Pasco County:

Mitchell baseball pitcher Patrick Schuster was a bundle of emotions Wednesday.

He laughed. He blushed. He cried. All in a 45-minute period.

Schuster signed his baseball letter-of-intent Wednesday at the school’s media center. The senior left-hander had narrowed his choices to Florida, Georgia, LSU and North Carolina State.

“[Gators coach Kevin O’Sullivan] really wowed me,” Schuster said. “Also, the fact he is the head coach and the pitching coach really blew me away.”

Florida’s 2008 recruiting class was ranked fifth-best in the nation by Baseball America. O’Sullivan has recruited seven pitcher, including Schuster, this year.

Among the speakers for Schuster was current coach Scot Wilcox, former coach Scott Williams, language arts teacher Janice Foltz and former major league pitcher Doug Creek, Schuster’s personal pitching instructor. All were chosen by Schuster to speak.

“We all knew this day would come,” Wilcox said. “He’s a great, talented ballplayer. A ballplayer like him doesn’t come along vey often.”

The program ended with a video photo gallery—from birth to current, giving Schuster plenty to blush about. But when he got up to speak, he couldn’t gdt the words, “Thank You” to his parents, Roger and Sharon Schuster, without breaking down.

Schuster was 5-2 with a 1.07 ERA and 88 strikeouts last season and 4-6 with a 1.57 and 76 Ks as a sophomore.

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** This weekly series pits Tribune sports reporter Eddie Daniels against fiancé Stephanie Roome. It’s a joke gone bad as each make their picks of Pasco County football teams during the season. It’s also the only chance Eddie gets to be right on something.

For those of you engaged or who will face that day in the future, I found the secret to a harmonious weekend. Agree to shopping for wedding items early in the day and when you return after snatching up some deals, watch football! See, The Canadian was so immersed in wedding shopping bliss, she didn’t worry about her picks until a few days later. Plus, being a good Grambling Man, I heeded the words of the late Eddie Robinson, which I wrote in last week’s edition. (friendly reminder: “Win without bragging and lose without excuses.") On top of that, we got stuff knocked, which will ease the stress as that date (Dec. 20) arrives.

LAST WEEK’S RESULTS…

THE CANADIAN: 7-2
EDDIE: 8-1
SEASON: The Canadian: 23-19; Eddie 31-11

Gulf Buccaneers (7-0, 3-0 Class 3A-District 8)

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Zephyrhills Bulldogs (3-4, 2-1 Class 3A-District 8)

EDDIE’S PICK: Gulf
WHY: It wouldn’t surprise me if Zephyrhills gave Gulf a hard time, but I have a hard time believing Bucs RB Adrian Golden won’t get his yards. Plus, if the Gulf defense gets to Bulldogs QB Tyler Guy, it’ll be a long night for Zephyrhills.
THE CANADIAN: Gulf
WHY: Last week and the week before I tried to put my feelings aside, be a bigger person, and pick the Bulldogs despite the fact that my fiancé had a girlfriend with a bulldog. Yes, I’ve been wishy-washy, but I’m going with my original gut instinct and NOT picking the team named after a bulldog.
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Wiregrass Ranch Bulls (0-7, 0-3 Class 3A-District 8)

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Pasco Pirates (6-1, 3-0 Class 3A-District 8)

EDDIE’S PICK: Pasco
WHY: Wiregrass Ranch coach Ricky Thomas heads home. He coached the Pasco High from 1996 to 2002 and before that was a star running back there. Unfortunately, the fiery coach can’t suit up for the Bulls and they’ll have to go head-to-head with a talented and athletic football team on their own.
THE CANADIAN: Pasco
WHY: Today is Halloween and I have a Halloween party to attend. Low and behold, I’ve decided to dress up as a pirate. Go figure! It must be a sign.
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River Ridge Royal Knights (1-6, 1-2 Class 4A-District 8)

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Land O’ Lakes Gators (5-2, 2-1 Class 4A-District 8)

EDDIE’S PICK: Land O’ Lakes
WHY: River Ridge has played tough the entire season and knocked off the Class 4A-District 8 leading Springstead Eagles last week. Sounds good, but here’s the thing, Land O’ Lakes has the knack for winning the games they need to win. A River Ridge victory would cause a quagmire in the Class 4A-District 8 playoff standings, but don’t expect the Gators to allow it. 
THE CANADIAN: River Ridge
WHY: If anything, I’ve been consistent when it comes to the Gators. I don’t pick ‘em. Sure, the Gators have a three-game winning streak and have the playoffs in sight. But, they are still named after the UF Gators.  On top of that, River Ridge won in an upset over Springstead last week. People thought I was crazy to pick them, but it worked out very nicely for me!
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Mitchell Mustangs (4-3)

