14 Lakewood Spartans vs. St. Pete Green Devils
When: Friday, 7:30pm
Where: Stewart Field, St. Petersburg
TV: BHSN Channel 47 and HD 1147
Live Streaming: log onto bhsnlive.com to watch the game online and on demand
Coaches: Cory Moore is in his seventh season at Lakewood with a 49-23 record while Joe Fabrizio is in his ninth season at St. Pete with a 55-34 mark.
How they match up: Coming off a state semifinals appearance, Lakewood got a wake-up call in Week 1 when they were upset by Countryside. But Spartans Coach Cory Moore says that was exactly what his team needed.
The Spartans (1-1) defeated a very good Palmetto team last week and appear to be back on track. Ryan Davis is now a senior and is the most exciting player to watch in Pinellas County. His chemistry with WR Sekendric Biddens is unwavering from their days at Northeast and should pay big dividends. Lakewood also sports the biggest player in Tampa bay area in 6’6, 430-pound Nyquel Alexander. He can be a wall up front on both sides of the ball and is getting several looks from major schools. This will also be a big week for MLB Anthony Foster, who transferred from St. Pete and has been leader on defense for the Spartans
The Green Devils (2-0) are off to a fast start, with impressive wins over Gibbs and Clearwater. So far, they’re doing it by spreading the ball around. Eight different players have caught passes so far. Sophomore QB Austyn Causey is taking advantage of his early promotion to starter and leading the offense like a veteran. There is not one feature offensive player here, but Darius Miller, Jacquel Waller, with some Jarrett O’Connell mixed in give St. Pete a potent offensive attack.
Defensively, the strength lies in the secondary. Josh Hall, Ian Hirchak, Jake Moore and Allen Jones are the best cover group in the county and maybe even the Tampa Bay area. Each can cover and tackle and each plays with great fundamentals.
Things to know: 1). In the last eight meetings, these teams have split right down the middle. Lakewood has been victorious the last two seasons. 2). Joe Fabrizio is now the all-time best for wins as a St. Pete Head Coach with 55, just surpassing Fred Stewart’s 53 wins when he coached from 1926-1935. 3). Lakewood QB Ryan Davis is currently the second highest ranked recruit in Pinellas County. However, he will most likely be converted to a wide receiver in college. 4). Lakewood has flooded the college ranks with Spartan players. Former Star WR Rodney Adams is now at USF, LB Donte Fowler is being called one of the best in the nation at UF, and former WR Bernard Reedy has just made the practice squad of the Atlanta Falcons.