September 7, 2012

FV Staff
FlaVarsity.com

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GAME 8 -Central Florida Power Struggle					The Skinny: Olympia and Dr. Phillips - new rivals in an old game. The two programs have clashed before, often with lopsided scores. DP has been the 'resident bully' - establishing itself as the 'team to beat' in Central Florida's 8A race. Olympia has exerted its assertion that 'there's a new sheriff in town'. Both teams have post-season aspirations and this could be an early test for both. DP is coming off a big win over Apopka, 35-17 while Olympia dispatched Edgewater 38-23
		vs
OLYMPIA			DR. PHILLIPS		Prediction: DR PHILLIPS

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Olympia;OL Shawn Curtis, DE Ramar Dennis, RB John Armstrong, DE Nathan Obinwa, ATH Alex Gomez

Dr. Phillips; DB Marcell Harris, DB Matt Milano, QB Alton Meeks, RB Eric Harrell, RB Zeek Johnson, ATH Deionte Gaines

THE OUTLOOK: Dr. Phillips has pretty much owned the series since Olympia was built. The Panthers, despite having to vacate the state runner-up spot in 2010, have been one of Central Florida's most consistent programs. Olympia, which went 5-6 last year, has been the proverbial 'new kid on the block' that's trying to make a name for itself. The Titans can do that with a win over DP.

The Panthers won last year's match up 35-7 and won in 2010 49-0. Olympia came close in 2009 - losing 27-20.

Rivals100 DB Marcell Harris is the key to the defense, and if you don't throw at him - Milano (team best 123 tackles in 2011 and Boston College commit) can make you regret it. With eight starters back on defense, the strength of the Panthers lies on that side of the ball.

Meeks at QB (Cincinnati commit) gives the Panthers some options, and Harrell gained 1135 yards last year.

Olympia will have to stay home and play ball-control offense, with Armstrong (1,101 yards, 22 touchdowns) running behind Curtis.

Could be a low-scoring affair, but we don't think so.

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