Around The Region:

In Hillsborough County:

Plant City at Wharton. THE WIZARD OF OZ BOWL. This game was supposed to be played at Plant City on Friday. Instead, it was moved to Wharton and played on Thursday because of Plant City’s field condition. Reporter Adam Adkins reported this Thursday morning. The team may not play on its home turf until the regular season finale. You can read more Here.

The Raiders, who haven’t played a home game this season, must feel like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, far away from home with no clue as to when they will get back. Should they try closing their eyes and clicking their cleats together three times?

Middleton vs. Blake at Raymond James Stadium. THE MUSIC BOWL. People may actually be more interested with who wins the halftime show rather than what transpires on the field.

Jefferson at Armwood. MIRACLE ON TURF BOWL. Here’s what Jefferson coach Mike Fenton had to say about facing Armwood after his team’s win over Gaither last week. “We’re playing an all-universe team and we’re going to get an opportunity to do something maybe no one has done in a long, long time. Great things have happened in sports throughout the years, you know, the United States beating the Russians. We’re going to have that opportunity.” With that said, we might have our own version of the 1980 Winter Olympic Miracle On Ice moment here in Hillsborough County!

In Pasco County:

Nature Coast (4-0) at Pasco (3-0). CHUM CLASSIC. Only one of these teams can leave W.F. Edwards Stadium with their undefeated record intact. Have the Sharks of Nature Coast gotten a whiff of blood in the water? Pasco will be without two-way lineman and D-I recruit Mylon Brown for another four weeks. He’s already missed two. Last week Pasco had to come from behind in the final seconds of the game against Hudson to earn a win. The other question is will the Pirates cut the Sharks up, bouncing back from last week’s struggles.

Sunlake (1-2) at Land O’ Lakes (2-2). BUTTER BOWL. No, this isn’t the Land O’ Lakes that produces the butter, but who cares. Land O’ Lakes is home to two public schools and they both will face off Friday night. Land O’ Lakes, the granddaddy of the two, leads the fledgling series, 1-0.

Gulf (4-0) at Ridgewood (2-1). TRUTH SERUM SHOWDOWN. These two squad have experienced a hefty level of success the last couple seasons. Gulf’s four victories come against teams that are a combined 4-11, while Ridgewood is a level higher than Gulf’s previous competition. This will be the first major test for the Bucs.

Wesley Chapel (2-2) at Zephyrhills (1-3). BUCKLE YOUR HELMET BOWL. When these two teams get after it, you can ensure there will be some hard hitting and a decent defensive showing. Wesley Chapel lost last season’s matchup against the Bulldogs and they’re looking for a shot of revenge.

In Pinellas County:

Largo vs. Dunedin. STRENGTH VS. STRENGTH BOWL. Not often do two teams with solid matchup happen like this one. On one side of the ball is Dunedin running back Adarius Bellamy. The Rivals.com four star running back, who has verbally committed to South Florida, can toy with opponents. A game earlier this year against Osceola was a perfect example when he scored six touchdowns over the span of eight rushing attempts.

Facing Bellamy from Largo’s side of the line is one of the state’s top linebackers, three star Rivals.com linebacker Mike Marry. Both teams are built to run the ball and stop the run, respectively. The winner of this matchup will likely lead his team to a win and possibly the much bigger things to come.

Players to watch in Pinellas:
Hunter Trumaine, QB, Shorecrest Prep: Trumaine has 427 yards rushing averaging 11 yards a carry.

Lou Mason, RB, Indian Rocks Christian: Mason has 285 yards rushing averaging 12 yards a carry.

Compiled by Lee Diekemper, Adam Adkins, Katherine Smith, Eddie Daniels and Nick Williams

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The Bloomingdale varsity volleyball team has forfeited its wins over Robinson, King and Freedom for use of an ineligible player, athletic director Danielle Shotwell confirmed.

“After speaking with the FHSAA, it was recommended we forfeit those games,” Shotwell said.

Head coach Bonnie Hess said the FHSAA determined the player in question enrolled at Bloomingdale for athletic purposes. Hess said she is seeking an appeal within the next few weeks. Shotwelll said the school initiated the eligibility ruling from the FHSAA.

FHSAA spokesperson Cristina Alvarez said Bloomingdale immediately removed the coach that caused the violation, with the removal allowing the student-athlete to be eligible. Hess said the coach was her longtime volunteer assistant and parent of the athlete, a freshman.

