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Pinellas: News and notes
By BOB PUTNAM
Published December 4, 2007
On the Web: Dandy Dozen, video report
Check out the first installment of our weekly ranking of the top 12 boys basketball teams from the Tampa Bay area. Then tell us which teams we overlooked or overrated, all at highschool.tampabay.com. Also, check out the Times' football video report, Friday Night Rewind, which includes highlights, scores and expert analysis.
Class 5A state semifinals
Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas 12-1 at Largo (13-0)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Packer profile
Ryan McFarland
Most offensive linemen would love to know what it's like to have the ball placed in their hands.
McFarland gets to experience it every day in practice.
Largo's starting right guard also serves as the scout team quarterback.
Last week, he was pressed into duty as the Packers' quarterback when Leonard Johnson went down with cramps.
"I was a little nervous but also thrilled," McFarland said. "I love playing quarterback."
The junior had to go through some minor adjustments, such as switching his jersey number and putting on lighter shoulder pads, before he stepped under center.
"I'm always prepared," McFarland said. "I bring two sets of shoulder pads to every game."
Johnson recovered after two series and is healthy for Friday's game against Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas.
That means McFarland resumes his role as scout team quarterback and starting right guard.
"At least I was a quarterback in a playoff game," McFarland said. "How many offensive lineman can say that."
Fans will arrive by the bus load
St. Thomas Aquinas plans on bringing fans - lots of them.
The school has chartered 17 buses for Friday's state semifinal game. That doesn't include the six buses planned for the team and the band.
Did you know?
St. Thomas Aquinas set the state record this season for most playoff games all time for a program with 80. The school also is tied with Miami Monsignor Pace for the most consecutive seasons in the playoffs at 17.
Basketball game moved
On Friday, Largo's boys basketball team was supposed to travel to Clearwater for a key Class 5A, District 9 contest.
But the game has been moved to Saturday because of the football game. Tip off is at 6 p.m.
By the numbers 4 Games in which St. Thomas Aquinas has scored 50 or more points this season.
5 Shutouts posted by Largo's defense, which set a school record.
[Last modified December 4, 2007, 01:03:42]
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