Will a win christen new field?

Playing in its own stadium for the first time in years, Gibbs hopes to take out rival Lakewood tonight.

By BOB PUTNAM
Published August 25, 2006

Gibbs coach Al Davis led his team onto the field. Players strolled the lush, green turf. They gazed upward and were struck by how many fans were packed in the metal bleachers.

This happening event was three years in the making.

Newton-Williams Memorial Stadium, home to Gladiators football since 1978, was torn down in 2003 while the campus underwent a $44.5-million facelift.

During that time, the team played all of its games on the road.

The construction is now complete and Gibbs said hello to its new field in a preseason game against Northeast last week.

Tonight, it's for real.

The Gladiators host neighborhood rival Lakewood. "This one should be packed," Gibbs assistant Dave Cleppe said.

That rivalry game is one of many on opening week. Other big games include East Lake at Tarpon Springs (which draws more than 5,000 fans), Clearwater at Largo (which was played on Thanksgiving back in the day) and St. Petersburg at Northeast (many old-timers still hold a grudge in that one).

The county decided to schedule these contests on the opening week a few years back to generate more excitement and bigger crowds.

This year, there should be both.

For the first time since 2002, the county does not have to adjust schedules because of a hurricane.

For Gibbs players, especially the seniors, there's nothing like the comfort of home. They have had to practice at Child's Park and play Homecoming games at other fields.

But there's no guarantee the Gladiators will get a win. The Spartans, who started 0-6 last season before winning two of their final four, are improved. Last week, they beat Pinellas Park 40-25.

[Last modified August 25, 2006, 00:23:10]