The Bulls, who were 4-2, are now 1-5. Bloomingdale plays at Brandon tonight. 

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TAMPA—Indian Rocks Christian volleyball coach Mark Foster said his team needed a win this week, and his Eagles delivered a victory on Tuesday with a four-game triumph over Academy of the Holy Names.

Indians Rocks Christian (10-4) won in scores of 25-20, 18-25, 25-15 and 25-20.

“We needed a strong showing tonight to get ready for Clearwater Central Catholic,” Foster said.

Kenzie Reynolds led the Eagles with 15 kills while Marissa Moralobo added 11.

After losing the first game, Holy Names (10-4) went on an 8-1 run to win the second. Errors plagued the Jaguars in the third game and a late rally wasn’t good enough in the final game of the match.

“Our serve-receiving was our biggest weakness tonight,” Holy Names coach Kevin Reynolds said. “You’re going to have nights like these.”

Kelsey Rafols led the attack with 10 kills while Nikki Neville had five blocks. 

Reporter Nick Williams can be reached at (813) 865-4848 or nwilliams@tampatrib.com. 

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From the FHSAA:

GAINESVILLE – The Florida High School Athletic Association Board of Directors at its September business meeting voted to approve a staff recommendation to modify the policy governing approval of multi-school athletic events, rescinding the $50 participation fee per school for invitational tournaments in girls volleyball and wrestling.

The administrative fees for invitational tournaments in both sports will return to the previous rates of $100 for eight or fewer teams and $150 for nine-16 teams, as well as the $250 fee for 17-32 teams in wrestling, but requiring conditional approval for tournaments exceeding 16 teams in girls volleyball and 32 in wrestling.  Additional teams beyond the 16 in girls volleyball and 32 in wrestling will incur a $50 administrative fee per team.

“The adjustment is a very good one, and we would like to thank Shanell Young and the rest of the staff who came up with such a good way to bring sensibility to an issue that had unintended consequences when it was passed in June,” said FHSAA Executive Director John A. Stewart.

The Board also elected Pam Stewart, Deputy Chancellor for K-12 Educator Quality for the Florida Department of Education, as president-elect of the board for the remainder of the 2008-09 school year. Due to the resignation of Jackson County Superintendent Daniel Sims, President-Elect Greg Zornes assumed presidential duties of the Board of Directors at the end of the meeting.

In other action, the Board of Directors:

Determined a need for reapportionment of the Association’s administrative sections, which will come to action at the November business meeting.

Approved a change in Policy 9.I.2 in the FHSAA Handbook, Division of Regular Season Event Receipts – Preseason and Spring Classics, to say the FHSAA shall receive 20 percent of the gross receipts of all preseason football classic games, as well as spring football classic games, whether or not a net profit was made on the event.  The visiting school shall receive 35 percent of net profit after the host pays expenses, including the FHSAA fee, unless a mutual agreement is made for an alternative split between the schools prior to the event.

Approved the FHSAA and FHSAA Land Corporation budgets for 2008-09 school year.

Approved the date of Jan. 12-13, 2009 for the 2009 Representative Assembly meeting.

Approved a recommendation from the Athletic Directors Advisory Committee for the FHSAA to petition the NFHS for a fourth year in the experiment with a pitching distance of 43 feet in softball.

Approved a recommendation from the Baseball Advisory Committee to change s.205.03(d) in the FHSAA Baseball Manual, Regional Final Series, to state that if a third game is required in the regional final series, the host school shall, at the umpire’s request, provide the umpire crew with two hotel rooms if travel distance is 100 miles or more one way.

Approved a recommendation from the Tennis Advisory Committee to modify district and region tournaments, allowing two days (with a possible third for large districts) for district tournaments during the week of Apr. 13-17, 2009, and changing the regional final competition date to Thursday, Apr. 23, 2009.

Approved a recommendation from the Tennis Advisory Committee to adopt the following ITA regulations for substitution: “Players must play in order of ability.  The line-up must always be based on order of ability. ‘Matching up’ is prohibited.  In singles, players must compete in order of ability with the best player on the team playing at the No. 1 position, the second best at No. 2 and so on through all positions.  In case of injury, sickness, or absence, all players must move up.  This rule will also apply to doubles play with the strongest doubles team at No. 1, etc.”

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Oldsmar Christian coach Ryan Pannone might just have the most talented team in Pinellas County this year.

