Weather | Sports | Forums | Comics | Classifieds | Calendar | Movies

Pinellas players of the week

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: RYAN FARLEY, TARPON SPRINGS

For most of the season, Farley has had a quite role for the Spongers.

The senior receiver has served as the backup to the biggest playmaker on the team, Montel Gamble.

But like any leading man, Gamble needed help from his supporting cast.

Farley provided it last week against Clearwater.

Leaving Tornado defenders in his wake, Farley had three catches for 99 yards and two touchdowns. He also returned two kickoffs for 128 yards and a score and intercepted a pass.

"It felt good to finally show what I can do," Farley said.

Good things seem to happen when Farley gets his hands on the ball. Against River Ridge last month, he set a school record with a 92-yard touchdown reception. He also had a long kickoff return that was called back against Ridgewood.

"There's a big rivalry between me, Montel and Jimmy Thurber," Farley said. "We call ourselves the three horsemen. Montel has been the one that usually comes up with the biggest plays. I guess it was just my turn."

At 5 feet 6, Green is undersized for his position.

But he shouldn't be underestimated.

The senior defensive back looks like a munchkin among men, especially in the red zone, where taller receivers can outleap and outmuscle him for the ball.

That's what Palm Harbor University thought when it twice moved inside the Falcon 20 in the first half of last week's key Class 5A, District 9 game. The Hurricanes were intent on throwing toward Green's side in hopes of getting two easy touchdowns.

But Green came through with two interceptions in the end zone that helped the Falcons to a 21-0 win that wrapped up the runnerup spot in the district.

"(PHU) kept throwing passes, and I kept picking them off," Green said. "It felt good because both came in the end zone."

Green has made a habit of turning in big plays. He intercepted a pass near the goal line as time expired to preserve a win over Largo last month.

"I'm sure the receivers from other teams probably just laugh when they see I'm covering them," Green said. "I just work that to my advantage."