Robinson Knights Host Pasco Pirates in Friday's Regional Final

The buzz all year has been Robinson High football team's scoring defense, the favorable playoff bracket in 5A, the Knights going to the well and pulling up a bucket-full.

The Knights have knocked down several walls already in 2012. They beat Jesuit, claimed a district title and now find themselves on the brink of the state playoffs.

It has been a tremendous year for Robinson. They have scored 13 defensive touchdowns in 2012 and have discovered weapons and had weapons step up to clinch crucial games. The Knights fell 26-24 to south Tampa rival Plant in the final week of the regular season but have since rallied for playoff victories against Port Orange Atlantic High and a regional semifinal rematch against district rival Lakewood.

The Plant Panthers were bumped last Friday by Orlando's Dr. Phillips. Unlike their cross-town rivals, the Knights are still playing.

So it will be no small task Friday night as the Knights try to advance to the Class 5A state semifinals. The Pasco Pirates have dominated their opponents in 2012. Aside from completing their second consecutive undefeated regular season, the Pirates have outscored their 2012 playoff opponents 89-0.

Robinson undoubtedly faces a tougher schedule within their district and in Hillsborough County, but it's hard to imagine that they won't be underdogs against a Pasco team that lost in overtime in the state semifinals of 2011.

If you go:

What: Regional final playoff game Robinson Knights vs. Pasco Pirates

When: 7:30pm Friday night

Where: Jack Peters Field, 6311 South Lois Avenue

*Presale tickets will be available in the Robinson High cafeteria Thursday and Friday from 10:30 a.m. until 12:45 p.m.