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Clearwater Central Catholic Marauders (4-4)

EDDIE’S PICK: Mitchell
WHY: This is just a hunch. And yes, sometimes those gut feelings are just indigestion, but I have a feeling Mitchell has the Marauders’ number. I would love to pick a team with the same mascot as my junior high school, but not this time. Plus, CCC had issues beating a 1-7 team in St. Pete Catholic two weeks ago and the following week, they were mauled by Frostproof, 35-0.
THE CANADIAN: Mitchell
WHY: Wow! Eddie’s going with a hunch? He must be hanging out with me too much. I’m still learning about this football stuff and the teams that play, so I honestly have to ask, who are the Clearwater Central Catholic Marauders? Since I have no clue, I’ll ride on my fiancé’s hunch.
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Hudson Cobras (2-5, 1-2 Class 3A-District 8)

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Sunlake Seahawks (1-6, 0-3 Class 3A-District 8)

EDDIE’S PICK: Hudson
WHY: The Cobras have played plenty of bad football this season and Sunlake has a legit chance to collect a second victory, but it isn’t likely. The Seahawks pass defense will have to deal with Hudson QB Zack Wynn, who has put up the numbers to be one of the top quarterbacks in the Tampa Bay area. Hudson can also do an adequate job on the ground. Could be a tad too much for Sunlake to keep up with.
THE CANADIAN: Hudson
WHY: Being that I love marine biology, I would like to see them turn it around because they can’t be feeling too good. But losing six in a row after opening the season with a win against River Ridge, their mentality might be working against them.

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Ridgewood Rams (3-4, 1-2 Class 4A-District 8)

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Springstead Eagles (5-2, 2-1 Class 4A-District 8)

EDDIE’S PICK: Springstead
WHY: It’s called memory. Last season, Ridgewood collected a 27-13 win against the Eagles to secure a playoff spot. Well, last week River Ridge knocked the Eagles from their perch. With that in mind, this could be a thorough pecking.
THE CANADIAN: Ridgewood
WHY: Perches?  Pecking? Very funny Daniels. How about this: Ridgewood will ram the Eagles from their perch just like River Ridge did last week.
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Bishop McLaughlin Hurricanes (3-3)

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Carrollwood Day School Patriots (2-6)

EDDIE’S PICK: Bishop McLaughlin
WHY: This hasn’t been the best of times for the Patriots – NFL or high school for that matter. Carrollwood Day has been shutout in three games and have been sporadic with its offense. That plays into the hands of a Bishop McLaughlin squad that seems to enjoy playing defense.
THE CANADIAN: CDS
WHY: This is probably against better judgment, but election day is right around the corner, only four days away, and I’m feeling very patriotic.  This is my first election I’m able to vote in after becoming an American citizen last year. Therefore, it’s Patriots all the way.

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In Hillsborough County:

Chamberlain at Plant. THE CHIPS AHOY! BOWL. Think the Chiefs and Panthers don’t have a chip on their shoulder this week? Of course they do. Plant is playing without Mr. Universe Aaron Murray and wants to prove they are still a top team without him while Chamberlain, off to its best start in over 30 years, thinks beating Plant will prove they are a state title team. Although Murray is out, Chamberlain’s defense has plenty respect for sophomore QB Phillip Ely.

“He’s a quick passer,” junior defensive tackle Eric Hammond said.

“He has a nice little arm,” senior tackle Dontavious Pyron said.

In addition, Chamberlain is still dealing with its locker room being burglarized after last week’s Alonso game. To quote Chamberlain assistant coach Brian Turner “if we can’t beat them, how can we beat Lakeland?. Plant wants respect, Chamberlain wants respect, and don’t forget, these teams didn’t even shake hands after last year’s showdown.

Bloomingdale at Brandon. POPEYE VS. BLUTO BOWL. You know how Bluto always beat Popeye into a bloody pulp until Popeye ate his spinach and kicked butt? Well, Bloomingdale has certainly been eating its spinach. The Bloomingdale players can’t remember the last time they beat Brandon. Brandon probably can’t remember the last time they lost to the Bulls. Didn’t those kids who stole Bloomingdale’s Bull over the summer say they wanted to put it on Brandon’s 50-yard line? To stay with the Popeye analogy, Olive Oyl is the winning season and playoff berth Bloomingdale wants so badly.

