Picks to click

A look at a few teams/players poised for big nights.

By JOEY KNIGHT
Published October 6, 2006

PLANT'S DEFENSE

While quarterback Robert Marve collects yardage and headlines, this unheralded group has slowed more people down than South Dale Mabry afternoon traffic. Led by senior linebacker Brent Thomas (47 tackles, five sacks), the Panthers are giving up an average of eight points and have allowed only one team - Freedom - to score double digits. Look for them to find success against a sputtering Hillsborough offense and finally get their due.

RB KEVIN VALENTI, JESUIT

We probably could pick this guy to click any week and never look foolish. In last Friday's 24-21 loss to Palmetto, the Tigers' 185-pound workhorse gained 135 yards on 32 carries and was on the receiving end of a 75-yard touchdown pass. Even more astounding: Everyone inside Tiger Stadium knew he was getting the ball. Valenti enters tonight's game against Chamberlain needing only 50 yards to reach 1,000. He may have it by halftime.

RB JAHLEEL ADDAE, RIVERVIEW

After last week's painful district loss at Sarasota Riverview, Addae and his Sharks teammates likely will be hungry for atonement against a Blake defense that must be experiencing a lapse in confidence. The Yellow Jackets surrendered 170 yards to Middleton's Carlton "Ty" Jones two weeks ago and allowed 203 rushing yards last week at Plant.

RB COLLIN O'CONNOR, NEWSOME

If he has anything remaining in his legs and lungs after last week's monstrous game at Freedom (42 carries, school-record 276 yards), O'Connor could have another big night against a Cougars team poised for an upset. Durant is coming off a huge district win at Sarasota and faces Riverview in another crucial district matchup next week. That makes Newsome the classic "sandwich" game, and the 5-foot-7 O'Connor a proverbial Whopper to bring down. "He always carries the offense; he's our workhorse," Newsome coach Kenneth Hiscock said. "Once you get him rolling, it's hard to stop that guy."

PLANT CITY

Let's give some much-needed love to the Raiders, who are expected to put together their first two-game win streak of the year tonight at winless Tampa Bay Tech. Plant City surrendered fewer than 200 yards to Brandon in last week's 14-7 win, but an 82-yard run by Mike Brown was negated by a penalty. Tonight, the Raiders likely won't need as much help from the officials against a Titans squad struggling under new coach Clarence Higdon.

[Last modified October 6, 2006, 06:11:21]