By the end of the season, he expects three of his seniors to sign Division I scholarships.

Six-foot-4 guard Chris Perez has offers from UC Riverside, Stetson and Jacksonville and has interest from schools like La Salle, East Carolina, Drake, Nebraska and Notre Dame. Guard Eric Segert has an offer from Idaho State and interest from Longwood. He also said Segert plans to visit Idaho State on Oct. 17.

Six-foot-6 forward Harald Doby has interest from Clemson, South Carolina, Florida Atlantic, UNC Wilmington.

Wichita State likes Perez and Doby and will be flying in to see them on Friday, Pannone said. 

Sickles is hosting a scrimmage Wednesday that will include Oldsmar and Clearwater. 

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Kids, a quick note before you head out to your games tonight… Do not do this:

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Friday night, during the third quarter of the Pasco-Wesley Chapel football game, Wesley Chapel assistant coach Abel Robinson pulled the headset away from his ear and came my way along the sideline. He asked me if the Wildcats won, would my fiancé give me an earful that weekend.

I gave him a stern look and told him my Stephanie, better known as The Canadian, would never do that. She’s not the gloating type. How dare he. OK, not really. Me and the newly married Robinson giggled and wondered what would happen.

I nearly found out when the Wildcats scored with just under nine minutes to play to make the score 21-20. Pasco eventually held off the hard-charging Wildcats.

And for the record, I do not root for or against any team. Period. No matter who I pick, it’s nothing personal. Just give me a good game to watch and write about and I’m a happy kid.

Don’t know if I can say the same for The Canadian. Saturday morning, she wasn’t worried about how my night went. Just before the talk of scouting out a place for breakfast, with a sly grin, she asked how she did in her picks. Some people.

LAST WEEK’S RESULTS…
THE CANADIAN: 3-4
EDDIE: 6-1

LAST WEEK’S RESULTS…
THE CANADIAN: 3-4
EDDIE: 6-1

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

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Hudson Cobras (0-2, 0-0 Class 3A-District 8)

EDDIE’S PICK: Pasco
WHY: The past four seasons between these teams have been a score fest. The Cobras have taken two, while the Pirates have snatched the last two meetings. In that time, Hudson has averaged 35 points, while Pasco has averaged 26.8 points. Sorry, but the swashbuckling Pirates are too hot to turn from. Even without lineman Mylon Brown, the squad held off a game Wesley Chapel. Expect the same this week.
THE CANADIAN’S PICK:  Hudson
WHY: It looks like I’m going to have to take a different approach this week considering my pitiful performance last week. Although the Cobras have already lost two this season, they did end last season, 7-4, and was second in the district. They also won all four of their home games. I’m going to root for the underdog and say go Cobra’s!
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Ridgewood Rams (2-0, 1-0 Class 4A-District 8)

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Brooksville Central Bears (1-2, 0-0 Class 4A-District 8)

EDDIE’S PICK: Ridgewood
WHY: The Rams pummeled its first two foes – Hudson and Wiregrass Ranch – by a combined 59-12. A productive offense is paired with the fact Ridgewood has a chip on its shoulder. They want to prove their 2007 campaign wasn’t a fluke. Even more, they want to build on last season’s second place district finish and grab another playoff berth. Central just happens to be the team in the way this week.
THE CANADIAN’S PICK: Ridgewood
WHY: I don’t know about Ridgewood having a chip on their shoulders, or trying to prove that their 2007 campaign wasn’t a fluke. What I do know is that their colors are orange and blue, and orange is one of our wedding colors… ’nough said.
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Wiregrass Ranch Bulls (0-3, 0-0 Class 3A-District 8)

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

EDDIE’S PICK: Gulf
WHY: Wiregrass Ranch hasn’t been on the lucky side of the ledger all season. In fact, the offense has found the end zone just once in three games, having been outscored 80-6. Conversely, Gulf has trampled its competition averaging 38.3 points in those three games. Making matters worse, the Bulls defense will have to stop Gulf running backs Adrian “Bubba” Golden (10.3 yards per rush) and Tevin Gamble (8.1 yards per rush). If not, it’ll be a long night.
THE CANADIAN’S PICK:  Wiregrass Ranch
WHY: Bucs vs. Bulls… wow this is a tough one. Last week I proclaimed I would always have to support a team named after my alma mater, USF.  I’m going to have to stick by my proclamation and hope that the Bulls defense can stop those Gulf running backs.

