Compiled by Rod Gipson, MaxPreps.com
1. SEFFNER ARMWOOD (2-0) – The Hawks survived a slightly tougher-than-expected 9-6 battle with No. 4 Tampa Bay Tech. It wasn’t pretty but it was good enough for Armwood’s 27th consecutive regular-season victory. Armwood is at Tampa Wharton this week.
2. LARGO (2-0)
– The Packers’ tandem of D.J. Key and Jamar Riley combined for 257 yards as Largo built a big lead and held off St. Petersburg Gibbs in 42-32 victory. The Packers open Class 4A, District 8 play this week at upstart No. 14 Tampa Sickles.
3. TAMPA PLANT (1-1)
– The Panthers’ opening loss to Tech seems ages ago. Plant rightened its ship with a 46-13 win against a good No. 13 Tampa Jefferson team. Plant’s James Wilder, Jr. had four sacks in the game. Plant next plays at Riverview.
4. TAMPA BAY TECH (1-1)
– The Titans went toe-to-toe with Armwood and only a failed fourth-down conversion prevented them from having a close shot at knocking off the king of the mountain. Tech hosts Tampa Chamberlain this week.
5. TAMPA CATHOLIC (2-0)
– Two Christian Green touchdown runs and a 113-yard rushing effort from Henry McCloud lifted the Crusaders to a 17-7 win against Ocala Trinity Christian. TC next plays at Orlando Lake Highland Prep.
6. RIVERVIEW SPOTO (3-0)
– The dominant Spartans defense has pitched two straight shutouts. And offensively, Jamar Burns has been outstanding, with 113 yards rushing and three TDs in last week’s 42-0 win against Gibsonton East Bay.
7. TAMPA HILLSBOROUGH (1-1)
– The Terriers got back in the win column at the expense of Tampa Chamberlain in a 47-0 win. QB Tarean Austin threw three touchdowns and the Hillsborough defense yielded just 101 yards. Hillsborough next hosts No. 8 Tampa Alonso.
8. TAMPA ALONSO (1-1)
– Hillsborough County passing leader C.J. Bennett threw for 249 yards and three scores in Alonso’s 35-10 win against a fading Lithia Newsome team. He’ll try to do the same this week at No. 7 Hillsborough.
9. CLEARWATER COUNTRYSIDE (3-0)
– Countryside running back Alton Taylor may be the best in the area. His 150-yard rushing performance in a 52-17 win against Seminole Osceola included four touchdowns – giving him a total of 12 touchdowns in just three games. The Cougars host Dunedin Friday.
10. BROOKSVILLE NATURE COAST (2-1)
– Consider this: When Nature Coast failed to convert on its late two-point conversion in a 7-6 loss to Crystal River, it marked the first time the Sharks scored less than seven points in a game since October 2005. Nature Coast will look to rebound this week at home against Tavares.
11. ST. PETERSBURG (3-0)
– Backs Rashard Lewis and Malik Wilson combined for five touchdowns as the Green Devils routed St. Petersburg Dixie Hollins 52-0. St. Pete next plays Seminole at home.
12. ST. PETERSBURG LAKEWOOD (2-1)
– Bernard Reedy may be the most versatile player in the Bay area. He scored touchdowns on a kick return, a catch and a run in the Spartans’ 34-14 win against Gulfport Boca Ciega. Lakewood is at St. Petersburg Dixie Hollins next.
13. TAMPA JEFFERSON (2-1)
– Sophomore quarterback Quentin Williams accounted for two touchdowns but was hounded relentlessly in the Dragons 46-13 loss to No. 3 Plant. Jefferson tries to rebound this week with a district opener against Seminole Osceola.
14. TAMPA SICKLES (3-0)
– Sickles is enjoying its first 3-0 start ever after tailback Carey White ran for his third straight 100-yard game as the Gryphons topped Tampa Freedom 17-14 in overtime.
15. LAND O’ LAKES (2-0)
– Quarterback Stephen Weatherford and the Gators are clicking offensively, evidenced by the 42-7 thumping of Spring Hill Springstead.
16. DADE CITY PASCO (1-1)
– The Pirates ran into a buzzsaw at Bushnell South Sumpter, being limited to just 64 yards rushing in a 32-7 loss. Paso will try to regroup Friday at Wesley Chapel.
17. PLANT CITY DURANT (2-1)
– The Cougars had little offense and practically no defense in a 24-0 loss to Tampa Jesuit. After a disappointing performance, Durant will look to play better against visiting Bloomingdale.
18. TAMPA ROBINSON (2-0)
– Quarterback Blake Rice guided the Knights offense to 350-plus yards of offense in a 30-24 win against Tampa King. Robinson plays at Tampa Middleton next.
19. TARPON SPRINGS (2-1)
– Running back Adrian Golden was limited to 79 yards in the Spongers' 13-3 upset loss to crosstown rival Tarpon Springs East Lake. The Spongers play at New Port Richey River Ridge on Friday.
20. NEW PORT RICHEY MITCHELL (3-0)
– Running back Ricky Trinidad has been the story for Mitchell this season, piling up 596 yards and five touchdowns this season, including last week’s 28-14 win against Clearwater Central Catholic.
Take a look at
… New Port Richey Gulf (3-0), Clearwater (3-0), Tampa Jesuit (2-1), Clearwater Central Catholic (2-1), Tampa Freedom (1-1).