Robinson-Middleton: Game of the Week

Posted Sep 23, 2009 by Bill Ward

Updated Sep 23, 2009 at 02:21 PM

This week’s Tampa Tribune/TBO.com Game of the Week features two programs that struggled last season but now appear headed in the right direction.

It’s Robinson vs. Middleton at the Tigers’ Abe Brown Stadium. Both squads suffered through a forgetable 2-8 campaign last season but now look to be contenders for a playoff spot out of Class 2A-District 5.

The Knights, under veteran coach Mike DePue, are off to a 2-0 start with wins over Leto and King. Middleton, playing for first-year coach Jason Stokes, who led Bloomingdale to its first playoff berth last year, is 1-1. The Tigers fell to Plant City by just nine points in their season opener but came back with a 26-14 victory over historic rival Blake last week.

Both DePue and Stokes agree that despite how early this game comes in the schedule, whoever wins it owns an inside track for a playoff spot.

For a photo gallery of both teams preparing for this important game, follow this link: http://www2.tbo.com/photoalbum/2009/sep/23/robinson-vs-middleton-pregame-preparations/

For a video preview of the game, follow this link: http://www2.tbo.com/video/2009/sep/23/game-of-the-week-preview-robinson-vs-m-64803/video-sports/