2017 Football Guide by Plant City Observer

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INSIDE

2017 Football Preview Flip through the guide to find out what could be in store for Plant City-area football teams.

under Ron Hawn, who has left no stone unturned in his effort to mold the program to his will. Then there’s Durant High School, which established its own blueprint years ago when Mike Gottman took the head coaching job and has seen it work well lately. You’ll also learn about a handful of players at each school that could make an impact with their teams both on and off the field. Because last year’s “Under the Hood” online features were so well-received (with one photo even making it onto a college signing day cake), they’re back again for 2017 with three more players who are the heart and soul of their squads. We’ve also got 2016 recaps, photos of seasons past, youth football schedule information and Sports Editor Justin Kline’s picks for 2016’s top players on offense, defense and special teams. Read on to see what’s in store for 2017. As always, you can also tune in to the Gridiron Report podcast before the games to learn more about what the area teams are doing and what they can expect from their opponents. We hope you’ll enjoy this year’s Football Preview. Don’t forget to support your squads through thick and thin!

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or sports fans, it’s the most wonderful time of the year. Nothing in high school sports beats the atmosphere of a good football game and nobody’s more proud of their teams than the small towns — Plant City included. Everyone’s getting ready to watch their favorite teams take the field and we’re here to help. The 2017 Football Preview is the Plant City Times & Observer’s biggest yet. Hopefully, you’ll also agree it’s the best yet. Our goal is to give you readers everything you need to know about what (and who) to watch for in the 2017 prep football season, whether you’re a fan of the Durant Cougars, Plant City Raiders or Strawberry Crest Chargers. We sat down with coaches and players from each team to get the scoop just in time for the start of the regular season. This year’s theme, “Blueprint for Success,” was chosen in part because two of the three teams are currently building new foundations. Plant City High School is adjusting to the brand-new James Booth era, looking to build a stable, successful program with its third head coach in as many seasons. Strawberry Crest High School is in the second year of a rebuilding phase

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Publisher Karen Berry, KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com Managing Editor Sarah Holt, SHolt@PlantCityObserver.com Associate Editor Justin Kline, JKline@PlantCityObserver.com Editorial Designer C.J. Major, CMajor@YourObserver.com Circulation/Office Manager Linda Lancaster, LLancaster@PlantCityObserver. com

2017 FOOTBALL PREVIEW | PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER 3

DURANT COUGARS

Photos by Justin Kline

Durant hopes to go deeper in the playoffs in 2017 than it did in 2016.

Built to last Durant has been the Plant City area’s most stable football program for several years. After a playoff trip in 2016, can the Cougars handle a tough schedule and go back?

When something’s working for the Durant Cougars, the team doesn’t like to mess with it. The team’s “if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it” mentality worked in 2016, which resulted in an 8-3 (5-1 district) overall record, a Redman Cup trophy and a playoff spot. Though Durant wasn’t able to advance past East Lake in the first round of regionals, head coach Mike Gottman was pleased to see the team improve upon its

2015 campaign in virtually every way. Things won’t be as easy this time around, though. The combination of an inexperienced defense with the Plant City area’s toughest schedule works against Durant on paper, but the Cougars believe their foundation is strong enough for the house they built to weather this new storm. “It’s just one of them things where there’s no substitute for

those live reps, those game reps,” Gottman said. “Early on, it might be pretty rough. But we’re going to learn from our mistakes and hopefully move on and become better from them.” A GOOD SIGN

Durant didn’t get off to the best start in 2016, taking a 17-7 loss at Hillsborough in its season opener. But the team turned things around by the following week,

starting a seven-game win streak with a 33-0 win over Spoto at Cougar Path. It was an impressive stretch for the senior-heavy defense, which allowed more than seven points just once in a 20-13 Alafia River Rivalry win over Newsome. Durant shut out Strawberry Crest and Lennard by a combined score of 91-0 and held East Bay to just a field goal in a 38-3 win, in which 35 of the 38 points were scored in

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“We don’t change a whole lot. We do different things with different people’s skill sets. We try to exploit defenses where they’re weak and we try to attack offenses where they’re weak. We try to be really fundamentally sound and play good, solid special teams and not make a lot of mistakes.”

2017 SCHEDULE

— Mike Gottman

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key defensive players have graduated, Gottman and the team are confident that last year’s success can carry over with hard work. “We’ve gotten a ton better through going through spring football and summer camp and summer lifting,” Gottman said. “Now we’re in fall camp, we’ve had a good fall camp.” FINE-TUNING

Of the defense’s returning players, there are two in particular Gottman looks to be counting on to lead the unit. One is senior linebacker Tanner Jurnigan, who is moving over to the mike position following Ross’s departure. “He’s our mike linebacker and he’s kind of our heart and soul to the defense right now,” Gottman said. “He played in all the games last year, so he knows what it’s all about.” Jurnigan will be the most experienced player on the defense, having seen varsity action in each of his three years at Durant. The other is senior strong safety Nick Grimaldi, another returning player Gottman is counting on to provide leadership to an inexperienced group. “I’m hoping he can be really solid for us,” Gottman said. Grimaldi will play next to free safety C.J. Barnes, who took over the position after Demarcus Governor was moved to cornerback to play opposite Grover Wills. Gottman said he will be watching the defensive line closely. He has praised the recent play of Andrew Deaton, who will join Jackson Prestwood, Jayden Johnson and Aaron Eakins. The coach said in-game experience should help the defense improve throughout the season. “We’ve got to get from an inexperienced defense to somehow get experienced real fast,” Gottman said. The offense appears to be in

good shape with Potter, Cameron Myers, Cole, fullback David Tabakovic and back Tyrhon Brooks returning. Freshman wideout Agiye Hall has impressed the Cougars in the offseason and the preseason, using his long frame and athleticism to tear up Blake’s secondary on Aug. 18. By all accounts, the offensive linemen are firing on all cylinders and ready to make life easier for the rest of the unit. “We’re hoping our receiving corps can be solid and catch the football, make a few big plays for us,” Gottman said. “I’m excited about our running game. Our offensive line is big, physical. Just

got to stay away from turnovers.” The Cougars’ schedule is bookended by some of the Tampa Bay area’s perennial contenders, starting with a road opener at Jesuit and ending with a Nov. 3 home closer against Armwood. Durant will play the Alafia River Rivalry game at Newsome and the Redman Cup game at Plant City, but it will get to host Tech on Oct. 20. “It’s going to be a tough road,” Gottman said. “You’ve got Tech, you’ve got Plant City, you’ve got East Bay, you’ve got Bloomingdale, you know, everybody’s good. Jesuit, Armwood — it’s going to be tough sledding, no doubt.”

THE DETAILS Location: 4748 Cougar Path, Plant City Established: 1995 Head Coach: Mike Gottman Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-3 2016 Record: 8-3 (5-1 district)

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the second half. The win streak was snapped in the Cougars’ last game of October 2016, a 27-7 home loss to eventual 7A-9 district champion Tampa Bay Tech, but the team returned from its bye week to beat King, 48-3, to end the regular season on a positive note. Though the Cougars held a 7-0 lead over East Lake at the end of the first quarter of the regional quarterfinals, the Eagles scored 14 unanswered points and kept the Cougars’ offense out of the end zone for the rest of the game. Quarterback Carlton Potter established himself as a steady presence under center in his junior season, completing 62% of his pass attempts for 1,412 yards and 18 touchdowns against six interceptions. It was also a defining year for then-junior Cameron Myers, who led all running backs with 743 rushing yards, 10 touchdowns and a 7.4 yards-per-carry average in nine games. Senior Brandon Myers led the receiving corps with 599 yards and 10 touchdowns through the air, and also proved valuable in the return game. An injury forced tight end Steven Witchoskey to miss all but three games in his senior season, but the team was pleased with how Jory Cole filled in for Witchoskey during his time out. Cole, who returns in 2017, finished with 345 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Middle linebacker Jake Ross led the defense with 105 total tackles (53 solo, 52 assisted) and helped a strong senior core with Brandon Guido, Austin Lumley, Xavier Lyas, Reese Schaaf, Chris Gay and others put together a strong season even without top defensive back Jaden Garrett, who was forced to miss his final season with a knee injury. The unit led all area teams with 21 sacks, mostly from Lumley (6.0) and Dylan Novo (5.0). Though the majority of 2016’s

Aug. 25: @ Jesuit Sept. 1: v. Sickles Sept. 8: @ Newsome Sept. 15: @ East Bay Sept. 22: v. Strawberry Crest Sept. 29: BYE Oct. 6: @ Lennard Oct. 13: @ Plant City Oct. 20: v. Tampa Bay Tech Oct. 27: v. Bloomingdale Nov. 3: v. Armwood

2017 FOOTBALL PREVIEW | PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER 5

THREE TO SEE Every year, the Plant City Times & Observer asks the head coaches which three players will make a big, positive impact for their teams. For 2017, Durant head coach Mike Gottman chose linebacker Tanner Jurnigan, quarterback Carlton Potter and running back Cameron Myers.

