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Football: Playoff picture

All the preseason hype and midseason storylines are null and void tonight; it's playoff time. Several teams will go for upset specials (Brandon, Sickles), while others try to avoid a first-round hiccup (Plant, Armwood). In a win-or-go-home scenario, anything can happen. Here's what we think.

By JOE SMITH AND KEITH NIEBUHR
Published November 16, 2007

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Sickles

Thus far: 7-3, district runnerup

Class/opponent: 5A, at Gaither (7-3), 7:30

Unsung star: Craig Plastic. The senior linebacker, in his first year of football, played huge roles in Sickles' two district wins, running three kicks back for touchdowns.

Gryphons win if: Their special teams remains special. Sickles excels at the field position game, but if they get punts blocked like they did against Chamberlain, it's curtains.

Gryphons lose if: They can't contain Gaither star tailback Jarvis Giles, a 1,000-yard rusher and one of the county's most explosive backs.

Chances of moving on: 40/60.

 

Armwood

Thus far: 10-0, district champ

Class/opponent: 4A, vs. Lake Region, 7:30

Unsung star: Casey Callahan. The junior linebacker has held down the fort for an injury-depleted defense, leading the Hawks in tackles in setting a school-record for points allowed (49).

Hawks win if: They set the tone. With tailback Eric Smith back from an ankle injury, if the Hawks go up two scores, their D will do the rest.

Hawks lose if: They're too sloppy. Armwood often commits too many penalties.

Chances of moving on: Excellent.

 

Brandon

Thus far: 7-3, district champ

Class/opponent: 5A, vs. Lakeland, 7:30

Unsung star: Marquel Gilmore. The stocky back and linebacker has been a steadying force both on the ground (1,254 yards) and on defense.

Eagles win if: They force turnovers. The ball-hawking and blitz-happy defense can score points in a hurry.

Eagles lose if: Samir Baker can't go. Arguably one of the county's most versatile players, the speedy senior (averages 12.3 ppg) is questionable with a high ankle sprain.

Chances of moving on: 30/70.

 

Chamberlain

Thus far: 7-3, district champ

Class/opponent: 5A, vs. Wharton (5-5), 7:30

Unsung star: Justin Bell. The standout defensive back is a special teams terror who is capable of blocking a kick at any time.

Chiefs win if: Defense plays its typical game. This is a big, athletic and physical unit that has produced four shutouts.

Chiefs lose if: Wharton can contain dual-threat QB Dontae Aycock, who has more than 1,600 yards of offense and has accounted for 22 touchdowns.

Chances of moving on: Pretty good.

 

Hillsborough

Thus far: 8-2, district runnerup

Class/opponent: 4A, at Auburndale (5-5), 7:30

Unsung star: Erik Fennell. Once a starting QB, he has become a top-notch DB who also gets the ball on offense occasionally.

Terriers win if: D-Line controls the line of scrimmage, something Hillsborough, led by defensive tackle Moses McCray, has done nearly every week.

Terriers lose if: O-line can't create space against a solid Auburndale defense for running backs Lindsey Lamar and Iziah Wyche, each of whom is capable of going the distance at any time.

Chances of moving on: Better than average.

 

Tampa Catholic

Thus far: 8-2, district champ

Class/opponent: 2A, vs. Riviera Beach Inlet Grove (6-4), 7:30

Unsung star: Eric Gerken. The receiver leads the team in receptions and receiving yards. He can also play QB in a pinch.

Crusaders win if: The defense plays how it did during the team's first nine games, not how it did last week against Jesuit.

Crusaders lose if: Their offense can't take advantage of a struggling Inlet Grove defense, which has allowed 105 points during the past three games, all losses.

Chances of moving on: Better than average.

 

Gaither

Thus far: 7-3, district champ

Class/opponent: 5A, vs. Sickles (7-3), 7:30

Unsung star: Mike Whitescarver. Senior linebacker is the heart and soul of the defense, and one of the area's top tacklers.

Cowboys win if: QB Kamren Hawkins can give the Gaither O a little balance. With Sickles focused on stopping, Hawkins should have some opportunities.

Cowboys lose if: They lose the turnover battle. In their six-game winning streak, the Cowboys were plus-26. Their loss to Hillsborough? Four turnovers.

Chances of moving on: 60-40.

 

Jefferson

Thus far: 4-6, district runner-up

Class/opponent: 4A, at Boca Ciega (8-2), 7:30

Unsung star: Mark Winters. The 5-foot-8 junior running back is one of the Dragons' toughest players, grinding out yards.

Dragons win if: Their offense clicks. Off and on all year, the Dragons' O needs to step up against one of the fastest defenses its played all year.

Dragons lose if: They can't contain Orhian Johnson. The dual-threat quarterback, offered by Ohio State, leads a dangerous Boca Ciega offense.

Chances of moving on: Better than average.

 

Plant

Thus far: 9-1, district champ

Class/opponent: 4A, vs. Northeast (6-4), 7:30

Unsung star: Lovell Jackson. He catches passes, runs the ball and might be the area's top kick returner.

Panthers win if: Their passing game clicks. If Plant quarterback Aaron Murray (41 TDs) starts fast, it could be a long night for Northeast.

Panthers lose if: They can't contain Jeff Brinson, who has rushed for 1,764 yards. He can't be allowed to control the clock.

Chances of moving on: Excellent.

 

Plant City

Thus far: 6-4, district runner-up,

Class/opponent: 5A at Osceola Kissimmee, 7:30

Unsung star: Keith Dawson. The tailback combines with Sirchauncey Holloway to form one of the area's best backfield combinations. If healthy, each are 1,000-yard caliber carriers.

Raiders win if: They can control the clock, keeping Osceola's offense off the field.

Raiders lose if: They don't get off to a good start. As scrappy as Plant City is, coming back against Osceola is a daunting task. Just ask Lakeland.

Chances of moving on: Less than average.

 

Wharton

Thus far: 5-5, district runner-up

Class/opponent: 5A, Chamberlain (7-3), 7:30

Unsung star: Joshua Powell. The versatile senior passed up the starting quarterback spot to spearhead the Wildcats D. A hard-hitting linebacker, Powell has also played tailback, slot receiver and even punter.

Wildcats win if: Andrew Clifford plays his best game. The Wildcats quarterback, steady all year, faces one of the county's top defenses.

Wildcats lose if: They can't stop Chiefs quarterback Dontae Aycock. Like a fullback under center, Aycock is perfecting the option attack.

Chances of moving on: Tough task.

[Last modified November 15, 2007, 21:57:05]