LAND O’LAKES — When the Springstead and Sunlake defenses forced three-and-outs on the opening drives of Friday’s district game, it appeared as if each offense would have to scrap for any yards it could muster, let alone points.

Springstead running back Dan Wright had a different plan

Taking advantage of a hole his coaches warned him might be open all night, Wright took the ball on first down and ran until he had nowhere else to go.

“I broke two arm tackles and I just saw the green,” Wright said. “I ran until I got to that goal line.”

The Eagles missed the extra point, but they wouldn’t need it to beat the Seahawks, as Wright’s 95-yard touchdown run, the longest of the senior’s high school career, was enough to lift Springstead to a 6-0 win. 

Knowing his team’s defensive strength, coach Mike Garofano breathed a sigh of relief after Wright’s score with 5:55 remaining in the first quarter.

“I was talking to the defense at the time, I turn around and he’s running out in the open,” Garofano said of Wright. “It allowed us to relax a little bit.”

Maybe on offense, but the Springstead defense didn’t get that memo.

The Eagles played lights out in the first half, holding Sunlake to just two first downs and 41 yards of offense before the break. Even Nathan Johnson, who rushed for 1,504 yards a year ago, couldn’t get anything going, and he finished the game with 45 yards on 16 carries. 

Sunlake had its chances in the second half. The Seahawks started their second drive of the third quarter on the Eagles’ 45-yard line. Sunlake even moved the ball a little, with quarterback Dayton Feiden and Johnson combining for 9 yards on the first two plays of the drive.

But on fourth down and inches, Sunlake lost the rain-soaked ball, and their best shot at putting points on the board.

With just more than six minutes to go in the fourth quarter, still a one-possession game, Springstead fumbled near midfield. As it had done all night, though, the Eagles defense stepped up, stopping Sunlake on back-to-back fourth downs after the turnover. After his team held Sunlake to just 95  yards of offense, Garofano couldn’t say enough about his defensive line. 

“We have the capability of doing it any night,” he said of his defense’s lights-out performance. “I feel like any night we can take on anybody.”

And even though Wright, who finished the game with 145 rushing yards, was the game’s big hero for putting the only points on the board, he refused to take any of the credit.

“I’m always biting my fingernails, but I know I can trust (our defense),” he said. “They drove this game, and they’re the reason we won.”

Stars of the game

RB Dan Wright, Springstead: Led Springstead with 145 yards rushing on 21 carries, scoring the only points on a 95-yard touchdown run in the first quarter.

P Eric Stevens, Springstead: Had eight punts for 230 yards, helping Springstead win the field position battle. Only once did Sunlake begin its drive on Springstead territory, and the Seahawks capped that drive with a fumble.

LB Conor Ross, Springstead: Anchored a linebacker corp of which Garofano said he was especially proud. Ross made some big stops, including on third down when the Seahawks had he ball in Springstead territory late in the fourth.

VALRICO — There were fumbles and interceptions. More fumbles and wet footballs heaved off target into the pouring rain with wet hands. More fumbles and a slew of penalties and touchdowns that didn’t count and dropped passes and more fumbles.

Then there was Patrick Brooks.

For three quarters, Plant and Bloomingdale slipped and slopped around a field of mud, then Brooks scored a touchdown on the first play of the fourth quarter and never stopped running after, wiggling his way through the Bulls defense and leading the Panthers to a 20-6 victory in the Class 8A, District 6 opener for both teams.

The Panthers won their 30th straight district game dating to 2004.

The game was far different than last year’s contest, which the Panthers won 50-40 in ideal conditions on artificial turf. This time the field quickly turned to mush, and the ball a slippery piece of leather as turnovers kept either team from scoring.

Plant had six turnovers, and had two touchdowns called back due to penalties.

“It’s pretty hard to win a football game when you give up five or six turnovers like that,” Panthers coach Bob Weiner said. “But again, I think its just a testament to being resilient and staying in there even when it was very, very tough situation against a tough team that was very physical all night long.”

Plant scored first in the first quarter on a short quarterback sneak by Rex Culpepper, set up by a bad Bloomingdale punt snap. The Bulls gained the upper hand in field position in the third quarter, setting up a 35-yard touchdown drive capped by Chris Wonsley’s 6-yard touchdown run that tied the score at 6.

But on the final drive of the third quarter, Plant finally started moving the ball consistently; Derek Baity caught a short pass and made two Bull defenders miss on a 40-yard gain.

Brooks carried 7 yards to the Bloomingdale 3 to end the quarter, then started the fourth with a 3-yard touchdown run to put the Panthers back in front.

And off he went.

On the next drive, Brooks busted off runs of 9, 11 14 and 25 yards as Culpepper completed the drive with touchdown pass to Jordan Reed.

And on Plant’s final drive, Brooks raced 59 yards down the sideline on a back-breaking third-and-9 play as the Bulls were using timeouts trying to get the ball back.

Thanks to a big loss early where he fell on a bad snap, Brooks entered the fourth quarter with only 2 yards rushing. But in the final 12 minutes, he carried 14 times for 142 yards.

“Patrick is amazing and he’s been amazing all season,” Weiner said. “When he starts to feel it, when he starts to sense the game, I can see it in his eyes and he usually gives us some verbal clues that he’s ready to start taking over. People don’t think he has top end speed, but he beats everybody around the corner and people don’t think he’s a bruiser like James Wilder, but he knocks people over all the time. Patrick is just enough of everything, and the package of all that is pretty spectacular.”

Stars of the game

Kyle Henderson, Plant DT: Made life miserable for ballcarriers in the middle and even added a 2-point conversion run.

Patrick Brooks, Plant RB: Didn’t do much until it mattered most, running for 142 yards in the fourth quarter.