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Springstead Eagles (2-1, 0-0 Class 4A-District 8)

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Land O’ Lakes Gators (2-1, 0-0 Class 4A-District 8)

EDDIE’S PICK: Land O’ Lakes
WHY: In more than a decade of coaching the Eagles, Springstead coach Bill Vonada has yet to beat Land O’ Lakes. One week after spanking Wesley Chapel, 45-27, the Gators looked suspect in their 11-3 victory against Zephyrhills. It took Alex Spock’s fourth quarter, 47-yard field goal (in addition to Tyler Peak’s 49-yard run in the first quarter) to seal the victory. Land O’ Lakes looks beatable, but if I go by the trend, Land O’ Lakes is practically invincible between Weeks 2 and 11 in the regular season. So guess who I picked.
THE CANADIAN’S PICK:  Springstead
WHY:  Let me reiterate my stance from last week with a quote… “Gators? Need I say more?”
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Wesley Chapel Wildcats (1-2)

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Hernando Leopards (1-1)

EDDIE’S PICK: Wesley Chapel
WHY: Wesley Chapel coach John Castelamare and his coaching staff are known for throwing a wrinkle or two at opponents. After losing to Land O’ Lakes in Week 2, 45-27 and losing a tight matchup against Pasco, 21-20, Hernando can expect not just a wrinkle, but the entire basket of dirty laundry thrown at them. Simple pick.
THE CANADIAN’S PICK: Hernando
WHY:  Last week I picked the Wesley Chapel Wildcats as a shout out to my own Felis Domesticus, (housecat), who had just come home from the animal hospital. Well, luckily she is doing much better than the Wildcats did last week. So let me give this another try. This week I send another shout out to my kitty by making my pick for the other feline team, the Leopards.
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River Ridge Royal Knights (0-3, 0-0 Class 4A-District 8)

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Tarpon Springs (2-0, 0-0 Class 4A-District 8)

EDDIE’S PICK: Tarpon Springs
WHY: River Ridge is an ingredient or two shy from stirring things up in the area, but that just won’t do this week. They nearly caught Mitchell last week. This game could be close early, but expect Tarpon Springs to pull away like Carl Lewis racing my mother. Sorry mom, I love you, but you need to work on the footwork.
THE CANADIAN’S PICK: River Ridge
WHY: Eddie! I’m telling your mother! Just for that I’m picking the other team.

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

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Zephyrhills Bulldogs (0-3, 0-0 Class 3A-District 8)

EDDIE’S PICK: Zephyrhills
WHY: Sunlake has proven to folks they’re aren’t to be taken lightly. In Week 1, they collected a 19-10 victory against River Ridge. That may not register with some considering River Ridge’s reputation, but to put it in perspective, the Royal Knights clobbered the Seahawks, 50-0 in 2007. The Bulldogs are limping into this one. Three straight losses haven’t been seen around this famous water town since 1999 when they had to forfeit the first two wins of the season. Zephyrhills knocked off Sunlake 49-0 last season. Will it be a repeat of 2007? Or a repeat of Week 1 for Sunlake? Hey, Bulldogs still have teeth.
THE CANADIAN’S PICK: Sunlake
WHY: If you read my pick’s from last week, you know I have a very good reason not to pick the Bulldogs.
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Canterbury Crusaders (4-0, 0-0 Sunshine State- South)

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Bishop McLaughlin Hurricanes (0-3, 0-1 Sunshine State- South)

EDDIE’S PICK: Canterbury
WHY: The Crusades are another one of those teams whomping opponents over the head with a potent offense (45.8 points per game) and a stingy defense, shutting out two of their four opponents. They’re led by dual threat QB Dominique Thornton, who can hurt you with his arm and his legs. This plays into one of Bishop McLaughlin’s strengths, its defense. This could be a good one. Then again, maybe not.
THE CANADIAN’S PICK:  Hurricanes
WHY: You know what they say, what goes up must come down! I’m a gambling woman and I’m going to play the odds on this one. With the Crusaders on a 4-0 winning streak and the Hurricanes on an 0-3 losing streak I’m going to double down my bet that both streaks are bound to reverse.

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River Ridge safety Marco Custodio was selected as the Old Spice Red Zone Player of the Week.

