Around The Region:

On Friday, the Florida High School Athletic Association decided to cancel the remaining football games for Nature Coast (Brooksville) and South Lake (Groveland) due to the incident that occured between the schools on Nov. 7. This includes the FHSAA football playoffs for Nature Coast and a bowl game for South Lake.

Nature Coast was scheduled to play Williston High School tonight. Due to the decision made by the FHSAA, the bracket Nature Coast held is now vacated.

In a statement on the organization’s website, the FHSAA released the following information:

Nature Coast has been fined $10,400 as indicated below:
- In accordance with Bylaw 8.1.1 and Policy 45, Item #23 and Item #20 ($500);
- In accordance with Policy 45, Item #18 ($5,100); and
- In accordance with Policy 32, forty-eight (48) counts of regular unsportsmanlike conduct ($4,800)

Nature Coast’s football program is placed on administrative probation for the remainder of the 2008-09 school year, and concludes at the end of the 2009-10 school year. The football program has also been placed on restrictive probation for the remainder of the 2008-09 school year.

South Lake has been fined $8,500 as indicated below:
- In accordance with Bylaw 8.1.1 and Policy 45, Item #23 and Item #20 ($500);
- In accordance with Policy 45, Item #18 ($3,800); and
- In accordance with Policy 32, forty-two (42) counts of regular unsportsmanlike conduct ($4,200)

South Lake’s football program is placed on administrative probation for the remainder of the 2008-09 school year, and concludes at the end of the 2009-10 school year. The football program has also been placed on restrictive probation for the remainder of the 2008-09 school year.

The two schools may seek a reduction in the penalties assessed upon successful completion of an FHSAA approved sportsmanship education program.

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LAKELAND Berkeley Prep defeated Miami Florida Christian in the state semifinals and will face Orlando Lake Highland Prep in the 3A championship Saturday at 2:30 p.m.

Lake Highland defeated Jacksonville Bolles in three sets, 25-16, 25-23, 25-15, in the other semifinal.

Game 1

Berkeley Prep, 25-11. Freshman Jordan Burgess had five kills and two service aces to lead Berkeley Prep. Christine Theofilos already has seven digs, along with 10 assists. Florida Christian does not pose a huge threat to Berkeley.

Game 2

Berkeley Prep, 25-12. Junior middle hitter Lindsay Young had four kills and a service ace to lead Berkeley. Florida Christian can not get their offense together and is not stopping Berkeley defensively. Berkeley has a 39-24 edge in digs.

Game 3

Berkeley Prep 25-15. Florida Christian jumped out to a 6-1 lead, but Berkeley did not panic. The Buccaneers rallied to take a 12-8 lead. Burgess had a match-high 14 kills while Theofilos had 30 assists.

You can find complete stats from the match here

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Pasco High football coach Tom McHugh was honored by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as their Week 10 Coach of the Week.

Following Thursday morning’s practice at One Buc Place, Tampa Bay coach Jon Gruden presented McHugh with a certificate, personalized football and the program will received $1,000.

McHugh became eligible for the honor after his team’s 21-20 victory against Gulf Nov. 7. That Pirates victory clenched Class 3A-District 8 title – it’s second consecutive - as well as the Sunshine Athletic Conference crown.

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The following is the Western Conference (Public School) Volleyball All-Star team as voted by the Hillsborough County public school volleyball coaches. There are some obvious omissions from the team. No player from Newsome, which advanced to the Class 5A region quarterfinals as district runner-up, was selected and neither was Alonso senior hitter Kaitlin Liguori, one of the top players in the county.

From what I’ve been told, at times, if a school’s coach in not present at the selection meeting, no one from that school in nominated.

FEDERAL DIVISION
1st Team

Rachel Rackoczy, Wharton
Timber Times, Wharton
Natalie Ditmarsen, Freedom
Desiree Leedy, Armwood
Emilee Taylor, Armwood
Jenna Fameree, Armwood
Camerie Mires, Armwood (Libero)

2nd Team
J.J. Rodriguez, Tampa Bay Tech
Molly Delattre, Wharton
Morgan Kastner, Freedom
Melissa Ramirez, Middleton
Carlie Liffrig, Wharton
Magen Wetmore, Hillsborough
Abby Kernaghan, Freedom (Libero)

Coach of the Year, Mike Wyatt, Armwood

NATIONAL DIVISION
1st Team
Chelsea Morris, Durant
Chelsey Pachoud, Riverview
Kelsey Horton, Durant
Audra Geniesse, Brandon
Lindsey Watson, Brandon
Aly Woodlee, Brandon
Lindi Oest, Durant (Libero)