CARLTON POTTER

CAMERON MYERS

surprised a lot of us and he’s just How do you feel, going into made plays consistently. this season? I’m really excited about the seaWhat’s your proudest moment son coming up. We’ve got a lot as a Cougar? of young guys and a lot of guys My proudest moment would be that haven’t really played that the East Bay High School game much, but they’re all hungry at that we played last year. It was the skill position. And then we’ve my first game throwing for over got Cameron (Myers) and David 200 yards. I had three touch(Tabakovic) in the backfield, and s a great o-line. I think our offense edowns in the game and we ended g up s them, 38-3, in a really is gonna be really good and ourd e beating district win. defense is looking really good. ba ugood

What are you looking forward to about this season? I’m looking forward to a disciplined team that has each other’s back. I want everybody on the team to do their part so winning will be easier. What’s something not a lot of people know about this offense that they should know? Our offensive line is better than ever. Coach (Wesley) Wyatt has done a great job with them. Since spring, we’ve worked really hard on the running game.

q s e la el m p s most important What’s the Who are you looking to w a forward e st to thing g somebody should know throwing to this / nyear? a / d Durant s (Cole) es football? aabout We’ve got y / c at tight eJory r u i b e been We’re q coming s he’s What’s your proudest moment end right and just ls at it. We’ve put odit innow idof theme pthe lamost e ht middle as a Cougar? work in in the offseakilling the o o g s w r a Last year against East Bay, when and we’reeall a family. We’re it. We st sonto n ei beenbowning / hfield. He’s g s / freshman a w m s / d I scored four touchdowns and coming at it. just recently got a new r c e es a ue / reallyry ue pereceiver/ (Agiye i b had over 200 all-purpose yards Hall) who’s q q d a e ls ts ide a re a in one game. o l p l h e a m p s w / p e / sw / ho eig bro na t o s ge s What’s something people as / t w em s / d rt nag las es r i c e a should know about Durant y e h / e u g / r u i b q p e s ig q / e s d football this year? s a s r o la s p lo / ht oid me pla el a o p e o / g i s s i / e ow ge br / na st sw / h we / p ag sor ts t g s a m s / ks e b es hir gna gla ue ad ues er / e ies / c ry b t p c s i q / e q s d o s c s la s pa are oo ht oid me pla el TANNER JURNIGAN / t / a olo s / p e / g i s i / e g ow ge br / na st sw / h we / p ag sor ts t g n s i a m s / t ks e b es hir gna gla ue es do you feel, going into ad uHow er / e ies / c ry s b t p c s i q / e q thisls s d season? fla / to ac lo la pa are oo / s es ht oid me pla I think e we’re going to be good. p o / / g i s s i / egot e owWe’ve br / na st a lot of young guys es ing sw / h we / p ag sor ts t g g r s a m s / s started before but s d haven’t a b u nt r r that a s i c s e l e k e a n y e i e / e s the defense. ce sh sig / g aqu ap re / er e b they’re qulearning di ts pr fla ot c laslot, so I’m teaching t d o a o l s I’ve played i p l a l / h e / / a o o / / ie / p s going to be s ig bro nam t pthem. I think e we’re w /h e e ow s gs res ing s pretty / p ag sor ts t g g / s good. a w m / s a t b u r la ues er / e es ad ues es shi ign / c ry g i b fig prin ask ote p c q / q adjusting d you c s n n e arela ls to your ts ide How la s pa are oo h e / fl / t / a olo s / m p e new leadership role o / p e g i s the w eon i r a / w /h t e n e o b defense? s re ags res ing s / p ag sor ts t g s / suredthey s ag las es b u nt t rw em s / s hir making stay focaJust y k e a n g e e i e / g e u g / r s u i b g t p cused, making sure the c s i o n fi pr q / e a q moment d o e a c lo s e bigger ls it ts iddoesn’t a t fl i r a o l s p a get thane what l / h n / s / a m o p e o o / / p i s w going out ig br really / t still re ree gs e na is. You’re ojust es ing sw / h we s / p ag sor ts t g r / s c there to play football, so that’s a a / s a b u nt t s s hir cit comes la ues er / em es what k n g y e i down to. e / g g r g fi r q e as tot di ts ap re cc lo s / si s / do in n p a fl o l idyour proudest moment p a h / s / a o p e o o / What’s / i s ig br / re ree gs e es ing sw / h we as a Cougar? / p ag sor ts g r s c a m Probably the first moment that s s a b u nt t r r a s s i e l e k n g e e g fi ri ce sh sig I made was my freshman year, / g aqu ap re / as tot c do in n p fl o l s p l a / against Plant City. I got a strip / s / a p o / FL / ie / 813.754.7360 St. #2 //PlantpCity s 33563 / s s Baker r w sack for, like, 40 yards and a re ree802gE. e g g e s o / s tackle for loss. That’s one of the ba ss irt nag las ta gur ntin ks sc e i h e g g g fi r as tot cc lo s / si s / do in n p fl a | / FOOTBALL 6 PLANT CITYs TIMES & OBSERVER 2017 PREVIEW / / s po gs orie re ree gs g e / ba ss ta gur ntin ks sc i e g s fi pr t ce do in to ac fla

We’re a really underrated team but, when it comes down to it, hard work and preparation is all that counts.

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Year

Nick Grimaldi

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Kylan Forte

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Grover Wills

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Agiye Hall

Fr.

Kelly Kash

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Bryar Christian

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Casey Flouro

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10 Carlton Potter

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Jayden Johnson

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12 Demarcus Governor

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15 Jory Cole

WR/TE

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20 Jordan Clark

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22 Tyrhon Brooks

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23 Kayden Mahan

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24 Cyril Clark

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27 Makenzie Kennedy

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32 David Tabakovic

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35 Jackson Prestwood

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41 Tristan Nichols

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45 Lane Robbins

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48 Belani Boyd

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49 Anthony Banks

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50 Giovanny Benavente

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51 Christian Pelfrey

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40 Tanner Jurnigan

44 Aaron Novo

52 Wyatt Lawson

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72 Wyatt DeWitt

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74 Cameron Jossi

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77 Zerek Pinkney

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78 Gabe DeLuca

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80 Trevor Bennett

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82 Bradley Guasto

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88 Marquies Gines Jr. 89 Mark Douglas Jr. 90 Marc Monrose

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2017 FOOTBALL PREVIEW | PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER 7

PILLAR OF THE PROGRAM

David Tabakovic

Growing up, Durant’s fullback learned lessons that helped him grow into a key player for the Cougars’ offense in 2017. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

David Tabakovic isn’t too proud to admit that he’s considered walking away from football. The senior fullback for the Durant Cougars is no stranger to facing hardships and tough situations. But what sets him apart from many people, in his and his coaches’ eyes, is his willingness to pick himself up when he’s down and work harder than before.

