Week 9 - separation

When I ran track, my coach would always talk about 'separation'. He told me that - as a distance runner, I had to keep the pace for three laps - then turn it on.

The separation would either demoralize the rest of the runners or force them to use more energy to catch me.

Now - that was a long time ago and about 150 pounds ago as well... but.

The same is true in this week's key district matchups.

Two jump out as 'must see' games...

The first, well, it's Venice and Manatee. After starting the season with an ugly loss to Oscar Smith on ESPN U, Venice has run roughshod through their schedule to get to this game at 7-1. Manatee has been struggling offensively and needs to put together a complete game to keep Trey Burton off the field. Burton is a three-year starter that's already verbally committed to Florida.

Manatee has struggled the last two weeks to put teams away, but has the offensive firepower to stay with Venice. This can't be a run-and-shoot game, because Venice thrives on short drives and quick scores.

The Indians' main weakness is its defense. A big lead against Charlotte two weeks ago almost disappeared in the late goings.

Another key district showdown is Bolles and Episcopal. Yes - that's right - Episcopal. The Eagles are quietly climbing into the playoff race and Bolles proved last week that they are just as human as the rest of us. Bolles lost a key player to injury (Brent Benedict) and faced a West Nassau team that was inspired and played toe-to-toe with the 'Dogs.

But that was last week. This week the 'Dogs return to Skinner Barco Stadium and face the Eagles, who had last week off. Look for Bolles to score early and often and try to put this game away. If not, Episcopal can stay with the 'Dogs and force Bolles to get physical.

By the way, Bolles will play Cocoa, the defending 3A champ (now 2A) Nov. 13. Too bad the Dogs dropped to 2B or this could be a state championship preview.

Cowboys looking for respect

Madison County is still stinging from their loss to Godby and defensively, they've shown that they can shut down just about anyone. Madison beat Rickards 21-0 last week to clinch at least a tie for a playoff berth and now hope the Raiders can stun Godby and force a three-way shootout. Otherwise, Madison's 10 year district championship streak is apparently over.

Air Dreadnaughts

Lakeland showed everyone that they're still one of the odds-on favorites in 5A north Friday, pounding Osceola into submission. Lakeland threw the ball at will on the Kowboys, which featured a defense that shut down Dr. Phillips and its passing game, but couldn't contain the one-two punch of the Dreadnaughts. The first two plays from scrimmage for Lakeland were a 70 yard bomb to McRoy and then a 55 yard bomb to Brewster.