2nd Team
Micki Rivers, Brandon
Devin Whale, Brandon
Ali Boggs, Plant City
Lauren Verbosky, East Bay
Morgan Williams, East Bay
Brandi Kines, Bloomingdale
Elisabeth Morley, Bloomingdale (Libero)

Coach of the Year Amy Watson, Brandon

AMERICAN DIVISION
1ST Team
Danielle Erb, Plant
Maddie Martin, Plant
Lauren Ramsey, Sickles
Madi Comperry, Sickles
Jordan Dickie, Plant
Fatimah Dominguez, Leto
Ali McCurdy, Plant (Libero)

2nd Team
Becca Howard, Plant
Ariel Ley, Plant
Leah Jordan, Plant
Ellen Pautler, Gaither
Katie Kamm, Gaither
Brittany Coffman, Gaither
Cameron Hill, Plant (Libero)

Coaches of the Year: Leanna Taylor, Plant; Mike McManus, Leto

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LAKELAND

Game 1
Timber Creek, 28-26. Timber Creek, which beat Berkeley Prep at the Tampa Bay Invitational earlier in the season, put Countryside on its heels early, but the Cougars’ defense kept them in the set. Countryside tied the set at 19 and 24 and both teams were caught up in long rallies.

Game 2
Timber Creek, 25-16. Jessica Yingling won the match on a service ace. Countryside’s Madison Truluck has a match-high 12 kills.

Game 3

Timber Creek, 25-22. Countryside rallied to tie the set at 21 and 22, but allowed Timber Creek to score three straight points to win the match. Countryside ends the season 29-1. Timber Creek will face Royal Palm Beach in the state championship Thursday at 7 p.m.

For complete stats of the match, go here

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LAKELAND

Game 1

Palmer Trinity, 25-21: Tampa Prep held a 21-20 lead, but allowed a five-point run by Trinity. Prep’s largest lead of the game was 10-6. Alena Ransom has five kills to lead the Terrapins.

Game 2

Palmer Trinity, 25-18. Although only a freshman, Trinity’s Paulina Prieto (6-foot-2) is causing major problems for Prep at the net. She has a match-high eight kills. Offensively, the Terrapins succeed when the ball is set to middle hitter Dana Malinowski, but have not consistently called her number. Palmer now leads the match, 2-0.

Game 3

Tampa Prep, 25-21. Tampa Prep led 7-6 and never looked back to force a Game 4. The Terrapins got key contributions from Malinowski, Ransom, Katie Krueger and Latora Lofgren, who won the game on a three-ball. Prep was down 0-2 in the region final against Northside Christian, but won three straight games to win the match.

Game 4

Tampa Prep, 25-23. Malinowski sends the match into Game 5 with a service ace. The match is tied, 2-2. Prep had key hits from Ransom and Lofgren. The winner of Game 5, which only goes up to 15, will advance to the state tournament. Ransom has 13 kills while Malinowski has 12.

Game 5

Palmer Trinity, 15-8. Prep loses the match on a violation. Trinity will face Orlando First Academy in the state championship, Thursday at 2 p.m. Tampa Prep ends its season 15-14.

First Academy defeated Tallahassee Maclay in the other semifinal, 25-6, 25-7, 25-8.

For complete stats, go Here

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Berkeley Prep senior setter/libero Christina Theofilos has been selected to receive the Hillsborough County Volleyball Officials Association’s Rose Diaz award, which is given to the player who has done the most to help her team succeed. Former Sickles outside hitter Sara Vance was last year’s recipient.

The school also announced Theofilos, who has committed to Notre Dame, was chosen by the Florida Athletic Coaches Association as a District 13 All Star, which means she will ultimately participate in the FACA All Star Classic in December.

Berkeley will face Miami Florida Christian in the Class 3A state semifinals Friday at 4 p.m.

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The 2008-2009 high school girls basketball season officially begins Monday night.

Here are some key games to keep an eye on in the opening week of play:

Monday
Academy of the Holy Names at Northside Christian

Tuesday
Jefferson at King
Blake at Sickles

Friday
Armwood at King
Tampa Bay Tech at Freedom

Tell us who you think the top teams and players are in Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas County.

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The 5th Annual Jan Bennett Pre-season Hoop It Up boys basketball tournament will be held this Thursday and Friday at Seffner Christian.

Armwood, East Bay, Seffner Christian, Tampa Bay Tech, Newsome and Plant are scheduled to participate.

Tournament proceeds will go to the Tampa Bay Basketball Coaches Association and the Doug Walker Scholarship Fund. In the last four years, the tournament has raised $3,742.00.

The schedule is as followed:

Nov. 20th

TBT vs. Plant, 5:00 p.m.

