Although the offense had itself a fine game, Plant City’s defense had the biggest impact in its Homecoming win.
Thanks to three interceptions and near-constant pressure on the Tampa Bay Tech quarterback, the Raiders (5-1; 3-0 district) cruised to a 19-3 win.
There wasn’t any scoring until the second quarter, though that wasn’t for lack of trying; after getting its first interception, Plant City drove to the Tech (3-3; 2-1 district) red zone and missed a field goal attempt at the 3:30 mark. In the second quarter, Tech took the lead on a 37-yard field goal at the 3:00 mark.
So, the cruising on Plant City’s part was done in the second half. Markese Hargrove, who tore up the Titans’ defense all night, ripped a 47-yard breakaway for Plant City’s first touchdown at 7:48 in the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, Plant City made a short field goal to go ahead, 10-3.
At 5:35 in the fourth, Plant City forced Tech to punt on fourth down. But the snap was botched, and none other than Steven Ogletree came charging through to bring the punter down in the end zone for a safety. On the very next play, quarterback Corey King scored on a 30-yard keeper, and the two-point conversion was successful.
T.J. Chase, playing cornerback, made life even worse for Tech by taking an interception into the Titans’ territory on the next drive. And, with just over a minute left to go, Calvin Richardson iced the game by grabbing an interception.
In other area action, Durant beat Bloomingdale, 26-14, and Strawberry Crest fell to Lennard, 28-21.