In Pasco County:

Wiregrass Ranch at Pasco. WELCOME BACK BOWL. Wiregrass Ranch coach Ricky Thomas returns to Pasco High, a school where he once starred as a running back and later coached (1996-02). This is his second trip back to the school - the first time being in 2006 during Wiregrass’ inaugural season on a JV schedule. Last season when Pasco traveled to Wiregrass, Thomas was presented with his retired jersey. Not sure how gracious they’ll be this time around.

River Ridge at Land O’ Lakes. ABOVE YOUR HEAD CLASSIC. Last week River Ridge beat Class 4A-District 8 leader Springstead and they hope to unseat the district’s No. 2 team. It will be a tall task, considering the Royal Knights haven’t registered a victory against the Gators in at least six season. Additionally, they’ve scored more than seven points once in that span.

Gulf at Zephyrhills. DON’T SLIP BOWL. Gulf has maintained an unbeaten record in district play as well as during the season and can’t overlook the Bulldogs. Gulf will face Pasco next week. If both teams come out of tonight’s games victorious, they’ll play for the Class 3A-District 8 title. — Eddie Daniels Jr.

In Pinellas County:

Lakewood vs. Northeast. THE St. PETE BOWL. With apologies to ESPN which later in December will host a St. Pete Bowl featuring teams from the Big East and Conference USA at Tropicana Field, Lakewood and Northeast have been around a bit longer.

While there are other schools in St. Petersburg, the winner of this game can brag as being the city’s best this season. Lakewood, which has won six-straight, could rightly brag it’s the best in Pinellas County.

The night will be special for the Spartans in addition to bragging rights. One of the best players to suit up for the Spartans, defensive back Tom Carter, will have his jersey retired. Carter went on to play for Notre Dame and was drafted in the first round in 1993 by Washington. He had a nine-year NFL career also playing for Carolina, Cincinnati and Chicago. — Lee Diekemper

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Mitchell pitcher/infielder Olivia Kline and Land O’ Lakes centerfielder Loren Smith have made verbal commitments to colleges.

Kline, who set the Pasco County record for home runs in a season with her eight blasts as a freshman in 2006 – a record which has since been broken - committed to Jacksonville University.

Smith, who also plays first base, committed to Indian River Community College. She hit .333, collecting 23 RBIs, five doubles, four triples and a homer.

Both players finished their junior seasons with selections to the Tribune’s All-Pasco County team. Kline was a first teamer and Smith was on the second team.

Kline batted .419 with 41 RBIs, nine HRs and seven doubles, 7-4 pitching with a 1.45 ERA and 83 strikeouts.

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Below are the unofficial playoff scenarios for Pasco County’s football teams based on district standings and previous head-to-head matchups.

NOTE: These scenarios assume all remaining regular season games will be played as scheduled. Teams which have been eliminated from playoff contention are listed at the end.

Pasco County Football Playoff Scenarios

BISHOP MCLAUGHLIN (3-4, 1-1 SSAC-South)

-Would finish second in division (and play the second place team in the North division in the Week 11 bowl game) with a win against Carrollwood Day on Friday

-Cannot finish in first place in the Sunshine State Athletic Conference-South Division due to their loss to Hernando Christian (3-0 in division play)

GULF (7-0, 3-0 Class 3A-District 8)

-Would clinch a playoff berth with a victory against Zephyrhills on Friday. A win also would clinch a playoff berth for Pasco, as well as eliminate Hudson and Zephyrhills from playoff contention.

-Cannot be eliminated from playoff contention this week

HUDSON (2-5, 1-2 Class 3A-District 8)

-Needs a win against Sunlake on Friday AND a Zephyrhills win to remain in playoff contention.

-Cannot win the district title

-Cannot clinch a playoff berth without going into a tiebreaker

LAND O’ LAKES (5-2, 2-1 Class 4A-District 8)

-Cannot clinch a playoff berth this week

-Cannot be eliminated from playoff contention this week.

-Would eliminate River Ridge from playoff contention by beating the Royal Knights on Friday.

PASCO (6-1, 3-0 Class 3A, District 8)

-Would clinch a playoff berth with a win against Wiregrass Ranch on Friday OR a Gulf win.

-Cannot be eliminated from playoff contention this week

RIDGEWOOD (3-4, 1-2 Class 4A-District 8)

-Cannot clinch a playoff berth this week

-Needs a win against Springstead on Friday to remain in playoff contention.

RIVER RIDGE (1-6, 1-2 Class 4A-District 8)

-Cannot clinch a playoff berth this week

-Needs a win against Land O’ Lakes on Friday to remain in playoff contention.

