Preps

Hillsborough: News and notes

By JOE SMITH, KEITH NIEBUHR, Times Staff Writers
Published October 30, 2007

On the Web: football rankings

County teams continue to dominate the Times' Top 50, with six teams in the top 10. Find out where your team ranks at highschool.tampabay.com.

FHSAA fines Jefferson, Alonso

The Alonso and Jefferson football programs were fined and put on administrative probation through 2008-09 by the Florida High School Athletic Association as a result of a brawl during a junior-varsity game Oct. 4.

Alonso $1,100 and Jefferson ($1,500) will be restricted to just five JV football games next season, FHSAA spokesman Robert Hernberger said.

The brawl occurred during the postgame handshake and lasted several minutes.

Fenton to appeal

Jefferson football coach Mike Fenton, suspended one game by the FHSAA for unsporting conduct, will appeal, athletic director Bob Morgan said. Fenton, who also will be fined $250, was ejected from Friday's 38-2 win over Alonso.

Morgan said Fenton argued in defense of one of his players, who he said was speared on a play.

Jefferson plays Plant on Friday for the Class 4A, District 10 championship. Hernberger said an appeal could be resolved by Friday.

Mighty big pairing

Last week, Christina Vail shot a career-best 85 at regionals to help lead Wharton to the title.

Her reward? A pairing at today's Class 2A state tournament in Lakeland with Boca Raton Spanish River star Madison Pressel.

If the name rings a bell, it's because Madison's older sister, Morgan, is a star on the LPGA Tour. Madison was third at state last year.

"I don't know much about her or her game," Vail said. "I just know she's very good."

Injury report

Armwood senior tailback Eric Smith (ankle) will be held out of Friday's game with Middleton to rest for the playoffs, coach Sean Callahan said. Brandon tailback Samir Baker (high ankle sprain) said he plans to play Friday for the district title against Plant City.

[Last modified October 30, 2007, 00:10:37]