Preps

Football: Games to watch

By KEITH NIEBUHR
Published November 4, 2007

This week's games to watch

Middleton (5-4) at Jefferson (4-5)

The records aren't anything special, but few area games this season have featured as many Division I-A prospects. In a county filled with defensive standouts, Jefferson linebacker Gorby Loreus has to be considered one of the best. His teammate, defensive end Max Holloway, is a Boston College commitment. On the other side, running back Carlton Jones, now fully healthy, is averaging 8.66 yards per carry.

Riverview (4-5) at Brandon (7-2)

With the Eagles playoff bound, will they rest key players such as starting QB Tracy Burr and 1,000-yard rusher Marquel Gilmore? Doing so might make Brandon a fresh team for the playoffs. But if the Eagles choose that tactic, they risk losing some of the momentum gained during their current six-game winning streak.

Tampa Catholic (8-1) at Jesuit (4-5)

The Crusaders are having one of their best seasons in years. Jesuit is having one of its worst. A mismatch? Probably not. At this point, Jesuit is playing for pride, but that should be enough to keep it close. Even though TC wants badly to beat its archrival, the Crusaders are likely to have one eye on the playoffs. That's a potential distraction Jesuit doesn't have.

Tampa Bay Tech (5-4) at King (2-7)

What makes this game significant? Because TBT, which entered the season with a 20-game losing streak, can post a winning record for first-year coach C.C. Culpepper. If the Titans win Friday, they will finish with the same amount of victories they had during the past four seasons combined.

[Last modified November 4, 2007, 00:47:46]