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Robinson (5-2) at Tampa Catholic (5-1), 7

This matchup is for sole possession of first place in Class 2, District 6 in the Metro Division. Both teams have been on a roll. The visiting Knights are on a three-game win streak while the host Crusaders have won four straight. The key will be whether Robinson’s defense, which is allowing an average of 29 points per game, can slow down Tampa Catholic’s offense (38 points per game). 

Putnam’s pick: Tampa Catholic 42-21

Tampa Bay Tech (7-1) at Jesuit, (4-3) 7:30

One of the area’s premier matchups featuring a defending state finalist (the Titans) going up against a defending state champion (the Tigers). On offense, check out the top rushers, Tampa Bay Tech’s Rod Gainey and Jesuit’s Joquez Smith. 

Putnam’s pick: Tampa Bay Tech 21-14 

Steinbrenner (4-3) at Plant (6-2), 7:30

Both teams have been able to turn things around. The visiting Warriors are on a two-game win streak that helped them get above .500. The host Panthers, meanwhile, rebounded from an 0-2 start to win six straight. This is a non-district matchup but it does have importance in seeding in Class 4, Region 2 of the Metro Division. 

Putnam’s pick: Steinbrenner 30-24

East Bay (7-0) at Berkeley Prep (4-3), 7:30

The Indians’ perfect start gets put to the test against the defending state finalist Buccaneers. Both teams have been dominate lately. East Bay has won its past three games by a combined 160-6. Berkeley Prep has won its past games by a combined 96-7. 

Putnam’s pick: East Bay 23-21

Riverview (4-3) at Strawberry Crest (5-3), 7:30

This is a tough stretch for the Sharks, who are playing three games in a seven-day span. The host Chargers are trying to get back on track after losing three straight. Both teams need a win to stay within striking distance for one of the top eight spots in Class 4, Region 2 of the Metro Division. 

Putnam’s pick: Riverview 28-14

Durant (7-1) at Gaither (4-3), 7:30

The visiting Cougars are coming off a thrilling 34-33 overtime victory over rival Newsome. Durant’s lone loss was by a point to Bloomingdale. The Cowboys are trying to rebound after last week’s 42-21 loss to Jesuit.

Putnam’s pick: Durant 27-21

Best of the rest

Dixie County at Cambridge Christian, 7

Putnam’s pick: Cambridge Christian 28-13

Sickles at Middleton, 7:30

Putnam’s pick: Middleton 23-14

Brandon at Spoto, 7:30

Putnam’s pick: Spoto 28-7

Chamberlain at Blake, 7:30

Putnam’s pick: Blake 34-6

Newsome at Hillsborough, 7:30

Putnam’s pick: Newsome 21-16

Plant City at Armwood, 7:30

Putnam’s pick: Armwood 28-20

Bloomingdale at Wharton, 7:30

Putnam’s pick: Wharton 27-20 

Young Kids in Motion at Seffner Christian, 7:30

Putnam’s pick: Seffner Christian 30-28