Could Lakewood Ranch football team get free pass into second round of playoffs

This could be better than anything the Lakewood Ranch football team could have imagined entering practice this week.

The FHSAA is looking into whether Armwood, the Mustangs first round playoff opponent this Friday, might have used an ineligible player, according to a Tampa Tribune report.

The request for clarification on the player was initiated by the school after a televised report questioned the eligibility of a starting offensive lineman because he did not satisfy residence requirements, the report said.

If the FHSAA determines the player was ineligible Armwood could have to forfeit all its games and would be knocked out of the playoffs. At this late date, it could mean a free pass into the second round for Lakewood Ranch (5-5).

How big it this. Well undefeated Armwood is ranked second in the country and just doesn't beat teams. It pulverizes them. Armwood has outscored its opponents by a combined 410-35 and beat teams 68-0, 80-0, 54-6 and 54-6.