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Gators' air attack less potent than usual

Land O'Lakes loses its appeal and standout Develin Robinson will be benched tonight.

By STEVE LEE
Published November 10, 2006

LAND O'LAKES - When a broken collarbone sidelined Land O'Lakes quarterback Joe Weatherford in last year's 24-12 playoff loss to Chamberlain, in stepped Develin Robinson to lead two scoring drives.

Should Weatherford go down in tonight's rematch at Gator Stadium, turning to Robinson will not be an option.

The versatile senior, who leads Pasco County receivers for the second straight season 43 catches for 876 yards and eight touchdowns, was ejected from last week's Gulf game and has been suspended by the Florida High School Athletic Association.

"It's going to be hard because it's the first round," said Robinson, who plans to be on the sideline cheering on his teammates. "I want to be right there with them."

Two unsportsmanlike penalties led to Robinson's banishment from the Gulf game. Land O'Lakes athletic director Chuck Moehle said he received an e-mail from Denarvise Thornton, FHSAA senior director of athletic operations and officials, late Wednesday informing him Robinson must miss seven days or two games, whichever comes first.

An appeal was made based on what Gator coaches deemed a questionable taunting penalty and referees not informing them who was flagged for the first unsportsmanlike conduct call.

"Obviously we disagreed or we would not have appealed," Moehle said, noting that assistant Bill Garcia drove a game tape to FHSAA headquarters in Gainesville on Wednesday.

"I just feel like we did everything we could and it's their decision to make."

Land O'Lakes coach John Benedetto said the situation has been a distraction for his playoff preparations and felt compassion for Robinson.

"I think what's happening here is very unfair, very unjust to this kid," Benedetto said.

Taking Robinson's place on the other side of starting wideout Brad Patton tonight will be Dontarrius Thomas, a Wharton transfer and the Gators' second-leading receiver with 25 catches for 542 yards and seven touchdowns.

But Benedetto was quick to point out the county's top passer - Weatherford has thrown for 1,969 yards and 18 touchdowns - will have other targets, including Cameron Harris, Jerome Blyden and Mike Torro.

Contact Steve Lee at lee@sptimes.com or (352) 521-6517.

[Last modified November 9, 2006, 22:57:27]