Preps

Football: This week's picks

By Keith Niebuhr
Published November 23, 2007

Chamberlain (8-3) at Gaither (8-3), 7:30

When they met in Week 1, the Chiefs won 41-17. Since then, Gaither has shown dramatic improvement and has a legitimate chance to advance. To do so, however, the Cowboys can't rely just on running back Jarvis Giles - they will have to be balanced offensively, which is easier said than done against a physical Chiefs D.

Pick: Chamberlain

Jefferson (5-6) at Plant (10-1), 7:30

Jefferson proved last week it's a lot better than its record. But is it good enough to beat Plant? Maybe. Maybe not. It's not that the Dragons lack talent (they have plenty), it's just that Plant has a little more. And the Panthers have Aaron Murray, who has 47 TD passes, one short of tying the state record.

Pick: Plant

Hillsborough (9-2) at Armwood (11-0), 7:30

You want to see a tough, physical game? This is the one for you. Both of these defenses will hit you hard, that's for sure. Armwood is on a mission to reach the Class 4A final again, but Hillsborough, which it beat 17-0 in the regular season, presents a difficult challenge. The Terriers, however, might not have enough offense to win it.

Pick: Armwood

Tampa Catholic (9-2) at Clewiston (5-6), 7:30

Clewiston ended TC's season last year. And the year before. But now it looks like TC has a good shot to turn the tables. The Crusaders played a difficult regular-season schedule to prepare for a game such as this and that should pay off. Clewiston's offense is average at best, which plays into TC's strength, a defense that has held seven teams to fewer than 10 points.

Pick: TC

[Last modified November 22, 2007, 20:27:48]