Games of the week
Armwood at Bloomingdale, 7:30
Seating capacity: Game participants (athletes, cheerleaders, band members) were allowed to select four spectators and submit names by this past Wednesday. They must sit together.
Masks: Required by all fans
Tickets: Online only through HillsboroughSchools.org/athletics
Live stream: Fans can watch for free at identitytb.com
Outlook: The teams played twice last season with the Hawks prevailing in both. The region semifinal win (28-13) was one of the closest games Armwood had all year. One of the biggest storylines has to do with Bloomingdale receiver Agiye Hall, an Alabama commit who played with the Hawks the past two seasons and is going up against his former team. He is part of an influx of transfers that helped the Bulls solidify an already talented roster. Armwood still has plenty of playmakers. Cam’Ron Ransom is back at quarterback. So is receiver Charles Montgomery, a Florida commit. Some of the offensive fireworks could be doused by two of the best defenses in the area. A big key will be how well Bloomingdale’s offensive line does in containing Hawks defensive tackle Desmond Watson, a Florida recruit.
Pinkos pick: Armwood by 31
Putnam’s prediction: Armwood 20-16
[Total_Soft_Poll id=”9″]
Clearwater at Jesuit, 7:30
Seating capacity: Each team was given an allotment of tickets to distribute to families in advance.
Masks: Required
Tickets: Sold out
Live stream: Fans can watch by going to Jesuit’s football Facebook page
Outlook: This was a defensive slugfest last year with the Tornadoes coming through on a goal line stand to preserve the win. Both defenses are still as stingy as ever. The offenses will look a little different, especially at quarterback. Joe Pesansky took over quarterbacking duties for the Tigers and threw for more than 200 yards and three touchdowns in last week’s win over Fort Myers Bishop Verot. Kamrhen Simpkins, a transfer from Largo, is now Clearwater’s signal caller.
Pinkos pick: Jesuit by 13
Putnam’s prediction: Clearwater 14-13
[Total_Soft_Poll id=”10″]
Clearwater Central Catholic at Tampa Catholic, 7
Seating capacity: 500
Masks: Fans need to bring one but only have to wear it when social distancing cannot be practiced.
Tickets: Sold out. They were available to players, cheerleaders, Crusaderettes and students at school.
Live stream: Available through Tampa Catholic’s YouTube and Facebook channels.
Outlook: This is one of the best rivalries in the area. The Marauders have won the past five meetings, four by double digits. The Crusaders have a ton of returnees, including college-bound seniors such offensive linemen Jordan and Jaden Sandlin (FAU), lineman/tight end Cole Essek (Appalachian State) and defensive back DD Snyder (Illinois). CCC, meanwhile, had 20 players graduate from last year’s team and could start as many as 15 sophomores. Still, it is a talented and explosive group.
Pinkos pick: Tampa Catholic by 3
Putnam’s prediction: Tampa Catholic 20-19
[Total_Soft_Poll id=”11″]
Tampa Bay Tech at Steinbrenner, 7:30
Seating capacity: Game participants (athletes, cheerleaders, band members) were allowed to select four spectators and submit names by this past Wednesday. They must sit together.
Masks: Required by all fans
Tickets: Online only through HillsboroughSchools.org/athletics
Live stream: Fans can watch for free at identitytb.com
Outlook: The key matchup will be the Warriors defense, led by lineman Garret Cates, linebackers Austin Brannen and TJ Hubbell and defensive back Matthew Durrance, going up against the Titans passing game, powered by quarterback David Wright and receivers Greg Gaines and Jamari Gassett.
Pinkos pick: Tampa Bay Tech by 3
Putnam’s prediction: Tampa Bay Tech 27-21
[Total_Soft_Poll id=”12″]
Calvary Christian at Carrollwood Day, 7
Seating capacity: N/A
Masks: N/A
Tickets: N/A
Live stream: N/A
Outlook: The Patriots, winless last year, broke that streak by beating Northside Christian in last week’s season opener. The roster is completely different with Carrollwood Day benefitting from the addition of several high-profile transfers, including tight end Michael Trigg, a four-star prospect. Calvary Christian has just as much firepower with running back Kai Martin and receiver Richie Ilarraza, a Howard commit, both returning. It will be up to the defenses to stop this one from becoming a shootout.
