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Gaither meets test at Wharton

The Cowboys have bounced back from an early loss to position themselves for one of two playoff spots.

By ROD GIPSON
Published October 13, 2006

CARROLLWOOD - His team was barely through its postgame congratulatory handshakes when Mike Kantor's mind began to drift toward another opponent.

"We got Wharton next week," said Kantor, the Gaither coach, after the Cowboys' impressive 31-0 thumping of Alonso last Friday. "And we have to play them over there."

At 5-1 and already 2-0 in Class 5A, District 5 play, Gaither shouldn't be admonished for feeling a little good about itself these days. After all, the Cowboys have bounced back from a potentially demoralizing loss to then-winless King earlier this season with four straight wins.

During its impressive winning streak, the Cowboys have outscored opponents 145-31, posted two shutouts and unleashed a rushing attack that has helped tailback Jarvis Giles become one of the top rushers in the county.

"Our defense has been playing well," Kantor said after the Alonso win. "But it's been our offense as well. And our special teams. All three phases of our team have been playing well."

That trend may have to continue if Gaither hopes to leave New Tampa tonight with another win.

In Wharton, the Cowboys face a team that has won 16 straight regular season games.

The Wildcats (7-0, 1-0) play defense too - 25 points given up all season. They have also shut out opponents four times this season.

And it's not just the Wildcats' defense. Wharton's Joel Miller also is among the county's rushing leaders and is the backbone of a Wharton offense that has scored 20-plus points in all of its games except one.

One thing is certain: Someone's winning streak will come to an end.

"It's going to be tough," Kantor said. "It's going to be tough."

(All other north Hillsborough teams were playing on Thursday night this week.)

GAITHER (5-1, 2-0 in Class 5A, District 5) at WHARTON (7-0, 1-0)

Last Week: Gaither beat Alonso 31-0; Wharton beat Brandon 34-0.

Last Year: Wharton beat Gaither 14-13.

The Skinny: These squads are similar on offense with outstanding running backs and capable passers. Gaither RB Jarvis Giles has 824 yards rushing on the season and 10 touchdowns, including a 71-yard scoring run the first time he touched the ball last week.

Wharton counters with the bruising Joel Miller, who has 1,002 yards on the season and nine scores. Both teams get similar results from their quarterbacks (Wharton's Joshua Powell has thrown for 422 yards and six touchdowns, and Gaither QB John Chestnut has 499 yards and four touchdown passes).

If that's not enough, both teams play outstanding defense and can win with excellent kicking games.

The Edge: This one may be close, however, not as close as last year's game. Wharton's defense may have a slight edge on the Cowboys, lifting the home team to another win. If the Wildcats do win, it'll only set up more big contests the rest of the season as Gaither, Wharton and fellow district foe Land O'Lakes jockey for the awaiting two playoff spots.

[Last modified October 12, 2006, 08:13:14]