Week 3 of the 2018 high school football season featured Cypress Creek’s first-ever victory, Wesley Chapel slowing down Pasco’s hot start and Zephyrhills defeating a Polk County team for the first time since 2002.

Cypress Creek, a second-year team in Wesley Chapel, was 0-10 last season and got off to an 0-2 start. That 12-game skid is over thanks to a 42-22 win over Bishop McLaughlin. The Coyotes played Gulf and Fivay close before notching their inaugural victory.

Pasco came into last week’s game against Wesley Chapel with a 2-0 record while the host Wildcats were looking for their first victory after an 0-2 start. Wesley Chapel’s defense came through late in the 39-33 win with a fumble recovery and sack, and the decisive touchdown came on a 59-yard pass from Tyler Wittish to Jelani Vassell, who had two scoring catches and a touchdown run.

Zephyrhills, which h ad not defeated a Polk County team since 2002, hosted perennial powerhouse Lake Gibson last Friday night. The Bulldogs won 28-13, recording five sacks on defense and getting a touchdown on an interception return by Jaquan Sheppard. Doug Crawford added two scoring passes.

Wiregrass Ranch narrowly edged host Sunlake 7-6. Mason Buie’s 12-yard touchdown run and Hayden Wills’ extra-point kick came late in the fourth quarter. Grant Henderson recovered an errant snap on a punt for Sunlake’s score.

Land O’Lakes came up short in a 48-14 loss at Hernando, which is unbeaten at 3-0. For the Gators, backup quarterback Chandler Tucker connected with Jacob Neary on a 16-yard scoring pass and Kyle Leivas returned a kickoff for a touchdown.

This week’s matchups are:

Land O’ Lakes (1-1) hosts Sunlake (1-2): This is an early Class 6A, District 6 contest, making the intense rivalry even more meaningful. Both teams seek consistency with the winner taking a major step in the playoff hunt.

Pasco (2-1) at Cypress Creek (1-2): The Pirates should tie last year’s win total of three by rolling past the second-year Coyotes, who are fresh on their first win in school history. Pasco has lots of weapons in its fire-powered offense, which ultimately will prove too much for the Coyotes to handle.

Wiregrass Ranch (2-1) hosts Sickles (2-1): This is a pivotal Class 7A, District 8 matchup, so it could help that the Bulls have the home-field advantage. If Wiregrass Ranch, which is on a modest two-game winning streak, is going to advance to the postseason for a third straight time, winning this game is imperative.

Wesley Chapel (1-2) at Fivay (1-2): Coming off its first win of the season, Wesley Chapel has a chance to make a big impression in this Class 5A, District 8 contest. A second consecutive win for the Wildcats would not only even their record, but give them a district victory.

Mitchell (2-0) at Springstead (2-1): The Mustangs, coming off a bye week, have yet to lose. That’s, in part, to a formidable defense that has yet to allow a point. The Eagles may score, but look for the Mustangs to remain unbeaten in this Class 6A, District 6 matchup.