ZEPHYRHILLS (3-4, 2-1 Class 3A-District 8)

-Cannot clinch a playoff berth this week

-Needs a win against Gulf on Friday to remain in playoff contention.

NOTE: Mitchell, Sunlake, Wesley Chapel and Wiregrass Ranch have been eliminated from playoff contention.

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River Ridge 31, Springstead 14 was hardly just another line score in the Pasco County football landscape. Quite possibly, it represented the biggest upset by any Pasco team, ever.

I don’t go back that far (I’ve been covering Pasco games since 2003) but it would be hard to fathom a result as shocking as this one.

Consider:

-River Ridge wasn’t just 0-6, 0-2 in Class 4A-District 8 entering the game. The Royal Knights were on a 15-game overall losing streak, and a 15-game losing streak in district games dating back to 2004. That means they had not won a single district game since the FHSAA realigned 4A-8 with its five current teams in 2005.

-Since that district win, 30-12 against Ridgewood on Oct. 14, 2004, River Ridge had just one win in its last 39 games. It came against Sunlake in the Seahawks’ first-ever varsity game to open the 2007 season. And Sunlake beat River Ridge 19-10 for its first win in program history to start this year.

-Springstead, meanwhile, was 5-1, 2-0 in Class 4A, District 8, had shut out three of its last four opponents and beat perennial playoff squad Land O’ Lakes at Gator Stadium earlier this year. The only loss this season was to unbeaten Nature Coast, a game in which the Eagles led throughout the fourth quarter until a late turnover. Nature Coast went on to beat Pasco at W.F. Edwards Stadium.

-The Eagles had won eight of their last 12 games. The Royal Knights had won eight of their last 66 games (since the start of the 2002 season).

The closest upset to this one, at least from my memory, came in 1997 when a struggling Gulf program defeated then perennial playoff contender Tarpon Springs in a very low-scoring, rain-filled contest.

Reached Saturday morning and asked if he considered it the greatest upset by a Pasco County team, River Ridge coach Tim Stevens said, “I don’t know. I haven’t thought about that. I’ve been in this town for 15 years, so you’d have to talk to the old-timers and see if they remember something from way back.

“This definitely springboards us, though. … We’ve got a great group of senior leaders. They could have cashed it in by now, but they didn’t. The players deserve all the credit.”

Of course, with their remaining games, the Knights have the chance to show everybody that it wasn’t that much of an upset.

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Gaither running back Jarvis Giles was on the receiving end of a brutal blow as he scored with 8:22 left in the second quarter. Giles left the game under his own power and watched the remainder of the half without shoulder pads.

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** This weekly series pits Tribune reporter Eddie Daniels against fiancé Stephanie Roome. It’s a joke gone bad as each make their picks of Pasco County football teams during the season. It’s also the only chance Eddie gets to be right, unless one of you football teams let him down, which happened last week, so stop that!

Last week, I got my medicine early.

Ah, a glorious Friday, signaling the weekend, which really means zip to a sportswriter. Then the Canadian got a hold of the paper to check up on the Thursday night round of games. Once Bishop McLaughlin played Friday night, the results were astounding. She went 4-0 and me, in all my so-called football acumen, 2-2. Nice.

Going to the bathroom, she reminded me. Coming in from the garage, she reminded me. Peeking my head into to the freezer, I look over and guess who has something to say about going 4-0?

That’s OK. I’m a graduate of Grambling State University, where the late, great Eddie Robinson once coached. This is a man, who at one point had more victories than any other coach in this country.

Years ago, he said: “Win without bragging and lose without excuses.”

This week’s for you Coach Rob!

LAST WEEK’S RESULTS…THE CANADIAN: 4-0
EDDIE: 2-2
SEASON: The Canadian: 16-17; Eddie 23-10

Hudson Cobras (2-4, 1-1 Class 3A-District 8)

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Gulf Buccaneers (6-0, 2-0 Class 3A-District 8)


EDDIE’S PICK: Gulf
WHY: Ball control is the key and the Buccaneers can definitely control the clock. They have the area’s leading rusher in Adrian Golden and the longer they keep the ball, the less time Cobras QB Zack Wynn – Pasco County’s leading passer – will see of the field.
THE CANADIAN: The Bucs (Gulf)
WHY: What can I say…love the name!
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Pasco Pirates (5-1, 2-0 Class 3A-District 8)

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Sunlake Seahawks (1-5, 0-2 Class 3A-District 8)

