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Gators make season debut in state poll

The county's only unbeaten team is ranked No. 10 in Class 5A, but coach John Benedetto isn't celebrating.

By FRANK PASTOR
Published October 5, 2005

LAND O'LAKES - It wasn't the win itself that mattered so much as the trend it represented.

Three days after Friday's 29-14 victory over Mitchell, Land O'Lakes (5-0) moved into the state poll for the first time this season.

The Gators, the county's only unbeaten, are ranked No. 10 in Class 5A in voting by the Florida Sports Writers Association.

The news didn't exactly leave coach John Benedetto jumping for joy Tuesday.

"That means nothing to me," Benedetto said. "It's good recognition for Land O'Lakes High School, but I don't know how accurate it is. If the team is starting to get some recognition because we're 5-0, that's great."

Land O'Lakes improved to 1-0 in Class 5A, District 5 and 5-0 in the Sunshine Athletic Conference with the win over Mitchell (2-4). Two weeks earlier, the Gators defeated Hudson 29-16 to gain what appears to be the inside track for the conference title.

Land O'Lakes is led by three potential Division I players. Senior tight end/defensive end Caz Piurowski has orally committed to Florida State, while junior quarterback Joe Weatherford and junior wide receiver Develin Robinson are expected to garner interest from major college programs.

Weatherford, younger brother of Florida State quarterback Drew, has passed for more than 1,000 yards for the second straight season. Robinson has 23 receptions for 507 yards and three touchdowns; the 6-foot-7 Piurowski 15 for 317 yards and three scores.

Land O'Lakes received 25 votes, 10 fewer than No. 9 Niceville (4-1). Top-ranked Lakeland (6-0) had 170.

The Gators were ranked fifth in 4A in the first state poll of 2003 after finishing the previous season at No. 9.

Times staff writer Steve Lee contributed to this report.

[Last modified October 5, 2005, 01:14:17]