Sports

Class 5A, District 5

By Izzy Gould
Published August 31, 2007

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Mitchell

Last year: 3-7, 0-4 in district

The Mustangs followed a miserable 2006 season with a 3-7 finish with a solid spring and apparently an impressive summer. Mitchell excelled in 7-on-7 scrimmages, which helped strengthen the bond between quarterback Humphrey and receiver Tyrone Hendrix. We'll learn a lot quickly when Mitchell hosts Gulf in the opener hoping to defeat the Bucs for the first time in the past four tries. The last win against Gulf was a 12-10 victory in 2002.e_SClBGaither

Last year: 7-5, 3-1

Gaither was the runaway favorite last season after a 6-1 start. It scraped for an improbable win at Wharton and had Land O'Lakes on the ropes at home up 24-0 well into the third quarter. Then came the Gators' stunning comeback 28-24 victory and the Cowboys rode off with three straight losses, but earned a playoff berth. The Cowboys look tough again with a solid defense and talented running back Giles. The big question is at quarterback where the Cowboys turn to first-year starter Kamren Hawkins.e_SClBWharton

Last year: 8-2, 2-2

The Wildcats had their shot at the district title in 2006 despite dropping a key game at home to Gaither. Wharton couldn't win on the road in the rain and Land O'Lakes went on to claim the title. Wharton finished 8-2, but lost a bunch of key guys to graduation including running back Joel Miller (The Citadel) and defensive studs Josh Jones and Joe Griesser, both on to I-AA Elon. Watch for quarterbacks Josh Powell and Andrew Clifford to battle and likely rotate. The offensive line could be a weak spot.e_SClBWesley Chapel

Last year: 5-5, 1-3

The Wildcats could have done better than 5-5 in 2006. Perhaps the biggest flop was allowing rival Pasco to steal a game it led by two touchdowns in the fourth quarter. The 34-28 loss was an example of how potent Wesley Chapel could be at times, and how immaturity could be its Achilles' heel. The Wildcats will rely again on quarterback Jenkins, who likely will dictate how well Wesley Chapel fares in the district. Gone is the Wildcats' all-time leading tackler in Chalecki, but look for Ray Rouch to help fill the void.

Three games to watch

Gaither at Mitchell, Oct. 5

This game should determine the district frontrunner. Is Mitchell for real? Can Gaither shake off last year's downward spiral? Can Mustangs quarterback Tate Humphrey step up as a bona fide leader? And is this a chance for Gaither quarterback Kamren Hawkins to shine?

Mitchell at Wesley Chapel, Nov. 2

This could be a battle for the district crown if Mitchell and Wesley Chapel can do the unthinkable and hold the edge on a pair of Hillsborough County schools.

Wharton at Gaither, Nov. 2

This is probably the true district title bout with winner take all. Do you really believe a pair of Pasco teams can hang with a bunch of Hillsborough teams? Wouldn't the streets begin to flood, the moon cover the sun, blah, blah, blah? It doesn't matter; none of you will have a copy of this by November so I'll just deny, deny, deny.

Three storylines

Can Mitchell's defense hold up its end of the bargain?

There have been few questions about the Mustangs offense other than how many points it will produce. The real wonder is if Mitchell's questionable defense from 2006 can snap out of the whammy and hunker down in 2007.

Can Wesley Chapel overcome the loss of Vince Chalecki and Tom McHugh?

The Wildcats lost their two biggest pieces on defense. Chalecki is studying micro-tele-angyo-something on an academic ride to the University of Tampa. And McHugh jumped ship to lead the rival Pasco Pirates out of the abyss. Who will step up?

Can Pasco County make it two in a row?

Defending district champ Land O'Lakes moved to Class 4A-8. The Gators leave it to Mitchell and Wesley Chapel to defend Pasco County's honor. Can the Mustangs or Wildcats walk away with the title?

Izzy Gould, Times staff writer

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[Last modified August 29, 2007, 13:50:44]

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