Pinko’s pick: Calvary Christian by 32
Putnam’s prediction: Calvary Christian 35-21
[Total_Soft_Poll id=”13″]
Gaither at Chamberlain, 7:30
Seating capacity: Game participants (athletes, cheerleaders, band members) were allowed to select four spectators and submit names by this past Wednesday. They must sit together.
Masks: Required by all fans
Tickets: Online only through HillsboroughSchools.org/athletics
Live stream: NFHS Network
Outlook: The rivals will play twice this year. This one was a late addition after their scheduled opponents, Jefferson and Hillsborough, had to cancel because of a player testing positive for coronavirus. The Cowboys 33-28 win last year snapped a two-game losing streak in the series.Jayden Mendez had a monster game with six catches for 158 yards and three touchdowns. The Chiefs’ Antony Guzman also played well, rushing for more than 90 yards and scoring twice.
Pinko’s pick: Gaither by 25
Putnam’s prediction: Gaither 30-21
[Total_Soft_Poll id=”14″]
Fivay at River Ridge, 7:30
Seating capacity: There are a limited number of tickets guaranteed for each team. Fans are encouraged to go to their school’s website for more information.
Masks: Required at all times
Tickets: gofan.com
Live stream: NFHS Network
Outlook: The Royal Knights are 5-1 in the series and have won the past four meetings, including three by shutouts. But the Falcons made dramatic improvements last season, going 7-3 and just missing the playoffs. Melvin Rivera, who had 112 tackles last season, returns at linebacker for Fivay and will be tasked with stopping River Ridge’s passing game, led by quarterback Trenton Hawks.
Pinkos pick: River Ridge by 20
Putnam’s prediction: River Ridge 34-19
[Total_Soft_Poll id=”15″]
Pinellas Park at Largo, 7
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 or for free at identitytb.com
Outlook: After years of playing in the spring, the two teams met in the regular season last year. The Patriots relied on their running game to win 22-18. Expect another heavy dose of the ground game by Pinellas Park, only this time it will be done by committee rather than with Lawrance Toafili, now a freshman at Florida State. It will be to the Gurney twins, Garrett and Connor, and Zayvion McCluster to stop them.
Pinko’s pick: Largo by 3
Putnam’s prediction: Pinellas Park 14-13
[Total_Soft_Poll id=”16″]
Sunlake at Wesley Chapel, 7:30
Seating capacity: There are a limited number of tickets guaranteed for each team. Fans are encouraged to go to their school’s website for more information.
Masks: Required at all times
Tickets: gofan.com
Live stream: NFHS Network
Outlook: This is one of the area’s most competitive series. The Seahawks lead the series 5-4, including shutouts the past two seasons. The Wildcats do come in with some momentum after winning four of their final six games last season.
Pinkos pick: Wesley Chapel by 6
Putnam’s prediction: Wesley Chapel 20-14
[Total_Soft_Poll id=”17″]
Sarasota Riverview at East Lake, 7:30
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: The Eagles were supposed to play rival Palm Harbor University but had to switch opponents after a Hurricanes player tested positive for coronavirus. East Lake still is searching for a permanent replacement for quarterback Matt Trotto, who graduated. Four quarterbacks — Jake Bechtel, Mark Brady and Aidan MacLean — will all see playing time against the Rams.
Pinko’s pick: Riverview by 10
Putnam’s prediction: East Lake 21-17
[Total_Soft_Poll id=”18″]
Durant at Newsome, 7:30
Seating capacity: Game participants (athletes, cheerleaders, band members) were allowed to select four spectators and submit names by this past Wednesday. They must sit together.
Masks: Required by all fans
Tickets: Online only through HillsboroughSchools.org/athletics
Live stream: NFHS Network
Outlook: If you like running games, this is the rivalry game for you. The Wolves might be better equipped for that earthbound approach, thanks to the return of Jason Albritton, who ran for more than 1,400 yards last season.
