Scoreboard
Seffner Christian 47, Cambridge Christian 29
Calvary Christian 42, Berkeley Prep 10
Wharton 20, Armwood 13
East Lake 55, Steinbrenner 54
Newsome 29, Riverview 12
Durant 14, Sumner 13
Plant 17, Strawberry Crest 0
Palm Harbor University 10, Sickles 0
Bloomingdale 34, Lennard 0
Blake 20, Jefferson 14 (OT)
East Bay 53, Spoto 6
Plant City 37, Alonso 12
Tampa Bay Tech 75, Freedom 0
Middleton 49, Chamberlain 0
Jesuit 71, Leto 0
King 35, Brandon 0
Gaither 24, Hillsborough 21
Proving their worth
After losing to defending state champion Jesuit in the season opener, Wharton had reeled off three straight victories, outscoring Plant City, Gaither and Sumner by a combined 116-6.
But the Wildcats knew to validate themselves as a district and state title contender, they had to get past one of the powerhouses in their district, something they did not not do last year despite reaching the region final.
On Monday, Wharton accomplished the first part of that task, exacting revenge for a loss to Armwood a year ago with a 20-13 victory.
The Wildcats got off to a strong start, jumping out to a 20-7 halftime then held off a late rally by the Hawks.
That sets up a showdown with defending state finalist Tampa Bay Tech in two weeks in a game that ultimately will decide the Class 3, District 4 title in the Metro Division.
A Raiders revival
For Mike Clayton, the former LSU and Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver who was hired in the offseason to take over at Plant City, his baptism into high school coaching did not go exactly as planned.
The Raiders started the season 0-4. To make matters worse, starting quarterback Dereon Coleman transferred to Orlando Jones.
Since, Plant City has gone through a remarkable transformation.
It started with a 19-7 victory over traditional power Hillsborough.
The success continued on Monday with a 37-12 victory over previously undefeated Alonso in a key Class 4, District 7 game in the Metro Division.
Durant delivers in district game
Despite graduating several players at key positions, Durant has maintained success under second-year coach Claybo Varnum.
The Cougars had won two straight heading into Monday’s Class 4, District 8 showdown with Sumner, a team many considered the frontrunner for the district title.
Twice, Durant fell behind but always stayed within striking distance. In the fourth quarter, they took their first lead when Michael Ryan hit Jeremiah Gines for a touchdown.
The defense took it from there to seal a 14-13 win.
The Cougars are now 5-1 and 1-0 in the district. But there still is plenty of work done to win a title considering every team in the district has an overall winning record.
Steinbrenner stunned against East Lake
The numbers Steinbrenner put up against East Lake are staggering.
The Warriors had 613 yards of offense.
Ty Robinson threw for 383 and four touchdowns. Demetrius Carter Jr. had 11 catches for 263 yards and three touchdowns. Andrew Brinson finished with nine receptions for 144 yards and two touchdowns. He also threw for another score. And Kirby Vorhees ran for 161 yards and had a touchdown on the ground.
All that – and Steinbrenner lost 55-54.
Ahead 54-28 late in the third quarter, the Warriors had two costly fumbles that contributed to the comeback. Near the end of regulation, Steinbrenner had a chance to win but missed a short field goal.
Now, the Warriors have to keep winning – and get some help in order to qualify for an at-large playoff berth.
But it does not get any easier. .
On Friday, Steinbrenner faces Armwood.
Turnaround team
After starting 1-1, Blake has won four straight, the last coming in overtime to beat Jefferson 20-14 in Monday’s Class 2, District 6 game in the Metro Division.
With the win, the Yellow Jackets are currently in sole possession of first place in the district. And their five wins are more than their previous two seasons combined.
In the win column
First-year King coach Dave Sevier led the program to a 35-0 victory over Brandon for his first win.
Every new coach in Hillsborough County now has at least one victory.
Up next
Friday’s schedule
Bradenton Christian at Cambridge Christian, 7
Sarasota Out-of-Door at Bell Creek Academy, 7
Northside Christian at Seffner Christian, 7
Wharton at Newsome, 7:30
Robinson at Freedom, 7:30
Chamberlain at East Bay, 7:30
Durant at Sickles, 7:30
Clearwater Central Catholic at Jesuit, 7:30
Lennard at Sumner, 7:30
Middleton at Strawberry Crest, 7:30
Armwood at Steinbrenner, 7:30
Tampa Catholic at Winter Haven, 7:30
Tampa Bay Tech at Hillsborough, 7:30
Blake at King, 7:30
Spoto at Leto, 7:30
Gaither at Bloomingdale, 7:30
Plant at Jefferson, 7:30
Alonso at Riverview, 7:30