Tyler Jahn, Bloomingdale DE: Had a handful of tackles for loss and was unblockable.

TARPON SPRINGS — One swift kick, one 20-yard boot by Louis Zervos in the second overtime, lifted Tarpon Springs to a dramatic 10-7 victory over Dunedin in the Class 5A, District 8 opener for both teams.

This was the first game-winning kick for Zervos, who is ranked among the top kickers in the nation. But it also was one of the most unorthodox.

With the game played in steady rain, the field conditions were treacherous. Zervos was able to find enough footing and hit it with enough power, but the ball was tipped at the line. The wobbly line-driver ricocheted off the left upright, hit the bottom bar and fell through.

“It was a strange kick, but definitely one of the most memorable,” Zervos said.

On the first drive, the Spongers (4-0, 1-0) appeared as if they would take control of the game. The first break came on a fumble that lineman Donald Davis recovered and 52 yards, which turned out to be Tarpon’s longest play from scrimmage.

Tarpon capitalized as Michael Ford scored on a 2-yard run for a 7-0 lead.

The rest of the game became a slugfest as both teams had trouble sustaining any drive against defenses stacked against the run. The Spongers twice tried to go for it on fourth down and failed in the first half.

On the first stop, the Falcons used the short field to their advantage and scored on a 10-yard run by Kendrick Harvey in the second quarter to tie the game.

In the second half, both teams sloshed around on a sloppy field in a game that had the makings of a detergent commercial. Mud was smeared across the uniforms, and yellow flags were thrown on the ground.

“We’re happy with the win, but we didn’t play well at all, especially on offense,” said Ford, who finished with 70 yards on 22 carries. “We made a lot of dumb mistakes that kept killing us. We have to clean that up.”

In overtime, both teams missed field goals in the first overtime. In the second overtime, Tarpon Springs’ defense came up with a stop on fourth down. The Spongers drive also stalled, setting up Zervos for the winning kick.

“I was nervous,” Zervos said. “But I always have butterflies before every kick. I’m just glad I was able to make it and get the win.”

Stars of the game 

Louis Zervos, Tarpon Springs: Nailed the game-winning 20-yard field goal in overtime.

Michael Ford, Tarpon Springs: Rushed for 70 yards on 22 carries and scored once.

Dunedin defensive line: Held the Spongers to their lowest point total all season.

Each week, our HomeTeam staffers nominate male and female Hot Shot athletes from each of the counties we cover. Then we turn the voting over to readers. These nominations span Saturday, Sept. 13 through Friday, Sept. 19. The winners get a T-shirt and bragging rights over every other school in the area. Read up on all of our nominees then vote until noon Monday.

Female nominees

Haydyn Gibson, golf, Osceola: Gibson won the Mustang Invitational by shooting 3-under 68. She was the only player in the 18-hole tournament to break par and also helped Osceola win the tournament for the first time. 

Ariana Mosley, volleyball, Tampa Prep: The senior outside hitter had 15 kills in a rivalry win vs. Berkeley Prep, including seven in a crucial second set the Terrapins won 25-23. Tampa Prep has now beaten the Bucs 3-0 in back-to-back meetings. 

Samantha Schlesman, volleyball, Seminole: The senior had 17 kills and nine blocks in the Warhawks' five-game win over East Lake. Her hitting percentage is .554, one of the best in Pinellas.

Sarah Sprauge, volleyball, Sunlake: The senior outside hitter had 29 kills in the Seahawks' 3-2 win against Tarpon Springs. The win helped Sunlake remain one of two undefeated teams in Tampa Bay, while staying atop the 5A-8 standings. 

Kara Wilkins, swimming, Sunlake: A state qualifier last season, Wilkins won the 200 IM and 100 free, and swam anchor leg on the winning 200 and 400 free relay teams in a dual-meet victory over Zephyrhills. 

Ashley Zagers, golf, Cambridge Christian: Zagers tied for fourth in the Mustang Invitational, shooting 75. Her finish helped the Lancers finish second overall. 

Male nominees

Bruce Anderson, football, Newsome: The senior running back ran in the winning two-point conversion in Newsome's 21-20 victory against Alonso on Friday. Anderson also ran for 121 yards on 33 carries and scored two touchdowns. 

Christopher Faddoul, football, Wiregrass Ranch: The Bulls were winless lifetime vs. Hillsborough County teams — they share a district with five such teams. Faddoul, a sophomore, handled the pressure in his first start under center, nailed two field goals and boomed a punt out of the Bulls’ end zone to help Wiregrass shut out Tampa Bay Tech 13-0.

Josh Joy, football, Keswick Christian: The senior rushed 19 times for 164 yards and five touchdowns in Friday’s 43-0 win over Lake Mary Prep. He tied Jared DiMaggio’s school record (2006) for most rushing scores in a game. 

Todd Sims, football, Spoto: In the 13-12 win over East Bay, the senior rushed for 135 yards and the go-ahead 25-yard touchdown — after breaking a 50-yard run on the same drive. Spoto, 3-8 a year ago, is already off to a 3-1 start this season.

Zach Weaver, cross country, Pasco: The senior took first at the Villareal Memorial race in 16 minutes, 38.19 seconds, more than a minute ahead of his closest competitor. 

Louis Zervos, football, Tarpon Springs: The senior had his first winning field goal, a 20-yarder to beat Dunedin in double overtime in the Class 5A, District 8 opener for both teams.

Dunedin receiver Jayven Fitzpatrick will have an MRI on his knee Monday, coach Matt LePain said. Fitzpatrick was injured in the second half of Friday's game against Tarpon Springs game and did not return. LePain said Fitzpatrick did not fracture his knee.