River Ridge assistant Jesse Hoolihan told Red Zone: “Marco Custodio has been a first year impact player for us as a free safety. Marco was a transfer who has filled in the leadership role nicely for us. Everyday he comes to work hard and play hard and this week it showed. Marco accumulated 15 total tackles from the safety position. Marco had five solo tackles and 10 assisted in the game and our opponent only completed [one pass] all game. Marco’s stellar effort allowed him to have 15 tackles because his heart and desire to never quit on any play.”

Last week, River Ridge (0-3) lost a tight contest to Mitchell, 16-10. In that game, the Mustangs completed one of three passes for nine yards.

The Red Zone Player of the Year program recognizes varsity football players throughout the nation and is based on performance, leadership and will to win. At the end of the season, one player from each school is nominated and becomes a possible candidate for the selection as a Red Zone Player of the Year.

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Former Ridgewood football star Byronell Arline was arrested for cocaine possession by the New Port Richey Police Department 12:19 a.m. Sunday. He was released later that morning on $5,000 bond.

Arline, 18, who landed a scholarship to play football at Dodge City (Kansas) Community College, returned to Florida in July, following a two-week stint at Dodge City.

At the time, Ridgewood football coach Chris Taylor said Arline didn’t feel “like he fit in there, so he decided to come home.”

That scholarship was the culmination of a record setting high season and career for the running back. In 2007, Arline’s senior season, he churned up 2,188 yards and 35 touchdowns, eclipsing records set in 2001 by former Wesley Chapel star Tyrone Tomlin.

He ended his career with 5,189 rushing yards, which broke the mark set in 2000 by former Land O’ Lakes back Godfrey Pestana.

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Here are this week’s Bowl Games To Watch:

In Hillsborough County:
Hillsborough at Middleton. DON’T I KNOW YOU? BOWL. Hillsborough and Middleton pull their athletes from basically the same neighborhood. Not only that, but players have transfered back and forth in the past and everyone knows each other. They’ve even played with each other at some point in time, either in the youth ranks as as teammates. Just one big, district and neighborhood rival family.

Plant at Riverview: THE ORSON CHARLES HOMECOMING BOWL: Welcome home Orson Charles. The standout tight end, who transferred to Plant from Riverview in the spring, and who also broke Florida’s National Championship Trophy, travels back down U.S. Highway 301 to face his former team. We could have called this the ‘How Long Until The Running Clock Starts Bowl’, considering Plant has put up some ridiculous numbers against its opponents in the last two games.

In Pasco County:
Wesley Chapel at Hernando. CAT FIGHT CLASSIC. Wesley Chapel Wildcats have been battered the last two games. Last week they lost a close game to Pasco, 21-20 and the week before, Land O’ Lakes clobbered the squad, 45-27. The Hernando Leopards have been outscored 70-9 in their last two contests. Both are itching to get out of their two-game losing streaks. Expects fur to fly.

Pasco at Hudson. POINTS ON THE BOARD BOWL. The last four seasons, Pasco and Hudson have split the four games, with the Pirates (3-0) winning the last two. In those four games, the teams have combined for 247 points. Only once since 2004 has a team score below 22 points. Hudson (1-1) had a bye week in Week 3, we’ll see if that’ll have an affect. Meanwhile, Pasco had to fend off a feisty Wesley Chapel squad, 21-20.

Sunlake at Zephyrhills. INTRIGUE BOWL. Zephyrhills only mustered up three points last week against Land O’ Lakes and gave up six sacks to the Gators defense. The Bulldogs (0-3) enter the contest looking fir that fist win, while Sunlake earned the program’s first victory three weeks ago. In that victory, Sunlake avenged its 50-0 loss to River Ridge in 2007. Here’s the intrigue, will they rectify last season’s 49-0 loss to Zhills?

In Pinellas County:

Largo vs. St. Petersburg. SMASHMOUTH BOWL. Do you like three-yards-and-cloud-of-dust? Do you like bruising football? Do you think a pass abhorrent form of offense? Do you enjoy watching Friday night college football on cable?
If the answer to all questions is “yes,” then this game is for you.
Both Largo coach Rick Rodriguez and St. Petersburg coach Joe Fabrizio are throwbacks. One, Rodriguez, because he has to. The other, Fabrizio, because he wants to. Fans attending this game should easily make it home in time to watch the entire second half of the Connecticut-Louisville game.

Compiled by Nick Williams, Katherine Smith, Eddie Daniels and Lee Diekemper.

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Former Tampa Prep standout Chelsea Nauta has been named to the United States swimming roster for the 2009 World University Games to be held in Belgrade, Serbia next summer.

