Sports
District Games on Tap for Gators, Seahawks Tonight
Both Land O' Lakes teams are fighting for a berth in the district finals.
The regular season is drawing near a close, but it's not over yet for Land O' Lakes two high school football teams.
Sunlake Takes on River Ridge
Having established themselves as the power team of south Pasco, all that's left for the Seahawks (7-1, 4-1 Class 6A District 6) is to secure the number two spot in District 6 and a 2011 playoff spot. There is an outside chance they could claim District 6 but only if Hernando collapses against both Nature Coast Tech and Mitchell.
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To clinch a playoff spot, they will have to beat a very good River Ridge team (5-2, 3-2).
The emotion has been through the roof for the Seahawks over the last few weeks. A 13-8 nail-biter with Nature Coast on Oct. 6 was followed by a heart-breaking 22-7 loss to Hernando, followed by a resounding 21-10 win over the Land O' Lakes Gators.
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No doubt, the Seahawks would like to start the playoffs this week and carry the momentum in. However, they have three games left, two of them against district opponents.
"We've got to stay humble and let's not overlook a very good River Ridge team," head coach Bill Browning said to his team.
The River Ridge game is critical because the Knights could jump Sunlake in district standings if they win. The Seahawks need to get through this week's game before they can exhale.
Don't Count Land O' Lakes Out
The Gators (4-3, 3-2) were dealt a stinging blow last Thursday, but are not mathematically eliminated from playoff contention. They find themselves in fifth place in the district and on the outside looking in. However, they have two district games left and with help, they have an outside shot.
The biggest news for the Gators this week is the announcement of senior tight end Kent Taylor's college choice. Taylor will be attending the University of Florida.
Coming up this Friday for the Gators is a home district game against Central (0-9, 0-5). The Gators should rip up the woeful Bears during their homecoming game and could get some help as the teams they are looking up at all play each other. The outcomes of those games could tip the scales in favor of Land O' Lakes. Sunlake battles River Ridge and Nature Coast Tech takes on Hernando in tonight's prep football action.