Seahawks Celebrate Homecoming, Gators Face Hernando

Tonight's a big night in Land O' Lakes football action. The Seahwaks and Gators are both coming off bye weeks and head into critical district games.

Sunlake Soars into Homecoming

The Seahawks are 2-0 and are soaring right now. After in the pre season opener, they have yet to surrender a point in a 45-0 drubbing of Hudson and 36-0 shutout of Wiregrass Ranch.

In that game, senior Jamal Jones had three catches for 74 yards and two touchdowns. He also returned an interception 32 yards for a touchdown, earning him team player of the week honors.

"I want to stay humble and focused, just try to make plays," said Jones.

Head coach Bill Browning has the task of not letting this early success get to his players' heads.

"We've been on them at practice about it, we'll find out tomorrow if it worked," he said.

The bye week, aside from breaking up the momentum the Seahawks built, did serve to heal up the team. Browning reported no injuries for Friday's game.

Aside from not giving up a point this season, the Seahawks have not even given up a turnover. Browning points to this as a key component of their early success.

This could spell trouble for the Springstead Eagles 1-1, who lost to Fivay 21-14 back on Sept. 9.

The Seahawks play at home tonight with a 7:30 start time.

Land O' Lakes Faces Off Against Hernando

The bye week was advantageous for the Gators 1-1 who were, no doubt trying to shake off the bad vibes of being crushed by rival Pasco 39-13 at home.

The loss doesn't hurt the Gators in their playoff bid. Pasco is not only in a different district this year, they are in a different class altogether.

Now, the Gators turn their eyes on Hernando 1-2.

The 6A District 6 had three likely contenders to start the year: Land O'Lakes, Sunlake and Hernando. The Hernando game will be important for head coach Brian Wachtel and the Gators.

"Every district game is important," said Wachtel. "Hernando is who we've prepped for and focused on."

Wachtel never gives anything away in his quotes but there has to be some underlying desire to put the hurt on Hernando. One, so that the Gators can show they can bounce back after a tough loss. Two, so they can get a gauge on how tough their new district will be.

The week off did allow the team to heal. Aside from senior tight end Kent Taylor's broken hand, the Gators are, "pretty much all back" according to Wachtel.

Hernando travels to Land O' Lakes tonight with a kickoff set for 7:30.