Preps

Hillsborough: Sunday Morning Quarterback

There were thrilling comebacks (Chamberlain) and other teams that bounced back (Riverview). And don't forget the blitzing "D" at Brandon, which is going to rewrite school records in sacks.

By JOE SMITH
Published October 14, 2007

Games to watch

1. Hillsborough (6-1) at Armwood (7-0): A week after facing Plant, Terriers get the Hawks. Who made Hillsborough's schedule, a Chamberlain grad?

2. Alonso (5-2) at Chamberlain (5-2): Chiefs put four-game winning streak on the line in key district battle.

3. Plant City (4-3) at Newsome (4-3): After playing Armwood tough Friday night, Plant City can move one step closer toward earning a playoff berth. A loss and Newsome might be in trouble.

4. Wesley Chapel (4-2) at Gaither (5-2): Will Gaither win its sixth straight? A tough early season schedule has the Cowboys well-prepared for the stretch.

5. Lake Placid (2-4) at Lennard (0-7): You heard it here first: The Longhorns will earn the program's first-ever victory.

Plant QB Aaron Murray has Mr. Football potential

The junior is not only the state's leading passer (1,742 yards), but also the Panthers' best rusher (471 yards). Murray's secret weapon is his fleet feet, as shown in his unique Friday feat - 239 yards passing, 114 yards rushing. His pocket presence and playmaking ability more than impressed one longtime county coach, Hillsborough's Earl Garcia. "He's the best I've ever seen, including (2006 Florida Mr. Football Robert Marve), at eluding the rush and making plays downfield."

Gaither is one of county's hottest teams

After an 0-2 start, the Cowboys have rattled off five straight wins (outscoring opponents 151-50). This time it was their underrated defense, which forced four turnovers in their 17-0 blanking of a solid Alonso team. Editor's note: Gaither's two losses are to Chamberlain (5-2) and Plant (5-1). Not too shabby.

Jefferson (2-4) is snakebit

The Dragons all but dominated Chamberlain before losing a 14-7 lead. The teams Jefferson has lost to? A combined 23-5. The good news is the Dragons are still in the district hunt.

Game breakers

Cornelius Gallon , Plant, Sr., CB

Was Mr. Everything on Friday, picking off two Hillsborough passes - both in Panthers territory; also had an 86-yard kickoff return for a TD and a 3-yard TD catch.

Jerrell Livingston , King, Sr., DB

Livingston and freshman Tavis Campbell each returned interceptions for TDs to help the Lions (2-4) rally from a 14-0 deficit to beat Robinson 27-21.

Deondrae Ferguson , Chamberlain, Jr., DB

Ferguson's interception of Jefferson quarterback Zack Grossi with 49 seconds left sealed a 21-14 win that Chiefs coach Billy Turner ranked "among the tops of all time."

Gregory Hickman , Middleton, So., LB

Put Wharton away with a 40-yard interception return for a TD in the second quarter.

[Last modified October 13, 2007, 21:59:12]