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 Changes to North Suncoast leave powers
scrambling
Izzy Gould,
Times Staff Writer
In Print: Monday, November 9, 2009
 Perhaps
the greatest problem with the growth of the North Suncoast is missed
opportunity.
Consider this: Arguably the top two returning boys soccer teams — Land
O'Lakes and Mitchell — will not meet in the regular season.
The split of the Sunshine Athletic Conference is partly to blame now that
schools rotate opponents each season. There are too many schools and not
enough games.
That said, the Gators and Mustangs could meet in the playoffs now that
they both play in Class 4A. Of course, that means almost a guaranteed early
exit from the playoffs after the anticipated dominance of local teams.
Sensing potential playoff disappointment, both schools have stacked their
schedules with challenging tournaments and opponents heading into January.
The point is to get their teams tested to avoid the types of exits such
as the one Land O'Lakes suffered last season, 6-2 in a 4A region final at
Freedom.
In recent years, Mitchell played in 6A with the likes of Gaither, Alonso
and Countryside and struggled to make the postseason. They broke through
last season, reaching a 6A region semifinal before Durant dropped the
Mustangs 1-0.
Now lumped in a district with Pasco County teams, Mitchell has filled out
its schedule with tougher competition.
The only question is how it will all play out.
Five observations
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