• Clearwater quarterback Garrison Bryant broke his collarbone in Friday's loss to East Lake. He plans to see a specialist Monday. The Tornadoes’ junior varsity quarterback, Austin Day, could be out with a broken knuckle. Coach Donnie Abraham said he planned to bring Day up as the backup but will have to search for a starting quarterback this week. Abraham said they may use the wildcat. 

• East Lake receiver George Campbell was held out of Friday's game against Clearwater because of concussion-like symptoms. He should be back for the rivalry game vs. Tarpon Springs.

• Jesuit running back Malik Davis did not play after the first possession of the third quarter against Largo due to a sprained left ankle. Davis said he will re-evaluate Monday.  

TAMPA — Tampa Prep’s season-long unbeaten streak ended during the Berkeley Premier with the Terrapins settling for 11th place in the 24-team tournament. Considering the competition level, that set just fine with coach Andrew Wilson.

“I’m happy with it,” Wilson said of his team’s first winning record at the Berkeley Premier in his three seasons. “It was good for us to really be challenged.”

Mercy (Louisville, Ky.), the nation’s top-ranked team, defeated Gainesville P.K. Yonge 25-19, 25-22 for its ninth title in 12 seasons. That run includes three championship wins over the host Buccaneers, who this weekend finished out of the running with a 2-4 mark.

Tampa Prep (12-2 overall) rallied from a one-game deficit against Fort Lauderdale Pinecrest for a 23-25, 25-19, 27-25 win in its final matchup. The Terrapins also defeated Woodward (Ga.) and Ransom Everglades (Miami) while losing to defending state champions Oviedo and Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas.

“This tournament’s full of nothing but champions,” Wilson said. “This is designed to get all these teams ready for the playoffs.”

Other Tampa Bay area teams to compete in the two-day series were Academy of the Holy Names, Clearwater Central Catholic, Robinson and Plant. Unlike Tampa Prep, none of those squads posted a winning record.

Tampa Prep led 16-10 in its final game against Pinecrest, but the Green Wave rallied to force three ties before taking a 25-24 lead. A Corey Perkins kill shot tied it at 25, Kamryn Beach’s block at the net gave Tampa Prep a one-point lead and Ariana Mosley’s kill clinched it.

“We’ve been that way kind of all year,” Wilson said. “I’d like us to be a little more aggressive when we’re up so we don’t put ourselves in this position.”

CLEARWATER — Last year, senior-laden Palm Harbor University won its 10th straight Pinellas County Aquatic Conference boys championship en route to a state title.

Countryside is hoping to travel that same road now.

Even without standout Cooper Hoffman (recruiting visit to LSU), the Cougars (390 points) snuck past East Lake (371) and PHU (333.5) for the league crown Saturday.

Senior Michael Lombardo was part of two winning relays and freshmen Robert Finke broke the school’s 500 freestyle record twice (4:37.99 in winning the final) and was second in the 200 free.

East Lake sophomore Vance Sanders won the 100 backstroke and 100 butterfly and was on the winning 200 medley relay and the 400 free relay that came in second.

“In the morning (prelims), I was a body and a half behind in the back and I wasn’t going to let that happen,” Sanders said. “I won that heat, and things went the way they were supposed to (yesterday).”

For the girls, an athlete looking to peak for next month’s state championships combined with another hitting lifetime peaks.

With recruiting trips to Michigan and Indiana done and Texas A&M on the horizon, a road-weary Sydney Pickrem was still the unofficial MVP.

The East Lake senior carved 11/2 seconds from her own 200 IM meet record (2:00.61), easily erased Olympian Megan Romano’s 2005 PCAC mark in the 100 backstroke (54.54), and anchored a meet-record 3:28.00 effort in the 400 freestyle relay.

“The 100 back is not my top event, so to break a record there was good,” Pickrem said. “I raced Megan internationally with Canada (Pickrem has dual citizenship), and to be at her level here is awesome.”

The happiest athlete at Long Center might have been Lauren McIntosh, who helped PHU to the team title.

SMQ team of the week

Wiregrass Ranch: The Bulls have played varsity football since 2007 and had never beaten a Hillsborough County school. That changed with Friday’s 13-0 win over Tampa Bay Tech. Christopher Faddoul stepped in at quarterback and also kicked two field goals to help the Bulls. “I’ve never felt like this before,” Faddoul said. “This is a memory that will never be forgotten; this game will stay with me my whole life.” Wiregrass coach Artie Meza put in a special set formation specifically for Faddoul that put him under center with regular quarterback Shane Bucenell at running back and backs in front of and on either side of him. 

SMQ player of the week

Cyler Doran, Fivay: Hats off to Doran, who didn’t let the conditions ruin his night. The sophomore completed 15 of 22 passes for 405 yards and three touchdowns in the Falcons’ 41-29 win over Lecanto. It was Fivay’s first win this season and it helps to have a receiver like Trenton Soto, who caught two of the TD passes. The first play of the game was a 70-yard strike to Soto. Soto eight catches for 186 yards. 

SMQ coach of the week 

Steve Dudley, Shorecrest: The Chargers have already cancelled two future games (Indian Rocks Christian and Seffner Christian) due to a lack of players. With only 16 players available, the Chargers’ season is week-to-week. Shorecrest’s main concern is whether it can play a game, let alone win one. But the Chargers got a win Friday night over Sarasota Out-of-Door Academy. Quarterback Sam Grant hit Mark Dowling on a 50-yard touchdown pass, and Cooper Wolf had a 30-yard touchdown run. Shorecrest (1-3) got its first win since Oct. 11. “I’m amazed at their togetherness and upbeat attitude,’’ Dudley said. “They would run through a wall if I told them it would increase their chances of winning. I’m honored to coach them.’’

