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Lights out after this Friday night's slate

The playoffs loom for some teams . For others, it's "wait till next year."

By ROD GIPSON
Published November 3, 2006

CARROLLWOOD

The prep football regular season has its last Friday night this evening, but forgive players and coaches if they're already eyeing next week - when the playoffs begin.

With five area squads already having completed their regular season, only four teams are in action tonight. Alonso hosts Blake before its home playoff game next week, and Leto travels to face King. The most intriguing local meeting tonight is between Chamberlain and Gaither.

Chamberlain has crawled into the playoff scene with two late October wins after a brutal 1-5 record through the middle of the season. Gaither, also a district runner-up, might be in need of a confidence boost before the postseason after losing the district to Land O'Lakes. The Gators came back from a 21-0 deficit to beat Gaither and yank the district title (and a first-round home playoff game) away from the Cowboys.

Sickles (0-10) and Wharton (8-2) are done for the year, but Jefferson (8-2) and Freedom (6-4) are prepping for the opening round of the playoffs. Late-season losses to Gaither and Land O'Lakes doomed the Wildcats' season despite a 7-0 start. Jefferson and Freedom, meanwhile, open next week's playoffs on the road.

Tonight's kickoffs are scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Blake (3-6) at Alonso (6-3)

Last week: Blake beat Leto 18-6; Alonso beat Sickles 40-13.

Last Year: Blake beat Alonso 28-27.

The Skinny: Blake snapped a five-game losing streak with its win against Leto, while Alonso has been impressive since its shutout loss to Gaither last month.

The Edge: District champs Alonso head to the playoffs in style, stomping Blake.

Chamberlain (4-5) at Gaither (6-3)

Last Week: Chamberlain beat King 23-13; Gaither lost to Hillsborough 28-0.

Last Year: Chamberlain beat Gaither 12-10.

The Skinny: Gaither needs to regroup to avoid heading to postseason play with three straight losses. Chamberlain has resurrected its season and now is trying to reach .500 before its playoff run.

The Edge: Both squads need to play well before next week. But after a still-demoralizing loss to Land O'Lakes three weeks ago, Gaither really needs to play well.

Leto (2-7) at King (3-6)

Last Week: Leto lost to Blake 18-6; King lost to Chamberlain 23-13.

Last Year: Leto beat King 28-20.

The Skinny: These are squads looking to close out disappointing seasons on a high note. Last year, King was winless while Leto only won one game - against King.

The Edge: In a game of two improved squads, Leto edges out the Lions.

[Last modified November 2, 2006, 11:18:19]