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Largo, Gibbs swap roles following fall jamboree

The Gladiators won that game 20-0, but are 0-2 since. Meanwhile, the improved Packers are 2-0.

By BOB PUTNAM

© St. Petersburg Times,
published September 16, 2001

It was just a fall jamboree game, but the score seemed to indicate how 2001 would unfold for Gibbs and Largo.

The Gladiators played to perfection, beating the Packers 20-0 as quarterback Ron Mathis went 4-for-4 for 116 yards and three touchdowns.

Yet two games into the regular season, the only thing that score indicated was a change in fortunes for both teams.

Largo has recovered nicely and is 2-0 heading into this week's game against Lakewood.

Meanwhile, Gibbs is 0-2 and plays East Lake.

"That was just one game and that's how we approach things," Packers coach Rick Rodriguez said of the lopsided score against Gibbs. "We have prepared well since then, and the kids have listened and focused on what we need to do."

Defense has been the focal point for Largo. The Packers have given up a combined seven points in wins against Clearwater and St. Petersburg.

Another strong effort will be needed this week. Lakewood has an equally strong defense and has allowed just nine points in two games. "We've been working on the offense a lot," Rodriguez said. "Actually, we spend more time on the offensive side of the ball during practice."

Offense is not the problem at Gibbs.

The Gladiators have shown the ability to light up the scoreboard, scoring a combined 39 points in its first two games.

The problem is keeping the other team from doing the same.

Gibbs is third-worst in the county in yards allowed (380) and fifth-worst in points allowed (32) per game. Another factor is turnovers. The Gladiators have committed eight in the first two games and put the defense in bad field position.

Eliminating mistakes on offense and bearing down on defense will be vital against the Eagles, who are averaging 44 points a game.

"We have just been inconsistent so far," Gibbs offensive coordinator Dave Cleppe said. "The thing that's encouraging is we've been close. We get another yard on fourth down against Tarpon Springs and we probably win that game. We don't fumble the ball in the second half against Osceola and we have a chance to win that one, too.

"We have speed and talent and the things that we're doing wrong are correctable. There's still a chance to get this thing turned around."

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