Tonight’s game against the Hawks could make — or break — Durant’s playoff hopes.
With a possible playoff spot on the line, the deck appears stacked against Durant this week.
Last Friday’s 21-15 loss to Bloomingdale not only hurt the Cougars’ playoff chances, but it also hurt star running back Cameron Myers. The senior, whose 1,712 rushing yards were the second-most in the state, fractured his collarbone during the game and may not be able to finish the season. What’s more, the Cougars are in a must-win situation against one of the most fearsome teams in Florida.
Armwood, fighting for the top overall seed, has been playing inspired, efficient football all season. Its defense hasn’t allowed more than seven points since the season opener against Tampa Bay Tech, when it held one of the best offenses in Class 7A to 12 points. Last week, senior running back Brian Snead led the Hawks’ offense to a 28-point effort against Hillsborough, another defense with a strong reputation.
Durant does have home-field advantage this week, though that hasn’t always helped — two of the Cougars’ three losses, both coming in the last two weeks, were at the Ron Frost Athletic Complex.
With Myers likely to spend this game on the sideline, Durant’s run-heavy attack should feature more Kevontae Crews and Tyrhon Brooks than usual. Fullback David Tabakovic, second on the team with 594 yards and nine touchdowns heading into last week’s action, could also see an increased workload. The senior has averaged 6.5 yards per carry, recorded two games with over 100 yards rushing and has flashed the ability to make long runs (including a season long run of 52 yards).
The loss of Myers also takes away one of quarterback Carlton Potter’s favorite targets. Potter, who had linked up with Myers for 140 of his 662 passing yards before last week, may also see a greater workload than usual against the Hawks with the team’s most consistently productive running back sidelined.
The FHSAA’s playoff point standings have Durant less than one point out of eighth place with a 34.11 average. The Cougars appeared to hold the playoff 7 seed heading into last week’s game but, with their loss and St. Petersburg’s win over South Sumter, the Green Devils were able to vault Durant in the standings and put the Cougars on the bubble.
A win over Armwood would net Durant the maximum 50 points, whereas a loss would count for 30. Winning would likely hand Durant the playoff 8 seed. A loss, worth 30 points, could allow Bloomingdale — currently the 8 seed with a 34.89 average — to clinch the final spot.
Going up against such a tough team, the Cougars are hoping the game plays out more like their upset win over Jesuit than the Oct. 20 loss to Tampa Bay Tech. The one thing for certain is that this game will be the greatest test yet for this Durant team in terms of overcoming adversity.
