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Class 4A-9
By Times staff
Published August 31, 2007
Three games to watch
Northeast at Bradenton Southeast, Sept. 21
Last year, the Vikings beat the Seminoles for the first time and have the firepower to do it again.
Boca Ciega at Northeast, Oct. 5
Both teams have split the past four meetings in this neighborhood rivalry.
Boca Ciega at Bradenton Southeast, Oct. 19
If the Pirates hope to make the playoffs, they'll have to win this game.
Three storylines
How will Jay Austin fare in his coaching debut?
Austin is taking over the program from his father, Jerry, the county's all-time winningest coach. He has a loaded team that is capable of making the playoffs for the first time since 2002.
How much will graduation hurt Osceola?
The Warriors lost 18 seniors, most of whom played both ways. That will be tough to overcome.
Can Bradenton Southeast stay on top?
The Seminoles have missed the playoffs three times in the past 24 seasons. But they could be headed for a fall, especially after losing to Northeast last year and escaping with a one-point victory over Osceola in the district tiebreaker.
Bradenton Bayshore Bradenton Southeast Boca Ciega Lakewood Northeast Osceola
Boca Ciega
The Pirates will spread people out to better utilize quarterback Orhian Johnson's multiple skills. They also have a bevy of backs to run the ball, led by Mundrae Francis.
Coach: Stevie Thomas (second season, 5-5)
Colors: Blue, gold and white
Stadium: Beauchamp Stadium, 924 58th St. S., Gulfport
Playoff history: 1971, 1986, 1992, 2002, 2004
Last appearance: Beat Clearwater 39-21; lost 48-14 to Sarasota Riverview.e_SClBNortheast
Austin has all the pieces for a district title run. The backfield is set with quarterback Armando Sanchez, Jeff Brinson and Juarez Wynn all returning. And the defense should be solid up front with Pat Hanley and Javontae Boyd anchoring the line.
Coach: Jay Austin (first season)
Colors: Red and white.
Stadium: John Sexton Stadium, 1717 54th Ave. N., St. Petersburg
Playoff history: 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002
Last appearance: Lost 22-0 to Naples.e_SClBOsceola
The Warriors have to rely on an opportunistic defense to offset the loss of 18 starters from last year's team that made the region quarterfinals. Sean Palmer, a fullback/linebacker, is one of a few players back with varsity experience.
Coach: George Palmer (18th season, 93-85)
Colors: Orange and royal blue
Stadium: Warrior Stadium, 9750 98th St. N., Seminole.
Playoff history: 1990, 1993, 1994, 2006
Last appearance: Lost 48-23 to Plant.e_SClBLakewood
If the Spartans hope to turn things around, they have to get more out of their offense, which failed to score in the final two games last season. The return of Jacquez Jenkins and Bernard Reedy should help.
Coach: Otis Dixon (third season, 5-15)
Colors: Black and gold
Stadium: Lakewood Stadium, 1400 54th Ave. S., St. Petersburg
Playoff history: 1980, 1981, 1982, 1988, 1993, 1994, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002
Last appearance: Beat Lake Region 27-17; lost 31-25 to Jefferson.
August 31
Dunedin at Boca Ciega
St. Petersburg at Northeast
Osceola at Dixie Hollins
Lakewood at Gibbs
September 7
Northeast at Dixie Hollins
Osceola at Clearwater
Pinellas Park at Lakewood
September 14
Dixie Hollins at Boca Ciega
Northeast at Gibbs
Dunedin at Osceola
Clearwater at Lakewood
September 20
Boca Ciega at Lakewood
Bradenton Bayshore at Osceola
September 21
Northeast at Bradenton Southeast
September 28
Boca Ciega at St. Petersburg
Seminole at Osceola
October 5
Boca Ciega at Northeast
Bradenton Southeast at Osceola
Bradenton Bayshore at Lakewood
October 12
Countryside at Boca Ciega
East Lake at Northeast
Osceola at Palm Harbor U.
Lakewood at Largo
October 19
Boca Ciega at Bradenton Southeast
Northeast at Bradenton Bayshore
Lakewood at Osceola
October 26
Osceola at Boca Ciega
Lakewood at Northeast
November 2
Bradenton Bayshore at Boca Ciega
Osceola at Northeast
Lakewood at Bradenton Southeast
November 9
Boca Ciega at Gibbs
Northeast at Largo
St. Petersburg at Lakewood
All games at 7:30 p.m. unless noted
Check out our new team and player pages at tampabay.com
[Last modified August 29, 2007, 14:06:16]
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