NO. 18 LARGO PACKERS (6-1) at NO. 9 CLEARWATER TORNADOES (6-1)
When: Friday, October 27, 2017, 7:30 P.M.
Where: Jack White Stadium, 540 South Hercules Avenue, Clearwater, FL 33764
TV: Spectrum Sports (Channel 47 and HD 1147)
Coaches: LARGO PACKERS- Marcus Paschal (21-16, 4th Season), CLEARWATER TORNADOES- Don Mesick (24-5, 3rd Season)
How they match up:
A district championship will be decided at Jack White Stadium Friday night when two heavyweights slug it out with a chance to clinch a playoff spot. Largo has been red hot with five straight wins since a season-opening loss to St. Petersburg. The Packers defense has been unbelievable, allowing an average of just 10.6 points per game. Four-year starter Logan Doublin (99 tackles, INT) is an Appalachian State commit who is a fearless leader who hasn't taken a down off throughout his lengthy high school career. Junior defensive tackle Jaquaze Sorrells (30 tackles, 2.5 sacks) and senior defensive end D.J. Bullard (31 tackles, 8 sacks) key an incredible defensive line, with South Dakota commit Cameron Tisdale (INT, 5 passes defended) making plays left and right in the secondary. Largo has a number of playmakers on offense, too, with high level Division I recruit Calvin Lockett (9 receptions, 209 yards, 4 TD) averaging 23.2 yards per catch. Senior tailback Jaquan Hiers (620 rushing yards, 3 TD) is a powerful runner, and sophomore Jayion McCluster (218 rushing yards, TD) has the kind of next level ability that got his cousin, Dexter, to the NFL. Junior quarterback Kyle Wisniewski (503 pass yards, 8 TD, 2 INT) is a steady and consistent force who serves as a leader for the Packers. Junior tackle Raymond Collins (6'4, 280) is known as the "Big Dancing Bear" for his quick feet, and Collins could emerge as a big-time recruit over the next year.
Clearwater has a chance to take home a third consecutive district title for the first time in the Tornadoes' long history of success. Senior running back Jarious Williams (849 yards from scrimmage, 14 TD) has been one of the most reliable sources of yards in Pinellas County for the last two years. Senior wide receiver Brannan Demeter (21 receptions, 359 yards, 7 total TD) is the fastest player on the team and also one of its hardest workers. Senior wideout Quante Perry (12 receptions, 255 yards, 3 TD) has made a successful transition from defensive lineman to skilled position player and provides a big target for senior quarterback Colin Wray (943 pass yards, 9 TD, 3 INT), a Steinbrenner transfer who is drawing Ivy League interest with his strong arm and ability to throw outside of the pocket. Clearwater's defense is young, but the Tornadoes have been in good hands thanks to junior linebacker Brandon Gary (51 tackles, 3 INT) exploding onto the scene as a playmaker and leader. Sophomore defensive end Matthew Nieves leads the team in tackles for a loss (10) and sacks (3). Freshman defensive tackle Tim Williams (20 tackles) is already a force up front, while junior safety Keanan Musgrove (24 tackles, 2 INT) is a solid player in the secondary.
Three Facts to know:
1. "THE MOVEMENT- TRUST THE PROCESS"- That's the slogan you'll see on the back of Largo's workout t-shirts. Largo head coach Marcus Paschal created the slogan to inspire his players to move to improve their lives both academically and athletically. Paschal says the idea of "The Movement" is bigger than the game. The idea is to teach his players how to be responsible citizens who are productive in the community.
2. THE SMURFS- Several of Clearwater's wide receivers are small in stature, which inspired Tornadoes head coach Don Mesick to nickname them "The Smurfs". Nahjze Smith (5'7, 145), Keedrik Murray (5'8, 145), Anthony Smith, Jr. (5'8, 150), Semaj James (5'10, 155), and Brannan Demeter (5'11, 165) would give Gargamel fits if he was trying to play defensive back. But don't let their size fool you. All of the Clearwater wideouts are tough and exceptionally good blockers.
3. HITTING ON 21- Standout Largo senior linebacker Logan Doublin has been wearing number 21 since his freshman year. Doublin chose 21 to honor the late Sean Taylor. The former University of Miami and Redskins safety was known for his hard hits in the secondary, and Doublin has been paying him homage by "hitting like a truck", according to Paschal.