Super 7
1. Largo (6-0, 2-0): Packers get the week off before getting into the bulk of their Class 6A, District 7 schedule.
2. Countryside (6-1, 2-0): In the past two meetings against Wiregrass Ranch, the Cougars have won by a combined score of 122-0.
3. Lakewood (6-0, 5-0): The schedule has been weak, but the Spartans have allowed just nine points in six games. Nine points!
4. East Lake (5-2, 1-0): With the offense at full strength, the Eagles scored a season-high 38 in win over Sarasota.
5. Clearwater Central Catholic (5-1, 1-0): The bye week came at an opportune time as Marauders prepare for Class 2A, District 5 showdown with Berkeley Prep.
6. Palm Harbor University (5-2, 1-0): Ground game is clicking as Hurricanes rack up 356 rushing yards against Tarpon Springs to win their second straight.
7. Osceola (4-3, 1-1): This spot could go to as many as five teams. The Warriors get the nod because they have won three straight.
Five things we learned
1. Pinellas Park at Northeast this Friday will be for second place in Class 7A-9. But both teams have to find a way to stop the bleeding. Northeast has lost two straight after winning its first five, and Pinellas Park is coming off a loss to previously winless Boca Ciega.
2. Shutouts are the norm. Through seven weeks, Pinellas County teams have recorded 17 shutouts, including two (Lakewood and Countryside) this past week. Both the Spartans and Cougars have held their opponents scoreless for two straight weeks.
3. Indian Rocks Christian is rolling. The Golden Eagles won their fifth straight with a victory over Canterbury and still sit atop the Class 2A-5 standings. IRC's biggest game comes in two weeks against Carrollwood Day.
4. The demise of Countryside is exaggerated. Since their 27-game regular-season win streak ended last month, the Cougars have won four straight, outscoring their opponents by a combined 174-16.
5. Boca Ciega didn't give up. Halfway through the season, the Pirates were winless and could have mailed it in. Instead, they get two big defensive plays and beat a pretty good Pinellas Park. Good for them.
Three thoughts looking ahead
1. This is a big two-week span for Lakewood. Are the Spartans for real, or will they fade like last season? Jesuit awaits this week, then Robinson at home. It was at this point last season that the Spartans fell out of contention. Class 5A-8 supremacy is on the line.
2. Osceola wasn't expected to do much this season. But the Warriors are right in the hunt in Class 6A-7, and the home game against Tarpon Springs this week is suddenly important.
3. Clearwater Central Catholic can end a couple of streaks at Berkeley Prep this week. If the Marauders win, it will be the first time they have beaten their Class 3A-5 nemesis since 2007. CCC also can end the Buccaneers' 20-game regular-season win streak and 19-game home win streak.
Offensive MVP
Pete DiNovo, QB, East Lake: Couldn't do a whole lot better than DiNovo did against Sarasota as he completed 15-of-19 passes for 232 yards and three touchdowns.
Defensive MVP
Austin Lawrence, DB, Osceola: No one had a bigger impact on his team than Lawrence, who had four interceptions and returned a fumble for a touchdown in a victory over Clearwater. Osceola scored on all five turnovers Lawrence created, including his own 5-yard run for a touchdown in the second half.
Breakout player
Todd Macon, RB, Admiral Farragut: He would not be denied on senior night, gaining 176 yards and scoring three touchdowns against Calvary Christian in a 38-0 win. Oh, and he was named homecoming king.