Hillsborough: Tonight's games

A lokk at the high school football games for tonight.

By Times Staff
Published October 6, 2006

Middleton (3-3) at Armwood (4-1)

The Hawks lost last week 26-25 in overtime to Winter Haven. It was only the third on-the-field loss for Armwood in four years. That's BAD NEWS for the Tigers.

Knights' pick: Armwood; Purks' pick: Armwood

Blake (2-3) at Riverview (4-1)

As the announcer at Raymond James Stadium bellowed before Blake ran on the field for its game against Middleton: "And here come the Yellow Jackets! BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!" What sound does a Shark make? Something like "ARRRRRR" perhaps. All sounds aside, is a bee any match for a shark? Not usually, and not tonight.

Knight: Riverview; Purks: Riverview

Plant (5-0) at Hillsborough (4-2)

This rivalry is older than the dirt at Chelo Huerta Field. It's even older than Hillsborough coach Earl Garcia, who said it doesn't matter how old the rivalry is because tonight these two teams have only winning on their minds. And either team could, in fact, win.

Knight: Plant; Purks: Plant

Bloomingdale (1-4) at Freedom (2-4)

If da Bullllssss lose tonight, da Bullllssss will complete 20 consecutive seasons without a winning record, which means da Bullllssss have never had a winning season in school history because the school is 20 years old. Ahhh, poor Bullllssss.

Knight: Freedom; Purks: Freedom

Brandon (1-5) at Wharton (6-0)

Wharton is good but its strength of schedule is not. Tonight being a case-in-point. Wildcats may not find out if they're for real until the first or second week of the playoffs.

Knight: Wharton; Purks: Wharton

Cambridge (2-4) at Vero Beach St. Edwards (4-1)

It's a long ride to Vero Beach St. Edwards. It could be a longer ride back for the Lancers. St. Edwards looks pretty darned good.

Knight: VBeach; Purks: VBeach

Jesuit (3-3) at Chamberlain (2-3)

Chamberlain had scored 10 total points in its three games before playing Sickles last Friday. Chamberlain then rang up a 42-7 victory over the Gryphons. Jesuit, however, isn't Sickles.

Knight: Chamberlain; Purks: Jesuit

Gaither (4-1) at Alonso (4-1)

Now this here is a real darned good one! Crosstown rivals. Teams playing well. Cowboys and Ravens. What more could you want? Way better than Days of Our Lives.

Knight: Gaither; Purks: Alonso

Newsome (3-3) at Durant (4-2)

Durant is ridin' high after beating Sarasota last week 31-24. Joey Knight thinks it might be ridin' too high and will be ripe for an upset special. Purks thinks the Cougar that goes "Rrrrrraaaarrr" over the loudspeaker after every Durant score will growl so much he'll have a sore throat.

Knight: Newsome; Purks: Durant

King (2-4) at East Bay (4-1)

Big Daddy's Wing-T vs. Brian Thornton's wishbone. Got to go with the 'bone.

Knight: East Bay; Purks: East Bay

Jefferson (5-1) at Robinson (3-2)

Ever watched anybody try to catch a chicken in a chicken pen? It's like this: Chickens are running around, bouncing off other chickens and the person trying to catch the chicken is slipping on mud and trying to concentrate on catching the chicken. That's kind of what it will be like for Jefferson quarterback Stephen Garcia and Robinson quarterback Justin Le, who both will face a stiff rush. Garcia and Le, who would both be pretty good at catching a chicken, should be okay.

Knight: Jefferson; Purks: Jefferson

Leto (1-4) at Sickles (0-6)

The Gryphons' best shot for a victory this season. Tickets are $5. Plenty still available.

Knight: Leto; Purks: Leto

Plant City (1-5) at Tampa Bay Tech (0-6)

Now for the excerpt we'll call, "Perhaps this will be more entertaining than this game." From soapoperdigest.com, a la Days of Our Lives: "Good morning, Fancy Face," said a shirtless Bo as he woke up next to a fully-dressed Hope on their houseboat. Bo brought Hope a muffin, while he prepared to eat leftover pizza for breakfast. Hope insisted Bo split her muffin. Bo asked Hope to come back to him, but Hope said she wasn't ready ...

Knight: Plant City; Purks: Plant City

Tampa Baptist (2-4) at Hernando Christian (2-3)

Okay, Calvary Christian had lost two straight by a combined 83-7. Then Calvary beat Tampa Baptist 6-0 last week. That said, we'll go with Hernando Christian.

Knight: HCA; Purks: HCA

Miami Bay Point (2-1) at Tampa Catholic (5-1)

After playing at Lake Placid, Sarasota Cardinal Mooney and Orlando Celebration, the Crusaders begin a four-game home stand tonight. If TC makes the playoffs, and it appears it will, the brackets break down for home turf advantage throughout.

Knight: TC; Purks: TC

LAST WEEK: Knight 15-3; Purks 16-2

SEASON: Knight 75-18; Purks 78-15

TONIGHT'S GAMES

All games at 7:30 unless noted

[Last modified October 6, 2006, 06:15:24]