EDDIE’S PICK: Pasco
WHY: Pasco is fresh off of a bye week, using this week to rest and game plan. That isn’t the best news to Sunlake’s ears. The Seahawks, though dominated 35-13 by Wesley Chapel last week, showed it had the ability to run and pass against a decent defense. Well, they face a Pirates defense that is likely a step up.
THE CANADIAN: Pasco
WHY: Going to have to go with the Pirates. Ahoy, Matey!
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Land O’ Lakes Gators (4-2, 1-1 Class 4A-District 8)

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Brooksville Central Bears (3-3, 1-1 Class 4A-District 8)


EDDIE’S PICK: Land O’ Lakes
WHY: During the offseason, Land O’ Lakes coach John Benedetto constantly said he had a young team, but with six games under their belts, those youngsters have gotten valuable game experience. That said, the Land O’ Lakes of the past few seasons is emerging. Expect a big game from the Gators tonight.
THE CANADIAN: Land O Lakes
WHY: This may be the first time I’ve made my pick for the Gators. After all, how could I pick a team named the Gators? Yes, I’m aware I’m probably peeving off a lot of UF fans, but what can I say, I’m a Seminoles fan. Why the switch? Maybe my 4-0 record last week has boosted my ego and as a result I’m taking more chances with my picks.
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Wharton Wildcats (5-2, 1-0 Class 5A-District 5)

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Mitchell Mustangs (4-2, 0-1 Class 5A-District 5)


EDDIE’S PICK: Wharton
WHY: Wharton stumbled in its first two games, but has rebounded for five consecutive wins. They were able to pull out a close game against Wesley Chapel and put up 42 points against Middleton in a 42-35 victory. The Wildcats know how to shift gears. Mitchell, we’ll see which offense comes out tonight – the one that put up 39 points against Hudson or the one that has averaged 10.6 points in five other games.
THE CANADIAN: Mitchell
WHY: I’m always hearing about Pasco County teams struggling against Hillsborough County teams. Well, it sounds like a bunch of mumbo jumbo to me. I’m picking the Pasco team to prove my point!
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Gaither Cowboys (3-4, 1-0 Class 5A-District 5)

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Wesley Chapel Wildcats (3-4, 0-1 Class 5A-District 5)


EDDIE’S PICK: Gaither
WHY: Literally a coin flip. I admit it. Gaither may have starting QB Kamren Hawkins back tonight from an ankle injury. Plus, the non-district games the Cowboys have played – Chamberlain, Plant, Jefferson and Jesuit – are some serious tune-ups for district play. Wesley Chapel battled with Wharton and most say they should have won. Gaither has been a tad inconsistent and has scored more that 14 points just three times. With the inside/outside run game of the Wildcats’ Hunter Joyer and Keenan Reynolds, this may be a tight contest.
THE CANADIAN: Gaither
WHY: For Kristen, Cristin, and Kelly, three of my bridesmaids. They each graduated from Gaither High School.
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Tarpon Springs Spongers (5-2, 1-1 Class 4A-District 8)

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Ridgewood Rams (3-3, 1-1 Class 4A-District 8)


EDDIE’S PICK: Tarpon Springs
WHY: The Spongers are fighting to keep pace with the top two teams in the district – Springstead and Land O’ Lakes. To do so, a victory against the Rams is a must. They’ve hit a two-game losing skid and have been mistake prone. Ridgewood, which finished second it he district last season, is itching to get back to that spot and can help itself with a win.
THE CANADIAN: Tarpon Springs
WHY: Despite coming off two heartbreaking losses, the Spongers are going to bring it back. And like I’ve said before, any team named after the sponge harvesting industry, which the Tarpon Springs area is known for, gets my pick!
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Wiregrass Ranch Bulls (0-6, 0-2 Class 3A-District 8)

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Zephyrhills Bulldogs (2-4, 1-1 Class 3A-District 8)


EDDIE’S PICK: Zephyrhills
WHY: Zephyrhills has a deceptive record. Though they have just two wins, they’ve given plenty of teams fits. Four times the Bulldogs defense has given up 11 points or less. Two weeks ago, Pasco threw the kitchen sink, dishwasher, stove, table, silverware and even the toilet at Zephyrhills quarterback Tyler Guy. The tremendous pressure kept Guy uncomfortable en route to a 24-0 Pasco win. If Wiregrass wants to get into the win column, they’ll have to adopt Pasco’s defensive philosophy.
THE CANADIAN: Wiregrass Ranch
WHY: In their last game against Pasco, the Bulldogs were shutout. Now I had always claimed up until that game that I would not make my pick for the Bulldogs because my fiancé, (Eddie Daniels), used to have a girlfriend who owned a bulldog. Was my reason juvenile? Maybe. Did my reason work for me? Absolutely! The first time I pick them, they get completely shutout. My pick is for Wiregrass Ranch all the way.
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Springstead Eagles (5-1, 2-0 Class 4A-District 8)

