By Steve Lee While it is way too early to accurately predict the playoff picture for Pasco County high school football teams, the second week of the 2018 season revealed that some more than others are on the verge of being front-runners for postseason play.

In a roundup of last week’s games, none were closer than the Sunlake-Zephyrhills matchup in which the host Bulldogs eked out a 10-7 overtime win. Zephyrhills kicker Daniel Chacon booted a 23-yard field goal while Sunlake’s Ian Mease missed wide left on a 30-yard attempt for the difference. Sunlake quarterback Hunter Watts completed a 12-yard touchdown pass to Mathew Paduani with 15 seconds left in regulation to force a tie.

Mitchell made it two straight wins against longtime rival River Ridge with a 14-0 shutout, marking the second time this season that the Mustangs did not allow a point. Stuart Sherrell scored a 1-yard plunge into the end zone and Kym-Mani King returned an interception 80 yards for a touchdown.

Resurgent Pasco, which has just three wins last season, romped to a 54-8 defeat of Gulf thanks to 22 points scored in the third quarter. The Pirates have scored 90 points in two victories. Desmin Green passed for 106 yards and three touchdowns while running for another. Pasco teammates Darrion Robinson and Johnasay Grant each had two scoring receptions. On defense, the Pirates got two interceptions apiece from Jordan McLaughlin and Jacquez Mobley.

After blowing a 10-point lead in a loss to Zephyrhills in the season opener, Wiregrass Ranch has its sights set on a third straight playoff appearance and got things on the right track with last week’s 43-14 defeat of neighboring Wesley Chapel.

This week’s matchups are as follows:

Pasco (2-0) at Wesley Chapel (0-2): Pasco, which has 90 points in two victories, can tie last year’s win total be defeating the host Wildcats, who are winless so far. Both teams struggled last season, but look for the Pirates’ high-powered offense to lead the way to another victory.

Wiregrass Ranch (1-1) at Sunlake (1-1): The Bulls are coming off a loss while the Seahawks came up short in an overtime thriller. Either way, these teams are even in the early stages so don’t expect a lopsided game here. Give Wiregrass Ranch the edge here thanks, in part, to a formidable offense.

Zephyrhills (2-0) hosts Lake Gibson (1-1): The Bulldogs, seeking their sixth consecutive playoff berth, have a comeback win and an overtime victory and it does not get any easier this week. Zephyrhills hosts perennial state contender Lake Gibson, which split two games and will be looking to beat up on a Pasco County team.

Land O’ Lakes (1-0) at Hernando (2-0): The Gators, whose game at Anclote was cancelled last week, have a 3-0 win at Citrus and are looking to double that victory total against Hernando in Brooksville. The Leopards have won both of their games, so the Gators have a tough battle ahead.

Cypress Creek (0-2) at Bishop McLaughlin (1-0): The second-year Coyotes are still seeking their first-ever win while the Hurricanes won their only game so far, racking up 38 points against Ocala Christian. Cypress Creek likely will continue to struggle on the road.