Because of the abbreviated schedule, the midpoint of the season is fast approaching. By the end of this week, every Pasco County team will have played at least one game. Starting sports have been sorted out. Mechanics are improving. And now it is time to start thinking about possible runs in the postseason. Here are the latest rankings.
1. Mitchell (1-0)
Up next: vs. Cypress Creek
Last spot: No. 1
The Mustangs started slow last week. That was to be expected considering it was their opener. But it did not take too long before everything started to click. Mitchell scored a combined 35 points in the second and third quarter, more than enough to cruise to a 42-12 victory over Pinellas Park that avenged a loss from last season. Ezra Brennan threw for 181 yards and the running game totaled 246. The defense had its moments, too. Cole Castro, a transfer from River Ridge who had an area-best 10 interceptions last year, started off this season by picking off a pass, one of three turnovers the Mustangs forced.
2. Wiregrass Ranch (1-1)
Up next: at River Ridge
Last spot: No. 2
Locked in a defensive slugfest last week, the Bulls lost in heartbreaking fashion. Clearwater Central Catholic running back Lenwood Sapp scored on a 3-yard run in the final of regulation to beat Wiregrass Ranch 14-7. Despite the loss, there were some bright spots. Bulls running back Kenneth Walker ran for 121 yards and linebacker Matt Hensley Jr. recorded 13 tackles and two sacks. Next up is an anticipated showdown with River Ridge.
3. River Ridge (2-0)
Up next: vs. Wiregrass Ranch
Last spot: No. 3
Another week. Another shutout. The latest one was a 41-0 rout over Tarpon Springs that was all but over by halftime. So far this season, River Ridge has outscored foes by a combined 54-0. In the last two seasons, the Royals Knights have also blanked opponents five times. Keeping that shutout streak could be tough this week against Wiregrass Ranch.
4. Wesley Chapel (1-0)
Up next: at Hudson
Last spot: No. 4
The Wildcats had last week’s game cancelled and were set to be idle for two straight weeks until they picked up a game against Hudson. To stay undefeated, Wesley Chapel has to contain Cobras the rushing attack, which grinded out 280 yards two weeks ago against Anclote.
5. Zephyrhills (0-0)
Up next: vs. Tampa Catholic
Last spot: No. 5
After two weeks of quarantining — and two game cancellations — because of a player testing positive for coronavirus, the Bulldogs hit the field for their season opener. It is not the easiest way to start. Zephyrhills has to shake off the rust against the undefeated Crusaders, who have outscored their first two opponents by a combined 78-7.
6. Pasco (1-1)
Up next: vs. Dixie Hollins
Last spot: No. 6
The Pirates bounced back from a season-opening loss to Auburndale in a big way, beating Cypress Creek 35-0. Devin Jernigan showed off his big play potential in the passing game with three catches for 87 yards and a touchdown. He displayed it on the ground, too, adding 34 rushing yards and another score.
7. Bishop McLaughlin (2-0)
Up next: at Seven Rivers Christian
Last spot: Unranked
The Hurricanes, under first-year coach Ken Stills, have already surpassed last year’s total and are 2-0 for the first time since 2016. One reason for their fast start is the play of quarterback Adrian Miller. Last week, the junior had 316 yards of offense (138 passing, 168 rushing) and accounted for four touchdowns.
On the bubble
Hudson (1-0), Cypress Creek (1-1), Zephyrhills Christian Academy (2-1)
