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Be a true blue and gold backer

By DEMORRIS A. LEE, Times Staff Writer
Published December 5, 2007

If head coach Rick Rodriguez leads his Packers to the state championship, it will be the first time a Pinellas County high school has been state champion in football at any level. Friday's semifinal game is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Largo High.
	[Atoyia Deans | Times]

ADVERTISEMENT [Atoyia Deans | Times] Leonard Johnson, quarterback for Largo High, watching his teammates review plays during practice, will be one of the key players and leaders for the Packers' offense. He's a threat to pass or run at any point in the game at any spot on the field. [Atoyia Deans | Times] Billy Peach, right tackle, runs agility drills with his defensive linemates. Known mainly for their high-scoring offense, the Packers' defense during the playoffs has surprised many observers of high school football. [Atoyia Deans | Times] Kicker Luis Marroquin and coach Drew Heuertz discuss details about practice. If Friday night's game is close at the end of regulation or overtime, the kicking game could be extremely important and perhaps be the difference that sends Largo on to the state final.

Last week, the Largo High Packers moved a game closer to their first ever state high school football title, besting the Cape Coral Seahawks 28 to 13. - On Friday, the undefeated Packers will host Fort Lauderdale's St. Thomas Aquinas at 7:30 p.m. in the Class 5A state semifinals. It's the first semifinal hosted in Pinellas County in 10 years. - So, you want to check out the game? Here's a useful guide.

How did Largo High School become the Packers?

The high school sat next to orange groves owned by the Taylor family. There was also a huge orange packing plant at the corner of Missouri and East Bay avenues. Hence, the mascot became the Packers.

How did the pig become the Packers' symbol?

There are two stories. According to one, a former principal in the 1960s was a huge Arkansas Razorbacks fan and adopted the pig as a result. According to the other, there was a nearby pig farm and the football team used to practice nearby.

I'm going to the game Friday and I want to be in a prime cheering spot. Where should I sit?

The entire stadium will be rowdy but the serious noisemakers sit on the 50-yard line, about two rows up.

Don't have a blue and gold Largo shirt to show your spirit?

Allan Sports Center, 6585 Seminole Blvd. in Seminole, has tons. Shirts and hats go for $10.

Where's the best place to purchase tickets?

Sorry, no advance tickets. The ticket booth will open at 6 p.m. the day of the game. Tickets are $7.

"We are right on Main Street and we don't want people just showing up on campus looking for tickets," said Greg Zornes, the school's assistant principal and athletics director. "We have a school to run besides a sports program."

Zornes expects about 3,500 tickets to be available. He said Packer Stadium holds about 2,700 and he is currently looking for temporary bleachers to handle the crowd. A thousand tickets were given to St. Thomas Aquinas. But Zornes advises that fans get there early if they want a seat.

Will there be any overflow parking?

Overflow parking will be available at the Schiller University and the Largo Central Park parking lots.

What's the best food to buy at the concession stands?

It depends on which stand you hit, but they both use huge charcoal grills for added flavor.

The band boosters, also known as the Band of Gold, boast superior french fries and pulled-pork sandwiches.

Over at the football boosters concession, the hamburgers get a special seasoning and the hot dogs, with a little ketchup, are worth waiting for. More on the boosters, pages 12-13.

Who are the players to watch?

Largo's entire defense will be tested. Keep an eye on the entire defensive unit because they are much better than folks think, according to Largo's coaches.

Offensively, you will have no choice but to watch running back Brynn Harvey. The senior back is powerful, explosive and hard to tackle. Just look for the three defensive players he's carrying and you'll see him. Last week, Brynn rushed for 200 yards and has 2,432 for the season.

What's the fourth quarter dance?

The band plays a song dubbed "The Gigolo," which forces the crowd to show their spirit by class and organization by dancing to the beat when their group is called. If that fails, the Packer cheerleaders are sure to start the wave.

FAST FACTS

Class 5A state semifinals

The Largo Packers host Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas at 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Can't go? The game will be televised live on Brighthouse Channel 47.

What's at stake? A berth in the state championship game.

On the cover: Brandon Vanstone, tight end for Largo High, takes a break before going out on the field for practice on Tuesday.

[Last modified December 4, 2007, 22:16:43]