Four examples of just how wet it was Friday night

Fumbles galore: Rain wreaked havoc on teams throughout Tampa Bay. There were 18 fumbles combined in the Wiregrass Ranch/Tampa Bay Tech game, 17 in Pinellas Park/Seminole (the Warhawks had 11), 11 in Tarpon Springs/Dunedin and Indian Rocks Christian/Northside. Osceola fumbled nine times. Chamberlain had eight turnovers, and Plant had six. It was that kind of night.

Offense? Who needs offense? The conditions meant it didn’t take much to win. Lennard managed two first downs the entire game but still beat Blake 8-0. Freedom had only 107 yards of offense, beating Gaither 15-10. Both Tarpon Springs and Pinellas Park threw for zero yards and won. 

Kicking game suffered: Normally reliable kickers had a hard time. Tarpon Springs’ Louis Zervos, one of the top kickers in the area and nation, barely made a 20-yarder in overtime to beat Dunedin. Others weren’t as lucky. Brandon kicker Tyler Beacom missed a 24 yard field goal with three seconds left in a 9-6 loss to Strawberry Crest. Plant City’s Jorge Navarrete missed a 32-yarder in the final seconds of a 9-7 loss to Durant. Largo and Riverview each missed extra points in close losses. .

Defensive touchdowns: Defenders don’t mind a little rain. Hernando took advantage by scoring two defensive touchdowns, from Steven Delaine and Tahner Killoran. Armwood’s Quinton Singletary recovered a fumble for a TD, as did Anclote’s Kyle Hilton, East Bay’s Marques Ford and Mitchell’s Levi Oliveto. 

Four clutch performances

Patrick Brooks, Plant: Brooks rushed for 142 yards in the fourth quarter and scored the go-ahead touchdown to help Plant break open a tie game in a 20-6 victory, Plant's 30th straight in district play. Brooks was bottled up until the final quarter, shiftily breaking off a number of big runs to set up Plant's final score. On third and 9 and backed up deep in Bloomingdale territory, Brooks spun a run outside and raced 58 yards to seal the victory.

Spencer Preston/Bruce Anderson, Newsome: With only 39 seconds left and down by seven, Preston completed his first two passes of the game, including a 4-yarder to Donovan Geter for a touchdown. Then Anderson ran in the two-point conversion to secure a 22-21 win over Alonso.

The Springstead defense: The Eagles’ district matchup with Sunlake was predicted to be a defensive battle, and that’s exactly what it was. The only score in Springstead’s 6-0 win was on a 95-yard Dan Wright breakaway for a touchdown. The Eagles held Sunlake to just 95 yards of offense and allowed Seahawks running back Nathan Johnson — who rushed for more than 1,500 yards last season — just 45 yards on 16 carries.  

Raheem Patterson, Pinellas Park: Patterson had four tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and a sack for a safety in the Patriots’ 10-0 win over Seminole.

Four surprising starts

Keswick Christian: The Crusaders, who won only once in the past two seasons, are 3-1 and on their way to bettering the 5-5 record of 2011.

Lennard: The Longhorns went 1-19 the past two years and had never won more than two district games in one season in the program’s eight-year history. Now Lennard is having its best season ever. After a win against Blake on Friday, Lennard is 4-0 overall, 3-0 in a tough 6A-8 district. Can the Cinderella streak continue next week against Hillsborough?

River Ridge: The Royal Knights are 3-1 after going 3-7 last season. They picked up a convincing district win over Gulf and now a showdown with Mitchell awaits. 

Freedom: The Patriots are 3-1 after beating Gaither. They were 3-7 (1-8 start) last season and haven’t won more than three games since 2010 (4-6). Standout lineman Scott Patchan transferred to IMG right before the season, but Freedom has stood tough on defense, giving up only 35 total points.

Four final thoughts

• The teams that scheduled bye weeks Friday turned out to be geniuses. As did the four Pinellas teams who decided to wait until Monday to play. Lakewood at Gibbs will be at 6 p.m., and St. Petersburg Catholic at Admiral Farragut at 7.

• There were no fumbles in the Countryside/Northeast game. It was the only game in the area with zero in that category. 

• It appears Plant has mastered the art of fourth-quarter wins. Friday’s win at Bloomingdale came late, and the Panthers were tied with Gaither last week before scoring 27 points in the final frame to win. 

• Hudson had 475 yards rushing against Wesley Chapel. That’s how you take advantage of sloppy conditions.

Record watch

Sickles running back Ray Ray McCloud III unofficially ran for 171 yards in Friday’s 15-7 win over Steinbrenner. That gives the senior 4,419 yards for his career. He is now 172 yards from No. 6 Earl Reeves of Tampa Catholic (4,591) on Hillsborough’s all-time rushing list. McCloud’s target is Robert Davis of Carrollwood Day,  who finished his career with 5,576 yards.

Next up: vs. Freedom, Oct. 2

Micthell's Lawrence Watt announced on Twitter that he has committed to play basketball at Saint Leo.

Watt, a 6-foot-4 forward, picked the Lions because they showed the most interest and were the first and only school to offer. He was close to getting another offer from Tampa and visited the campus last week but was still set on Saint Leo.

"I felt (Saint Leo) was a good fit for me as a player," Watt said. "I liked the coaching staff and all the players I met. They made me like I was part of the family and I know it's a place where I can really develop as a player."

Watt was offered by the Lions after attending a camp at the school in June. Saint Leo finished 24-9 this past season. He also wanted to go to the school because it has a good business academy.

Last season, Watt averaged 15.6 points and 6.5 rebounds for Mitchell and helped lead them to the region quarterfinals.

Clearwater Central Catholic lineman Billy Atterbury used his team's bye week to make his college decision, announcing Friday that he had committed to USF.

