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Teams tune up for playoffs in finales

Some football teams will determine their playoff opponents and locations in their last regular-season games.

By ROD GIPSON
Published November 4, 2005

CARROLLWOOD - While the playoff participants may be known, there still is some unfinished business for local prep football teams to determine their playoff opponents and locations as the regular season wraps up tonight.

And while the postseason again will feature playoff regulars like Jefferson and Chamberlain, Alonso and Wharton re-join the party after a few down seasons. Alonso's appearance is surprising, but Wharton's run to the postseason has been downright magical.

The 2002 Class 5A state semifinalist, Wharton suffered two miserable seasons before its huge and unexpected rebound this year. The Wildcats lost on opening night before ripping off nine straight wins - beating new district foes Gaither and Land O'Lakes along the way.

Although the postseason teams may be set, a little work still remains for the last regular- season games tonight. How many regulars play remains to be seen, but Chamberlain and Wharton are prepping for home playoff games, Alonso is looking to enter the playoffs at .500, and two teams square off in a matchup of winless squads.

All kickoffs are scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Last Week: Alonso beat Sickles 14-7; Blake beat Leto 42-12.

Last Year: Blake beat Alonso 7-3.

The Skinny: Alonso secured a playoff spot with its win against Sickles. Blake ended its five-game skid with a six-touchdown outburst last week against Leto.

The Edge: The Ravens are looking to stay sharp for the postseason while Blake is trying to end the year on a high note. Ravens win.

Last Week: Gaither lost to Hillsborough 48-13; Chamberlain beat King 18-7.

Last Year: Chamberlain beat Gaither 35-11.

The Skinny: Gaither's once-promising season collapsed with three losses the last three weeks. Chamberlain, meanwhile, is headed to its seventh straight playoff appearance.

The Edge: Chamberlain has owned Gaither of late, posting three straight wins against the Cowboys. Make it four.

Last Week: King lost to Chamberlain 18-7; Leto lost to Blake 42-12.

Last Year: Did not play.

The Skinny: A battle of teams down on their luck this season. One will come away with a huge win, the other will be looking at a long offseason.

The Edge: Here are the numbers: King has scored 116 points while yielding 387. Leto has given up 363 points while scoring just 62. Simple math says King wins in a squeaker.

[Last modified November 3, 2005, 08:48:08]