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Tonight's games

By Times staff writers
Published October 21, 2005

All games at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

ZEPHYRHILLS (4-3) AT WESLEY CHAPEL (3-5)

WHERE: Wildcat Stadium.

SERIES: Tied at 3.

NEED TO KNOW: This matchup lost some zest when Wesley Chapel moved from Class 3A to 5A, meaning the outcome has no playoff implications. But the Wildcats will play for pride while the Bulldogs tune up before making a final bid for the District 8 title next week against Pasco. Zephyrhills coach Tom Fisher said he wants to use this game to improve but insists he will not look past Wesley Chapel. And Wildcats coach John Castelamare insists he is not looking ahead to next season despite being out of the playoff race. Guard/linebacker Josh Winfrey has finished serving a suspension and will play.

FRANK PASTOR'S PICK: Zephyrhills

IZZY GOULD'S PICK: Zephyrhills

STEVE LEE'S PICK: Zephyrhills

WHERE: Trinity Catholic High School, Ocala.

SERIES: First meeting.

NEED TO KNOW: Gulf coach Jay Fulmer has ignored preparations for Ocala Trinity Catholic in hopes of gaining a competitive edge against next week's opponent, Hudson. The Buccaneers need to defeat the Cobras to stay in playoff contention and give themselves a shot at the Class 3A, District 8 title. Defeating the Celtics on the road will be a daunting task. Trinity Catholic has outscored opponents 427-6 and went seven games without yielding a point. The Celtics defense also has 38 sacks.

FRANK PASTOR'S PICK: Trinity Catholic

IZZY GOULD'S PICK: Trinity Catholic

STEVE LEE'S PICK: Gulf

WHERE: Sponger Stadium.

SERIES: Tarpon Springs leads 7-1.

NEED TO KNOW: Tarpon Springs has clinched the Class 4A, District 8 title, but Ridgewood holds a glimmer of hope it could still reach the postseason. The Rams have lost six in a row and allowed an average of 36 points a game during that span. But a win against Tarpon Springs would keep their slim playoff hopes alive.

FRANK PASTOR'S PICK: Tarpon Springs

IZZY GOULD'S PICK: Tarpon Springs

STEVE LEE'S PICK: Tarpon Springs

WHERE: Panther Stadium

SERIES: Hudson leads 5-3.

NEED TO KNOW: Hudson had to cram for Lecanto, which runs its wing-T offense out of numerous formations to try to move defenses out of position. In general, the Panthers try to get the ball to Richard Chaney, a physical back with deceptive speed. Hudson receiver/safety Royce Simonds had exploratory surgery scheduled for Thursday to determine the nature of the knee injury that has sidelined him for most of the past two games. Cobras coach Mark Nash shelved a plan to save his starters for next week's district finale against Gulf after determining that the non-district game against Lecanto could have some bearing on seeding for a possible district shootout.

FRANK PASTOR'S PICK: Hudson

IZZY GOULD'S PICK: Hudson

STEVE LEE'S PICK: Hudson

WHERE: James Valentine Stadium, New Port Richey.

SERIES: Springstead leads 5-3.

NEED TO KNOW: Facing a physical Springstead squad with two tough running backs, River Ridge coach Mike DeGennaro is looking for his team to put a complete game together for the first time this season. The Royal Knights moved the ball during last week's loss to Tarpon Springs, but dropped passes, turnovers and missed field goals were drive-killers. Derrick Stoll will start at quarterback, with Phil Petrini and Taylor Messer also expected to see time under center. Adam Bulgrin has played well on the offensive and defensive lines. Cameron Baker, primarily a kicker last season, and Dwayne Lansdown, who had an interception against Tarpon Springs, have been nice surprises in the secondary.

FRANK PASTOR'S PICK: Springstead

IZZY GOULD'S PICK: Springstead

STEVE LEE'S PICK: Springstead

fWHERE: Bishop McLaughlin

WHEN: 4 p.m.

SERIES: First meeting

NEED TO KNOW: Coaches Jim Ceccarelli (Greenbriar Christian Academy) of Bishop McLaughlin and Steve Lewis (Lynchburg Christian Academy) of Temple Heights both coached in Virginia in the 1990s but didn't get to know one another until they moved to Florida. It will be all business on the field, where the Hurricanes seek their first district win against the athletic but outnumbered (15 players compared to 25 for Bishop McLaughlin) Eagles. Hurricanes quarterback Coleman Hengesbach has thrown for more than 100 yards in consecutive games. Lineman Paul Padilla could see action for the first time since he sustained a knee injury during a loss to Cambridge about a month ago.

FRANK PASTOR'S PICK: Bishop McLaughlin

IZZY GOULD'S PICK: Temple Heights

STEVE LEE'S PICK: Temple Heights

Name..........Week....Year

Frank Pastor..5-0.....37-8

Izzy Gould....3-2.....35-10

Steve Lee.....5-0.....35-10

NOTE: Standings do not reflect Thursday's games.

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