Just over a week after Robert Paxia stepped down, the Plant City Raiders learned who is about to step up in 2017.
In a Friday, April 7, after-school meeting in the weight room, the players were introduced to new head coach James Booth, formerly of Manatee High School. Booth, who served as the Hurricanes' offensive coordinator for three seasons, will begin commuting daily from Bradenton on Monday, April 10, to run practices and team operations.
"I'm so excited at what the potential of this could be," Booth said to a room packed with players, staff and administration.
With Booth running the offense, Manatee won 28 games in those three seasons and established itself as a force to be reckoned with in Class 8A. Last season, Booth's offense produced a 2,500-yard passer in A.J. Colagiovanni, who also finished with 31 touchdown passes and eight interceptions. The team gained just shy of 2,000 yards rushing, led by 500-yard rushers Joshua Booker and Keyon Fordham. It averaged 413 yards and 38 points scored per game.
What seemed to resonate with players the most, though, was Booth's 1-0 record against upcoming spring opponent Armwood. On Friday, August 19, 2016, Manatee stunned the Hawks in a 28-16 preseason upset.
"I'm 1-0 against Armwood, only time I've ever played them," Booth said. "I'm trying to win again."
Booth stated that his primary objectives are to build character and win football games. He fielded questions from the players, mostly about what the future of the coaching staff will look like, and said that he plans to speak with all of the current assistants to determine who wants to stay on the staff. He does, however, plan to evaluate potential new assistants to bring aboard.
When asked if he had any slogans for the team to live by, he kept it simple: "Compete."
"The toughest thing to do is work when it's not your chance," Booth said. "I want guys that are going to compete."
Booth also addressed the elephant in the room. The fourth Raiders head coach in four years assured players that he's going to bring something many haven't had in their Plant City careers: consistency.
"The turnover of coaches is going to stop with me," Booth said. "I'm here. I'm committed."
Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com. A longer feature about Booth will run in the Friday, April 14, issue.