Heat-seekers
Ranking the teams and their fortunes.
By DAVE MURPHY and IZZY GOULD, Times Staff Writers
Published November 4, 2007
1. Land O'Lakes (8-1) (up): The Gators will live long and prosper on the leg of junior kicker Alex Spock, who nailed two field goals, including the winner, against Ridgewood.
2. Ridgewood (8-1) (down): It's the oldest coaching cliche in the book, but neither said it, so we will: It's a shame somebody had to lose that game. But three fumbles doomed the Rams.
3. Nature Coast (7-2) (up): The Sharks picked up a big non-district win over South Lake. It'll be interesting to see if Nature Coast uses next week's game to rest up or to try to pick up its first win over county rival Central.
4. Hudson (7-2) (up): The Cobras aren't used to playing from behind, but they managed a comeback win over Zephyrhills. Coach Mark Nash didn't seem worried QB Zack Wynn's apparent leg injury.
5. Pasco (5-4) (up): What's gotten into the Pirates? Three straight weeks of 30 or more points. Defense wins championships, but offense helps.
6. Central (5-4) (up): The Bears can end the season on a high note next week against Nature Coast. Chase Walker (five total touchdowns vs. River Ridge) has been playing well.
7. Zephyrhills (5-4) (down): Tom Fisher delivered a firm message to his players after losing to Hudson: Come ready to play next week, or don't come at all. The Bulldogs would love to beat Ridgewood next week.
8. Mitchell (4-5) (up): With a win over Sunlake next week, the Mustangs can finish at .500 for the second time in three seasons.
9. Gulf (4-5) (down): The Bucs won't live on after the regular season, but RB David Williams' numbers will.
10. Wesley Chapel (4-5) (down): The Wildcats couldn't slow down the Mustangs' high-octane offense.
11. Springstead (4-5) (down): A 30-point loss to Tarpon Springs notwithstanding, the Eagles have plenty to build on for next season.
12. River Ridge (1-8) (down): The Royal Knights walked into an angry Central team. They started the season with a win, can they end it with one against Wesley Chapel?
13. Hernando (2-7) (down): The Leopards didn't get on the board until the final minute of the game in a 35-7 loss to Citrus.
14. Wiregrass Ranch (1-8) (up): The year of the Bull! Okay, it was the week of the Bull. It'll be back to reality next week against Land O'Lakes.
15. Sunlake (0-9) (up): The fact that the Seahawks managed to score 20 points in a game in their first varsity season without a single senior is saying something.