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River Ridge Royal Knights (0-6, 0-2 Class 4A-District 8)


EDDIE’S PICK: Springstead
WHY: Springstead has been strong all season and even gave Nature Coast a close showing. The Eagles have a grip on the top spot in the district and are looking to keep that spot for a trip to the playoffs. River Ridge has played hard, but has fallen on the wrong side of the scoreboard. They’ll need to muster every effort they have to record an upset.
THE CANADIAN: River Ridge
WHY: Ok, I’m a sucker for the underdog. Here we have two teams with almost opposite records this season. Springstead is 5-1 hoping to clinch a five-game win streak, while River Ridge is 0-6. Is it a streak of bad luck for River Ridge? I think so. They will turn it around tonight.
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Bishop McLaughlin Hurricanes (3-3)

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Bradenton St. Stephen’s Falcons (4-2)


EDDIE’S PICK: St. Stephen’s
WHY: That whole two teams in consecutive weeks with their victories coming by way of a forfeit is all done. St. Stephen’s is a legit team and will show that tonight.
THE CANADIAN: St. Stephen’s
WHY: The Hurricanes are on a three-game winning streak, while showing stellar performances, but their last two games were against teams who claimed their only wins via forfeits. On the other hand, Bradenton completely shut down Carrollwood Day with a 59-0 win last week. This does not fare well for the Hurricanes this week. They may meet their match with this game.

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Ridgewood forward Lukas Poderis has verbally committed to play basketball at East Tennessee State.

“We had a connection to East Tennessee State because Andrew Reed went there and just graduated this past spring, so I’m familiar with their coaches,” Ridgewood basketball coach and AD Gary Anders said. “I think very highly of them. It’s just a real good situation. Good academic situation, facilities are beautiful, the guys in the program are good guys, good people, their coaches are fair and tough.

“Of course Lukas went up there for a visit and he felt very comfortable. On top of that, they play in a conference where they’ve been competitive the last several years to get into the NCAA tournament. I think it’s a real good opportunity for him.”

Poderis was named the Tribune’s Pasco County Boys Basketball Athlete of the Year for his 2007-08 season. As a junior, the 6-foot-8 and 215 pounder, averaged 18.5 points, 9.6 rebounds and 2.5 blocked shots per game. Of his 249 rebounds, 154 were defensive. Poderis also set a points in a game benchmark for Ridgewood when he put up 38 against Central on Jan. 11, 2008

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Gulf offensive coordinator Brian Wright returned to practice after spending a few days at Shands at the University of Florida in Gainesville.

Wright began coughing blood over the weekend as a result of surgery earlier in the year.

Wright, 44, was near the end of track season when he was eating at his home on April 12 and a piece of food got stuck in his throat. In the process of trying to dislodge it, an esophageal tear occurred. He underwent emergency surgery at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point.

Wright, better known as “Red,” missed all of the Buccaneers’ spring practice but returned to the field during the summer.

“Everything is OK,” Wright said Thursday. “They ran some tests. I told them I had a big game this week and needed to be here.”

Wright came to Gulf prior to the 2006-07 school year. He was born in Louisville, Ky., and attended the University of Louisville before beginning his teaching career. He met Fulmer while in Kentucky and the two coached against each other while becoming close friends.

Gulf hosts Hudson on Saturday in a key Class 3A-District 8 game.

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Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Ryan Pickett will be honored by his high school – Zephyrhills – Friday night following the Bulldogs homecoming game against Wiregrass Ranch.

According to ZHS athletic director Craig Milburn, the school will honor Pickett by retiring his No. 79 jersey. A limited number of programs with Pickett’s picture on the front will be sold for $5. Those who buy the programs can have them autographed by Pickett, who will be in attendance.

Also, those who buy the programs will be entered into a raffle to win a game-worn, Green Bay Packers Pickett jersey with his autograph.

There will also be photos at the stadium of Pickett, which can be autographed as well.

Pickett, a 1998 Zephyrhills grad, played his collegiate football Ohio State, where he entered the draft in 2001 following his junior season. He was a first round selection, 29th overall, by the St. Louis Rams that year. This is Pickett’s third season with the Packers.

As a Zephyrhills senior, Pickett racked up 119 tackles and seven sacks en route to his selection as an All-American and recognition as one of the nation’s top 25 football players.