Nauta earned her place on the 13-person roster through her performances at the 2008 U.S. Open Swimming Championship. Nauta individually took third in the 200 free, fifth in the 400 free, seventh in the 800 free, led off the Athens Bulldog Swim Club quartet that won the 4x200 free relay and anchored the second-place 4x400 free team.

Nauta, who is a sophomore at the University of Georgia, had previously represented the U.S. as a captain of the 2005 World Junior Championship team, and won a pair of bronze medals at the Junior Pan-Pacific games. Nauta won seven individual state titles as a Terrapin, and was named Florida Female swimmer of the year three times. 

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Thanks to a bye week and teams having ice in their collective veins, the Pasco Top 5 is the same Pasco Top 5 as last week.

Pasco (3-0) remains planted at the top after a tough, 21-20 victory at Wesley Chapel (1-2). The Pirates have another test on its hands this week when it travels to Hudson (1-1).

Ridgewood enjoyed its bye week and because some of us here at the Tribune believe a player doesn’t lose his or her spot as a starter just because of injury – or a bye – the Rams are No. 2. They’ll travel to Brooksville Central.

Land O’ Lakes, you can pull that lump out of your throat after squeezing out an 11-3 victory against Zephyrhills (0-3). The Gators (2-1) will have its first Class 4A-District 8 test against Springstead at Gator Stadium.

Gulf (3-0) pounded Hernando (1-2), 37-6 and clamped itself in at the No. 4 position. If the Bucs keep it up, they might leap frog a team or two. Just sayin’. They’ll host Wiregrass Ranch (0-3) Friday night.

Last, but certainly not least, are those Cobras from Hudson (1-1). This squad, like Ridgewood, got Friday night off. Hopefully it was a productive weekend and the cobwebs aren’t anywhere nearby because they face Pasco. This is always an entertaining matchup.

1. Pasco (3) …30
2. Ridgewood …22
3. Land O’ Lakes … 18
4. Gulf …14
5. Hudson …6
VOTING: Reporter Eddie Daniels and correspondents Rick Harmon and Bart O’Connell. Point totals based on 10-8-6-4-2.

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The Spoto High varsity football team must forfeit its 46-16 win against Lennard on Friday for its use of an academically ineligible player, FHSAA spokeswoman Cristina Alvarez confirmed.

Alvarez said Spoto self-reported the incident.

Spoto head coach Dale Caparaso said the player, who started on defense, did not play in the team’s previous games.

“He was a backup,” he said. “We suspended a starter and moved this young man up. Unfortunately, it was a young man we missed out on.”

Lennard now goes to 2-1, its first-ever winning record. Spoto (2-1) plays at Palmetto this Friday in its first district game. Lennard was a nondistrict opponent.

“This doesn’t take away what the kids have accomplished,” Caparaso said. “We were in violation and we have to pay for it.”

Because Spoto self-reported the violation, Alvarez said she was unsure whether Spoto will be fined.

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In his season-opening meet, Jesuit senior Connor Revord won Saturday morning’s Mountain Dew Cross Country Invitational in Gainesville. At about the same time in Brooksville, Land O’Lakes senior Felix Soto won the Zak Lucas Invitational.

Revord won his race in the last 200 meters. He said he wasn’t wearing a watch and was unsure how much remained in the 5-kilometer course until he heard his father, David Revord, told him it was time to get a move on in the final quarter mile. Revord was sitting in second place then, trailing Belen’s Elliot Clemente. Revord then charged up the finall hill and then used his speed (he’s a 1:55 half miler) to kick past Clemente on the downhill. Revord posted a winning time of 15 minutes, 57 seconds, Clemente was second in 16:02 and Sickles’ Derek Wehunt, who led much of the race early on, was third in 16:18.

“I think I could have run a little bit faster because I had quite a bit left at the end,” Revord said. “But a win is a win and I’ll take it.”

There were no such dramatics for Soto. He won his race in 16:01, beating runner-up John Grellner of Wharton by 40 seconds. Ryan Pulsider of Wiregrass Ranch was third (16:55).

It was a good day of racing for Tampa Bay area teams. Not only did it boast the boys individual winners from Mountain Dew and Zak Lucas, Wharton captured both the girls and boys team titles at Zak Lucas and Hillsborough county swept places 2-5 at Mountain Dew.

