The Gators haven't made the playoffs in three years, and they've been to only one region final. Now they've matched that record. Land O'Lakes defeated Nature Coast 46-40 in Tuesday's Class 5A region semifinal which they led from the start. "We had momentum," Land O'Lakes coach Phyllis Crain said. "We played a great defensive game."

Abbey Duncan didn’t have a crowd of Wesley Chapel teammates cheering for her as she took the top spot on the podium to receive the gold medal for her victory in the 200-yard freestyle. Only two Wildcats qualified for Saturday’s Class 2A state championship swim meet.

Its showing might have been small. But with a pair of podium-worthy performances from Duncan, Wesley Chapel’s presence was mighty.

The Land O’ Lakes defense pitched its second shutout of the season and kicker Andy Dowler hit a career-high three field goals as the Gators downed Hudson 16-0 on Friday evening at John Benedetto Stadium. With the win, the Gators improve to 6-0 for the first time since 2009. “We’ll take a win any way we can get it, even if we’re not going to score on offense,” Gators coach Brian Wachtel said. “We’ve got some things to work out before next week, that’s for sure.” On Friday, Land O’ Lakes faces crosstown and Class 6A-District 6 foe Sunlake (6-1) in a pivotal game that will make or break their seasons.

Sunlake utilized its strong offensive line and was able to muscle 171 yards rushing, 134 coming from running back Nathan Johnson, in a shutout win at Seahawk Stadium.

When Mike Lawrence was promoted to head coach at Wiregrass Ranch during the offseason, he made it his mission to promote discipline and a winning attitude for the Bulls, who had not won a game in more than two years. His impact has shown as Wiregrass Ranch is off to its best start since 2009 — 2-0 — after defeating Hudson 25-7 Friday night.

By Jeff Odom, Times Correspondent

By Matt Baker, Tampabay.com

Pasco’s Division I darling was cramping and its offense was sputtering when the whispers started on the Sunlake sideline. Pasco’s streak ends tonight.. Two quarters later, those murmurs turned into roars after the Seahawks handed the Pirates their first Pasco County loss in more than five years in Friday night’s season-opening 17-6 upset.

By Tim Porson, Tampabay.com Ty Tanner, who transferred from Wesley Chapel to Zephyrhills during the offseason, threw for two touchdowns and ran for one to help defeat his former team 26-6 on Friday. Tanner, a junior, finished with 74 yards passing and 46 rushing.

The Bulldogs, seeking their first playoff berth since 2006, scored on their first possession when Zach Gleaton capped a 10-play drive with a 35-yard field goal. Read more: Tampabay.com

The Seahawks (29-0) are three wins from a state title and face Gainesville Eastside in Tuesday’s region final. Sunlake started off slowly against a Pasco team it had beaten in districts but the Seahawks took command off a corner kick. Chris Wilkerson’s ball found the head of Derek Noble, who put it on goal. Aucoin caught the ball flush and rammed it into the top of the net.

Sunlake almost ruined a dominating first-half performance by letting Wiregrass Ranch get within a touchdown in the second half, but came away with a 17-12 win Friday night.

Spring football: Fivay 25, Land O’Lakes 22