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It looks like just about any other pass play in high school football. The rush is on, the quarterback releases the ball and the catch is made.

But this particular play ended the season of one of the nation’s top prep quarterbacks, Plant senior and University of Georgia-bound Aaron Murray. Late in the second quarter of Thursday’s game, Murray was tackled by Hillsborough senior linebacker Victor Bynum, just as he rolled out to his right and released a pass. The catch was made by Panthers wide receiver Justin Rudolph but back upfield, Murray lay prone on his back surrounded by trainers, doctors and coaches from both schools. There was nothing malicious about Bynum’s tackle, who appeared to simply wrap up Murray and pull him to the ground as he threw the pass.

You can see the play here on this link:http://www2.tbo.com/video/2008/oct/17/aaron-murrays-season-ending-play/

To the great disappointment of prep football fans everywhere—particularly to Plant and UGA fans—it would soon be discovered Murray had broken his lower fibula. For Murray, who has eclipsed nearly every passing record in the state and carries a 5.0 GPA, his season is over. Stepping into his starting role now is sophomore Phillip Ely, who went on to help the Panthers beat the rival Terriers 44-28.

You can also see highlights and interviews from the game here: http://www2.tbo.com/video/2008/oct/17/hillsborough-vs-plant-highlights-interviews/

And “Sideline Sights & Sounds” from the game here: http://www2.tbo.com/video/2008/oct/17/hillsborough-vs-plant-sideline-sights-sounds/

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Some nicknames for a few of tonight’s match-ups in Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas County.

In Hillsborough County:

Leto at Bloomingdale. WHO DAT? BOWL. Remember how the New Orleans Saints were the joke of the NFL? The phrase “who dat gonna beat dem Saints” turned into “who can’t?”. Both programs are much more competitive then they were last year. A win tonight, for either team, will show they are a team to be reckoned with.

Jefferson at Chamberlain. REUNITED, AND IT FEELS SO GOOD CLASSIC. There are a number of players at Chamberlain that transferred from Jefferson in the spring. One, Ed Williams, left Chamberlain for Alonso last week. They maybe former friends, but there is still a football game to play.

In Pasco County:

Ridgewood (3-2) at Mitchell (3-2). WELCOME BACK BOWL. Former Mitchell running back Sterling Ross will return to his former stomping grounds, but this time, he’ll be wearing a Ridgewood uniform. Ross, who was a complementary piece to the Mustang offense with QB Tate Humphrey and WRs Tyrone Hendrix and Jesse Dustin last season as a junior, is now the Ridgewood leading rusher. The senior has 994 yards on 100 carries and 11 scores. This one out to be warm and fuzzy.

Hudson (1-4) at River Ridge (0-5). CLOSE ENCOUNTER CLASSIC. This is a game that could go either way. Hudson has stumbled through the season, while River Ridge has been close, not yet cracking the win column. The Royal Knights came close to a victory last week against Ridgewood and Hudson nearly dropped one to Wiregrass. We’ll see who can make the plays tonight.

In Pinellas County:

St. Pete Catholic vs. Clearwater Central Catholic. THE HOLY BOWL. Granted, it’s a big callous to refer to a high school game as a “war,” but this series between the two Pinellas County catholic schools has long been called “The Holy War.” Thankfully, it’s not a war. Too bad the series is not as intense as it once was. Just a few short years ago, this was one of the best rivalries in the Tampa Bay area, especially when the two teams played in the same district. Fans could expect to watch future NFL players like former SPC quarterback Chris Davis (now a wide receiver with Tennessee) or future Division-I players like wide receiver Riley Cooper (CCC/Florida), running back Jock Sanders (SPC/West Virginia) or linebacker Colin McCarthy (CCC/Miami). Since, the two schools play in different districts, SPC is still trying to bounce back from its recent probation. CCC, while solid, isn’t as dominant as it once was. But the excitement for the players, fans and coaches will still be as elevated as always.

-- Compiled by Tribune Staff

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** This weekly series pits Tribune reporter Eddie Daniels against fiancé Stephanie Roome. It’s a joke gone bad as each make their picks of Pasco County football teams during the season. It’s also the only chance Eddie gets to be right, unless one of you football teams let him down.

Approaching the 2 a.m. mark after covering a night of football last Friday, I gained an understanding.

When football coaches put a kid in a certain position and drills them and drills them and then that kid gets their shot Friday night and does well, you typically hear a shout of congratulations.

