Although the Plant City Dolphins JV team took a big loss to Pinecrest at the Superbowl, every athlete on the team played with heart. One of the biggest efforts on the team came from defensive end Donte Woodard Jr., who picked up a few sacks and almost always found his way to the ball on every Dolphins defensive play.
You had a pretty solid game on defense today. How did you feel before the game?
I felt kind of like I had butterflies, but I believed in my team.
Was this your first Superbowl?
No. Every year that I’ve played, and it’s been seven years, we’ve been in every year. We’ve never won.
What makes you nervous, then?
They (Pinecrest) were big, and I know what happened to previous teams they played.
Are you playing on this team next year?
Yeah, I will be playing on this team next year. Hopefully, we’ll win.
What did you learn from the game?
To never give up, and strive for greatness.
You all never gave up, even down big. A lot of teams would probably give up when they’re down, 29-6. Why did you guys keep going hard?
Because guys like me, we’ve never won a Superbowl. We have to practice hard so that guys like us can win.
So, are you guys gonna come out next year, turn it around and get that first win?
Yes, sir, hopefully.
How long have you been playing football?
Ever since I was 3 years old. I’m 12 now.
All with the Dolphins?
No, sir. I was with the Plant City Eagles for flag, then I came to the Dolphins.
What is the coolest thing you’ve ever done on a football field?
I blocked a punt and ran it back. That was last year, against the Lakeland Gators. That was my only punt block.
What positions do you play?
I play D-line, and I was playing linebacker.
Which do you like better?
Linebacker. It’s easier to get to the ball, and you don’t get blocked that often. You get a lot of tackles.
These Pinecrest kids are massive, but you still found a way to make a ton of plays and get to the ball. How did you do it, being half the size of some of these kids?
My coach always told me, ‘The bigger they are, the harder they fall.’ So that helped me. My mom told me to never be scared of height or weight.
Do you play any other sports?
Sometimes I play basketball. And I might play baseball this year. But my favorite is football.
Who’s your favorite football player?
Probably Warren Sapp.
If you could play for any pro team when you get older, what would it be?
The Seattle Seahawks.
Let’s say a younger kid is coming up through Mighty Mites for the first time and asks you how to be good at football. What do you tell him?
All you’ve got to do is put in hard work and dedication, and you’re gonna be good.
You get $1 billion in the bank with your first pro football contract. What’s the first thing you buy?
I don’t want to buy anything. I’m gonna give back to the organization — maybe buy a dome for them.