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Prep football

By Compiled by Times staff writer

© St. Petersburg Times, published October 6, 2000

Haines City (5-0, 2-0) at Armwood (5-0, 2-0)

It's a safe bet to say whichever team wins this game wins the district. Lake Wales also is 2-0 in the district, but the Highlanders can't compete with Armwood or Haines City. The Hornets bring a balanced attack, but the Hawks counter with a strong running game, coupled with an all-out aerial assault. Hawk Ron Buskey has thrown for 1,310 yards. Haines City has given up 40 points this season. Armwood has allowed 16.

Purks' pick: Armwood

Readling's pick: Armwood

Sarasota Riverview (2-2, 0-0) at Gaither (3-1, 1-0)

Gaither has never beaten Riverview, and nothing would be sweeter than a win tonight at home, locking up a playoff berth. Look for Lydell Ross to go over the 1,000-yard mark, and watch for the Cowboys to prove to the rest of the state they're for real.

Purks' pick: Gaither

Readling's pick: Gaither

Jefferson (4-1, 2-0) at Robinson (4-1, 3-0)

Might be one of the most evenly matched games of the night -- if Robinson running back Kwane Doster plays. If Doster rests his injured knee one more week, it would allow the Dragons to key on Clark Green and the Knights might be in for a long night. Doster's presence gives Jefferson more to worry about, especially because he's as good a defensive back as he is a runner.

Purks' pick: Jefferson

Readling's pick: Jefferson

Chamberlain (4-1, 2-0) at Hillsborough (5-0, 1-0)

Chamberlain is looking to pull a major upset, but almost anyone who knows Hillsborough County football knows Hillsborough is usually the county's team to beat. Not much has changed this year. Despite the fact Chamberlain is somewhat improved from last season, the Chiefs aren't quite in the same category yet.

Purks' pick: Hillsborough

Temple Heights (3-0) at Admiral Farragut (4-0)

Not only is Temple Heights undefeated, the Eagles are receiving votes in the Class A state poll. Amazingly enough, so is Admiral Farragut. That means despite the fact neither team has a district affiliation, this game actually means something. Temple Heights is looking to avenge last year's 40-32 loss at home, and there's no better place to do it than Farragut's back yard.

Purks' pick: Admiral Farragut

Berkeley Prep (3-1, 1-1) at Tampa Catholic (0-4, 0-1)

Tampa Catholic is continuing the trip from a 6-5 playoff participant last season to extending one of the worst losing streaks in the county this season. Not only have the Crusaders been outscored 151-28, they are giving up more than 250 yards per game. Berkeley is coming off a big win Saturday and looking to gain a little momentum.

Purks' pick: Berkeley Prep

Blake (3-2, 0-1) at Hudson (1-4, 0-2)

Blake is rolling along at 3-2 and is one win away from last year's school record of four. Hudson hasn't exactly had quite the same kind of success this season despite the fact it plays in Pasco County. Two hundred seven points allowed speaks for itself. Look for the Yellow Jackets to roll.

Purks' pick: Blake Readling's pick: Blake

Brandon (3-1, 2-0) at Durant (1-4, 0-2)

Brandon finally lost a game, but it took Armwood to break up the Eagles' undefeated season. Durant is one of three teams in the county with more passing yards than rushing yards, and it might just take that air attack to hand Brandon loss No. 2.

Purks' pick: Brandon

Readling's pick: Brandon

East Bay (3-2, 0-2) at Lake Region (2-3, 0-1)

Make a wish and pull, Lake Region, because that's what East Bay's bringing at you -- a full wishbone attack complete with a quarterback (Bruce Youmans) that can flat out run and a pair of running backs that can keep up with him. Chances are the Thunder will end up making their wish come true.

Purks' pick: East Bay

Readling's pick: Lake Region

Wharton (1-4, 1-1) at King (3-2, 1-0)

Wharton won a game two weeks ago and packed it in for the season. At least that was the impression the Wildcats gave last week against Sickles. Wharton will have to put together a better effort this week against the Lions.

Purks' pick: King

Readling's pick: King

Leto (0-5, 0-2) at Tampa Bay Tech (3-2, 1-0)

Want proof that a couple of really good athletes can make or break a team? Look at Leto. Eight wins, four losses last season. Two players head to Division I colleges, and the Falcons are 0-for-this season. Look at Tampa Bay Tech. The Titans have five players that are pure athletes, and last year's 3-7 record is a distant memory.

Purks' pick: Tampa Bay Tech

George Jenkins (2-2, 0-2) at Plant City (0-4, 0-2)

Plant City isn't that strong against the rush, giving up 880 yards on the ground this season. It will find out this week how good it is against the pass. Some good news: Jenkins quarterback Ryan Heykens has thrown seven interceptions this season and only two touchdowns in 52 attempts.

Purks' upset special: Plant City

Readling's pick: Jenkins

Riverview (3-2, 1-1) at Auburndale (4-1, 1-0)

A quick look at some stats, and Auburndale really sticks out as a tough team. The Bloodhounds' offense has scored 104 points while the defense has given up 57. Not bad. Then you look at Riverview. Offense: 119, defense: 65. Numbers don't always tell the whole story, but suddenly, this game looks like, well, a dogfight.

Purks' pick: Auburndale

Readling's pick: Auburndale

Orlando West Oaks Academy (2-1) at Riverhills Christian (0-4), 7:00 at Antioch Field

West Oaks, from Orlando, is going to come strong with a rushing attack. Running back Darrius Thompson has 286 yards and a touchdown this season to lead the Flames. Riverhills need not worry about much passing from its opponent. West Oaks has completed three passes this year for 54 yards and one touchdown. Riverhills has improved every week, and this week should be no different.

Purks' pick: Orlando West Oaks

Readling's upset special: Riverhills Christian

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