Armwood vs. East Bay, 6:30 p.m.

Newsome vs. Seffner Christian, 8 p.m.

Nov. 21

Plant vs. Newsome, 5 p.m.

East Bay vs. TBT, 6:30 p.m.

Armwood vs. Seffner Christian, 8 p.m.

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TAMPA - Tampa Prep soccer players Wes Sever and Alex Tuch have been named to a 72-player camp in Carson, Calif., at the U.S. Soccer National Training Center next month. The players will compete for a place on what is expected to be an 18-player U.S. Under-18 National team squad.

The camp will run from Dec. 28 to Jan. 5. Both players found out they had been selected after the Terrapins’ game against St. Petersburg Catholic on Tuesday night. Sever said being selected with Tuch, whom he also plays with on the Clearwater Chargers club team, was special.

“We’ve had a really close relationship over the last couple of year,” Sever said. “A lot of my success is because of him helping me out. He’s the reason for it.”

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What a way to end the season.

The Berkeley Prep football team was looking forward to playing in its final game of the season against South Florida Prep on Friday, but has been forced to find other means to celebrate senior night.

On Wednesday, South Florida Prep canceled, athletic director Bobby Reinhart said.

“It is very disappointing to say the least as Friday was to be our Senior Night and our last game of the season,” Reinhart said in an email. “We searched the FHSAA web-site for a possible replacement to no avail.”

Reinhart said the administration won’t let the cancellation ruin the season finale for the team, and has decided to have a cookout, followed by the senior ceremony and flag football game.

“It’s not ideal, but we’ll have some fun and make the night a memorable one for our seniors,” Reinhart said.

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By EDDIE DANIELS
edaniels@tampatrib.com

NEW PORT RICHEY - Wednesday afternoon was a breeze for River Ridge catcher Sarah Simon.

Tuesday night, the aspiring pilot conducted nine takeoffs and landings, her final landing coming with the plane’s electricity intentionally cut off.

When she sat down inside River Ridge’s Student Services office to ink her signature to the letter-of-intent to play softball for Jacksonville University, it was truly a piece of cake.

“I want to become a commercial pilot and through the steps [at Jacksonville University], I get a guaranteed interview with Delta after I graduate,” Simon said. “And they’re placement after graduation is close to perfection.”

When River Ridge softball and girls golf coach Ernie Beck was informed by Sarah’s parents, Lisa and Brent Simon, she would have to leave golf practice early this fall for lessons, his reaction was classic.

“I said, ‘I’ve heard them all now,’” he said, laughing. “That’s phenomenal. I’ve never had that.

“I think it shows an air of confidence. Don’t get me wrong, she’s not cocky, but she shows that air of confidence. She’s biting off a pretty big piece, but I think she’s going to handle it well. She’s got that low key [personality], but not low key on the field.”

Last season, Simon, 18, hit .514, 48 RBIs, a fielding percentage of .993 and a team-best five home runs. 

She was also a Tampa Tribune All-Pasco County first team selection as well as an All-Sunshine Athletic Conference first teamer.

Considering her passion for athletics will eventually give way to piloting, Simon got a kick out of the possibilities: “Maybe I can fly a sports team around,” she said laughing.

Simon’s career in softball came so early, she doesn’t even remember at what age she began playing. What she does recall is when her brother, Blaise, began to play baseball and she “always wanted to be just like him.”

Making Wednesday a little more special was the fact River Ridge’s marquee had a congratulatory message on it to Simon. She didn’t know until a text message from River Ridge softball assistant Lauren Embury came across her cell phone.

“I didn’t see it until about fourth period when Embury texted me, ‘Go look at the sign outside,’” Simon said. “So during my fifth period I looked and was like, ‘Oh, cool.’”

Reporter Eddie Daniels can be reached at (813) 948-4214.

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Counselors are on the campus of Wharton High this morning to talk to students regarding the death of defensive coach and teacher’s aid Earl Goodman, who died on Saturday from a heart attack.

To sign the guest book and read more more on this story, Click Here

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Countryside sophomore pitcher Alyssa Bache, arguably the top pitcher in Pinellas County, has verbally committed to the University of Florida, her travel coach Frank Arcuri told the Tribune.

Bache led the Cougars to the Class 6A region semifinals in the spring, where they lost to Durant, 4-2 in nine innings. She ended her freshman season with 17 wins, three losses, 160 strikeouts and a 0.98 ERA.

The Gators lost to Texas A&M in the Women’s College World Series semifinals.

Arcuri also said Countryside senior Brittany Dattilo has committed to the University of Tampa while Northeast catcher Melanie Stickney has committed to USF.

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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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