Hillsborough & Pasco high school football picks: Week 1
For an area to have a really good football season, you need a few things, like some state contenders, good rivalries, and teams with good blockers and tacklers, some fast athletes, someone to sling the ball around and really good coaching staffs.
But for an area to have a really really really great football season, like, off the charts, you need a well-executed, beautifully written, intelligently-put-together prediction column.
So, you’re welcome:
Sickles at Jefferson: The Gryphons are on a five-game slide dating to last season, but I think it ends tonight. The Dragons got pounded last week 41-0 by Gaither, and the Gryphons combo of Brandon Royal to Isaiah Hudson will click enough to get the offense rolling. But if Jefferson puts up another 300 yards rushing and five scores, like last year, it won’t matter. Still, I’m guessing the Gryphons D will be better, give me them to win 24-20.
Carrollwood Day School at Madison County: Madison County is a traditional power and they have very good lines and always have good athletes, but so does CDS. The Patriots, however, just have more offensive weapons, like Michigan State commitment Anthony Carrie, so I can see them squeaking one out on the road 35-28.
Wharton at Jesuit: The Wildcats had their moments last year against the Tigers, but just made too many little mistakes at key moments, a problem that has plagued them in big games. The Wildcats have been great the past two seasons, but not sure they’ve had that signature win. I like the Wildcats this season, but I’m going to have to see that signature win to believe it. Tigers 22-20.
Steinbrenner at Gaither: I’m bullish on the Cowboys this year. The offense will be great again, but some notable changes and additions on a defense that wasn’t so hot in 2022 will make all the difference. The defense will be led by senior defensive tackle Antonio Henley and Steinbrenner transfer Andrew Brinson, and the Cowboys already have a 41-0 preseason win under their belt. I’ll take 'em 34-7.
King at Strawberry Crest: The Lions were only 3-7 last year but that was enough to win a district title and earn a playoff berth. But, quite frankly, the Lions would like to match up another playoff berth with a more attractive record. The Chargers have a lot on offense to replace and maybe King is catching them at a good time. Give me the upset, King 14-13.
Alonso at Freedom: The transfer portal wasn’t friendly to the Ravens, taking away a quarterback and a 1,200-yard rusher. But in return, the Ravens picked up Mitchell transfer Joseph Glennon, a 2023 breakout candidate. He’s got big boy Ben Cole to throw to, and Owen Beach will tote the rock behind a huge offensive line. Freedom is on an 18-game losing streak and just 1-28 the last three years, but they should be slightly improved. Slightly. Ravens should roll 38-14.
Sunlake at Wesley Chapel: Fun Fact – Sunlake beat Wesley Chapel in last year’s season open, and neither team won a game the rest of the season, and then got new coaches for 2023. OK, so maybe that’s not super fun, but anyway. Congrats to new Wildcat coach Lawrence Coleman, by the way. Even though it doesn’t technically count, taking over an 0-10 team and winning your preseason game is a big deal. Sunlake had a bit of offseason turmoil — you know, quarterback leaving and coaches fighting each other and stuff — but veteran Jay Fulmer has been hired to clean up the mess. He may be a few brooms short, however, of being able to get that done this earlier in the season. Still, I kind of like….no, I better not. Let’s go Wildcats 20-7.
Cypress Creek at Fivay: Cypress Creek has a strong returning offensive unit led by quarterback Jack Niemann, running back Malachi Askin and wideout Shaan Patel. The defense was roughed up in the spring but should be better for it. I’m no football coach, as football coaches often remind me while tossing in an expletive or two, but I’d get the ball in Patel’s hands like 10 times a game, minimum. He’s in my Preseason Player of the Year convo, which is basically just me talking to myself, but still. I think Fivay can hang all night with the Coyotes, but in the end, the Coyotes pull out a thriller 35-27.
Record this season: 0-0
Lifetime record dating back to 1999: 3,987-13.
