Armwood adds to Plant's woes in Florida

In case there were any lingering thoughts about Armwood’s return to the top of the Tampa Bay prep football scene, they were put to rest Friday night.

Armwood (Seffner) used its punishing, opportunistic defense and just enough offense to beat Plant (Tampa) 17-0 on the Panthers' home field. Armwood safety Leon McQuay intercepted Plant quarterback Phillip Ely three times and the Hawks' defense limited Plant running back James Wilder, Jr. to just 23 yards before he left in the second quarter with an ankle injury.

Armwood's defense allowed just 69 yards total offense. Meanwhile, on offense, the Hawks got a 25-yard touchdown run from Kyle Wilcox and a scoring pass from Josh Grady to Ronnie Thomas.

Armwood, state champions in 2003 and 2004, improved to 4-0. Plant, title winners in 2006 and 2008-09, slumped to 3-2 on the year.

It had been six years since Plant suffered a shutout. The last defense to do it? Armwood’s – in a 49-0 beatdown on Oct. 29, 2004.

Key matchups this week include:

* Lakewood (St. Petersburg) at 5-0 Jefferson (Tampa) in a Class 3A, District 8 showdown.

* Lennard (Ruskin) at 5-0 Jesuit (Tampa) in a 2A-5 meeting.

* Sickles (Tampa) trying to rebound in 4A-10 play against Boca Ciega (Gulfport).

* Undefeated Countryside (Clearwater) (5-0) hosting Clearwater in a key Class 5A, District 8 matchup.

BEST OF THE BAY AREA
Armwood (Seffner) 4-0 – A thorough beating of rival Plant could mean a long trip into December for the Hawks. At King (Tampa) this week.

Jefferson (Tampa) 5-0 – Quarterback Quentin Williams has 1,400 yards and 21 touchdown passes in five games this season. Hosting Lakewood (St. Petersburg) in a key Class 3A-8 game.

St. Petersburg 4-0 – Throttled Palm Harbor University 47-14 to stay unbeaten. Hosts city rival Gibbs (St. Petersburg) next.

Brandon 5-0 – The Eagles had an impressive showing in their 29-9 win against Sickles (Tampa). At Wharton (Tampa) this week.

Countryside (Clearwater) 4-0 – Countryside's offense continues to hit on all cylinders, evidenced by last week's 51-22 win against Lakewood. Up next, a 5A-8 scrap with Clearwater.

Robinson (Tampa) 3-1 – A bit stung by a 29-28 lost to 2A-5 district rival Jesuit (Tampa). Knights will look to bounce back at Newsome (Lithia).

Plant (Tampa) 3-2 – Panthers have had a rough go of it so far this season (by Plant standards). After the tough 17-0 blanking by Armwood, Panthers looking to rebound with district meeting against Gaither (Tampa).

Jesuit (Tampa) 5-0 – Jesuit in the driver's seat in Class 2A, District 5 after 29-28 win against rival Robinson (Tampa). Hosting another district squad this week in 4-1 Lennard (Ruskin).

Land O'Lakes 4-0 – Gators had no trouble at all in 56-6 thumping of Gulf (New Port Richey). Playing at Anclote (Hudson) this week.

Pasco (Dade City) 4-0 – Perfect (2-0) in Class 3A-7 district play after a 50-7 dismantling of Zephyrhills. At fellow district foe Gulf (New Port Richey) this week.

Coming on strong: Largo (4-1), Tampa Bay Tech 3-2, Tampa Hillsborough 3-2. Tampa Berkeley Prep 4-1, Tampa Sickles 3-2.

OTHER BAY AREA HAPPENINGS:
Several prominent Bay area football players have gone down with season-ending knee injuries during the first half of the season.

Most notably, Armwood (Seffner) wide receiver and Purdue commit A.J. King is out for the rest of the year after his injury two weeks ago. Also, standout Mitchell (New Port Richey) running back Ricky Trinidad tore his ACL midway through September.

And Pinellas Park junior quarterback Jese Hevia also is done for the season after his knee injury. And Pinellas Park did not just lose Hevia. Other Pinellas Park players out for the year with torn ACLs are senior defensive back Jonathon Colon and junior defensive lineman Sam Orth.