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Super Showdowns

It's early, but there are three big games tonight. And they could come down to the quarterbacks.

By BOB PUTNAM

© St. Petersburg Times, published September 8, 2000

Andrew Harris is a four-year starter at defensive back for Northeast. He has picked off 10 passes and was named first team All-County last season. He is one of most heavily recruited players in the county.

D'Qwell Jackson is a two-year starter at linebacker for Seminole. He also was named first team All-County last season and entered this season rated among the top 10 juniors in the state. So where will they most likely make the biggest impact tonight?

At quarterback.

ANDREW HARRIS: Last season was Harris' first at quarterback. He threw for more than 1,000 yards and led the Vikings to a 10-0 record. Vikings coach Jerry Austin has said he would like to keep Harris strictly at quarterback, but he can't because the team has little depth. In the season opener last week, Harris was under heavy pressure and completed just three passes. Last season against Seminole, he scored Northeast's only touchdown on a quarterback keeper.

D'QWELL JACKSON: A wide receiver at the beginning of last season, Jackson was inserted as the quarterback in the third game against Osceola. He responded by completing six passes for 150 yards and three touchdowns. Roper said he would rather use Jackson strictly at linebacker, but, like Northeast, he can't afford not to have his star play both ways because of depth.

THE SKINNY: Both quarterbacks will have to do their best to gain field position in what should be a defensive game. Last season, the Vikings were on their own side of the field for the entire second half and it nearly cost them.

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