By Andy Villamarzo
PascoCountyFB Staff Writer
October 16, 2019
NEW PORT RICHEY- Nothing better when it comes down to Pasco County district rivalry between River Ridge and Zephyrhills.
The rivalry between the two schools has brought out the best out of the programs. Heck, the winner of the matchup between the Bulldogs and Royal Knights has decided who will win a district championship the last four years and this 2019 edition will play the same role as in years past.
Last four years River Ridge vs. Zephyrhills
2018: Zephyrhills 21-19
2017: Zephyrhills 38-35
2016: River Ridge 31-14
2015: River Ridge 27-14
On one side of the spectrum, the Royal Knights didn’t get off to a slow start, as they were able to pickup victories over Crystal River (25-0) and Tarpon Springs (58-0). The early losses for the Royal Knights came to Mitchell (38-20) and Wiregrass Ranch (35-7), two of the better teams in the county.
The development of sophomore quarterback Trenton Hawks has been at the forefront for the offense, as the signal caller has thrown for 885 yards and 11 touchdowns versus eight interceptions. Hawks’ favorite receiver has been Quinton Stedman, who has caught 27 passes for 357 yards on the season. Running back Anthony Roussos has been the bell cow for the River Ridge offense, rushing for 671 yards and scoring eight touchdowns.
It was a much different beginning to the regular season for Nick Carroll and the Bulldogs, as Zephyrhills started off a surprising 0-3 and losing to Wiregrass Ranch, Ponte Vedra and Polk County powerhouse Lake Gibson. Zephyrhills has ripped off four straight wins in a row, however, and have put themselves in position to win the Class 5A, District 11 title and still notching a playoff spot nonetheless.
The quarterback position was a bit of a rodeo before the season began, but Zephyrhills was able to settle on Timothy Jackson taking the snaps. Jackson has thrown for 731 yards and six touchdowns versus five interceptions. The run game is where the Bulldogs have done most of their damage offensively, with running back Zyree Roundtree rushing for 817 yards on the ground.
This contest will come down to whom can make big plays in the passing game, as last year the Bulldogs were able to best the Royal Knights’ secondary. Both running backs, Roussos and Roundtree, will see their fair share of touches, but expect the offenses to be limited in such an intense game for the Class 5A, District 11 championship.
Who will come out on top for the district championship? There’s a Twitter poll out to decide which team will come out on top, go out and vote to see who the fans want to see win this Game of Week match-up.
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Class 5A, District 11 Championship Game: Zephyrhills vs. River Ridge