Pinko’s pick: Newsome by 14
Putnam’s prediction: Newsome 27-14
[Total_Soft_Poll id=”19″]
Sickles at East Bay, 7:30
Seating capacity: Game participants (athletes, cheerleaders, band members) were allowed to select four spectators and submit names by this past Wednesday. They must sit together.
Masks: Required by all fans
Tickets: Online only through HillsboroughSchools.org/athletics
Live stream: NFHS Network
Outlook: Last season’s meeting was a nailbiter with the Indians scoring a touchdown in the first half then holding for a 7-6 victory. This could be another low scoring affair. East Bay should be strong on defense with lineman Ethan Lyons and linebackers Nathan Carter, Jordan Kow and Greg Graham all returning. They will try to stop a Gryphons offense led by quarterback Brandon Dessi, running back Anthony Vega and linemen Nohl Settlemire and Luke Barrow.
Pinko’s pick: East Bay by 3
Putnam’s prediction: East Bay 16-14
[Total_Soft_Poll id=”20″]
Clearwater Academy at Brentwood (Tenn.) Academy, 7
Outlook: It’s becoming a trend for area teams to travel to on powerhouse Brentwood Academy. Clearwater Central Catholic did it last year and lost. The Knights, who have a loaded roster, have the talent to win and help put their program on the national map.
Pinko’s pick: Clearwater Academy by 7
Putnam’s prediction: Clearwater Academy 28-14
[Total_Soft_Poll id=”21″]
The remaining schedule
Keswick Christian at Bishop McLaughlin, 7
Pinko’s pick: Keswick Christian by 14
Putnam’s prediction: Keswick Christian 17-13
Zephyrills Christian at Bradenton Christian, 7
Pinko’s pick: Zephyrhills Christian by 3
Putnam’s prediction: Zephyrhills Christian 21-7
Cambridge Christian at Northside Christian, 7
Pinko’s pick: Cambridge Christian by 49
Putnam’s prediction: Cambridge Christian 28-21
Dunedin at St. Pete Catholic, 7
Pinko’s pick: Dunedin by 3
Putnam’s prediction: Dunedin 27-10
Cypress Creek at Osceola, 7
Pinko’s pick: Cypress Creek by 7
Putnam’s prediction: Cypress Creek 21-7
Gibbs at Lakewood, 7
Pinko’s pick: Lakewood by 59
Putnam’s prediction: Lakewood 49-7
Wiregrass Ranch at St. Petersburg, 7
Pinko’s pick: Wiregrass Ranch by 28
Putnam’s prediction: Wiregrass Ranch 34-13
Leto at Alonso, 7:30
Pinko’s pick: Alonso by 20
Putnam’s prediction: Alonso 20-6
Middleton at Blake, 7:30
Pinko’s pick: Blake by 3
Putnam’s prediction: Middleton 14-12
Brandon at Robinson, 7:30
Pinko’s pick: Robinson by 21
Putnam’s prediction: Robinson 37-7
Wharton at Freedom, 7:30
Pinko’s pick: Wharton by 25
Putnam’s prediction: Wharton 33-14
Strawberry Crest at King, 7:30
Pinko’s pick: King by 14
Putnam’s prediction: King 7-6
Lennard at Plant, 7:30
Pinko’s pick: Plant by 4
Putnam’s prediction: Lennard 28-21
Riverview at Plant City, 7:30
Pinko’s pick: Plant City by 21
Putnam’s prediction: Plant City 35-13
Spoto at Sumner, 7:30
Pinko’s pick: Spoto by 21
Putnam’s prediction: Spoto 13-6
Anclote at Hudson, 7:30
Pinko’s pick: Anclote by 6
Putnam’s prediction: Anclote 21-20
Pasco at Auburndale, 7:30
Pinko’s pick: Auburndale by 31
Putnam’s prediction: Auburndale 24-10
Seffner Christian at Lakeland Christian, 7:30
Pinko’s pick: Lakeland Christian by 7
Putnam’s prediction: Lakeland Christian 28-14
Shorecrest at All Saints Academy, 7
Pinko’s pick: All Saints by 37
Putnam’s prediction: All Saints 42-21
Bell Creek Academy at Indian Rocks Christian, 7
Pinko’s pick: IRC by 19
Putnam’s prediction: IRC 30-21
