Stefani maintains Tampa lead over Scott, Choi

• By Will Gray
• Mar 15, 2013 6:38 PM ET

Warmer temperatures allowed for lower scores on the Copperhead Course Friday, but first-round leader Shawn Stefani is still the man to beat after 36 holes. Here is how things shape up heading to the weekend at Innisbrook:

The leaderboard: Shawn Stefani (-7), Adam Scott (-6), K.J. Choi (-6), Harris English (-5), Brian Harman (-5), Jason Dufner (-5)

What it means: Stefani remains out in front for the second straight day, but the big names are not far behind. After a day that resembled major championship conditions - and scoring averages - Thursday, most players were able to extract a bit of revenge on the Copperhead Course Friday as winds abated and temperatures improved.

Round of the day: After an opening 75 Thursday, Erik Compton appeared in danger of missing the 36-hole cut. Six birdies in his second round, though - including four on the back nine - gave Compton the low round of the day, a bogey-free 65 that vaulted him 101 spots up the leaderboard.

Best of the rest: Dufner, Scott and James Driscoll all carded rounds of 5-under 66 Friday, though the latter two did so without making a bogey. The rounds moved both Dufner and Scott into contention, while Driscoll went from the wrong side of the cut line to inside the top 15.

Biggest disappointment: After a 2-under 69 amid tough conditions Thursday put Vijay Singh onto the first page of the leaderboard, the Fijian was unable to maintain the momentum despite the lower scores seen Friday. Singh did not record a single birdie during his round of 2-over 73, falling back to even par for the week and will now begin the weekend seven shots off the pace. 

Main storyline heading into Saturday: Can the underdog keep the contenders at bay? Stefani has never won before on the PGA Tour and is now being chased by several big names. He was able to keep his nerves steady with a 1-under 70 Friday, but playing in the final pairing Saturday may test his mettle.

Shot of the day: Needing a birdie on the 18th hole to make the cut, Daniel Summerhays appeared to be headed for an early exit when his approach shot sailed over the green on the home hole. When his flop shot from near the grandstand improbably found the hole, though, Summerhays was in the house at 2 over, earning him a tee time Saturday after making the cut right on the number.

Quote of the day: "To go bogey-free anywhere is good, and I think here is particularly good. It's quite a tricky golf course, and mistakes are easily made." - Scott