Sports

Hillsborough picks

By JOE SMITH and KEITH NIEBUHR, Times Staff Writers
Published September 28, 2007

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Matchup

The skinnyOur pickFreedom (0-3) at Alonso (3-1)

Ravens might be country's most underrated team; Struggling Freedom offense averages two points a game.AlonsoArmwood (4-0) at Jefferson (1-2)Unbeaten Hawks likely will be without four starters, including two-way lineman Matt Patchan (shoulder). Can Dragons' defensive tweaks spark an upset?ArmwoodOrlando Lake Highland Prep (2-2) at Berkeley Prep (3-0)Lake Highland offense has headed south since 37-point opener. High-scoring Bucs (33 ppg) are led by do-everything QB Archie Barnes.Berkeley PrepSickles (3-1) at Bloomingdale (1-3)Sickles is winning with defense. The Gryphons allowed a combined 27 points in their wins.SicklesDurant (2-2) at Brandon (2-2)Two of the best .500 teams around. Eagles QB Tracy Burr (511 yards passing) keys a dangerous offense.BrandonCambridge (2-2) at Keswick Christian (3-0)The Lancers need more offense. They scored 90 points in their first two games, and only 10 in their next two.CambridgeEast Bay (1-3) at Chamberlain (2-2)The hard-luck Indians have lost three straight games by a combined seven points. Chiefs receiver Fred Sykes averages 17.4 yards a catch.ChamberlainGaither (2-2) at Jesuit (3-1)Behind a strong rushing attack, Cowboys are averaging 30 points over past three games. Tiger WRs Ryan Mitchell and Erick McGriff have combined for 25 catches.GaitherHillsborough (4-0) at Riverview (1-2)Terriers have upcoming games against Plant (Oct. 12) and Armwood (Oct. 18), but can't get caught napping. The athletic Sharks are talented enough to pull the upset.HillsboroughLeto (1-3) at Lennard (0-4)Turnovers have been a problem for Leto. Still searching for win No. 1, the first-year Longhorns seem to be improving every week.LetoRobinson (0-4) at Newsome (3-1)Can Newsome recover from last week's 39-point loss at Armwood? Knights are 0-4 for the first time since 1990.Newsome

Plant City (3-1) at Wharton (2-2)Watch the running backs. Raider Sirchauncey Holloway averages 9.8 yards a carry. Wharton's Marquis Thomas has 390 yards.Plant CityTBT (4-0) at Spoto (2-2)The Titans haven't allowed a point this month. On offense RB Mario Tucker has scored six times.TBTSaturday at Raymond James: Blake (0-4) vs. Middleton (2-2)One potential game breaker: Tigers receiver/kick returner Jeremy Blount, a Blake transfer who can score every time he touches the ball. Middleton

Tonight's matchups

Times staff writers Joe Smith and Keith Niebuhr give their predictions on tonight's football games. For a live scoreboard, check out highschool.tampabay.com.

All games start at 7:30 p.m.

[Last modified September 27, 2007, 23:32:35]

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