His never-say-quit attitude comes from a childhood marked by a lot of changes and not a lot of family income. Whenever Tabakovic is feeling lost, he knows just what to focus on to get back on track. “I like to look back at a moment in my life that was really tough for me — for me and my family,” he said. “It was when my parents got divorced and we had no money, we were living in apartments and stuff.” Tabakovic was born and raised

“I always give it my full 110%. I would never quit, no matter how hard it got. I would show the coaches I’m out here grinding. — David Tabakovic

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in Russia, but he left the country in 2008 after his father took a job in America and his parents separated. Adjusting to a new life was tough — though it did help that Tabakovic learned to speak English while in Russia — but made easier that same year when he began to play football. It didn’t take long for Tabakovic to enjoy the sport, as he had been a fan of rugby before discovering American football. But learning the game proved to be difficult enough that he sometimes wondered if it was the right fit for him. “My dad signed me up for football and, every time I wanted to quit, I was like, ‘No, I want to make it in the league or even in college just to make (my parents) happy and give them what they want,’” Tabakovic said. “That’s not me, to quit. I just keep pushing and pushing because that’s what I want.” Though Tabakovic wasn’t always completely sure of his abilities, he developed a sense of patience to couple with his work ethic. That carried over to Durant, where he began to get meaningful varsity playing time in 2016 and made it a point to prove to the coaching staff that he wants to be on the field more than anything. “I always give it my full 110%,” he said. “I would never quit, no matter how hard it got. I would show the coaches I’m out here grinding. ‘Give me a chance. Let me show you what I can do for you.’” Though he played well in

2016, once scoring three rushing touchdowns in one game (against King), Tabakovic said he didn’t fully realize he could be a starter until the offseason. He lost weight after 2016 to improve his mobility out of the backfield and worked hard in camps to prove his worth to the coaches. His efforts were not in vain. Tabakovic impressed the staff and got the starting job. “That big ol’ son of a gun can rumble,” head coach Mike Gottman said. “He’s the unsung hero because he blocks, he does everything that a physical fullback’s got to do. He’s got to stick his nose up in there and block them linebackers, wham block the defensive linemen, he’s got to protect the quarterback and he’s got to release out and catch the ball … he busts his butt in the weight room and in workouts. He’s got great habits as far as his work ethic goes. That’s what’s really impressed me.” Going into his senior season, Tabakovic feels he’s reaping the fruits of his labor. He’s become an important part of the offense, has helped his team make the playoffs and is drawing attention from college coaches. Getting to that point was tough for him, but the patience and work ethic he developed when his family fell on hard times did the trick. “Patience leads to success,” Tabakovic said. “I wouldn’t think I would ever start, and then I waited and grinded and look at me now. I’m starting. I’m making the best of it.”

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2017 FOOTBALL PREVIEW | PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER 9

PLANT CITY RAIDERS

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The Plant City Raiders want to become a consistent contender under new head coach James Booth, beginning in 2017.

New Coach, New Plans The Plant City Raiders are on their fourth head coach in as many years, but still have a talented roster. Can James Booth get the team back to the playoffs? Plant City’s football players have gotten used to change. That’s what happens when you’ve got a different head coach coming through the program every year, but this time appears different. Unlike Greg Meyer and Robert Paxia, James Booth was not a hire pulled from within the existing Raiders program. He came from Manatee, running the offense with his twin brother, John, helming the Hurricanes, and he

came with a mission in mind: to work hard and exceed all expectations from the jump. “It’s not fun to run,” Booth said. “It’s not fun to do the conditioning side of it. But it’s fun when you put 40 points up on the board. Yeah, this is what we’ve got to do to get there, though.” Though the Raiders had a talented roster in 2016, getting to the playoffs at all in 2017 — let alone getting as far as St. Thomas

Aquinas normally does — would be an improvement. NEAR MISS

Plant City followed up its stellar 2015 season with a 6-3 (4-2 district) overall record and nearly made the playoffs. Under Paxia, things looked good early on for the Raiders. They stayed competitive with Armwood, even holding an unexpected lead at halftime. They fol-

lowed that up by winning four of their next five games, scoring an average of 34.6 points per game. But a 16-6 loss to Durant in the Redman Cup game, coupled with the team’s earlier 39-6 loss at Tampa Bay Tech, eliminated Plant City from playoff contention in mid-October. The Raiders ended the season with a 10-8 win at Lennard and a 22-6 win at Freedom. Running back Treshaun Ward

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“We know what’s coming, so we’re coaching our guys not to beat Strawberry Crest or Durant. We’re setting up our guys to, ‘You’re facing St. Thomas Aquinas. You’d better be doing it this way because this is what it takes.’” — James Booth

COMPETE, COMPETE, COMPETE

From the moment Booth walked into the Raiders’ weight room April 7 and introduced himself to the players, coaches and staff, the rookie head coach spoke of several “mantras” for the team to follow. Fly to the ball. Hold each other accountable. Run. Compete. “Compete” is the umbrella under which all of the Raiders’ other mantras fall. Booth and his

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players say the term has come to define everything the team has done since April, bringing a heightened intensity. “You’ve got to have that competition,” Booth said. “These guys have got to fear, ‘If I don’t do it right, I’m out and I might not get back in.’” The competition on offense has been especially healthy for Strawberry Crest transfer Braxton Plunk, whom Booth said has earned the right to start 2017 as the team’s top quarterback. Plunk battled for the job with fellow transfer Ryan Overstreet, who came over from Manatee several months after Booth’s arrival, and the coach said his starter has gotten more comfortable making defensive reads and understanding his role in a spread offense. “He’s taken over command of this offense,” Booth said. “Now he knows where everybody needs to go. He can let everybody know the positions they need to be in.” Plunk will be looking for receiving targets such as Xavier King, Tyler Hood and Eldridge. He’ll also work with Eric Wilson, who appears to be the team’s starting running back heading into the new season. Booth believes Wilson has the potential to become Plant City’s next top running back. Zamir’ Knighten will also primarily work in the backfield with Wilson as the Raiders attempt to replace Treshaun Ward’s production. There are fewer uncertainties with the defense, which has enough returning talent from 2016 and enough possible impact players coming up to have Booth excited for what the unit could do. Cribbs will be back to anchor the secondary in his senior season. The junior trio of Gordon, Mincey and Harrison are back, and will be joined by freshman cornerback Carlisle Johnson, whom Booth said “plays a lot

bigger” than he is, and athletic senior Amir Abdullah. They will all contribute to the “11 hats to the ball” philosophy Booth and defensive coordinator Melvin Jenkins are preaching. The most intriguing part of the 4-3 defense, though, is the defensive line. Converted receivers Emmanuel Baez and Jordan Wiggins have been moved to the edges of the line in an effort to manipulate offenses with their length — Wiggins stands at 6-foot-5, Baez at 6-foot-4. Fellow defensive lineman Kobe Panier has also drawn praise from Booth for his athleticism and offseason work.

“We try to force everything inside and create leverage to force guys to cut back in to the meat of our defense … it just gives us a little bit more of an advantage, pre-snap, and then post-snap, it’s on our athletes to make plays,” Booth said. Getting back to the playoffs won’t be easy but Plant City is ready to work. “We know what’s coming, so we’re coaching our guys not to beat Strawberry Crest or Durant,” Booth said. “We’re setting up our guys to, ‘You’re facing St. Thomas Aquinas. You’d better be doing it this way because this is what it takes.’”

