Offensive player of the week

By BOB PUTNAM
Published September 28, 2005

BEAU GORDON, BOCA CIEGA: After losing everyone in the backfield from last year's team that made the playoffs, the Pirates put their fate in the hands of coach Jean Gordon's son, Beau.

Beau is not cut from the same mold as his predecessor, Terrell Skinner, a mobile quarterback who directed an offense in which he was just as likely to throw as to run. But Beau does know the system. He has run his father's offense since he played youth football.

Last week, Beau's development into a potent passer took a dramatic jump against Gibbs. Beau was 2-for-2 for 85 yards, both completions for touchdowns to Jamar Newsome, and ran for 30 yards and a score as Boca Ciega improved to 4-1.

On one play, Beau eluded defenders with some nifty footwork on a 17-yard option run in the third quarter. But the end result was a fumble, his only mistake of the game. Nevertheless, Beau has given the Pirates an added dimension with his ability to strike fear in opposing defenses. And with a big-play receiver in Newsome, Beau should be able to air it out with more impressive results this season.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

COREY DOWLAR, KESWICK CHRISTIAN: In one of their more important district games this season, the Crusaders unleashed a pass rush that looked like a pack of rottweilers running through traffic to get to a pile of filet mignon.

That reduced Lakeland Santa Fe's quarterback to scrambling and improvising in the teeth of this unyielding defensive attack.

Dowlar benefitted as he set the school record for most sacks in a game with four to help Keswick Christian, ranked No.1 in Class B, beat the fourth-ranked Crimson Hawks 35-0.

"Corey was constantly getting pressure," coach Rick Sanson said. "He was in the backfield all night."

Dowlar's mark came as the school's previous record holder, Aaron Thomas, watched in the stands.

Thomas, who had three sacks in a game in 1998, was on leave from Iraq.

[Last modified September 28, 2005, 12:48:30]