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Sharks, Hawks, Eagles face tough foes; upsets possible

By ROD GIPSON
Published October 7, 2005

BRANDON - With teams taking a breather tonight from all-important district games, some football squads could be ripe for an upset if they're caught looking ahead.

Armwood, Brandon and Riverview each face tough opponents. Brandon is facing a red-hot Wharton team on a five-game winning streak. Riverview is facing Blake, which despite being under .500 is still a solid offensive team. And Armwood is facing nemesis Middleton.

Armwood and Middleton have an interesting history, although the two are no longer district foes. Last season, an Armwood regular season victory turned into a forfeit loss when an ineligible player suited up for the Hawks.

Other games tonight include East Bay playing at winless King, Durant playing at Newsome, and Plant City hosting Tampa Bay Tech. All kickoffs are scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

ARMWOOD (4-1) at MIDDLETON (4-2)

Last Year: Middleton defeated Armwood by forfeit in the regular season. Armwood crushed Middleton 61-30 in the Class 4A state playoffs.

The Skinny: Armwood rolled up 400-plus yards of offense last week, but Middleton is no stranger to tough teams. The Middleton Tigers have already faced Jefferson and Hillsborough this season and now battle Armwood.

The Edge: Think Armwood has forgotten about last year? Nope. Armwood wins.

FREEDOM (5-1) at BLOOMINGDALE (2-3)

Last Year: Bloomingdale stopped Freedom 12-6.

The Skinny: Freedom continues to play solid football and may figure in the late season playoff race. Bloomingdale laid an egg in its attempt last week to make a district statement and postseason push.

The Edge: Things won't change. Freedom tops the Bulls.

WHARTON (5-1) at BRANDON (3-3)

Last Year: Brandon beat Wharton 17-0.

The Skinny: Wharton has been the surprise of the area, running off five straight wins after opening the year with a loss. Brandon did not look good last week against Plant City, but the Eagles are still in the middle of their district playoff chase.

The Edge: Wharton exacts revenge from last season's loss to the Brandon Eagles.

DURANT (2-4) at NEWSOME (1-5)

Last Year: Did not play.

The Skinny: A meeting of two teams which saw high hopes sink fast this season.

The Edge: Durant should be a little more energized than Newsome.

EAST BAY (3-2) at KING (0-6)

Last Year: Did not play.

The Skinny: A switch to quarterback Rex Ballenger led to 376 wishbone yards and a shutout victory for East Bay. King is off to its worst start since 1997.

The Edge: East Bay knows it still has plenty to play for and won't let a potentially easy victory slip by.

TAMPA BAY TECH (0-6) at PLANT CITY (3-3)

Last Year: Did not play.

The Skinny: Plant City's backfield trio of Jason Brown, Javaris Pope and Jacari Bennett combined for 424 yards rushing against Brandon last week. That's not a good sign for a Tech defense that gave up 500 yards of offense last week in its loss to Wharton.

The Edge: After starting the season 1-3, Plant City is suddenly alive and well.

RIVERVIEW (4-1) at BLAKE (2-3)

Last Year: Riverview stunned Blake 41-6.

The Skinny: Riverview showed grit in coming back from an 11-point deficit to win last week. Running backs Jaheel Addae and Antwain Powers combined for 193 yards rushing last week. Blake is struggling on defense, giving up numerous big plays a week ago against Plant.

The Edge: Blake may have picked the wrong team for homecoming. Riverview takes this one.

[Last modified October 6, 2005, 08:26:07]