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Durant To Play Rams In District Showdown

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By DAREK SHARP, The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 17, 2007

PLANT CITY - Durant High is getting tired of tough losses. This Friday, the Cougars are in a position to do something about it.

In what will likely be another close game against a District 6A-6 opponent, Durant welcomes Sarasota Riverview. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. at the Ron Frost Athletic Complex.

A win over the Rams would wipe away the depression Durant felt in its district opener, a 22-19 loss at home to Sarasota.

'It's just been the same story in these close games,' Durant head coach Mike Gottman said. 'We just haven't been able to finish.'

The good news for Durant is that, in spite of the four defeats, the Cougars can put themselves in excellent shape with one district victory.

If Durant wins Friday, it would control its playoff destiny. Durant has a bye next week before the final 6A-6 game Nov. 2 at Riverview.

Sarasota Riverview got off to an 0-5 start and was trailing Riverview 14-0 at home in its district opener. But just in time to save the Rams' season, Andre Booker ran a kickoff back 88 yards for a touchdown. In the fourth quarter, Sarasota Riverview scored twice to win 21-14.

A tough schedule can somewhat explain Sarasota Riverview's first five losses. The Rams went up against Venice, Fort Myers, Kathleen, Sarasota Booker and Miami Pace - all teams with winning records, the latter three state-ranked.

While the Cougars and Rams are playing Friday, Sarasota will play host to Riverview. If both Sarasota schools win, they would clinch the two playoff spots from 6A-6 with their Nov. 2 meeting to determine the champion.

Though that is not the outcome Durant wants, it is the easiest to explain. Possibilities still exist for all four teams to either take the district, finish second or end in a three-way tie for either spot.

For example, Durant can win its next two games for a 2-1 district record, Sarasota can beat Riverview but then lose to Sarasota Riverview, creating a three-way tie for first place.

Then again, the Cougars, Sarasota Riverview and Riverview could end up splitting their games, which would force a three-way tiebreaker for the runner-up spot in the district.

The best and least complicated scenario for the Cougars is to win Friday and have Riverview knock off Sarasota. That would leave all four teams at 1-1 in district play, meaning the two winners Nov. 2 are the playoff qualifiers.

Reporter Darek Sharp can be reached at dsharp@tampatrib .com.

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