Countryside Set to Square Off Against Rival East Lake Tonight

Following an opening football weekend without much fanfare, the Countryside Cougars kick off the home portion of their 2012 schedule with a blockbuster battle against the rival East Lake Eagles.

Both schools are coming off of stellar seasons in 2011 and are highly ranked this year, making this a must-see, and possibly a must-win, game for the teams and their fans.

Countryside finished last year with its second straight undefeated regular season — in fact, the Cougars haven't lost a regular season game since October of 2009.

But they were bounced in the playoffs for the third straight year and are looking to get over that hump this season.

East Lake also had a terrific season in 2011, finishing 7-4, but the Eagles concluded the season with a disappointing 28-21 home defeat to eventual state champion Plant High in the regional finals.

The Eagles and Cougars enter 2012 with high hopes and higher expectations; Countryside is ranked fifth and East Lake seventh in the most recent poll of top 25 Bay area teams in the Tampa Bay Times.

Countryside head coach Jared Davis is downplaying the matchup against East Lake, calling it "just another game we need to win."

But players, fans and other area teams will be watching this one closely to see which Pinellas power topples the other.

Are you going to the game? If so we'd love to see your photos and hear your thoughts on the contest. Look for a recap on Patch tomorrow and feel free to add your pictures, thoughts and comments.