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Play by play

Gaither schedule starts to toughen

The Cowboys meet district foe Wharton as the list of opponents begins to intensify.

By ROD GIPSON
Published October 14, 2005

CARROLLWOOD - Earlier this season, Gaither High School football coach Mark Kantor was adamant about what his team needed to do to enhance its good start: work hard, not look at the standings and play each game with a determined effort.

Fast-forward to week eight, and Kantor's comments seem prophetic. The Gaither Cowboys are 5-1 and 2-0 in the Class 5A, District 5 race. The Cowboys have won close games (16-15 against Wesley Chapel) and had blowouts (shutting out opponents in three games).

The experience of winning games in different ways could be helpful as the Cowboys embark on the toughest part of their schedule in the next two weeks.

Gaither is possibly closing in on its first playoff appearance since 2000 but must first deal with district foes Wharton and Land O'Lakes.

Wharton is one of the surprise teams of the county with its rebound season that now has the Wildcats 6-1 overall and right on Gaither's heels in the district at 1-0. Land O'Lakes also is right there at 6-0 (1-0) and represents another hurdle for Gaither.

Recent history favors the Cowboys. Gaither smashed a downtrodden Wharton team a year ago 27-0, and has handled its Pasco County opponents (Mitchell and Wesley Chapel) this season.

In other games with playoff implications, Alonso is at Chamberlain with a Class 5A, District 6 spot on the line; Jefferson hosts Blake in a 4A-10 tussle; and Freedom hosts Middleton in a 4A, District 11 contest. All kickoffs are scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Last week: Alonso lost to Gaither 21-0; Chamberlain lost to Jesuit 35-6.

Last Year: Didn't play.

The Skinny: Alonso is up and down, alternating wins and losses each week. Chamberlain lost three of its last five.

The Edge: Both trends end. Coach Billy Turner will have Chamberlain ready to take this one.

Last week: Middleton lost to Armwood 42-0; Freedom lost to Bloomingdale 17-10.

Last Year: Didn't play.

The Skinny: As well as Freedom has played this season, the Patriots had a huge letdown last week in losing to Bloomingdale. Middleton has had its own problems.

The Edge: In a game that secures the second playoff spot in 4A-11, Middleton takes out its frustrations.

Last week: Wharton beat Brandon 31-24 in OT; Gaither blanked Alonso 21-0.

Last Year: Gaither won 27-0.

The Skinny: Six wins in a row for Wharton. Gaither has simply played steady, solid football.

The Edge: Wharton's streak ends. Gaither needs this one more than Wharton.

Last week: Blake lost to Riverview 40-12; Jefferson beat Robinson 41-27.

Last Year: Didn't play.

The Skinny: Blake's offense has been listless the past few weeks. Jefferson is cranking up its late season push.

The Edge: Jefferson rolls.

Last week: Leto lost to Sickles 31-16; Plant lost to Hillsborough 31-14.

Last Year: Didn't play.

The Skinny: Leto struck out in its attempt to get a win last week vs. Sickles. Plant's playoff push is still on track.

The Edge: Leto will put up little resistance to Plant.

Last week: Sickles beat Leto 31-16; King lost to East Bay 49-14.

Last Year: Sickles defeated King 21-7.

The Skinny: King has lost 14 in a row and 16 of its last 17. Sickles, on the other hand, is playing with confidence after getting its first win.

The Edge: The party rolls on for Sickles.

[Last modified October 13, 2005, 08:21:03]