By: Ross Van De Griek
1. Lakeland (6-0)
Last Week: Defeated Strawberry Crest, 59-0
This Week: vs Centennial
The Dreadnaughts' dominating performance came often & fast in their win last week vs Strawberry Crest, as they would put up 39 points in the opening quarter. Arian Smith had two touchdowns in the 59-0 win over Strawberry Crest. The Dreadnaughts will welcome Centennial (Port St. Lucie) to Bryant Stadium on Friday night, who are coming off a narrow 15-13 loss at Vero Beach last week.
2. Lakewood (6-0)
Last Week: Defeated Madison County, 21-20 (OT)
This Week: vs Sebring
The Spartans' are coming into this week, with a record of 6-0 & coming off one of their biggest wins in program history, as they took down reigning 1A state champions Madison County, 21-20. Senior quarterback Greg Spann had just 35 passing yards, but also had 12 carries for 87 rushing yards & 3 rushing touchdowns in the win. The Spartans will welcome Sebring on Friday night, who are led by former Miami Hurricane defensive end Lavaar Scott as their head coach.
3. Berkeley Prep (5-0)
Last Week: Defeated Tampa Catholic, 21-16
This Week: at Victory Christian
The Berkeley Prep Buccaneers come into this week, with a record of 5-0 & hanging on in their game last week, with a 21-16 win over Tampa Catholic. Senior linebacker Jaylen Harrell & junior linebacker Austin Dean sacked Tampa Catholic's Dylan McCain that sealed the win for the Bucs. Berkeley Prep will travel to Victory Christian this week, who allow an average of 8.6 points per game.
4. Tampa Bay Tech (5-0)
Last Week: Defeated East Bay, 51-8
This Week: at Bloomingdale
Tampa Bay Tech comes into this week 5-0, after steamrolling the East Bay Indians, 51-8 in their District 7A-9 opener last week. Junior quarterback David Wright went 11/15, for 240 passing yards & had 4 touchdown passes in the win. Senior wide receiver Daunte Harris had 2 catches, for 95 receiving yards & a touchdown in the win. Tampa Bay Tech will be "battle tested", according to head coach Jayson Roberts this week at Bloomingdale (5-1).
5. Gaither (5-0)
Last Week: Defeated Fivay, 54-3
This Week: at Chamberlain
The Cowboys come into this week 5-0, after a dominating performance in their District 6A-6 opener. Senior quarterback Tony Bartalo comes into this week leading the Tampa Bay area, with 19 touchdown passes this season. The Cowboys will travel to Chamberlain (2-3) who are coming off a 24-13 loss last week vs Jesuit.
6. Armwood (5-1)
Last Week: Defeated Wiregrass Ranch, 48-3
This Week: at Plant City
The Armwood Hawks come into this week, fresh off a 48-3 win over Wiregrass Ranch in their District 7A-9 opener. Armwood scored 41 unanswered points, after only leading 7-3 late in the first quarter. Armwood will travel to Plant City (2-4) who are led by junior wide receiver Mario Williams.
7. Cambridge Christian (6-0)
Last Week: Defeated Zephyrhills Christian, 35-12
This Week: at Seffner Christian (Game will be played at Strawberry Crest HS)
The Cambridge Christian Lancers come into this week 6-0, and are currently ranked 2nd in Class 2A, according to MaxPreps.com. Junior quarterback Titan Williamson finished 8/18, for 161 passing yards & had a touchdown pass in the win. Senior running back Julian Suriel had 10 carries, for 60 rushing yards & also had a rushing touchdown in the win. The Lancers will gear up for Seffner Christian, who are led by Navy quarterback commit Isaiah Knowles.
8. Calvary Christian (4-1)
Last Week: Defeated Cardinal Mooney, 29-26
This Week: vs Carrollwood Day
The Calvary Christian Warriors are coming into this week, on a 3-game winning streak after hanging on to beat Cardinal Mooney, 29-26 last week. Senior quarterback Harold Cook finished 18/23, for 284 passing yards & had 3 touchdown passes in the win. Junior running back Kai Martin had 22 carries, for 141 rushing yards & had a rushing touchdown in the win. Calvary Christian will prepare this week to take on Carrollwood Day (0-5), who are coming off a 20-0 loss vs Lake Highland Prep last week.
9. Clearwater Central Catholic (4-2)
Last Week: Defeated Clearwater, 48-42 (OT)
This Week: vs Jesuit
The Clearwater Central Catholic Marauders are coming into this week, off a "wild & exciting win", according to head coach Chris Harvey. Senior quarterback Zach Burrill went 11/21, for 174 passing yards & had 2 touchdown passes in the win. Senior running back Jordan Niles had 28 carries, for 211 rushing yards & had 3 rushing touchdowns (including the game-winner) last week. Senior wide receiver Giancarlo Margarejo had 3 receptions, for 91 receiving yards & had a receiving touchdown in the win.
10. Newsome (5-1)
Last Week: Defeated Riverview, 42-28
This Week: at Robinson
The Newsome Wolves come into this week, on a 5-game winning streak since a tough 28-13 loss at Bloomingdale to start the season. Junior quarterback Nicholas Felice finished just 5/8 for 70 passing yards. Sophomore running back Jason Albritton had 20 carries, for 100 rushing yards & had 3 rushing touchdowns in the win. The Wolves will prepare for Robinson (3-2) who are coming off a 22-20 win at Booker last week.
On The Bubble: Clearwater (3-2), Hillsborough (3-2), Mitchell (5-1), Pinellas Park (3-2), Riverview (5-1), River Ridge (3-2), Steinbrenner (5-0), Tampa Catholic (4-2), Wiregrass Ranch (5-1)