Aug. 25: v. Jefferson Sept. 1: v. Hillsborough Sept. 8: @ Wharton Sept. 15: @ Lennard Sept. 22: v. East Bay Sept. 29: v. Strawberry Crest Oct. 6: @ Armwood Oct. 13: v. Durant Oct. 20: @ Bloomingdale Oct. 27: @ Tampa Bay Tech Nov. 3: BYE

THE DETAILS Location: 1 Raider Place, Plant City Established: 1914 Head Coach: James Booth Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 2016 Record: 6-3 (4-2 district)

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powered Paxia’s offensive attack, finishing the year with 1,082 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground. Dual-threat quarterback Corey King’s senior year ended with 953 passing yards, 115 rushing yards, 12 total touchdowns (10 passing, two rushing) and eight picks. Tydre Ward was the team’s top utility weapon with 954 all-purpose yards, lining up at wide receiver and running back as well as returning kicks and punts. The Raiders’ defense didn’t have any players with more than linebacker James Gordon IV’s 74 total tackles, but the unit held steady as a whole and got solid play from sophomores Gordon, Ashton Mincey and Tyreke Harrison as well as seniors such as Steven Ogletree and Calvin Richardson. Cody Cribbs was a steady presence in the secondary, ranking first on the team with five picks and third with 59 total tackles. Fellow juniors Amir Abdullah, with 41 tackles and two sacks, and Austin Eldridge, with 43 tackles and a team-high eight sacks, also made the most of their playing time. After the season, Paxia resigned from the position to take a job in Georgia and Treshaun Ward transferred within the district to Tampa Bay Tech. But James Booth and the Raiders aren’t worried about the offseason departures the team had to deal with.

2017 SCHEDULE

2017 FOOTBALL PREVIEW | PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER 11

THREE TO SEE Every year, the Plant City Times & Observer asks the head coaches which three players will make a big, positive impact for their teams. For 2017, Plant City head coach James Booth chose linebacker Amir Abdullah, quarterback Braxton Plunk and defensive back Cody Cribbs.

CODY CRIBBS

BRAXTON PLUNK

You’re leading the secondary for one last year. What are you excited about? I’m excited about starting the season, going through it and playing the best we can.

alize it until it’s actually your last year. They’ve got to realize, every single practice they go through, that’s one less practice that they have. What’s something about Plant City football that people should know? It’s a journey. It’s a new journey that’s about to begin, right here, and it starts with us.

What are your goals? My personal goal is I’m trying to get eight picks. I had five last year, trying to get eight this year. And I’m trying to lead this team as best as I can to set an example for the next coming years. What advice do you give to the younger guys? They’ve got to realize that senior year comes quick. That’s what you hear every year, that it’s coming up and it’s gonna be your last year, but you don’t ever re-

Which game are you looking forward to? Durant. We’re taking back that cup, the Redman Cup.

What’s something people don’t know about Plant City football that they should? We’ve got the best field house manager in the county. Coach

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What do you bring to this team? Physicality. Effort from sideline to sideline, physically. How do you feel about the season? I feel good. I feel like we’re underrated because it’s only about, what, 10 of us are seniors? Last year there was a lot of them, so I just feel like we’re underrated.

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What are your goals? I want to lead the county in forced fumbles and tackles … try to be on every tackle.

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Which game are you most looking forward to? Durant and Armwood.

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AMIR ABDULLAH

DAILY LUNCH SPECIAL

Where have you improved the most from last season? Just being more comfortable in an offense. How to run an offense. Coach Booth’s helped me with, like I said, progressions and just learning how to read a defense. What are your goals? Lead the county in yards and completion rate, and less turnovers. Can’t turn the ball over.

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PlantCityObserver.com

ROSTER # Name 2

Xavier King

Jordan Wiggins

Pos. Year WR

Sr.

WR/DE Sr.

Amir Abdullah

OLB

Sr.

Eric Wilson

So.

A.J. Joyce

Jr.

Ashton Mincey

MLB

Jr.

James Gordon IV

OLB

Jr.

Braxton Plunk

Jr.

10 Ryan Overstreet

So.

11 Cody Cribbs

Sr.

13 Austin Eldridge

Sr.

14 Jaquez Green

Jr.

15 Tyreke Harrison

Jr.

16 Tyler Hood

Sr.

20 Carlisle Johnson

Fr.

21 Demije Hollins

Jr.

22 Kobe Panier

Jr.

24 Jaylen Malcolm

Jr.

25 Chris Wilson

Jr.

28 Christian Butler

Sr.

29 Matthew Fouts

OLB

Sr.

30 Emmanuel Baez

So.

32 Cameron Cotnoir

Jr.

34 Zamir’ Knighten

So.

36 Maurice Morris

Jr.

37 Nile Price

Jr.

38 Miguel Gutierrez

So.

40 Antron Robinson

So.

42 Ryan Fryer

Jr.

44 Keishawn Wright

So.

45 Brodie Richards

Jr.

52 Ben Gude

So.

53 Dale Hamilton

Jr.

54 John Lewis

So.

56 Easton Shouse

So.

57 Ce’aer James

So.

OLB

Jr.

60 Jim Peaden

Sr.

64 Blake Price

Jr.

69 Austin Kaczmarek

Jr.

70 Zane Tyler New

Jr.

77 Collin Jennings

Sr.

78 Jacob George

Fr.

81 Michael Coton

Jr.

83 Mario Williams

Fr.

86 De’Qwan Myers

Jr.

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2017 FOOTBALL PREVIEW | PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER 13

PILLAR OF THE PROGRAM

Tyreke Harrison

Cornerback Tyreke Harrison is stepping into a leadership role with the Plant City Raiders in his junior season. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

As the Plant City Raiders football program transitions into a new era of leadership, so too is Tyreke Harrison. The junior defensive back, who was named one of the Raiders’ “Three to See” in the 2016 Plant City Times & Observer Football Guide, is being counted on by head coach James Booth to help the team’s younger players buy in to the program’s new expecta-

tions. Though he’s had to adjust to having a new coach every season, Harrison said he and “The reality is, we his junior and senior teammates have the will to win for anybody still all got the in charge. same mindset of “The reality is, we still all got CFC037149 the same mindset of making it to the next level,” Harrison said. “In making it to the order to make it to the next level we’ve got to deal with another next level.” coach. We feel like us adapting to — Tyreke Harrison a new coach, it’s like we still have to be strong and move on in our career.”

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The Raiders are preaching accountability and teamwork through every inch of the program and Harrison is doing his part to instill that into the team’s sophomores and freshmen. He does what he can to motivate the younger players to work hard — admitting that constantly hearing “Hustle, hustle!” from the coaches can get “kind of old” — but said he himself sometimes needs motivation from another source. “Actually I’d like to say our teammate, D.J. (Gordon IV), he actually pushed me to do better,” Harrison said. “After hearing him push me, it actually made me want to motivate the guys, too, to elevate our team. There’s some days where we didn’t touch the weight room and he’d hit me up, ‘Hey, Juice, meet me at the weight room.’ Sometimes, I’m not even gonna lie, I want to say no … he’ll actually give you a speech if you say no that’ll open your eyes. ‘Man, you gotta tighten up. We gotta get on this level. We’re stressing 15 games this year.’” Harrison’s not just trying to be a leader on the field. He’s also excelling in the classroom as a dual-enrollment student and said he recently got his GPA up to a 4.1. Entering his junior season, it’s the first time Harrison has been counted on by his coaches to set an example for those below him.

The junior also knows that, in addition to proving himself to his peers, he must also be able to pick himself up and work hard when things aren’t going his way. Harrison’s self-motivation technique is simple, but he said it’s effective. “I just look at my number, 15,” he said. “I rub it on my chest and everything. I’m really trying to sell a lot of shirts this year. Basically, there’s a lot of females that are gonna be wearing my shirt this year, so I feel like I’ve got to actually make it stand out this year.” The number 15, which Harrison was assigned when he first joined the Raiders two seasons ago, also represents a goal for him and the team. Fifteen games stand between Plant City and the FHSAA state championship trophy, from the start of the regular season through the end of the state Final Four rounds. Harrison and his teammates want nothing more than to prove 2016’s playoff miss was a fluke, not a standard. They know they’re not going to get there without work and, above all, holding each other to the highest possible standards. That’s why he’s joining Gordon in the weight room when he could just say no. “After we get our mindset on that 15 games,” Harrison said, “I feel like nobody can really stop us.”

