Here we go with the stretch run

We enter week 8 and very few things have changed.

St. Thomas Aquinas is still on top.

Everyone else seems to be chasing.

This week we've got some key matchups around the state that will go a long way towards determining who advances in the 2009 FHSAA playoffs.

First and foremost is our spotlight game - Kissimmee Osceola at Lakeland. The winner of this game has advanced to the State title game in 5A five years in a row - yep - five years in a row.

Osceola has played a killer schedule, including 6A powers Dr. Phillips and Mainland. Lakeland is - well, Lakeland. The 'Naughts have not dominated as years past, but did go to California and beat De LaSalle in overtime.

Thomas Bryant Stadium will be rocking as this one gets underway.

Some notes from last week:

Columbus still searches for a cure of the Bulls blues... The Explorers fell down 15-0 before a late rally closed the game to 15-13 and a failed two-point try would have tied it up. Credit Northwestern with coming out of the gauntlet with a 2-1 record.

Booker T. Washington survived their closest scare, defeating North Miami Beach 10-8.

Naples fell to Lely for the first time in a while, 12-6 and what's going on at Immokalee. The Indians haven't won since beating Naples.

Venice showed the world that they're peaking at just the right time and if Manatee doesn't get its offensive issues solved, Venice could take the district.

Sad news out of Connecticut as former Florida high school star Jasper Howard was stabbed to death after a UCONN game. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Just when you thought it was over, the Madison County Cowboys showed Lincoln that playing at Boot Hill still matters. Madco jumped out to a 31-7 lead over the Trojans and coasted to a 38-20 win one week after Godby stunned the 'Boys 21-14. Madison's district streak of 11 is in jeapordy after that loss.