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By Compiled by BOB PUTNAM, JOHN SCHWARB and PETE YOUNG
© St. Petersburg Times, published November 24, 2000
All games start at 7:30.
A Class 2A, Region 3 semifinal. The No. 2-ranked Indians beat 1999 state runner-up Frostproof in the first round while surging SPC routed LaBelle 48-14. In the second week of the season, Immokalee beat LaBelle 21-14, but its results since then have been more impressive. The Indians were ranked No. 1 in the state for a few weeks at midseason before being leapfrogged by Madison County. Last week was a typical SPC game as quarterback Chris Davis and Company marched up and down the field, generating 427 yards of offense. The rejuvenated defense surrendered 382 passing yards, but much of it was the byproduct of SPC having an early 28-0 lead. LaBelle threw 48 passes, and SPC had four interceptions. The amazing Davis, the ultimate double-threat, upped his season totals to 1,538 rushing yards and 1,575 passing. A midseason shift to a simpler, more attack-oriented system has done wonders for the SPC defense. It's about a three-hour drive to Immokalee (the alma mater of former University of Miami star and Indianapolis Colts running back Edgerrin James) in rural eastern Collier County. The Barons hope their recent experience with long trips -- they have been to Hilliard and Orlando Lake Highland Prep this season and traveled to Clewiston in the playoffs last season -- will pay off. The Barons already are in uncharted waters, having never won a playoff game until last week. If it wins, SPC would travel to No. 5 CCC (10-1) or Clewiston (6-5) for the region final.
A Class 4A, Region 3 semifinal. The undefeated Warhawks got all they could handle at home from at-large qualifier East Bay, trailing in the third quarter until Marvin Elliott blocked a punt and returned it 6 yards for the go-ahead touchdown in an 18-6 win. It was the closest game Seminole had played since September. The Warhawks were held to 199 yards rushing on 49 carries after averaging 293 per game on the ground during the regular season. For the Lions to have any chance (and prolong their first playoff trip since 1981) they will have to shut down the run. The ability to do just that was shown last week in a 10-7 win at Auburndale when the Bloodhounds were held to 83 yards rushing -- 153 below their norm. Raymond Neal scored the winning touchdown with 1:35 left on a 35-yard run. For King to have a chance tonight, they need more of the same from Neal, who rushed for more than 1,000 yards in the regular season. Seminole, however, has held eight opponents to nine points or less this season. A Warhawks win could set up a rematch with Bradenton Southeast provided the Seminoles beat Riverview. Last year, Southeast knocked Seminole out 34-0 in the first round.
A Class 4A, Region 2 game. The mission for the Cougars is to stop the run. The No. 9-ranked Rattlers had 415 total yards, 309 on the ground, in a 49-14 victory over Poinciana in the regional quarterfinals. Tim Gehrsitz and Nick D'Andrea share the workload for Belleview. Gehrsitz, a fullback, ran for 127 yards last week. D'Andrea, the tailback, had 156 yards on 16 carries. A transfer from Ocala St. John Lutheran, D'Andrea has picked up the pace after being slowed by two sprained ankles earlier in the season. In his last three regular-season games, D'Andrea had a combined 402 yards rushing as the Rattlers beat Class 3A, No. 7 North Marion, defending district champion Gainesville Eastside and ninth-ranked Crystal River. Countryside ranks sixth in the county in stopping the run, allowing an average of 133 yards a game. In last week's 17-9 victory over Flagler Palm Coast, the Cougars gave up 114 yards on the ground. That forced Palm Coast into several third-and-long situations, and Countryside recorded four second-half sacks when the game was close. On the other side of the ball, the Cougars must continue their balanced attack. Countryside had 156 yards rushing and 148 passing against Palm Coast. After giving up 40 points to Gainesville, Belleview's defense has come on strong, allowing 30 points in its final four regular-season games, including two shutouts. If Countryside wins, it will host South Lake (10-1) or travel to New Smyrna Beach (10-1).
A Class 2A, Region 3 semifinal. The Marauders' spread-the-field passing attack saved the day in last week's 49-42 win over Fort Myers Bishop Verot. Jay Davis upped his county-best passing total to 2,540. Clewiston hammered Bishop Verot 34-7 in midseason, which has to put a scare into the Marauders. Clewiston, in Hendry County, doesn't have a pretty record, but it has played a very tough schedule. And last week, the Tigers went to 8-2, No. 8-ranked Palmetto and won 21-14. This matches the furthest CCC has advanced in the playoffs. If they win, the Marauders will host St. Petersburg Catholic (8-3) or travel to No. 2 Immokalee (11-0) for the region final.