PlantCityObserver.com

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2017 FOOTBALL PREVIEW | PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER 15

STRAWBERRY CREST CHARGERS

Photos by Justin Kline

Strawberry Crest is looking to turn the program around and hoping the 2017 season will lead to bigger and better things.

Building on the foundation Coach Ron Hawn has made his mark through the Chargers program and expects to improve in 2017.

Will Crest end its years-long regular-season losing streak? September 19, 2014, was the last night Strawberry Crest came out ahead on anyone’s scoreboard in the regular season. October 18, 2013, was the last night Strawberry Crest won in Dover during the season. Going from Oct. 19, 2013, to the present, that makes a total of five seasons, four graduating classes, three head coaches, two uniform changes and one regular-season win. It may not be the most shock-

ing news but, for the Chargers’ seniors and juniors, dealing with the infamous streak on and off the field has been a real drag. Everyone at that school wants to know when — “if,” for those less faithful — Crest will bust the slump. To hear the Chargers themselves tell it, it’ll likely happen this season. It’s all anyone will talk about around that corner of Gallagher

Road, at least when you walk onto the practice field. The scheduling powers that be were far kinder to Crest in 2017 than 2016. The first two opponents won a total of two games last year. Crest beat Seminole, 13-7, in the preseason. The roster is better everywhere and the guys want to be there. Coach Ron Hawn said he’ll shave his head after beating a certain team (Hawn confirmed but declined to name the opponent). Every take

you’d hear has optimism. “Obviously, everybody’s really anxious to get that first win,” Hawn said. ONE TO FORGET ABOUT

Hawn came aboard in 2016 hoping to lay down some roots and build a culture to last. He expected the tough schedule to favor the other teams during the season, though perhaps not to the tune of another 0-10 record.

JUSTIN KLINE | SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

16 PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER | 2017 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

PlantCityObserver.com

“We’re not going to conquer the world in one day. The goal is the same as it is at pretty much anywhere you’re at, whether you’re talking about Plant City, or Durant, or Armwood, or Plant or whatever. Everybody’s goal is to eventually win a state championship … obviously, our road to that level is much different than for Plant City, or for a Durant, or for an Armwood or one of those places.” — Ron Hawn

PlantCityObserver.com

2016 behind them for good. BACK TO THE DRAFTING TABLE

After coaching offense last year, he switched his focus to the defense and plans to run an upgraded version of the previous 4-2-5 formation. Hawn said the unit is in far better shape with the potential to be solid, despite a lack of size. “Our weakest spot on defense is our secondary, and they’re not bad,” Hawn said. “They’re a little undersized but they can all run, they’re all extremely coachable and they’re doing everything that I ask them to do, which is pretty important.” Hawn considers the defensive line the unit’s strongest asset. Running with a starting lineup of Kisean Ruth, Josh Young, Kagan Lioy and Garrett Neubaum, Hawn expects the front four to put pressure on offenses with their mobility. He’s also counting on senior Thomas Steed to provide leadership to the unit at middle linebacker. “Heart and soul,” Hawn said. “He’s our fiery redhead. You couldn’t ask for something more awesome than a strawberry blonde middle linebacker at Strawberry Crest High School. He’s the hardest worker in the weight room. He’s one of the toughest kids we have out here. He’s extremely football smart.” The secondary, Hawn said, is not lacking skill — just depth and experience. He’s particularly looking for good work from defensive backs Chad Grassel, Cody Newman, Hasan Sharrieff and Tyson Rosania. On offense, the Chargers will work with three backs and count on new quarterback Jarrett Rappe to provide stability under center. “He’s a big, tall, fast kid,” Hawn said. “He’s smart. He’s a hard

worker. He’s a great leader in the weight room and on the field. Just a great kid.” Rappe came in and developed a connection with wide receiver Jamar Hart, who started last year and now stands at 6-foot-3, 175 pounds. Narine and Zane Tapper will share a backfield with fullback Tyler Hammond, whom Hawn calls “crazy” and “a workhorse.” The offensive line isn’t quite where Hawn would like it to be just yet, but the coach said it’s headed in the right direction. He’s especially excited to bring

aboard freshman Sebastian Fernandes, who is already bigger than Hawn himself. Hawn’s long-term goal is still to build a stable, successful program in Dover with, as every coach hopes for, something to put in the trophy case. But for now, everyone in the program is committed to getting that win and giving the program something to build on. “The kids who get on board, we’re going to give them the best experience possible,” Hawn said.

Aug. 25: v. Spoto Sept. 1: @ King Sept. 8: BYE Sept. 15: v. Tampa Bay Tech Sept. 22: @ Durant Sept. 29: @ Plant City Oct. 6: v. Bloomingdale Oct. 13: @ Riverview (7 p.m.) Oct. 20: @ East Bay Oct. 27: v. Lennard Nov. 3: v. Chamberlain

THE DETAILS Location: 4691 Gallagher Road, Dover Established: 2009 Head Coach: Ron Hawn Offense: Three-back Defense: 4-2-5 2016 Record: 0-10 (0-6 district)

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Still, it wasn’t something he was unprepared for. Win or lose, the top priority was to let the winds of change blow through the program and see who was willing to adapt. “Last year was about setting the tone,” Hawn said. “‘This is what we’re gonna do.’ We lost some kids as a result, but that’s the process. That’s what I expected.” Crest came close to winning once in 2016, taking Middleton to a 12-10 final score on the road. Besides that, they often struggled to find the end zone and put points on the board — at one point taking back-to-back-to-back shutout losses to district foes Tampa Bay Tech (54-0), Lennard (23-0) and Durant (49-0). The Chargers only scored more than 10 points once, when the team caught a wave against East Bay in October and rode it to the most success of the year. They lost, 34-21, but it was viewed as a turning point. They then lost the last two games of the season to Bloomingdale and Gaither by a combined score of 75-12. Braxton Plunk, then a sophomore, completed 109 of 238 pass attempts for 922 yards and seven touchdowns against 12 interceptions. Plunk’s favorite target was Zion Carr, who gained 272 yards and one touchdown, though Franklin Murphy caught three touchdown passes. Theo Williams led the ground game with 280 rushing yards, though Jaquell Narine gained 118 in his three games. No other Charger gained more than 63 yards for the season. Other than Narine, all of those team leaders are now gone. Some guys graduated, some transferred and some left the team. It’s all part of the process, Hawn said, and the Chargers are ready to put

2017 SCHEDULE

2017 FOOTBALL PREVIEW | PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER 17

THREE TO SEE Every year, the Plant City Times & Observer asks the head coaches which three players will make a big, positive impact for their teams. For 2017, Strawberry Crest head coach Ron Hawn chose linebacker Thomas Steed, quarterback Jarrett Rappe and wide receiver Jamar Hart.

JARRETT RAPPE What do you see out here in practices that you’re liking? I see a lot of hard work, a lot of focus and a lot of hard work and grinding. We’re just out here making money, trying to grind. Who do you think you’re going to enjoy throwing to this year? I’m definitely going to enjoy throwing to Jamar this year. That’s my number one target right now. He’s just been working on his craft, getting off the ball, getting separation from the defense. I feel like me and him got a good connection, wide receiver and quarterback connection.

THOMAS STEED What are your goals? My goal is to work as hard as I can and to win as many games as we can. In the past, we haven’t had as much success. But I feel like this year we’re going to have more success than we’ve had in the past few years. What don’t people know about Crest football that they should? Some people don’t know that Strawberry Crest, we’re out here working hard. People don’t think we’re working hard, but we’re working hard and we’re trying to be better than last year. That’s our main goal, to improve from last year.

What are you looking forward to about the season? Winning some games, hopefully. We put in a lot of work in the offseason. I think we’re gonna come out victorious and, like, I wouldn’t say we’re gonna go to the playoffs this year but we’re definitely gonna come up with some wins. What’s the biggest difference from last year’s team? We come to practice every day to work. We don’t have people missing practice or complaining, watching other people’s positions. We’re focused on what we’re doing. What are your expectations? I’m definitely expecting for us to come out, I think we can win our first three games — counting our exhibition game (Aug. 18 vs. Seminole) — and win a couple more along the way.

