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Playoff clock ticking for Bulldogs QB Cunningham

By IZZY GOULD
Published October 21, 2005

ZEPHYRHILLS - Sederrik Cunningham has one week to grow up.

That's seven days, including tonight's game at Wesley Chapel, for the Zephyrhills junior to morph from indecisive quarterback to confident leader.

He needs to ride his instincts for first downs instead of sacks, and offer himself as the sacrificial lamb to blazing blitzes to complete passes.

Cunningham was given more than 365 days to clear the sod from his face mask and adjust to varsity football.

Now he has 168 hours - and counting - to prepare for the biggest game of his career. A win next week at Pasco would launch the Bulldogs into the playoffs for the first time since 2002.

And he has all of tonight against Wesley Chapel - a game with no playoff implications - to break out of his shell.

"He needs to step up and become a playmaker, and not just go through the motions," Bulldogs senior Bryan Thomas said. "Run the ball if you have to. Change the play if you have to. We need a leader. We need a quarterback. He's supposed to be the leader of our offense."

Cunningham desperately wants to be that player.

Since his promotion from third string to starter in 2004, Cunningham has been hot and cold.

He was thrust into the starting role after Joe Burgess and Kyle Sizemore struggled.

Cunningham also struggled, and spent many games bolting for the sidelines or trapped beneath a pile of linemen.

Coach Tom Fisher's decision to stick with Cunningham began to pay off during Zephyrhills' annual spring game where he passed for more than 300 yards.

Cunningham has sparkled at times.

County-wide, he ranks fourth in passing (50-for-125, 865 yards, five touchdowns, three interceptions). He also ranks among county leaders in rushing (49 attempts, 238 yards, one touchdown).

But it's a run-pass combination Fisher desperately wants to see.

Cunningham put both together during a 17-13 victory against Mitchell on Sept. 1.

He ran for an 85-yard touchdown and connected with Thomas on a 20-yard score. Cunningham also rushed for 134 yards and passed for 154.

A similar performance against Wesley Chapel would help the Bulldogs feel more comfortable heading into next week's Class 3A, District 8 showdown against Pasco.

"He needs to have a solid game this week passing, running and leading the offense," Fisher said. "And he has at times this year. ... But it's not just him, he needs support."

Contact Izzy Gould at 727 580-5315 or igould@sptimes.com

[Last modified October 21, 2005, 02:15:38]