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Tonight's games

By JOHN C. COTEY
Published October 20, 2006

The Skinny: The Spongers are one of the bay area's great turnaround stories, scoring 39 points during a 1-4 start but 94 during their current three-game win streak. The Rams, losers of two straight, will be eliminated from playoff contention if they don't pull a Tarpon Springs, and soon.

Wesley Chapel (3-5) at Zephyrhills (7-0)

The Skinny: The Bulldogs offense has been held under 35 points just once since Sept. 1, and a leaky Wildcats defense may not have the teeth to end that streak. Wesley Chapel has struggled with the lead the past two weeks, but may not have to worry about that vs. the county's No. 1 team.

Land O'Lakes (6-1) at Gaither (6-1)

The Skinny: The Gators have been magical in close games this season, winning two in overtime and another by just six points over Ridgewood. The Cowboys top two outputs this season - 42 and 41 points -- both came against county opposition, and a third such performance would clinch the district title.

Wharton (7-1) at Mitchell (2-5)

The Skinny: The Mustangs can still make the playoffs, and all they have to do is beat Wharton and River Ridge and have Land O'Lakes lose its last two district games. Easier said than done, but it hardly sounds impossible, especially against a desperate and wounded Wharton team.

River Ridge (0-7) at Springstead (3-4)

The Skinny: The Eagles' last two games have been decided by a point each, including last week's loss to Central when they blew a 14-point lead in the final seven minutes. The Royal Knights, losers of 20 straight, are hoping the Eagles are still suffering and distracted.

Ocala Trinity Catholic (8-0) at Gulf (5-2)

The Skinny: Celtic quarterback John Brantley, a Texas commitment, has completed 77 passes, 25 for touchdowns. The Celtics are averaging 55.6 points a game. The defense is allowing 5.3 points. They beat Gulf last year 66-0. We know it's a week early, but for the Buccaneers, we say this: Boo!

Lecanto (0-7) at Hudson (1-6)

The Skinny: Word on the street is Hudson outbid six other teams in the county to get the Panthers. Lecanto has been shut out four times in seven games, scored 27 points and has been outscored 136-0 the past three weeks.

Leesburg First Academy (0-4) at Bishop McLaughlin (4-4)

The Skinny: The Hurricanes have alternated wins and losses all season, so this is the week for a victory according to the schedule. Well, that and the fact that first-year First Academy is coming to town.

[Last modified October 20, 2006, 07:58:51]