Ready for competition

A look ahead to this week's district matchups. Teams are listed with tournament seedings.

By SCOTT PURKS
Published January 14, 2007

CLASS 6A, DISTRICT 7 

The favorite

Countryside not only has strong players but a strong tradition. This year the Cougars haven't lost to anyone in the district, going 4-0-1.

Those to beware

Holding the third seed with a 1-1-3 record, the Gryphons have been just a few more goals from going 3-1-1. Gaither, a fifth seed with a 0-2-3 district record, is hoping for a sequel to its 2006 district tournament upset of Mitchell on the Mustangs' field in a rain-soaked penalty-kick session.

Schedule

at Countryside

Monday - No. 4 Mitchell vs. No.5 Gaither, 6; No. 3 Sickles vs. No. 6 Alonso, 8

Wednesday - No. 2 St. Petersburg vs. Sickles-Alonso winner, 6; No. 1 Countryside vs. Mitchell-Gaither winner, 8

Friday - Final, 7

CLASS 6A, DISTRICT 8 

The favorite

East Bay has won with a tight defense anchored by Amanda Meredith, perhaps the county's top goalkeeper. The Indians' defense - more than half their victories were shutouts - makes them a threat against any opponent.

Those to beware

Never, ever count out Durant, which has made a habit throughout its 11-year history to play well in the postseason.

Schedule

at Riverview

Tuesday - No. 4 Sarasota Riverview vs. No. 5 Riverview, 4; No.3 Sarasota vs. No. 6 Plant City, 6; No. 2 Durant vs. No. 7 Lakeland, 8

Thursday - Sarasota-Plant City winner vs. Durant-Lakeland winner, 6; Sarasota Riverview-Riverview winner vs. No. 1 East Bay, 8

Friday - Final, 7

CLASS 5A, DISTRICT 10 

The favorite

Led by seven seniors, including Sara Belsole (25 goals), the Terriers have pretty much dominated district opponents. There is no sign that things should change.

Those to beware

Plant appears to have to the best shot among the contenders to make a run at a district title, but in reality, the Panthers will have to pull off the upset to advance in the playoffs.

Schedule

at Hillsborough

Tuesday - No. 4 Leto vs. No. 5 Robinson, 6; No. 1 Hillsborough vs. No. 8 Middleton, 8

Wednesday - No. 3 Chamberlain vs. No. 6 Blake, 6; No. 2 Plant vs. No. 7 Jefferson, 8

Thursday - Plant-Jefferson winner vs. Chamberlain-Blake winner, 6; Hillsborough-Middleton winner vs. Leto-Robinson winner, 8

Friday - Final, 7

CLASS 5A, DISTRICT 8 

The favorite:

The Bulls finished as state runnersup last season, and there is little reason to believe they can't make another run at a state championship this time around.

Those to beware:

With Newsome and Freedom - both 5-1-1 in district play - in the mix, this district is one of the toughest in the state. Newsome and Freedom are good enough, in fact, to possibly knock off the Bulls. Any of the three teams could end up staying home for regions.

Schedule

at Newsome

Tuesday - No. 1 Bloomingdale vs. No. 8 Tampa Bay Tech, 6; No.2 Newsome vs. No. 7 Armwood, 8

Wednesday - No. 4 King vs. No. 5 Wharton, 6; No. 3 Freedom vs. No. 6 Brandon, 8

Thursday - Bloomingdale-Tech winner vs. King-Wharton winner, 6; Freedom-Brandon winner vs. Newsome-Armwood winner, 8

Friday - Final, 7

Class 3A, District 9

The favorite:

You have to say CCC is the team to beat, especially after the Marauders knocked off Berkeley 3-0 this season.

Those to beware:

Yes, the Bucs may have lost to CCC, but that game was two months ago (Nov. 14), and coach Ken Roberts is one of the best at getting his team prepared. Give Roberts two months and things could be different. St. Petersburg Catholic is no slouch, either. The Barons lost to Berkeley on Jan. 4, but the score was only 2-1.

Schedule

at Berkeley Prep

Tuesday - No. 4 Academy of the Holy Names vs. No. 5 Tampa Catholic, 6

Wednesday - No. 1 Clearwater Central Catholic vs. Academy-Catholic winner, 5; No. 3 St. Petersburg Catholic vs. No. 2 Berkeley Prep, 7

Friday - Final, 7

CLASS 2A DISTRICT 9 

The favorite:

Barring a meltdown, the Terrapins, who came within one victory of reaching the state tournament last season, should win handily. Tampa Prep (15-3-2) has all the parts in place to make it happen.

Those to beware:

The Lancers' (13-2) two losses this season were to the Terrapins (2-1 and 3-0). The upside for them is both losses were nearly two months ago. Perhaps Cambridge has prepared enough to win the third installment

Schedule

at Bishop McLaughlin

Tuesday - No. 3 Bishop McLaughlin vs. No. 2 Cambridge, 4

Friday - Final, Bishop McLaughlin-Cambridge winner vs. No. 1 Tampa Prep, 7

Compiled by Times staff writer Scott Purks

[Last modified January 13, 2007, 23:09:59]