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STORY BY Todd Grasley
Three miles separates Olympia from Dr. Phillips and Friday night the backyard brawl will continue its second installment in our Showdown of the Week.
The first time these rivals met was week three in Panther country, and the home field advantage helped DP edge a 27-20 victory.
An ineligible player dropped Olympia from district champion to district runner up, their consolation prize a meeting with the states second ranked team in arguably one of the biggest games in school history.
“It’s always a huge game when you’re playing a rival like Olympia but because it is a playoff game it gives us a little extra incentive,” said Panthers quarterback Nick Patti.
Titan’s senior Sanders Suis knows the importance of this game as well.
“The number two team in the state is right down the road and we play them Friday. We do feel like we have something to prove. We planned on winning Olympia's first district title since the season started. I do think this is Olympia's biggest game ever and best rivalry. We get a second chance at them after losing a close game earlier in the season. Everyone is healthy and we should have a good game,” he said.
Olympia’s offense is led by one of the top quarterbacks in Central Florida, senior and Northwestern commit Trevor Siemian, who has thrown for over 2,000 yards.
Patti says D-P has a motto for stopping players like him, “We talk about our defense cutting off the head of the snake and we try to do that.” About the other side of the ball he says, “We talk all the time on offense about taking what they give us and not forcing things like thinking we have to get it to Dee (Hart) and Kenny (Shaw) because they’re outstanding players, but we have a lot of offensive weapons to account for.”
Dr. Phillips defense is holding teams to an average of 5.5 points per game and is loaded with D-1 prospects. Suis explains that the keys for the Titans begin up front.
“Well it all starts with controlling the line of scrimmage, our O-line should have a good game and our receiving core and Trevor are in a rhythm and we're confident. It'll be tough for our defense to stop both of them (Shaw and Hart), but I’m sure we'll be able to contain them,” he explained.
Another factor in this game will definitely be the crowd. Thousands of people will pack the stands and line the fence for a regular season showdown between these two teams, but add in the fact that is a playoff game, and it is a guarantee.
“No doubt we will have an abundance of fans. I think our fans are huge motivators of ours. When you look in the stands and see it filled and then you look on the ground and see it 8,9,10 deep standing room and they’re all going crazy like always, you can’t help but feel it out there,” said Patti.
Although it’s a home game for the Panthers don’t expect Olympia fans to stay at home.
“It’s extremely important for our fans to come and support us in their hostile environment. We're having all our fans come to the game in all black,” Suis said.
The winner of Friday’s showdown will face the winner of Boone and Apopka in the regional semifinals.
Going to the game?
WHEN: Friday Nov. 20 - 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Dr. Phillips High School
6500 Turkey Lake Road Orlando, FL 32819
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REGULAR SEASON MATCH-UP
Dr. Phillips Win Showdown With Titans
DR. PHILLIPS VIDEOS
Showdown: Dr. Phillips Shuts Out Edgewater
Dr. Phillips Destroys Boone
Dr. Phillips Schools Oak Ridge, Rolls On!
Dr. Phillips Breaks Record, Batters Gateway
OLYMPIA VIDEOS
Olympia Scores W In Showdown
Olympia Outlasts Apopka
Wildcard: Titans Topple Braves
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