"It just feels like home," Atterbury said. "They are my second family so that's where I want to be."

Atterbury, a three-star recruit, was a Class 3A all-state selection last season. He has 12  offers but picked the Bulls in part because they showed the most interest. In the summer, USF was the first to send an official written offer.

"I talked to (UCF and USF) as well as some others," Atterbury said. "I knew I liked USF. It was just when to do it."

Atterbury is the second Marauder from the Class of 2015 to make college plans, joining quarterback Jeff Smith, who has committed to Boston College.

EAST LAKE - Mitchell golf coach Rick Hyatt had the best of intentions when he scheduled Monday’s Outback Invitational for 10:30 a.m. at East Lake Woodlands Golf Club. He hoped to avoid afternoon thunderstorms after last year’s tournament was shortened to 11 holes due to rain.

But heavy rains moved into the area around noon with most players only six holes into their rounds. The rain never let up and the tournament was officially cancelled at 2:30 p.m. There will be no makeup date.

“It makes me sick that we couldn’t play,’’ Hyatt said. “We moved the tee times to 10:30 this year just so we would miss the storms but that didn’t work out. We couldn’t get back onto the course until about an hour and half after it stops raining, so we weren’t going to have time to finish.’’

The Outback Invitational is one of the bigger 18-hole tournaments of the regular season. There were 19 teams from throughout the state playing in the tournament. The next 18-hole tournament is the Vinoy Invitational next Thursday.

With three tournaments last weekend, there was a little bit of a shakeup in the rankings. Wharton’s win in its Harvest Tournament means the Wildcats are on the rise. Tampa Prep was the only Tampa Bay team to escape the Berkeley Premier with a winning record, further solidifying their stronghold on the top spot. 

1. Tampa Prep (12-2)

Upcoming matches: Monday, vs. Calvary Christian

Lowdown: The Terrapins’ 3-2 record in last weekend’s Berkeley Premier  — which included wins against Woodard (Ga.) and Miami Ransom Everglades — proved Tampa Prep is still the team to beat in the Tampa Bay area. 

2. Bloomingdale (13-1)

Upcoming matches: Tuesday, at Wharton

Lowdown: The Bulls took a stranglehold on 8A-7 with a pair of district wins last week, including one against Plant, Bloomingdale’s first win against the Panthers in three years.  

3. Clearwater Central Catholic (7-5)

Upcoming matches: Tuesday, vs. Shorecrest Prep; Thursday, vs. East Lake

Lowdown: Outside hitter Shea Hamilton has been bothered by a hand injury. The Marauders have a fairly light week after playing in the Berkeley Premier last week.  

4. Calvary Christian (11-2)

Upcoming matches: Monday, at Tampa Prep; Thursday, vs. Tampa Catholic

Lowdown: Tonight’s game at Tampa Prep is a big match. The Warriors have not shied away from top competition this season.

5. Sunlake (11-2)

Upcoming matches: Thursday, vs. River Ridge

Lowdown: The Seahawks suffered their first losses of the season in Wharton’s Harvest Tournament last weekend, and they won’t have too much time to regroup before taking on district foe River Ridge. 

6. Mitchell (9-1)

Upcoming matches: Monday, at Fivay; Tuesday, at Springstead; Thursday, at Osceola. 

Lowdown: The Mustangs haven’t lost a match in almost a month nor a game since Sept. 11. 

7. River Ridge (6-2)

Upcoming matches: Wednesday, vs. Pasco; Thursday at Sunlake

Lowdown: The Royal Knights have a chance to solidify a top spot in the 5A-8 standings with a win against Sunlake.

8. Fivay (9-3)

Upcoming matches: Monday, vs. Mitchell; Wednesday, at Land O’Lakes

Lowdown: The Falcons will have their work cut out for them tonight against a hot Mitchell team on a nine-game win streak. 

9. Palm Harbor University (7-0)

Upcoming matches: Tuesday, vs. Sarasota Riverview; Thursday, vs. Clearwater; Friday, at Dr. Phillips OVA tournament.

Lowdown: The big test will be at the OVA tournament. PHU will find out just where it stands. 

10. Carrollwood Day (3-0)

Upcoming matches: Monday, at Lakeland Christian; Tuesday, at Academy at the Lakes

Lowdown: After 18 days off, the Patriots jump back in the fire with back-to-back road matches.

11. Seminole (7-1)

Upcoming matches: Tuesday, vs. Countryside; Thursday, at Northeast

Lowdown: The Warhawks are big at the net and should continue to roll this week. 

12. Wharton (10-2)

Upcoming matches: Tuesday, vs. Bloomingdale

Lowdown: The Wildcats had a big weekend in its Harvest Tournament, beating undefeated Sunlake before taking the crown.

13. Bishop McLaughlin (9-4)

Upcoming matches: Tuesday, at Seffner Christian

Lowdown: After a 2-3 finish in Wharton’s Harvest Tournament, the Hurricanes have a chance to redeem themselves in a district matchup against the Crusaders. 

14. Academy of the Holy Names (6-5)

Upcoming match: Tuesday, vs. Indian Rocks Christian; Wednesday, vs. Trinity Catholic

Lowdown: The Jaguars had a good win against Calvary Christian last week but were unable to come away from the Berkeley Premier with a winning record. 

15. Steinbrenner (8-4)

Upcoming matches: Tuesday, vs. Wiregrass Ranch; 

Lowdown: The Warriors take a four-game win streak into a district matchup against a Wiregrass Ranch team that has just one loss since Sept. 6.

16. Newsome (8-4)

Upcoming matches: Tuesday, at Riverview; Friday, Saturday at HCC Lady Hawk Invitational

Lowdown: With wins against Wharton and Alonso last week, the Wolves took hold of the second spot in the district standings. 

