O’Brien: Biggest Game In Sickles History

Posted Sep 23, 2009 by Joey Johnston

Updated Sep 23, 2009 at 08:39 AM

For the first time in school history, the Sickles Gryphons are 3-0 in football.

Now here comes another first: Friday night, Sickles coach Pat O’Brien said it’s the biggest game ever for Gryphon football, which debuted in 1997. The Gryphons host the Largo Packers (3-0) in a Class 4A-District 10 matchup.

At first glance, these are teams in different leagues. After all, Sickles made its only playoff appearance in 2007, improving from 0-10 to 7-3. Last season, it regressed to 3-7.

Largo, meanwhile, has become a state powerhouse under Coach Rick Rodriguez, running up a four-season record of 45-8. The Packers reached the Class 5A state semifinals in each of the past two years, losing each time to eventual state champion Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, currently the No. 1 team in America, according to USA Today.

“You don’t get many opportunities to play in a game like this,’’ O’Brien said. “We have full respect for Largo and what they have accomplished. It’s a great measuring stick for us.’‘

Sickles junior running back Carey White, who is Hillsborough County’s leading rusher with three consecutive 100-yard games, said the Gryphons are excited.

“This is why you play, to be involved in games like this,’’ White said. “We can’t wait.’‘

The members of 4A-10 are Sickles, Largo, Leto and Boca Ciega. The district’s top two finishers earn berths in the state playoffs.