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Letter to the editor

Stunned Gaither looking to rebound

By ROD GIPSON Times Correspondent
Published September 7, 2007

Outside of Gaither tailback Jarvis Giles rolling up 215 yards on the ground, mostly in the second half, the Cowboys had little to celebrate. Chamberlain dominated at the line of scrimmage, was more physical on defense and Chiefs quarterback Dontae Aycock was practically unstoppable.

Aycock, a junior, passed for 139 yards and two touchdowns.He ran for three more scores.

"I was very pleased," said Chamberlain coach Billy Turner. "We moved the ball well on offense, and we played tremendous defense."

And while Chamberlain may be on even more of an upswing now, Gaither has to face the very real possibility of starting the year 0-2. The Cowboys face defending Class 4A champ Plant today. The Panthers are coming off their own disappointing season-opening loss, a 26-7 setback to Armwood. On the plus side for Gaither, its district meetings won't start until next month.

Jefferson, meanwhile, also is looking to rebound after a 23-point loss to Hillsborough. Dragons starting quarterback Zack Grossi was roughed up in the loss and is nursing a sore shoulder going into tonight's home opener against Robinson.

Other intriguing matchups have Wharton hosting powerhouse Armwood, Chamberlain trying to keep its momentum going at Middleton and Sickles looking at a good opportunity to start the season 2-0.

All kickoffs are at 7:30 p.m.

Armwood (1-0)at Wharton (1-0)

Last Week: Armwood stopped Plant 26-7; Wharton blanked Freedom 20-0.

Last Year: Did not play.

The Skinny: The Armwood locomotive has started its roll. Wharton's stout defense will get a real test trying to slow down the Hawks' running attack.

The Edge: As good as the Wildcats' defense is, Armwood's offense is a little better than Freedom's. Armwood wins.

Hillsborough (1-0)at Alonso (1-0)

Last Week: Hillsborough whipped Jefferson 43-20; Alonso beat Robinson 24-6.

Last Year: Did not play.

The Skinny: Hillsborough is back. Alonso, meanwhile, may be a little bit of an unknown.

The Edge: The Ravens' defense will have to play well to keep this game close but even so, the Terriers have more speed and will use it.

Gaither (0-1)at Plant (0-1)

Last Week: Gaither lost to Chamberlain 41-17; Plant fell to Armwood 26-7.

Last Year: Did not play.

The Skinny: Two good football teams that suffered disappointing opening night losses.

The Edge: Hard to believe Gaither starts off 0-2 but it looks like it is going to happen. Plant just has too much to prove and will do it at the Cowboys' expense.

Robinson (0-1)at Jefferson (0-1)

Last Week: Robinson lost to Alonso 24-6; Jefferson was stopped by Hillsborough 43-20.

Last Year: Jefferson beat Robinson 25-7.

The Skinny: Jefferson has too much talent to stay winless, even if starting quarterback Zack Grossi doesn't play due to his sore shoulder.

The Edge: Grossi plays and Jefferson cruises.

Lennard (0-1)at Sickles (1-0)

Last Week: Lennard lost to King 28-7; Sickles whipped Leto 28-6.

Last Year: Did not play.

The Skinny: The first-year Longhorns did manage to do some things well in their season-opening loss. Sickles, meanwhile, did plenty right in earning its first win since Oct. 14, 2005.

The Edge: Sickles 2 and 0? - you bet.

Tampa Bay Tech (1-0) at Leto (0-1)

Last Week: TBT crushed Bloomingdale 50-7; Leto lost to Sickles 28-6.

Last Year: Did not play.

The Skinny: Tech ended a 20-game losing streak on opening night. The Falcons, meanwhile, didn't look at all good in losing their fifth game in a row and ninth of their last 11 dating back to last season.

The Edge: Tech ends a losing streak and starts a winning streak by topping Leto.

Freedom (0-1) is off.

Last Week: Chamberlain stopped Gaither 41-17; Middleton defeated Brandon 19-10.

Last Year: Did not play.

The Skinny: Chamberlain's relatively easy win against Gaither opened eyes while Middleton put in a workmanlike effort to beat Brandon.

The Edge: The Chiefs have playmakers at all the right positions, especially in quarterback Dontae Aycock. Chamberlain stays unbeaten.

[Last modified September 6, 2007, 08:01:27]