Can’t-miss matchups
East Lake (1-0) at Largo (1-0)
The breakdown: One of the premier matchups in the county between teams ranked in the top three of Times’ super seven and in the top five of the state polls. The Packers own a 9-2 edge in this series and have won the past two meetings, including a 40-10 rout last year. The key will be how well the Eagles defense can stop the run. Largo’s Jarvis Stewart has rushed for more than 200 yards in the past two meetings, the only 200-yard rushing games of his career.
Who’s hot: East Lake’s offensive line did not allow a sack and opened big holes in the run game in last week’s win over Palm Harbor University. Stewart had five rushing touchdowns in the Packers’ season-opening victory against Northeast.
Rodney Page’s pick: Game of the year comes down to the last series. Largo, 27-21.
Bob Putnam’s pick: The Packers always fare well against East Lake’s stars. Largo, 35-21.
Clearwater Central Catholic (1-0) at Tampa Catholic (0-1)
The breakdown: Former district rivals now meet for bragging rights in a game that could be a preview of the Class 3A state final. The Marauders won both meetings last year, including a 10-7 victory in the region final. CCC’s defense is adept at getting after the quarterback. In last week’s win over Naples Lely, the Marauders recorded seven sacks, including two from Florida recruit Justus Reed.
Who’s hot: Everyone on offense for CCC. The Marauders had two quarterbacks throw touchdowns, nine running backs carry the ball and seven receivers with a catch in the season opener. Tampa Catholic linebacker TJ Harrell had four tackles, a sack and a fumble recovery in a loss to Madison County.
Page: Closer than expected. CCC, 17-14.
Putnam: Marauders prevail in another low-scoring game. CCC, 17-7
Tarpon Springs (1-0) at Osceola (1-0)
The breakdown: Both teams were in the same district the past two seasons but are now in different classifications. The Warriors have won the past two meetings, eliminating the Spongers from postseason contention in the process. An improved defense has been the key to Tarpon’s strong start. In last week’s 58-0 win over Clearwater, the Spongers recorded seven sacks and gave up minus-16 yards. Osceola’s run game continues to churn out yards and was the difference in last week’s win over Seminole.
Who’s hot: Michael Ford rushed for more than 100 yards and scored four times in the Spongers’ season-opening win. The Warriors’ Jamil Morris had a career-high 185 yards and two touchdowns against Seminole.
Page: Battle of the running backs goes to Tarpon. Tarpon Springs, 24-17.
Putnam: Defense continues the Spongers’ turnaround. Tarpon Springs, 16-14.
Carrollwood Day (0-1) at Indian Rocks Christian (0-1)
The breakdown: Rough outing for Carrollwood Day and new quarterback Taylor King last week, a 47-0 loss to defending Class 2A champ University Christian. It doesn’t get a whole lot easier against an Indian Rocks Christian team that has all three running backs, Zeke McGaughy, Theo Anderson and Damian King, ready for this game. The winner will have an early edge in the Class 2A-5 race, which Carrollwood Day won last season.
Who’s hot: IRC quarterback Garrett Ross-Johnson completed 13 of 20 passes for 156 yards and a touchdown last week against St. Petersburg Catholic. Dominic Cuono caught two passes for 36 yards against University Christian.
Page: There will be some scoring in this one. IRC, 31-28.
Putnam: Golden Eagles are more experienced at this point. IRC, 35-30.
More predictions
Countryside (1-0) at Bradenton Southeast (0-1)
Page: Southeast has given up 97 points in two games, but they still upset Countryside. Southeast, 28-24.
Putnam: This Southeast team is not like the powerful ones of the past. Countryside, 24-10.
Gibbs (0-1) at Pinellas Park (1-0)
Page: The Patriots are just like St. Petersburg, which beat Gibbs 33-0 last week. Pinellas Park, 27-7.
Putnam: The rough start continues for the Gladiators. Pinellas Park, 35-12.
Palmetto (0-1) at Lakewood (1-0)
Page: It’s only the second game, but this is a must win for the Spartans. Lakewood, 34-17.
Putnam: The Spartans finally get it together. Lakewood, 28-20.
Boca Ciega (0-1) at Palm Harbor University (0-1)
Page: Both teams were held scoreless last week. PHU, 14-7.
Putnam: The Hurricanes win it in the trenches. PHU, 21-13.
Clearwater (0-1) at St. Petersburg (1-0)
Page: Two teams in completely different stages. St. Petersburg, 38-0.
Putnam: With running game and running clock, this one could end quickly. St. Petersburg, 45-0.
Dixie Hollins (0-1) at Northeast (0-1)
Page: Dixie Hollins, held winless last season, will break the streak. Dixie Hollins, 35-21.
Putnam: Shannon Brooks gets his first win as Rebels coach. Dixie Hollins, 28-21.
Seminole (0-1) at Dunedin (1-0)
Page: Seminole won this spring matchup. Dunedin wins when it counts. Dunedin, 23-14.
Putnam: The Warhawks are simply better up front. Seminole, 21-19.
Sarasota Cardinal Mooney (1-0) at Admiral Farragut (0-1)
Page: Cardinal Mooney appears to have too much offense. Cardinal Mooney, 28-14.
Putnam: The Blue Jackets are still going through some growing pains. Cardinal Mooney, 27-23.
Calvary Christian (1-0) at Sarasota Out-of-Door (0-1)
Page: Calvary Christian should roll. Calvary, 42-12.
Putnam: Todd Yoder continues his impressive debut. Calvary, 35-7.
Life Christian (0-0) at Canterbury (1-0)
Page: Should be no problem for the home team. Canterbury, 32-0.
Putnam: Young skill players come through for the Crusaders. Canterbury, 49-7.
Deltona Pine Ridge (0-1) at St. Petersburg Catholic (1-0)
Page: Pine Ridge lost 47-0 last week. SPC, 47-0.
Putnam: Barons get chance to empty the bench. SPC, 55-0.
Northside Christian (0-1) at Bishop McLaughlin (1-0)
Page: Mustangs coach Mike Alstott will have to wait another day for his first win. Bishop McLaughlin, 27-7.
Putnam: The Hurricanes are playing better right now. Bishop McLaughlin, 26-14.
Imagine School (0-1) at Keswick (0-1)
Page: Keswick seems more advanced at this point. Keswick, 21-18.
Putnam: Crusaders coach Blake Engelhardt gets first win. Keswick, 27-7.