Can’t-miss matchups
Friday at 7:30 unless noted
Hillsborough (0-0, 0-0) at Jefferson (1-0, 0-0)
Last week: Hillsborough was idle; Jefferson defeated Alonso 41-14
Story line: A Class 6A, District 8 game, with the winner stepping into the forefront of the playoff picture. ... The Terriers have won the past two meetings. …Dragons QB Deiondre Porter accounted for 387 total yards (237 rushing) and four TDs in Jefferson’s romp of Alonso.
Joey Knight’s pick: Eleven months later, Jefferson’s eight-point loss at Hillsborough remains lodged in the Dragons’ collective craw. Tonight, they remove it. Jefferson, 33-14
Clearwater Central Catholic (1-0) at Tampa Catholic (0-1)
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
Last week: CCC defeated Naples Lely, 48-10; TC lost 30-15 to Madison County
Story line: CCC will try to become the first team to win three in a row in this series since the Marauders of 2002-04. …Seven Marauders had at least one reception in last week’s win against Lely. …TC’s first three opponents, including preseason foe Sickles, had a combined 31-8 record last season.
Knight: While some might call the Crusaders’ early-season slate unforgiving, I disagree. ALL will be forgiven if TC gets better as a result of these challenges and defeats Jesuit in November. CCC, 28-7
Carrollwood Day (0-1, 0-0) at Indian Rocks Christian (0-1, 0-0)
Last week: CDS lost 47-0 to Jacksonville University Christian; IRC lost 28-13 to St. Petersburg Catholic
Story line: A Class 2A, District 5 showdown that many are deeming the de facto district title game. …IRC hasn’t won a game — preseason or otherwise — since Oct. 19, 2012, the week before its 28-22 loss to the Patriots. …IRC junior Damian King had 127 total yards, three TDs and an interception against the Patriots last season.
Knight: CDS’ refurbished offensive line got exposed in last week’s loss to University Christian. I suspect King may expose it a bit more. The Golden Eagles are due. IRC, 41-34
Newsome (1-0) at Gaither (1-0): After what the Wolves pulled off at Tampa Bay Tech, I’d rather watch a Dance Moms marathon than bet against them again. Wolves find a way. Newsome, 28-21
Robinson (0-1) at Plant (0-0-1): Robinson hasn’t defeated the Panthers since 2004, when former Knights coach Mike DePue’s ponytail was a mere figment in his hair follicles. Plant, 28-10
Bloomingdale (1-0) at Brandon (1-0): Suddenly, this east Hillsborough throwdown has juice again. I like the Bulls by a Lucas Jose field goal. Bloomingdale, 17-14.
Wharton (1-0) at Plant City (1-0): There’s simply no easy way to get from New Tampa to Plant City on a Friday afternoon. If the Raiders’ pass rush finds it equally maddening trying to get to Chase Litton, the Wildcats have a chance. Plant City, 20-13
Lakewood Ranch (1-0) at Jesuit (0-1): The youth movement formally has commenced at Jesuit, which had eight starters banged up last week at Wauchula Hardee. New coach Matt Thompson’s going to need time and patience from his fan base. Good luck with that. Lakewood Ranch, 34-17
Durant (0-1) at Sickles (1-0): Tough to determine which will be greater — Gryphons TB Ray Ray McCloud’s rushing total or the round-trip miles (76) Durant must travel for this game. Sickles, 24-14
Alonso (0-1) at Steinbrenner (0-1): The Warriors’ anemic offensive effort against Plant City was a bit deceptive. Veteran QB Curtis Fitch (elbow) didn’t play. He’s a game-time decision tonight, Coach Andres Perez-Reinaldo says. Alonso, 28-14
More predictions
Strawberry Crest 33, Spoto 13
Chamberlain 26, Leto 6
East Bay 26, Riverview 20
Seffner Christian 40, Oviedo Master’s Academy 20
Freedom 14, Middleton 12
King 19, Lennard 12
Armwood 42, Blake 0
Berkeley Prep 24, Lakeland Victory Christian 21
Bradenton Christian 21, Cambridge Christian 19
Bradenton St. Stephen’s 41, Citrus Park Christian 0
Last week’s record: 14-3
Last week’s misses: Newsome over TBT, Wauchula Hardee over Jesuit, Bloomingdale over Strawberry Crest
For the season: 14-3