“The Streak” lives on
By Steve Lee
Sports Editor
LAND O’ LAKES — In Pasco County, it is simply known as “The Streak,” which appeared in serious jeopardy as the 2009 prep football season wound down.
Fittingly, Land O’ Lakes’ 12-year county-record playoff run was threatened by a team having its best season in school history. Mitchell, which began 8-0, followed up a loss to three-time district champion Pasco by pushing the Gators to the brink of playoff elimination.
Ultimately, however, Land O’ Lakes joined the Pirates as the two playoff teams from Class 3A, District 7. The Gators survived two late Mitchell scores with touchdowns of their own in a thrilling 21-17 victory to qualify for a 13th straight postseason.
That loss was devastating for the Mustangs, primarily because it left them on the outside looking in after such a great start. For the Gators, the win rewarded a group of seniors and underclassmen that vowed not to be the ones responsible for the demise of “The Streak.”
Land O’ Lakes and Pasco are among three county teams in this year’s playoffs. They are joined by Hudson, which narrowly topped resurgent Wiregrass Ranch for the last postseason berth.
While teams like Wiregrass Ranch and Sunlake should be commended for turnaround seasons by winning more than once for the first time in their brief histories, it’s time to focus on the postseason. That means predicting just how far Land O’ Lakes, Pasco and Hudson will advance.
Judging by their track record, the Pirates are the best bet to go the furthest. Three-time district champion Pasco was a state semifinalist last season and lost early this year. That defeat, at the hands of South Sumter, made the Pirates hungry for another run at state.
As for Land O’ Lakes, extending “The Streak” was one thing, but winning in the postseason is another. The Gators have not advanced far since back-to-back region finals in 2002 and 2003. New coach Matt Kitchie could stick another feather in his cap with a playoff win or two.
Then there’s Hudson, which boasts the county’s most prolific passer since Drew Weatherford set the North Suncoast passing record before heading off to quarterback Florida State. Zack Wynn, the Cobras’ leader, is a longshot to challenge Weatherford’s mark of 7,657 passing yards.
Don’t bet on it, though. The Cobras are likely to be the first of the three eliminated.
