Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

Has Ridgewood peaked?

By JOHN C. COTEY
Published October 20, 2006

In every sport, it's all about peaking.

It's about rising to the occasion, winning when you're not supposed to, saving your best for last, for that one defining moment.

My question, then, is this: did Ridgewood already have its moment?

Was it in Week 2, when the Rams beat long-time tormentor Pasco?

I wonder.

That night, the Rams played the most perfect game I've ever seen them play, and I was there the night they snapped a 35-game losing streak.

They patiently drove the ball on Pasco, controlling the clock and keeping the Pirates off the field for long stretches. They were outgained, but not outcoached, pulling off two fake punts and stuffing an ill-advised two-point try by the Pirates.

Tonight against Tarpon Springs, the task is simple: repeat that effort.

If not, then cough up the $5 to get into a playoff game over at Gulf or Zephyrhills.

The Rams have made tremendous strides this season, but the last few are always the toughest. Tarpon Springs, which can clinch the final district playoff spot with a win, is the more talented team. They are the hotter team.

But are they the better team?

Depends on whether or not you believe the Rams have already had their moment.

I don't.

Rams 20, Tarpon Springs 17.

Over at Gaither, Land O'Lakes tries to smash this silly little myth that Pasco County schools can't hang with Hillsborough County schools. Other than Wesley Chapel's recent efforts ... and last year's Gator game against Wharton ... and a few other hundred or so games from the last few years, what proof is there?

How about this: Land O'Lakes 28, Gaither 27? So there.

(Did I really just take Ridgewood and Land O'Lakes? Oh Lord ... breathe, John ... breathe.)

Over at Gulf, Shawn Williamson will get the start at quarterback as Alton Voss - the team's leading rusher and passer - sits to rest his sore knee.

No need to worry, though. It's not like Gulf is turning the reigns over to a guy who has never ever ever played quarterback, even in Little League.

Oh, wait .... yes they are.

But having dismissed Voss' back-up earlier this season, it's coach Jay Fulmer's only choice.

Oh, and linebacker Tim Longnecker and running back Julian Ford will sit (as well as some others) as the Bucs try to get healthy for Hudson next week.

The Celtics and all-world quarterback John Brantley, who average 55 points a game, may get that by halftime tonight. Gulf would have better luck holding the Boston Celtics to less.

Let's say Celtics 60, Bucs 14.

Over at Mitchell, the Mustangs are in need of a miracle to make the playoffs, and that would include a victory tonight. Unfortunately, we just got word that Saint Flutie has traded his Mitchell ticket to Saint Norwood and plans on attending the Ridgewood game.

Wharton 35, Mitchell 14.

Wesley Chapel travels to Zephyrhills for a game that is almost a rivalry, but not quite. Kind of like a Wildcat win the last two weeks - almost, but not quite.

Thus, gimme the Bulldogs, 29-14.

Lecanto travels to Hudson, which is like me driving to Heidi Klum's house - we'll both be leaving empty-handed (at least the Panthers won't be in handcuffs .... but I've said too much). Hudson 20-7.

River Ridge takes on Springstead, which wins 30-10.

And over at Bishop McLaughlin, the Hurricanes drop a season-high 40 points on Leesburg First Academy in a shutout win.

John C. Cotey can be reached at (727) 869-6261 or cotey@sptimes.com.

[Last modified October 20, 2006, 07:51:30]