny: As good as Gaither's offense is playing (31 points per game), its defense may be playing better. This contest should be a gauge for Freedom, which started hot with three wins before falling back to earth with a shutout loss last week.

The Edge: Freedom's fall continues while Gaither keeps on rising.

Last Week: Jefferson lost to Armwood 28-9; Hillsborough beat Newsome 35-6.

Last Year: Hillsborough beat Jefferson 29-28.

The Skinny: Jefferson is facing the real possibility of dropping two games in a row. Hillsborough is steamrolling opponents, averaging 35 points a game.

The Edge: Fortunately, this isn't a district game for Jefferson. But if these two meet up somewhere in the Class 4A playoffs, tonight's outcome could determine the location.

Last Week: Leto lost to Alonso 55-20; Robinson was idle.

Last Year: Did not play.

The Skinny: The Falcons finally got on the scoreboard last week while Robinson was off.

The Edge: Robinson has looked stronger each week and rested Robinson quarterback Marcello Trigg should have a big night.

Last Week: Plant beat Freedom 21-0; Sickles lost to Jesuit 44-0.

Last Year: Did not play.

The Skinny: Plant played well in its win against Freedom. Sickles, meanwhile, continues to search for any positives.

The Edge: No positives this week for the Gryphons as Plant rolls.

Last Week: King lost to Brandon 48-15; Wharton beat Wesley Chapel 33-7.

Last Year: Wharton defeated King 20-10.

The Skinny: King is fighting with Sickles to avoid the Class 5A, District 6 basement. Wharton has suddenly become a player in the playoff chase.

The Edge: Wharton handles the Lions, improving its playoff posturing.

[Last modified September 22, 2005, 09:00:09]