What do you bring to the team? I’m very aggressive and I go hard every single play.

JAMAR HART What’s the difference between the team now versus last year? The team now is more together. We care about each other more. We practice harder. We do stuff more. It’s more of a team than last year. What’s key to turning things around out here? When you practice as hard as we do every day, you should win. We should expect to win. We shouldn’t expect to win by a little — we should expect to win by a lot. That’s how you win games.

Kenneth Parker Executive Director P.O. Drawer 2550 Plant City, FL 33564

What are your goals this year? To go 10-0 and win the state championship. That’s our goals for this year. If you can’t meet your goals, then at least set them high so if you can’t meet them, at least you’re up there.

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What’s something people should know about Crest foot-

ball that they probably don’t? We’re better than last year. We’re a better team. We practice harder and we work harder and we’re gonna be good this year.

PlantCityObserver.com

ROSTER # Name

Pos. Year

Jaquell Narine

RB/DB So.

Rio Oliver

WR/DB Sr.

Jarrett Rappe

Sr.

Tyson Rosania

Jr.

Garrett Neubaum

DL/TE

Sr.

Jamar Hart

Sr.

Zane Tapper

Jr.

Dalton Hunt

Jr.

Hasan Sharrieff

RB/DB

Jr.

10 Cody Newman

WR/DB Jr.

11 Dylan Rogers 12 Josh Young 13 Jordan Bennett

K/P

Sr.

TE/DL

Jr.

OLB

Jr.

14 Tyler Hammond

RB/DB Sr.

15 Chad Grassel

WR/DB Sr.

16 Caleb Goodson

So.

17 Kadin Durgan

Fr.

19 Adam Ibarra

Jr.

21 Temperance Paris

Jr.

22 Mason Lower

So.

32 Joe Witherington

TE/DE So.

34 Jordan Shepherd

Fr.

36 Logan Dean

So.

42 Thomas Steed

Sr.

44 Justin Lamb

OLB

Sr.

45 D.J. Brannon

So.

50 Michael Petty

Sr.

52 Desmond Brown

OL/DL Sr.

54 Will White

Sr.

55 Jonah Spivey

So.

56 Jake Craig

Fr.

58 Kagan Lioy 68 Cauy Reeder 70 Kisean Ruth

OL/DL Sr. OL

Jr.

OL/DL Sr.

75 Hal Grant

So.

77 Sebastian Fernandes

Fr.

78 Ryan Armatrout

Sr.

79 Zach Dry

Jr.

80 Aaron Singh

Jr.

88 Bryant Lazare

OLB

So.

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2017 FOOTBALL PREVIEW | PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER 19

PILLAR OF THE PROGRAM

Josh Young The Strawberry Crest defensive end knows how to get back up after getting knocked down by some tough luck. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Like the rest of his Strawberry Crest football teammates, Josh Young is tired of losing. Heading into his third season with the team, he wants to shed the constant reminders as much as anyone. “Both years that I’ve been here, we’ve been 0-10 on varsity … it’s kind of like everybody doubts us,” Young said. “Everybody in the hallways, they’re always asking,

‘Y’all gonna lose, are y’all gonna win a game this year?’” He knows the only way to change those feelings is through hard work. That’s why Young has developed what his coaches call one of the team’s strongest work ethics, and why head coach Ron Hawn considers him crucial to having a successful year. “My biggest motivation, honestly, is just to be the best that I can be … it’s not just about football,” Young said. “I push hard in everything that I do, whether

“ I think we have the potential to win seven or eight games. Realistically I think we can win four very well. There’s two or three games on the fence.” — Josh Young

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20 PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER | 2017 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

that’s in football or in the class. Everything’s hard, all the time.” Now at defensive end, Young knew the pain of losing before enrolling at Crest — and how to deal with it. The junior said some of his most useful tools for motivation are his mistakes. Specifically, Young points to a youth football game he kicked in while in eighth grade. The game, he said, went to quadruple overtime. But it eventually had to end on someone’s mistake, and it ended up being his. “I was playing kicker and it was quadruple overtime, and it was just, each team was scoring, both the kickers were making it and then they made theirs,” he said. “I went up, the ground was muddy, I slipped and fell and we lost the game then because of it … it stayed with me for a while. But I had to keep working on it to make sure it didn’t happen again.” Learn from it, then block it out — it’s a strategy likely used by more Chargers than just Young, considering how 2016 played out. This year, Young is fully committed to breaking the losing streak. He hasn’t set any personal goals for himself on the field because he’s willing to do

whatever the team needs him to. Hawn said Young sets a good example for the team, but Young would rather praise guys like Chad Grassel on defense and Jarrett Rappe on offense for their leadership. Young’s primary role is to help anchor the defensive line, which the Chargers consider a bright spot for the team. He’s being optimistic about the team’s ability and realistic about its likely outcomes. “I just want to play and do what I can for my team,” he said. “For the team, though I want to have a winning record this season … I think we have the potential to win seven or eight games. Realistically I think we can win four very well. There’s two or three games on the fence.” Young hopes some good fortune coming Crest’s way could help the team’s fans get their faith back and support the team more than they have in some time. “You’ve just got to block it out,” Young said. “It does suck, not having your school be into the football team. But once we start winning this year I feel like the spirits are gonna come up and the students will rally.”

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2017 FOOTBALL PREVIEW | PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER 21

A Football

Flashback

lant City’s high school football scene has seen more than just the Raiders, Cougars and Chargers since it started. Any telling of the area’s prep sports history is incomplete without mentioning the now-defunct Marshall and Pinecrest high schools, not to mention Plant City High School’s years as the “Planters” before switching to the “Raiders” name and current colors in 1972. Though the game has changed drastically in the last 50 to 60 years, one thing has stayed the same: this town absolutely loves football. The Plant City Photo Archives and History Center is flush with links to Plant City’s past and football is no exception. The center has given the Plant City Times & Observer a batch of photos from decades past for the 2017 Football Guide. For those interested in seeing more pictures or contributing to the archive, the center is located in downtown Plant City at 106 S. Evers St. — JUSTIN KLINE

Photos courtesy of the Plant City Photo Archives and History Center

Plant City (white jerseys) faces off against Plant on Sept. 28, 1962.

Pinecrest High School cheerleaders perch on a car during the school's 1967 homecoming festivities.

22 PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER | 2017 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Rev. H. Richard Bills prays with members of the 1965 Plant City Planters football team in the locker room.

PlantCityObserver.com

Plant City moves the ball against Chamberlain's defense in an Oct. 28, 1994, game.

William Reece Smith Jr., pictured at age 13, played for Plant City Junior High in 1938. Smith went on to play quarterback for the University of South Carolina and later became a successful lawyer.

The 1965 Marshall High School football team went undefeated with a 9-0 record. The Dragons outscored opponents, 339-13.

Not all uniforms were uniform in the 1950s, as seen in this 1956 photo of a Marshall High School football game. Pinecrest High School once fielded a girls football team.

PlantCityObserver.com

2017 FOOTBALL PREVIEW | PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER 23

Best of the Best: 2016 Sports Editor Justin Kline builds a “fantasy team” with 2016’s top players. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

File photo

OFFENSE QB: CARLTON POTTER Scoop: In 2016, Carlton Potter proved to his coaches that trusting him as a sophomore in 2015 was the right call. Durant’s signal-caller played in 10 of the team’s 11 games and finished with 1,412 passing yards, 18 touchdowns against six picks and a 62% completion rate — the best passing stats of any quarterback in the Plant City area. Potter guided the Cougars to a playoff spot through a second-place district finish and was rock-steady under center.

brother gained 743 rushing yards and 175 receiving yards through nine games, scoring 12 total touchdowns and leading the team with 918 all-purpose yards. His performances shot his name up on recruiting boards and he’s looking like 2017’s top offensive player to watch heading into the season. WR1: BRANDON MYERS Scoop: Like his younger brother, 2016 was a great year for Brandon Myers. The elder Myers brother was Carlton Potter’s favorite target, leading the team with 40 receptions for 599 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also returned kickoffs and punts for Durant, perhaps most notably scoring on a kickoff return in the Redman Cup game. WR2: JORY COLE Scoop: Losing tight end Steven Witchoskey for much of the 2016 season could have been bad for Durant’s offense if Jory Cole hadn’t stepped up. Cole hauled in 22 passes for 345 yards and four touchdowns in his junior season. His coaches are counting on him to keep up the good work in 2017 as the Cougars try to get back into the playoff picture.

