Hillsborough: News and notes

By Times staff
Published September 16, 2007

County teams take first place

There's nothing like running a 5K at 8 a.m. to help kickoff the cross country season. But that's what Hillsborough County teams did Saturday at the Gator Invitational.

Sickles' Derek Wehunt continued his long-distance domination, while Jesuit made a strong showing against the rest of the competition, finishing first overall.

As for the girls, look out for Sickles, which easily ran away with the win, led by senior Amanda Newby.

For the complete story, see highschool.tampabay.com.

On cloud nine

People keep doubting. But Newsome keeps winning. Friday's 14-9 win over Durant was the Wolves' ninth straight, dating to last season.

"It's not a fluke," Newsome coach Kenneth Hiscock said. "They're not the biggest kids, and they're not the most athletic kids, but they play their hearts out."

Winning the 10th won't be easy, as the Wolves play at Armwood on Friday.

Hey kid, you're in

Thursday's practice had already begun when word came at Spoto that starting QB J.B. Burgess would be suspended for one game for violating team and school rules. Spartans coach Scott Palmer then informed Anthony Beko he would start Friday against Lennard.

"He was kind of surprised," Palmer said. "But he looked at me and goes, 'Okay, coach.'"

Beko responded with a two-touchdown effort as Spoto won 26-14.

On the mend

The Raiders are understandably a little frustrated.

In Week 1, they lost backup tailback Keith Dawson (ankle) to an injury. In Week 2, starter Sirchauncey Holloway (shoulder) went down.

Because of those injuries, wide receivers Cortez Hargrett and Adrian Sykes moved into the backfield.

Like most coaches, Riverview's Dan O'Regan can relate to Plant City coach Kevin Kelley's dilemma.

"It's not like college or the pros," he said. "You can't recruit who you want and be two or three deep."

Numbers game

5 consecutive wins for the Hillsborough football program over Chamberlain.

Statitude

Before this season, Tampa Bay Tech had not posted a shutout since 2003. The Titans have two this season, and they were back to back (Weeks 2 and 3).

Injury update

Plant RB/WR/CB James Harrell III found out Friday his ankle sprain is actually a fracture, putting him out the next couple of weeks; he expects to play Oct.5 against Blake.

Compiled by Times staff writers Joe Smith and Keith Neibuhr, and Times correspondent Mike Camunas.

[Last modified September 16, 2007, 00:11:51]