17. St. Petersburg (3-3)

Upcoming matches: Tuesday, at Manatee

Lowdown: Match against Manatee is important for district standings,, then a week later comes a showdown with district rival Palm Harbor U. 

18. Cambridge Christian (10-2)

Upcoming matches: Tuesday, at Bradenton Christian

Lowdown: The Lancers lost a tough district game to Tampa Bay HEAT last week but rebounded against Academy at the Lakes.

19. Hernando (7-1)

Upcoming matches: Monday, at Weeki Wachee; Tuesday, at Zephyrhills; Wednesday, vs. Crystal River

Lowdown: The Leopards are already 7-0 in the district, and they have a chance to distance themselves even more with a pair of district games this week

20. Berkeley Prep (5-7)

Upcoming matches: Tuesday, vs. Tampa Catholic

Lowdown: Berkeley Prep had a rough go of it last week, losing to Tampa Prep in three sets and finishing 23rd of 24 teams in the Berkeley Premier. But the Bucs had some bright spots against the Terrapins, challenging them in close second set. 

21. Tampa Catholic (8-2)

Upcoming matches: Tuesday, at Berkeley Prep; Thursday, at Calvary Christian

Lowdown: Tampa Catholic won the tournament it hosted last weekend, which could give the Crusaders momentum heading into the first district match of the season.

22. Wiregrass Ranch (6-3)

Upcoming matches: Monday, at Hudson; Tuesday, at Steinbrenner; Wednesday, vs. Zephyrhills

Lowdown: Wiregrass Ranch fell to Sickles last week in a district match, its first loss in weeks. The Bulls have a shot to regain ground in 7A-8 on the road against the Warriors.

23. Seffner Christian (7-3)

Upcoming matches: Monday, vs. Bayshore Christian; Tuesday vs. Bishop McLaughlin

Lowdown: The Crusaders will take on the Faith Warriors before heading into back-to-back district games. 

24. King (9-2)

Upcoming matches: Monday, vs. Lennard

Lowdown: Before falling to Tampa Catholic in the Crusader Clash tournament final last weekend, King hadn’t lost a game since August. 

25. Northside Christian (4-3)

Upcoming matches: Tuesday, vs. Seven Rivers Christian; Weekend, Mustang Invitational

Lowdown: The Mustangs’ three losses have been against 8A Sarasota Riverview, No. 4 Calvary Christian and No. 1 Tampa Prep. 

In the conversation: East Lake (9-4), Durant (7-4), Strawberry Crest (10-3), Springstead (6-1)

1. (1) Armwood (4-0)

Last week: Beat Robinson 28-6

This week: vs. Jefferson

Lowdown: The Hawks stretched their win streak against Tampa Bay competition to 19 games, but on a rainy, rainy night, the defense was overshadowed by Noah’s arc on his throws.

2. (2) East Lake (4-0)

Last week: Beat Clearwater 38-6

This week: at Tarpon Springs

Lowdown: Things get amped up this week with the Eagles traveling to Tarpon Springs for a rivalry game between two undefeated teams. East Lake has won five straight in the series. 

3. (3) Plant (3-1)

Last week: Beat Bloomingdale 20-6

This week: vs. Tampa Bay Tech

Lowdown: Patrick Brooks backstroked his way to more than 150 yards last week, and the 400-meter medley of Rex Culpepper, Jordan Reed, Derrick Baity and Kyle “Baby Fridge” Henderson helped with the other scoring to lead the Panthers to a 30th straight district win.

4. (4) Clearwater Central Catholic (3-0)

Last week: Bye 

This week: at Ocala Trinity Catholic

Lowdown: The bye week came at an opportune time for the Marauders, who had to deal with injuries on the offensive side of the ball the first three weeks. 

5. (5) Countryside (4-0)

Last week: Beat Northeast 47-7

This week: Bye

Lowdown: The offense is good, but an underrated defense which has allowed just 48 points in the first four games might be the biggest reason the Cougars still are undefeated.

6. (6) Sickles (3-1)

Last week: Beat Steinbrenner 15-7

This week: Bye.

Lowdown: Ray Ray McCloud III picked up his first 200-yard game of the season and also scored a touchdown against a Tampa Bay opponent for the 21st straight game.

7. (7) Pinellas Park (3-1)

Last week: Beat Seminole 10-0

This week: at Dixie Hollins

Lowdown: Though they have been battling injuries, the run-oriented Patriots have to get more production on offense after scoring just 34 points in the past three games.

8. (9) Hillsborough (2-1)

Last week: Beat Leto 25-0

This week: at Lennard

Lowdown: Crazy stat of the week: Michael Duclos has three 100-yard games in his career, all against teams that start with the letter “L” — Leto, Lennard (2013) and Lakewood (2012).

10. (14) Durant (3-1)

Last week: Beat Plant City 9-7

This week: at Gaither

Lowdown: Despite the heavy downpour Friday night, the Cougars’ top running back proved that even rain can’t make something Crispian get soggy. (Okay, fine, these water and rain puns are getting more and more difficult to come up with).

11. (10) Jefferson (2-1)

Last week: Bye

This week: at Armwood

Lowdown: The only thing that could stop the fire that the Dragons spew forth on Friday nights is the rai….oh, wait, what, they didn’t play last week? Okay. I’ll save that one for later.

12. (13) St. Petersburg (3-0)

Last week: Bye

This week: at Boca Ciega

Lowdown: Who says the wing-T is outdated? The Green Devils are averaging 40 points per game during their perfect start

13. (16) Berkeley Prep (4-0)

Last week: Beat Lakeland Christian 33-28

This week: vs. Springstead

Lowdown: If I ever had a small baby in my hands, and I was walking on the ledge of a tall building, then I stumbled and dropped the baby, I sure would hope Jacob Mathis was nearby. Just saying.

