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Sports

Gators, Seahawks both Eye Wins in Tonight's Football Action

The Gators host Pasco and the Seahawks travel to Wiregrass Ranch this week.

Land O' Lakes football fans are in for a big second week of high school action as both local teams enter Friday's games coming off victories.

Here's a look at what's in store for Land O' Lakes and Sunlake high school football players tonight, Sept. 9:

Land O' Lakes Gators

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In what is certainly the oldest rivalry in the county, albeit, no longer a district rivalry, the (1-0) host the Pasco Pirates (1-0) this Friday.

The Pirates smoked Cavalry Christian 54-27 in their home opener, while Land O' Lakes handled Zephyrhills 36-21 in their regular season debut.

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Senior quarterback Ryan Bird continues to impress and dispel doubt. He threw for 169 yards on just nine completions, with two touchdowns in last week's game.

"My confidence level is high right now," said Bird. "We think we can throw, and we've already established we can run."

The Land O' Lakes-Pasco rivalry is as heated as ever, and even with a new coach and new quarterback, it's still a mammoth game for the Gators.

"Without a doubt, it's the biggest rivalry in the county," said head coach Brian Wachtel. "It's huge; we've gotta get it done."

Wachtel has been impressed with his team's effort thus far.

"We play non-stop, four quarters, and we're flying around," he said.

The Gators will have to get it done without go-to receiving option, , who broke his hand in the preseason opener. According to Wachtel, he's day-to-day but not going to be available for the Pasco game.

Luckily, the Gators started cross-training senior linebacker Jackson Cannon at tight end this summer and according to Wachtel will use a few different tight ends in different formations.

Sunlake Seahawks

The are on a meteoric streak right now after , then dismantling Hudson in their regular season opener 45-0. The Seahawks (1-0) travel to Wiregrass Ranch (0-1) this Friday to tangle with the Bulls, who fell 20-6 last Friday to Wesley Chapel.

Senior quarterback Cameron Stoltz's tires got traction last Friday as he completed all eight of his passes for 218 yards and four touchdowns.

"We knew what we were capable of, we still think we can do better," Stoltz said.

Even head coach Bill Browning has been impressed with Stoltz's performance through two games.

"It's like we anticipated, he's paid his dues, now it's his time," said Browning. "He's off to a very good start."

Browning also called out senior Jerome Samuels who had nine rushes for 90 yards and a touchdown in the Hudson game.

"He's a load to bring down," said Browning.

Senior Rashaud Daniels had a monster game too, with four catches for 122 yards and two touchdowns. The Seahawks steamroller keeps chugging along.

"The offensive line up to now is strong, they're playing physical," said Browning.

"We're a team of Tarzans right now."

Both games start at 7:30 p.m.

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