A full schedule of football games kicks off Thursday with three games in Pinellas County. This will be a weekly occurrence due to a shortage of officials in Pinellas. The starting times have changed, too. Games in the county involving public schools now begin at 7 p.m. instead of 7:30.
Hollins at Countryside, 7 p.m.
Seating capacity: Reduced to 25 percent
Masks: Required and must be worn during the game
Tickets: Online only through www.gofan.co
Live stream: Fans can watch the game for free at theidentitytb.com
Outlook: Last year, Hollins beat Countryside for the first time in more than a decade. That win helped propel the Royals to their first winning season since 2005 and an eventual district title. The Cougars bounced back from that to make the playoffs, too. The teams will look a bit different going into the rematch. After all, the two had a combined 40 players who graduated. Hollins will still rely on quarterback Fenrnando Monroe directing the offense and lineman Jameire West to lead the defense. The top returnees for Countryside on offense are running back Zyterius Watts, receiver Leroy Lopez and lineman David Tibbs. Defensively, the Cougars are led by Matt Sattinger, who had 123 tackles last year.
Pinkos pick: Hollins by 6
Putnam’s prediction: Countryside 28-21
[Total_Soft_Poll id=”16″]
Boca Ciega at Tarpon Springs, 7 p.m.
Seating capacity: Reduced to 25 percent
Masks: Required and must be worn during the game
Tickets: Online only through www.gofan.co
Livestream: NFHS Network
Outlook: This game was nasty last year with the Pirates rolling to an 88-0 victory. Most of Boca Ciega’s playmakers are back, including quarterback Taffrey Peterman and running back Chris Phillips. That could make the result lopsided again.
Pinkos pick: Boca Ciega by 52
Putnam’s prediction: Boca Ciega 56-7
[Total_Soft_Poll id=”15″]
Northeast at Seminole, 7 p.m.
Seating capacity: Reduced to 25 percent
Masks: Required and must be worn during the game
Tickets: Online only through www.gofan.co
Live stream: NFHS Network
Outlook: Last year’s game was close with the Vikings rallying to win 22-18. Antonio Willis, who rushed for more than 900 yards and scored 12 touchdowns on the ground last season, is back to what should be another strong Northeast rushing attack. The Warhawks will stick to a run-oriented attack, too.
Pinkos pick: Northeast by 7
Putnam’s prediction: Northeast 21-14
[Total_Soft_Poll id=”14″]