RB1: TRESHAUN WARD Scoop: Treshaun Ward’s sophomore season was as good as that of most running backs in Hillsborough County. The younger Ward brother gained 1,082 yards on the ground with 13 scores and a whopping 9.2 yards-percarry average. When you’ve got a guy that can come that close to getting a first down on every play, your run game is looking fine. However, he has since transferred to Tampa Bay Tech.

FLEX: TYDRE WARD Scoop: What would Plant City have done without Tydre Ward? The elder Ward brother had been the Raiders’ most versatile weapon when he stepped onto the field in his junior and senior years. Last year, he finished with 954 all-purpose yards, led the team with 336 receiving yards and three touchdown catches and served as the team’s primary return man and secondary running back option.

RB2: CAMERON MYERS Scoop: Cameron Myers had a breakout junior year after initially being Durant’s platoon’s second option. The younger Myers

OL: DURANT COUGARS Scoop: In a run-heavy offense, the only thing that needs to be as good or better than the running back group is the offensive line.

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Treshaun Ward excelled for Plant City in 2016.

The Plant City area has no shortage of football talent. In fact, many of the best position players in Hillsborough County over the years have come from this neck of the woods. There were many players from our area’s schools who stood out from the pack in 2016 on offense, defense and special teams. We at the Plant City Times & Observer like to give credit when credit is due, so we’re bringing back last year’s “fantasy team” idea. It’s like being the manager of a fantasy football team, except there’s no competition in the snake draft. If you were to put together a team full of Plant

City-area players, I believe these are the guys you’d want to put at the top of your board in each position of need. Because there are so many good defensive players out here, I’m picking individual linebackers and defensive backs to go with one defensive line rather than take care of it all in one move with the traditional Defense/Special Teams designation in fantasy football. As I did last year, I’m picking four linebackers as if I’m trying to fill a 3-4 defense.

24 PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER | 2017 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

PlantCityObserver.com

DEFENSE DL: DURANT COUGARS Scoop: Anchored by N.C. Statebound Xavier Lyas and team sack leader Austin Lumley, Durant’s defensive line play stood out from the pack in 2016. The front four helped the Cougars total 781 tackles — almost 200 more than runner-up Plant City — and 21 sacks. LB1: JAKE ROSS Scoop: The only area linebacker with more than 100 total tackles (105), Jake Ross captained what turned out to be the Plant City area’s most effective stop unit in 2016. Durant’s coaches had nothing but high praise for the senior captain in 2016 and say the senior left some big shoes to fill on the defense. LB2: JAMES GORDON IV Scoop: James Gordon IV was one half of Plant City’s 2016 sophomore wrecking crew at linebacker and made every play count. Gordon led the team with 74 total tackles, making 8.2 per game, and notched three sacks for a total loss of 25 yards. Gordon’s 2016 season tape, coupled with a strong offseason, has caught the eye of NCAA Division I programs. He may be the best defensive player in the area in 2017. LB3: ASHTON MINCEY Scoop: Ashton Mincey’s sophomore year was also great for Plant City, as the linebacker racked up 71 total tackles and became a key component to a unit that also featured one of 2015’s top players, Steven Ogletree. It may be an understatement, but the Raiders are glad

LB4: MICHAEL ACOSTA Scoop: Strawberry Crest didn’t have the best season in 2016 in any area of play, but linebacker Michael Acosta was commended by his coaches for bringing a good attitude. Acosta parlayed his 2016 campaign into a spot on Baldwin Wallace College’s football roster in 2017. DB1: CODY CRIBBS Scoop: There are two reasons why Plant City held a 17-14 lead over Armwood at halftime in 2016: Treshaun Ward and Cody Cribbs. Though Cribbs played well throughout the 2016 season, he was excellent against the Hawks — notably preventing three touchdowns with a handful of interceptions and staying one step ahead of the offense. You don’t want to put a ball near him in 2017.

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DB2: CHRIS GAY Scoop: Like Cody Cribbs against Armwood, Chris Gay played well throughout the season but really shined in one game. I don’t think Durant fans are going to forget Gay’s two interceptions in the Redman Cup game, which were crucial to the Cougars’ preservation of a 16-6 lead and reservation for the playoffs. Fun fact: Gay would later go on to win the title of Mr. Cougar in the school’s annual bodybuilding competition. DB3: CALVIN RICHARDSON Scoop: Calvin Richardson’s four interceptions were good for second on the team but his 70 interception return yards led the defense. Though the Raiders’ secondary is still in fine shape, the group will probably miss having Richardson around. DB4: TYREKE HARRISON Scoop: There are many reasons why Plant City’s coaching staff is high on Tyreke Harrison heading into his junior year and his play in 2016 — 46 total tackles, two picks for 62 yards — is one. He’s expected to be a key contributor to the unit in 2017 and, as you may know from our profile of him, he’s willing to put in the work.

Season is September 16 through November 4

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K: PEYTON LEDBETTER Scoop: Peyton Ledbetter didn’t lead the area in field goal percentage, but no area kicker scored more points for their team in 2016. Ledbetter did his best work after team scores, hitting 37 of 42 extra-point attempts, and also handled kickoff and punting duties for the Cougars.

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2017 FOOTBALL PREVIEW | PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER 25

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WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND? JUSTIN KLINE

File photo

Strawberry Crest could finally win a regular-season game in 2017.

Calling the 2017 season like I see it Justin Kline shares his thoughts on how area football teams will fare in 2017.

know I usually try to look on the bright side in this annual column, but I’m feeling a little more optimistic than usual this year. Maybe it’s just because the season is so young and I haven’t heard of any debilitating offseason injuries, like when Durant and Plant City each lost senior impact players to injury at summertime camps. Or maybe it’s because I’ve been looking

at everybody’s roster pieces and schedules and am pretty sure I like what I’m looking at. Don’t get me wrong about the schedules, though — some of our teams are in for one heck of a fight throughout the season. We’re going to see successful programs such as Jesuit and Armwood in regular-season games that matter, not to mention that some of the competition around the district could have taken steps to improve over last season. But I believe every fanbase in the Plant City area has at least some reason to feel good heading into the 2017 season.