14. (8) Bloomingdale (2-1)

Last week: Lost 20-6 to Plant.

This week: at Plant City.

Lowdown: They say if you overwater a Plant, it will die. But that was not the case Friday night. (I’m back, baby!).

15. (11) Plant City (1-1)

Last week: Lost 9-7 to Durant

This week: vs. Bloomingdale

Lowdown: They say if you overwater a Plant (City), it will die. That was the case Friday night vs. Durant. (Sorry, not sorry.)

16. (20) Lennard (4-0)

Last week: Beat Blake 8-0

This week: vs. Hillsborough.

Lowdown: The next four weeks for the upstart Longhorns: Hillsborough, Robinson, Jefferson and Armwood. YeeeeeHawwwwww.

17. (23)  Jesuit (3-1)

Last week: Beat Largo 20-18

This week: vs. Newsome

Lowdown: The Tigers didn’t need an excuse to run Malik Davis and Kevin Newman on the Packers, but the rain just provided a reminder.

18. (18) Lakewood (1-2)

Last week: at Gibbs, posptoned until tonight

This week: at Largo

Lowdown: After losing two of their first three, the Spartans do not have much time to figure things out with games against Gibbs and Largo in a five-day span. 

19. (19) Indian Rocks Christian (4-0)

Last week: Beat Northside Christian 36-0

This week: vs. Agape Christian

Lowdown: The way the schedule is shaping up, the Golden Eagles will not be truly tested until they face Cambridge Christian in big district showdown on Oct. 17.

20. (12) Largo (2-2)

Last week: Lost 20-18 to Jesuit

This week: vs. Lakewood

Lowdown: This isn’t exactly where the Packers envisioned being at this point in the season, but a win against Lakewood would help turn things around. 

21. (24) Tarpon Springs (4-0)

Last week: Beat Dunedin 10-7 in 2OT

This week:  vs. East Lake

Lowdown: The Spongers are 4-0 for the first time since 2008 after getting past Dunedin in a defensive slugfest. Now, Tarpon will try to break five-game losing streak to rival East Lake.

22. (NR) Springstead (3-1)

Last week: Beat Sunlake 6-0

This week: at Berkeley Prep

Lowdown: Springstead won this game last year, and boasts an even better defense this year. The Eagles have allowed four touchdowns in four games, and for two of those its defense wasn’t even on the field.

23. (17) Sunlake (3-1)

Last week: Lost 6-0 to Springstead

This week: vs. Ridgewood.

Lowdown: The Seahawks’ rushing game, which has 310 fewer rushing yards through four games than it did last year, is feeling the effects of graduation up front. The defense, however, is as good as ever.

24. (21) Zephyrhills (3-1)

Last week: Lost 45-10 to South Sumter

This week: at Weeki Wachee

Lowdown: Reggie Roberts still looking for that defining win over an elite program. Countdown to the 9-Mile War against Pasco starts …..NOW!

25. (25) Pasco (2-1)

Last week: Bye.

This week: at Nature Coast

Lowdown: The Pirates picked a perfect week to take off and spend extra time Friday night studying and getting their homework done early.

Also considered: Mitchell, Calvary Christian, Cambridge Christian, Tampa Bay Tech, River Ridge, Land O’Lakes, Freedom.

Dunedin receiver Jayven Fitzpatrick and Clearwater quarterback Garrison Bryant both could miss the regular season with injuries sustained this past week.

Fitzpatrick severely injured his knee in a 10-7 double-overtime loss to Tarpon Springs. He had his examined by a doctor Monday and the diagnosis was a severly swollen knee. Fitzpatrick said he would have to miss the season.

"An MRI will show more," Fitzpatrick said. "Nothing is broken or fractured. It's swollen. I can bend it and stuff, but it's an injury the doctor says I have to be out the season for.

Falcons coach Matt LePain said he wanted to wait until the MRI results before declaring Fitzpatrick out for the season.

"I'm feeling better. I'm just staying positive that I'll be back before the season."

Bryant broke his collarbone in a 38-6 loss to East Lake. He saw a specialist Monday and said he would be out five to seven weeks.

"It looks like I'll miss the regular season, but I'm staying positive," Bryant said. "I hope to heal quick and be back for the last two games."

Clearwater Central Catholic, ranked No. 1 in Class 3A, could be without as many as eight starters heading into Friday's game at Ocala Trinity Catholic.

"It's just peachy right now," Marauders coach John Davis said.

The biggest potential loss is running back CJ Cotman, who had dental surgery last week and has an infection. The offensive line, already without Taylor Romera (ACL), will be missing Adam Samee (concussion). Two receivers, Jacobi Adderley (knee) and Dilan Scargle (ribs), also could be out.

The defense is missing lineman Logan Miller (concussion) and defensive back Demetri Royer (ankle). Even the kicker, Yanni Ramos, is questionable (ankle).

How crazy were the injuries? Samee suffered a concussion on the only day CCC practiced during its bye week. Adderley was hurt on a boat. Ramos was injured playing catch.

"Normally teams get healthy during their bye week," Davis said. "We just get worse."

Female winner: Ariana Mosley, Tampa Prep 

During her first three years on Tampa Prep’s varsity volleyball team, Ariana Mosley has had her fair share of big nights. The senior outside hitter, thought, had a hard time stringing those performances together. 

This season, all of that has changed. 

Coach Andrew Wilson said he first witnessed the improvement after Mosley committed to play volleyball at the Air Force Academy. Now that she’s got her future on lock, Mosley has stepped up for the Terrapins (12-2).

