Make TBO Your Home Page| Subscribe To The Paper| Advertise With Us| Contact Us| Login| Edit Profile| Register
Suncoast Pinellas News
Email
Print
Suncoast News Game of the Week: East Lake at Dunedin
Eagles Win Locks Up Playoff Berth
ADVERTISEMENT
Published: November 5, 2009
DUNEDIN - THE SQUADS:
East Lake High - Class 5A, District 8; Record – 5-3 (2-1); Points For/Against – 184-104.
Dunedin High - Class 5A, District 8; Record – 1-7 (1-2); Points For/Against – 99-234.
LAST YEAR'S MEETING: Dunedin def. East Lake – 24-17.
GAME TIME: Kickoff Thursday at 7:30 – Dunedin High School.
Log onto www.suncoastnews.tbo.com to view game coverage, stats and photos from the night's action.
After missing out on a shot at the district title last week by losing to Countryside, the Eagles are undeniably regarded as the league's No. 2. But Dunedin, winner of the district the past three seasons, has proved over the past two weeks it still has some fight remaining.
The Falcons won their first game two weeks ago by shutting out Clearwater 35-0 and then nearly toppled Palm Harbor University last Friday, narrowing losing 10-9.
While that PHU loss officially ended Dunedin's improbable playoff aspirations, East Lake would be wise to avoid sleeping on this one. Pride and playing the role of spoiler goes a long way sometimes.
If the Eagles execute their typical game plan both on offense and defense, it would seem likely that the runners up berth will get locked up Friday. Despite the loss, running back Jamaal Wilburn proved that he is one of Pinellas County's best last week by continually battering Countryside's defense for 229 yards and two touchdowns.
Defensively, East Lake's physicality and aggressiveness largely contained the county's top statistical rusher, Alton Taylor, and the rest of the Cougars offense.
The thing that killed the Eagles repeatedly last week – the big play – will be what to watch for this Friday. Countryside twice burned East Lake's over-pursuing secondary with and end-around pass and halfback pass.
Given that the Falcons have basically run with an offense-by-committee approach this season, it would not be surprising to see the coaching staff implement a little trickeration to catch East Lake off guard.
With an attack that hasn't scored much going up against a defense that loathes allowing many points, Dunedin will need to take anything it can get.
EDGE:
It is unlikely East Lake head coach Bob Hudson will allow his team to overlook this game's importance, especially after last week's home loss.
While Dunedin is currently playing its best football, East Lake is still among the best teams in the area and should be ready to take care of business.
Log onto www.suncoastnews.tbo.com to view game coverage, stats and photos from the night's action.
Eric Horchy can be reached at 727-815-1071 or ehorchy@suncoastnews.com.
Email
Print
ADVERTISEMENT
Advertisement
TBO.com - Tampa Bay Online ©2009 Media General Communications Holdings, LLC. A Media General company. Member Agreement | Privacy Statement | Work With Us
