Florida: Out of Nowhere, Here Comes Brandon

Brandon, better known for its success in wrestling, is about to embark on its third-straight trip to the football postseason.

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By Rod Gipson

MaxPreps.com

 

There were plenty of snickers and sneers when Brandon made the playoffs after the 2006 regular season.

 

And why not?

 

The Eagles had won just three regular season games (they were all district games which propelled them to the postseason), had been shut out four times during the season and were winless on the road.

 

And their playoff trip? A 49-6 first-round loss to eventual Class 5A state champion Lakeland.

 

But with two weeks left in the 2007 regular season, this year's Eagles are 6-2, boast a potent offense, solid defense and are vying for a district crown. The Eagles wrapped up a playoff spot weeks ago.

 

"We want to get faster, more crisp and more efficient,'' said Brandon coach John Lima, after the Eagles routed Valrico Bloomingdale 56-0 last Friday. "And get ready for the big games we have coming up.''

 

The first one comes this week when the Eagles travel to Plant City for a league game that will determine the Class 5A-7 district championship. The Eagles' move up the district ladder has coincided with a move up the MaxPreps Tampa Bay Top 10 poll. Brandon moves up to No. 6 after being No. 10 last week.

 

Brandon and Land O'Lakes both move up the poll while Tampa Chamberlain and Tampa Gaither both slip after losses. All four of those squads will be playing for district titles this week. 

 

This week's poll:

 

  1. SEFFNER ARMWOOD (9-0) - Once again district champions, the Hawks will get everything district foe Tampa Middleton has this week.
  2. TAMPA PLANT (7-1) - The Panthers survived a 29-22 shootout with No. 8 Chamberlain. They'll face another potent offense next in Tampa Jefferson.
  3. LARGO (8-0) - The Packers have met every challenge. Here's another one: Class 5A-10 foe St. Petersburg Gibbs (unbeaten in league play) for the district crown.
  4. NEW PORT RICHEY RIDGEWOOD (8-0) - The Rams continue their steamroller impression, flattening all comers. Up next: No. 7 Land O'Lakes for the 4A-8 title.
  5. TAMPA HILLSBOROUGH (7-2) - The best two-loss team in the area, the Terriers have to beat Tampa Bay Tech to secure its postseason ticket.
  6. BRANDON (6-2) - Full of playmakers on offense, Brandon needs to win at Plant City to claim the 5A-7 title and a third straight trip to the playoffs.
  7. LAND O' LAKES (7-1) - The Gators host No. 4 Ridgewood in one of the biggest games in Pasco County in years. Winner takes 4A-8 championship and hosts first round playoff game.
  8. TAMPA CHAMBERLAIN (6-3) - Inconsistent Chiefs still in the mix. A win against lowly Tampa King earns a district crown for Chamberlain coach Billy Turner.
  9. CLEARWATER COUNTRYSIDE (6-2) - Cougars thrashed Clearwater 42-24 to position itself for a shot at the district crown. Must beat East Lake Friday.
  10. TAMPA GAITHER (6-3) - Playoff-bound Cowboys were pounded by No. 5 Hillsborough but still need only beat Tampa Wharton to win district crown.

Honorable Mention: Plant City, Tampa Middleton, St. Petersburg Boca Ciega, St. Petersburg Gibbs, Tampa Catholic, Dunedin, Hudson.

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