“She’s always been an up-and-down, hot-and-cold kind of player,” Wilson said. “Now she’s just playing more consistent. If she makes a mistake, it’s only one and she shakes it off.”

Mosley finished the 2013 season with 152 kills, less than half teammate Corey Perkins’ total. This time around, Mosley challenges Perkins every match for the most kills, and the pair have combined for 245.  Perkins still leads the way statistically, but Mosley isn’t too far behind. That’s a fact that lets Wilson rest a little easier. 

“Our team, we’re not huge, we’re not really tall. We’re very athletic and we’ve got a lot of weapons,” he said. “Ariana can step, up Alana (Nelson) can step up, and that’s the way I like to play volleyball.”

Why she won: Mosley had 15 kills in a 3-0 rivalry win against Berkeley Prep, including seven in a second set the Terrapins narrowly won 25-23. 

Have an athlete who should be considered for our next voting cycle? Email hometeam@tampabay.com.

Male winner: Christopher Faddoul, Wiregrass Ranch

Christopher Faddoul found out he was playing quarterback on varsity for the first time about, oh, two seconds before Friday’s kickoff against Tampa Bay Tech.

He had been called over while loosening up his leg — he’s the kicker — to run two plays during warmups, with regular quarterback Shane Bucenell lining up in the backfield. 

He didn’t think anything of it. Until he was asked to do it in the game.

“I never knew I’d be starting, honestly. I was actually surprised,’’ Faddoul said. “Because it was raining, (Coach) had us practice that running formation. But then I guess he just decided to do that the whole game.”

Faddoul ran the offense flawlessly, and he also banged out a 50-yard punt from his own end zone. But what really made him nervous were his field-goal attempts.

The JV team had lost his 2-inch kicking block, and he had bought a much smaller 1-inch block. With kickers missing all over Tampa Bay on one of the rainiest nights in years, Faddoul knew making one kick would be hard.

But he made two — thanks to Bucenell, who returned the favor by catching the snaps and placing them perfectly on the smaller block — from 22 and 36 yards out, to seal the Bulls’ first victory, over a Hillsborough County team.

“Definitely the best moment I’ve had,” he said. “The best football game I’ve had. Just being a sophomore and jumping in there, it was the best everything.”

Why he won: Not only did the sophomore keep his cool in a high-pressure district game, he led the Bulls to a 13-0 shutout of playoff contender TBT. 

Have an athlete who should be considered for our next voting cycle? Email hometeam@tampabay.com.

ST. PETERSBURG — Senior Ryan Davis led the way on the ground and through the air for Lakewood on the road against district foe Gibbs en route to 48-14 victory. The teams played Monday after Friday’s  contest got rained out.

Drive of the game: Facing a  third-quarter fourth down from just outside the red zone after a shanked punt, Lakewood coach Cory Moore elected to go for it without a reliable placekicker. Davis dropped back and found receiver Adrian Adams across the middle. Adams broke one tackle and beat the next would-be tackler to the corner of the end  zone for the 23-yard touchdown reception.

Play of the game: Early in the second quarter, Davis showed why major Division I schools are targeting the quarterback to play receiver at the next level. Davis took the snap, juked a defender in the backfield, turned up field and was off to the races, showing off his considerable athleticism.

Star of the game: Davis, who else would it be? The dual-threat quarterback did it all for the Spartans. He threw for 200 yards and three scores, while rushing for more than 60 yards and another three touchdowns.

Stat of the game: Lakewood’s Malik Foster was an unsung hero for the Spartans, leading the way with 88 yards receiving after a long 75-yard touchdown to open scoring. The junior also capped off the night with a 14-yard scoring run in the fourth quarter.

Final word: “Ryan Davis is a football player. He’s a leader on and off the field and his team respects him for that. He’s easy to coach because he’s such a great kid and a phenomenal athlete.” — Moore on his star quarterback’s performance.

ST. PETERSBURG — Admiral Farragut entered Monday’s makeup game with St. Petersburg Catholic  with a few obstacles, like a power outage that created a slight delay.  But the Blue Jackets (1-3, 1-0) were determined to  go on with the business at hand, dismantling their Class 3A, District 5 foe 40-0. The Blue Jackets pretty much put the game out of reach in the first quarter. Dalton Collins hit Dontell Green on a 30-yard strike for a touchdown to open the scoring barrage. Then Jestin Green scooted 30 yards to pay dirt and connected with Kevon Neal-Parker for the two-point conversion to put Farragut ahead 14-0. St. Petersburg Catholic (0-3, 0-1) only got into the AFA red zone once.

Key drives:  AFA converted on a third and 14 on an Alex Gray 18-yard run to set up a 2-yard touchdown by Cole Fagan in the second quarter. …Dontell Green returned a punt 35 yards, setting up his 6-yard scoring catch from Collins.

Play of the game: Donnie Crum ran 75 yards for a touchdown, making  several precise cuts on a slippery field for the final margin.

Stars of the game: Collins rushed for 85 yards and completed 6-of-7 for 89 yards and two touchdowns. Crum also had a good night on the ground with four carries for 92 yards and a touchdown to lead his team in rushing.

Stats of the game: AFA racked up 115 yards in penalties, but never had to punt the ball. …The Blue Jacket defense only surrendered 62 yards rushing on 16 carries.

Final word: “We played well as a team under some adverse conditions, however, we must cut down on our penalties.” — AFA coach Ryan Hearn

Gibbs defensive back Craig Watts suffered an ankle sprain in the second quarter of the Gladiators 48-14 loss to Lakewood Monday night and will miss Friday's game against Clearwater. Watts said he plans to return for the Oct. 2 game against Tarpon Springs.

Watts, considered a four-star recruit, was out most of last week due to a sprained ankle he suffered in the Largo game.