By: Ross Van De Griek
We have entered the final two weeks of the high school football regular season. Some of our usual suspects are at the top of the rankings this week. Find out where your team is ranked below.
1. Lakeland (9-0)
Last Week: Defeated Bloomingdale, 36-0
This Week: vs Kathleen
The Dreadnaughts' win streak is currently at 24 straight regular season games, dating back to the 2017 season. The Dreadnaughts' pitched their second straight road shutout, as they are coming off a 36-0 win last Friday night at Bloomingdale. The Dreadnaughts will wrap up regular season play on Friday night, as they welcome a 2-7 Kathleen team to Bryant Stadium.
2. Gaither (8-0)
Last Week: Defeated Tampa Bay Tech, 26-8
This Week: at Freedom
The Gaither Cowboys football team is two wins away from doing something that no other team has done in their school history.. That's finish with an undefeated regular season, as the Cowboys have already wrapped up the District 6A-6 title. Expect the Cowboys to be a heavy favorite this week, as they travel to Freedom (1-7) on Friday night.
3. Steinbrenner (8-0)
Last Week: Defeated Palm Harbor University, 50-0
This Week: at Wharton
The Warriors football team wrapped up the District 8A-7 title, with their 50-0 thumping win over Palm Harbor University last Friday night. Steinbrenner's defense is something to keep an eye on, as they have allowed an average of just 6.1 points per game this season. Steinbrenner's biggest test of the season comes this Friday night at Wharton, but could still see themselves as a two-touchdown road favorite.
4. Armwood (7-1)
Last Week: Defeated Jefferson, 49-0
This Week: vs East Bay
Armwood's defense has not allowed a touchdown in each of their last four games, as they have combined to outscore their opponents in that stretch, 164-3. The Hawks' will win the District 7A-8 title with a win this week over East Bay. Armwood is expected be a heavy favorite this week for their regular-season home finale this week.
5. Wiregrass Ranch (7-1)
Last Week: Defeated Land O'Lakes, 63-7
This Week: vs Tampa Bay Tech
The Bulls' offense was in complete cruise control right from the first play of the game, as sophomore quarterback Rocco Becht connected on a 85 yard touchdown pass to junior wide receiver Tyler Brueckner. Wiregrass Ranch didn't look back as 50 of their 63 points came in the opening quarter. If Wiregrass Ranch wins their last two games they will tie the 2017 team, for the most wins in school history.
6. Springstead (8-0)
Last Week: Defeated South Lake, 42-24
This Week: @ Lake Minneola
Springstead ran the ball 51 times for 326 yards, in their win last week over South Lake, where they were led by senior running back Anthony Alexis who had 23 carries, for 161 rushing yards & also had 2 rushing touchdowns. The Eagles are on pace for their best season in six seasons under head coach Michael Garofano. Springstead can wrap up the District 6A-5 title, with a win this week over Lake Minneola.
7. Lakewood (8-0)
Last Week: Bye Week
This Week: at Largo
The Lakewood Spartans might be one of the most dangerous teams in Pinellas County, as they are averaging just five points allowed per game. The Spartans are coming off a bye week, but in their last game they defeated Osceola, 49-0. Expect Lakewood to be a road favorite in their game this week at Largo. Lakewood can match the 2012 team, if they win their final two games for the most wins they've had under head coach Cory Moore.
8. Cambridge Christian (8-1)
Last Week: Defeated Carrollwood Day, 60-6
This Week: vs Melbourne Central Catholic
Last week, the Lancers were in cruise control right from the opening kickoff, in their 60-6 win over Carrollwood Day. After going up 60-0 at halftime, Cambridge Christian did not play their starters in the second half. Expect the Lancers to be favored this week, as they wrap up regular season play on Friday night against Melbourne Central Catholic.
9. Clearwater Central Catholic (6-3)
Last Week: Defeated University School, 36-15
This Week: Bye Week
The Marauders' are coming off what seams to be called "a statement" win over highly ranked University School, according to head coach Chris Harvey. University School led 15-14 after the third quarter on Friday night. After an hour delay, due to a tornado watch that was issued for Pinellas County, Maryland commit Johnny Newton had three rushing touchdowns, that led to a Marauders' 36-15 win. The Marauders are off this week & will wrap up the regular season portion of the schedule on November 1, as they welcome the Booker Tornadoes.
10. Berkeley Prep (6-1)
Last Week: vs Astronaut (Moved to 10/28 @ 6:00PM)
This Week: Bye Week
The Buccaneers were scheduled to play Astronaut this week, but due to weather that game was moved to Monday, October 28. The Buccaneers currently stand in third in the Class 3A, Region 3 standings with two games left to play. When the Buccaneers take the field for their game vs Astronaut, it will mark 17 days since their last game.
On The Bubble: Calvary Christian (5-2), Clearwater (5-2), Hillsborough (6-2), Largo (5-2), Lennard (6-2), Northeast (5-2), Pinellas Park (5-3), River Ridge (5-2), Riverview (7-2), Tampa Bay Tech (5-3), Wharton (6-3),