Strawberry Crest knew things had to be different this year in its pass-heavy offense. Gone was Karel Hamilton, now at Samford University, who caught 36% of quarterback Tristan Hyde’s passes and accounted for nearly half of the team’s total receiving yards. Tristan’s brother, Josh, was second on the team, with 372 yards, compared to Hamilton’s […]
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SHOW ME THE MAUNEY: Farewell to the Winter Strawberry Capital
When I first accepted this job and moved from Atlanta to Plant City, I didn’t know what to expect. Like many of my colleagues, being a part of a startup paper was both exciting and scary. The opportunity was great, but the transition was one of the most significant of my life. Gone was the […]
Continue ReadingATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Erick Reyes
Erick Reyes, 15, has a passion for the game of soccer. His dream is to grow up and play for Real Madrid. So far, he is on the right path. Reyes, a sophomore at Durant High School, was a part of an Atlanta Cup finalist team and Disney Cup finalist team this year. He was […]
Continue ReadingWEEK 4: Plant City vs. Durant
The Sept. 20, 2013, edition of the Battle for the James L. Redman Cup did not disappoint, as the Plant City Raiders shut down a late Durant two-point conversion attempt to clinch a 14-13 home win. Both teams relied heavily on the run game to move the chains. Aerial attempts were either hit or miss: […]
Continue ReadingPHOTO GALLERY: Plant City vs. Durant Fan Shots
Of course, no high school football game would be complete without the raucous fans on both sides of the field. And this year, the Plant City and Durant faithful didn’t disappoint. Both Raiders and Chargers fans came out in droves for the annual James L. Redman Cup game, held Sept. 20, at Plant City High […]
Continue ReadingWEEK 4: Strawberry Crest vs. Brandon
Strawberry Crest put up video game-like numbers in its 47-0 thrashing of the Brandon Eagles Sept. 20, at home. The Chargers ran like a well-oiled machine in all three phases of the game.
Continue ReadingATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Diana Corzine
Plant City High senior Diana Corzine has a passion for playing soccer, but running cross country in high school has improved her game. She finished first on her team at the East Hillsborough County Invitational with a time of 22:46, placing 11th overall. She plans to play soccer for Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, Tenn., […]
Continue ReadingSHOW ME THE MAUNEY: Redman Cup recalls favorite rivalries
As Plant City and Durant prepare to square off in another chapter of the battle for the James L. Redman Cup this Friday, it got me thinking about some of my favorite football rivalries. We all know of Florida-Georgia, Michigan-Notre Dame and the rivalry of the Giants and Cowboys in the NFL, but here is […]
Continue ReadingPlant City, Durant compete for bragging rights
What a difference a year can make. This time last year, the Durant Cougars and Plant City Raiders entered their annual rivalry game on different sides of the spectrum. Durant was 4-0, well on its way to its first undefeated regular season. The Raiders were 3-1 but would lose five of their last six after […]
Continue ReadingArea youth programs earn national recognition
Youth sports teams in Plant City have seen plenty of success in recent years. From Little League teams winning state and region titles to youth soccer programs advancing to state competitions, the area is rich in young talent. Most recently, Plant City’s youth football players took the national spotlight for their achievements and accolades on […]
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