Preps

Second time around

By Bob Putnam
Published November 23, 2007

All three of tonight's playoff games are rematches from meetings in the regular season. Times staff writer Bob Putnam breaks them down.

CC Catholic (7-4) at Frostproof (9-2), 7:30 p.m 

First meeting

The Bulldogs, led by their running game, jumped to an early lead and kept it going in a 47-7 victory. The Marauders were banged up in that game and had several starters out.

X Factor

CCC's Anthony Cochran rarely leaves the field. The two-way star has been one the Marauders' leaders down the stretch. Last week, he took advantage of turnovers the defense created and scored twice on short runs.

Defensive stalwart

Kyle Rettig does more than just occupy space as a defensive lineman. The Marauders senior makes plays. Last week, he had 16 tackles and forced a fumble against Crescent City.e_SClBOutlook

The Marauders' biggest challenge is stopping Frostproof's Carlton Thomas, the nation's 11th-best all-purpose back by rivals.com. Thomas, who committed to Georgia, ran through CCC in the first game. Things could be different for the Marauders with several starters back, particularly on defense. The other thing CCC has is playoff experience. This is the sixth straight season it has been to the second round.

Scouting report

"CCC is tough and physical on both sides of the ball. They've also got some guys who can make plays for them. I know when we played them they had some guys out. Frostproof is just as physical and can make plays. I don't think the first meeting between those teams will reflect the score this time. It should be closer." - Berkeley Prep coach Dominick Ciao

First meeting

In one of the county's most thrilling games this season, the Packers won 37-31 in double overtime. The lead changed 11 times and the outcome wasn't decided until Largo picked off a pass in the second overtime to set up Brynn Harvey's winning score.

X factor

Largo's Leonard Johnson is a dual-threat quarterback who can hurt opponents with his arm and feet. After being hobbled for two games in September because of a sprained ankle, Johnson returned in time for the first meeting against Dunedin and had an impact, running for 100 yards and throwing for more than 50. Falcons coach Mark Everett admitted his team will game plan for him more tonight.

Defensive stalwart

Dunedin's Mike Kumbat is a monster in the middle, registering more than 70 tackles to go along with two interceptions, four forced fumbles and two recoveries. "He's a great leader," Everett said. "Plus, he'll knock the snot out of you."

Outlook

The game features two of the county's top running backs, Largo's Harvey and Dunedin's Darius Bellamy, right. Harvey set the county record for most yards rushing in the regular season with 2,043. Bellamy set a school record with 1,500. But the Packers are showing they have more than one weapon with Johnson emerging as a force. Largo's defense also has been stout, posting four shutouts and holding East Lake to one score in last week's region quarterfinal.

Scouting report

"Largo is tough because they have Harvey and Johnson. It's kind of like thunder and lightning back there. Shut one down and the other will beat you. Dunedin has Bellamy, but they have other playmakers, too, like Mike Towns. I think it's an evenly matched game. It showed in the first game. I'm sorry I have to miss this one." - East Lake coach Bob Hudson

First meeting

Keswick relied on its defense in a 21-0 victory. The Crusaders held Bradenton Prep to 132 total yards and scored a defensive touchdown on a 42-yard fumble recovery by Tarvin Jones. It was one of four shutouts posted by Keswick this season.

X factor

Keswick's Doug Sanson, son of coach Rick Sanson, set the school record for interceptions in a career with 10. He'll have a tough task this week trying to stop a Bradenton Prep offense that thrives on making big plays.

Defensive stalwart

Middle linebacker Jared Boddie is the leader of Keswick's defense. He ranks second all time in tackles at the school.

"He basically plugs up the middle for us and forces plays to the outside, which is key for us," Crusaders coach Rick Sanson said.

Outlook

Keswick cleared a big mental hurdle with last week's 48-27 win over 2006 state finalist Victory Christian. The Crusaders also caught a break with Bradenton Prep upsetting Orlando Pine Castle Christian. Sanson said the key will be stopping the big play. Bradenton Prep rallied from a 21-9 deficit against Pine Castle by scoring on a long pass reception and punt return in the fourth quarter.

Scouting report

"Keswick has a lot of veterans and that's big. They've played together for so long and they run and throw the ball so well. Bradenton Prep is strong on the right side of the line and will try to run there. They also will definitely look for the big play. I think the big difference is Bradenton Prep is young and is coming off a thrilling, come-from-behind win. Keswick has been here before and got over a big road block by beating Victory Christian." - Calvary Christian coach Chris Rivera

[Last modified November 22, 2007, 20:48:14]