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Letter to the editor

Sickles must play well against Spoto

By ROD GIPSON Times Correspondent
Published October 12, 2007

But that may not be a bad thing.

The Gryphons' 35-0 loss to Chamberlain last Friday not only put a damper on their hot start, but also got them off on the wrong foot in Class 5A, District 6 play. Sickles' 4-1 start was tempered by that shutout loss to district foe Chamberlain, which left the Gryphons 4-2 overall and 0-1 in the district.

Sickles is looking up at Alonso (5-1, 1-0) and Chamberlain (4-2, 1-0) in Class 5A play. With everyone having a week off from league play tonight, the Gryphons need to play well at Spoto to gain momentum for their two remaining district games against King on Oct. 18 and against Alonso on Nov. 2, that could be for a playoff berth.

In other games tonight, Alonso goes up against Gaither, which defeated them twice last year, Chamberlain tries to slow down Jefferson and Leto looks to surpass its entire win total from last season.

All kickoffs are scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

ALONSO (5-1) at GAITHER (4-2)

Last Week: Alonso def. King 3-0, Gaither def. Mitchell 30-14.

Last Year: Gaither def. Alonso 31-0 and 17-10 in the opening round of the playoffs.

The Skinny: Gaither owned Alonso a season ago and after a shaky start this year, the Cowboys have won four games in a row. Alonso is coming off a 3-0 district win against King.

The Edge: Even in sloppy, rainy conditions, only three points against King doesn't say a lot about the Ravens' offense. Gaither wins.

 

CHAMBERLAIN (4-2) at JEFFERSON (2-3)

Last Week: Chamberlain def. Sickles 35-0; Jefferson def. Leto 26-7.

Last Year: Jefferson def. Chamberlain 35-0.

The Skinny: The Chiefs seem to be putting things together and have coach Billy Turner back on the sideline after a medical leave. Jefferson is trying to rebound from some poor play this season and still has the offense to do it.

The Edge: Can Jefferson's offense pass its way past Chamberlain? Yes.

 

FREEDOM (0-4) at DURANT (2-4)

Last Week: Freedom lost to Hillsborough 37-0; Durant lost 22-19 to Sarasota.

Last Year: Did not play.

The Skinny: Freedom has had little go right this season, struggling offensively. Durant has played well in all but one of its games. Two of Durant's four losses were by a total of six points.

The Edge: With the Patriots unable to score points, this one belongs to Durant.

 

BLOOMINGDALE (1-4) at LETO (2-4)

Last Week: Bloomingdale was off; Leto lost to Jefferson 26-7.

Last Year: Leto def. Bloomingdale 20-13.

The Skinny: One of Leto's two wins last season was against the Bulls, who continue to find wins difficult to come by this season.

The Edge: Leto is well on its way to doubling its win total from last year. Falcons win!

 

MIDDLETON (3-2) at WHARTON (4-2)

Last Week: Middleton was off; Wharton def. Wesley Chapel 31-7.

Last Year: Did not play.

The Skinny: Middleton has played tough in a brutal district with both Hillsborough and Armwood on its schedule. Wharton has put two wins together since its upset loss to Sickles.

The Edge: Wharton may have the home field, but the Tigers have played better football this season. It's Middleton in a close one.

SICKLES (4-2) at SPOTO (3-2)

Last Week: Sickles lost to Chamberlain 35-0; Spoto was off.

Last Year: First-ever meeting.

The Skinny: The roller coaster that is Sickles' season took another dip last week as the Gryphons were blasted by Chamberlain. First-year Spoto already pulled a surprise with two wins early in the season but shocked plenty two weeks ago by handing Tampa Bay Tech its first loss of the season.

The Edge: Sickles will have its hands full but will take care of business.

[Last modified October 12, 2007, 07:06:27]