OUR 56TH YEAR

26 PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER | 2017 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

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Let me get one thing out of the way first: I think Durant could find itself in the playoffs once again. I’m not putting the district championship in the Cougars’ trophy case right now because I believe the road to that championship still runs through Tampa Bay Tech. The Oct. 20 matchup between the teams will be one all Cougars fans should mark on their calendars, especially as a home game. But I see a team that’s experienced and capable of playing football after Nov. 3. Specifically, I like how the offense could look. Everybody knows Durant likes to run the ball when it can and, in Cameron Myers, the unit might have its most talented running back in some time. Quarterback Carlton Potter is a smart player who can make the throws the team needs him to make and, with help from fullback David Tabakovic and a well-coached offensive line, Durant should be able to eat up the clock and score points when it needs to. The team’s biggest question mark is on defense, as the unit took a few big hits thanks to graduation. Many players will have to step up after losing guys like Jake Ross, Xavier Lyas, Dylan Novo, Chris Gay and more. I don’t think fans of the Cougars should be too worried about how that will shake out, though. PLANT CITY

It’ll be interesting to see what becomes of the Plant City Raiders under James Booth, especially on offense. Booth knows a thing or two about aerial attacks and, with junior running back Treshaun Ward switching over to Tampa Bay Tech in early August, I think there will be more focus on former Strawberry Crest Chargers Braxton Plunk, Tyler Hood and Austin Eldridge, not to mention athletic wideout Xavier King, and the passing game. Plunk didn’t light up the scoreboard while starting for the Chargers in 2016 but he has had an offseason to develop and has landed on a new, better, roster. Booth says Plunk has what it takes to lead his offense and Plunk says he’s more comfortable under center than ever. The Raiders’ defense should still be solid, perhaps the area’s most talented on paper. Twosport athlete Cody Cribbs gets PlantCityObserver.com

one more season to lead the secondary with junior Tyreke Harrison returning to help out, and there’s still a certified wrecking crew at linebacker between James Gordon IV, Amir Abdullah and Ashton Mincey. I know the voice of the Raiders, Calvin “Pee Wee” Callins, will have some fun calling the action when those guys are putting in work. As always, make plans to attend the Oct. 13 Redman Cup game at 1 Raider Place. Both teams are hyped for the game but, having lost the trophy last year, Plant City players have not been shy about telling me they want it back now. STRAWBERRY CREST

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Mark my words: this is the year Crest breaks the losing streak. The scheduling powers that be favored the Chargers this season and gifted the team games against Spoto, King, Lennard and Chamberlain. All but the King game will be played in Dover. Also, Crest scored a preseason win. If this isn’t the year to end the $ #breakthestreak hashtag I don’t know what is. ANYand OTHER I know Ron Hawn his WASH coaching staff are confident Walden Lake Car about this, too. Though much of the 2016 roster lacked experience, and players such as Plunk and Franklin Murphy have moved on to other things, there’s optimism. Hawn says the offense and defense are “much-improved” versions of what fans saw last year and, based on what I’ve seen, I think he’s on to something. It’ll be interesting to see what the offense can do with guys like Jaquell Narine at running back and quarterback Jarrett Rappe leading the way. If you’re interested in seeing a years-long regular-season losing streak come to an end, you need to mark the following dates on your calendar: Aug. 25 (tonight!), Sept. 1, Oct. 27 and Nov. 3. No specific guarantees here, but I’d say all four of those games are very much winnable for Crest. I’m hoping I’m there for the slump-busting win, whenever that may be.

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2016 FOOTBALL

SEASON IN PHOTOS

rea football teams are focused on the tasks at hand in 2017, but it doesn’t hurt to take a look at the past. The 2016 season was full of good, intense action and the Plant City Times & Observer was often on the scene with camera in hand to capture it. We’ve gathered some of the photos we liked the most from last season and, as always, put together one last look at last year for the football guide. If you’d like to see more photos, including those from last week’s preseason game between Blake and Durant, visit PlantCityObserver.com.

Durant and Strawberry Crest played in the first Plant City-area rivalry game of the season.

— JUSTIN KLINE

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Playing on Saturdays Some recent Durant, Plant City and Strawberry Crest graduates are taking their talents to the college level.

oing to college can be one of the most important parts of a young football player’s life. Making it to the next level, especially with a scholarship, is something to be proud of. In the 2016-17 school year, Durant, Plant City and Strawberry Crest high schools each sent several of their top seniors off to bigger things around the country. Whether they’re starting at a junior college or a four-year university, these area alumni are starting a new chapter of their lives in 2017.

Durant players raise their helmets before every kickoff.

— JUSTIN KLINE

DURANT 1: Jaden Garrett — Georgia Southern University 2: Xavier Lyas — North Carolina State University 3: Steven Witchoskey — Western Kentucky University 4: Brandon Myers — University of Central Arkansas 5: Chris Gay — Graceland University 6: Reese Schaaf — William Jewell College 7: Jake Ross — Warner University 8: Christian Valdez — Albright College 9: Shondale Black — Adrian College 9: Adrien Kirkland — Adrian College 10: Tammarrion Faison — Cincinnati Christian University PLANT CITY 2: Antoine Thompson — North Carolina State University 11: Corey King — Ferris State University 12: Corey St. John — Ellsworth Community College 12: Calvin Richardson — Ellsworth Community College 12: Steven Ogletree — Ellsworth Community College 13: Nate Hamilton — New Mexico Military Institute STRAWBERRY CREST 10: Devonte Lowe — Cincinnati Christian University 14: Michael Acosta — Baldwin Wallace University

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The Plant City area has more than just high school football to watch. With teams in the Tri-County Youth Football and Cheerleading Conference, Mid-Florida Football and Cheerleading Conference and Pop Warner, there are plenty of options for fans to get their football fix on Saturdays.

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MFFCC PLANT CITY COLTS Otis M. Andrews Sports Complex, 2602 E. Cherry St. Aug. 26: vs. Polk County Panthers Sept. 2: vs. Lake Wales Steelers Sept. 9: @ Sarasota Packers Sept. 16: vs. Lakeland Destroyers Sept. 23: @ Bartow Yellow Jackets Sept. 30: vs. St. Pete Gators Oct. 7: @ Zephyrhills Bulldawgs Oct. 14: @ Lakeland Patriots MFFCC KICKOFF TIMES: Flag: 9 a.m. Mitey Mites: 10 a.m. Seniors: 11:30 a.m. Pee Wees: 1:30 p.m. Juniors: 3:30 p.m.

POP WARNER ANTIOCH REDSKINS Antioch Redskins Park, 8604 Franklin Road Note: Foundation for Youth Development—Pop Warner did not have full schedules available by press time. The league website can be visited at ow.ly/kcfu30ew9Ye.

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W Baker St

St W Reyno Monday - ldsFriday 8am -ST. 5pm 574907 S. ALEXANDER Saturday 9am - 12pm PLANT CITY, FL 33563

32 PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER | 2017 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

6586-174 574

Airport Rd

PRESORTED Baker StSTANDARD 92 W U.S. POSTAGE PAID SRS

W Reynolds St

Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm

MAACO.COM Saturday 9am - 12pm

MAACO.COM

PO Box 1362 Marietta, GA 30061-1362

Airport Rd

W Grant St

39A MAACO.COM

QUICK T

South Alexander St

907 S. ALEXANDER ST. Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm PLANT CITY, FL 33563 Saturday 9:00am - 12:00pm

813-314-7193 92 South Alexander St

813-359-1988 907 S. ALEXANDER ST. PLANT CITY, FL 33563

QUICK TURNAROUND

FULL RETAIL PAINT SALE

907 S. ALEXANDER ST. PLANT CITY, FL 33563 ANY PAINT SERVICE

FREE ESTIMATES

COME BY 907 S. ALEXANDER ST. FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE TODAY!

NATIONWIDE WARRANTY

OFF

$299

Valid for $50 off any collision repair purchase of $500 or more. Not valid with other services, promotions or insurance claims. Valid for retail customers at participating locations only. Offer may not be redeemed for any work in progress or in conjunction with prior purchases. Coupon must be present at time of estimate. Additional exclusions may apply. One per customer. No cash value. Void where prohibited. Offer expires on 8/31/17.

South Alexander St

$100

813-314-7193

ANY PAINT SERVICE

WITH ANY PAINT OR COLLISION SERVICE

Not valid with other offers, promotions, commercial vehicles or insurance claims Coupon must be presented at the time of estimate. Paint only. Body work, rust repairs and stripping of old paint at an additional charge. Additional charge may apply for Van, Trucks and SUVs. Not valid with other services, promotions or insurance claims. Valid for retail customers at participating locations. only. For a limited time only. Offer must be presented at time of estimate. Void where prohibited. Expires 8/31/17.

FREE ESTIMATES

$50

OFF

STARTING AT

HEADLIGHT RESTORATION

39A 246417

$100

PAINT SERVICES

FREE

FULL RETAIL PAINT SALE

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