Football: Hillsborough County Friday night forecast, Week 5 — Sept. 23

Check it out

Strawberry Crest (4-0) at Zephyrhills Christian (2-2), 7

The undefeated Chargers have a short week after shutting out Leto on Monday. To stay perfect, Strawberry Crest will have to knock off the host Warriors on the road in what will be its toughest game so far this season. Zephyrhills Christian is trying to rebound after losing two straight to quality programs, Land O’ Lakes and Lakeland Christian. 

Putnam’s pick: Strawberry Crest 27-23

Berkeley Prep (2-1) at Tampa Catholic (2-1), 7

Forget last year’s 38-0 victory by the Buccaneers. This is a competitive series. After all, the previous four meetings were all decided by a touchdown or less. The matchup to watch is in the trenches with Berkeley Prep’s defensive line, led by Keon Keeley and Brice Stevenson, going up against Tampa Catholic’s offensive line, anchored by Eddy Pierre-Louis and Chris Luna.  

Putnam’s pick: Berkeley Prep 17-13

Gaither (1-2) at Tampa Bay Tech (3-0), 7:30

The Cowboys and their potent passing attack are trying to get back on track after losses to Wharton and Sumner the past two weeks. It doesn’t get any easier with a matchup against the defending state finalist Titans, who keep getting better during their perfect start.

Putnam’s pick: Tampa Bay Tech 28-14 

Jesuit (2-1) at Armwood (2-1), 7:30

This is a reunion for Tigers coach Matt Thompson, an Armwood graduate who spent 19 seasons as an assistant with the Hawks, including a decade as defensive coordinator. Jesuit is more concerned with getting back to winning after a loss to Miami Columbus two weeks ago snapped its 17-game overall win streak and 29-game regular season win streak. Armwood is starting to find its groove after beating  Bloomingdale and Hillsborough the past two weeks.

Putnam’s pick: Jesuit 21-20

Sumner (4-0) at Wharton (2-1), 7:30

The undefeated Stingrays have been impressive with wins against Bloomingdale and Gaither. Now comes the biggest test. Sumner and quarterback Greg Smith III go up against Wharton’s stifling defense, which has allowed a combined six points in wins over Plant City and Gaither the past two weeks. 

Putnam’s pick: Wharton 28-26

Best of the rest

Seffner Christian at Central Florida Christian Academy, 7

Putnam’s pick: Seffner Christian 31-27

Sarasota Cardinal Mooney at Carrollwood Day, 7

Putnam’s pick: Carrollwood Day 34-6

Foundation Christian at Sarasota Christian, 7

Putnam’s pick: Sarasota Christian 14-13

Plant City at Hillsborough, 7:30

Putnam’s pick: Hillsborough 28-14

Lennard at Durant, 7:30

Putnam’s pick: Durant 24-7

Newsome at Bloomingdale, 7:30

Putnam’s pick: Newsome 21-13

Sickles at King, 7:30

Putnam’s pick: Sickles 28-7

Leto at Alonso, 7:30

Putnam’s pick: Alonso 31-14

Plant at Chamberlain, 7:30

Putnam’s pick: Plant 42-7

Blake at Freedom, 7:30

Putnam’s pick: Blake 35-13

Brandon at Robinson, 7:30

Putnam’s pick: Robinson 35-6

East Bay at Jefferson, 7:30

Putnam’s pick: East Bay 23-10