The Tigers have won 17 straight games overall and 29 straight in the regular season. They put both of those streaks on the line when they travel to Miami to face defending state semifinalist Columbus. Jesuit it battle tested with wins over defending region finalist Wharton and defending state finalist Treasure Coast to start the season. 

Putnam’s pick: Jesuit 14-10

Down 13-12 at the half in last year’s meeting, the Warriors rallied by outscoring the Patriots 17-0 in the second half for their biggest win of the season. The key will be whether Carrollwood’s defense can stop Calvary Christian’s run game. Last year, the Warriors ran 240 yards and scored three touchdowns on the ground.

Putnam’s pick: Calvary Christian 30-28

Big-time rivalry game that features a pair of prolific offenses. The Marauders are averaging 25 points a game in splitting their first against quality competition (Berkeley Prep and Ocala Trinity Catholic). The Crusaders cruised in last week’s opener, routing Cypress Lake 73-0. 

Putnam’s pick: CCC 35-31

The Stingrays, now in their third season, continue to impress by remaining unbeaten through the first two games. The host Dragons, led by running back Nashaun Pryor, have been one of the area’s pleasant surprises with their perfect start. 

Putnam’s pick: Sumner 35-21

The big matchup will be the host Cowboys dangerous passing game, led by quarterback Jayce Nixon and Florida recruit Eugene Wilson III going up against the Wildcats’ ferocious pass rush. Last week, Wharton’s Booker Pickett Jr. had five sacks in a shutout over Plant City. 

Putnam’s pick: Wharton 28-21

Last year, the Wolves gave the defending state finalist Titans a scare. Newsome led 9-7 at the half before Tampa Bay Tech rallied with two touchdowns in the third quarter to pull away in a 21-9 victory. The matchup against unbeatens also features two strong run games. 

Putnam’s pick: Tampa Bay Tech 27-14

Last year’s meeting was a memorable one. Down by a point with 90 seconds remaining, the Terriers face fourth-and-20 from midfield. They heaved a pass in the end zone that was caught for the go-ahead score in a 20-14 victory. The Hawks, who want revenge, have some momentum after beating Bloomingdale 28-14 last week to even their record. 

Putnam’s pick: Armwood 27-21

A pair of unbeaten upstarts get a chance to stay perfect heading into district play next week. The big matchup will be the Chargers’ defense, which has allowed a combined seven points, going up against the Knight’s offense, which is averaging 51 points per game. 

Putnam’s pick: Strawberry Crest 28-26

Cambridge Christian at Community School of Naples, 7

Putnam’s pick: Cambridge Christian 27-23

Indian Rocks Christian at Bell Creek Academy, 7

Putnam’s pick: IRC 33-14

Berkeley Prep at West Port, 7

Putnam’s pick: Berkeley Prep 24-6

Putnam’s pick: Steinbrenner 28-13

Putnam’s pick: Bloomingdale 16-14

Putnam’s pick: Middleton 21-13

Putnam’s pick: Riverview 34-7

Putnam’s pick: Leto 7-6

Putnam’s pick: Alonso 35-14

Putnam’s pick: East Bay 27-14

Putnam’s pick: Plant 35-13

Putnam’s pick: Blake 21-6

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Editor: Bob Putnam Email: bobputnm@gmail.com Phone: (727) 580-4395