By Steve Lee

Nearing the season’s mid-point we are beginning to see some patterns developing in high school football with the playoff contenders separating themselves while others quickly are falling out of the race for a postseason spot.

In last Friday’s biggest rivalry game, otherwise known as the Butter Bowl, Land O’ Lakes ended an eight-year losing skid against Sunlake with a decisive 35-24 victory. Kyle Leivas rushed for a game-high 223 yards and scored a pair of touchdowns to lead the Gators.

Wiregrass Ranch lost a nail-biter, 13-12 against Class 7A, District 8 foe Sickles. The host Bulls lost it in the waning seconds on Joey Sandorf’s quarterback keeper from a yard out. Nathan Miller and Keith Walker had touchdown runs for Wiregrass Ranch, which also got three sacks from Dylan Ridolph.

Mitchell, which had not allowed a point all season, saw that run end. The Mustangs still won, 28-7 over Springstead in a Class 6A, District 6 matchup, to remain unbeaten at 3-0. Tyler Williams had a game-leading 158 rushing yards and three touchdowns with Stuart Sherrell adding a scoring run.

Cypress Creek worked back to .500 with a second straight win, 14-8 over Pasco. The Coyotes, who did not win a game in their inaugural season, got a touchdown pass from Jehlani Warren to Jalen Warren. Malcolm Gibbs had Pasco’s scoring run.

Wesley Chapel followed two straight losses to open the season with back-to-back wins including last week’s 14-13 edging of Fivay in Hudson. Jelani Vassell ran for a pair of touchdowns and Fletcher Martin added two extra points.

This Friday’s games:

Land O’ Lakes (2-1) hosts Cypress Creek (2-2): The Gators are coming off an emotional win, having snapped an eight-year losing streak against Sunlake, and host second-year Cypress Creek in their homecoming game this week. A win against the vastly improved Coyotes, however, is not a given.

Mitchell (3-0) hosts Clearwater (2-2): The Mustangs’ vaunted defense should be able to handle an average Clearwater team. Nonetheless, the Tornadoes are coming off their biggest win so far, 58-40 against St. Petersburg Northeast.

Wesley Chapel (2-2) at Gulf (1-2): The Wildcats look to make it three in a row after a rough start, which is a distinct possibility in New Port Richey.

Zephyrhills (3-0) at Fivay (1-3): The unbeaten Bulldogs, who are coming off a bye week after a strong start, travel to Hudson in what appears to be a mismatch. Still, Zephyrhills better not take the Falcons lightly since this is a Class 5A, District 8 game with playoff implications.