Zamir’ Knighten’s 170-yard, one-touchdown performance against the Hillsborough Terriers helped Plant City pull off a 17-7 win, giving the team a 2-0 record in the regular season. Knighten won the job as the Raiders’ feature back in the offseason and has become a key cog in the offensive machine at 1 Raider Place.
Know someone who deserves an Athlete of the Week feature? Email Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com by the Friday before the next issue.
Last year, you guys lost to Jefferson and Hillsborough. This year, you were able to beat them. What’s changed from last year to now?
As a team, we’re playing together and everybody’s depending on each other. On offense, last year was our first year with the offense and everybody was kind of learning stuff. This year, everybody knows what’s going on.
How has playing with this offensive line made things easier for you?
We all have a connection where we want to do it for each other. They did an amazing job and I’m proud of them.
Last week was a huge game for you. What were you feeling going in?
The holes just opened on almost every play. The o-line did a great job. I felt good coming into the game, felt like it was gonna be a big game for me.
What are you guys looking forward to about this week’s game with Wharton?
Put up points and get a dub (a win).
What’s the most important thing about the Plant City Raiders than anybody scheduled to play you should know?
We’re coming. We’re coming. We want to go all the way to states and win it.
Any college plans in the works?
Not yet, but hopefully it comes around.
What’s your dream school?
Florida State.
What other sports do you play?
I run track as well. I do the long jump and run the 200.
At the end of the year, what do you hope to accomplish with the team and for yourself?
I want to go all the way to states, that’s for sure, and probably rush for 1,000 yards.
How do you get hyped for a game?
Music by Kodak Black and NBA YoungBoy.
What’s the most hyped you’ve ever been for a game here?
Probably the Hillsborough game, either Hillsborough or Jefferson this year.
So about those games, if you could go back to last year and tell your team what to expect to win, what would you say?
We could have prepared better, that’s for sure, and played as a team.