Well, as I sifted over last week’s games and compared how Stephanie, excuse me, The Canadian, performed, I witnessed a breakthrough. She went 4-4! Some may say big deal, but when you pick games in Pasco County, anything can happen. Plus, the week before she was 2-4 just like me. Driving the point home, she’s Canadian and hockey, Poutine and snow shoes are in her DNA. Not high school football.

That said, here’s a swat to the rear and an atta-girl! Good work kid.

LAST WEEK’S RESULTS…
THE CANADIAN: 4-4
EDDIE: 8-0
SEASON: The Canadian: 12-17; Eddie 21-8

Ridgewood Rams (3-2)

AT

Mitchell Mustangs (3-2)

EDDIE’S PICK: Ridgewood
WHY: Both teams have been touched with a dose of inconsistency and really, picking one over the other is a toss up. But there is one thing that sways me to the side of the Rams – offense. Mitchell’s offense has scored more than 16 points once and it came in dramatic fashion with a 39-36 shootout victory against Hudson. Last week, Gaither cooled their heels, giving up just three points. Trend? Maybe.
THE CANADIAN: Mitchell
WHY: Numbers-Smumbers. This one’s easy for me. I chose to give another homage to my first car… a Ford Mustang.
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Sunlake Seahawks (1-4)

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Wesley Chapel Wildcats (2-4)

EDDIE’S PICK: Wesley Chapel
WHY: According to some in the sports world, Wesley Chapel should not have lost to Wharton last week. Blame a couple of mistimed interceptions for that 28-21 loss. This week Sunlake steps foot for the first time into Wildcat Stadium. Expect Wesley Chapel coach John Castelamare to sic running back Hunter Joyer all over the Seahawks defense. That’s not good for anyone in an opposing jersey.
THE CANADIAN: Wesley Chapel
WHY: Seems the Wildcats have been all over the place this season. As a cat lover, I believe that cats have nine lives and these Wildcats may have used some up, but they still have plenty left. Hopefully they don’t waste any tonight.
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Hudson Cobras (1-4)

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River Ridge Royal Knights (0-5)

EDDIE’S PICK: River Ridge
WHY: First of all, it’s been a LONG time since I’ve picked River Ridge to beat an opponent. Nothing against the good folks over there in New Port Richey, but the Royal Knights have had their issues for a while. Enough about that. Hudson comes in ready to be plucked. After River Ridge stood toe-to-toe last week against Ridgewood, expect that same effort tonight. Hudson barely escaped Wiregrass Ranch with its 14-7 victory. It all catches up to them at the Jim Valentine Athletic Complex.
THE CANADIAN: Hudson
WHY: Playing strictly off the numbers, this one seems like a no-brainer to me.
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Bishop McLaughlin Hurricanes (2-3)

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Leesburg First Academy Eagles (1-5)

EDDIE’S PICK: Bishop McLaughlin
WHY: This is the second consecutive week in which Bishop McLaughlin faces a team that got its only win vi a forfeit. That bodes well for the Hurricanes.
THE CANADIAN: Bishop McLaughlin
WHY: Hurricane season is almost over, so I’m willing to set superstition aside and make my pick for a team named after my worst fear. I think their season is far from over!

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Wiregrass Ranch’s Boys Golf Team continued a turnaround second season by finishing runner-up in the Class 1A, District 9 tournament at the Dunes Golf Club in Weeki Wachee on Tuesday.

The Bulls’ Logan Horrigan (73) was the individual district champion, followed by Dylan Larson (85), Chris Kluender (89), and James Mudge (95).

Wiregrass Ranch will be joined in the Region 3 Tournament next Monday (Oct. 20) at the Gainesville Golf and Country Club by a pair of Pasco County sophomores—Bishop McLaughlin’s Kentaro Toyota and Saddlebrook Prep’s Alex Benashel—who took two of the three available spots for individuals not on a qualifying team.

Toyota shot 79 to finish fourth, while Benashel shot 81 to finish tied for sixth. Nature Coast Tech’s Anthony Rule earned the other spot with an 81 as well.

Inverness Citrus (314) won the team title, and Crystal River (346) was third. Defending district champion Saddlebrook Prep (359) was fourth, just missing the top three cut for regionals.

Other top Pasco County finishers were Bishop McLaughlin’s Marc Doucette and Pasco’s Danny Prescott, who both shot 83 and finished tied for ninth.

In the team standings, Pasco finished sixth (362), Sunlake seventh (363), Bishop McLaughlin ninth (367), Zephyrhills 10th (374) and Academy at the Lakes 12th (449) of 13 teams from Pasco, Hernando, Citrus and Sumter counties.

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