Led by Revord, Jesuit was second to Miami Belen Jesuit (37-72), Plant, paced by Trenor Wilkins’ fourth-place showing, grabbed third with 95 points, Berkeley Prep (121), led by seventh-place Tyler Greathouse, was fourth while Wehunt helped Sickles (159) earn fifth.

At Zak Lucas, Wharton senior Alyssa Franks (19:49) finished second behind Ocala Vanguard standout Tori Lawson (19:43), last year’s Class 3A state runner-up. Wharton had two others in the top 10, juniors Erin Bailey (seventh) and Shannon Meggs (ninth), and two more in the top 15, Brooke Foley (12th) and Abby Ritter (15th). The Wildcats scored 41 points to beat Vanguard 41-76. Wiregrass Ranch was third (100).

Led by Grellner and eighth-place Nick Swain, Wharton boys totalled 92 points to edge both Wiregrass Ranch and Land O’Lakes by a mere point, 92-93. Wiregrass and Land O’Lakes had to go to their sixth runner to break their second-place tie.

At the Don Bishop meet in Brandon, Chamberlain’s boys and East Bay’s girls were the team winners. Individually, King’s Hilary White posted a PR time of 20:05 on this flat, fast course to take first place. White took the Central Hillsborough Invitational earlier this week. For the boys, Chamberlain’s Mark Parrish also made it two-for-two by winning Don Bishop in 16:23.

At the Elite Running Invitational in Winter Haven, Newsome’s girls were the top finishers, taking fourth place with 117 points. Sickles’ girls were sixth (149) and Gaither (211) seventh. The course was slightly short as Newsome’s Rebecca Webster (15th) and Lindsay LeSav; 8/....age (16th) and Sydney Coates (17th) packed up to lead the Wolves. Gaither’s Julissa Lopez (21st) and Sickles’ Shelby Hudspith (22nd) led their squads. Winter Haven was the girls team champion.

Led by Bryce Loudermilk (25th), Newsome’s boys were sixth in their competition. Lakeland George Jenkins sophomore Alex Foss and Countryside junior Zachary Christenson went 1-2 in 15:46 and 15:51, respectively. As a team, Countryside’s boys were second to Orlando Dr. Phillips, 52-70.

Tampa Prep was also at the meet, taking 12th in the girls race with 23rd-place Lauren Knoke leading the way, and, in the boys race. 13th led by 44th-place Michael Sikes.

At the Katie Caples meet in Jacksonville, Academy of the Holy Names took 10th led by the 51st-place Selena Castillo (21:52).

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So it all started rather innocently.

My fiancé, Stephanie, spies me working feverishly behind my laptop and asks what I’m doing. Told her it was some high school football stuff and I was trying to get everything organized.

Later that day we joked, it would be kinda funny if when I picked my games for the paper, she would pick them as well and we would see how she did. Now that’s funny.

The giggles are multidimensional here.

First off, she’s Canadian and we all know how the folks up north love their hockey. Hockey pucks. Hockey sticks. Hockey fights. Hockey, hockey, hockey. Plus, the football fields up there are 110-yards long and they get just three downs to make a first down. Whatever.

After the laughing died down, we turned our attention back to the lovely, large screen television in the living room.

Well, the topic popped up this season and The Canadian decided she wanted a piece of the action. So from this point forth we’ll all take a look at who picks who and how we did during the season.

We haven’t decided what happens to the loser, but I’m going on record now: I’m not cleaning the cats’ litter box. Nope.

WEEK 3 PASCO COUNTY SELECTIONS

Mitchell Mustangs (1-1)

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River Ridge Royal Knights (0-2)

EDDIE’S PICK: Mitchell
WHY: I’ll call this my common sense pick. In two games, River Ridge has only scored 17 points. Mitchell has a pretty effective running game and can keep the ball away from River Ridge, further distancing River Ridge from the end zone. Plus, since the series between Mitchell and River Ridge began (2001), Mitchell has won all, but one game, holding a 7-1 advantage. If that wasn’t enough, Mitchell has outscored River Ridge 206-75.
THE CANADIAN’S PICK: Mitchell
WHY: I’m going to make my pick for Mitchell. I make this pick as an homage to my very first car…a Ford Mustang.

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Pasco Pirates (2-0)

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Wesley Chapel Wildcats (1-1)

EDDIE’S PICK: Pasco
WHY: Pasco has built itself into a dangerous squad. They won the Class 3A-District 8 title and hosted its first playoff game since 1998. Opening up the 2008 campaign, the Pirates beat Land O’ Lakes, 26-6, rather convincingly. Last week, Pasco avenged last season’s loss to Sebring, this time beating Sebring, 34-20. Now, this has been a heated rivalry, since Wesley Chapel opened in 1999. Students have transferred back and fourth between the schools and although Wesley Chapel owns this series, winning six of the nine games since ’99, Pasco is on a tear.
THE CANADIAN’S PICK: Wesley Chapel
WHY: If dog is man’s best friend, then the cat is woman’s best friend. Gotta go for the Wildcats as a shout out to my own cat who just got out of the kitty cat hospital and was very sick. Coincidentally, she was born the same year Wesley Chapel opened its doors. It must be a sign!

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Zephyrhills Bulldogs (0-2)

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Land O’ Lakes Gators (1-1)

EDDIE’S PICK: Land O’ Lakes
WHY: Zephyrhills is known for giving Land O’ Lakes fits. In 2006, Zephyrhills was the only loss Land O’ Lakes suffered in the regular season, catapulting the Gators to nine consecutive victories. Last season, Land O’ Lakes was behind, 9-7, when rookie quarterback, Stephen “BB” Weatherford – then a freshman – led the team to a touchdown in the final seconds of the game. Land O’ Lakes won 14-9. After Land O’ Lakes clobbered Wesley Chapel 45-27, last week, rebounding from its Week 1 loss to Pasco, Land O’ Lakes should win this one.
THE CANADIAN’S PICK: Zephyrhills
WHY: Gators? Need I say more?

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Berkeley Prep Buccaneers (1-1)

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Wiregrass Ranch Bulls (0-2)

EDDIE’S PICK: Wiregrass
WHY: Wiregrass played Berkeley Prep for the first time last season and hung in there until they suffered a couple key injuries, which took them out of the game. Obviously, tradition says a team from Hillsborough County rarely losses to a Pasco County team and thus, the county line rule should be enforced. Not this time. I’m feeling the upset. I think Wiregrass will pull it out.
THE CANADIAN’S PICK: Wiregrass
WHY: With USF as my alma mater, I must remain faithful to any team named after them. Go Bulls!

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Hernando Leopards (1-1)

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Gulf Buccaneers (2-0)

EDDIE’S PICK: Gulf
WHY: First thing’s first, Gulf has blown out its first two opponents – Mitchell and River Ridge – by a combined 78-14. The Bucs held each opponent to seven points each. Add the mean running game of Adrian Golden and Tevin Gamble and the passing of quarterback Madison Burr and Hernando can’t stop Gulf. Hernando lost last week, 33-3, to Hudson. If all your offense can produce is three points, there’s no way you can keep up with Gulf.
THE CANADIAN’S PICK: Gulf
WHY: If you’re like me, the economy and what’s been happening on Wall Street are a big concern to you. Everyday there is some sort of negative news about the Bear Market…well I’m an optimist and hoping that this bear of a market goes away.  So, I’m going to be a Bull and say “Go Bucks!, well, Go Bucs!” and go away Bears.

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Sunlake Seahawks (1-0)

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St. Cloud Bulldogs (1-1)

EDDIE’S PICK: St. Cloud
WHY: The Orlando area produces some decent football teams and St. Cloud has to play many of them. Call that an advantage. Sort of like when you’re used to being pummeled by your big brother and some scrawny kid from the neighborhood wants to start in on you. You can’t have that. Plus, St. Cloud beat Sunlake, 42-7 last season.
THE CANADIAN’S PICK: Sunlake
WHY: My fiancé, (that would be Eddie Daniels), had an ex-girlfriend with a bulldog. Need I say more???

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Bradenton Christian Panthers (1-1)

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Bishop McLaughlin Hurricanes (0-2)

EDDIE’S PICK: Bradenton Christian
WHY: Last week Bradenton Christian bounced back from its Week 1 loss to beat Tampa’s Cambridge Christian, 23-0. Bishop is still looking for that first victory. It may be a bit tough against a team that returns 13 starters under a new coach, who likely has pumped life into a program that suffered through a 1-8 2007 campaign.
THE CANADIAN’S PICK: Bradenton Christian
WHY: First Fay, then Gustav, then Hanna, and most recently Ike. After this crazy hurricane season, and considering the fact that it’s not over yet, I just can’t bring myself to pick a team named the “Hurricanes”…it might be a bad omen.

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